LYN HUMPHREYS lyn.humphreys@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Daily News Wednesday, 25 April 2007
A world first project is under way to record first-hand the experiences of New Zealand's Vietnam War veterans, says the chief historian for the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
The veterans - and their immediate families - will be able to key in their own memories, images, videos and diaries through the nzhistory.net.nz website.
"It's a very exciting project where the community can get involved," Bronwyn Dalley said in New Plymouth yesterday.
Ms Dalley spoke about the project at Puke Ariki yesterday during Anzac Day commemorjations.
Ms Dalley said the national project was a world-first website for war veterans and was modelled on the BBC's People's War website.
The BBC website, which ran for three years, encouraged WWII people to record their memories.
"It's the power of the individual experience rather than the big events which are so hard to identify with," Ms Dalley said.
The project was announced by the Government in December as part of a package for Vietnam Vets.
A project co-ordinator was about to be named, Ms Dalley said.
As with the World War II vets, the Vietnam vets will also have their own oral war history recorded. Ms Dalley said the WWII veterans' oral history programme had just been completed.
The call is now out to people across the country to assist in recording the oral histories, she said.
"We run workshops and provide some suggested questions and give people help.
"We do a big chunk ourselves but there are many more war veterans than we could ever get to."
About 3500 Kiwi men and women served in the Korean War and the same in Vietnam.
Ms Dalley also put out an urgent call to the Taranaki community to share all images of war memorials and rolls of honour.
Some are at risk of falling into disrepair, while others placed in community halls, schools and churches may not even be registered.
"There are a large number we don't have images for," Ms Dalley said.
"It happens in some schools - quite small things that are built into buildings. They are not necessarily big structures."
The interactive history of the memorials has just gone live and can be viewed on the nzhistory.net.nz website.
Locals, especially teachers of war history, are encouraged to click on to Taranaki and see the large numbers of war memorials in this region.
"It's a strong way that people can make their own connection. They can see their own lives reflected in the past."
Historic Places Trust should be contacted by anyone concerned at the possible loss of memorials at closed schools, or community halls, she said.
STUNNING panoramas of Gallipoli, including memorials and reconstructed trenches can be seen at anzac.govt.nz, Ms Dalley said.
Wednesday, April 25
Tuesday, April 24
The Great Beer Delivery
Question time with James. Remember Tim?He’s the guy in the UK who sparked all this off. Well his mate James was the first to stick his hand up for the mission. He and Tim go way back and there was no way that James was going to leave a mate in distress on the other side of the world. Being a Project Manager type, James has been working with us here at Speight’s to suss out some of the details of the journey. Are you REALLY taking a pub all the way to London?Yep. Seriously?Yep. How do you plan to do that?We’re going to chuck it on the back of a boat, and head up to London via Samoa, Panama, the Bahamas, New York and then across the Atlantic. How long will it take?We've done some calculations and figure that it’s going to take quite a while to get the pub to London. About 10 weeks, give or take. When are you leaving?Hopefully late July, cunningly timed so we’ll get there during the World Cup. You beauty. Sounds good. Do you need a hand?Hell yeah. I’m going to need 3 good keen crew to help me get the job done. What’s my end of the bargain?Mostly you’ll need to concentrate on being a good bastard, and making sure the beer gets to London – we can’t let the team down.Other than that, the guys at Speight’s want you to tell them each day about the adventures you’re having. They’ll put all that stuff on the website so that our mates at home and in the UK can follow the journey (and keep a close eye on the precious Speight’s we’re delivering). Maybe we’ll get some coverage on telly too. What happens at the end of the trip?Don’t worry, the team at Speight’s won’t leave us stranded in the UK – unless of course you want them to. They’ll fly you back to godzone, or give you some cash to kick-start your OE. And of course how does the idea of some free Speight’s sound? How do I apply?If this mad enterprise sounds like a bit of you, fill out the registration form and the team from Speight’s will be in touch. Want to know anything more? Drop James a line.
Or click here to see some more messages left for James.
Or click here to see some more messages left for James.
One school's trouble is good news for another
RICHARD WOODDrichard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Daily News Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Patea School principal Te Aroha Mackintosh wept yesterday as she welcomed 14 students from Waverley High School, which closed last Friday.
