Y LEIGHTON KEITH leighton.keith@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Daily News | Thursday, 27 March 2008
A former Taranaki couple making "Kiwi-style" pies are cleaning up the Aussie competition.
For three years Tom and Anne Butler have owned the Beechwood Bakehouse in Maleny, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
The couple, who previously owned Butlers Reception Lounge in New Plymouth, recently won a gold certificate for their cream silverside pie and a silver in the chunky meat pie category at the Fine Food fair Show in Brisbane.
It is not their first success - they took home the bronze medal for their chunky steak pie in last year's Great Australian Pie Competition in Sydney.
The idea for the silverside pie came to them while having dinner one night.
Mrs Butler said they had not expected success in their first foray into pie-making competitions.
"We were pretty lucky to be up there, because a lot of them are big pie manufactures and we are only small-fry," she said.
The recipe for success was simple. "Good Kiwi ingenuity. We are making Kiwi-style pies."
They sell 22 different varieties of pie at the bakery, including minted lamb pies, which were sold as the Kiwi pie because of the ribbing Australians gave New Zealanders about sheep.
Their pies had met with the judges' approval - but what does the Ocker on the street think?
"They think that they are wonderful too, pies are the biggest seller in our bakery," Mrs Butler said.
The wide selection of pies has also impressed the locals.
"They are like kids in a lolly shop, they don't know what to pick."
The couple, who left New Zealand in June 1991, still have family in the region, including Tom's parents, Ken and Shirley Butler in Stratford, and son Matthew and his wife Anna in Hawera.
Thursday, March 27
Tuesday, March 18
Taranaki latest region to declare drought
1:57PM Tuesday March 18, 2008
Taranaki is the latest region to declare a drought after a prolonged dry spell in the area.
Taranaki Regional Council declared a drought today as farmers struggled to deal with the conditions.
There has been no sufficient rain since November and no rain was predicted until May.
South Taranaki District Mayor Ross Dunlop said the drought declaration would open up new avenues of government assistance for farmers.
"The council is formally asking the Government, and in particular Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton, to provide all reasonable assistance to farmers suffering undue stress as a result of this extreme situation."
He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was offering financial and welfare assistance to affected farmers through the region's Rural Support Trust.
Trustee Neville Hagenson said two coordinators were available to visit farmers in trouble.
Mr Hagenson said coordinators could provide advice and refer farmers to government departments like WINZ and the IRD.
"Our coordinators can go and sit down around the table and talk. Just say, hey, what are your problems and perhaps make suggestions," he said.
Farmers needing help can call 0800 787 254.
Financial assistance included the unemployment benefit, emergency benefit, special needs grants and recoverable assistance payments.
The drought had been declared in the area of coastal Taranaki extending south from Okato, 35km from New Plymouth, through all of South Taranaki District to the region's southern boundary, and including southern and eastern parts of the Stratford District.
Taranaki is the latest region to declare a drought after a prolonged dry spell in the area.
Taranaki Regional Council declared a drought today as farmers struggled to deal with the conditions.
There has been no sufficient rain since November and no rain was predicted until May.
South Taranaki District Mayor Ross Dunlop said the drought declaration would open up new avenues of government assistance for farmers.
"The council is formally asking the Government, and in particular Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton, to provide all reasonable assistance to farmers suffering undue stress as a result of this extreme situation."
He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was offering financial and welfare assistance to affected farmers through the region's Rural Support Trust.
Trustee Neville Hagenson said two coordinators were available to visit farmers in trouble.
Mr Hagenson said coordinators could provide advice and refer farmers to government departments like WINZ and the IRD.
"Our coordinators can go and sit down around the table and talk. Just say, hey, what are your problems and perhaps make suggestions," he said.
Farmers needing help can call 0800 787 254.
Financial assistance included the unemployment benefit, emergency benefit, special needs grants and recoverable assistance payments.
The drought had been declared in the area of coastal Taranaki extending south from Okato, 35km from New Plymouth, through all of South Taranaki District to the region's southern boundary, and including southern and eastern parts of the Stratford District.
