Plaque honours local environment hero

Publish Date : 14 May 2025
June Henderson plaque
June Henderson plaque.

A local environmental star has been recognised with a commemorative plaque.  

June Henderson, who passed away in February 2023, was a Titirangi resident whose life work was dedicated to advocating for and protecting our local natural environment.  

Waitākere Ranges Local Board agreed to fund a plaque in the area to honour June, and it has been installed at Titirangi War Memorial Hall, alongside another plaque commemorating her husband, Ian Henderson.

It was unveiled in a small ceremony with members of the Henderson family and the local board.  

Both June and Ian were highly regarded members of the Waitākere community.  

“June was a prominent member of the local environmental sector who dedicated her later years to protecting our local environment and unique ecosystems,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Greg Presland.  

June was known locally as “The Possum Lady” for her work on eradicating possums, including distribution possum traps and educating locals on the threats they present. Another nickname was “The Ginger Lady” for her efforts in raising awareness of the invasive pest plant wild ginger.  

“June was also the main driver behind our new resident’s pack, which contains information about local community groups and important information about weeds and pests for newcomers to the Waitākere Ranges area,” Greg continues.  

“Her impact continues to be felt, and we are honoured to go some way in recognising June, alongside Ian, as legends of our community.” 

June and Ian Henderson plaques.

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