Added to earlier transfers from the struggling Waverley institution, Patea Area School's roll has grown by 33 to 158. Two teachers have also transferred to Patea.
"It's a sad day for Waverley, but how lucky we are that these families chose Patea Area School?" Mrs Mackintosh told the first assembly of the new term.
"It wasn't so long ago that we lost a primary school in Patea, but from that we formed the present area school."
Education Minister Trevor Mallard in July 2004 announced he was closing both the Patea schools. The high school roll then was 88, the primary 40.
The public backlash resulted in approval for a merger to create an area school, which opened in February 2005 with a roll of 130 and a ministerial challenge to raise it to 170 in 12 months.
Mrs Mackintosh said that although the area's population was not growing, the school could remain viable with a roll of about 150.
The students were led onto the area school campus by Waverley kuia Mere Pirikahu.
Mrs Mackintosh, who was herself educated at Waverley High and has been a strong advocate for keeping it open, said it was the responsibility of the board, staff and students to make the new arrivals feel safe, happy and wanted at Patea.
Other speakers said there was no place for bullying, racism or neighbouring town rivalries at Patea.
"We are committed to quality education and positive outcomes for all our children and we would welcome a Waverley representative on the board," Patea school board chairwoman Olivia Northcott said
Patea School principal Te Aroha Mackintosh wept yesterday as she welcomed 14 students from Waverley High School, which closed last Friday.
Added to earlier transfers from the struggling Waverley institution, Patea Area School's roll has grown by 33 to 158. Two teachers have also transferred to Patea.
"It's a sad day for Waverley, but how lucky we are that these families chose Patea Area School?" Mrs Mackintosh told the first assembly of the new term.
"It wasn't so long ago that we lost a primary school in Patea, but from that we formed the present area school."
Education Minister Trevor Mallard in July 2004 announced he was closing both the Patea schools. The high school roll then was 88, the primary 40.
The public backlash resulted in approval for a merger to create an area school, which opened in February 2005 with a roll of 130 and a ministerial challenge to raise it to 170 in 12 months.
Mrs Mackintosh said that although the area's population was not growing, the school could remain viable with a roll of about 150.
The students were led onto the area school campus by Waverley kuia Mere Pirikahu.
Mrs Mackintosh, who was herself educated at Waverley High and has been a strong advocate for keeping it open, said it was the responsibility of the board, staff and students to make the new arrivals feel safe, happy and wanted at Patea.
Other speakers said there was no place for bullying, racism or neighbouring town rivalries at Patea.
"We are committed to quality education and positive outcomes for all our children and we would welcome a Waverley representative on the board," Patea school board chairwoman Olivia Northcott said
Thursday, April 12
Archive films for Taranaki viewing
RARE film footage featuring Taranaki history will be screened at marae around the region next week.
The films are being brought here by the New Zealand Film Archive and as part of a national project to return treasured images to regions.
Some of the footage includes images of Sir Maui Pomare, Sir Peter Buck, Sir Paul Reeves and other Taranaki kaumatua.
There is also footage from 1939 of visiting German warship Kommadore Johnson, which visited New Plymouth and Waitara just before World War II, and a 1912 parade at Pukekura Park.
Most of the films have never been screened in Taranaki before.
The 7pm screenings are at Taiporohenui Marae in Hawera on April 16, Parihaka on April 18 and Owae Marae, Waitara on April 19.
The public are welcome to attend, admission is free.
Te Hokinga Mai o Nga Tonga Whitiahua (the returning of treasured images) was launched in 1996 to reacquaint Maori with their taonga.
The films are being brought here by the New Zealand Film Archive and as part of a national project to return treasured images to regions.
Some of the footage includes images of Sir Maui Pomare, Sir Peter Buck, Sir Paul Reeves and other Taranaki kaumatua.
There is also footage from 1939 of visiting German warship Kommadore Johnson, which visited New Plymouth and Waitara just before World War II, and a 1912 parade at Pukekura Park.
Most of the films have never been screened in Taranaki before.
The 7pm screenings are at Taiporohenui Marae in Hawera on April 16, Parihaka on April 18 and Owae Marae, Waitara on April 19.
