Your water zone committee

Bill Thomas is a farmer in the lower Hinds. His family has farmed the historic Longbeach Estate for more than 150 years.

The farm is a mixed sheep, beef, dairy grazing and arable operation which also includes a self-contained dairy unit.

The estate has a commercial function centre; hosting events such as weddings, business and sports events. William is a member of the Eiffelton Irrigation Scheme and has 17 years’ experience as a commercial director, including directorship of PGG Wrightson Ltd.

He has also served on two school Boards of Trustees.

Chris Allen farms beside Taylors Stream and sits on Federated Farmers National Board with responsibility for RMA, Water and Environment.

Chris is currently Deputy Chair of the Ashburton Zone Committee.

Adi Avnit resides in Ashburton and has been involved in multiple community groups and projects, both as the former coordinator for the Hakatere Multi-Cultural Council and as a volunteer. He has experience engaging with community groups, especially migrants, and with managing projects and charities.

Angela Cushnie owns a communications business and a lifestyle property at Eiffelton.  She is a member of many local organisations and was a founding member and Trustee of the Kanuka Mid-Canterbury Regeneration Trust.

Sidinei Teixeira was the Head of Science at Mt Hutt College (Methven) from 2015 to 2021. She now teaches chemistry at Christ’s College and is currently completing a master's degree in Water Resource Management.

Clare Buchanan is Head of Environment and Innovation for an innovative local farming business which is undertaking a trial of regenerative farming.

Genevieve de Spa (Gen) is an ex-paramedic with a deep belief that indigenous wisdom, especially Te Ao Maori, has much to offer us towards the restoration and regeneration of our living planet.

Gen joined the Ashburton-Hinds Zone Committee as an opportunity to question the dominant business model and advocate for water as a living being. Gen brings to the Committee experiential wisdom in community education and organising, Timebanks, Gift Economy and Savings Pools as well as a committed practice of experimenting with Wellbeing Economics design. She is completing her Masters in Wellbeing Economics alongside initiating a remnant native forest restoration and biodiversity education project at her home in Staveley.

Gen's concern for water and the climate is largely motivated by a love of snowboarding, skiing and river swimming.