Craig Cook has big plans for fish 'n chips in Taranaki.
Snappers, a Taranaki-developed franchise, currently has two New Plymouth outlets, but aims to boast the highest number of takeaway shops in the province.
"We're interested in Stratford and Hawera, but I reckon Oakura, Opunake and Inglewood also have potential," owner Mr Cook says. Ten Snappers outlets in Taranaki is the target, with each employing 12 staff. Then Mr Cook will look to expand outside Taranaki. First, he plans on selling management of the Fitzroy Snappers so he can concentrate on the brand's expansion. He hopes to do this within the next month.
"Over the past 18 months we've built the business up and got good numbers so it's right to take it further," he says. "I think we've got a good brand and reputation."
As for specific locations, he has a few places in mind.
"I've had a bit of a nosey and heard of a few possibilities," he says.
The two Snappers in New Plymouth currently employ 20 staff, two of whom are fulltime.
Before taking over Snappers, Mr Cook worked with the Eagle Boys pizza chain as part of a 20-year career in the takeaway industry.
Fish and chips are more difficult to profit from, he says.
"Your costs are much tighter and margins smaller," he says. "In pizza, your food costs are about 25%, but in fish and chips it is more like 45-50%.
"Fish is expensive and you should be expecting to pay $3-4 a piece, but people just don't wear that."
There are 17 fish and chips outlets in New Plymouth alone, but Mr Cook describes the industry as run down.
"Many of the shops are dark and grotty so we want to help bring fish and chips into the 21st century
SHARON MARRIS - Taranaki Monday, 21 May 2007
Thursday, May 24
Outdoor chess game stimulates students
KRYSTI WETTONkrysti.wetton@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Thursday, 24 May 2007
BOYS at Merrilands School have taken to a new outdoor chessboard like knights to a battle.
They work out strategies to outsmart their opponents and have support close by.
Students, particularly boys, love the new playground feature.
They use the 2.4m square paved chessboard, flanked by seats for spectators, before school and at lunchtimes.
Principal Graham Wilson built an outdoor chessboard at Eltham Primary School when he was there.
He saw the benefits and decided Merrilands should have one too.
"The caretaker and I built it over the last week of the holidays."
He says a few girls have shown interest in the game, but it's mainly the boys who take up the challenge.
"It was the same at Eltham."
He says chess is an excellent teaching tool because it stimulates children's minds while they have fun.
"We believe chess helps kids become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers and they are more independent decision-makers."
They also learn how to win and lose gracefully, he says.
Mr Wilson is a keen chess player and plans to set up a club for the students.
He says other Taranaki schools are thinking about adding an outdoor chess area to their grounds.
Jaz Simpson (10) didn't know how to play chess so he got a book out of the library and learned the rules.
Now he claims to know more than the principal. He says he knows how many points one of the pieces are worth when Mr Wilson did not.
"I made him do lines," Jaz says.
BOYS at Merrilands School have taken to a new outdoor chessboard like knights to a battle.
They work out strategies to outsmart their opponents and have support close by.
Students, particularly boys, love the new playground feature.
They use the 2.4m square paved chessboard, flanked by seats for spectators, before school and at lunchtimes.
Principal Graham Wilson built an outdoor chessboard at Eltham Primary School when he was there.
He saw the benefits and decided Merrilands should have one too.
"The caretaker and I built it over the last week of the holidays."
He says a few girls have shown interest in the game, but it's mainly the boys who take up the challenge.
"It was the same at Eltham."
He says chess is an excellent teaching tool because it stimulates children's minds while they have fun.
"We believe chess helps kids become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers and they are more independent decision-makers."
They also learn how to win and lose gracefully, he says.
Mr Wilson is a keen chess player and plans to set up a club for the students.
He says other Taranaki schools are thinking about adding an outdoor chess area to their grounds.
Jaz Simpson (10) didn't know how to play chess so he got a book out of the library and learned the rules.
Now he claims to know more than the principal. He says he knows how many points one of the pieces are worth when Mr Wilson did not.
"I made him do lines," Jaz says.
Pivac to run for mayoralty
RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Thursday, 24 May 2007
TWO people have now stepped forward as contenders for the South Taranaki mayoralty, to be vacated by Mary Bourke in October.
Pihama co-op champion and environmentalist Steve Pivac confirmed yesterday he would be a starter.
Radio journalist Brian Vickery announced his intention to stand two weeks ago.
Miss Bourke says she has "given both Steve and Brian no holds barred accounts of what the mayoralty entails". She said it would be unfair to endorse any candidate at this stage, but she added this comment about Mr Pivac: "In my dealings with Steve over many years on a number of community-related projects, he has shown himself to have the ability to draw disparate groups together, earn the trust and respect of those he deals with, and write challenging and thought-provoking speeches and submissions."
Mr Pivac said he was also encouraged by National MP Shane Ardern, who told him: `You've been making a nuisance of yourself for sometime now in council affairs - why not get in boots and all?'
Mr Pivac describes himself as a contract fencer and farm forestry manager. He is chairman of Opunake High School, chairman of the Cold Creek Water Scheme and has recently helped start a wireless broadband Internet service in his area.
He does not see living 30 minutes from Hawera as a disadvantage to being a fulltime district mayor, nor his lack of experience in local government.
A number of other people rumoured to be interested, were contacted by the Taranaki Daily News yesterday and none said yes to the mayoralty.
The responses were: Andy Beccard, current councillor: "No, I'm still developing my new business, I don't have the time. But I want to stay on council, which I think is humming along very nicely."
