Edee Richards, Trail Manager

Buller-born and raised, Edee joined the Kawatiri Coastal Trail as Trail Manager in 2025, bringing a strong background in accounting, taxation, and business operations. With a knack for process and systems, she keeps projects running smoothly while helping the Trail grow as a sustainable community asset. A lifelong fan of the Coast’s great outdoors, Edee feels fortunate to combine her love of nature with a role that’s both varied and rewarding. She’s passionate about supporting the volunteers, landowners, and local partners who make the Trail what it is and takes real pride in seeing people enjoy it year-round. If you spot her out on the Trail, be sure to say hi — she’s always up for a chat about this special place we all share.

Richard Niederer, Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust Chair

Richard has called Cape Foulwind home since 2011, when he and his wife moved from Christchurch for a role in contracting and transport. With a background in finance, banking, and business systems, he brings strong strategic and organisational skills to the Trust. An early supporter of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail (the idea first floated over a beer at his local in 2015), Richard has served as Chair since the Trust’s inception and has been closely involved ever since. He loves seeing people enjoy the trail – often from his own home overlooking the Cape Foulwind section – and chatting with riders and walkers as they pass by. Originally from a Southland farm, Richard is a lifelong cricket fan and former junior coach who now has his eye on an e-bike for future adventures.

Peter Campbell, Trustee

Peter is a Chartered Accountant based in Westport with many years of experience advising businesses, community organisations and individuals across the Buller region. He brings strong financial governance, strategic planning and commercial expertise to the Trust.

A long-time advocate for the West Coast, Peter is committed to ensuring the Kawatiri Coastal Trail delivers lasting economic, recreational and community benefits. He believes the Trail is an important investment in the region’s future, supporting sustainable tourism while enhancing quality of life for local residents. He’s frequently found on the trail, mowing and beautifying it in his spare time. 

Susan Cook, Trustee

Originally from Christchurch, Susan has called Buller–Kawatiri home since 1999, after many years of visiting the West Coast for both business and play. A former reporter with The Press, she co-built and operated the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge and was a founding Trustee of the Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust, helping to establish the Old Ghost Road. A keen tramper and cyclist, Susan brings a passion for outdoor recreation, communications, and community connection to the Trust. Based part of the year in the mountains of Western North Carolina, she works as a U.S.-qualified Certified Financial Planner® while staying closely connected to the Buller community and the land she loves.

Larry Eade, Trustee

Larry brings a wealth of experience in real estate development and civil construction, having led a wide range of complex projects throughout his career. Six years ago, he made Buller home when he joined Holcim to oversee the closure and demolition of its Westport operations – a challenging role that showcased his ability to manage change thoughtfully while keeping people and community outcomes at heart.

With a background as former Associate Chartered Accountant and project management qualifications, Larry combines strong governance and financial insight with a down-to-earth, solution-focused approach. His practical mindset, collaborative style, and steady problem-solving are a real asset to the Trust and the wider community.

Stu Henley, Trustee

Born and bred in Buller, Stu’s family has called Westport home for more than 150 years. A geologist with over 40 years of experience in the district, he brings a deep knowledge of the local landscape and a strong interest in Buller’s rich history. He is also an active member of Heritage West Coast and the Denniston Heritage Trust.

Stu has been part of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail journey since the very first meeting in 2015. Between 2016 and 2019, he played a key role in route finding, landowner negotiations, and stakeholder discussions with the Buller District Council, DOC, iwi, and Development West Coast – as well as major input into the feasibility study and business case that secured funding through the Provincial Growth Fund. From 2021 to 2025, he served as Project Manager, guiding construction through to completion.

What Stu enjoys most is seeing people out on the Trail – from locals on their daily rides to visitors discovering the Coast’s natural and cultural treasures. Meeting happy walkers and cyclists on the Martins Creek boardwalk, a place he once imagined years before it was built, is especially satisfying.

Jo Howard, Trustee

Jo brings more than 45 years’ experience across business, governance and community leadership, alongside extensive knowledge of the Buller district gained through living and working in the region.

With a background in retail and management, Jo offers strong operational and strategic capability with a deep commitment to community development and regional wellbeing. Jo served two terms as a Buller District Councillor and is actively involved in numerous community organisations, including as a Trustee of KNECT, Buller Conservation Volunteers and the Westport Menz Shed.

Jo enjoys working alongside communities to address complex challenges and develop positive long-term outcomes for Buller Kawatiri. She brings practical leadership, strong local knowledge and a collaborative approach to KCT.

Jo is actively involved in environmental projects along the trail including– tree planting and weed control on Section One at Kūkūwai Reserve and Martins Creek; Tauranga Ko Mātārae project – restoration and pest control on the Tauranga Bay Headland in Section Two.

Evan ‘Lippy’ Morris, Trustee

A lifelong Westport local, Evan – known to all as Lippy – has been part of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail story from the very beginning. Drawn to the project for its potential to create jobs and bring new energy to the district, he has been a hands-on supporter ever since – volunteering countless hours and lending practical know-how whenever needed.

Alongside his work with KiwiRail, Evan runs The Lazy Seal Cottages at Cape Foulwind with his wife, giving him a deep understanding of the region’s accommodation and tourism landscape. A passionate surfer, he loves the stretch of trail from Cape Foulwind to Tauranga Bay, where riders crest the hill to views of rolling surf and rugged coastline – a daily reminder of the beauty that makes this place home.

Jeff Richards, Trustee

Jeff Richards has been involved with the Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust since the early stages of the trail’s development and construction. He brings extensive experience in community events, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and is a passionate advocate for the trail. A hands-on Trustee, he regularly volunteers his time maintaining and enhancing the trail and is often seen out on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail ensuring it remains a welcoming asset for the community and visitors alike.

Campbell Robertson, Trustee

A Trustee since 2022, Campbell Robertson is committed to developing the Kawatiri Coastal Trail as a sustainable community asset that delivers exceptional outdoor recreation while being valued by both local residents and visitors.

Campbell is an Environment and Consenting Manager with expertise in resource management, ecology, policy and planning across both the public and private sectors. Since moving to Westport in 2011, he has been actively involved in the local community through school governance and sports coaching.

He believes the Trail provides lasting benefits for local tamariki by strengthening connections with the natural environment, while also becoming a significant visitor attraction that contributes to the Buller region’s long-term social, environmental and economic wellbeing.