Sunday, February 3
High Street 1957 - Telephone Book
High Street Hawera 1957
84 White Hart Hotel
86 Maypole Stores
88 Laurenson & Assoc Arch
90 Ormond H R Hrdrsrs
96 Barraclough M Butcher
98 Gamages Mlnrs
100 Norris & Frampton Hrdrsrs
102 Morgan A D Chemst
Sincere Fruit Shop Princes St Intersection
103 Bennett & Suttons Ltd Irn mgrs
112 Grubi Stvn Restrnt
112 Black Erick Wl Shop
135 Hing T Frtr
102 A MacLeans Specialty Shoes
84 White Hart Hotel
86 Maypole Stores
88 Laurenson & Assoc Arch
90 Ormond H R Hrdrsrs
96 Barraclough M Butcher
98 Gamages Mlnrs
100 Norris & Frampton Hrdrsrs
102 Morgan A D Chemst
Sincere Fruit Shop Princes St Intersection
103 Bennett & Suttons Ltd Irn mgrs
112 Grubi Stvn Restrnt
112 Black Erick Wl Shop
135 Hing T Frtr
102 A MacLeans Specialty Shoes
Union Street Hawera 1957 Telephone Book
39 Hodder & Tolley
41 McMahon Mrs Melvina
43 Grant Jno
45 McCarthy Jno G Brmn
47 Nielsen Jos m Town Clk
49 Eade Wm F Mgr
51 Hammon Mrs
51A Lovell Mrs A
53 Gardners Funeral Prlrs
55 Wilson J & H A Wd Mchts
57 Stanford Thos R Rly
57 Burgess & Fraser
63 Duffy Edwd J Rly
65 Transport Dept
67 Rick Wm C Mech
69 Johnston Mrs Msse
71 Bailey Mltn Stkbyt
73 Guilford Edwd B
76 Somerset House P Htl
41 McMahon Mrs Melvina
43 Grant Jno
45 McCarthy Jno G Brmn
47 Nielsen Jos m Town Clk
49 Eade Wm F Mgr
51 Hammon Mrs
51A Lovell Mrs A
53 Gardners Funeral Prlrs
55 Wilson J & H A Wd Mchts
57 Stanford Thos R Rly
57 Burgess & Fraser
63 Duffy Edwd J Rly
65 Transport Dept
67 Rick Wm C Mech
69 Johnston Mrs Msse
71 Bailey Mltn Stkbyt
73 Guilford Edwd B
76 Somerset House P Htl
Union Street Hawera 1957 Telephone Book
Union Street Hawera 1957
6 Hall Cycles
6A Louella Gowns
8 Wilton Richd A Grocer
12 Nolans Blds
12 Hawera Textiles
12 Para Rubber
16 Peacocks
18 Ravgee & Co Frut
20 Roberts Noe Cyc Dlr
22 Newman H R Btch
Mrs Archer
Arnold Carl B Clthr
Smith Lillian E Bty Sln
Haymans Dry Cleners
26 Dixon & Co
26 Ranford, George
38 Mac Ewan & Co
48 Masonic Hall
Moller
72 Bell Allan S Gar
Garey Peat K E
74 Ravje Govind S Frtr
Lowe Wm E
80 Guiford Dgls R Trav
82 Leishman Jas Mec
84 Farms Co Op
86 Chong Ken Frut
88 King Gordon Eng
6 Hall Cycles
6A Louella Gowns
8 Wilton Richd A Grocer
12 Nolans Blds
12 Hawera Textiles
12 Para Rubber
16 Peacocks
18 Ravgee & Co Frut
20 Roberts Noe Cyc Dlr
22 Newman H R Btch
Mrs Archer
Arnold Carl B Clthr
Smith Lillian E Bty Sln
Haymans Dry Cleners
26 Dixon & Co
26 Ranford, George
38 Mac Ewan & Co
48 Masonic Hall
Moller
72 Bell Allan S Gar
Garey Peat K E
74 Ravje Govind S Frtr
Lowe Wm E
80 Guiford Dgls R Trav
82 Leishman Jas Mec
84 Farms Co Op
86 Chong Ken Frut
88 King Gordon Eng
Thursday, January 17
Maize maze all ready to amaze again
By GRETA CLEARY - Taranaki | Thursday, 17 January 2008
Taranaki's latest maize maze is all set to amaze visitors - and to help them get lost.
The Inglewood Lions Club held a working bee yesterday to put the finishing touches to this year's maze, which will open for its seventh year on Saturday.
The summer fundraising project, which sits at No 74 on Venture Taranaki's 101 must-do list, will be open until April.
The cost of the 450,000 maize plants is covered by sponsors, and volunteers are responsible for maintaining the 2km of track within the maze. But it's worth it, say Lions Club members.
"Kids love it and family groups really enjoy it," said Kevin Knowles yesterday.
