A Memorial for Stephen Thorpe
A memorial seat fit for a NZ environmental hero.
Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Stephen Thorpe was a knowledgeable entomologist who was attacked and killed in a senseless crime outside the office where he spent countless hours sharing his knowledge voluntarily for the advancement and conservation of NZ's biodiversity. We wish to install a seat in the Blockhouse Bay Recreational Reserve, Auckland, where he spent much valuable time, a seat where people can sit and enjoy Nature. Stephen would appreciate that.
About us
The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust is a registered charity committed to protecting butterflies, moths and their habitats across New Zealand.
Use of funds
The funds raised will be put towards the purchase and installation of a park seat in Stephen's honour - hopefully decorated with some of the bugs which he championed.
Latest update
November Progress Report 20 November 2024
Hi everyone
Many of you mention to me how much you miss Stephen and his presence and helpfulness on iNaturalist. Very sadly it appears that his attacker has very serious mental health issues, and the court case has now been postponed until 5 February 2025.
I was hoping that I could announce today that the installation of the seat was scheduled. At this stage it's taking a bit longer to get the paperwork completed... Making the bench is under way and I do thank Lily Duval for her help with selecting a few decorations for the back of it. We wanted flora and fauna that Stephen would relate to, but also simple enough images that would translate well into carvings, and easily identifiable by people who were not necessarily appreciative of nature. Adrian Steel from SteelWoodNZ is making and will engrave the bench.
The fundraiser closes on 26 November but I will keep everyone updated and hopefully we will have the bench installed before the end of December. Thanks again for your support.
Latest donations
Thank you so much, Allan. This is much appreciated. We hope to have an update out very soon!
hi Craig. Thank you so much. This is wonderful. Very much appreciated
Thank you so much for your support! we do appreciate it
Thank you so much Corinne, Danny and Clara. This means so much to us... as I know Stephen did to you. We are going to make sure he has a beautiful tribute and we will keep you in the loop!
Thank you so much, Jenny. It was certainly evident at the funeral how much he had affected people's lives. Our biodiversity and iNaturalist are the ones who have benefited from this tragedy.
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