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?
Roadworks Update for Stapletons Road (Warden St to Shirley Rd) 2
Stapletons Road (Warden St to Shirley Rd) COMPLETED Drainage completed Western side footpath up to Shirley Road ready for asphalt Excavated Western side of the road to the underside of the road formation and begin road construction LOOK AHEAD Begin excavating...
Roadworks Update for Nicholls Street 2
Roadworks Update for Nicholls Street: Currently, the traffic management setup on Nicholls St allows for one-way traffic only from Dudley St towards North Avon Road. However, some residents on Nicholls St are turning in the wrong direction. To ensure everyone's safety,...
Roadworks Update for Nicholls Street 1
Roadworks Update for Nicholls Street: Traffic: Traffic on Nicholls Street will be organized as one-way, and entry will not be permitted on North Avon Road. Inconvenience: Property access for those situated on the west side of Nicholls Street, including Richmond...
Roadworks Update for Stapletons Road (Warden St to Shirley Rd)
Roadworks Update for Stapletons Road (Warden St to Shirley Rd): COMPLETED Completed removal of kerb and channel on the Western side. Kerb foundation ready to pour next week. Drainage 70% completed LOOK AHEAD Pour the kerb and channel Complete drainage Begin...
Petrie Park Update December 2023
Petrie Park bowling green remediation is underway and progressing. Hayley Guglietta gives us an update.
RRBA Installs Wayfinding Signs at Swanns Road Parklet
After graffiti damage, these wayfinding community signs have a new lease of life and are now up at the Swanns Road Parklet!
Averill Street and Stapletons Road Work Updates 2023/24
Roadworks Update for the northern Richmond area: Isaac Construction Update on Progress in Averill Street:Work is progressing well and it is hoped the major work on the Stapletons/Averill intersection will be finished by the end of this week. Work will then move to the...
Elmer Elephant Trail Opening Event for Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust
The RRBA were honoured to attend Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail opening Thursday night and see all of the amazing elephant designs.
Petrie Park BBQ & Planting Event
The Richmond community gathered at a bbq at Petrie Park to spend time together but also engage on what they would like to see on the former bowling green at the southern half of the park.
RRBA Seeks Local Graphic Designer
If you are a graphic designer living in the Richmond area, please get in touch!
Contact
Get in touch with us.
Email us:
secretary@wearerichmond.co.nz
Mail us:
46A Vogel Street
Richmond
CHRISTCHURCH 8013