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

Having only lived in Richmond for 7 years, Nick is a relative newbie to the area but has quickly grown to love the sense of community enhanced through its proximity to the city and the river. He is keen to support the area’s continued growth and make it an even better place to live, work and play.

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

28 Jan 2025

26 Aug 2025

25 Feb 2025

23 Sep 2025

25 Mar 2025

28 Oct 2025

29 Apr 2025

25 Nov 2025

24 Jun 2025

22 Jul 2025

Current Projects

What is We Are Richmond working on at the moment?

Chrystal Street Repair Update Week 6

Week 6 work plan and the key dates and impact below. We will still focus on road excavation and pavement construction. In addition, we will excavate and install stormwater pipe across the road in front to No. 17 and No. 19. in this week. Important dates...

Chrystal Street Repair Update Week 5

Week 5 Chrystal Street work plan and the key dates and impact below. Information provided by the Isaacs project manager. We appreciate that everyone has put up with the inconvenience caused by the construction. We are glad to see the new road configuration start to...

Laura Fergusson Trust Comes to Richmond

Richmond welcomes the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust to their new future site on North Parade

Richmond Road Repair Update

Since a fiery meeting attended by residents and Council staff in 2018, the Richmond Residents’ and Business Association has been collaborating with the City Council with the aim of establishing a step-by-step road repair programme and general upgrade of Richmond...

Methodist Mission Social Housing Units in Guild St

There are now 11 homes tenanted with more tenants moving in soon. Currently there are 42 people living at the complex. The Methodist Mission Social Housing staff want to pass on their thanks to the local community for the way they have largely made the new residents...