"We don't have too many problems with people getting lost. Sometimes we have to go and look for the odd child when parents get a bit anxious."
The club would like to see more social groups and businesses going through.When the fun is all over, the three-metre maize plants will be harvested into silage for a local farmer.
Taranaki's latest maize maze is all set to amaze visitors - and to help them get lost.
The Inglewood Lions Club held a working bee yesterday to put the finishing touches to this year's maze, which will open for its seventh year on Saturday.
The summer fundraising project, which sits at No 74 on Venture Taranaki's 101 must-do list, will be open until April.
The cost of the 450,000 maize plants is covered by sponsors, and volunteers are responsible for maintaining the 2km of track within the maze. But it's worth it, say Lions Club members.
"Kids love it and family groups really enjoy it," said Kevin Knowles yesterday.
"We don't have too many problems with people getting lost. Sometimes we have to go and look for the odd child when parents get a bit anxious."
The club would like to see more social groups and businesses going through.When the fun is all over, the three-metre maize plants will be harvested into silage for a local farmer.
Saturday, January 12
'Pumped' kayakers sight Taranaki
Saturday, 12 January 2008
TARANAKI DAILY NEWS
POSITIVE PADDLERS: James Castrission and Justin Jones are weary but their spirits are high as they near the end of their trip.
Two Australian kayakers attempting to cross the Tasman Sea, Justin Jones, 24, and James Castrission, 25, are paddling hard for New Plymouth after sighting Mt Taranaki about an hour before sunset last night.
At 9am today the pair were just 76km from the port city, and carving a straight line on their website's satellite tracking chart, paddling at 3kmh.
"James and Justin reported at around 8pm that they had just caught sight of Mt Taranaki," said Patrick Brothers of their logistics company Race Recon.
"They are absolutely pumped".
The two kayakers said it was a starry night, with calm seas "and the lights of New Plymouth are starting to twinkle".
The sighting followed a vexing two days in which winds and currents turned them round in a loop to the north, when they were actually trying to paddle southwest to reach New Plymouth.
Yesterday they stayed in the tiny cabin of their 9m kayak until the wind became more favourable, and put themselves back on full food rations, after halving their daily meals 30 days from mid-December.
They began paddling again about 3pm.
"The guys are so frustrated at today's progress they have decided to paddle into the night," Mr Brothers said after the sighting of Mt Taranaki-Egmont. "They are steaming for NZ".
The pair have already covered more than 3000km, weaving across the Tasman on a trip which was planned to take 42 days to cover about 2200km on an approximate straight-line route.
At dawn, the pair were less than 90km from New Plymouth, still paddling hard and chasing a Sunday finish – which would be exactly two months after they departed Forster, New South Wales.
- NZPA
TARANAKI DAILY NEWS
POSITIVE PADDLERS: James Castrission and Justin Jones are weary but their spirits are high as they near the end of their trip.
Two Australian kayakers attempting to cross the Tasman Sea, Justin Jones, 24, and James Castrission, 25, are paddling hard for New Plymouth after sighting Mt Taranaki about an hour before sunset last night.
At 9am today the pair were just 76km from the port city, and carving a straight line on their website's satellite tracking chart, paddling at 3kmh.
"James and Justin reported at around 8pm that they had just caught sight of Mt Taranaki," said Patrick Brothers of their logistics company Race Recon.
"They are absolutely pumped".
The two kayakers said it was a starry night, with calm seas "and the lights of New Plymouth are starting to twinkle".
The sighting followed a vexing two days in which winds and currents turned them round in a loop to the north, when they were actually trying to paddle southwest to reach New Plymouth.
Yesterday they stayed in the tiny cabin of their 9m kayak until the wind became more favourable, and put themselves back on full food rations, after halving their daily meals 30 days from mid-December.
They began paddling again about 3pm.
"The guys are so frustrated at today's progress they have decided to paddle into the night," Mr Brothers said after the sighting of Mt Taranaki-Egmont. "They are steaming for NZ".
The pair have already covered more than 3000km, weaving across the Tasman on a trip which was planned to take 42 days to cover about 2200km on an approximate straight-line route.
At dawn, the pair were less than 90km from New Plymouth, still paddling hard and chasing a Sunday finish – which would be exactly two months after they departed Forster, New South Wales.
- NZPA
Tuesday, January 8
Truck full of squash rolls in Taranaki
7:36AM Tuesday January 08, 2008
A Taranaki road is partly closed after a truck full of squash rolled over early this morning.