The public are welcome to attend, admission is free.
Te Hokinga Mai o Nga Tonga Whitiahua (the returning of treasured images) was launched in 1996 to reacquaint Maori with their taonga.
Bug lovers flock to New Plymouth
BUGS, fibre and photographs have people flocking to New Plymouth from all over the country.
The Entomological Society of New Zealand's conference, the Creative Fibre Festival and the 2007 Convention of the Photographic Society of New Zealand are being held over the next few days.
About 50 scientists will be at the TSB Showplace for three days discussing research on bugs.
Former New Plymouth student Eve Butler (21) took centre stage yesterday with her project on population genetics and taxonomy on a type of beetle found in the Auckland Islands .
The former Sacred Heart Girls' College student is currently studying for a masters in ecology and biodiversity at Victoria University in Wellington and has found the conference inspiring.
The Creative Fibre Festival, based at Yarrow Stadium from Friday to Sunday, includes a national fashion parade, national exhibition and fashion garments display, lectures and workshops.
There will be more than 100 garments and numerous other exhibition pieces on display mainly from New Zealand, but also Australia and the United States. Fibre Craft includes spinners, crocheters, flax workers, felters, dyers, weavers and knitters.
New Plymouth is also hosting the 2007 Convention of the Photographic Society of New Zealand which started yesterday and finishes on Sunday.
It features Tania Niwa from Waitara, who is now an international award-winning photographer based in Sydney.
YVETTE BATTENyvette.batten@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Thursday, 12 April 2007
The Entomological Society of New Zealand's conference, the Creative Fibre Festival and the 2007 Convention of the Photographic Society of New Zealand are being held over the next few days.
About 50 scientists will be at the TSB Showplace for three days discussing research on bugs.
Former New Plymouth student Eve Butler (21) took centre stage yesterday with her project on population genetics and taxonomy on a type of beetle found in the Auckland Islands .
The former Sacred Heart Girls' College student is currently studying for a masters in ecology and biodiversity at Victoria University in Wellington and has found the conference inspiring.
The Creative Fibre Festival, based at Yarrow Stadium from Friday to Sunday, includes a national fashion parade, national exhibition and fashion garments display, lectures and workshops.
There will be more than 100 garments and numerous other exhibition pieces on display mainly from New Zealand, but also Australia and the United States. Fibre Craft includes spinners, crocheters, flax workers, felters, dyers, weavers and knitters.
New Plymouth is also hosting the 2007 Convention of the Photographic Society of New Zealand which started yesterday and finishes on Sunday.
It features Tania Niwa from Waitara, who is now an international award-winning photographer based in Sydney.
YVETTE BATTENyvette.batten@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Thursday, 12 April 2007
Whangamomona: Hollywood of the south
The tiny East Taranaki settlement is the location for the region's latest film venture, a locally-produced comedy called Waiting for the Big Fat One.
And while the film might not have a multi-million-dollar budget, it's got plenty of local ingenuity.
Created by New Plymouth man Tony Williams, the 90-minute feature film - described as a cross between Whale Rider and Blazing Saddles - stars a presidential goat, a Grey Power gangster on a mobility scooter, the worst teacher in the world, a prince, the noble knight Sir Useless and the Big Fat One.
Filming starts in Whangawood next weekend.
While he didn't want to give too much away, Williams revealed the film is a story about a small country school facing closure and the fight by locals to keep it open.
As well as writing the script and working as producer and director, Williams plays the idiot relief teacher in the movie.
"It's going to be great fun, a lot of laughs," Williams says.
Williams has written a number of books, including 101 Ingenious Kiwis and Hard Case Kiwis, and currently works performing comedy in schools as part of the Alan Duff charity Books in Homes.
It is his time spent in schools that inspired the film script.
"I've done 226 comedy shows in schools and many of those were in small country schools facing threat and that got me thinking."
Waiting for the Big Fat One has a cast of 80 and includes 40 children who are performing in the play Rhubarb. While Rhubarb is being filmed to become part of the story in the movie, the play is also a stand-alone production being performed at Devon Intermediate School tomorrow and Saturday.
"When I go to the schools kids come up to me and tell me I'm funny, or crazy.
