The nine Trustees of the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust recently enjoyed a day out on the Banks Peninsula visiting sites of interest to the Trust. Generally meetings are held indoors at a Christchurch venue so getting out onto the peninsula was a special experience and the first time many of the Trustees had visited the Rod Donald Hut.
The day started at Little River to sort out carpooling arrangements, then a drive over the hills to meet Hugh and Andrew from Hinewai at the Purple Peak Reserve. An unscheduled walk up the hill allowed the Trustees to see regenerating native bush and then the spectacular views over Akaroa Harbour. The Purple Peak reserve was then viewed from the other side of the hill and Trustee Brian Patrick enthusiastically defended the notorious native stinging nettle ongaonga and explained its important role in conservation. Ongaonga is not only the favoured habitat of the native red admiral butterfly but it protects regenerating forests from predators. We were fortunate to find a red admiral resting on the ongaonga while we where there.
The last trip of the day was to the Rod Donald Hut where Trustees were impressed with the high standard of the fit out and the attention to detail. The potbelly stove was lit and kept the Trustees cosy while strategic decisions were made. More field trips are now planned for the Trustees so they can get a better feel for the work of the Trust and make informed decisions about future projects. 