Mike Powell, current councillor: "I'm still undecided but it's unlikely."
Harry Bayliss, farmer and Fonterra director: "No, it doesn't light me up at this stage."
Paul Rangiwahia, insurance and investment adviser, son of deputy mayor Jack Rangiwahia: "I was considering it, but after having had a serious talk with the family, it's a no. However, either myself or my brother Simon will be standing for council."
Businesswoman Paula Barton: "No to the mayoralty, yes to a council nomination."
Jack Goodwin, unsuccessful contender in 1999: "I haven't finally decided."
TWO people have now stepped forward as contenders for the South Taranaki mayoralty, to be vacated by Mary Bourke in October.
Pihama co-op champion and environmentalist Steve Pivac confirmed yesterday he would be a starter.
Radio journalist Brian Vickery announced his intention to stand two weeks ago.
Miss Bourke says she has "given both Steve and Brian no holds barred accounts of what the mayoralty entails". She said it would be unfair to endorse any candidate at this stage, but she added this comment about Mr Pivac: "In my dealings with Steve over many years on a number of community-related projects, he has shown himself to have the ability to draw disparate groups together, earn the trust and respect of those he deals with, and write challenging and thought-provoking speeches and submissions."
Mr Pivac said he was also encouraged by National MP Shane Ardern, who told him: `You've been making a nuisance of yourself for sometime now in council affairs - why not get in boots and all?'
Mr Pivac describes himself as a contract fencer and farm forestry manager. He is chairman of Opunake High School, chairman of the Cold Creek Water Scheme and has recently helped start a wireless broadband Internet service in his area.
He does not see living 30 minutes from Hawera as a disadvantage to being a fulltime district mayor, nor his lack of experience in local government.
A number of other people rumoured to be interested, were contacted by the Taranaki Daily News yesterday and none said yes to the mayoralty.
The responses were: Andy Beccard, current councillor: "No, I'm still developing my new business, I don't have the time. But I want to stay on council, which I think is humming along very nicely."
Mike Powell, current councillor: "I'm still undecided but it's unlikely."
Harry Bayliss, farmer and Fonterra director: "No, it doesn't light me up at this stage."
Paul Rangiwahia, insurance and investment adviser, son of deputy mayor Jack Rangiwahia: "I was considering it, but after having had a serious talk with the family, it's a no. However, either myself or my brother Simon will be standing for council."
Businesswoman Paula Barton: "No to the mayoralty, yes to a council nomination."
Jack Goodwin, unsuccessful contender in 1999: "I haven't finally decided."
Wednesday, May 23
Waverley has plans for school
RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 23 May 2007
THERE may still be life in the Waverley High School.
The town's primary school wants to expand its student base and shift to the high school.
Intermediate pupils (year seven and eight) were part of the old high school but have had to bus daily to either Wanganui or Patea since the high school gates were locked at the end of last term. The primary school wants them back in a bid to boost its roll of 130.
Board of trustees chairman Damien Roper says these are among several options suggested by the Ministry of Education.
"The closure of the high school has left deep wounds in the community and we will be carrying out a full consultation exercise about where we go from here," he said.
"We have to consider what is best for the school and the community. It's very early days yet. We have only just had a meeting with the ministry about the options.
"If we can retain students for a few more years in Waverley that will help keep families together and it may help to attract teaching staff."
He said the timeline was very tight - whatever was decided would have to be capable of implementation by the first term of 2008.
Meanwhile, a community committee has decided to have a bronze plaque made as a memorial to the 53 years the high school operated.
Spokesperson Jo Byam says it will be hung at the town's new library when it opens about the end of June and a closure service will be held in the Baptist Church. The Ministry of Education will meet all costs.
THERE may still be life in the Waverley High School.
The town's primary school wants to expand its student base and shift to the high school.
Intermediate pupils (year seven and eight) were part of the old high school but have had to bus daily to either Wanganui or Patea since the high school gates were locked at the end of last term. The primary school wants them back in a bid to boost its roll of 130.
Board of trustees chairman Damien Roper says these are among several options suggested by the Ministry of Education.
"The closure of the high school has left deep wounds in the community and we will be carrying out a full consultation exercise about where we go from here," he said.
"We have to consider what is best for the school and the community. It's very early days yet. We have only just had a meeting with the ministry about the options.
"If we can retain students for a few more years in Waverley that will help keep families together and it may help to attract teaching staff."
He said the timeline was very tight - whatever was decided would have to be capable of implementation by the first term of 2008.
Meanwhile, a community committee has decided to have a bronze plaque made as a memorial to the 53 years the high school operated.
Spokesperson Jo Byam says it will be hung at the town's new library when it opens about the end of June and a closure service will be held in the Baptist Church. The Ministry of Education will meet all costs.
Flash floods hit Taranaki
In New Plymouth, 36mm had fallen this morning, with higher readings around the district, including 68mm on Mt Taranaki and 100mm at Dawson Falls.
In New Plymouth, fire crews responded to around half a dozen call outs, after a heavy downpour around 11am.
New Plymouth fire senior station officer Ian Drewery said many houses suffered flooding after leaf-clogged drains overflowed.
Several rivers and streams threatened to break their banks, and in Hall Terrace, in Oakura, a BMW was washed into the Oakura River and out to sea.
Other than the loss of the car, Mr Drewery said he was not aware of much major damage. A ceiling had collapsed at one downtown building, but fire crews had not been called to assist.
"Our residents are pretty resilient.
"This was just a flash weather event which was over in less than an hour," he said.