"It's great to hear the sound of children laughing."
The movie is being filmed by New Plymouth cameraman and photographer Mark Bellringer and it is hoped to be released in cinemas before the end of the year.
Williams says after the theatre release, the plan is to get it on DVD, New Zealand television and overseas cinemas.
"This is a story that will work. From my work in schools I know people will enjoy this."
Filming is expected to take 10 days.
And while the film might not have a multi-million-dollar budget, it's got plenty of local ingenuity.
Created by New Plymouth man Tony Williams, the 90-minute feature film - described as a cross between Whale Rider and Blazing Saddles - stars a presidential goat, a Grey Power gangster on a mobility scooter, the worst teacher in the world, a prince, the noble knight Sir Useless and the Big Fat One.
Filming starts in Whangawood next weekend.
While he didn't want to give too much away, Williams revealed the film is a story about a small country school facing closure and the fight by locals to keep it open.
As well as writing the script and working as producer and director, Williams plays the idiot relief teacher in the movie.
"It's going to be great fun, a lot of laughs," Williams says.
Williams has written a number of books, including 101 Ingenious Kiwis and Hard Case Kiwis, and currently works performing comedy in schools as part of the Alan Duff charity Books in Homes.
It is his time spent in schools that inspired the film script.
"I've done 226 comedy shows in schools and many of those were in small country schools facing threat and that got me thinking."
Waiting for the Big Fat One has a cast of 80 and includes 40 children who are performing in the play Rhubarb. While Rhubarb is being filmed to become part of the story in the movie, the play is also a stand-alone production being performed at Devon Intermediate School tomorrow and Saturday.
"When I go to the schools kids come up to me and tell me I'm funny, or crazy.
"It's great to hear the sound of children laughing."
The movie is being filmed by New Plymouth cameraman and photographer Mark Bellringer and it is hoped to be released in cinemas before the end of the year.
Williams says after the theatre release, the plan is to get it on DVD, New Zealand television and overseas cinemas.
"This is a story that will work. From my work in schools I know people will enjoy this."
Filming is expected to take 10 days.
Monday, April 9
Service may be church's farewell
About 200 people attended an Easter Mass at St Paul's Catholic Church, New Plymouth, yesterday at a service with special significance for many parishioners.
The service could be the last for the Barrett Rd church, which was opened on February 6, 1966, and is now for sale.
New Plymouth Labour MP Harry Duynhoven has had a long relationship with the church.
His family were regulars at the church, Mr Duynhoven was an altar boy on the church's opening day, he was married at the church and all of his children were baptised at the church.
"Lots of families sat in the same seats each week, there were no signs any- where, it was just known where people sat."
Marie Day, who has attended the church for more than 30 years, said it had a terrific family feeling. "I've seen a lot of children grow up over the years in the church. I've always felt comfortable here, it has a lovely atmosphere and a lovely community spirit about it," Mrs Day said.
Around the region, Easter lived up to its reputation of being the busiest time on the Christian calendar.
St Joseph's Church, New Plymouth, had about 550 attend 9am Mass and another 300 at 10.30am. Father Tom Lawn said a further 300 people went to a vigil on Saturday night.
The Reverend Canon Trevor James, of St Mary's Anglican Church, Hawera, said about 100 people attended the Sunday service.
At St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Stratford, The Reverend John Mattock said he was pleased with Sunday's attendance.
LEIGHTON KEITHleighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 9 April 2007
The service could be the last for the Barrett Rd church, which was opened on February 6, 1966, and is now for sale.
New Plymouth Labour MP Harry Duynhoven has had a long relationship with the church.
His family were regulars at the church, Mr Duynhoven was an altar boy on the church's opening day, he was married at the church and all of his children were baptised at the church.
"Lots of families sat in the same seats each week, there were no signs any- where, it was just known where people sat."
Marie Day, who has attended the church for more than 30 years, said it had a terrific family feeling. "I've seen a lot of children grow up over the years in the church. I've always felt comfortable here, it has a lovely atmosphere and a lovely community spirit about it," Mrs Day said.
Around the region, Easter lived up to its reputation of being the busiest time on the Christian calendar.
