Celebrating Whanganui April 2019

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elcome to the 11th edition of our Celebrating Whanganui magazine as we head into a lovely mild Autumn after enjoying a wonderful warm Summer.

We are passionate about supporting local businesses and in this issue you will find more fascinating stories on our locals, thriving businesses, celebrations and successes.

We hope it will provide you with a snapshot of life in Whanganui and the endless opportunities for those that live here.

P3 - Message from the Mayor P4 - Region leads property surge P5 - Pacific Helmets P6 - eBikes Wanganui P7 - Trafalgar Square P8 - Artists Open Studios P9 - Aroha on the river P10 - Doggy Paddle a big hit P11 - House of Travel Wanganui P12 - Waimarie Paddle Steamer P13 - Windows into past P14-15 - Magic restored to iconic fountain P16 - Harcourts Whanganui P17 - Larsen Collision Repairs Ltd P18 - A glass act!!

P19 - Whanganui & Partners P20 - Bamber does backers proud P21 - Ignition Motor Group P22 - Plumber Dan turns the charity tap on P23 - Wairua P24 - Victoria Nails P25 - Roots Brewing Co. P26 - Bridge to Nowhere P27-28 - Wanganui Jockey Club P29 - Whanganui wonder - Veandercross P30 - Property Brokers P31 - Beaver Tree Service P32 - Writing on the walls ...

P33 - Air Chathams P34-35 - Harcourts Whanganui

Whanganui is a wonderful place to live, a pleasant climate all year round, affordable housing, exceptional schooling and fantastic venues for sports.

So if you are not from around here, we would love you to visit and experience this first hand.

If you have a success story you would like to share in our next issue or would like any back issus of Celebrating Whanganui, please drop me a line. My email address is below.

Warm Regards - Gené Toyne NZME Whanganui

P36 - Education P37 - PAUA P38 - Pair start up kerbside recycling P39 - Whanganui Collegiate School P40 - St George's School P41 - Elite Mechanical P42 - Wanganui Collision Centre P44 - Harcourts Whanganui P45 - Forest360 P46 - Couple's war on weeds takes to the air P48 - OneRoof P49 - Mayor triumphs over Dark Destroyer P50 - Masonic Court / Restorative City Whanganui P51 - Nod as good as a Winx at Grangewilliam P52-53 - Display Associates P54 - Iconic Bulls Museum P55 - Harcourts Whanganui P56 - Wanganui East Club P57 - Future focus on Pakaitore Day P58 - Cactus Creme Cafe P59 - Hatrick Raceway P60 - Successful Charity Golf Day P61 - Local Websites & Facebook P62-63 - Churches P64 - Famous sportspeople from Whanganui P65 - Events calendar P66 - Map of New Zealand P67 - Harcourts Whanganui P68 - Wanganui Motors

Advertising/Editorial enquiries: GenéToyne 06 349 0716

gene.toyne@nzme.co.nz 100 Guyton Street, Whanganui 4501 Cover photo: The picturesque Whanganui River Photo Getty Images.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

Where are you? y Let us know where you are, we will put you on the Celebrating Whanganui reader map!

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The Town Centre project continues to bring more people into our city centre and celebrate heritage, the Whanganui River and community gatherings.

Whanganui Port where are proposing to bring forward spending from the Longterm Plan to the 2019/20 year to enable infrastructure works to begin.

To plan what we want our district to look like in the next decade, we are working on some important strategies such as the Housing Strategy and Age Friendly Strategy.

There are also exciting developments with the New Zealand International Commercial Piot Academy with the purchase or Nazareth rest home to accommodate the significant growth in the number of student pilots.

We have also recently approved our Economic Development Strategy which sets out what we want to achieve in the next ten years.

Mayor Hamish McDouall

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Tena koutou

fter a busy 2018 for Whanganui, we are already well into planning for what we want to achieve as a community in 2019 and beyond.

The beginning of the year has seen some incredible events such as Vintage Weekend, New Zealand Masters Games and street art festival Whanganui Walls.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this and I encourage everyone to read it, or to talk with the friendly team at Whanganui and Partners.

With the growth in population we need to make sure our district works for everyone as we grow and change, while retaining the history and creativity we are known for, and what we value as residents.

The Council will also get a new website which will make information and stories about our community easier to find and more mobile-friendly.

As always, there is a lot going in Whanganui in 2019 with a lot planned for the future.

To everyone who has picked up a copy of ‘Celebrating Whanganui’, whether you are a long-term resident, a new-comer or a tourist, I hope you will find something of interest in our stunning district.

Some other major projects we are working on include the development of the

New to Whanganui?

Take a look at the Welcoming Communities Plan While Whanganui has always welcomed newcomers, Whanganui District Council, in partnership with community groups, has developed a ‘Welcoming Communities Plan’ to make the transition to our district even easier.

The plan contains a list of actions Whanganui District Council and the community will work together on to make new migrants from overseas and other parts of New Zealand feel welcome.

It is a collective effort between community groups who work with newcomers, the Council and the newcomers themselves so that everyone can thrive in and contribute to the Whanganui community.

There are 58 actions in the plan which include improving access to information, promoting activities and services and celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion.

Whanganui District Council is one of nine councils in five regions taking part in the Welcoming Community pilot programme, led by Immigration New Zealand in partnership with the Office of Ethnic Communities and supported by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission as part of a global movement to be purposefully welcoming to newcomers.

“While the plan has been primarily developed for recent migrants and international students, it will help anyone moving to Whanganui, whether from the North Shore, Norway, Thailand or Nigeria, become part of the community,” says Katy Newton Community Development Advisor for Newcomers.

