Back to profiling our working group members – meet Wendy Sullivan, our Project coordinator. Wendy is passionate about connecting people, sharing knowledge and finding practical ways to make environmental restoration part of everyday life.
What inspired you to become involved in the Wairau Nature Network?
I love that the Network is focused on collaboration across the landscape rather than working in isolation. Unfortunately, because of the funding environment, I sometimes sense a competitiveness between conservation efforts – people can end up competing for the same limited resources! The Network breaks those down – your neighbour’s win is everybody’s win.
What’s the biggest environmental challenge you think the Wairau catchment faces right now?
Climate change will have the biggest impact. We’re already seeing more extreme weather events, but the speed of climate change is just as concerning. Ecosystems have evolved to respond to gradual change, and the pace we’re seeing may be too fast for many species and ecosystems to adapt. The global scale of the problem can also feel overwhelming, leaving people feeling there’s nothing they can do. But if we can be world champions in rugby, why can’t we aim to be world leaders in climate mitigation?
Can you share a project or achievement from the network that you are most proud of?
Seeing it grow from an idea, to a project with over 200 supporters, hosting two impactful websites (Wairau Information Hub | Tamata and Wairau EcoMap | Haumi ) …. and eaves dropping people connecting and collaborating over a spade!
How do you see the role of community partnerships in restoring and protecting local ecosystems?
I think they’re absolutely fundamental. No single organisation owns or can solve the environmental challenges of a whole catchment. Landowners, iwi, community groups, schools, businesses, councils, agencies and volunteers all bring different knowledge, resources and connections.
The Network is really about making those connections stronger, bringing the right people together, sharing knowledge or helping someone get a project started. When people feel that they’re part of something bigger, I think you get much more lasting change.
What is your personal connection to the Wairau area – what makes it so special to you?
I love its vastness! Standing on a mountain overlooking majestic ranges, rolling high country and patchwork plains. There is an enormous opportunity to bring more native vegetation and biodiversity back into the landscape, and I find it really motivating to be part of that.