In August 2020, South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network lost one of its most valiant crusaders towards a pest-free South Titirangi.
Vicki Sargisson was a valued friend to many of us. She died after a short battle with cancer.
Vicki was involved in the early days of STNN, hosting many small local meetings in her home. She was tireless in making sure everyone was comfortable and looked after, even providing a variety of milk options and gluten/lactose free options when she catered for working bees.
She was instrumental in the care of the reserve at the end of Opou Road, the track between Okewa Road and The Parade, and Okewa Reserve. When she discovered Grey-Faced Petrels in the cliffs, she worked with Auckland University to set up monitoring of the nests and pest control. She lobbied for better care of our reserves and berms.
Vicki, along with others, can take a good share of the credit for the success of STNN. She connected immediately with the vision and hit the ground running, networking with intensity, expanding projects, and starting new ones. She recognised the essential nature of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and expanded our horizons.
Vicki made connections everywhere she went, in South Titirangi, as well as Forest and Bird, Waitakere Ranges Conservation Network, Pest Free Waitakere.
She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and gentleness of spirit. We all miss her very much.