Inspector Ken Climo said the crash happened on State Highway 3 on Mokau Rd near Mount Messenger Tunnel.
The driver was not injured and no other vehicle was involved.
The road was limited to one lane.
Police were at the scene and the recovery would take a number of hours, Mr Climo said.
- NZPA
A Taranaki road is partly closed after a truck full of squash rolled over early this morning.
Inspector Ken Climo said the crash happened on State Highway 3 on Mokau Rd near Mount Messenger Tunnel.
The driver was not injured and no other vehicle was involved.
The road was limited to one lane.
Police were at the scene and the recovery would take a number of hours, Mr Climo said.
- NZPA
Wednesday, January 2
Hooligans absent from revels
GLENN McLEAN glenn.mclean@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Tuesday, 01 January 2008
Police are praising the behaviour of New Year's Eve revellers in Taranaki after a night free of the usual hooliganism.
Senior Sergeant Robbie O'Keefe said police made just eight arrests in New Plymouth for minor assaults and breaches of the liquor ban.
"The last couple of years have been generally quiet," he said, pointing out the city's liquor ban as the major reason for the improvement.
"It's made it a far more enjoyable place to be for everyone on New Year's Eve."
Urenui Beach, the scene of trouble last year when four young men were hospitalised after being assaulted, was also quiet, with just three arrests.
"Overall there were very few problems with a good crowd out there," Mr O'Keefe said.
Urenui Beach Camp manager Teresa Hayston said there were plenty of revellers enjoying themselves, with the only problem a few minor fights between teenagers.
"Everyone was really well behaved," she said. "There was a smaller crowd out here this year and no one hung around late being a pain or anything."
The 1500 at Butler's Reef, Oakura, to see iconic Kiwi band Supergroove were also well behaved.
Police reported few problems in Stratford and South Taranaki, with only a handful of arrests for minor offences.
A small number of drunk drivers were caught by police.
Police are praising the behaviour of New Year's Eve revellers in Taranaki after a night free of the usual hooliganism.
Senior Sergeant Robbie O'Keefe said police made just eight arrests in New Plymouth for minor assaults and breaches of the liquor ban.
"The last couple of years have been generally quiet," he said, pointing out the city's liquor ban as the major reason for the improvement.
"It's made it a far more enjoyable place to be for everyone on New Year's Eve."
Urenui Beach, the scene of trouble last year when four young men were hospitalised after being assaulted, was also quiet, with just three arrests.
"Overall there were very few problems with a good crowd out there," Mr O'Keefe said.
Urenui Beach Camp manager Teresa Hayston said there were plenty of revellers enjoying themselves, with the only problem a few minor fights between teenagers.
"Everyone was really well behaved," she said. "There was a smaller crowd out here this year and no one hung around late being a pain or anything."
The 1500 at Butler's Reef, Oakura, to see iconic Kiwi band Supergroove were also well behaved.
Police reported few problems in Stratford and South Taranaki, with only a handful of arrests for minor offences.
A small number of drunk drivers were caught by police.
Tuesday, January 1
Boy or two out of luck
RYAN EVANS ryan.evans@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Tuesday, 01 January 2008
The year 2023 could be grim one for Taranaki lads.
At least 14 could struggle to find dates, with the Taranaki Daily News birth notices recording 435 boys born last year, compared with 421 girls.
Liam and Sophie were easily the most popular names, with 13 each.
Joshua and Ryan tied for second, with eight each, while Charlotte, Ella and Olivia were recorded eight times each for girls.
Overall, there were 272 different girl's names recorded, including Journey-Grace, Liberty, Orlagh and Mazzlin.
Boys' names were slightly less diverse, 251 names in all, but also featured some crackers such as Ten, Kadison, Rhomyn and Tanius.
Jack was the most popular boys' name in Taranaki in 2006, while Ella and Hannah topped the girls' list
The year 2023 could be grim one for Taranaki lads.
At least 14 could struggle to find dates, with the Taranaki Daily News birth notices recording 435 boys born last year, compared with 421 girls.
Liam and Sophie were easily the most popular names, with 13 each.
Joshua and Ryan tied for second, with eight each, while Charlotte, Ella and Olivia were recorded eight times each for girls.
Overall, there were 272 different girl's names recorded, including Journey-Grace, Liberty, Orlagh and Mazzlin.
