News

It’s a time of many changes for Awhitu Landcare, which is not surprising for an organisation which has been around for as long as we have.  Change always brings some sadness, but lots of hope as well for a fresh, invigorated future, as the organisation prepares itself for the next 25 years and beyond.  There are many exciting opportunities ahead for environmental work and we need to ensure we are making the most of these for the benefit of our community.

Here’s what’s happening:

Plant Nursery Manager

◦   Sigrid Sharplin is taking over from Adam as our Plant Nursery Manager.  Adam has been an outstanding volunteer, giving freely of his time for 5 years as he planned, established and managed the nursery so brilliantly.   We thank him from the bottom of our hearts.  

◦    We know Sigrid will be a wonderful asset for Landcare’s future.  She lives just a few hundred metres from our Matakawau nursery with her husband and three young children.  Sigrid studied Horticulture at M.I.T, has been involved in the industry for 14 years and has an absolute passion for native plants.

◦     Sigrid says: “I’d like to acknowledge all the volunteers who have made Landcare a success, with a special mention to Adam who has taken me under his wing to share a wealth of knowledge.  I look forward to giving back to our wonderful community here in Awhitu.”

 Resource Centre Manager

◦       Our lovely Kate Fegan is leaving us after 10 years, to head south to the Mainland.  What can we say about Kate?  She has been our pillar of strength, always smiling, keeping us all informed, and always trying to ease the workload for our many volunteers.  And she probably knows more than any of us about Awhitu Landcare.  Oh Kate, we love you dearly and we will miss you dreadfully.

◦        And so our search begins for a Resource Centre Manager -  a great opportunity for someone out there who is passionate about environmental care, and is looking for part time employment.  Do you know someone who is as happy managing complex projects as s/he is potting up a plant?  If so, please let them know about this role which is a paid position (16 hrs/wk) mostly based at Matakawau.  For a job description please email landcare@awhitu.org.nz.  Applications close Friday 21st October.  

 Two Very Dedicated Volunteers step back

◦          And last, but certainly not least, two of Awhitu Landcare’s most dedicated volunteers are stepping back from their roles - Anna and Ian McNaughton.  We can’t hope to cover all their multitude of contributions in this email but suffice to say as a partnership they have probably done more for our Awhitu environment than anyone.  They have been part of Awhitu Landcare since the very early days, and our community owes them a great deal.  Anna has always been the first on the ground with her spade, leading the charge at all our plantings and always keen to do more and more, her stamina is amazing.  Ian has been at the forefront of Awhitu Landcare’s pest control programme for over 10 years, always willing to help community members with their pest control, and doing much of the tough legwork himself.  Many grateful thanks to Anna and Ian.

And so the Awhitu Landcare era ends for some, and begins for others.