25/09/2026
💚 The End of an Era – and the Beginning of a New Chapter 💚
Yesterday marked the final day of our transition period with Russell, and now it is time for him to head off for a very well-deserved break.
For many years, Atawhai Trust has shared a strong relationship with Russell, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a belief in doing something that genuinely benefits our community.
Last night, we marked the occasion with a quiet BBQ — an opportunity to thank Russell, reflect on what he has achieved, and acknowledge the responsibility Atawhai now carries in continuing the legacy he has built over the past 19 years.
As part of the evening, we presented Russell with a very special pounamu taonga, carved by West Coast carver Garth Wilson of Greymouth.
Garth’s whakapapa connects him to Ngāti Mahaki and Ngāti Waewae, whose people have a long and significant history with pounamu on Te Tai Poutini. Through those connections, Garth holds customary rights to gather pounamu from the rivers and mountains of the West Coast, and he personally carves each piece himself. Every taonga carries its own story, connection and meaning.
The piece chosen for Russell incorporates the manaia and koru, which felt especially fitting for this moment.
The manaia is associated with guardianship, protection and connection, and is often seen as linking the realms of sky, sea and land. The koru represents new beginnings, growth, renewal and the continuation of life.
For us, the meaning of this taonga goes even further.
The manaia reflects Russell’s role as a kaitiaki — someone who has cared for, protected and nurtured the values and philosophy that have shaped Return 2 Earth over the past 19 years. Its connection to the sky, the sea and the land also speaks strongly to Russell’s desire to care for the natural environment and protect what surrounds us for those who come after.
The koru represents the next chapter — not an ending, but new growth emerging from strong foundations. It reflects Atawhai stepping forward to continue what Russell has built, while allowing Return 2 Earth to evolve, grow and create new opportunities for both people and our community.
Together, the manaia and koru represent the connection between past, present and future — honouring Russell’s legacy, protecting the values behind it, and carrying those values forward with the same commitment to caring for our people, our land and our environment.
Before the taonga was presented to Russell, it was worn by a number of people who have been special and significant in his journey, adding their own connection and meaning to the piece.
Very special among those was Janet Lean, wife of the late David “Daisy” Lean, who had a longstanding connection with Return 2 Earth. Her involvement made an already meaningful moment even more poignant.
It was an emotional evening, and one that brought home the true significance of this transition. Atawhai has not simply purchased a business.
We have been entrusted with a philosophy, a purpose and a legacy built over many years.
A commitment to doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons.
A belief that materials have value, that waste can be reduced and repurposed, and that these efforts can make a meaningful difference for our environment and our wider community.
That is the legacy Russell has created through Return 2 Earth, and it is one Atawhai is incredibly proud to carry forward.
Russell, thank you for your patience, your knowledge, your support and your generosity throughout this transition — but more importantly, thank you for what you have built over the past 19 years.
Enjoy the break. You have certainly earned it.
We wish you every happiness for whatever comes next, but remember — this is a farewell from the day-to-day, not from the whānau. Don’t be a stranger.
Ngā mihi nui, Russell. 💚
The legacy continues.
