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?
Richmond Roading Update 2023
The representatives of the Richmond Residents and Business Association met recently with the Transport and Roading Group at the Christchurch City Council and we are now able to pass on the following information.................. UPDATE ON IMPROVING THE RICHMOND...
Petrie Park Community BBQ & Engagement Session
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.
Safe Speed Neighbourhoods Submission
The implementation of the new speed limits would fit well with the current traffic improvement initiatives in Richmond.
Planting for the Future
Over 360 Pareawa Banks Avenue students and local organisations come together to plant trees for the future.
Rainwater Garden Planting Session on Stanmore Road
Rainwater Garden Brings Beauty to Busy Road
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 18
The aim of the following week will be to finish the road construction and complete its final surface . The road closure should only remain in place for 2 more weeks. In the last week, we will complete the line marking and final touch-ups for the handover back to the...
Mayoral Candidate/ Mural Painting Event a Success
We Are Richmond team encourages locals to meet political candidates and paint!
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 17
Unfortunately, the footpath asphalt couldn’t get completed this week due to the moisture in the materials. We have reprogramed this for Monday--dependent on the weekend's weather. The aim of this week will be to finish the Eastern side and preparing the road for its...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 16
The aim of this week will be to finish the Eastern side, and also planning for preparing the road for its final surface . Pedestrians will remain on the new footpath on the East side. As Always, if you have any concerns about parking, deliveries you may be expecting,...
Petrie Street Repair Update Week 15
The aim of the following week will be the final touch-ups of the Western side whilst we carry on preparing the footpath and driveway crossings on the Eastern side. We will also be installing the new storm water connections and planting of trees and shrubs along the...
Contact
Get in touch with us.
Email us:
secretary@wearerichmond.co.nz
Mail us:
46A Vogel Street
Richmond
CHRISTCHURCH 8013