The MetService said the rain band would have moved over the east coast and away from New Zealand by this evening.
In New Plymouth, fire crews responded to around half a dozen call outs, after a heavy downpour around 11am.
New Plymouth fire senior station officer Ian Drewery said many houses suffered flooding after leaf-clogged drains overflowed.
Several rivers and streams threatened to break their banks, and in Hall Terrace, in Oakura, a BMW was washed into the Oakura River and out to sea.
Other than the loss of the car, Mr Drewery said he was not aware of much major damage. A ceiling had collapsed at one downtown building, but fire crews had not been called to assist.
"Our residents are pretty resilient.
"This was just a flash weather event which was over in less than an hour," he said.
The MetService said the rain band would have moved over the east coast and away from New Zealand by this evening.
Saturday, May 19
Rusty relic from past a reminder of rescue
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 19 May 2007 ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed what could be a significant remnant of South Taranaki history while surveying the Kupe onshore gas production station at Ohawe.
A 3kg cannonball, believed to have been fired from the British battleship HMS Alligator during an attempt to rescue a European family from the grasp of local Maori in 1834, has been dug up.
Auckland-based Russell Gibb, from contract archaeological company Geo-metria, said yesterday that the cannonball discovery was an exciting find.
"It was a real surprise to find it. It creates a connection between an event that's quite famous and an area that's removed from that," Mr Gibb said. "We think that by the size of the cannonball it fits what we know about the type of guns that were on the Alligator. But until we do further research on it we can't be sure."
According to Puke Ariki researchers, on April 29, 1834, the barque Harriet wrecked on a beach near Rahotu. On board was John (Jacky) and Elizabeth (Betty) Guard and their two young children, who were returning from Sydney to their Cook Strait whaling station, along with crew.
On making it to shore, several of the crew were killed by local Maori. Betty and her two children were dragged to Te Namu pa at Opunake.
Jacky and the sailors got away, bringing back the HMS Alligator with a detachment of 60 troops. These soldiers were the first British troops to come into armed combat with Maori.
Betty and her baby daughter, Louisa, were located at Te Namu pa. Three-year-old John junior had been moved on to Waimate pa, at the mouth of the Kapuni River, north of Ohawe.
The Alligator bombarded Waimate with cannon fire for three hours before landing on October 8 to rescue John junior.
"We are not sure if the cannonball was carried (to Ohawe) from further away or if it did manage to be shot there. That's one of the things we will try to work out. We'll look at the projection and the distance and see if it could travel that far," Mr Gibb said.
Puke Ariki senior researcher Ron Lambert said a number of cannonballs from the Alligator had been found near the mouth of the Kapuni River.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they lobbed a few at some other settlements along the coast," Mr Lambert said.
The Ohawe cannonball, which was found during a scrape-down of top soil at the production site, has been taken to Geometria's laboratory, where it will be conserved before being given back to Origin Energy, the field's operator.
Along with the cannonball, three kumara pits and other evidence of Maori occupation, including fireplaces and rubbish deposits complete with bird and fish bones, as well as egg shells, have been unearthed on the site. The items are to be carbon dated.
Two representatives from local hapu are on site to keep an eye on the treasures being uncovered.
"The midden (rubbish) we dug up is quite good because it will give us a lot of information about what local Maori were eating and when they were there," Mr Gibb said.
A full archaeological report is expected in a year.
For more information on the HMS Alligator and the Guard family's story, search for The Harriet Incident at www.pukeariki.com, or the Harriet Affair at www.nzhistory.net.nz.
A 3kg cannonball, believed to have been fired from the British battleship HMS Alligator during an attempt to rescue a European family from the grasp of local Maori in 1834, has been dug up.
Auckland-based Russell Gibb, from contract archaeological company Geo-metria, said yesterday that the cannonball discovery was an exciting find.
"It was a real surprise to find it. It creates a connection between an event that's quite famous and an area that's removed from that," Mr Gibb said. "We think that by the size of the cannonball it fits what we know about the type of guns that were on the Alligator. But until we do further research on it we can't be sure."
According to Puke Ariki researchers, on April 29, 1834, the barque Harriet wrecked on a beach near Rahotu. On board was John (Jacky) and Elizabeth (Betty) Guard and their two young children, who were returning from Sydney to their Cook Strait whaling station, along with crew.
On making it to shore, several of the crew were killed by local Maori. Betty and her two children were dragged to Te Namu pa at Opunake.
Jacky and the sailors got away, bringing back the HMS Alligator with a detachment of 60 troops. These soldiers were the first British troops to come into armed combat with Maori.
Betty and her baby daughter, Louisa, were located at Te Namu pa. Three-year-old John junior had been moved on to Waimate pa, at the mouth of the Kapuni River, north of Ohawe.
The Alligator bombarded Waimate with cannon fire for three hours before landing on October 8 to rescue John junior.
"We are not sure if the cannonball was carried (to Ohawe) from further away or if it did manage to be shot there. That's one of the things we will try to work out. We'll look at the projection and the distance and see if it could travel that far," Mr Gibb said.
Puke Ariki senior researcher Ron Lambert said a number of cannonballs from the Alligator had been found near the mouth of the Kapuni River.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they lobbed a few at some other settlements along the coast," Mr Lambert said.
The Ohawe cannonball, which was found during a scrape-down of top soil at the production site, has been taken to Geometria's laboratory, where it will be conserved before being given back to Origin Energy, the field's operator.
