LYN HUMPHREYS lyn.humphreys@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Taranaki folk will be delighted that the farmer-diva we claim as our own has been awarded the country's second-highest honour.
Conferred with a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1991, Dame Malvina Major this year becomes a Principal Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her lifelong service to opera.
"It was a lovely surprise," Dame Malvina told the Taranaki Daily News from the family beach home at Whangamata as six grandchildren milled around, impatient to get to the beach.
She is unconcerned that it is not the supreme national accolade - for which there can be only 20 living New Zealand recipients at any one time.
"It's important for me. It's an acknowledgment from New Zealand," she said.
Dame Malvina is well in control of her busy life despite heading towards her 65th birthday on January 28.
"It's amazing to me that at my age I'm still singing overseas and teaching. It's all a bit mad really."
Dame Malvina is a fulltime professor of voice at Canterbury University, is deeply immersed in supporting emerging musical talent through the Dame Malvina Foundation and committed to community work through endless fundraising campaigns.
Examples of just a few of those fundraising efforts in Taranaki alone are assistance with the purchase of diagnostic heart equipment, refurbishing the children's Base Hospital ward and supporting the Taranaki Hospice.
After some time off the stage to have her family, by 1986, she had picked up her career and returned to sing overseas. After the sudden death of her husband, Winston Fleming, of a heart attack at the farm in September 1990 she first moved to New Plymouth and a little over 10 years ago moved to Christchurch where her partner, Brian Law, is the conductor of the city's choir and director of music for Christchurch's Anglican Cathedral.
This year, the highlight for Dame Malvina was singing at the closing of the Rotary Convention at Salt Lake City, USA, with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir before 21,000 people. Donny Osmond had performed at the opening of the convention.
Among the very full agenda for next year is representing the New Zealand Government at Washington and Los Angeles and ambassadorial work in Houston, Boston and New York for the Dame Malvina Foundation.
Dame Malvina returns regularly to Taranaki.
Monday, December 31
Saturday, December 22
Saturday, December 8
Sir Elton John said he has never been as cold while performing than he was in New Plymouth last night.
And I've got heaters on stage, so God knows what it's like for you out there," he told the crowd at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands.
But a bitter south-easterly and persistent rain before the show failed to dampen the enthusiasm of his fans, with more than 15,000 turning up to enjoy the show.
Instead, they huddled together on the grass while they waited for the star, and a huge range of raincoats, tarpaulins, oilskins and other waterproofing devices were on display.
And fortunately, the weather cleared as the music began, and fans from far and wide were rewarded for their dedication with a stellar show from the superstar.
"I can't believe I'm actually here. I could listen to him all night," Nicola Sheahan from Cambridge said.
"The rain on the drive down, and standing here in the pouring rain and freezing was absolutely worth it.
"This has been the chance of a lifetime."
Craig Flynn from Winton in Southland agreed, saying he was impressed with the Bowl as a venue.
"I've seen Elton before in London, so this is my second time," he said. "But this setting is the best I've ever seen. It's amazing."
Taranaki fans, young and old, were in on the act as well.
Cherry Phillips from Waitara said she was having a ball.
"This is my first time and it's beautiful," she said. "Taranaki's done it again. The rain stopped just in time and it's magical."
Caitlin Coughtrey, 14, Louise Henderson, 14, and Louise Hunt, 15, of New Plymouth said they grew up hearing their parents listening to Sir Elton's music. "We're all big fans," Caitlin said.
"We're having a great time."
Despite a big crowd, there was plenty of room to move about.
Queues were relatively small, with the longest lines for hot coffee and food.
The crowd began to gather from 2pm, while on the other side of town a handful of brave fans waited at New Plymouth airport for the arrival of Sir Elton's private Gulfstream jet.
Following a bumpy-looking landing, Sir Elton and his entourage were whisked straight to his dressing room at the Bowl in a distinctive silver Mercedes belonging to businessman John Rae.
Mr Rae told the Taranaki Daily News he was approached by the Mercedes dealership in Wellington and asked if he would loan his year-old car out for the night. He was happy to help out.
"Mind you, if I get it back in the morning and it's got any marks on it they'll hear about it," he laughed.
Police and St John Ambulance staff at the Bowl said the crowd had been well-behaved.
But a bitter south-easterly and persistent rain before the show failed to dampen the enthusiasm of his fans, with more than 15,000 turning up to enjoy the show.
Instead, they huddled together on the grass while they waited for the star, and a huge range of raincoats, tarpaulins, oilskins and other waterproofing devices were on display.
And fortunately, the weather cleared as the music began, and fans from far and wide were rewarded for their dedication with a stellar show from the superstar.
"I can't believe I'm actually here. I could listen to him all night," Nicola Sheahan from Cambridge said.
"The rain on the drive down, and standing here in the pouring rain and freezing was absolutely worth it.
"This has been the chance of a lifetime."
Craig Flynn from Winton in Southland agreed, saying he was impressed with the Bowl as a venue.
"I've seen Elton before in London, so this is my second time," he said. "But this setting is the best I've ever seen. It's amazing."
Taranaki fans, young and old, were in on the act as well.
Cherry Phillips from Waitara said she was having a ball.
"This is my first time and it's beautiful," she said. "Taranaki's done it again. The rain stopped just in time and it's magical."
Caitlin Coughtrey, 14, Louise Henderson, 14, and Louise Hunt, 15, of New Plymouth said they grew up hearing their parents listening to Sir Elton's music. "We're all big fans," Caitlin said.
"We're having a great time."
Despite a big crowd, there was plenty of room to move about.
Queues were relatively small, with the longest lines for hot coffee and food.
The crowd began to gather from 2pm, while on the other side of town a handful of brave fans waited at New Plymouth airport for the arrival of Sir Elton's private Gulfstream jet.
Following a bumpy-looking landing, Sir Elton and his entourage were whisked straight to his dressing room at the Bowl in a distinctive silver Mercedes belonging to businessman John Rae.
Mr Rae told the Taranaki Daily News he was approached by the Mercedes dealership in Wellington and asked if he would loan his year-old car out for the night. He was happy to help out.
"Mind you, if I get it back in the morning and it's got any marks on it they'll hear about it," he laughed.
Police and St John Ambulance staff at the Bowl said the crowd had been well-behaved.
Wednesday, November 28
Fishing guru and former teacher dies
BY RYAN EVANS ryan.evans@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Wednesday, 28 November 2007
A Taranaki fishing guru is now fishing the celestial rivers and oceans.
Noel Jack Baty died in New Plymouth on Monday, aged 91.
Born in Christchurch in 1915, he attended St Andrew's College before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1933.
He married Australian woman Gladys Staples in 1939, before serving in New Zealand and Fiji as a pilot during World War II.
On leaving the RNZAF in 1946, he moved to New Plymouth, and became manager of the Fun Ho! toy factory before training as a primary school teacher.
He taught at Welbourn and Woodleigh primary schools, and was principal of Lepperton primary school for eight years before retiring in 1976.
Fishing was Mr Baty's passion from an early age.
Growing up during the Depression, he would go fishing or hunting to provide food for his mother and four sisters.
He enjoyed trout and boat fishing as well as surfcasting, representing New Zealand in the 1962 World Surfcasting Championships.
For more than 40 years, he wrote fishing columns for The Daily News, The Taranaki Herald, NZ Rod & Rifle and the NZ Fishing News, among others. He also hosted a popular radio show and in 1993 published a book, Hooked On Fishing.
Mr Baty was a foundation member, life member and patron of the Taranaki Surfcasting Club, served on numerous other fishing bodies, and was national president of the New Zealand Angling and Casting Association.
His sons, Max and Spencer, described him as a practical joker, who never did things by half.
They said his life's work was devoted to his wife, who had suffered from polio early in her childhood.
She and Mr Baty spent the final years of their life in the Coronation Lodge Rest Home. Mrs Baty died in 2004.
Mr Baty is survived by his two sons, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
A Taranaki fishing guru is now fishing the celestial rivers and oceans.
Noel Jack Baty died in New Plymouth on Monday, aged 91.
Born in Christchurch in 1915, he attended St Andrew's College before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1933.
He married Australian woman Gladys Staples in 1939, before serving in New Zealand and Fiji as a pilot during World War II.
On leaving the RNZAF in 1946, he moved to New Plymouth, and became manager of the Fun Ho! toy factory before training as a primary school teacher.
He taught at Welbourn and Woodleigh primary schools, and was principal of Lepperton primary school for eight years before retiring in 1976.
Fishing was Mr Baty's passion from an early age.
Growing up during the Depression, he would go fishing or hunting to provide food for his mother and four sisters.
He enjoyed trout and boat fishing as well as surfcasting, representing New Zealand in the 1962 World Surfcasting Championships.
For more than 40 years, he wrote fishing columns for The Daily News, The Taranaki Herald, NZ Rod & Rifle and the NZ Fishing News, among others. He also hosted a popular radio show and in 1993 published a book, Hooked On Fishing.
Mr Baty was a foundation member, life member and patron of the Taranaki Surfcasting Club, served on numerous other fishing bodies, and was national president of the New Zealand Angling and Casting Association.
His sons, Max and Spencer, described him as a practical joker, who never did things by half.
They said his life's work was devoted to his wife, who had suffered from polio early in her childhood.
She and Mr Baty spent the final years of their life in the Coronation Lodge Rest Home. Mrs Baty died in 2004.
Mr Baty is survived by his two sons, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Much-loved music teacher remembered
SHARON MARRIS sharon.marris@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Wednesday, 28 November 2007
A Taranaki man awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to music died on Sunday aged 83.
Ernest James Arthur Ormrod (Ernie) was born in Wellington but moved to New Plymouth in the 1950s with his wife Gwitha and children.
He began playing the piano at the age of five, learning brass instruments and joining the Port Nicholson Silver Band in 1938.
In 1942 he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a bomber-gunner but kept playing in military bands. During the 1950s he became deputy conductor of the RNZAF Band, conducting it at Parliament's official opening.
In New Plymouth, Mr Ormrod managed Colliers for many years and became president and a life member of the New Plymouth City Band after administering it for more than 25 years. As well as his British Empire Medal, Mr Ormrod was recognised by the New Zealand Brass Bands Association for service to the band movement. He often performed in the band, the New Plymouth Orchestra and New Plymouth Operatic Society's orchestra.
He told a Taranaki Daily News reporter in 1985: "I would like to think my involvement in all these things has brought pleasure to people and that my teaching has been of assistance to all the young bandsmen."
One of those young bandsmen was Bryce Gordon, who is now the band's conductor. Mr Gordon learned cornet from Mr Ormrod and Ken Martin for about four years. Four words sprang to mind when he thought of Mr Ormrod - dedicated, passionate, sharing and giving.
"Ernie was very patient and he always had plenty of time to give to the youngsters," he said.
"I remember one band practice was cancelled because it was Easter but he'd forgotten to tell everyone so I turned up and he gave me an individual lesson instead."
Mr Ormrod is survived by two children and six grandchildren. His funeral will be held at St Mary's Pro Cathedral tomorrow where Mr Gordon will perform a cornet solo.
A Taranaki man awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to music died on Sunday aged 83.
Ernest James Arthur Ormrod (Ernie) was born in Wellington but moved to New Plymouth in the 1950s with his wife Gwitha and children.
He began playing the piano at the age of five, learning brass instruments and joining the Port Nicholson Silver Band in 1938.
In 1942 he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a bomber-gunner but kept playing in military bands. During the 1950s he became deputy conductor of the RNZAF Band, conducting it at Parliament's official opening.
