OurAuckland talks to Richard Hursthouse, who chairs Forest & Bird North Shore and the Centennial Park Bush Society.
Hi Richard! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m married with three adult children who live in Auckland, London and India. I’m pretty focused on running a general practice, while also trying to make a difference in conservation.
The state of nature in New Zealand is declining, so I try to do my part to raise awareness by helping run several major conservation projects.”
How long have you lived and worked in Centennial Park?
We moved to Campbells Bay in 1986 and have since lived in three houses on Aberdeen Road. We’re so lucky to live on the edge of Centennial Park, so a quick trip through the fence takes us really close to nature.
I became chair of the Centennial Park Bush Society about 14 years ago. In that time we’ve planted 22,000 plants in the reserve and around the area, and set up a predator-control programme in the park.
Birdlife is now thriving!
What makes Centennial Park such a special place?
Centennial Park is a hidden gem in the middle of the bay. Many people don’t even know it’s there. We have about 50ha of mainly native bush with well-maintained tracks throughout and a fabulous nature trail. The beach is also pretty spectacular.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I still work most days as a GP in Browns Bay so my conservation work is voluntary and takes up most of my free time. I was conned into the job of chairing the North Shore Forest & Bird branch by the previous chair who agreed to do the role for three years if I took over after him. That was six years ago!
What do you enjoy doing at the weekend?
I organise work days in Centennial Park every Wednesday and the first Saturday of the month, as well as at Tuff Crater, Northcote on the second Saturday of each month. Work days involve planting native trees, pest-plant control and track maintenance.
Our work is never ending and we’re always keen for more helpers. We have fun, work hard and always make time for a cuppa and a yarn.
I’m also involved in Pest Free Kaipātiki and helping with setting up Forest and Bird Youth.
Otherwise, I enjoy tramping, gardening and movies or better yet, adventurous holidays!
What do you think would make Campbells Bay an even better place to live?
We’re working on a predator-control programme that will eventually cover the entire area, so Campbells Bay Urban Sanctuary will have even more birdsong than we currently have.
