21 Years of Service: Robin Hapi and the Restoration of Piriharakeke
Robin Hapi stands near Piriharakeke – the Flax Walk, on the cusp of stepping down after 21 years as Chair of Save Our River Trust.
After 21 years as Chair of Save Our River Trust (SORT), championing the cause of Piriharakeke - The Manawatū River Loop at Foxton, Robin Hapi will be handing over the reins at this month’s AGM.
Born and bred in Foxton, Hapi remembers the Loop as it was during his childhood.
“At the time, it was quite expansive but degradation was setting in. We never noticed it at the time, we were kids.”
After moving away for work, Hapi saw the worsening state of the Loop with every visit home.
“It was used as a dumping ground. But I didn’t get involved because I didn’t live here.”
That all changed when Hapi moved back. He was approached by locals to chair SORT, as well as the Foxton Rugby Club, in 2004. “Not being the sort of person to get involved and leave the next day, I’m still here!”
Hapi describes SORT as a team effort:
“It has always been ‘we’, not ‘me’”.
SORT was responsible for forming a Memorandum of Understanding with Horowhenua District Council to collaborate on projects, and the redevelopment of the River Loop Park.
“The river is in much better shape,” he said but the ultimate goal still remains to reconnect the Loop to the Manawatū River’s main channel.
Hapi said partnering with Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom was another highlight of his tenure at SORT, helping bring the town’s history to life.
“Māori history of the town is continuing to emerge. The stories of Piriharakeke are important and need to be told.
“We used to look back at what was taken from us but now we look forward to what can be and the legacy we can leave for our young people.
“I am proud to continue the efforts of those who came before me, those who come after are just as important. After 21 years it is time to hand over to the younger generation.”
Although he may be stepping down, he’s not stepping out, committed to remaining part of SORT and sharing his knowledge.
No stranger to governance, serving on many government and corporate boards, Hapi recently returned to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission as Deputy Chair.
His on-going commitment to serve was recognised in the 2015 New Year’s Honours, with Hapi awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori community and governance.
“I’ve had a wider range of experiences than if I had stayed in town. The more people who retire in Foxton, the more skills we will attract. The key is keeping them involved.”
In ten years Hapi hopes to see the vista opposite Harbour Street extended to the transfer station “and a view out to the ocean of native plants” but most importantly of all, greater water flow through the Loop.
“There is much to celebrate in the next ten years - I am looking forward to it.”
After 21 years as Chair of Save Our River Trust (SORT), championing the cause of Foxton’s Piriharakeke/River Loop, Robin Hapi will be handing over the reins at this month’s AGM.
Born and bred in Foxton, Hapi remembers the Loop as it was during his childhood.
“At the time, it was quite expansive but degradation was setting in. We never noticed it at the time, we were kids.”
After moving away for work, Hapi saw the worsening state of the Loop with every visit home.
“It was used as a dumping ground. But I didn’t get involved because I didn’t live here.”
That all changed when Hapi moved back. He was approached by locals to chair SORT, as well as the Foxton Rugby Club, in 2004. “Not being the sort of person to get involved and leave the next day, I’m still here!”
Hapi describes SORT as a team effort: “It has always been ‘we’, not ‘me’”.
SORT was responsible for forming a Memorandum of Understanding with Horowhenua District Council to collaborate on projects, and the redevelopment of the River Loop Park.
“The river is in much better shape,” he said but the ultimate goal still remains to reconnect the Loop to the Manawatū River’s main channel.
Hapi said partnering with Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom was another highlight of his tenure at SORT, helping bring the town’s history to life.
“Māori history of the town is continuing to emerge. The stories of Piriharakeke are important and need to be told.
“We used to look back at what was taken from us but now we look forward to what can be and the legacy we can leave for our young people.
“I am proud to continue the efforts of those who came before me, those who come after are just as important. After 21 years it is time to hand over to the younger generation.”
Although he may be stepping down, he’s not stepping out, committed to remaining part of SORT and sharing his knowledge.
No stranger to governance, serving on many government and corporate boards, Hapi recently returned to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission as Deputy Chair.
His on-going commitment to serve was recognised in the 2015 New Year’s Honours, with Hapi awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori community and governance.
“I’ve had a wider range of experiences than if I had stayed in town. The more people who retire in Foxton, the more skills we will attract. The key is keeping them involved.”
In ten years Hapi hopes to see the vista opposite Harbour Street extended to the transfer station “and a view out to the ocean of native plants” but most importantly of all, greater water flow through the Loop.
“There is much to celebrate in the next ten years - I am looking forward to it.”
Robin Hapi pictured beside the Piriharakeke exhibition at Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom—where stories of Save Our River Trust continue to be shared.
This story was originally written by Jacob Brookie for the Horowhenua Chronicle and has been re-published here with permission by Save Our River Trust.