Boys' names were slightly less diverse, 251 names in all, but also featured some crackers such as Ten, Kadison, Rhomyn and Tanius.
Jack was the most popular boys' name in Taranaki in 2006, while Ella and Hannah topped the girls' list
Monday, December 31
Results worth the effort
HARRIET PALMER harriet.palmer@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Taranaki has so many wonderful things that John Eagles can't help but get involved.
He's been volunteering for numerous organisations, boards and committees for more than 20 years and says it's been well worth putting in all the effort.
"Without the hard work of Taranaki people, a lot of what the region has wouldn't survive," he said.
Mr Eagles has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the community, many of which include working with school boards of trustees.
He said this work came about with the introduction of Tomorrow's Schools in 1989, which enabled him to have an input in to his children's education.
"I thought it was a good idea for parents to get involved," he said.
"It was a chance to make a difference."
Mr Eagles was also instrumental in the development of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery as chairman of the Govett-Brewster foundation, he was a member of the New Plymouth Opera House trust board for 10 years, and is currently independent director of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.
The list of causes and events Mr Eagles has invested in is almost endless and it's a wonder he has the time.
"I like being busy and I enjoy doing all the things so I don't even notice."
Taranaki has so many wonderful things that John Eagles can't help but get involved.
He's been volunteering for numerous organisations, boards and committees for more than 20 years and says it's been well worth putting in all the effort.
"Without the hard work of Taranaki people, a lot of what the region has wouldn't survive," he said.
Mr Eagles has been awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the community, many of which include working with school boards of trustees.
He said this work came about with the introduction of Tomorrow's Schools in 1989, which enabled him to have an input in to his children's education.
"I thought it was a good idea for parents to get involved," he said.
"It was a chance to make a difference."
Mr Eagles was also instrumental in the development of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery as chairman of the Govett-Brewster foundation, he was a member of the New Plymouth Opera House trust board for 10 years, and is currently independent director of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.
The list of causes and events Mr Eagles has invested in is almost endless and it's a wonder he has the time.
"I like being busy and I enjoy doing all the things so I don't even notice."
Tuti's retirement just means keeping going
HARRIET PALMER harriet.palmer@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Wetere says she has retired, although for her, retirement has quite a different meaning than it does to many.
Ms Wetere has been working in the community, mainly with Maori, for more than 55 years. Even though she says it's time for others to take over, she shows little sign of slowing down.
She has been a member and branch president of the Maori Women's Welfare League, was the first woman trustee of the Owae Marae Committee in Waitara, and was part of Taranaki's Clean Sea Action group.
Today, Ms Wetere wants younger people to take over the instrumental roles in Maori society, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all following proudly in her footsteps.
Ms Wetere has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to the community.
Today that means helping to knit 800 pairs of slippers to be given to delegates at a Maori Women's Welfare League conference.
It also means travelling to Wellington to be present at the signing of the Agreement in Principle which assures the return of the Port Nicholson Block to the Taranaki Whanui.
"I don't even think about it," Ms Wetere said.
"I used to finish a day's work and wonder what else I could do."
Ms Wetere grew up in New Plymouth and is of Te Atiawa and Ngati Maniapoto decent.
She is a JP and has been a marriage celebrant, but it is her work with marae that has meant the most.
"I've always been interested in marae. They don't have any funds. They rely on koha and the goodwill of people," Ms Wetere said.
Volunteering is where Ms Wetere has met people and been able to make a difference in the lives of her people.
"It's quite wonderful," she said
Wetere says she has retired, although for her, retirement has quite a different meaning than it does to many.
Ms Wetere has been working in the community, mainly with Maori, for more than 55 years. Even though she says it's time for others to take over, she shows little sign of slowing down.
She has been a member and branch president of the Maori Women's Welfare League, was the first woman trustee of the Owae Marae Committee in Waitara, and was part of Taranaki's Clean Sea Action group.
Today, Ms Wetere wants younger people to take over the instrumental roles in Maori society, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all following proudly in her footsteps.
Ms Wetere has been awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to the community.
Today that means helping to knit 800 pairs of slippers to be given to delegates at a Maori Women's Welfare League conference.
It also means travelling to Wellington to be present at the signing of the Agreement in Principle which assures the return of the Port Nicholson Block to the Taranaki Whanui.
"I don't even think about it," Ms Wetere said.
"I used to finish a day's work and wonder what else I could do."
Ms Wetere grew up in New Plymouth and is of Te Atiawa and Ngati Maniapoto decent.
She is a JP and has been a marriage celebrant, but it is her work with marae that has meant the most.
"I've always been interested in marae. They don't have any funds. They rely on koha and the goodwill of people," Ms Wetere said.
Volunteering is where Ms Wetere has met people and been able to make a difference in the lives of her people.
"It's quite wonderful," she said
Volunteer rewarded for his life philosophy
ROB MAETZIG rob.maetzig@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Thirty-five years' service to the Taranaki region in a wide variety of ways has been rewarded for New Plymouth's Lynn Bublitz, who has been made a companion of the Queen's Service Order in the New Year Honours.
Mr Bublitz said he was thrilled to have received the award, but the real honour was "being part of making a positive difference".
His many contributions have included local government, arts, education and community organisations.
Volunteering is part of Mr Bublitz' life philosophy. He believes it is voluntary effort that makes a good society.
"I hope I've been able to live that philosophy," he said.
The list of causes Mr Bublitz has given his time to shows he has well and truly lived up to his own expectations.
A New Plymouth District councillor for 18 years and deputy mayor, Mr Bublitz established the council's iwi liaison sub-committee and forged strong partnerships with the district's iwi.
He was instrumental in establishing New Plymouth's Puke Ariki museum and library complex, and was a trustee of the Taranaki Arts Festival trust for 17 years.
Mr Bublitz has also been heavily involved in the instigation and organisation of Womad, the Taranaki Youth Festival, and the Taranaki Festival of the Arts.
A member of the board of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust for 35 years and at times its chairman, he headed a fundraising campaign in 2002 to save the garden, was the fundraiser for Pukeiti's 50th jubilee, and was made a life member in 1989.
Mr Bublitz was principal of Inglewood High School for more than 10 years, a teacher at New Plymouth Boys' High School for more than 25 years, was a mentor with the First Time Principals Programme, and was awarded a Wolf Fisher Scholarship in 1985.
He has also been involved in many other community organisations, including the LA Alexander Agriculture College Trust Board, the Unesco Science Committee, and the Te Papa National Services Committee.
Thirty-five years' service to the Taranaki region in a wide variety of ways has been rewarded for New Plymouth's Lynn Bublitz, who has been made a companion of the Queen's Service Order in the New Year Honours.
Mr Bublitz said he was thrilled to have received the award, but the real honour was "being part of making a positive difference".
His many contributions have included local government, arts, education and community organisations.
Volunteering is part of Mr Bublitz' life philosophy. He believes it is voluntary effort that makes a good society.
"I hope I've been able to live that philosophy," he said.
The list of causes Mr Bublitz has given his time to shows he has well and truly lived up to his own expectations.
A New Plymouth District councillor for 18 years and deputy mayor, Mr Bublitz established the council's iwi liaison sub-committee and forged strong partnerships with the district's iwi.
He was instrumental in establishing New Plymouth's Puke Ariki museum and library complex, and was a trustee of the Taranaki Arts Festival trust for 17 years.
Mr Bublitz has also been heavily involved in the instigation and organisation of Womad, the Taranaki Youth Festival, and the Taranaki Festival of the Arts.
A member of the board of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust for 35 years and at times its chairman, he headed a fundraising campaign in 2002 to save the garden, was the fundraiser for Pukeiti's 50th jubilee, and was made a life member in 1989.
Mr Bublitz was principal of Inglewood High School for more than 10 years, a teacher at New Plymouth Boys' High School for more than 25 years, was a mentor with the First Time Principals Programme, and was awarded a Wolf Fisher Scholarship in 1985.
He has also been involved in many other community organisations, including the LA Alexander Agriculture College Trust Board, the Unesco Science Committee, and the Te Papa National Services Committee.
Museum owner honoured
GLENN McLEAN glenn.mclean@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Tawhiti Museum creator Nigel Ogle says he agonised over accepting the Queen's Service Medal for service to historical research and museums.
"I wondered what was going on when I got notified," he said.
"All I could think of was that there are plenty of other people doing similar sorts of heritage things in Taranaki. It is a wonderful honour, though."
As he sits hunched over his workbench at the back of his expanding Hawera museum, the smell of his creative work thick in the air, Mr Ogle says he never envisaged being where he is today.
A former teacher, Mr Ogle and his wife, Teresa, are in the middle of creating their biggest project, a $1 million South Seas Traders display, which is being made in partnership with Wellington's Weta Workshop - the Academy Award-winning film modelling and sculpture business.
