Harvey Jones: 2025 Civic Honour Award winner

Published on 24 November 2025

A dedicated community builder, environmentalist and long-term Ashhurst resident, Harvey Jones has made significant contributions to Village life.

As co-founder of RECAP (Resilience and Engagement of the Community of Ashhurst and Pohangina) and its chairperson since 2013, Harvey has led community garden, orchard, food-sharing, and bush restoration projects alongside educational workshops.

He chairs the committee for the Ashhurst Village Voice and is a regular columnist. Strengths in negotiation, communication, administrative procedure, IT, and gardening have been central to his effectiveness.

Before RECAP, while serving on the Ashhurst Ward Committee, Harvey was a founding member of the Ashhurst Action Group, which advanced community spaces such as the Village Green, murals and notice-board seating.

He played a key role in establishing Environment Network Manawatū. He was a proactive opponent to the Hiwinui landfill, of encroaching wind turbines, and the inclusion of Ashhurst into the Wairarapa Electorate.

A dedicated member of the Tertiary Education Union for 23 years, including as branch president, Harvey was made a Life Member in May 2025.