In New Plymouth, Mr Ormrod managed Colliers for many years and became president and a life member of the New Plymouth City Band after administering it for more than 25 years. As well as his British Empire Medal, Mr Ormrod was recognised by the New Zealand Brass Bands Association for service to the band movement. He often performed in the band, the New Plymouth Orchestra and New Plymouth Operatic Society's orchestra.
He told a Taranaki Daily News reporter in 1985: "I would like to think my involvement in all these things has brought pleasure to people and that my teaching has been of assistance to all the young bandsmen."
One of those young bandsmen was Bryce Gordon, who is now the band's conductor. Mr Gordon learned cornet from Mr Ormrod and Ken Martin for about four years. Four words sprang to mind when he thought of Mr Ormrod - dedicated, passionate, sharing and giving.
"Ernie was very patient and he always had plenty of time to give to the youngsters," he said.
"I remember one band practice was cancelled because it was Easter but he'd forgotten to tell everyone so I turned up and he gave me an individual lesson instead."
Mr Ormrod is survived by two children and six grandchildren. His funeral will be held at St Mary's Pro Cathedral tomorrow where Mr Gordon will perform a cornet solo.
`We are irrigating ... a lot goes straight through'
By LIZ ST GEORGE liz.stgeorge@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Farmers in South Taranaki's coastal areas are only days away from a drought as strong, dry winds and cloudless skies sap their farmland.
Many are predicting they will be in serious trouble if there is not substantial rain within a fortnight - some say earlier.
While Metservice is expecting showers for the South Taranaki area on Friday, these are not likely to be substantial.
Many farmers are reporting an unusually dry spring with coastal areas hardest hit. Opunake farmer Joe Carey says his farm is the driest for this time of year since 1991 and the dry spell is one of the worst he has experienced in 30 years
"It is the lack of rainfall in September, October and this month," he says. "I guess there is a window of about a fortnight before it gets reasonably serious. It is not just the fact it is a bit dry, it is the effect on the crops, the turnips and maize, it is further down the track."
Taranaki Farmers Opunake Livestock rep Bryan Goodin said he had noticed water levels in the drains and rivers had dropped in the area and farms were suffering under a drying wind as well.
Taranaki Farmers Hawera livestock agent Garry Johns says the south and western sides of SH 45 where the farms have sandy soils are the most affected.
"It is certainly dry.
"It is not desperate yet. It will be another 10 days before we start to say they are in trouble."
Mark Schrider, who farms in Patea, has been irrigating since September. Normally he starts in December.
Richard Julian, who farms south of Opunake, has also resorted to irrigating earlier than usual. "We're pretty dry. We are irrigating a lot of the farm, a lot goes straight through."
Mr Julian has farmed in the area all his life and thinks it is one of the driest Novembers he has had.
Otakeho farmer Alaister Murdoch says he is more concerned about the Waimate West water scheme.
South Taranaki District Council water supply manager Peter Cook says the reservoir for that scheme is hovering around the 50 percent mark.
"The reservoir, at full capacity, only holds about two to three days storage. Unless people get the message and start conserving we may be faced with a situation of not having enough water to go around," he said.
Farmers in South Taranaki's coastal areas are only days away from a drought as strong, dry winds and cloudless skies sap their farmland.
Many are predicting they will be in serious trouble if there is not substantial rain within a fortnight - some say earlier.
While Metservice is expecting showers for the South Taranaki area on Friday, these are not likely to be substantial.
Many farmers are reporting an unusually dry spring with coastal areas hardest hit. Opunake farmer Joe Carey says his farm is the driest for this time of year since 1991 and the dry spell is one of the worst he has experienced in 30 years
"It is the lack of rainfall in September, October and this month," he says. "I guess there is a window of about a fortnight before it gets reasonably serious. It is not just the fact it is a bit dry, it is the effect on the crops, the turnips and maize, it is further down the track."
Taranaki Farmers Opunake Livestock rep Bryan Goodin said he had noticed water levels in the drains and rivers had dropped in the area and farms were suffering under a drying wind as well.
Taranaki Farmers Hawera livestock agent Garry Johns says the south and western sides of SH 45 where the farms have sandy soils are the most affected.
"It is certainly dry.
"It is not desperate yet. It will be another 10 days before we start to say they are in trouble."
Mark Schrider, who farms in Patea, has been irrigating since September. Normally he starts in December.
Richard Julian, who farms south of Opunake, has also resorted to irrigating earlier than usual. "We're pretty dry. We are irrigating a lot of the farm, a lot goes straight through."
Mr Julian has farmed in the area all his life and thinks it is one of the driest Novembers he has had.
Otakeho farmer Alaister Murdoch says he is more concerned about the Waimate West water scheme.
South Taranaki District Council water supply manager Peter Cook says the reservoir for that scheme is hovering around the 50 percent mark.
"The reservoir, at full capacity, only holds about two to three days storage. Unless people get the message and start conserving we may be faced with a situation of not having enough water to go around," he said.
Tuesday, November 20
Saturday, October 13
TRFU
TRFU to probe bar frolics
By LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Saturday, 13 October 2007
Members of the Taranaki rugby team are being investigated after late-night high jinx in a New Plymouth bar.
Yesterday, Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) chief executive Mark Robinson confirmed the union was investigating allegations about several players' behaviour at the Crowded House Bar on Sunday, October 7.
The team had been knocked out of the Air New Zealand Cup by Auckland the night before.
The allegations surfaced the same week All Black Doug Howlett landed himself in trouble with British police after he jumped on parked cars outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel, in London.
The Taranaki Daily News understands the local allegations involve unruly behaviour, nudity, players helping themselves to drinks and under-age barmaids drinking.
A duty manager at the bar has resigned and the owners are conducting their own investigation into what happened on the night.
The Taranaki Daily News also understands the parents of one of the barmaids is seeking compensation from the bar or the TRFU.
Crowded House is the official bar to the TRFU and was recently named top sports bar at the Hospitality Association's Awards for Excellence.
Mr Robinson said the TRFU was still trying to establish what happened.
"The TRFU acknowledges that some of its players were present, along with other members of the public."
Mr Robinson said the union had protocols to manage allegations and it was working through those.
"The union is satisfied, at this stage, any disciplinary action for the players present is unnecessary."
Up to 12 players from the Taranaki team were at the bar.
Mr Robinson said it was important the TRFU went through the process.
"We are not having this or any other inquiry aired through the media."
Young barmaids working or drinking at the bar were not a TRFU issue, Mr Robinson said.
Crowded House co-owner Kerry Simeon, who only arrived back in New Zealand on Thursday having been at the World Cup, said he was still getting the facts together.
"It sounds like the culmination of a lot of stupid fun.
"There was a little bit of drinking going on. There was, I believe, a streak through the bar."
Mr Simeon said the bar was trying to deal with the problem in a professional manner.
"Silly behaviour is always going to happen, it is how you deal with it."
Mr Simeon said he wanted to have a meeting with the two 17-year-old barmaids, and their families, this week and he hoped the TRFU would attend.
Both girls have kept their jobs.
Mr Simeon said the bar was safe and had developed a good reputation with the police and public during its 10 years. His 16-year-old daughter worked in the bar
By LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Saturday, 13 October 2007
Members of the Taranaki rugby team are being investigated after late-night high jinx in a New Plymouth bar.
Yesterday, Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) chief executive Mark Robinson confirmed the union was investigating allegations about several players' behaviour at the Crowded House Bar on Sunday, October 7.
The team had been knocked out of the Air New Zealand Cup by Auckland the night before.
The allegations surfaced the same week All Black Doug Howlett landed himself in trouble with British police after he jumped on parked cars outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel, in London.
The Taranaki Daily News understands the local allegations involve unruly behaviour, nudity, players helping themselves to drinks and under-age barmaids drinking.
A duty manager at the bar has resigned and the owners are conducting their own investigation into what happened on the night.
The Taranaki Daily News also understands the parents of one of the barmaids is seeking compensation from the bar or the TRFU.
Crowded House is the official bar to the TRFU and was recently named top sports bar at the Hospitality Association's Awards for Excellence.
Mr Robinson said the TRFU was still trying to establish what happened.
"The TRFU acknowledges that some of its players were present, along with other members of the public."
Mr Robinson said the union had protocols to manage allegations and it was working through those.
"The union is satisfied, at this stage, any disciplinary action for the players present is unnecessary."
Up to 12 players from the Taranaki team were at the bar.
Mr Robinson said it was important the TRFU went through the process.
"We are not having this or any other inquiry aired through the media."
Young barmaids working or drinking at the bar were not a TRFU issue, Mr Robinson said.
Crowded House co-owner Kerry Simeon, who only arrived back in New Zealand on Thursday having been at the World Cup, said he was still getting the facts together.
"It sounds like the culmination of a lot of stupid fun.
"There was a little bit of drinking going on. There was, I believe, a streak through the bar."
Mr Simeon said the bar was trying to deal with the problem in a professional manner.
"Silly behaviour is always going to happen, it is how you deal with it."
Mr Simeon said he wanted to have a meeting with the two 17-year-old barmaids, and their families, this week and he hoped the TRFU would attend.
Both girls have kept their jobs.
Mr Simeon said the bar was safe and had developed a good reputation with the police and public during its 10 years. His 16-year-old daughter worked in the bar
Friday, September 14
School produces three computer champs
RICHARD WOODD - Taranaki Daily News Friday, 14 September 2007
Joshua Brungar, and Simon Wadsworth who have beaten out competitiors to become two of the country's best young computer programmers.
Hawera High School has three computer programming champions - and one of them could be a genius.
They have beaten 50 other schools for top honours in a nation-wide programming teams contest.
One, Kieran McLaughlan, hasn't hung around. Twelve days after the contest, he flew to Boston to start a five-year scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worth $250,000. He sat the US college entrance exams and scored near-maximum in all the papers.
Kieran (18) will probably go into science-based practical research and development, says the school's head of computing, Andrew Phayer.
His two team-mates, Simon Wadsworth (17) and Joshua Brungar (18), yesterday were presented with certificates by the NZ Computer Society chief executive Douglas White, and products by corporate supporters, Obertech Group of Hawera and Gen-i Taranaki. The contest is run annually by the society.
Mr White said Hawera's success was surprising, as it was up against bigger schools with more money and resources.
Mr Phayer was the team mentor and helped the students work as a unit. They had to share one computer in the five-hour contest, at Waikato University on August 4.
"Kieran was a key member. He likes to solve the problem first, and the other two did the programming, creating the code and get it working. They were complementary," Mr Phayer said.
Most people could be trained in computer programming. "But there's also an art to it. You need desire, discipline and a flair."
Simon says the Hawera team got a lucky break: "We tackled a really difficult one first and found it fairly easy and scored very high points."
Joshua Brungar, and Simon Wadsworth who have beaten out competitiors to become two of the country's best young computer programmers.
Hawera High School has three computer programming champions - and one of them could be a genius.
They have beaten 50 other schools for top honours in a nation-wide programming teams contest.
One, Kieran McLaughlan, hasn't hung around. Twelve days after the contest, he flew to Boston to start a five-year scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worth $250,000. He sat the US college entrance exams and scored near-maximum in all the papers.
Kieran (18) will probably go into science-based practical research and development, says the school's head of computing, Andrew Phayer.
His two team-mates, Simon Wadsworth (17) and Joshua Brungar (18), yesterday were presented with certificates by the NZ Computer Society chief executive Douglas White, and products by corporate supporters, Obertech Group of Hawera and Gen-i Taranaki. The contest is run annually by the society.
Mr White said Hawera's success was surprising, as it was up against bigger schools with more money and resources.
