Don Chapple
brent simpson, Greg Treadwell, Janet Hunt, Charles Graves
The late Don Chapple is a legendary figure among islanders. Formerly a university lecturer, Don turned his hand to conservation on the island, most notably leading the regeneration project of Forest and Bird's Atawhai Whenua Reserve at Matiatia. He could be seen cycling through Oneroa each morning, a handful of seedlings in his basket ready for planting.
But Don was also known for his wisdom, enduring respect for the planet and for having run a small, private school in the 1970s.
He lived for many years on Te Aroha Ave in Hekerua Bay, a paper road with only walking access.
Don died suddenly in March 2005. His funeral service was at Matiatia and attracted hundreds of well-wishers.
Don was a steady writer of articles to the local paper, Gulf News, and assiduously clipped and kept them. After his death they were gathered into a book entitled A Kindness to the Land: Don Chapple's Conservation Scrapbook (128pp available from Hauraki Islands branch of Forest & Bird, PO Box 314, Ostend, Waiheke for $20.00 + p&p). It not only tells the story of Don's life, it also includes some of his poetry and his writings on conservation generally. Proceeds from the sale of the book go towards the continuation of Don's work in Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve.