Jennifer Barbara Gibbs

Dame Jennifer Barbara Gibbs (née Gore; born 14 September 1940) is a New Zealand philanthropist and art collector, and in 2007 was described as "the most constant champion of contemporary art in New Zealand."

Early life and family Gibbs was born Jennifer Barbara Gore in Wellington on 14 September 1940, the daughter of Barbara Mary Gore (née Standish) and Ross Digby Gore. Between 1952 and 1956, she was educated at Wellington Girls' College, and went on to study at Victoria University College from 1957 to 1960, graduating Bachelor of Arts, and Canterbury University College in 1961, where she graduated MA(Hons).

Service and philanthropy Gibbs was a member of the University of Auckland Council from 1975 to 1995, serving as pro-chancellor from 1985 to 1986 and in 1994. In 2018, she donated 15 works by Gordon Walters to the Auckland Art Gallery. Gibbs continues to be a consistent donator to the political right-wing ACT Party and David Seymour, contributing to his campaign every year since 2014-2025 to the sum of more than $857,000. Gibbs daughter Jenni served as chairperson of the Atlas Network until recently, where she has publicly confirmed David Seymour received training and attended Atlas events.

Honours and awards In the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours, Gibbs was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to art. In the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours, she was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, also for services to the arts.

Gibbs was made a fellow of the University of Auckland in 1995, for service to the university. and in 2007 she received the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award for Patronage.