Leading from the front issuu

IT STARTED WITH THE FOREST AND BIRDS
by neil eagles, chairman,
forest & bird napier
Pat became branch chairman of the Forest & Bird
Napier group in 1966 and continued in the role until
1981, guiding the branch successfully during that time.
He had been called upon by the then chair Father Cyril
Callaghan to take up the position following his appointment
to another parish.
Pat was chairman during the Save Manapouri campaign;
during the opposition to a dam at the Waipunga
Falls and throughout the high profile opposition to the
Ahuriri Estuary marina proposal. Pat was also a champion
for the establishment of native forest reserves in
Hawke’s Bay which led to the preservation of many areas.
In a more “hands on” role Pat’s interest in native
forest conservation led him to purchase an 8ha rural
block opposite the stunning Ball’s Clearing at Puketitiri.
The property was formerly farmland that Pat, family
and fellow conservationists have successfully regenerated
back into native bush over the years.
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The Environment – Pat walks his talk in his own hood