Along with the cannonball, three kumara pits and other evidence of Maori occupation, including fireplaces and rubbish deposits complete with bird and fish bones, as well as egg shells, have been unearthed on the site. The items are to be carbon dated.
Two representatives from local hapu are on site to keep an eye on the treasures being uncovered.
"The midden (rubbish) we dug up is quite good because it will give us a lot of information about what local Maori were eating and when they were there," Mr Gibb said.
A full archaeological report is expected in a year.
For more information on the HMS Alligator and the Guard family's story, search for The Harriet Incident at www.pukeariki.com, or the Harriet Affair at www.nzhistory.net.nz.
Egmont club celebrates 125 years of racing history at Hawera
TONY BIRD tony.bird@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 19 May 2007
ANY thoughts of centralising racing elsewhere will be put on the back burner when the Egmont Racing Club celebrates its 125th anniversary at the Hawera racecourse tomorrow.
In a New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing report released last month, the Hawera racecourse was one of 14 tracks in New Zealand identified as non-essential to the industry.
But that's nothing new. As far back as 1961, centralisation of Taranaki racecourses was being mooted and hardly a decade has past since that the subject has not been a topic of hot debated.
But Taranaki still retains four racetracks - New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera and Waverley. And, not surprisingly, no club has offered to close up shop and shift to another venue.
An extract from one opinion piece printed in the Sporting Life magazine in 1961 put forward a suggestion that it could be to the advantage of the Taranaki Jockey Club and Stratford Racing Clubs to exploit the possibility of utilising their raceday permits on the Hawera course.
"Amenities and facilities are among the best on the entire Taranaki circuit," the article, reprinted in the ERC's centenary booklet compiled in 1982 by the late Bill Donovan.
That was the case then, but forty-six years on even the most ardent fan of Hawera racecourse fan would have trouble justifying such praise. The track is one of the best around, but the grandstands are urgently in need of an upgrade.
That is one of the reasons why the club is seeking to join forces with a land developer to spruce up the track's facilities. Whether or not this comes to fruition is open for debate.
Perhaps tomorrow's celebrations will spark the impetus required for the course to continue to be an important part of the Taranaki racing scene.
The formation of the ERC came after horse races were first held in Hawera in a paddock on Boundary Rd near Dixon Ave, not far from the present racecourse.
As a result of the meeting of interested enthusiasts in December 1881, the club was formed in January 1882.
Its first race meeting was held in a paddock on the property of one George McLean on the corner of South and Ketemarae roads on March 24, 1882.
Later, meetings were held on land known as the Fantham Estate and the present racecourse was bought in 1902 - 28 hectares at a cost of $2600.
Sir Harry Atkinson was president and the following year, stands, a totalisator building and other buildings were provided at a cost of $7380.
In 1967, after efforts to have all clubs centralise at Hawera had failed, an interest in the land and buildings was taken up by the Hawera Trotting Club and the Opunake Racing Club and the Hawera Racecourse Partnership, still in force today, was formed.
Tomorrow, the ERC is putting on a number of promotions and festivities, including a Interprovincial Riders Challenge which brings a dozen leading riders from all over New Zealand to help mark this special occasion.
The ERC can look back with pride on its achievements.
ANY thoughts of centralising racing elsewhere will be put on the back burner when the Egmont Racing Club celebrates its 125th anniversary at the Hawera racecourse tomorrow.
In a New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing report released last month, the Hawera racecourse was one of 14 tracks in New Zealand identified as non-essential to the industry.
But that's nothing new. As far back as 1961, centralisation of Taranaki racecourses was being mooted and hardly a decade has past since that the subject has not been a topic of hot debated.
But Taranaki still retains four racetracks - New Plymouth, Stratford, Hawera and Waverley. And, not surprisingly, no club has offered to close up shop and shift to another venue.
An extract from one opinion piece printed in the Sporting Life magazine in 1961 put forward a suggestion that it could be to the advantage of the Taranaki Jockey Club and Stratford Racing Clubs to exploit the possibility of utilising their raceday permits on the Hawera course.
"Amenities and facilities are among the best on the entire Taranaki circuit," the article, reprinted in the ERC's centenary booklet compiled in 1982 by the late Bill Donovan.
That was the case then, but forty-six years on even the most ardent fan of Hawera racecourse fan would have trouble justifying such praise. The track is one of the best around, but the grandstands are urgently in need of an upgrade.
That is one of the reasons why the club is seeking to join forces with a land developer to spruce up the track's facilities. Whether or not this comes to fruition is open for debate.
Perhaps tomorrow's celebrations will spark the impetus required for the course to continue to be an important part of the Taranaki racing scene.
The formation of the ERC came after horse races were first held in Hawera in a paddock on Boundary Rd near Dixon Ave, not far from the present racecourse.
As a result of the meeting of interested enthusiasts in December 1881, the club was formed in January 1882.
Its first race meeting was held in a paddock on the property of one George McLean on the corner of South and Ketemarae roads on March 24, 1882.
Later, meetings were held on land known as the Fantham Estate and the present racecourse was bought in 1902 - 28 hectares at a cost of $2600.
Sir Harry Atkinson was president and the following year, stands, a totalisator building and other buildings were provided at a cost of $7380.
In 1967, after efforts to have all clubs centralise at Hawera had failed, an interest in the land and buildings was taken up by the Hawera Trotting Club and the Opunake Racing Club and the Hawera Racecourse Partnership, still in force today, was formed.
Tomorrow, the ERC is putting on a number of promotions and festivities, including a Interprovincial Riders Challenge which brings a dozen leading riders from all over New Zealand to help mark this special occasion.