Mr Phayer was the team mentor and helped the students work as a unit. They had to share one computer in the five-hour contest, at Waikato University on August 4.
"Kieran was a key member. He likes to solve the problem first, and the other two did the programming, creating the code and get it working. They were complementary," Mr Phayer said.
Most people could be trained in computer programming. "But there's also an art to it. You need desire, discipline and a flair."
Simon says the Hawera team got a lucky break: "We tackled a really difficult one first and found it fairly easy and scored very high points."
Saturday, August 25
Young candidate withdraws
RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 25 August 2007
South Taranaki election nominations closed yesterday with two dramatic, unexpected develop-ments.
Twenty-year-old mayoral candidate CJ Mahony got cold feet and withdrew less than two hours from the noon deadline.
Mr Mahony told the Taranaki Daily News at 10am he was withdrawing from the mayoral contest but would be nominated for a council seat. However, he failed to lodge the nomination and could not be contacted.
Earlier he said: "I thought about it long and hard and decided I'm not ready for the mayoralty and the town's not ready for me.
"I will go for the mayoralty at a later stage. The research I've done and the advice I've been given is that I need to do an apprenticeship as a councillor first."
His withdrawal still leaves eight mayoral contenders for the position being vacated by Mary Bourke after 15 years.
A by-election will have to be held in Patea, where there was only one nominee for four community board seats.
Three incumbent members (Robert Amon, John Hughes, Sharlene Stokes) are retiring but may have to carry on until the by-election, which may not be held until next year.
Council communications officer Gerard Langford said concerns began mounting a week ago when there was only one person nominated for a total of 16 community board positions.
"We hit the panic button and a lot of phone-calling produced results everywhere but Patea," he said.
"I guess the situation reflects the boards' shrinking agendas and continuing public apathy, which is a problem throughout the country."
A by-election is required within 82 days of the chief executive informing the electoral officer of the vacancy.
The election for the seven Taranaki District Health Board elected members is by Single Transferable Vote across the entire region. There are no wards or constituencies.
Postal voting papers will be delivered between Friday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 26. Voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 13.
Full results will be published in the Taranaki Daily News on Monday, October 15.
SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT MayorWilliam Batchelor (nominated by Jack Rangiwahia, Allan Hunt), Ian Dilworth (Alexander Little, Stevan Mikaera), Ross Dunlop (Judith Ogle, Murray Findlater), Roger Jenkins (Alistair Hurley, Dennis Hurley), Debbie Packer (Shirley Mulder, Jan McCallum), Stephen Pivac (Aileen Joyce, Jennifer Cavaney), Bryan Vickery (Dr Dan Devadhar, Pamela Field), Ian Wards (Garth Weir, Marie Dwyer).
CouncilHawera-Normanby Ward (4)
Paula Barton (Celine Filbee, Paul Rogers), Andrew Beccard* (Valerie Baylis, Fiona Hicks), Kirsty Bourke* (David Harris, Trevor Lister), Wendy London (Julie Cudby, Bruce Cudby), Peter McNamara (Cathryn Milgate, Craig Wilson), Michael Powell* (Cliff Hunt, Jeff Bigham), Simon Rangiwahia (Jack and Ruth Rangiwahia).
Tangahoe Ward (1)
Peter Johnson (Grant Pollock, Evan Vallender), Jeffrey Ward (Douglas Bates, Ethel Bates).
Egmont Plains Ward (3)
Ian Armstrong (Ronald William, Allan Harvey), Ann Hickey* (Leo Hickey, Darrell Hickey), John Hooker (June Hooker, Barbara Hana), Ian Smith* (Arthur Hughson, Maurice Murray).
Eltham Ward (2)
Alexander Ballantyne* (Gary and Judith Rodgers), Gordon Lawson* (Donald Drabble, Trevor Sharpe).
Patea Ward (2)
Warwick Fry* (Jo Byam, Helen Fairweather), Debbie Packer (Sharlene Stokes, Queenie Gripp), Ian Wards* (Marie Dwyer, Lawrence Gibbs).
Community boardsHawera-Normanby (3)
Colin Greaves*, Fiona Hicks*, Fred Kumeroa* (no election required).
Hawera-Tangahoe (1)
Kelly Judkins (no election required).
Egmont Plains (4)
Sharon Arlidge*, Ronald Brewer, Craig Dingle*, Ann Gibson*, Keith Scott, Brian Vincent.
Eltham (4)
Alexander Ballantyne*, Karen Cave, William Hansen*, Alan Hawkes*, Maree Liddington, Christine Turner.
Patea (4): Ailsa Aiken* (by-election required)
*denotes sitting member
South Taranaki election nominations closed yesterday with two dramatic, unexpected develop-ments.
Twenty-year-old mayoral candidate CJ Mahony got cold feet and withdrew less than two hours from the noon deadline.
Mr Mahony told the Taranaki Daily News at 10am he was withdrawing from the mayoral contest but would be nominated for a council seat. However, he failed to lodge the nomination and could not be contacted.
Earlier he said: "I thought about it long and hard and decided I'm not ready for the mayoralty and the town's not ready for me.
"I will go for the mayoralty at a later stage. The research I've done and the advice I've been given is that I need to do an apprenticeship as a councillor first."
His withdrawal still leaves eight mayoral contenders for the position being vacated by Mary Bourke after 15 years.
A by-election will have to be held in Patea, where there was only one nominee for four community board seats.
Three incumbent members (Robert Amon, John Hughes, Sharlene Stokes) are retiring but may have to carry on until the by-election, which may not be held until next year.
Council communications officer Gerard Langford said concerns began mounting a week ago when there was only one person nominated for a total of 16 community board positions.
"We hit the panic button and a lot of phone-calling produced results everywhere but Patea," he said.
"I guess the situation reflects the boards' shrinking agendas and continuing public apathy, which is a problem throughout the country."
A by-election is required within 82 days of the chief executive informing the electoral officer of the vacancy.
The election for the seven Taranaki District Health Board elected members is by Single Transferable Vote across the entire region. There are no wards or constituencies.
Postal voting papers will be delivered between Friday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 26. Voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 13.
Full results will be published in the Taranaki Daily News on Monday, October 15.
SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT MayorWilliam Batchelor (nominated by Jack Rangiwahia, Allan Hunt), Ian Dilworth (Alexander Little, Stevan Mikaera), Ross Dunlop (Judith Ogle, Murray Findlater), Roger Jenkins (Alistair Hurley, Dennis Hurley), Debbie Packer (Shirley Mulder, Jan McCallum), Stephen Pivac (Aileen Joyce, Jennifer Cavaney), Bryan Vickery (Dr Dan Devadhar, Pamela Field), Ian Wards (Garth Weir, Marie Dwyer).
CouncilHawera-Normanby Ward (4)
Paula Barton (Celine Filbee, Paul Rogers), Andrew Beccard* (Valerie Baylis, Fiona Hicks), Kirsty Bourke* (David Harris, Trevor Lister), Wendy London (Julie Cudby, Bruce Cudby), Peter McNamara (Cathryn Milgate, Craig Wilson), Michael Powell* (Cliff Hunt, Jeff Bigham), Simon Rangiwahia (Jack and Ruth Rangiwahia).
Tangahoe Ward (1)
Peter Johnson (Grant Pollock, Evan Vallender), Jeffrey Ward (Douglas Bates, Ethel Bates).
Egmont Plains Ward (3)
Ian Armstrong (Ronald William, Allan Harvey), Ann Hickey* (Leo Hickey, Darrell Hickey), John Hooker (June Hooker, Barbara Hana), Ian Smith* (Arthur Hughson, Maurice Murray).
Eltham Ward (2)
Alexander Ballantyne* (Gary and Judith Rodgers), Gordon Lawson* (Donald Drabble, Trevor Sharpe).
Patea Ward (2)
Warwick Fry* (Jo Byam, Helen Fairweather), Debbie Packer (Sharlene Stokes, Queenie Gripp), Ian Wards* (Marie Dwyer, Lawrence Gibbs).
Community boardsHawera-Normanby (3)
Colin Greaves*, Fiona Hicks*, Fred Kumeroa* (no election required).
Hawera-Tangahoe (1)
Kelly Judkins (no election required).
Egmont Plains (4)
Sharon Arlidge*, Ronald Brewer, Craig Dingle*, Ann Gibson*, Keith Scott, Brian Vincent.
Eltham (4)
Alexander Ballantyne*, Karen Cave, William Hansen*, Alan Hawkes*, Maree Liddington, Christine Turner.
Patea (4): Ailsa Aiken* (by-election required)
*denotes sitting member
Wednesday, August 15
View Mt Taranaki Live -
http://www.taranakivista.co.nz/index.php?page=home
Taranaki Vista, live Landscape Photography by Fiona Clark.Images are live from our web cam, full size and high resolution. Choose the resolution and frame rate to suit your screen and your connection. As well as the latest view of the mountain, now, there is a gallery of still pictures of great days and interesting phenomena.
Taranaki Vista, live Landscape Photography by Fiona Clark.Images are live from our web cam, full size and high resolution. Choose the resolution and frame rate to suit your screen and your connection. As well as the latest view of the mountain, now, there is a gallery of still pictures of great days and interesting phenomena.
Monday, August 13
Supermarkets
Supermarket owners have a reshuffle RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 13 August 2007
Big changes have been happening in supermarket ownership in Stratford and Hawera.
Hawera's $18 million Pak 'n Save has already been sold, only seven months after it opened last December.
For a few months this supermarket's petrol station had the cheapest retail prices in the country: 21c a litre discount if you bought $40 worth of groceries.
In Stratford, New World has been bought by former Oakura Four Square owners Jimmy and Jackie Lim.
The Kovaleski family operated Pak 'n Save, after selling their Hawera New World operation to Rachel and Mike Clayton, the former Write Price operators.
The Kovaleskis have sold out to Peter Arthur, who has appointed Kevin Jones as manager. He says he intends to sell the business to him eventually, "... provided he performs."
Palmerston North-based Mr Arthur says he had a call from the Foodstuffs Group after managing director Tony Kovaleski announced the store was for sale.
Mr Arthur does not envisage an early return to the big petrol discounts of the brief Kovaleski era.
"In this game things change from day to day and it depends what the competition is doing, but we won't be giving it away, that's for sure," he says.
Mr Kovaleski and his wife, Sam, have bought a beachfront home at Paraparaumu and are looking at business opportunities in the greater Wellington area. He declined to say why they decided to sell.
Mr Arthur's entry into the grocery business began when he worked as a schoolboy at the Ngaere Store, which his parents owned. He was the fourth generation of the family in that store.
Here is the sequence of events since then, as described by Mr Arthur. "In 1977 I left school and we bought the old Stratford New World from John Hedditch. In 1986 we bought the old Hawera New World and two years later built a new store on the same site. In 1991-92 my father and myself rebuilt the Stratford New World. In 1998 the Kovaleskis bought Hawera New World and I bought the Palmerston North Pak 'n Save, which I still own.
"In 2000 my brother John bought my interest in Stratford New World and later became the sole owner when our father died."
John Arthur has sold out to Jimmy and Jackie Lim. Mr Lim was born in Stratford in 1944 to Chinese immigrant parents. They started a fruit and vegetable shop which stayed in family ownership through to 2005, when it was closed on the retirement of his brother, Kevin.
In 1994 Mr and Mrs Lim left Stratford and bought the Oakura Four Square, which they sold in May this year to buy the New World business. Mr Lim says his son and son-in-law are also involved in the business and it will provide careers for their children.
"Foodstuffs will be enlarging the carpark and improving access this year and two years further out they plan to enlarge the store," he says.
