Stepping down from her role as chairperson of the board of Alexandra’s Community House (ACH) does not mean slowing down for Central Otago REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) manager and cyclist Bernie Lepper.

Last week she was the recipient of a special thank you presentation at the ACH annual general meeting after making a significant contribution throughout three terms in the position.

Bernie said she’s enjoyed being part of ACH from when the build was initiated in 2007, and during her time as chairperson from 2013. She is stepping down as the rules of the board only permit three terms. 

When asked how the building came about she said a number of organisations needed bigger facilities and there was a real need. 

 “It was an old church manse… there were social agencies in there, but the building was crumbling down.”

Bernie met with the Alexandra Clyde Lauder Union Parish who owned the land and helped to get permission from the church synod for ACH. 

“They agreed to lease the land at a peppercorn rate to us.

“I really believed in the project. We had to get funding applications in… it was the first of its kind with social service agencies all being together.”

Alexandra Community House on Centennial Ave is the hub for social support agencies such as Central Otago REAP, Central budgeting services, Age Concern and Central Lakes family services and more. PHOTO: The Central App

Bernie said the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and NZ Lotteries Commission all provided funding to support the project. 

She said what was happening inside the building was something special and that is why she stuck around for so long.

“The synergies between the organisations were so powerful and effective for our learners and clients.”

Bernie said an example was a person who came in for literacy help, who broke down in tears, and ended up connecting with a social worker and a family harm organisation right there and then.

“They left [ACH] with a safety plan in place… That used to take days and lots of phone calls and messages. We helped immediately.

“Connections [such as this] kept me motivated,” Bernie said.

Her focus is now on her full-time role at REAP and getting back on her bike after a hip operation.

“Three weeks before I got my hip done, I biked the length of the South Island. I can’t wait to get back on my bike.”

 Bernie, who grew up in Central in a stone fruit growing family, worked as a geography and social studies teacher at high schools in Alexandra and Cromwell prior to joining Central Otago REAP. 

She said she wants to be a role model for women and mums to stay fit whatever their age.

She competed as a multisport athlete in the Coast to Coast and other events. 

She and her husband (former mayor Tony Lepper) have done bikepacking overseas including in Tasmania, Cambodia and the United Kingdom.

The Central App asked her if she’s got an e-bike and she said no, she’s the traditional type using her own pedal power to get to where she is going.