The ERC can look back with pride on its achievements.
Saturday, May 12
Young film-makers show potential
LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz. - Taranaki Saturday, 12 May 2007
Budding Taranaki film-makers got their chance to walk the red carpet last night.
The New Plymouth District Council Chamber premiered 13 two-minute films, made by local schoolchildren, for 217 students, parents and teachers.
The 48 students, from 20 schools, had been learning the art of film-making at Puke Ariki and made their own films about local history.
Katelyn Roberts (10), from Central School in New Plymouth, said she had enjoyed making their movie The April Fools Joke.
"It was a good experience," she said.
Katelyn said her favourite director was Peter Jackson and she hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Mike Southall (17), of Inglewood High School, said it would be interesting to see what his mother thought of his film A Reflection Of Time.
The experience had been fun but Mike said he planned to stick with his first love, engineering. "It is more of a hobby, making movies."
Organiser Amanda Hewlett, from the council, said seeing the children produce their films had been fantastic.
"There are some budding Peter Jacksons out there.
"He had better watch out," Mrs Hewlett joked.
Two experienced film-makers, Bruce Gatward-Cook, of Adviso, and Keith Finnerty, of Cat And Mouse, were on hand to give advice.
Mr Gatward-Cook said some of the youngsters had huge potential.
The films can be viewed at www.taranakiwiki.com.
Budding Taranaki film-makers got their chance to walk the red carpet last night.
The New Plymouth District Council Chamber premiered 13 two-minute films, made by local schoolchildren, for 217 students, parents and teachers.
The 48 students, from 20 schools, had been learning the art of film-making at Puke Ariki and made their own films about local history.
Katelyn Roberts (10), from Central School in New Plymouth, said she had enjoyed making their movie The April Fools Joke.
"It was a good experience," she said.
Katelyn said her favourite director was Peter Jackson and she hoped to follow in his footsteps.
Mike Southall (17), of Inglewood High School, said it would be interesting to see what his mother thought of his film A Reflection Of Time.
The experience had been fun but Mike said he planned to stick with his first love, engineering. "It is more of a hobby, making movies."
Organiser Amanda Hewlett, from the council, said seeing the children produce their films had been fantastic.
"There are some budding Peter Jacksons out there.
"He had better watch out," Mrs Hewlett joked.
Two experienced film-makers, Bruce Gatward-Cook, of Adviso, and Keith Finnerty, of Cat And Mouse, were on hand to give advice.
Mr Gatward-Cook said some of the youngsters had huge potential.
The films can be viewed at www.taranakiwiki.com.
Thursday, May 10
Jim's grin will be missed
TERRY TACON - Taranaki Thursday, 10 May 2007
Jim Thwaites, who died on Sunday, was one of those people for whom the word gentleman was coined.
Born James Thompson Thwaites but always known as Jim, he was a legendary figure in Taranaki dairying, but if you told him something like that he would always deflect the compliment by saying something like "I've just been lucky".
On the occasion he was awarded the International Person of the Year title at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, the first New Zealander to be so honoured, he was at pains to point out how much the award belonged to his beloved wife Betty as well, for all the support she had provided him in his life in dairying.
Jim was the son of a dairy farmer, his father being given his first bull when he returned from World War I by the Kirton Brothers, who owned the Glanton Jersey Stud at Kohuratahi. When Jim returned from World War II the Kirtons extended the same gesture to him when he took up a rehabilitation block at Mokoia.
When the Kirtons retired Jim bought their cows and they presented him with the stud's name, Glanton, which was the name of the village in Northumberland, England, from where the Kirtons originated. Jim immortalised the stud's name when he bred Glanton Red Dante in 1973, the bull going on to become the New Zealand Jersey Breeders Association Sire of the Century.
Glanton Red Dante was the son of Linmore Red Royal and Glanton Jovial Deanna and was identified at birth as a sire of enormous potential, Linmore Red Royal having been sired by the outstanding Tarnhowe Red Beacon Merit +34. He was chosen for the Dairy Board's selected sires scheme, a scheme Jim Thwaites was instrumental in developing, and the rest is history, with Glanton Red Dante going on to have a major influence on pedigree and commercial Jersey breeding worldwide.
It is estimated that 90% of the Jerseys sired by artificial breeding have a link with Glanton Red Dante, many of his sons and daughters having show successes and breeding reputations nationally and internationally.
But it was not just for Glanton Red Dante that Jim Thwaites was known. He was a key figure in the development of the artificial breeding system in New Zealand, being a founder member of the first Taranaki artificial breeding committee. He went on to become a director of the New Zealand Herd Improvement Council and the Livestock Improvement Council. He was also a director of Kiwi Dairies.
The citation for his award at the World Dairy Expo sums up some of Jim's qualities and achievements: "He is a man of diplomatic skill and foresight. He led a study group of New Zealand farmers to the United States when the New Zealand dairy industry tackled the issue of milk quality and the value of somatic cell counting.
"In addition, his international travels have helped bring the New Zealand grass system to the United States and elsewhere. The feed management process has been internationally recognised as one of the world's best systems and is widely copied by producers.
"Whether hosting friends met through his dairy industry travels or gleaning important information, Mr Thwaites is considered instrumental in the current success of the New Zealand dairy industry. His frienship, leadership and search for long-term benefits have greatly enhanced international ties and profitability for his countrymen."
Jim was also honoured in New Zealand for his services to dairying with an MBE in 1992.
