For those of you who have been on the New Zealand program you would have most likely visited the beautiful Hinewai Reserve and met the charming Hugh Wilson. Sadly, last week a fire caused by a lightning strike destroyed a  third of the reserve. 

The Hinewai Reserve  includes more than 12,000ha of gorse and regenerating native bush. It has more than 20 walking tracks, including part of the Banks Peninsula Track. Hugh, a renowned botanist who has managed the reserve since the land was bought by a trust in 1987, had to flee his own house when the fire threatened it. The fire burned for two days but thankfully no homes were damaged, despite evacuation of the area.

Hugh estimates that in the worst spots, his hard work will have been set back 20 years. Our thoughts are certainly with Hugh at this difficult time.

The photo shows the blaze at night as seen from the Akaroa township.