Big changes have been happening in supermarket ownership in Stratford and Hawera.
Hawera's $18 million Pak 'n Save has already been sold, only seven months after it opened last December.
For a few months this supermarket's petrol station had the cheapest retail prices in the country: 21c a litre discount if you bought $40 worth of groceries.
In Stratford, New World has been bought by former Oakura Four Square owners Jimmy and Jackie Lim.
The Kovaleski family operated Pak 'n Save, after selling their Hawera New World operation to Rachel and Mike Clayton, the former Write Price operators.
The Kovaleskis have sold out to Peter Arthur, who has appointed Kevin Jones as manager. He says he intends to sell the business to him eventually, "... provided he performs."
Palmerston North-based Mr Arthur says he had a call from the Foodstuffs Group after managing director Tony Kovaleski announced the store was for sale.
Mr Arthur does not envisage an early return to the big petrol discounts of the brief Kovaleski era.
"In this game things change from day to day and it depends what the competition is doing, but we won't be giving it away, that's for sure," he says.
Mr Kovaleski and his wife, Sam, have bought a beachfront home at Paraparaumu and are looking at business opportunities in the greater Wellington area. He declined to say why they decided to sell.
Mr Arthur's entry into the grocery business began when he worked as a schoolboy at the Ngaere Store, which his parents owned. He was the fourth generation of the family in that store.
Here is the sequence of events since then, as described by Mr Arthur. "In 1977 I left school and we bought the old Stratford New World from John Hedditch. In 1986 we bought the old Hawera New World and two years later built a new store on the same site. In 1991-92 my father and myself rebuilt the Stratford New World. In 1998 the Kovaleskis bought Hawera New World and I bought the Palmerston North Pak 'n Save, which I still own.
"In 2000 my brother John bought my interest in Stratford New World and later became the sole owner when our father died."
John Arthur has sold out to Jimmy and Jackie Lim. Mr Lim was born in Stratford in 1944 to Chinese immigrant parents. They started a fruit and vegetable shop which stayed in family ownership through to 2005, when it was closed on the retirement of his brother, Kevin.
In 1994 Mr and Mrs Lim left Stratford and bought the Oakura Four Square, which they sold in May this year to buy the New World business. Mr Lim says his son and son-in-law are also involved in the business and it will provide careers for their children.
"Foodstuffs will be enlarging the carpark and improving access this year and two years further out they plan to enlarge the store," he says.
Thursday, August 9
Judge dies on way to court
Judge dies on way to court
12:36PM Thursday August 09, 2007
A judge collapsed and died on the way to court this morning.
Judge Murray Abbott had just yesterday finished presiding over the seven-day trial of a suspended police recruit who was acquitted on charges of attacking and sexually violating a Christchurch prostitute.
It is understood the judge was on his way to Christchurch District Court this morning when he collapsed and died.
Judge Abbott was 57. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and three children.
Judge Abbott is remembered as a well-respected and hard working member of the judiciary.
A partner in the Christchurch law firm Anthony Harper for many years, Judge Abbott was appointed to the District Court and Youth Court benches in 1989.
Judge Abbott was born in the Taranaki town of Eltham and went to school at Wanganui Collegiate. He studied law at Canterbury University, and after graduating in 1973 began practice with the then Christchurch law firm of Harper Pascoe and Co.
After being made a judge in 1989, Judge Abbott was appointed to New Plymouth and transferred back to Christchurch in 1996.
Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson said today news of Judge Abbott's death "came as a great shock" to all his colleagues.
"He was a very well-liked and respected judge. This is very sad news," he said.
Judge Johnson offered his "heart-felt commiserations" to Judge Abbott's family.
Canterbury District Law Society president Dr Ed Wylie QC said he was shocked to hear of Judge Abbott's sudden death.
Judge Abbott practised as a lawyer in Christchurch for a number of years before being appointed as a judge.
As a lawyer he served as legal counsel for the Christchurch Star newspaper in the 1980s.
Dr Wylie told NZPA Judge Abbott was "popular and well respected by his colleagues".
"As a judge, he was diligent, hard working and courteous, and a respected member of the District Court bench.
"I'm sure the profession in Christchurch would join with me in expressing its condolences to Mrs Abbott and the family."
Some courts were adjourned early today and a number of staff appeared upset at learning of Judge Abbott's death.
Rangiora lawyer John Brandts-Giesen, a fellow student with Judge Abbott at Canterbury University, said he would remember his long-time friend for his abilities and "somewhat zany sense of humour".
"He was a very hard-working and able judge and had a phenomenal photographic memory," Mr Brandts-Giesen told NZPA.
"It's a tragedy for his wife and family."
Brent Stanaway, Crown prosecutor for Christchurch and Greymouth, said Judge Abbott was a popular judge with an engaging manner and very fair approach.
"I am deeply saddened at the death of Judge Murray Abbott, who I much admired as an extraordinarily hard working, experienced and able District Court Judge."
Mr Stanaway said Judge Abbott was a very pro-active judge who sought to modernise trial management, with the intention of expediting the administration of justice.
He and his fellow prosecutors extended condolences to Judge Abbott's family.
- NZPA
12:36PM Thursday August 09, 2007
A judge collapsed and died on the way to court this morning.
Judge Murray Abbott had just yesterday finished presiding over the seven-day trial of a suspended police recruit who was acquitted on charges of attacking and sexually violating a Christchurch prostitute.
It is understood the judge was on his way to Christchurch District Court this morning when he collapsed and died.
Judge Abbott was 57. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and three children.
Judge Abbott is remembered as a well-respected and hard working member of the judiciary.
A partner in the Christchurch law firm Anthony Harper for many years, Judge Abbott was appointed to the District Court and Youth Court benches in 1989.
Judge Abbott was born in the Taranaki town of Eltham and went to school at Wanganui Collegiate. He studied law at Canterbury University, and after graduating in 1973 began practice with the then Christchurch law firm of Harper Pascoe and Co.
After being made a judge in 1989, Judge Abbott was appointed to New Plymouth and transferred back to Christchurch in 1996.
Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson said today news of Judge Abbott's death "came as a great shock" to all his colleagues.
"He was a very well-liked and respected judge. This is very sad news," he said.
Judge Johnson offered his "heart-felt commiserations" to Judge Abbott's family.
Canterbury District Law Society president Dr Ed Wylie QC said he was shocked to hear of Judge Abbott's sudden death.
Judge Abbott practised as a lawyer in Christchurch for a number of years before being appointed as a judge.
As a lawyer he served as legal counsel for the Christchurch Star newspaper in the 1980s.
Dr Wylie told NZPA Judge Abbott was "popular and well respected by his colleagues".
"As a judge, he was diligent, hard working and courteous, and a respected member of the District Court bench.
"I'm sure the profession in Christchurch would join with me in expressing its condolences to Mrs Abbott and the family."
Some courts were adjourned early today and a number of staff appeared upset at learning of Judge Abbott's death.
Rangiora lawyer John Brandts-Giesen, a fellow student with Judge Abbott at Canterbury University, said he would remember his long-time friend for his abilities and "somewhat zany sense of humour".
"He was a very hard-working and able judge and had a phenomenal photographic memory," Mr Brandts-Giesen told NZPA.
"It's a tragedy for his wife and family."
Brent Stanaway, Crown prosecutor for Christchurch and Greymouth, said Judge Abbott was a popular judge with an engaging manner and very fair approach.
"I am deeply saddened at the death of Judge Murray Abbott, who I much admired as an extraordinarily hard working, experienced and able District Court Judge."
Mr Stanaway said Judge Abbott was a very pro-active judge who sought to modernise trial management, with the intention of expediting the administration of justice.
He and his fellow prosecutors extended condolences to Judge Abbott's family.
- NZPA
Monday, August 6
Historic house nearly up in smoke
LYN HUMPHREYS lyn.humphreys@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 6 August 2007
Irreplaceable treasures at Parihaka were within minutes of destruction after an electrical fire just after midnight yesterday.
"Another five minutes and it would have gone," Rahotu Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Paul Mundt says. "It was very fortunate no one was inside."
It was lucky that the fire was discovered when a man, who had gone outside for a smoke from another house at the pa, smelt smoke from what he thought was a rubbish fire.
When he investigated, he found it was coming from the outside wall at Te Niho meeting house.
Although the fire brigade was called and was on its way, the flames quickly took hold and were soon leaping higher than the roof of the old tinder-dry building.
"If it had got into the ceiling space, it would have been all over," Mr Mundt says.
But people living on the pa rallied and were able to put out the flames with a bucket brigade before the firefighters arrived.
"They managed to extinguish it before we got there. If they hadn't, she would have been history."
The fire is believed to have started in a meter board on the outside of the meeting house and to have been caused by a combination of old wiring and moisture.
People sometimes stayed overnight at the meeting house, he said.
"It's a good wake-up call to everyone. Smoke alarms may have helped but no one was staying in the building that night."
The brigade intended to go to the pa this week to discuss fire safety.
Papa Kainga trustee Peter Moeahu, who does not live on site, was shocked when hearing of the fire from the newspaper.
He says the taonga on the walls of the Te Niho house include photos of past generations, paintings of the history of Parihaka and large photo prints of the pa's early years.
It also hold greenstone treasures, gifts from visitors both from across New Zealand and overseas - all of which are irreplaceable.
"You could sum it up as the museum of Te Niho."
Mr Moeahu says he will be pleased to meet with the brigade to discuss fire prevention.
Ironically, the South Taranaki Liaison Committee had just approved $8000 for the drawing up of a plan for the redevelopment of Te Niho.
Irreplaceable treasures at Parihaka were within minutes of destruction after an electrical fire just after midnight yesterday.
"Another five minutes and it would have gone," Rahotu Volunteer Fire Brigade senior station officer Paul Mundt says. "It was very fortunate no one was inside."
It was lucky that the fire was discovered when a man, who had gone outside for a smoke from another house at the pa, smelt smoke from what he thought was a rubbish fire.
When he investigated, he found it was coming from the outside wall at Te Niho meeting house.
Although the fire brigade was called and was on its way, the flames quickly took hold and were soon leaping higher than the roof of the old tinder-dry building.
"If it had got into the ceiling space, it would have been all over," Mr Mundt says.
But people living on the pa rallied and were able to put out the flames with a bucket brigade before the firefighters arrived.
"They managed to extinguish it before we got there. If they hadn't, she would have been history."
The fire is believed to have started in a meter board on the outside of the meeting house and to have been caused by a combination of old wiring and moisture.
People sometimes stayed overnight at the meeting house, he said.
"It's a good wake-up call to everyone. Smoke alarms may have helped but no one was staying in the building that night."
The brigade intended to go to the pa this week to discuss fire safety.
Papa Kainga trustee Peter Moeahu, who does not live on site, was shocked when hearing of the fire from the newspaper.
He says the taonga on the walls of the Te Niho house include photos of past generations, paintings of the history of Parihaka and large photo prints of the pa's early years.
It also hold greenstone treasures, gifts from visitors both from across New Zealand and overseas - all of which are irreplaceable.
"You could sum it up as the museum of Te Niho."
Mr Moeahu says he will be pleased to meet with the brigade to discuss fire prevention.
Ironically, the South Taranaki Liaison Committee had just approved $8000 for the drawing up of a plan for the redevelopment of Te Niho.
Tuesday, July 31
Funnyman has fond memories
JESSICA WAUCHOP - Taranaki Tuesday, 31 July 2007
When Oscar Kightley was a cadet reporter at the Taranaki Herald he pulled a sickie on the day of the most exciting story of the year - Cyclone Bola.
