Meet our Committee Members
Murray James
Chairperson
Murray has a long established business history, owning a number of businesses in and around the construction industry.
He has a long family association with the Richmond area and loves living in the suburb. His accounting background brings a much-needed resource to our association.
David Duffy
Committee Member
Kate Palmer
Committee Member
Kate works at Delta Community Support Trust – a local, grassroots community organisation, in the role of Funding and Community Partnerships Manager, and started attending WAR meetings over a year ago.
Already aware of the incredible and diverse mahi taking place in the community of Richmond, she wanted to develop her understanding further of the wider issues affecting our neighbourhood—from housing and wellbeing to environmental
restoration and business resilience.
These meetings have broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for the diverse voices and initiatives that shape Richmond. She is continually inspired by the breadth of work championed by WAR. It is a space where residents, businesses,
and organisations come together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and build a stronger, more connected community. Through her involvement, she hopes to be a voice for those who are often overlooked—ensuring that the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community are heard and valued.
Liesbeth Van bruchem
Secretary
Liesbeth emigrated from The Netherlands at the end of 1998 and has lived in Richmond ever since.
Even during the 3 year period she had to live in Woolston, after having relocated and renovated their earthquake-damaged bungalow and before their new house was built, Liesbeth was in Richmond every day and she is passionate about making her neighbourhood clean, green and friendly.
Craig Given
Committee Member
Craig has lived in the Richmond area for nearly 20 years and became involved with the RRBA during the residents meetings over roading issues in 2018.
He enjoys being active in the community, whether it be pulling weeds, understanding roading & access issues or working with others to help promote our awesome little patch of paradise.
Jenna Kelly
Member
Having recently moved to Richmond to study, and quickly falling in love with the area, Jenna looks forward to watching it continue to flourish, through nature and people, under the care of its residents.
She aspires to be a part of a connected and active community that brings people together while improving its local area. She is always eager to get stuck in and learn new skills and ideas.
Chris Carter
Committee Member
Chris has lived in Christchurch for 63 years and has been a business owner (Alpha Preschool) in Richmond for 25 years. He has lived in Shirley since 2011. He was an Ara tutor in Automotive Engineering from 2002 – 2014,
NICK HUGHES
Committee Member
EWOUT VAN BRUCHEM
Committee Member
Ewout has lived in Richmond since emigrating from the Netherlands in 1998.
He has always loved living in this diverse and historic neighbourhood.
A lot has changed since the earthquakes. It’s great to see how the red zone (slowly) develops into a great nature and recreation area.
Ewout values community volunteer work and restoring nature.
Meet our Capacity Builder
Rachel Crawford
For over 16 years, Rachel has been interested in creating relationships in Richmond. She started by attending yoga at Avebury House, attending We are Richmond meetings casually, and cheering on the Richmond Community Garden and Riverlution, and anything and everything Richmond.
She has immensely enjoyed making community connections and running events as Capacity Builder for We are Richmond since mid 2022.
If you see her in the community, come and say hi, and let her know how you can make Richmond a better place to live too.
Contact her on rachel@wearerichmond.co.nz
MEETING MINUTES 2025
Current Projects
What is We Are Richmond working on at the moment?
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 8
As most residents on our street are aware we had anticipated changing our traffic management arrangement this week to help shorten our programme of works. Unfortunately other traffic arrangements in the area has meant we need to put this approach on hold for another...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 7
Main aim for week 7 is to allow the watermain advance towards Randall. Having lost one day to rain last week we are anticipating laying the new pipe up to property No.32. The watermain is welded into “strings” each 36m long. We will endeavour to keep them from your...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 6
Firstly, I would like to thank the residents for their help and support during week 5 which allowed us to pour the first section of new kerb and channel. It’s always a day of significant disruption and the residents were very helpful and supportive during this...
Chrystal Street Repair Update Week 9
Please find the attached week 9 work plan and key dates and impact below. As we have completed the chipseal last week, 95% of the work is now completed. The remaining work is footpath, berm, landscaping and linemarking which will be completed over the next two to...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 4
Week four sees us getting closer to the end of the street with the Stormwater drainage. The final 80 metres of this pipeline is reinforced concrete so this takes a bit longer as there’s some added detailing involved and concrete pouring around the pipe. Nevertheless,...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 3
Week 3 see’s our drainage team pass the 50% complete mark for the new stormwater line. The team will continue straight down Petrie toward No.13. At times this will involve trenching past residents driveways so expect a knock from our friendly staff the evening or...
Chrystal Street Repair Update Week 8
Week 8 work plan and the key dates and impact below. We are planning for chipseal tomorrow but will make the final decision in the morning based on the ground temperature and weather forecast. Most of the construction will be finished after the chipseal, we will ramp...
Chrystal Street Repair Update Week 7
Week 7 work plan and the key dates and impact below. Chipseal of the carriageway is Wed 8 June and we will not be able to provide access for vehicles during the sealing, only after 4:30pm. We’d would like to maintain the road closure to public for the next two weeks...
Families Brighten Up the Vogel Street Alleyway
We Are Richmond team encourages local families to get their artist on
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 2
Week 2 Petrie Street Works: Important dates Activity Impact to residents Affected households Monday, 30 May 2022 New 300mm Underchannel Stormwater Pipe One Way system Northbound between North Avon and Randall. Driveway access maintained throughout Residents between...
Contact
Get in touch with us.
Email us:
secretary@wearerichmond.co.nz
Mail us:
46A Vogel Street
Richmond
CHRISTCHURCH 8013