Forest & Bird Topic: RIP Helen

Al Fleming on "RIP Helen"

Al Fleming — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:11:00 +0000

I had only known Helen for a year - she impressed me from day 1 and she wasn’t even trying too! When I heard of Helen’s death I was very saddened. She was far too young and special. Helen always gave me speedy, helpful and cheerful support for my work with Forest and Bird. My sympathies for Helen’s family and friends for their great loss.

Russel on "RIP Helen"

Russel — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:04:02 +0000

On behalf of the Greens, all our love and condolences to the Helen's friends and family, and to the wider F&B family. Helen did an excellent job for Forest and Bird and environment movement and will be sorely missed. I found out while overseas and was saddened and shocked. Helen was so full of life. Russel Norman Green Co-leader

Kirstie on "RIP Helen"

Kirstie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:37:17 +0000

If you are in the Wellington region and would like to join us......

Paul Irwin on "RIP Helen"

Paul Irwin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:59:08 +0000

It was a real shock to hear of Helen's death. Last year I got to know Helen as we worked together on F&B's rebranding project and other communications work. She was a major force in helping us refine our designs and work through the many intricacies of Forest & Bird's operations. It was always a pleasure working with Helen - she brought a huge amount of energy, good humour and intelligence to everything she did. She was decisive, passionate and made things happen (her speed and productivity amazed us). She really was our model client! Helen will be sorely missed by the Ogilvy team. We all pass on our condolences to her family, friends and Forest & Bird colleagues. Paul Irwin Ogilvy

erin on "RIP Helen"

erin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:18:51 +0000

Helen was my client contact when we pitched and subsequently won the work to build this very website. Helen and I connected right from the start - I enjoyed her forthright, direct manner and appreciated her insightful, considered, clever and sometimes pithy comments. She made us think not just about the job of putting a website together, but indeed, why we were doing it at all. We all learnt a great deal about the work of F&B and were the better for it, due to Helen. She was a bloody good stick; a client I respected and a person who I liked. I was away in the South Island when the tragedy occurred and unfortunately could not make it to her funeral. A colleague here, from her endurance riding community, tells me it was a fitting send off. Good on ya Helen. RIP. Erin Rush (formerly at Breathe Communications)

debs on "RIP Helen"

debs — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 02:52:05 +0000

Just wanted to add my thoughts and offer love to those who are also mourning Helen's really tragic death. I'm going to miss that woman heaps. Without her, in my role as field officer, I couldn't have achieved the media attention our work deserves, and Helen could just deliver with the right thought and ideas. Although we corresponded by distance - we talked a lot, and she gave me immense support in writing articles for the magazine, going the extra step to get the word out, and very very timely advice on what media to hit and where. We'd banter and argue and debate things over the internet, with my final call to her that as she called me river queen in the latest F&B mag, I now had full authority to 'chop off her head' if she dared challenge me again! Needless to say, that didn't last long, and she helped me a lot with the latest article in the next issue as well. No fuss, straight to the point, let's not pussy-foot around what needs to be done - Helen brought all those strengths to this critical communications role in Forest & Bird. She gave me absolute heaps any time she thought I was going a bit 'soft' on it, although she reminded me that she had with all the lovely quotes lining the bottom margin in the latest mag. In that issue, wet'n'wild - Helen took this campaign to new heights, and cheerily rang me to remind me to watch out for the centrefold! That issue was a dream come true for campaigning for me - and Helen worked hard to make that special issue happen. Thank you my friend and colleague and provoker! To her family and nearest ones - my big love goes out to you at this time. And what an amazing woman - such courage! love and blessings, Debs, TOS field officer, F&B

Kirstie on "RIP Helen"

Kirstie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:08:43 +0000

Message from Grant and Wendy, from the F&B Gisborne branch: Please know that our thoughts are with all of you in the office after Helen's tragic accident, as her loss will no doubt leave a huge gap. It will be a very tough start to the New Year for many people who have been involved with Helen, but especially for her family and her work family - the regular people in her day to day life.

Tawaki on "RIP Helen"

Tawaki — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:45:22 +0000

My sincere condolences to all of Helen's relatives and friends at her tragic passing and to all the staff at Forest and Bird who worked closely with her. She was wonderfully energetic and talented and we will all miss her. Forest and Bird magazine has been transformed under her leadership and is now something to be prized on your bookshelf or coffee table. In true Helen feisty style, we all had great debate about the magazines contect and the degree of natural history stories versus campaigning material and that debate will go on for many years to come but Helen worked very hard to achieve a balance between the two. She also achieved a huge amount in all the other communication dimensions of Forest and Bird. To her great credit, Forest and Bird wasn't all her life and she made sure that she got out frequently to enjoy the outdoors. Helen loved the outdoors and the challenges of wild New Zealand. Every time any of us go out there to enjoy the wilds there is always with a degree of risk....but it is that challenge that makes us realise what a special place our earth is and why we have to look after it. Thanks Helen for all your great work to protect wild New Zealand and thanks too to all your freinds and relatives who supported you over the years that you made such an important contribution to nature journalism and to Forest and Bird. Gerry McSweeney Distinguished Life Member Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society

jonathan on "RIP Helen"

jonathan — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:24:13 +0000

I stopped by to renew my membership and was shocked to hear of Helen's untimely passing. I had a small amount of contact with Helen while assisting Forest & Bird consider various website solutions and she was enthusiastic and a pleasure to deal with. My thoughts go out to her family and colleagues. Kia kaha.