"I looked out my window that morning, saw it was raining and called in sick," laughs Kightley.
"Everyone else was racing about covering exciting stories about roofs blowing off and I missed out," Kightley says.
It's just one of many tales from the funnyman, who's just been back in New Plymouth with the Naked Samoans for the Taranaki International Festival of the Arts.
Kightley, best-known for his roles in the TV show bro'Town and movie Sione's Wedding, is thankful for his six-month stint as a journalist in Taranaki.
"I had been working as a cadet reporter at the Auckland Star and got up to a bit of trouble. So they were very kind and instead of firing me, they packed me off to New Plymouth.
"I came here and loved it. This place was my first experience of living outside of the city I grew up in. I found it a very warm and enveloping place with culture, surf and nice people.
"By the end of my six months I didn't want to go back to Auckland."
Nineteen years after he left, Kightley is impressed with the changes in Taranaki.
"It is great to see more than one bar in New Plymouth now.
"You can stagger from bar to bar instead of up and down The Mill's stairs," says Kightley, who admits he is still struck by the overwhelming politeness of Taranaki people.
Although Kightley is grateful for his time as a journalist, he says he was never destined for it.
"At school English was my favourite subject because it wasn't like science and maths which had strict rules - English you could make things up."
"In science four and four had to equal eight but in English I could make it equal 12 - not ideal for journalism though," he laughs.
It is this creativity which is embodied in the Naked Samoans performance.
"Our performances are never the same each night. We get bored easily, so if we're not having fun with the jokes, we change them," he says.
"Being on stage in the Naked Samoans existing in the most pure form ... a group who started out as mates just looking for an excuse to hang out together."
Jessica Wauchop is an AUT journalism student.
When Oscar Kightley was a cadet reporter at the Taranaki Herald he pulled a sickie on the day of the most exciting story of the year - Cyclone Bola.
"I looked out my window that morning, saw it was raining and called in sick," laughs Kightley.
"Everyone else was racing about covering exciting stories about roofs blowing off and I missed out," Kightley says.
It's just one of many tales from the funnyman, who's just been back in New Plymouth with the Naked Samoans for the Taranaki International Festival of the Arts.
Kightley, best-known for his roles in the TV show bro'Town and movie Sione's Wedding, is thankful for his six-month stint as a journalist in Taranaki.
"I had been working as a cadet reporter at the Auckland Star and got up to a bit of trouble. So they were very kind and instead of firing me, they packed me off to New Plymouth.
"I came here and loved it. This place was my first experience of living outside of the city I grew up in. I found it a very warm and enveloping place with culture, surf and nice people.
"By the end of my six months I didn't want to go back to Auckland."
Nineteen years after he left, Kightley is impressed with the changes in Taranaki.
"It is great to see more than one bar in New Plymouth now.
"You can stagger from bar to bar instead of up and down The Mill's stairs," says Kightley, who admits he is still struck by the overwhelming politeness of Taranaki people.
Although Kightley is grateful for his time as a journalist, he says he was never destined for it.
"At school English was my favourite subject because it wasn't like science and maths which had strict rules - English you could make things up."
"In science four and four had to equal eight but in English I could make it equal 12 - not ideal for journalism though," he laughs.
It is this creativity which is embodied in the Naked Samoans performance.
"Our performances are never the same each night. We get bored easily, so if we're not having fun with the jokes, we change them," he says.
"Being on stage in the Naked Samoans existing in the most pure form ... a group who started out as mates just looking for an excuse to hang out together."
Jessica Wauchop is an AUT journalism student.
Whole lot of horror rolls into crazy town
JAYNE HULBERT jayne.hulbert@tnl.nz - Taranaki Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Downtown New Plymouth was not for the faint-hearted last night.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was in town and the hundreds who turned out to see it, took the invitation for audience participation very seriously.
Not that there was anything serious about said participation.
Men dressed in drag, couples as Brad and Janet, Riff Raffs and people in any number of crazy X-rated outfits pranced across the TSB Showplace stage before the classic film was screened.
Many ensembles left little to the imagination, one man in particular providing slightly more flesh than most would like to see.
If you weren't dressed as one of the film's characters, you were in the minority.
Urged on by the Mistress of Ceremonies - singer Jackie Clarke - a competition to find the best dressed brought on screams of laughter from the near-capacity audience. After providing a language warning, Clarke issued the house rules.
"The only rule tonight, is that there are no rules," said Clarke to a huge round of applause.
Bags of rice were distributed to the audience and rice throwing quickly became a sport.
And then there's the Time Warp ...
Part of the Taranaki International Festival of the Arts, the one-off screening of Richard O'Brien's film, starring Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, was guaranteed to be a crazy night.
Downtown New Plymouth was not for the faint-hearted last night.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was in town and the hundreds who turned out to see it, took the invitation for audience participation very seriously.
Not that there was anything serious about said participation.
Men dressed in drag, couples as Brad and Janet, Riff Raffs and people in any number of crazy X-rated outfits pranced across the TSB Showplace stage before the classic film was screened.
Many ensembles left little to the imagination, one man in particular providing slightly more flesh than most would like to see.
If you weren't dressed as one of the film's characters, you were in the minority.
Urged on by the Mistress of Ceremonies - singer Jackie Clarke - a competition to find the best dressed brought on screams of laughter from the near-capacity audience. After providing a language warning, Clarke issued the house rules.
"The only rule tonight, is that there are no rules," said Clarke to a huge round of applause.
Bags of rice were distributed to the audience and rice throwing quickly became a sport.
And then there's the Time Warp ...
Part of the Taranaki International Festival of the Arts, the one-off screening of Richard O'Brien's film, starring Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, was guaranteed to be a crazy night.
Taranaki quartet takes honours in best of category for country
LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz. - Taranaki Tuesday, 31 July 2007
They're world-famous in Taranaki - but now the rest of the country is in on our secrets.
Four Taranaki icons have been rated as the best in New Zealand.
They are New Plymouth's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Tikorangi gardener Mark Jury, Pukekura Park and Whangamomona.
The latest issue of The Listener has devoted a section to celebrating the best our country has to offer on a range of topics and the province was well represented.
Mr Jury, famed for his world-renowned magnolia trees, has been declared one of the country's best plant breeders by broadcaster Maggie Barry.
Mr Jury says he was surprised to receive the accolade but was happy to be rated alongside some of the best.
"It is great to be put in the same category as them, it is an honour," he said yesterday.
The Listener's arts editor Philip Matthews was positively glowing about the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
"Too few galleries know how to surprise ... but this one does," Listener arts editor Philip Matthews says.
Gallery director Rhana Devenport was delighted but not surprised to learn of the kudos. "Within the arts community, for the Asian Pacific region, the gallery is well known as a leader."
Whangamomona takes the honour of best place name, along with Nightcaps in Southland, Waikaremoana, and Windwhistle near Christchurch.
Twenty-two-year Whanga resident Tania Bedwell says the town's name roughly translates to fertile valley or wait here for a fat one. Coastal Maori used the area as a camp ground on their way to trade with tribes in Wanganui and it was known for fat birds and eels.
Pukekura Park got a special mention in the best cricket ground category. The Basin Reserve, Wellington, took the top honour.
The New Plymouth ground was described as ravishingly scenic and was recently named by the cricket-lover's bible, Wisden, as one of the six greatest grounds in the world.
They're world-famous in Taranaki - but now the rest of the country is in on our secrets.
Four Taranaki icons have been rated as the best in New Zealand.
They are New Plymouth's Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Tikorangi gardener Mark Jury, Pukekura Park and Whangamomona.
The latest issue of The Listener has devoted a section to celebrating the best our country has to offer on a range of topics and the province was well represented.
Mr Jury, famed for his world-renowned magnolia trees, has been declared one of the country's best plant breeders by broadcaster Maggie Barry.
Mr Jury says he was surprised to receive the accolade but was happy to be rated alongside some of the best.
"It is great to be put in the same category as them, it is an honour," he said yesterday.
The Listener's arts editor Philip Matthews was positively glowing about the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.
"Too few galleries know how to surprise ... but this one does," Listener arts editor Philip Matthews says.
Gallery director Rhana Devenport was delighted but not surprised to learn of the kudos. "Within the arts community, for the Asian Pacific region, the gallery is well known as a leader."
Whangamomona takes the honour of best place name, along with Nightcaps in Southland, Waikaremoana, and Windwhistle near Christchurch.
Twenty-two-year Whanga resident Tania Bedwell says the town's name roughly translates to fertile valley or wait here for a fat one. Coastal Maori used the area as a camp ground on their way to trade with tribes in Wanganui and it was known for fat birds and eels.
Pukekura Park got a special mention in the best cricket ground category. The Basin Reserve, Wellington, took the top honour.
The New Plymouth ground was described as ravishingly scenic and was recently named by the cricket-lover's bible, Wisden, as one of the six greatest grounds in the world.
Colour captures imagination of exchange teacher
The walls of Ryo Nakamura's Japanese classroom could soon be covered with colourful children's artwork thanks to an idea sparked in New Plymouth.
While primary school classrooms in Japan could be viewed by outsiders as white and sterile, New Zealand classrooms are wall-to-wall colour.
The brightness of Kiwi classrooms is something that has captured the imagination of exchange teacher Mr Nakamura.
"Everything is so colourful in the classroom. Even the walls are painted in many colours.
"Everything is white in Japan. I am quite amazed that you use lots of colour and even display the children's artwork," Mr Nakamura said through an interpreter.
The 31-year-old is the first Japanese teacher to take part in the New Plymouth-Mishima teacher exchange programme, initiated during a New Plymouth District Council sister city trip to Mishima two years ago.
Mr Nakamura, who is a primary school teacher at Mukaiyama Shoggakko school in Mishima, arrived in New Plymouth on Saturday and will spend a month in various classrooms in the district.
Yesterday, while at Central School, Mr Nakamura said he was keen to introduce colour into his white classroom. Just how his superiors would react to the sudden colour explosion was another thing. "They will be very surprised."
It is the first time Mr Nakamura has been out of Japan and year six students at Central School were keen to inform him of where he should visit in Taranaki. Taking a trip up Mt Taranaki, visiting Puke Ariki, a marae and a farm were among the suggestions, but it was the idea of going surfing that had Mr Nakamura particularly excited. He hoped he could get in a few lessons while in the region.
He is also keen to learn more about New Zealand music. He will teach Central School's choir a Japanese song.
Mr Nakamura will visit the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, Welbourn, Westown and Vogeltown, Egmont Village and Inglewood primary schools, Te Pihipihinga Kakano Mai i Rangiatea kura kaupapa and Highlands Intermediate.
New Plymouth has sent two teachers to Mishima - James Los'e from Spotswood College and Vicki-Ann Ritchie from Inglewood Primary School.
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Tuesday, 31 July 2007
While primary school classrooms in Japan could be viewed by outsiders as white and sterile, New Zealand classrooms are wall-to-wall colour.
The brightness of Kiwi classrooms is something that has captured the imagination of exchange teacher Mr Nakamura.
"Everything is so colourful in the classroom. Even the walls are painted in many colours.
"Everything is white in Japan. I am quite amazed that you use lots of colour and even display the children's artwork," Mr Nakamura said through an interpreter.
The 31-year-old is the first Japanese teacher to take part in the New Plymouth-Mishima teacher exchange programme, initiated during a New Plymouth District Council sister city trip to Mishima two years ago.
Mr Nakamura, who is a primary school teacher at Mukaiyama Shoggakko school in Mishima, arrived in New Plymouth on Saturday and will spend a month in various classrooms in the district.