It was not just his tremendous knowledge of things dairying that people admired about Jim Thwaites. He had a ready smile and a great sense of humour and one of this writer's abiding memories will be the sight of him on the back of grandson Mark Duffy's four-wheel farm bike, charging up a track on the Duffys' Ararata farm at a field day to mark the family winning the Taranaki Meat and Fibre Farmer of the Year title in 2003. Jim, pushing 80 at the time, had a huge grin on his face the whole wild ride.
He was a great worker for a variety of organisations, particularly the Egmont A&P Association, of which he was patron and a life member at the time of his death. It was typical of him that despite not being required to be there, last Thursday night he had attended an association committee meeting. Jim is survived by his wife Betty and children Fiona, John, Stewart, Robin and Philip. A service to celebrate his life will be held in the Manaia Town Hall tomorrow, starting at 12.30pm.
Jim Thwaites, who died on Sunday, was one of those people for whom the word gentleman was coined.
Born James Thompson Thwaites but always known as Jim, he was a legendary figure in Taranaki dairying, but if you told him something like that he would always deflect the compliment by saying something like "I've just been lucky".
On the occasion he was awarded the International Person of the Year title at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, the first New Zealander to be so honoured, he was at pains to point out how much the award belonged to his beloved wife Betty as well, for all the support she had provided him in his life in dairying.
Jim was the son of a dairy farmer, his father being given his first bull when he returned from World War I by the Kirton Brothers, who owned the Glanton Jersey Stud at Kohuratahi. When Jim returned from World War II the Kirtons extended the same gesture to him when he took up a rehabilitation block at Mokoia.
When the Kirtons retired Jim bought their cows and they presented him with the stud's name, Glanton, which was the name of the village in Northumberland, England, from where the Kirtons originated. Jim immortalised the stud's name when he bred Glanton Red Dante in 1973, the bull going on to become the New Zealand Jersey Breeders Association Sire of the Century.
Glanton Red Dante was the son of Linmore Red Royal and Glanton Jovial Deanna and was identified at birth as a sire of enormous potential, Linmore Red Royal having been sired by the outstanding Tarnhowe Red Beacon Merit +34. He was chosen for the Dairy Board's selected sires scheme, a scheme Jim Thwaites was instrumental in developing, and the rest is history, with Glanton Red Dante going on to have a major influence on pedigree and commercial Jersey breeding worldwide.
It is estimated that 90% of the Jerseys sired by artificial breeding have a link with Glanton Red Dante, many of his sons and daughters having show successes and breeding reputations nationally and internationally.
But it was not just for Glanton Red Dante that Jim Thwaites was known. He was a key figure in the development of the artificial breeding system in New Zealand, being a founder member of the first Taranaki artificial breeding committee. He went on to become a director of the New Zealand Herd Improvement Council and the Livestock Improvement Council. He was also a director of Kiwi Dairies.
The citation for his award at the World Dairy Expo sums up some of Jim's qualities and achievements: "He is a man of diplomatic skill and foresight. He led a study group of New Zealand farmers to the United States when the New Zealand dairy industry tackled the issue of milk quality and the value of somatic cell counting.
"In addition, his international travels have helped bring the New Zealand grass system to the United States and elsewhere. The feed management process has been internationally recognised as one of the world's best systems and is widely copied by producers.
"Whether hosting friends met through his dairy industry travels or gleaning important information, Mr Thwaites is considered instrumental in the current success of the New Zealand dairy industry. His frienship, leadership and search for long-term benefits have greatly enhanced international ties and profitability for his countrymen."
Jim was also honoured in New Zealand for his services to dairying with an MBE in 1992.
It was not just his tremendous knowledge of things dairying that people admired about Jim Thwaites. He had a ready smile and a great sense of humour and one of this writer's abiding memories will be the sight of him on the back of grandson Mark Duffy's four-wheel farm bike, charging up a track on the Duffys' Ararata farm at a field day to mark the family winning the Taranaki Meat and Fibre Farmer of the Year title in 2003. Jim, pushing 80 at the time, had a huge grin on his face the whole wild ride.
He was a great worker for a variety of organisations, particularly the Egmont A&P Association, of which he was patron and a life member at the time of his death. It was typical of him that despite not being required to be there, last Thursday night he had attended an association committee meeting. Jim is survived by his wife Betty and children Fiona, John, Stewart, Robin and Philip. A service to celebrate his life will be held in the Manaia Town Hall tomorrow, starting at 12.30pm.
Wednesday, May 9
War vet awaits scan results of Patea sites
Ground-penetrating radar scanning of a marked site at the Patea golf course yesterday produced "interesting" results, but it will be a few days before interpretation of the data determines they are old military graves dating back 140 years.
Radar specialist Martin King, of GPR Geophysical Services, said 57 separate cross-sectional scans revealed signs of disturbed ground down to two metres.
"I wouldn't like to speculate that they are graves, but it's certainly the kind of anomaly I have seen in other search locations," he said.
"It looks promising."
War veteran Denis McKenna, who organised the search money through the Patea RSA, said he was hopeful, but his main concern was raising enough money to continue scanning.
It is normally charged out at $1500 a day but Mr King has given a substantial discount.
Last night the team had moved behind the Patea Beach motor camp to scan another likely area which in 1940 was marked by a cross that has since disappeared.
Mr McKenna says donations are coming in from RSA branches and well-wishers all over the country. He hopes there will be enough to pay for scanning of Imperial soldiers' graves south of the river, near Dawson's Redoubt (what is now Waioturi Marae), and also an area within the Patea Cemetery believed to contain military graves.
