Tribute to Ian Harwood

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

The Plimmerton Residents' Association has posted a nice tribute yo Ian Harwood.

Ian Harwood died last weekend in Wellington. We extend our condolences to his wife Meryl and their children and their families. Ian will be farewelled in the city on Friday 26 March.
Ian and Meryl lived in Plimmerton for more than four decades before deciding, in recent years, to move to an apartment in the city.
Ian was indeed one of the village’s characters, involved in community activities and also happy to give of his time and expertise for any cause where he felt he could be useful.
If Ian took on a job you knew it was in great hands. He got things done and he had great skill at involving others in the Plimmerton community.
His strategic thinking and solution focus was invaluable through the quarry deliberations and submissions, Transmission Gully action, and numerous village planning projects.
When Plimmerton railway station was being refurbished by volunteers over two years (2008-10) Ian asked the project managers Dave Anderson and Allan Dodson how he could best help. They urgently needed to hire builders for some expert input. And a large sum of money had to be conjured up in a hurry. Within 24 hours Ian had involved a team of people and organised to fund the building work.
Ian’s special skill was negotiating with and enthusing anyone he felt could be useful in supporting the latest cause. He was Plimmerton’s secret weapon in getting things done. Read the wonderful messages on the pavers in Karehana Park. Ian’s vigorous sales technique must have sold half of those pavers and funded the new walkways in the park.
He was the maestro when it came to raising funds for community projects organised by the PRA. Who could refuse that delightful, light hearted sense of humour as he twisted arms and squeezed many community pockets for donations?
Ian and Meryl were always generous with their support of initiatives here and were behind many events to help others. While Ian was often the frontman Meryl was the behind the scenes mover and shaker!
Ian was certainly missed from his regular spot at Coffee Corner when he moved into town - a meet and greet with a bright quip and Ian, larger than life, readily found out the village news in record time.
Plimmerton owes you a debt of gratitude Ian for your unobtrusive efforts for this special community where you spent so much of your life. Thank you.