Yesterday, while at Central School, Mr Nakamura said he was keen to introduce colour into his white classroom. Just how his superiors would react to the sudden colour explosion was another thing. "They will be very surprised."
It is the first time Mr Nakamura has been out of Japan and year six students at Central School were keen to inform him of where he should visit in Taranaki. Taking a trip up Mt Taranaki, visiting Puke Ariki, a marae and a farm were among the suggestions, but it was the idea of going surfing that had Mr Nakamura particularly excited. He hoped he could get in a few lessons while in the region.
He is also keen to learn more about New Zealand music. He will teach Central School's choir a Japanese song.
Mr Nakamura will visit the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, Welbourn, Westown and Vogeltown, Egmont Village and Inglewood primary schools, Te Pihipihinga Kakano Mai i Rangiatea kura kaupapa and Highlands Intermediate.
New Plymouth has sent two teachers to Mishima - James Los'e from Spotswood College and Vicki-Ann Ritchie from Inglewood Primary School.
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Saturday, July 28
They served Eltham
RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 28 July 2007
Eltham is mourning the loss of two of its community stalwarts.
Dorothy Lillian Nicholls died on July 19, a month short of her 91st birthday and her close friend Lawrence Stephen (Curly) Murray a day later aged 87.
Red Cross voluntary work was a common thread in their lives.
Mrs Nicholls became a Red Cross nurse in 1936, she was an Eltham branch life member and was awarded a medal for 60 years' service last year. She was awarded the NZ Order of Merit in 1996.
"The Red Cross was her life," says Jeanette Mann, the former Eltham branch secretary, now living in Southland.
During the Vietnam War, Mrs Nicholls and her husband Herbert Eckroyd (Roy) personally delivered four woolpacks of toys, clothes and medicines to a children's hospital in Saigon. Such flights were known as "teddy bear runs".
The Nicholls flew with the cargo in an RNZAF Hercules, strapped into armchairs for the long flight. Mrs Nicholls had been patron of the Eltham Plunket and Horticultural societies and was a national judge for the Taranaki Rose Society.
Her husband was the town chemist.
Mr Murray started as an apprentice joiner in 1935. He bought the N. G. Tucker Joinery business in 1957, with Ilay Stanners as a partner, and renamed it Eltham Building Supplies. It is still being operated by his two sons, Donald and Ian.
He was a member of the Taranaki Masonic Trust and his Red Cross service included repairing all wheelchairs loaned out by the Red Cross in Taranaki.
He joined the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1938 and was chief officer 1949-63.
Eltham is mourning the loss of two of its community stalwarts.
Dorothy Lillian Nicholls died on July 19, a month short of her 91st birthday and her close friend Lawrence Stephen (Curly) Murray a day later aged 87.
Red Cross voluntary work was a common thread in their lives.
Mrs Nicholls became a Red Cross nurse in 1936, she was an Eltham branch life member and was awarded a medal for 60 years' service last year. She was awarded the NZ Order of Merit in 1996.
"The Red Cross was her life," says Jeanette Mann, the former Eltham branch secretary, now living in Southland.
During the Vietnam War, Mrs Nicholls and her husband Herbert Eckroyd (Roy) personally delivered four woolpacks of toys, clothes and medicines to a children's hospital in Saigon. Such flights were known as "teddy bear runs".
The Nicholls flew with the cargo in an RNZAF Hercules, strapped into armchairs for the long flight. Mrs Nicholls had been patron of the Eltham Plunket and Horticultural societies and was a national judge for the Taranaki Rose Society.
Her husband was the town chemist.
Mr Murray started as an apprentice joiner in 1935. He bought the N. G. Tucker Joinery business in 1957, with Ilay Stanners as a partner, and renamed it Eltham Building Supplies. It is still being operated by his two sons, Donald and Ian.
He was a member of the Taranaki Masonic Trust and his Red Cross service included repairing all wheelchairs loaned out by the Red Cross in Taranaki.
He joined the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1938 and was chief officer 1949-63.
Saturday, July 14
Ropiha takes out Maori sportsperson award
Taranaki Saturday, 14 July 2007
Taranaki's leading amateur golfer Troy Ropiha was last night named Taranaki Maori sportsperson of the year.
Ropiha, who is in England playing in amateur events, was named overall winner after earlier taking the sportsman of the year award at a function in New Plymouth.
The full list of winners was:
Kaiwawao (game official award), Sam Tamarapa.
Kaiako (coach award), Rangi Hiroti, touch, rugby and rugby league.
Kaiwhakahaere (volunteer administrator award), Karen Brooks, netball and basketball.
Taiohi Tama (junior sportsman award), Derrin Jesse Puata, jujitsu.
Taiohi Kotiro (junior sportswoman award), Ashley Rupapera, swimming.
Pakeke Tane (senior sportsman award), Troy Ropiha, golf.
Pakeke Wahine (senior sportswoman award), Kim Hiroti, touch.
Toa Tira (Maori sports team award), Taranaki Whanui Maori rugby league.
Toa Tautoko (contribution and service to Maori sport and recreation), John Niwa, lawn bowls.
Kupu Whakanui (special commendations), Patsy Broughton, Daniel Brooks, Jan Manu, Keisha-Dean Soffe.
Toa Rongonui (sports hall of fame), George Wharehoka, Maurice Crow.
Toki o Te Tau (Taranaki Maori sportsperson of the year), Troy Ropiha, golf.
Taranaki's leading amateur golfer Troy Ropiha was last night named Taranaki Maori sportsperson of the year.
Ropiha, who is in England playing in amateur events, was named overall winner after earlier taking the sportsman of the year award at a function in New Plymouth.
The full list of winners was:
Kaiwawao (game official award), Sam Tamarapa.
Kaiako (coach award), Rangi Hiroti, touch, rugby and rugby league.
Kaiwhakahaere (volunteer administrator award), Karen Brooks, netball and basketball.
Taiohi Tama (junior sportsman award), Derrin Jesse Puata, jujitsu.
Taiohi Kotiro (junior sportswoman award), Ashley Rupapera, swimming.
Pakeke Tane (senior sportsman award), Troy Ropiha, golf.
Pakeke Wahine (senior sportswoman award), Kim Hiroti, touch.
Toa Tira (Maori sports team award), Taranaki Whanui Maori rugby league.
Toa Tautoko (contribution and service to Maori sport and recreation), John Niwa, lawn bowls.
Kupu Whakanui (special commendations), Patsy Broughton, Daniel Brooks, Jan Manu, Keisha-Dean Soffe.
Toa Rongonui (sports hall of fame), George Wharehoka, Maurice Crow.
Toki o Te Tau (Taranaki Maori sportsperson of the year), Troy Ropiha, golf.
Farm-scene art for telephone books
Taranaki Saturday, 14 July 2007
The telephone book artwork.
A weekend drive to the mountain inspired the winning entry in this year's White Pages Art Award.
New Plymouth artist Henriette Reason's painting will grace the cover of the 2007 Taranaki telephone book, due out in August. Her work is called Heard Of Cows?
"While driving I saw herds of cows. I stopped my car to have a look and the curious cows came to say hello. I had fun feeding the friendly ones, while others stood back and watched," says Danish-born Reason.
To create the artwork she made some rough sketches from photos taken of the cows, then used oil paints on canvas board.
"I wanted to convey feelings of curiosity and excitement. Taranaki is a clean, green place and the mountain portrays boldness."
She was overwhelmed about winning the award.
"I phoned my mother in Denmark to tell her the good news and I admit, I couldn't sleep that night."
Reason is a self-taught artist who only started painting in recent years.
"I've always had an interest in art, but only started painting seven years ago. I gave up my fulltime job last year to devote all of my time to my art."
She entered the awards hoping it might boost her career and, having won, hopes it will be a stepping stone towards being a successful artist.
The judges were impressed with her painting and said it had an added dimension of mischief, which went beyond depicting a herd of cows in a typical Taranaki landscape.
Reason has lived in Taranaki for 10 years and says dairy farming and the mountain are constant sources of inspiration for her art.
"Dairy farming is the heart and soul of the Taranaki region and the mountain has stood through times of change.
"I wanted my painting to reflect traditional Taranaki with an openness and courage to move ahead."
The White Pages Art Awards programme is a nationwide regional arts competition, open to all New Zealanders.
The awards are designed to promote emerging and established artists throughout the country.
The 18 regional winners each receive a cash prize of $2000. At the close of the awards programme, all entered artworks are eligible for the annual White Pages Arts Charity Auction. All money from the sale of artworks is donated to charity.
A total of $50,417 was raised for What's Up at the 2006 White Pages Arts Charity Auction.
The telephone book artwork.
A weekend drive to the mountain inspired the winning entry in this year's White Pages Art Award.
New Plymouth artist Henriette Reason's painting will grace the cover of the 2007 Taranaki telephone book, due out in August. Her work is called Heard Of Cows?
"While driving I saw herds of cows. I stopped my car to have a look and the curious cows came to say hello. I had fun feeding the friendly ones, while others stood back and watched," says Danish-born Reason.
To create the artwork she made some rough sketches from photos taken of the cows, then used oil paints on canvas board.
"I wanted to convey feelings of curiosity and excitement. Taranaki is a clean, green place and the mountain portrays boldness."
She was overwhelmed about winning the award.
"I phoned my mother in Denmark to tell her the good news and I admit, I couldn't sleep that night."
Reason is a self-taught artist who only started painting in recent years.
"I've always had an interest in art, but only started painting seven years ago. I gave up my fulltime job last year to devote all of my time to my art."
She entered the awards hoping it might boost her career and, having won, hopes it will be a stepping stone towards being a successful artist.
The judges were impressed with her painting and said it had an added dimension of mischief, which went beyond depicting a herd of cows in a typical Taranaki landscape.
Reason has lived in Taranaki for 10 years and says dairy farming and the mountain are constant sources of inspiration for her art.
"Dairy farming is the heart and soul of the Taranaki region and the mountain has stood through times of change.
"I wanted my painting to reflect traditional Taranaki with an openness and courage to move ahead."
The White Pages Art Awards programme is a nationwide regional arts competition, open to all New Zealanders.
The awards are designed to promote emerging and established artists throughout the country.
The 18 regional winners each receive a cash prize of $2000. At the close of the awards programme, all entered artworks are eligible for the annual White Pages Arts Charity Auction. All money from the sale of artworks is donated to charity.
A total of $50,417 was raised for What's Up at the 2006 White Pages Arts Charity Auction.
Saturday, July 7
The state of emergency has been lifted in tornado-hit Taranaki.
No further damage was reported during the night and the community now was busy cleaning up, said Civil Defence controller David Lean.
Police were continuing round-the-clock patrols in Oakura to ensure the security of houses and property damaged when the tornadoes struck on Thursday night.
At least six twisters hit Oakura, Egmont Village, Inglewood and the Waitara area about 5.30pm on Thursday trampling houses, trees and power poles, causing millions of dollars worth of damage and leaving dozens of families homeless.
Civil Defence spokesman Rusty Ritchie said everyone was in clean-up mode today.
The quicker this was done the better, he said, as it would prevent any further damage being caused by loose debris flying around.
Strong winds last night did cause some debris to move around.
The Taranaki District Council is to make a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish at
midday
Houses which sustained the worst damage were now covered in tarpaulins and the Fire Service was on hand to resecure any which had come loose.
The Taranaki District Council (TDC) made a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish today, moving quickly to reduce the risk of further damage from wind-blown debris.
But mostly the clean-up is a community effort, with friends and neighbours all helping those whose properties sustained damage, Mr Ritchie said.
"Carpenters and builders will be out there, too, getting on with the job."