St Joseph's Church, New Plymouth, had about 550 attend 9am Mass and another 300 at 10.30am. Father Tom Lawn said a further 300 people went to a vigil on Saturday night.
The Reverend Canon Trevor James, of St Mary's Anglican Church, Hawera, said about 100 people attended the Sunday service.
At St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Stratford, The Reverend John Mattock said he was pleased with Sunday's attendance.
LEIGHTON KEITHleighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 9 April 2007
Small town, big future
A changing of the old guard has given Patea a life-saving breath of fresh air.
Young business people, investors and the retired all have different reasons for moving to Patea, but the common ground is, they believe the town has a future.
Within the last year, two of Patea's hotels have been sold, the garage and two dairies are under new ownership and the main street is starting to look like a royal visit is on the cards.
The most obvious sign that something is afoot is with the 103-year-old Albion Hotel. It has been fully enveloped in scaffolding for the last month and is set for a $60,000 spruce-up.
The West End Dairy is now theHwy 3 Food Bar and the Empire Store is set to undergo changes not seen for 30 years.
The century-old Majestic Hotel, (the bottom pub) has been bought by a former freezing worker, who decided buying a pub was better than buying a lolly shop.
And the garage, which is now in the hands of a young couple, has been renovated and rebranded BP To Go.
So what has drawn these collective movers and shakers to a town, which is mostly perceived as going nowhere fast?
A Wanganui company, Bilderbeck Enterprises, is the most recent to buy, with its purchase of the Empire Store.
After 30 years in the same hands, the store is about to get a new life and be renamed the Patea Four Square.
Bilderbeck Enterprises partner Carol Bilderbeck said the opportunity to keep a hand in convenience store retail was too good to refuse when the chance came up.
"We've operated a Four Square in Wanganui for 14 years, but we felt Patea had moved on from the past and we wanted an opportunity to try new things," she said.
Among the Bilderbecks' plans, is a liquor licence and new bakery at the rear of the premises.
An Auckland investor with a penchant for old buildings is the mover behind the Albion Hotel's facelift.
Randolph Baxter says he bought the Albion in February last year because he likes old buildings and thought it would look good painted up and with a new roof.
Mr Baxter says he also thought others may follow suit and change the look of Patea's CBD.
Leaseholders Anita Sturmey and Brendan Luke plan to celebrate once the hotel has its new clothes.
"There was no marking of the Albion's centenary in 2003, but with its resurrection we thought we would have a belated celebration," Miss Sturmey said.
The Albion was originally built in 1870 but burnt down and rebuilt in 1903.
Across the road, the 87-year-old C. F. Pulley building has been bought by former Aucklander Jim Baird; he intends turning it into a car museum.
Mr Baird has painted the building's facade and redecorated two shops, which are available for lease.
"When I saw this building, I fell in love with it, so I bought it and moved here," he says.
Young people wanting to be their own boss also feel Patea may have turned the corner.
Jay Knight and his fiancee, Michelle Bishop, have a 10-year lease on the only garage in town.
Jay says it is the perfect opportunity for him as he has worked for other people in petrol retailing in Taranaki for four years.
"I wanted to be my own boss. We've rebranded the service station as BP to Go and renovated the interior," says Jay.
The West End Dairy is another business taken over by the younger generation.
Former farmer Craig Brunton and partner Sherree Stanaway have renamed the dairy as the Hwy 3 Food Bar.
"There's a huge amount of passing traffic and it's really good meeting new people all the time," Craig says.
"We're used to long hours on the farm, so 5.30am starts and 9pm finishes aren't a worry."
Patea's other hotel, the Masonic, (the bottom pub to locals) has also undergone change.
After 20 years as a meat worker, Waitotara's Peter Read was not ready for retirement. "I could have bought a lolly shop but I decided to be a publican," he says with a laugh.
"I bought the Masonic after looking at about eight different pubs.
"It's 100 years old and solid. All it needs is a few rotten boards replaced and some new spouting."
Other changes to the hotel include the opening of a TAB, a new lounge bar and the introduction of Asian food to the menu.
More people appear to be stopping in the town as well.
The South Taranaki District Museum's visitor figures have increased 41 per cent in the last year.
Out-of-towners have also been snapping up residential properties.
