Prior to the new Auckland City Council coming into power, we were very proud to be part of the renaming of the Lost City Reserve to Radonich Park. The park was named after a park ranger that served Manukau City Council for over 20 years - Richard Radonich. It was interesting to hear the history of this modest man and the parks that he designed and developed over the years. It was more humbling to meet the man and his family in person (which our children from Puna Ole Atamai ordained them with lei's) who served with passion in creating public spaces that catered to New Zealand's love for the outdoors. The story by his daughter summed up the legacy this man has left for our community. She reflected about her Dad and in summary she said she would often go out on the truck with Dad, to help him clean up and look after the parks...my Dad was a hardworking man and he loved what he did. As new custodians of the park, our role is to ensure that the legacy of Richard Radonich and his family continues as we uphold the mantle of keeping our park clean for our future generations to enjoy.
