Weekly column by Kāpiti mayor K Gurunathan.
Before the Christmas break I received a gift of a book and a lovely card from well known and dedicated local conservationists, Drs Viola and Phil Palmer.
I'm saddened that Phil passed away last week. The book is by part-time resident of the Kāpiti Coast, Dr Catherine Knight. The environmental historian and author is a policy and communications consultant.
Her recent book, Nature and Wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand: Exploring the connection, is a ground-breaking book that looks at the increasing scientific links being uncovered between our physical and mental wellbeing and our natural environment. She also relates these findings with actual examples of people stories. People active in environmental restoration and environment-related education projects. Medical practitioners, the Palmers, are also featured in this book.
I quote from the card the Palmers sent me: "We love the open spaces, forests and beaches of the Kāpiti Coast. They are a big part of the reason why people choose to live here. We urge KCDC to continue planning more green spaces as the population of the area grows."