Callum on "RIP Helen"

Callum — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:04:57 +0000

I met Helen a couple of years ago when she came into our DOC office to see us about an article she was writing. She was passionate, enthusiastic, and extremely quick witted. My condolences to all her friends and family – I’m thinking of you all.

brent on "RIP Helen"

brent — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:57:03 +0000

Helen Bain's death, what an untimely and unfortunate tradegy that touches us all. Sympathies to the family and colleagues who have been hurt so directly by this sudden loss - what a challenging start to the year. The home, the office, the networks - my heart goes out to all who will most directly experience the huge hole that her passing has left. Helen has been well eulogised in this blog and elsewhere, my thoughts are that she brought a vital transforming energy and ongoing potentials to the conservation and environmental movement in New Zealand. That energy will be sorely missed, and the potentials sadly remain unknown. Brent Barrett Palmerston North

Marina Skinner on "RIP Helen"

Marina Skinner — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:53:46 +0000

Message from Peter Hunt, Forest & Bird Wellington branch chairperson: Life can be cruel and take young people who have so much to give; through her writing, Helen has been a wonderful spokesperson for nature and leaves a vacuum not only in her own family's life but also within the Forest & Bird family; she will be missed. Our sympathies to Helen's family. Peter

Maj on "RIP Helen"

Maj — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:05:12 +0000

On behalf of the Ark in the Park project I would like to extend our sympathy to Helen's family and friends and to the Forest and Bird Wellington office. Helen was a great communicator for conservation and she will be greatly missed in her professional as well as personal capacity. Maj De Poorter, on behalf of all of us at the Ark in the Park Project

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:40:25 +0000

Message from Dave McFarlane, Field Manager, Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust On behalf of the Trust please accept our condolences on Helen's unexpected death. I've seen Aalbert's email and this tragic accident has obviously had a devasting impact on both her family and also her friends and colleagues at Forest & Bird. I spoke to Helen in December about ideas for an article in the F&B magazine, and she was so positive and enthusiastic. Her passing is a great blow to Forest & Bird and the wider conservation movement in New Zealand. Best wishes & all our sympathy David

Clare S-H on "RIP Helen"

Clare S-H — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:49:08 +0000

I am deeply saddened to hear of Helen's sudden and unexpected death. I had only known Helen for about 6 months, but I really enjoyed the enthusiasm and energy she brought to her work. She was incredibly efficient and passionate, and never afraid to speak her mind. It was because of these qualities that I found her an incredibly easy person to work with. The Forest & Bird magazine is a true reflection of Helen's talent and commitment to conservation in New Zealand. I am sorry that I won't have the opportunity to get to know Helen better in the future. My condolences go out to her family and friends, and to the team at Forest & Bird. Clare Stewart-Hunter Ogilvy

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:15:39 +0000

From all at Tauranga Branch we are very saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden death of Helen Bain. Our thoughts are with all of you who worked with her and knew her. She will be very much missed.

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:15:01 +0000

From Tony Ward, Chair Kapiti Branch We were shocked and saddened today to learn of the death of Helen Bain. Such a tragedy for Helen's family and friends and for Forest and Bird. Helen's work has made such a difference to Forest and Birds' image and future direction in terms of promotions and branding. On behalf of the Kapiti Mana Branch committee and the wider membership I would like you to pass on to Helen's family and loved ones our deepest sympathy and condolences. To those of us who knew Helen, this tragedy is particularly sad as we had come to respect her personal commitment to the goals and values of Forest and Bird. We will miss the talent and ready wit Helen brought to her work and remember her with fondness.

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:44:29 +0000

From Nunia Thomas, Conservation Coordinator, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Helen Bain. I did not get a chance to meet her, but your tribute shows what a truly remarkable person she was… a great loss to us all. May her passion and enthusiasm remain with the Forest and Bird staff and may you all continue all the foundation she has paved ready for you in 2010. My deepest condolences and all the best for 2010…., Nunia.