Equally funded by the South Taranaki District Council and Mr and Mrs Ogle, the project is due to open in October 2009.
"The next 12 months will be the busiest I've ever worked," he said.
"But I've always toyed about doing it and to finally be able to, well, it's an incredible honour."
Founded after Mr Ogle purchased the old Tawhiti cheese factory in 1975, the museum has won seven tourism awards. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taranaki.
At a time when the New Zealand Air Force's Ohakea Museum has closed, as well as Dairyland on the outskirts of Hawera, Mr Ogle said visitor numbers at his museum continued to grow as awareness from outside Taranaki increased.
"An area needs a basket of attractions, and it's sad to see these things fall over."
Tawhiti Museum creator Nigel Ogle says he agonised over accepting the Queen's Service Medal for service to historical research and museums.
"I wondered what was going on when I got notified," he said.
"All I could think of was that there are plenty of other people doing similar sorts of heritage things in Taranaki. It is a wonderful honour, though."
As he sits hunched over his workbench at the back of his expanding Hawera museum, the smell of his creative work thick in the air, Mr Ogle says he never envisaged being where he is today.
A former teacher, Mr Ogle and his wife, Teresa, are in the middle of creating their biggest project, a $1 million South Seas Traders display, which is being made in partnership with Wellington's Weta Workshop - the Academy Award-winning film modelling and sculpture business.
Equally funded by the South Taranaki District Council and Mr and Mrs Ogle, the project is due to open in October 2009.
"The next 12 months will be the busiest I've ever worked," he said.
"But I've always toyed about doing it and to finally be able to, well, it's an incredible honour."
Founded after Mr Ogle purchased the old Tawhiti cheese factory in 1975, the museum has won seven tourism awards. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taranaki.
At a time when the New Zealand Air Force's Ohakea Museum has closed, as well as Dairyland on the outskirts of Hawera, Mr Ogle said visitor numbers at his museum continued to grow as awareness from outside Taranaki increased.
"An area needs a basket of attractions, and it's sad to see these things fall over."
Bourke humbled by New Year award
RACHAEL MURPHY rachael.murphy@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Former South Taranaki Mayor Mary Bourke, at her Hawera home, says she accepted her Queen's Service Honour out of respect for the people who nominated her.
Former South Taranaki mayor Mary Bourke is "hugely humbled" at being awarded the Queen's Service Order - but feels it's wrong to suggest it recognises only her individual efforts.
"I've accepted the award out of respect for those who have nominated me ... being chosen to accept this award is an affirmation of all those people I've worked with over the years - because nobody is an island," she said. "Sometimes it's tempting to try to be, but it certainly doesn't get the best results.
"I've been pretty fortunate to work with some excellent teams and individuals in my time."
Miss Bourke's 15 years as mayor was a record for a woman before she stood down before the last local body elections in October.
She has since kept herself busy with a few local government contracts, involving the parts of local government that she truly enjoys.
"Making sure meetings are productive, that people stay focused and that local government is recognised as a fulfilling and useful practice rather than the entity that people love to hate - which traditionally it has been."
She has also been keeping up with her work as a marriage celebrant, with which she has commitments until March.
She has been a celebrant since 2000 and officiates at about 10 weddings each year.
But mostly she is focusing on "taking the time to do some breathing and smell the roses and consider my options".
Miss Bourke is still heavily involved in the Bishop's Action Foundation in Taranaki, is South Taranaki Medical Trust chairperson, and is on the Territorial Forces Employer Support Council.
She has done a lot of work facilitating and chairing working parties for issues related to local government, such as rates reviews and ICT (information computer technology).
Former South Taranaki Mayor Mary Bourke, at her Hawera home, says she accepted her Queen's Service Honour out of respect for the people who nominated her.
Former South Taranaki mayor Mary Bourke is "hugely humbled" at being awarded the Queen's Service Order - but feels it's wrong to suggest it recognises only her individual efforts.
"I've accepted the award out of respect for those who have nominated me ... being chosen to accept this award is an affirmation of all those people I've worked with over the years - because nobody is an island," she said. "Sometimes it's tempting to try to be, but it certainly doesn't get the best results.
"I've been pretty fortunate to work with some excellent teams and individuals in my time."
Miss Bourke's 15 years as mayor was a record for a woman before she stood down before the last local body elections in October.
She has since kept herself busy with a few local government contracts, involving the parts of local government that she truly enjoys.
