Annette Such has been recognised by the district council, regional council and the Waiewe Stream Restoration Group for carrying out her vision for the area since 2009.

She is preparing to retire as leader of the restoration group after 17 years, although she and husband Brian will continue to support and do light work.

The celebratory gathering, initially scheduled to take place at a picnic table at Waiewe Reserve, was instead held at the home of a restoration group member with a view overlooking the reserve.

Mrs Such was inspired to start working on the 2.5-hectare reserve while walking through it. Then, there was simply a dirt track and a “wilderness of weeds”.

Willow, wattle, gorse, privet and Taiwan cherry trees were covered with honeysuckle, convolvulus, ivy and jasmine vines. Pampas grass, ginger, agapanthus and wandering jew ran rampant.

The area was used primarily as a drain in the event of flooding, but Mrs Such thought it could be something more.

“I just started. I don’t know how I got people to join me,” she said.

Over the years, with a team led by Mrs Such and supported by her husband, the reserve has been transformed with an all-purpose track in place and, with support from the council, been maintained as a storm water easement.

Through monthly working bees and planting days native trees were planted, willow trees poisoned and felled, and blackberry and honeysuckle cleared out.

Pam Beaman, who hosted the celebration, said these changes had brought more birdlife to the area.

“She had a vision, and she persevered.

“The only birdlife [previously] was piwakawaka. Now we have tui, bellbirds, kereru, ruru and morepork. We even had kiwis here at one stage,” Mrs Beaman said.

She said the walkway was used by cyclists, dog walkers, and elderly on mobile scooters.

Although the path is busy it is also a peaceful place.

“I walk past people sitting and reading, a girl was sitting and doing her assignments one evening,” she said.

“You have created a wonderful asset. You can now step back from the heavy work, though I know you won’t step back completely,” she told Mrs Such.

Mrs Such then mentioned that she already had a plan to plant more pohutukawa trees near the Appenzell entrance to the walkway, proving Mrs Beaman correct.

Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board chair Carolyn Hamil described the Suchs as “community heroes”.

“For over 17 years you have been such a blessing to the community, and made this a more beautiful and holistic place,” she said.

Land management officer Jack Revington said the group had made a “massive difference” and been great to work with.

“The regional council really appreciates what you have done,” he said.

Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca said Mrs Such had instilled a “spirit of collaboration” in the group.

“You are people who care about where they live and want to make the place better,” he said.

Mrs Such said she was grateful to those who had supported her vision.

“It’s nice to have recognition. This is something I’ve always enjoyed; it’s my passion to do things like planting native trees.

“I’ve always had lots of volunteers on planting days, always had a good crew who came along.”

With Mrs Such’s retirement, Wendy Emmsley will be taking on more of an organisation and leadership role with the group, which is always on the lookout for new members to help maintain the reserve.