Shane & Grace Lehmstedt QUALITY BUILDERS

“What is so exciting is that the partnerships we’ve formed with Rangit°ne, the district councils, the Board, the sta˜ , Quality Builders, and the community, have made it all possible.”

Buying 200-acres in rural Carterton in 2013 and moving onto the land with partner Emily Court ÿ ve or so years ago, has cemented Lester’s love for Wairarapa and for the natural environment. “It’s all about making a di˜ erence,” he says.

“The impacts of climate change make it real. We need to turn that around.”

The environmental education centre is a low carbon building, with materials being sourced locally if possible. “We’ve also taken a long-term view,” Lester says.

“The most sustainable materials have been incorporated into the build – this means it hasn’t been cheap, but it’s value for money and long-lasting.”