"Making sure meetings are productive, that people stay focused and that local government is recognised as a fulfilling and useful practice rather than the entity that people love to hate - which traditionally it has been."
She has also been keeping up with her work as a marriage celebrant, with which she has commitments until March.
She has been a celebrant since 2000 and officiates at about 10 weddings each year.
But mostly she is focusing on "taking the time to do some breathing and smell the roses and consider my options".
Miss Bourke is still heavily involved in the Bishop's Action Foundation in Taranaki, is South Taranaki Medical Trust chairperson, and is on the Territorial Forces Employer Support Council.
She has done a lot of work facilitating and chairing working parties for issues related to local government, such as rates reviews and ICT (information computer technology).
Award the result of love for Stratford
GLENN McLEANglenn.mclean@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki | Monday, 31 December 2007
Life has not slowed down at all for former Stratford mayor Brian Jeffares.
The man who wore the mayoral chains in the Central Taranaki district for three successful terms is still accepting offers to sit on various committees in the town, despite almost three decades of working in the community.
The 59-year-old, who stood down as mayor at the last election, has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local body affairs and the community.
The former builder turned real estate manager stands by his decision to step down from the mayoralty this year. "I think it was the right and best decision to make at the time and I don't regret it because it was time to move on," he said.
Mr Jeffares says he never envisaged getting involved in committees or local politics.
It all started from the "humble background of being a builder" when he took up an offer to work on a school committee.
"I think school committees and PTAs are a great breeding ground for community life and many people move on from there to serve elsewhere," he said.
Mr Jeffares says there is a simple reason behind what drives him to still be a Taranaki regional councillor, chair the Taranaki Electricity Trust, the Stratford Health Trust, to be a trustee on the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust, a member of the Hospital Advisory Committee, the Stratford Youth Trust and a committee member of the Stratford Rugby Club.
"I guess I'm just impatient, I want to get things done.
"That comes back to my background as a builder as well, you learn to get the foundations right," he said. Many of his positions have given him a lot of satisfaction and he admits to getting plenty of pleasure out of seeing projects through to the end.
One example is the Taranaki Electricity Trust, which he says is a tribute to the people of the area.
"We have now given away about $50 million and have a portfolio worth about $90 million.
"That's a huge increase on what we started with in 1993, so yeah, that's been significant in a lot of growth in the area," he said.
"But there is a downside to it, a lot of committees now think their fundraising consists entirely of writing a letter to the TET."
Mr Jeffares says he will continue to remain fiercely loyal to Stratford.
"That's why I do everything I do, because I really love this community. If I didn't love this community I wouldn't do it."
Life has not slowed down at all for former Stratford mayor Brian Jeffares.
The man who wore the mayoral chains in the Central Taranaki district for three successful terms is still accepting offers to sit on various committees in the town, despite almost three decades of working in the community.
The 59-year-old, who stood down as mayor at the last election, has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local body affairs and the community.
The former builder turned real estate manager stands by his decision to step down from the mayoralty this year. "I think it was the right and best decision to make at the time and I don't regret it because it was time to move on," he said.
Mr Jeffares says he never envisaged getting involved in committees or local politics.
It all started from the "humble background of being a builder" when he took up an offer to work on a school committee.
"I think school committees and PTAs are a great breeding ground for community life and many people move on from there to serve elsewhere," he said.
Mr Jeffares says there is a simple reason behind what drives him to still be a Taranaki regional councillor, chair the Taranaki Electricity Trust, the Stratford Health Trust, to be a trustee on the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust, a member of the Hospital Advisory Committee, the Stratford Youth Trust and a committee member of the Stratford Rugby Club.
"I guess I'm just impatient, I want to get things done.
"That comes back to my background as a builder as well, you learn to get the foundations right," he said. Many of his positions have given him a lot of satisfaction and he admits to getting plenty of pleasure out of seeing projects through to the end.
One example is the Taranaki Electricity Trust, which he says is a tribute to the people of the area.
"We have now given away about $50 million and have a portfolio worth about $90 million.
"That's a huge increase on what we started with in 1993, so yeah, that's been significant in a lot of growth in the area," he said.
"But there is a downside to it, a lot of committees now think their fundraising consists entirely of writing a letter to the TET."
Mr Jeffares says he will continue to remain fiercely loyal to Stratford.
"That's why I do everything I do, because I really love this community. If I didn't love this community I wouldn't do it."
Dame given new honour
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.
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.
Saturday, December 22
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