New Leadership, Same Purpose: Irene Wakefield and Justin Tamihana Elected to Lead SORT.
Newly elected Chair Irene Wakefield and Deputy Chair Justin Tamihana at Piriharakeke, standing together to lead the next chapter of river restoration.
Irene Wakefield has been unanimously elected as the new Chair of Save Our River Trust (SORT) to help lead the next chapter in the Te Awahou/Foxton’s Piriharakeke River Loop restoration.
Since joining the Trust three years ago, Wakefield has helped SORT build links between river and town with community events and online information, mirroring her own reconnection with the river.
“I came home from being in Wellington for ten years and bought a house near the awa (river),” and attended her first SORT meeting with baby in arms. Wakefield is looking forward to helping fully reconnect the Loop to the Manawatū River’s main channel, restoring the water quality and biodiversity, which is also a personal goal.
“I hope my children will experience the awa with its mauri (life force) restored.”
Wakefield is joined by new Deputy Chair Justin Tamihana. “I feel a sense of connection [to the river], and a sense of obligation to future generations, so they can experience things that we couldn’t,” he said.
Wakefield and Tamihana were elected at Sunday’s AGM; both acknowledged Robin Hapi’s 21-year contribution to SORT as its founding Chair.
“We are all very fortunate to have a leader like you to learn from,” acknowledged Wakefield, and Tamihana praised Hapi’s “service to our community and whakapapa.”
Before formally handing over the reins, Hapi recounted SORT’s recent achievements, including work around the walkway, the river survey, and building relationships with the Horowhenua District Council.
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Pictured: Members of Save Our River Trust at the AGM where Irene Wakefield and Justin Tamihana were elected as Chair and Deputy Chair.
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.
