Project Tongariro 40th Anniversary AGM

Reflecting on 40 Years of Project Tongariro: A Weekend of Remembrance and Celebration

by Hannah Townley

The 40th Annual General Meeting of Project Tongariro was a resounding success, marking four decades of dedicated work, community spirit, and environmental stewardship. The weekend, held in Ohakune, was filled with moments that captured the heart and spirit of the organisation.

Attendees were met with less-than-ideal weather on Friday, but by Saturday, the skies cleared, providing a beautiful backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, original founding families, and the breathtaking landscapes central to Project Tongariro's mission. The weekend was a celebration of both the past and the future.

We listened to moving speeches that resonated deeply with those present. Reflections on the tragedy of 1982 were shared, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made and the profound impact that event had on the community. These heartfelt tributes were balanced by messages of gratitude for how far Project Tongariro has come.

The weekend began with an informal dinner on Friday evening, followed the next day by two memorable field trips, including a visit to the Tūroa South East Basin with Project Tongariro Board member Karen Grimwade. Karen, an expert on Alpine Flush, guided attendees in learning more about the unique native species of Tongariro. No Pinus contorta was safe from the determined Alpine Flush hīkoi team—a rogue tree was swiftly removed and proudly installed at Kings as a festive Christmas tree!

We also had the opportunity to return to the memorial crash site, with a moving hīkoi led by Paul Green and Allan McKenzie. Family members and friends of those who lost their lives in the helicopter tragedy gathered around the memorial, united in a profound silence that spoke louder than words. A few heartfelt reflections were shared, honouring the memories of those lost. The site itself carries a sense that something deeply significant happened here, marked only by a small impact crater amidst the beautiful landscape.

Our trips were followed by a Whakatau (welcome) outside Kings. The Whakatau was led by Koro Keith Wood and Kelvin Puaoteora McLeod from Ngāti Rangi, who welcomed Project Tongariro whānau and guests to Kings.

As we moved onto the formal part of the dinner celebrations it was touching to see attendees come together to honour those we’ve lost. The powerful emotions shared during the speeches were balanced with gratitude for how far Project Tongariro has come and the shared commitment to continuing the work.

To finish the evening we concluded with the annual Project Tongariro members Adopt a Hectare raffle. This year was our biggest to date, raising enough funds to cover an includible 9 hectares!! A huge thank you to those who generously donated items for the raffle and congratulations to the lucky raffle winners.

On Sunday morning we were up bright and early for our 40th AGM meeting. At this meeting we said fairwell to some of our board members, Mike O’Sulivan our Chairman, Pat Taylor our wonderful Treasurer and Lesley Mochan. We also warmly welcomed new board members Sarah Carter, Catriona Eagles, and Murray Wilson to the team! Our AGM weekend concluded with a community tree planting alongside the Mangawhero Walkway. This initiative, in partnership with The Goat Tongariro, saw participants of The Goat event receive a native tree to plant as a meaningful alternative to a medal. A big thank you to the Department of Conservation for hosting the BBQ which was greatly enjoyed by all who took part.