He hopes to have enough interpreted data to show some conclusive evidence to Margaret Marks, the senior adviser on war graves for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage. She is paying an official inspection visit to Taranaki tomorrow which will include the Patea investigations.
If there is evidence of unmarked graves, Mr McKenna says he will advise the police "because they will have the authority to excavate to see what's there".
Both Ms Marks and the South Taranaki District Council have said they support the erection of a memorial to the fallen in the Patea area.
Mr McKenna says this should be on the 16th fairway of the golf course, where the scanning has been done.
A predecessor of Miss Marks was Miss Edith Statham, Government Inspector of Soldiers' and Historic Graves. She reported seeing 11 burial mounds there in 1915. They were obliterated between 1952 and 1969 when the fairways were bulldozed and covered.
RICHARD WOODDrichard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Vickery to seek South Taranaki mayoralty
Taranaki radio and television journalist Bryan Vickery is the first confirmed contender for the South Taranaki mayoral chains in October.
The 44-year-old Newstalk ZB journalist, who also hosts a current affairs show on Seven Taranaki, went public yesterday about his plan to stand for mayor of the South Taranaki District.
Mary Bourke, South Taranaki's mayor for nearly 15 years, is not seeking re-election in the October local body elections.
"When Mary decided that she wasn't going to continue, I thought it would be a real honour to continue that (work).
"I think it would be quite exciting," said Mr Vickery, who has lived in Hawera for 18 months.
"The other thing that has influenced me is that the deputy mayor Jack Rangiwahia is not standing, very experienced Ross Dunlop is not standing, Maureen Gatenby is not standing, there's gaping holes all over the place.
"I think the district desperately needs passion and someone who is energetic."
Mr Vickery is only standing for mayor - not council - although he is considering also standing for the Taranaki District Health Board.
Ensuring The Hub - South Taranaki's sports and leisure centre - is a success, building on the district's core infrastructure and addressing the district's declining youth population, are Mr Vickery's key mayoral aspirations.
But the Australian-born media man has more than the voters to contend with to make his mayoral attempt a reality. He is in the middle of an application to become a New Zealand citizen - a prerequisite for nomination. He has been assured he will have no problems becoming a New Zealand citizen.
As well as a journalist, Mr Vickery has had stints as a high school teacher, a deputy principal and has even been a church minister. "I'm a lapsed Seventh Day Adventist."
To avoid a conflict of interest, Mr Vickery will not be reporting the STDC for a spell before the election and will discontinue his radio and television work.
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 9 May 2007
The 44-year-old Newstalk ZB journalist, who also hosts a current affairs show on Seven Taranaki, went public yesterday about his plan to stand for mayor of the South Taranaki District.
Mary Bourke, South Taranaki's mayor for nearly 15 years, is not seeking re-election in the October local body elections.
"When Mary decided that she wasn't going to continue, I thought it would be a real honour to continue that (work).
"I think it would be quite exciting," said Mr Vickery, who has lived in Hawera for 18 months.
"The other thing that has influenced me is that the deputy mayor Jack Rangiwahia is not standing, very experienced Ross Dunlop is not standing, Maureen Gatenby is not standing, there's gaping holes all over the place.
"I think the district desperately needs passion and someone who is energetic."
Mr Vickery is only standing for mayor - not council - although he is considering also standing for the Taranaki District Health Board.
Ensuring The Hub - South Taranaki's sports and leisure centre - is a success, building on the district's core infrastructure and addressing the district's declining youth population, are Mr Vickery's key mayoral aspirations.
But the Australian-born media man has more than the voters to contend with to make his mayoral attempt a reality. He is in the middle of an application to become a New Zealand citizen - a prerequisite for nomination. He has been assured he will have no problems becoming a New Zealand citizen.
As well as a journalist, Mr Vickery has had stints as a high school teacher, a deputy principal and has even been a church minister. "I'm a lapsed Seventh Day Adventist."
To avoid a conflict of interest, Mr Vickery will not be reporting the STDC for a spell before the election and will discontinue his radio and television work.
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Wednesday, May 2
Grave land sale in doubt
Members of a New Plymouth hapu are against plans for council-owned land near the Te Henui Cemetery to be sold and want it returned to Maori.
The New Plymouth District Council is considering selling the former Parkscape depot site and adjacent land on Lemon St leading to the cemetery.
But Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa says the area is ancestral land that should be returned to tangata whenua.
Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa chairwoman Wikitoria Keenan was among the submitters who spoke at the council's policy committee meeting yesterday.
She said the land was set aside as native reserve in the 1880s and 11 hapu members had been listed as owners.
The area has since been taken under the Public Works Act, but Ms Keenan believes part of the title is still in Maori ownership.
Councillor Gordon Brown said the matter should be investigated before any sale.
"Otherwise it reeks of `thank you for your submission, but we're just going to go ahead and we prefer the pakeha version of history'."
The committee agreed that the issue lay on the table.
Of 13 submissions received on the proposal only two are in support of the area being sold. Most of the opposers want the land retained for public use. Others are concerned about traffic congestion and the effect any development would have on the cemetery.
Four submitters want the site used for community facilities such as a permaculture and sustainability education centre, a beach volleyball pit, a theatre or a senior citizens centre.
It is estimated the land, which is surplus to council requirements, could fetch at least $1.2 million.
Submitter Brenda Hall said the cemetery had a significant heritage value and the wrought iron cemetery gates should not be moved, even a short distance.
"The spirits should be left alone in peace. We cannot afford to lose this land to houses."
Another submitter, Suzanne Scott, said a lot of people used the area and selling it would be wrong.