The weather has calmed down and the forecast for the region is for clearing conditions and no significant wind.
A welfare centre is to remain open at Oakura Bowling Club through until at least Tuesday and the welfare hotline (0800 779 997), set up for people needing practical help or feeling the stress, would also stay open in the meantime.
Power has been restored to all but a handful of properties.
Mr Lean said Civil Defence would continue to assess the needs of people affected by the tornadoes next week.
"It's very likely that by early next week, the reality of what's happened will set in for some people, and anyone needing assistance should go to the welfare centre or use the welfare hotline," he said.
Insurance assessors were also in the region helping people with their claims. Fifty houses have already been assessed as having sustained at least 80 per cent damage. Some have been completely destroyed and some cars have been crushed by fallen trees.
Early assessment indications from the Insurance Council put the damage in New Plymouth at about $2 million, with another $5 million estimated in Oakura. Those figures were expected to rise.
The Bank of New Zealand has set up an account for donations to assist with disaster relief. People can make donations at any BNZ branch.
- NZPA
No further damage was reported during the night and the community now was busy cleaning up, said Civil Defence controller David Lean.
Police were continuing round-the-clock patrols in Oakura to ensure the security of houses and property damaged when the tornadoes struck on Thursday night.
At least six twisters hit Oakura, Egmont Village, Inglewood and the Waitara area about 5.30pm on Thursday trampling houses, trees and power poles, causing millions of dollars worth of damage and leaving dozens of families homeless.
Civil Defence spokesman Rusty Ritchie said everyone was in clean-up mode today.
The quicker this was done the better, he said, as it would prevent any further damage being caused by loose debris flying around.
Strong winds last night did cause some debris to move around.
The Taranaki District Council is to make a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish at
midday
Houses which sustained the worst damage were now covered in tarpaulins and the Fire Service was on hand to resecure any which had come loose.
The Taranaki District Council (TDC) made a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish today, moving quickly to reduce the risk of further damage from wind-blown debris.
But mostly the clean-up is a community effort, with friends and neighbours all helping those whose properties sustained damage, Mr Ritchie said.
"Carpenters and builders will be out there, too, getting on with the job."
The weather has calmed down and the forecast for the region is for clearing conditions and no significant wind.
A welfare centre is to remain open at Oakura Bowling Club through until at least Tuesday and the welfare hotline (0800 779 997), set up for people needing practical help or feeling the stress, would also stay open in the meantime.
Power has been restored to all but a handful of properties.
Mr Lean said Civil Defence would continue to assess the needs of people affected by the tornadoes next week.
"It's very likely that by early next week, the reality of what's happened will set in for some people, and anyone needing assistance should go to the welfare centre or use the welfare hotline," he said.
Insurance assessors were also in the region helping people with their claims. Fifty houses have already been assessed as having sustained at least 80 per cent damage. Some have been completely destroyed and some cars have been crushed by fallen trees.
Early assessment indications from the Insurance Council put the damage in New Plymouth at about $2 million, with another $5 million estimated in Oakura. Those figures were expected to rise.
The Bank of New Zealand has set up an account for donations to assist with disaster relief. People can make donations at any BNZ branch.
- NZPA
Saturday, June 30
Giant carrot beats Auckland
New Zealand's premier landmark has been named - and it's not the harbour bridge or Sky Tower.
It's not even the Viaduct Harbour or One Tree Hill.
It's a park in New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park and its two-month festival of lights has won the prime Mayfair spot on the new Monopoly, Here and Now New Zealand board.
The provincial park knocks off Auckland's Queen St, which held the top spot for 21 years.
Rangitoto Island takes the neighbouring Park Lane square, the only Auckland feature to make the board.
The Viaduct, Sky Tower and bridge were all nominated by local authorities.
But in public voting, the vibrant America's Cup venue was beaten by a big carrot and an oversize kiwifruit.
The Ohakune and Te Puke landmarks were winners in the quirky kiwiana section.
And the Viaduct and harbour bridge combined didn't score as many votes as the Hundertwasse-designed public toilets in Kawakawa.
A poll to update the popular game attracted more than 230,000 public votes, a quarter from Manawatu and Taranaki.
Provincial pride saw just under 40,000 votes cast for Pukekura Park, more than half New Plymouth's population.
Palmerston North voters put their town square in second place, 15,000 votes behind.
Other landmarks to make the cut include Napier's art deco buildings, Wellington's cable cars, the Waitomo Caves and Christchurch's Cathedral Square.
But Aucklanders will find some features familiar - players fork out $400,000 per apartment for picking up the 'leaky building' Chance card.
The 'stuck in rush hour' card sets you back three spaces, and texting while driving earns a hefty fine.
Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard says the new board probably represents a change in values since the last edition of the game in 1986.
"Perhaps it is reflecting a maturing of New Zealanders, where we're putting more value on non-money real estate, and that's maybe something we should welcome.
"But I'm very pleased that Dick Hubbard's nose hasn't been taken on as a prominent landmark," he says.
By HEATHER McCRACKEN - Auckland City Harbour News Wednesday, 27 June 2007
It's not even the Viaduct Harbour or One Tree Hill.
It's a park in New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park and its two-month festival of lights has won the prime Mayfair spot on the new Monopoly, Here and Now New Zealand board.
The provincial park knocks off Auckland's Queen St, which held the top spot for 21 years.
Rangitoto Island takes the neighbouring Park Lane square, the only Auckland feature to make the board.
The Viaduct, Sky Tower and bridge were all nominated by local authorities.
But in public voting, the vibrant America's Cup venue was beaten by a big carrot and an oversize kiwifruit.
The Ohakune and Te Puke landmarks were winners in the quirky kiwiana section.
And the Viaduct and harbour bridge combined didn't score as many votes as the Hundertwasse-designed public toilets in Kawakawa.
A poll to update the popular game attracted more than 230,000 public votes, a quarter from Manawatu and Taranaki.
Provincial pride saw just under 40,000 votes cast for Pukekura Park, more than half New Plymouth's population.
Palmerston North voters put their town square in second place, 15,000 votes behind.
Other landmarks to make the cut include Napier's art deco buildings, Wellington's cable cars, the Waitomo Caves and Christchurch's Cathedral Square.
But Aucklanders will find some features familiar - players fork out $400,000 per apartment for picking up the 'leaky building' Chance card.
The 'stuck in rush hour' card sets you back three spaces, and texting while driving earns a hefty fine.
Auckland mayor Dick Hubbard says the new board probably represents a change in values since the last edition of the game in 1986.
"Perhaps it is reflecting a maturing of New Zealanders, where we're putting more value on non-money real estate, and that's maybe something we should welcome.
"But I'm very pleased that Dick Hubbard's nose hasn't been taken on as a prominent landmark," he says.
By HEATHER McCRACKEN - Auckland City Harbour News Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Pair seeking battalion comrades
Calling all surviving members of the Taranaki Regiment's 1st Battalion, your old comrades are looking for you.
Former Taranaki men Stan Martin and Bert Inteman are trying to trace old soldiers who were members of the 1st Battalion and left New Plymouth by train on December 15, 1941, one week after Japan bombed Pearl Harbour.
The 600 men first made camp at the Palmerston North Showgrounds but later moved to the Awatapu golf course, which is now Awatapu College.
The two men have approval from the college's board to put up a plaque in the grounds to mark the regiment's occupation of the site in 1942.
Mr Martin (85) says the idea for the plaque was suggested by his wife, June, on Anzac Day, while he was at Awatapu paying homage to the boys who never came home.
The men spent about eight months together before splitting up once the United States said New Zealand was not under threat from the Japanese. "We don't know how many of our blokes are left. Those boys would have never forgotten, we all got dispersed to different parts of the world. We had some great men in the regiment."
Old diggers don't often speak of the war to outsiders and reunions mean everything, he says.
"People say you blokes never talk anything about the war. That's quite right you don't. When you get your old mates together, you do, because they understand. You haven't got to explain everything to them and they know you're not just talking rubbish, they understand all about it," Mr Martin said. "Sadly, many of these men, the flower of the province's young manhood lie now and forever in soldiers' graves the length and breadth of Italy."
Mr Inteman (84) was only 17 at the time and needed to be 21 before serving overseas with the army so he transferred to the navy to get into the action.
He was looking forward to catching up with old friends. The plaque would be a fitting tribute to those who never came home.
"I think it is a remarkable thing. The school is giving us all of the support in the world, and if we can get a plaque in that area we will do it right. I don't think there will be many left but the ones that are, and if they could make it, it would be a really good get-together," Mr Inteman said. LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 30 June 2007
Former Taranaki men Stan Martin and Bert Inteman are trying to trace old soldiers who were members of the 1st Battalion and left New Plymouth by train on December 15, 1941, one week after Japan bombed Pearl Harbour.
The 600 men first made camp at the Palmerston North Showgrounds but later moved to the Awatapu golf course, which is now Awatapu College.
The two men have approval from the college's board to put up a plaque in the grounds to mark the regiment's occupation of the site in 1942.
Mr Martin (85) says the idea for the plaque was suggested by his wife, June, on Anzac Day, while he was at Awatapu paying homage to the boys who never came home.
The men spent about eight months together before splitting up once the United States said New Zealand was not under threat from the Japanese. "We don't know how many of our blokes are left. Those boys would have never forgotten, we all got dispersed to different parts of the world. We had some great men in the regiment."
Old diggers don't often speak of the war to outsiders and reunions mean everything, he says.
"People say you blokes never talk anything about the war. That's quite right you don't. When you get your old mates together, you do, because they understand. You haven't got to explain everything to them and they know you're not just talking rubbish, they understand all about it," Mr Martin said. "Sadly, many of these men, the flower of the province's young manhood lie now and forever in soldiers' graves the length and breadth of Italy."
Mr Inteman (84) was only 17 at the time and needed to be 21 before serving overseas with the army so he transferred to the navy to get into the action.
He was looking forward to catching up with old friends. The plaque would be a fitting tribute to those who never came home.
"I think it is a remarkable thing. The school is giving us all of the support in the world, and if we can get a plaque in that area we will do it right. I don't think there will be many left but the ones that are, and if they could make it, it would be a really good get-together," Mr Inteman said. LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Saturday, 30 June 2007
Wednesday, June 20
Tuesday, June 12
Practice pays off for quiz kids
YVETTE BATTEN yvette.batten@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Tuesday, 12 June 2007
• Hawera Intermediate School students love their books so much they practised a year for the Kids' Lit Quiz.
Their endurance saw them breeze through the regional heats during May and head for the nationals against 13 other teams in Auckland last weekend.
The group of four year eight students, Alex Verry, Gabby Ward, Bronte Heron and Jessica Howartson, came fourth equal with St Margaret's College from Christchurch.
It was a close contest with only six points separating the top six teams.
Principal Fiona Parkinson says watching the children answer the 60 questions about literary topics including movies, books and authors was nerve-wracking.
"We were sitting on the edge of our seats. They had a huge support crew with lots of family there," she says.
This is the first time the school has got so far in the contest and Mrs Parkinson puts it down to practice with their tutor Mandy Conaglen.
"After the last Lit Quiz they just decided to keep going.
"They've kept on doing their reading and talking about what they've been reading."
At the quiz last weekend, St Cuthbert's College from Auckland came first and is headed to Oxford in England for the world final in July.
Kid's Lit Quiz is part of the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children's Writers and Illustrators.
• Hawera Intermediate School students love their books so much they practised a year for the Kids' Lit Quiz.
Their endurance saw them breeze through the regional heats during May and head for the nationals against 13 other teams in Auckland last weekend.
