Chairman/ Founding Member

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.

Treasurer/ Founding Member

I’m a systems thinker, place-based advocate, business person and community leader with over a decade of experience driving grassroots regeneration in post-quake Christchurch. I’m passionate about empowering communities to co-create solutions that restore ecological health, build local resilience, and enable thriving neighbourhoods.

From co-founding Richmond Community Garden, We are Richmond and launching initiatives like Riverlution Eco Hub, Otakaro Orchard and Edible Canterbury, to scaling urban composting systems and coordinating multi-partner collaborations across the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, my work sits at the intersection of environmental action, food security, social justice, and placemaking.

I’m a connector of people, ideas, and policy—and I bring a strong track record of turning vision into action. Whether it’s navigating funding and partnerships, facilitating community-led projects, or advocating for climate adaptation and equitable urban development, I lead with integrity, creativity, and deep local knowledge.

Secretary

Nadia and her family have only lived in Richmond for six years, after moving here from rural Canterbury. They love the proximity to community facilities, the friendly residents, and particularly the Riverlution cafe and the beautiful Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. Nadia is a recent addition to the We Are Richmond committee, bringing a strong background in administration and organisational support.

Committee Member

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.

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.

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.

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,

Member

Member

I really enjoy living in Richmond. I first moved here in 2010 and the first earthquake made my home green sticked with significant structural damage. A number of years followed with insurance company negotiations. After moving to North Canterbury for a time, I returned to Richmond in the last couple of years.

I’m a Registered Nurse and I’ve worked in management roles in Sydney and Christchurch for many years. My last working role was owning my own company Premium Homecare Nursing Services which concluded in 2025.

When purchasing my townhouse, I was drawn to the eclectic style of my street and surrounding areas, particularly Riverlution Cafe & Otakaro Avon River Corridor. I walk daily along the City to Sea Pathway to Medway Bridge.

Rachel Crawford has been very instrumental in welcoming me to the Committee and my role as a Volunteer will be a pleasure.

For over 17 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