Positive Aging Trust chairman John Cunningham said the area was ideal for a senior citizens community centre.
If this is not possible, the land should still be retained by the council and preserved for future generations, he says.
Mayor Peter Tennent said there was obviously a strong feeling in the community that the land should not be sold.
Committee chairwoman Elaine Gill says council staff will investigate issues raised by Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa before the next full council meeting on May 22.
KRYSTI WETTONkrysti.wetton@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 2 May 2007
The New Plymouth District Council is considering selling the former Parkscape depot site and adjacent land on Lemon St leading to the cemetery.
But Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa says the area is ancestral land that should be returned to tangata whenua.
Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa chairwoman Wikitoria Keenan was among the submitters who spoke at the council's policy committee meeting yesterday.
She said the land was set aside as native reserve in the 1880s and 11 hapu members had been listed as owners.
The area has since been taken under the Public Works Act, but Ms Keenan believes part of the title is still in Maori ownership.
Councillor Gordon Brown said the matter should be investigated before any sale.
"Otherwise it reeks of `thank you for your submission, but we're just going to go ahead and we prefer the pakeha version of history'."
The committee agreed that the issue lay on the table.
Of 13 submissions received on the proposal only two are in support of the area being sold. Most of the opposers want the land retained for public use. Others are concerned about traffic congestion and the effect any development would have on the cemetery.
Four submitters want the site used for community facilities such as a permaculture and sustainability education centre, a beach volleyball pit, a theatre or a senior citizens centre.
It is estimated the land, which is surplus to council requirements, could fetch at least $1.2 million.
Submitter Brenda Hall said the cemetery had a significant heritage value and the wrought iron cemetery gates should not be moved, even a short distance.
"The spirits should be left alone in peace. We cannot afford to lose this land to houses."
Another submitter, Suzanne Scott, said a lot of people used the area and selling it would be wrong.
Positive Aging Trust chairman John Cunningham said the area was ideal for a senior citizens community centre.
If this is not possible, the land should still be retained by the council and preserved for future generations, he says.
Mayor Peter Tennent said there was obviously a strong feeling in the community that the land should not be sold.
Committee chairwoman Elaine Gill says council staff will investigate issues raised by Ngati Te Whiti Ahi Kaa before the next full council meeting on May 22.
KRYSTI WETTONkrysti.wetton@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Go on, give us a call
We're looking for longtime readers of the Taranaki Daily News as we approach our 150th birthday this month. If you've been reading the paper for 50, 60, or 70 years - or maybe even longer - please let us know. Perhaps you were a paperboy or girl many years ago. Contact the chief reporter on 06 759 0824 or e-mail us at editor@tnl.co.nz
Big crowd sought in republic for movie
JAYNE HULBERT jayne.hulbert@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Whangawood wants you. The region's newest independent film studio, Wangawood, is calling for people to flock to Whangamomona on Saturday to take part in some of the final scenes being shot for the comedy Waiting for the Big Fat One.
Filming of a parade along Whangamomona's main street is happening at 1pm and extras are needed for crowd scenes.
The movie's creator, New Plymouth man Tony Williams, says the Whanga air force is doing a flyover, the Whanga dog patrol will be there and it's hoped one of the stars, an alpaca, will show up.
"The dog patrol are a couple of huskies, they don't have a sled, but they pull something on wheels. The dogs wear little shoes," said Mr Williams yesterday.
He says TV3 is planning on being at Whangamomona on Saturday to do a story about the film.
Waiting for the Big Fat One, a 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, the noble knight Sir Useless and the Big Fat One.
"Never in the history of film have so many absurd characters been shoved into one film," said Mr Williams.
The film is a story about a small country school facing closure and the fight by locals to keep it open.
Filming started last month and Mr Williams hopes to have it wrapped up by the end of May.
"It's been a huge adventure, full on but really exhilarating ... heaps of fun."
Mr Williams, who wrote the film's script, is also working as producer, director and an actor in the movie.
He's written a number of books, including 101 Ingenious Kiwis and Hard Case Kiwis.
It's hoped to have the movie released in cinemas by the end of the year.
Go to www.wangawood.co.nz for more information.
Whangawood wants you. The region's newest independent film studio, Wangawood, is calling for people to flock to Whangamomona on Saturday to take part in some of the final scenes being shot for the comedy Waiting for the Big Fat One.
Filming of a parade along Whangamomona's main street is happening at 1pm and extras are needed for crowd scenes.
The movie's creator, New Plymouth man Tony Williams, says the Whanga air force is doing a flyover, the Whanga dog patrol will be there and it's hoped one of the stars, an alpaca, will show up.
"The dog patrol are a couple of huskies, they don't have a sled, but they pull something on wheels. The dogs wear little shoes," said Mr Williams yesterday.
He says TV3 is planning on being at Whangamomona on Saturday to do a story about the film.
Waiting for the Big Fat One, a 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, the noble knight Sir Useless and the Big Fat One.
"Never in the history of film have so many absurd characters been shoved into one film," said Mr Williams.
The film is a story about a small country school facing closure and the fight by locals to keep it open.
Filming started last month and Mr Williams hopes to have it wrapped up by the end of May.
"It's been a huge adventure, full on but really exhilarating ... heaps of fun."
Mr Williams, who wrote the film's script, is also working as producer, director and an actor in the movie.
He's written a number of books, including 101 Ingenious Kiwis and Hard Case Kiwis.
It's hoped to have the movie released in cinemas by the end of the year.
Go to www.wangawood.co.nz for more information.
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