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It’s often the small wins and the opportunity to support community-led initiatives that bring the greatest joy. I’m especially proud to call Dr Hugh Wilson 🙂 —a globally respected botanist and conservationist—a friend, and we often enjoy challenging each other with our language skills.
His work at Hinewai Reserve continues to inspire so many of us. Thank you for your kind letter-it means a lot.
Hinewai Reserve – A Beacon of Regeneration
Hinewai Reserve is one of Banks Peninsula’s most treasured ecological and community assets. Under the stewardship of Hugh Wilson and the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, the reserve has become a shining example of ecological regeneration, biodiversity restoration, and community-led conservation. The transformation of former farmland into flourishing native forest over the past three decades demonstrates the power of patience, vision, and local commitment. It’s a model that inspires many of our wider community resilience efforts – reminding us that long-term change begins with small, persistent actions.
If you haven’t visited Hinewai recently, I encourage you to do so – whether to enjoy the walking tracks, learn about native regeneration, or simply reconnect with the natural world. It’s a place that shows what’s possible when people come together with purpose and care.
Akaroa and the Bays Resilience Plan – Community Meeting
I’m pleased to share that the Akaroa and the Bays Resilience Plan is now complete. We’ll be hosting a community meeting on the afternoon of 24 May at the Gaiety Hall to present the plan – please save the date! Attendees will receive a Household Resilience Planning document to support their own preparedness at home. Sincere thanks to Lee-Anne Ketchen for her work in documenting the stakeholder and community consultation process that helped shape this plan.
Akaroa and Bays Emergency Response Team including people such as; Harry Stronach, Lee-Anne Ketchen, Pam Richardson, Sue Churh, Carol Sloss, Jan Gregor, myself and others.
Youth and Multicultural Initiative – Moving Forward Together
Another key area I’m actively working on is the Youth and Multicultural Initiative, which was identified as a community priority through a recent engagement with our community. I’m grateful to the many community groups and individuals who contributed their ideas and aspirations. This initiative is one of my top priorities, and I am committed to making tangible progress in the months ahead.
If you’re interested in supporting or participating in this project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your voice and energy are welcome.