Anne Robertson, of Hawera's PGG Wrightson, says property sales have been phenomenal since January.
"We are now struggling to get listings, as most of the houses we had on our books have been sold," she said.
CRAIG JEFFREYcraig.jeffrey@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 9 April 2007
Young business people, investors and the retired all have different reasons for moving to Patea, but the common ground is, they believe the town has a future.
Within the last year, two of Patea's hotels have been sold, the garage and two dairies are under new ownership and the main street is starting to look like a royal visit is on the cards.
The most obvious sign that something is afoot is with the 103-year-old Albion Hotel. It has been fully enveloped in scaffolding for the last month and is set for a $60,000 spruce-up.
The West End Dairy is now theHwy 3 Food Bar and the Empire Store is set to undergo changes not seen for 30 years.
The century-old Majestic Hotel, (the bottom pub) has been bought by a former freezing worker, who decided buying a pub was better than buying a lolly shop.
And the garage, which is now in the hands of a young couple, has been renovated and rebranded BP To Go.
So what has drawn these collective movers and shakers to a town, which is mostly perceived as going nowhere fast?
A Wanganui company, Bilderbeck Enterprises, is the most recent to buy, with its purchase of the Empire Store.
After 30 years in the same hands, the store is about to get a new life and be renamed the Patea Four Square.
Bilderbeck Enterprises partner Carol Bilderbeck said the opportunity to keep a hand in convenience store retail was too good to refuse when the chance came up.
"We've operated a Four Square in Wanganui for 14 years, but we felt Patea had moved on from the past and we wanted an opportunity to try new things," she said.
Among the Bilderbecks' plans, is a liquor licence and new bakery at the rear of the premises.
An Auckland investor with a penchant for old buildings is the mover behind the Albion Hotel's facelift.
Randolph Baxter says he bought the Albion in February last year because he likes old buildings and thought it would look good painted up and with a new roof.
Mr Baxter says he also thought others may follow suit and change the look of Patea's CBD.
Leaseholders Anita Sturmey and Brendan Luke plan to celebrate once the hotel has its new clothes.
"There was no marking of the Albion's centenary in 2003, but with its resurrection we thought we would have a belated celebration," Miss Sturmey said.
The Albion was originally built in 1870 but burnt down and rebuilt in 1903.
Across the road, the 87-year-old C. F. Pulley building has been bought by former Aucklander Jim Baird; he intends turning it into a car museum.
Mr Baird has painted the building's facade and redecorated two shops, which are available for lease.
"When I saw this building, I fell in love with it, so I bought it and moved here," he says.
Young people wanting to be their own boss also feel Patea may have turned the corner.
Jay Knight and his fiancee, Michelle Bishop, have a 10-year lease on the only garage in town.
Jay says it is the perfect opportunity for him as he has worked for other people in petrol retailing in Taranaki for four years.
"I wanted to be my own boss. We've rebranded the service station as BP to Go and renovated the interior," says Jay.
The West End Dairy is another business taken over by the younger generation.
Former farmer Craig Brunton and partner Sherree Stanaway have renamed the dairy as the Hwy 3 Food Bar.
"There's a huge amount of passing traffic and it's really good meeting new people all the time," Craig says.
"We're used to long hours on the farm, so 5.30am starts and 9pm finishes aren't a worry."
Patea's other hotel, the Masonic, (the bottom pub to locals) has also undergone change.
After 20 years as a meat worker, Waitotara's Peter Read was not ready for retirement. "I could have bought a lolly shop but I decided to be a publican," he says with a laugh.
"I bought the Masonic after looking at about eight different pubs.
"It's 100 years old and solid. All it needs is a few rotten boards replaced and some new spouting."
Other changes to the hotel include the opening of a TAB, a new lounge bar and the introduction of Asian food to the menu.
More people appear to be stopping in the town as well.
The South Taranaki District Museum's visitor figures have increased 41 per cent in the last year.
Out-of-towners have also been snapping up residential properties.
Anne Robertson, of Hawera's PGG Wrightson, says property sales have been phenomenal since January.
"We are now struggling to get listings, as most of the houses we had on our books have been sold," she said.
CRAIG JEFFREYcraig.jeffrey@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 9 April 2007
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