Maree and Brent are both proud Taranaki locals, born and raised in central Taranaki. After marrying, they spent time in Sydney before returning home to New Plymouth, where they raised their three sons. Their family has since grown to include eight grandchildren in just seven years.

In 1986, Brent and Maree established Stars Travel, which has been serving the community for nearly four decades. Alongside building a successful business, they both have a strong commitment to giving back to a community that has supported them for so long.

Over the years, Maree has contributed her time and skills to a wide range of local organisations, including the New Plymouth Community Foodbank (where she served as Treasurer and Chair), Look Good Feel Better, Hospice, and St Joseph’s Church. More recently, as a Board member of Alzheimers Taranaki, she helped raise and manage over $750,000 for their new premises. Maree’s dedication to helping others stems from her upbringing in a large Catholic farming family, where generosity and community were at the heart of daily life.

Brent has also been deeply involved in the community, serving as a trustee on the Toi Board for eight years and contributing his time to many not-for-profit organisations over the years.

Maree joined the Taranaki Foundation Board in 2024 and also serves on the Foundation’s Distribution Committee. Inspired by the impact of collective giving, she and Brent established their own Named Fund. Through the Brent and Maree Schumacher Fund, they are proud to give back and see the Taranaki Foundation as the ideal vehicle to support this amazing community, not only addressing immediate needs but also helping to ensure a strong, lasting legacy for Taranaki.