Mandy on "RIP Helen"

Mandy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:34:56 +0000

What a woman. What a life force. Helen, you had so many more conservation battles to wage. So many more horse rides to enjoy. So many more fast cars to test drive. Your cutting humour, your powerful intellect and your encouragement will be greatly missed. I shared a motel room with Helen once, and her day started at not at 9, not even at 8am. No no no, she started her day with a hiss and a roar at the godforsaken hour of 6.30am in the morning. Helen had things to do - so many more things to do. Mandy

auckland anne on "RIP Helen"

auckland anne — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:28:46 +0000

Hi Jan None of us will ever forget Helen's work here, especially when we look at the KCC Wild Things magazine or new KCC website which will endure far into the future. Her contributions towards the latter particularly will always be remembered respectfully by our branch. Anne (F&B executive and branch chair)

jan ashworth on "RIP Helen"

jan ashworth — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:39:53 +0000

Martyn, Thank you. Helen most certainly remembered you and we often talke about what had become of the people she was at school with. Her personality and integrity remained pretty much the same as it was when she was 12 -I guess that was one of the things that was really great about her. Thanks for taking the time to remember her, she really does matter so much. Jan Ashworth (Helen's sister)

Dr Martyn Taylor on "RIP Helen"

Dr Martyn Taylor — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:42:02 +0000

I too who would like to pass on my condolences to Helen's family and friends. I shared Helen's classes at Intermediate and College. I've subsequently watched Helen's career as an award-winning journalist with admiration. Helen was outstanding at school with a real talent for art and writing. Even at aged 12, she had a passion for horses (and a prized role acting in a TV production). We were keen rivals as class mates, but became good friends. Helen, I had great respect for you. I knew you would go far. You were strong-willed, creative, high-achieving, yet down-to-earth, adventurous and fun. You genuinely cared - and acted with conviction - an inspiration to us all. Thank you for contributing to Forest + Bird, as you contributed to all things in life. I happened to be in back in Stokes Valley last week – and in a fitting tribute, a soft mist of incomparable beauty was shrouding the native bush covered hills. Helen, your loss is a real tragedy and hard to believe. But thank you for leaving us with memories that we will forever treasure Martyn Dr Martyn Taylor, Partner Gilbert + Tobin, Sydney

noyes on "RIP Helen"

noyes — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:44:32 +0000

I was very sad to read about Helen's passing in the Wairarapa Times - the last time I read the newspaper it was about Helen putting the Council in their place about ongoing road works on our road (she won of course)! I didn't get to know Helen that well, due to living overseas for the last few years, but she struck me as a 'salt of the earth' kind of person and one that really lived her passion. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark and Helen's family & friends. Love and light to you Helen. Belinda (and Tony) Noyes (Neighbour)

Marina Skinner on "RIP Helen"

Marina Skinner — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:34:53 +0000

From the Kiwi Conservation Club team: “We were in a rut – Willie weka and me,” said Kiri kiwi. “It was quite a comfy rut, with plenty of worms, but then Helen came along and hustled us up.” “She sure did,” said Willie weka. “Helen said, ‘you guys are great but you need a bigger magazine – and a new name.’ And she thought up a cool name, ‘Wild Things’. So now the Kiwi Conservation Club magazine is called Wild Things and it’s 24 pages long with full colour and a shiny cover! The kids love it.” “Helen was our friend,” said Kiri. “She didn’t mind you being cheeky, Willie. She was pretty cheeky herself! We loved her, and so did Ann and Tim. We’re all going to miss her so.” From Kiri, Willie, Ann (the editor) and Tim (the illustrator)

Nic Vallance on "RIP Helen"

Nic Vallance — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:25:45 +0000

A massive shock - I will miss Helen very much. The value of having such a passionate dedicated - and as another person here mentioned - feisty lady in the conservation movement cannot be quantified. I've been camping my way up the country in beaut wee conservation campsites, and thinking of Helen when i heard the birds. Will miss your forthright nature and wicked sense of humour - and will try to emulate some of your courage. Arohanui, Nic

Sue Yates on "RIP Helen"

Sue Yates — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:25:01 +0000

Thought I would share this information from the Dominion Post today: A service to celebrate Helen's life will be held in Cornwall Manor, corner of Knights Road and Cornwall Street, Lower Hutt on Monday, January 4 at 11.00am. The funeral directors are Gee & Hickton.

blackrobin58 on "RIP Helen"

blackrobin58 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 05:08:22 +0000

Friendly, professional and helpful worker, will be missed so much. Condolences to her family colleagues and friends.

Debbie on "RIP Helen"

Debbie — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:32:59 +0000

This is a shock, condolences to Helens family and all at Forest and Bird. Debbie Allison

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:45:50 +0000

Message from Lucy Paul, Senior Private Secretary Office of Hon Dr Nick Smith I just heard the tragic news about Helen. On behalf of myself and the rest of the staff in the Minister's office, I wanted to pass on our condolences and thoughts at this difficult time. Best wishes, Lucy

Mike Britton on "RIP Helen"

Mike Britton — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:43:46 +0000

Message from Jan and Peter Riddick Peter and I were very upset to hear, this morning, of Helen's untimely death. It is a very sad time for all of you who have worked so closely with her in Wellinton and a great loss to the wider Society. Jan