Committee

Committee Members

Andrea Graves

Chairperson, Spokesperson

I’ve lived in Riverlea since 2005 and have been involved with the society since its inception since 2007. I have biology degrees and work as a science journalist. I love Hammond Park and walk in it often, and assist with planting and pest control activities.

Tony McDonald

Secretary

I have had a long term interest and appreciation of the outdoors, bush and nature and have lived in Riverlea since 1996. I am now retired from a civil engineering, surveying, land management and facilities management career, have more time to assist in the care and enhancement of Hammond Park and joined the Committee in August 2019.

Melissa Purcell

Treasurer

I have lived in Riverlea since 2023. I am a Chartered Accountant, and I joined the committee as Treasurer in 2024. My family loves nature and the outdoors so really enjoy our neighbourhood.

Allan Pearson

A Riverlea resident since 1989, and have served on the RESI Committee for over 10 years. I am a retired agricultural scientist with particular interests in the ecology and local history of Riverlea.

Jane Landman

I have lived in Riverlea since 2002. I was involved with HEIRS (forerunner of RESI). I have worked at Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House since 2001 and am passionate about sustainability and the environment. The progress of Hammond Park since I moved here is awesome.

Paula Smith

I am new to the RESI Committee in 2023 but previously worked as the Conservation Coordinator. My background is in horticulture and gully restoration. I have been restoring part of the Magakotukutuku gully for 12 years.

Tim Cavanagh

I am a retired civil engineer and have lived in Riverlea since 1974. I was involved in the construction of the Hammond Park boardwalk and in its maintenance up until 2004.

Chris Eames

Ruth and I have lived in Riverlea since 2017. I work at the University of Waikato, teaching the next cohort of teachers about the environment and sustainability. I have been involved in ecological restoration for many years, including restoring the gully on our Riverlea property with Ruth.

Shubha Parulekar

I am a retired medical doctor and a retired teacher and have lived in Riverlea for 25 years. I enjoy getting involved in community initiatives and am passionate about the environment. I have been a member of RESI since its inception in 2007 and joined the committee since November 2020.