The Styx Living Laboratory Trust Trustees

Honorary Legal Advisor

Richard is the Managing Partner at Meares Williams and has been with the firm since 1999.

With over 35 years experience in law, Richard holds degrees in Law from the University of Canterbury, Economics and Politics from the University of Sydney and a Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University. 

While Richard has a broad range of legal knowledge, his two main areas of interest and expertise lie in business and asset planning which includes organisation of financial affairs, trust and estate planning and ownership structures in the rural, medical, financial and architectural sectors.

Richard’s other great passion is his commitment to philanthropic work in both an active and advisory role for numerous trusts and charities across Canterbury.

Richard is a trustee and chairman of the Pacific Leprosy Foundation with which he has been associated for over forty years.  He is a past national president of the Cancer Society of New Zealand and past chairman and board member of the Cancer Society in Canterbury.  In addition he is a former Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. In addition to the Pacific Leprosy Foundation Richard is currently a board member of the JR McKenzie Youth Education Trust, the Blind Children’s Charitable Trust, the All Souls Merivale Trust Board and is the past President and current member of the Rotary Club of Christchurch.

In October 2018 Rex joined the Trustees and was  elected to the role of  Chair - he previously chaired the Board of Management. Since "retirement", Rex has taken up many governance positions, including being the Chancellor of Canterbury University, Chair of the West Coast District Health Board, and an Ecan Commissioner, among other positions. Rex was a key founder in the Water Rights Trust, formed to address increasing concern about poor water management and deteriorating water quality in Canterbury. He is a keen recreational angler and enjoys a number of outdoor sports.

During my first term as a Community Board Member I learned so much about the Styx River and what is being done to conserve and restore it - things that I would not have known otherwise. I want to help share this knowledge about what the Styx has to offer, and how people can get involved. I am excited to have this opportunity as a trustee to be a part of the work that is going on, and to enhance the Styx for my children and future generations.

Originally a civil engineer, but later a groundwater scientist. I've always been interested in water and environmental issues. I have been with the StYX Living Laboratory Trust for many years and have gained a lot of knowledge of all the urban rivers by acting as a guide for local groups who also wish to better appreciate what wonderful assets they are.

Director of Eco Tourism, Australasia

John says, "My involvement with the Styx River was as a response from returning to Christchurch after living for many years in national parks in Australia. Noticing how Christchurch was rapidly pushing out into the country with urban growth, I thought it would be a good thing to be involved with conserving the Styx River in its natural state. It's not over yet, there is still plenty to do and to know that future generations, wildlife and the river will benefit from what is being accomplished."

Special interest in state of environment monitoring and reporting, environmental indicators and guideline development.

Sally has a long history of community involvement especially in social services and as an elected member of the Shirley/Papanui Community Board.

Sally says, "I am a trustee because I think the Styx is an amazing river that so many people are only recently becoming aware of. The opportunity exists to be part of something unique and very exciting."

Tim Davie is a Trustee representing Environment Canterbury. The Styx Living Laboratory Trust offers an opportunity for the local community to work together with Environment Canterbury to ensure the impacts of urbanisation are minimised on the river and the Styx maintains its special character.

Dr Davie is the Chief Scientist at Environment Canterbury and has worked in the water resource management area for over 25 years. He has previously been on the Board of Management for the Trust and brings a wealth of experience and expertise on catchment management, particularly land use impacts on water quality and quantity.

Formerly part of the award winning Shirley / Papanui Community Board, Yvonne is known for her ability to engage people in what then become very successful community projects.