‘We’ are Craig Lee and Toni Monro, and this is our home. We intend to stay here, to enjoy what we have created, and to keep going with the environmental restoration project.

• In 2000, we purchased the land which we have developed into Okura Drive. Toni worked as a veterinarian and co-owner of Bay of Islands Veterinary Services. Craig developed the residential sections at the start of the road. We lived in the 1950s cottage at the start of the street. We also raised our two boys at the cottage. It was a busy time!

• Okura Drive is a pleasant place to live. Of the 10 original sections, 6 are still lived on by the original purchasers. The neighbours enjoy catching up when out walking, running, cycling, or exercising dogs and horses. We all value the peaceful, friendly feeling of the neighbourhood.

• In 2008 we moved further down the land to our current home. In 2016, we purchased some of the neighbouring property, which this new subdivision is mostly based on, and we have been working through the development process since then.

• We began restoration of Okura in 2019. The new land had a large noxious weed load, soil damage and waterway degradation. Approximately 40,000 native plants have been planted and we have spent countless hours tending them and putting in infrastructure. Intensive work controlling pests and weeds has rewarded us with the rapid establishment of the native plantings. The project has become a passion!

• Now that the plantings are well established, the previous weed burden is virtually cleared, the land is in better shape, the waterways are running clear, and the birds are enjoying the recovering habitat, we are ready to share!