05/06/2026
Today we celebrated the lovely Julie Doyle at the Volunteer Central volunteer recognition morning.
Julie is the lead kaitiaki of the ‘friends of McCrae’s’ volunteer group.
McCrae's Bush is an area of remnant native bush and wetlands that RECAP volunteers have been caring for since 2016
Julie joined this volunteer group in 2019 and also served as a board member for RECAP between 2000 and 2022.
In early 2025, many of the long serving volunteers stepped back and Julie found herself in the position of leading the team. There is now a new group of weekly volunteers who are working tirelessly to hand w**d many of the invasives (avoiding using damaging chemicals as much as possible). The group have planted out areas in new natives, and they look after the baby trees and plants that are popping up naturally throughout the bush.
She has led groups of local tamariki, student volunteers and workplace groups in working bees, always including a walk through the area and some education on the trees and plants.
The work has not only helped the local flora, but many native birds also call this bush home with fledgling ruru recently delighting local walkers and photographers.
Her dedication to this very special place is inspiring and her mahi has ensured the health of this wonderful thriving green space for our community (both present and future) to enjoy.
📸 Julie and fellow volunteer Phillip Prujean
