From cutting it down to protecting it with love
Phillip and Anne Woodward of Waikaretu, south west of Tuakau, are some of the earliest covenantors with the QEII National Trust. They registered their first block of land in 1984 and since then, this has grown to include three more QEII blocks.
The couple share a deep passion for New Zealand’s natural environment and a desire to protect it for the future. But as Phillip explains, this wasn’t always the case for him; “when I left school I was cutting it all down - clearing the land for farming.” It didn’t take long for Phillip’s outlook to change as he “came to the realisation of how beautiful our land and native bush was.” And in QEII’s 40th anniversary year, Phillip couldn’t be more proud of the community he’s involved in and the work they do: “I think it’s marvelous! The more they can covenant the better!”
From Open Space, Magazine of the QEII National Trust
Issue 93, Nevember 2017