For a conserved natural environment.
Described as an ‘ecologist, naturalist, traveller, and humorist,’ Chris Thomas was one of life’s true gentlemen.
“He was an old sea salt!” says friend Adrienne Bushell. “He was in the Royal Navy, so that gave him the love of the sea.” Following his Navy tenure, Chris joined the UK’s Marine Biological Association, followed by the National Institute of Oceanography, before moving to New Zealand in the mid-1960s.
His love of the sea continued, and he took up roles at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now NIWA) where he started producing films. This passion earned him the Conservation Award at the Wildscreen Film Festival for River in Question: a tribute to the Whanganui River.
A few years before his passing in 2022, Chris started to think about his estate and the legacy he wanted to leave.
“He had saved quite a bit of money in the end, and he didn’t know what to do with it,” says Adrienne. “I introduced him to Nīkau, and he thought that was a great idea.”
The Chris Thomas Fund
Chris left a gift in his will to establish The Chris Thomas Fund, which is dedicated to supporting ecological and environmental preservation.
Granting for the first time in 2025, Nīkau was delighted to honour Chris’ legacy by providing support to a range of organisations. These included the Friends of Taupō Swamp & Catchment, the Ruamāhanga Farm Foundation and the Rotary Club of Plimmerton Charitable Trust to complete wetland and riparian plant restoration projects across our region.
“I think Chris would love knowing that his well-earned and kept money is still going to the environment and conservation, the things that he loved,” says Adrienne.
“The fact that Chris’ fund has his name on it is lovely, as he didn’t have any children,” says Adrienne. “It’s a way to remember this lovely man.”
“Community planting is really powerful. We’re really doing this for the benefit of our grandchildren’s grandchildren.
The [Nikau Foundation] funding is absolutely critical. We couldn’t operate without it.”
Bill McAuley
Friends of Taupō Swamp & Catchment
For thriving future forests
For an equitable society
For confident, capable rangatahi
For a flourishing, creative region
For future generations
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