The group of four year eight students, Alex Verry, Gabby Ward, Bronte Heron and Jessica Howartson, came fourth equal with St Margaret's College from Christchurch.
It was a close contest with only six points separating the top six teams.
Principal Fiona Parkinson says watching the children answer the 60 questions about literary topics including movies, books and authors was nerve-wracking.
"We were sitting on the edge of our seats. They had a huge support crew with lots of family there," she says.
This is the first time the school has got so far in the contest and Mrs Parkinson puts it down to practice with their tutor Mandy Conaglen.
"After the last Lit Quiz they just decided to keep going.
"They've kept on doing their reading and talking about what they've been reading."
At the quiz last weekend, St Cuthbert's College from Auckland came first and is headed to Oxford in England for the world final in July.
Kid's Lit Quiz is part of the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children's Writers and Illustrators.
Mountain tracks may be linked
YVETTE BATTEN yvette.batten@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Monday, 11 June 2007
Trampers could soon be trekking into previously uncharted areas of Egmont National Park.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is looking at linking the Kaitake and Pouakai ranges and Mt Taranaki in a 40km track.
DOC Stratford area manager Robert Bennett says the proposed track, which will take about three days to walk, will show people parts of the park not seen before.
"You will be able to get a perspective of the region that you may not be able to get elsewhere," he said.
Although there is no formal route between the Kaitake Range and Mt Taranaki, about half the proposed track is already there.
"A lot of the tracks in Egmont National Park are just a legacy from the past where the tracks were put in for management purposes," Mr Bennett said.
He believes the proposed track, which will run from Mt Taranaki to Lucy's Gully, near Oakura, will appeal to both locals and tourists. "It's an iconic path and this will be an iconic walk that will take in the highest peaks of the park and be quite a thing."
It has the capacity to join up with several huts including Holly Hut, Pouakai Hut on the Pouakai circuit and the Camphouse near the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
The track could also be linked up with historic Maori sites, if iwi agree to the idea.
"It's a fabulous opportunity. One that doesn't come around very often at all," Mr Bennett said.
DOC has tendered out a feasibility study for the proposed project. It wants to make a business proposal so it can tap into third party funding. "If we couldn't access external money then we wouldn't be pursuing it."
If the project goes ahead it will not be the first track in Egmont National Park that has had outside funding.
The newly completed Pouakai Circuit had cash injections from Venture Taranaki Trust and the TSB Community Trust.
Trampers could soon be trekking into previously uncharted areas of Egmont National Park.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is looking at linking the Kaitake and Pouakai ranges and Mt Taranaki in a 40km track.
DOC Stratford area manager Robert Bennett says the proposed track, which will take about three days to walk, will show people parts of the park not seen before.
"You will be able to get a perspective of the region that you may not be able to get elsewhere," he said.
Although there is no formal route between the Kaitake Range and Mt Taranaki, about half the proposed track is already there.
"A lot of the tracks in Egmont National Park are just a legacy from the past where the tracks were put in for management purposes," Mr Bennett said.
He believes the proposed track, which will run from Mt Taranaki to Lucy's Gully, near Oakura, will appeal to both locals and tourists. "It's an iconic path and this will be an iconic walk that will take in the highest peaks of the park and be quite a thing."
It has the capacity to join up with several huts including Holly Hut, Pouakai Hut on the Pouakai circuit and the Camphouse near the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
The track could also be linked up with historic Maori sites, if iwi agree to the idea.
"It's a fabulous opportunity. One that doesn't come around very often at all," Mr Bennett said.
DOC has tendered out a feasibility study for the proposed project. It wants to make a business proposal so it can tap into third party funding. "If we couldn't access external money then we wouldn't be pursuing it."
If the project goes ahead it will not be the first track in Egmont National Park that has had outside funding.
The newly completed Pouakai Circuit had cash injections from Venture Taranaki Trust and the TSB Community Trust.
Water crisis after blowout
RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Hawera and its surrounding communities are on emergency water supplies after a major blowout in the supply line from the Kapuni Stream intake.
Contractors and South Taranaki District Council engineers were working frantically last night to get a secondary intake working.
They estimate a limited flow will be running by mid-afternoon today but it will take a week to refill the reservoirs that supply treated water to Hawera, Ohawe Beach, Okaiawa and Normanby. The blowout was discovered about 5.30pm on Sunday and nothing could be done to stop the main Skeet Rd reservoir running dry. The two town reservoirs together contain the equivalent of only half a day's storage. The limited supply is on gravity feed only.
Council staff phoned all major water users, including schools and hospitals, and asked them to reduce water consumption to a minimum until further notice. Radio broadcasts asked householders to delay washing clothes, reduce toilet flushing and only shower or bathe if absolutely necessary.
At Okaiawa and Normanby, where water pressure at the extremities of the system plummeted to zero, the council has parked Fonterra tankers filled with Eltham water for people to help themselves.
With no toilet flushing or washing water available, Normanby Primary School decided to close about 1pm and will not reopen today.
The blowout occurred in a 100-year-old, kilometre-long tunnel, which delivers water from the stream intake structure to a treatment plant and water goes from there into three reservoirs. All these structures are dotted around the Kapuni natural gas plant.
STDC's water supply manager Peter Cook says a high flow at the weekend broke through a poorly reinforced access door, allowing the entire flow to escape out a side tunnel back into the stream.
"Getting the tunnel back into service is a major job in a difficult location, involving heavy machinery. With a crisis on our hands, we decided to desilt the back-up intake and that has involved bringing in a diver to air-blow sand from the chamber and then blow debris from the supply line to the treatment plant. We hope to have a reasonable flow going by mid-afternoon, provided there are no unforeseen snags, but it will take us a week to fully recover our storage."
In addition, a newly bored well next to the reservoir delivering 20 litres per second was yesterday brought on stream earlier than planned.
The council has this year drilled seven wildcat bores and this was one of only two that produced.
High-capacity pumps are also sucking water from the Kapuni Stream, but Mr Cook says that these measures will barely meet even reduced drawoff from the reservoir. "So it's critical that everyone on the supply network uses water only for essential purposes."
The council has plans to bypass the tunnel with a new streamside intake and pipeline.
Hawera and its surrounding communities are on emergency water supplies after a major blowout in the supply line from the Kapuni Stream intake.
Contractors and South Taranaki District Council engineers were working frantically last night to get a secondary intake working.
They estimate a limited flow will be running by mid-afternoon today but it will take a week to refill the reservoirs that supply treated water to Hawera, Ohawe Beach, Okaiawa and Normanby. The blowout was discovered about 5.30pm on Sunday and nothing could be done to stop the main Skeet Rd reservoir running dry. The two town reservoirs together contain the equivalent of only half a day's storage. The limited supply is on gravity feed only.
Council staff phoned all major water users, including schools and hospitals, and asked them to reduce water consumption to a minimum until further notice. Radio broadcasts asked householders to delay washing clothes, reduce toilet flushing and only shower or bathe if absolutely necessary.
At Okaiawa and Normanby, where water pressure at the extremities of the system plummeted to zero, the council has parked Fonterra tankers filled with Eltham water for people to help themselves.
With no toilet flushing or washing water available, Normanby Primary School decided to close about 1pm and will not reopen today.
The blowout occurred in a 100-year-old, kilometre-long tunnel, which delivers water from the stream intake structure to a treatment plant and water goes from there into three reservoirs. All these structures are dotted around the Kapuni natural gas plant.
STDC's water supply manager Peter Cook says a high flow at the weekend broke through a poorly reinforced access door, allowing the entire flow to escape out a side tunnel back into the stream.
"Getting the tunnel back into service is a major job in a difficult location, involving heavy machinery. With a crisis on our hands, we decided to desilt the back-up intake and that has involved bringing in a diver to air-blow sand from the chamber and then blow debris from the supply line to the treatment plant. We hope to have a reasonable flow going by mid-afternoon, provided there are no unforeseen snags, but it will take us a week to fully recover our storage."
In addition, a newly bored well next to the reservoir delivering 20 litres per second was yesterday brought on stream earlier than planned.
The council has this year drilled seven wildcat bores and this was one of only two that produced.
High-capacity pumps are also sucking water from the Kapuni Stream, but Mr Cook says that these measures will barely meet even reduced drawoff from the reservoir. "So it's critical that everyone on the supply network uses water only for essential purposes."
The council has plans to bypass the tunnel with a new streamside intake and pipeline.
Friday, June 8
Pattersons Is Closing Down
Its been there for years. What a shame. The building is great. The Patterson building on High Street, now a retail clothing store, is perhaps one of Duffill's greatest works and shows a marked flamboyance. An art deco exterior does little to reveal the beautiful layout inside, where a wide and stunning staircase draws visitors up to the second floor. Originally Wilkinson's, where imported china was displayed on shelves before large wall-mounted mirrors, it was known as Hawera's 'posh shop' and people came from everywhere to admire it.
Historic cemetery falls prey to vandals
LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz. - Taranaki Friday, 8 June 2007
Hawera constable Lincoln McCrea is angry about destruction of headstones at Waihi Cemetery this week.
Vandals have desecrated four headstones at an historic South Taranaki cemetery.
The headstones at the picturesque Waihi Cemetery, on Pikituroa Rd, just south of Normanby, were kicked over and destroyed by vandals this week.
The cemetery dates back to the 1860s and soldiers killed in the Land Wars were buried there.
It closed in the 1960s but was re-opened about four years ago.
Constable Lincoln McCrea, of Hawera, says the four headstones, which date back to the early 1900s, are an important part of the region's history.
They had been knocked over in the past couple of days. Fulton Hogan workers reported the damage to police yesterday.
"These are old gravestones and it is just really distressing seeing that sort of thing getting destroyed," Mr McCrea says.
Pushing the headstones over would have taken quite a bit of effort. "It is just real mongrel stuff."
Police want to hear from anyone with information about the damaged headstones.
South Taranaki district councillor Ross Dunlop was closely involved in getting the cemetery re-opened, which took five years and required an act of Parliament.
Mr Dunlop said he couldn't understand why anyone would cause such damage.
"I'm totally disgusted by it. It is just a terrible act of vandalism."
Mr Dunlop said at a recent funeral people were commenting on what an amazing, tranquil place it was, surrounded by rolling hills.
Hawera constable Lincoln McCrea is angry about destruction of headstones at Waihi Cemetery this week.
Vandals have desecrated four headstones at an historic South Taranaki cemetery.
The headstones at the picturesque Waihi Cemetery, on Pikituroa Rd, just south of Normanby, were kicked over and destroyed by vandals this week.
The cemetery dates back to the 1860s and soldiers killed in the Land Wars were buried there.
It closed in the 1960s but was re-opened about four years ago.
Constable Lincoln McCrea, of Hawera, says the four headstones, which date back to the early 1900s, are an important part of the region's history.
They had been knocked over in the past couple of days. Fulton Hogan workers reported the damage to police yesterday.
"These are old gravestones and it is just really distressing seeing that sort of thing getting destroyed," Mr McCrea says.
Pushing the headstones over would have taken quite a bit of effort. "It is just real mongrel stuff."
Police want to hear from anyone with information about the damaged headstones.
South Taranaki district councillor Ross Dunlop was closely involved in getting the cemetery re-opened, which took five years and required an act of Parliament.
Mr Dunlop said he couldn't understand why anyone would cause such damage.
"I'm totally disgusted by it. It is just a terrible act of vandalism."
Mr Dunlop said at a recent funeral people were commenting on what an amazing, tranquil place it was, surrounded by rolling hills.
Wednesday, June 6
Thursday, May 24
Owner hopes to spawn more Snappers outlets
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
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)