Partly due to two of our key members being overseas, we were unable reach a quorum last night. We are required to hold an AGM within 6 months of our balance date (30th June), so we have until the end of the year to re-schedule.
I was astonished that 28 people crammed themselves into the small room at the Okura Hall.
Wesley Webb proved to be an excellent choice of speaker, and I’m sure all of us learned something. Like fish have ears and vocalize! The soup, bread and cakes were delicious and there was plenty of enthusiasm in support of FoOB’s mission.
But the true picture is not quite as rosy as it appears. I’ve been involved with the administration of the Society since the early days so I have a good insight into how things function at an executive level; behind the scenes so to speak. I think Friends of Okura Bush Inc. has arrived at a fork in the road, and that everyone in our wider network needs participate in deciding our future.
What follows is my personal view, and is not necessarily endorsed by other members of the executive committee.
The Good News
Last month at Lezette Reid’s home I met over a dozen enthusiastic new trappers, keen to re-ignite our predator removal programme. Invasive weeds around the forest margins continue to be battled. New areas of native trees continue to be planted, and we expect a big show of support next week out on the Weiti Cheniers. Finances are in good shape, and we have a new candidate for the Treasurer role. Our virtuoso fundraiser Chris Bettany continues to obtain grants. And DOC has told us they plan to re-open the track, perhaps next year!
Many thanks to Anwen Robinson for producing this impressive
FoOB Annual Report 2026
The Bad News
No candidate for Chairperson
A couple of years ago, Lezette told us she was burned out, which is pretty much inevitable for committee members in small community groups like FoOB. In the beginning she had the enthusiastic support of son Geoff, but like all young men he’s ventured out into the world to seek his fortune. Nobody else stepped forward to be chairperson, so she reluctantly agreed to continue. When she attempted to resign we tried having John Marais as a co-chair to lighten her load, but he is no longer available.
Lezette is one of those rare treasures in any community, because she makes things happen. Over the years she has inspired a big group of us to work together for the common good. But some her personal attributes, such as a determination to crash through obstacles and leap over tall buildings, things which make her an excellent and inspiring leader, are not always what one might wish for in a chairperson. I’ve seen her weighed-down and depressed by the unrelenting administrative burden, and know how quickly this leads to de-motivation. On the other hand, I’ve also been with her recently in the bush maintaining traplines, and she seemed as happy as Larry. I think it is in the best interest of our Society that Lezette be relieved of most of the administrative tasks that she is currently responsible for. Imagine how much more effective she might be if we stop forcing her to drag this ball-and-chain behind her (I’m sure her responsibilities seem like this at times).
A chairperson’s most important role is to ensure that all executive decisions are made in accordance with the FoOB constitution. The new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires all members to sign a contract agreeing to abide by these rules. If decisions get made without proper process, Lezette and the executive could be liable for prosecution. A chairperson also needs to keep an eye on the big picture, to ensure that everyone on the committee are performing their roles effectively, and to run meetings properly.
Up until last year FoOB was registered under the 1908 Act, which allowed for a certain degree of flexibility. But my understanding of the new Act is that it is intended to hold named office-holders in particular legally accountable for any decisions they make. Cutting corners and bending rules has become much more ill-advised. I am convinced that Lezette needs someone to watch her back.
No candidate for Secretary
When Beverley Short resigned as secretary after moving to West Auckland, nobody replaced her, and the job shifted, by default, on to our already busy fundraiser. Having spent many hours over the last few weeks working with Chris to try and sort out the organisation’s official documents, I am convinced that she does not have the capacity to fill this role. We need Chris to spend her time doing what she is expert at: applying for grants and satisfying the reporting requirements. If we want her to be still doing this in five year’s time, we need to lighten her load significantly, and try and find her some paid hours.
This is a crisis for FoOB
If we do not get suitable candidates to fill these two, key officer positions, I do not believe FoOB is viable as a charitable organisation going forward.
It has occurred to me that these would be ideal roles for a young persons wanting to gain a qualification that will stand out on their C.V. Demonstrating these kinds of skills is likely to catch the attention of a potential employer. Perhaps someone has a child or grandchild who could take advantage of this opportunity, and bask in the reflected glory of successful and active charity.
Alternatively, there may be someone who is unable to physically contribute at working bees, but who has the experience and skills to take on these jobs. For a well-organized person, neither job should take more than a couple of hours each week.
What’s my excuse?
Over the next few years, Felicity and I plan to continue to spend several months each winter travelling the world – pandemics, wars and personal decrepitude permitting. We also own a motorhome, and expect to spend more months away exploring NZ every summer. This means I miss at least half of the committee meetings, and whole projects can happen without me having any awareness or involvement. I am happy to continue as webmaster, and to assist where I can if I am in town, but I am not able to contribute on an on-going basis.
Time to wind-up FOOB?
Back in 2014, Pete Townend realised that the East Coast Bays Coastal Protection Society Incorporated had run out of steam, and that it needed to be de-registered. Then just in the nick of time, along came Lezette and Geoff, and the Society changed its name to Friends of Okura Bush.
Pete has continued to run the Dacre Cottage Management Committee, which by virtue of not being a registered charity requires very little of the boring administration and legal compliance that nobody wants to do. There is a dedicated team who keep up the maintenance and run events like the Christmas picnic, and the organisation works just fine.
FoOB could continue as a purely voluntary organisation in this way. Pest animals would continue to get trapped, weeds would be eradicated, and trees would continue to be planted. But we would not be able to operate a bank account or apply for funding. I personally think this would be a terrible shame. But we have to face reality about the capacity of our core people.
Last night Pete made the comment that in just a few year’s time, when the track has re-opened, Penlink is finished and the housing development in the area has increased, there might be over 100,000 people a year visiting Okura Bush. It is likely that interest and support for FoOB could expand dramatically – how will we prepare for this?
This is a decision everyone who cares about FOOB needs to make collectively. If you have any skills or resources to offer, please get in touch: info@okurabush.org.nz.
We will hold a new members-only AGM in due course.