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.

Treasurer

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 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.

Committee Member

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.

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

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.

Member

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