“With approximately 700 new people moving to Whanganui a year, it is important people can find the information, services and community facilities they are looking for so everyone can enjoy the vibrant Whanganui community.” www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

To read the plan, visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/welcome

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angitikei and Whanganui are two of three leaders in property market growth in New Zealand, OneRoof ’s latest data shows.

Rangitikei recorded the highest annual growth in property values of any territorial authority in New Zealand in the year to January 2019, according to figures published in the latest OneRoof Property Report, compiled with data partner Valocity.

Values in the district rose 26.34 per cent for the 12 months to January, while Whanganui came in third with 22.79 per cent, behind Opotiki (23.6 per cent).

James Wilson, Valocity director of valuation and innovation, said it was important to note that the buoyant market conditions in Rangitikei were coming off a very low value base.

“This is considered evidence of the ‘catch-up effect’,” Wilson said.

“This effect generally occurs two to three years after larger centres experience significant increases in house value.

Market participants who are either blocked out of larger urban centres, or investors seeking to make comparably more affordable investments, turn their sights on these smaller localities.

“Over 60 per cent of sales in the last quarter transacted below $500,000, making the region very affordable when compared to other main centres.”

First-home buyers made up more than a quarter (26.5 per cent) of all new mortgage registrations in the Rangitikei area in the last quarter, Wilson said.

“Investors who own three or more properties accounted for 17.3 per cent with multi home owners (two properties) representing 15.9 per cent,” he said.

“The area appeals to investors given the comparably affordable ‘buy-in’ price which allows them to acquire stock with a lower deposit than other main urban centres, combined with the fact that rental rates in Rangitikei are relatively strong, producing good returns.”

Wilson expected the rate of growth would slow towards the middle of the year.

“For those seeking to buy, I would advise to consider the fact that capital growth may slow, so a focus on more traditional factors such as rental returns should be adopted,” he said.

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Whanganui’s growth was also well ahead of that in the main urban centres, of which only Dunedin recorded doubledigit growth, OneRoof editor Owen Vaughan said.

In Whanganui, OneRoof records the biggest increase of 27 per cent for Aramoho with a median value of $237,000. Putiki comes in next with a 25 per cent increase (a median value of $308,000) for the 12 months to January, with Tawhero third in the percentage change table at 24 per cent ($288,000).

“The price point will attract increased attention from investors, who will be looking for properties that offer better yields than those found in Hamilton and Tauranga,” Vaughan said.

Philippa Ivory of Ray White Wanganui said the hot market was evident in sales figures.

At the top end of the market, properties that would have gone for $450,000 are now creeping up to $550,000. Many recent sales are breaking street records and prices are starting to push out first-home buyers.

Houses in some suburbs now command $600,000 or more.

The market was good for investors, with some rental returns as much as 8 and even 11 per cent (compared to the rule of thumb of 5 to 6 per cent), Ivory said.

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n 18m-long old lady of the river has made her stately progress through the streets of Whanganui.

The Otunui, built in 1907, and bought

by Bridge to Nowhere Lodge owners Joe Adam and his partner Mandy Jackson in 2015, was recently moved to a St John’s Hill property where she will be restored.

The diesel boat carried passengers and freight between Pipiriki and Taumarunui for more than 40 years, before sinking in a flood in 1949.

She’s been resuscitated twice since then, both times by Barree Sproule.

She was first restored and used on the Waikato River and Lake Okataina, then caught fire and sank near Taupo.

After her next restoration, she was used on the Waihou and Wairoa rivers until her Tauranga owner put her up for auction in 2015.

Adam and Jackson saw the Trade Me auction and bought her on impulse, for $26,500.

They moved her to Q-West Boat Builders for Adam, who wanted the Otunui back on at Castlecliff and were half finished with the Whanganui River. her latest restoration when the business “It’s part of the river. It’s the history of needed more space and she had to be the river - one of the original boats that moved. was first on the river.”

“We’ve stripped the whole thing right He’s not quite sure how the Otunui will out, and we are just putting it back eventually be used. together,” Adam said.

“We will get it up to the lodge and work The latest move is to Jackson’s property it out there,” he said. near Virginia Lake.

When the restoration is completely finished, the boat will be taken back to Pipiriki, and could take trips between Pipiriki and Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.

It’s an exciting project The Otunui has been moved from Q-West to a St John’s Hill property.

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Thinking of purchasing an eBike? Allow us to help you choose the eBike that will best suit your needs. Try before you buy, and speak to our friendly team about the strengths of each model. We’ll take the time to make sure you leave with the right eBike – and what’s more, we’ll always be here to lend an after-sales helping hand.

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rafalgar Square has been at the heart of Whanganui since first opening its doors on November

1989.

It is a single level shopping centre with 4 main entrance ways that lead to a common area.

With 24 retailers trading within the complex, this is Whanganui’s largest retail complex with over 460 free carparks for customers to use and browse, shop, eat and relax in our wonderful Foodcourt.

The centre is open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience.

Countdown is open from 7am, and The Warehouse from 8am.

Visit our website for the retailer trading hours of all our other specialty stores or visit our Facebook page.

The creation of the annex building, which now houses Carpet

Court and All About Furniture, is utilised from the former site of the Criterion Hotel.

The Foodcourt easily entices shoppers with the wide range of culinary delights from Ocggi Salad & Sushi, Roasties Carvery, The Shake Shed, Kiwiana Café and Indian Taj. Now in its 30th year of trading, Trafalgar Square is proud to remain at the heart of the Whanganui Community.

Trafalgar Square Shopping Centre 100 Taupo Quay, Whanganui www.trafalgarsquare.co.nz Phone (06) 348 0314 www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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rtists Open Studios is an expression of the culture, heritage and creative spirit of Whanganui.

From its inception in 2001, Artists Open Studios has become the gateway to experiencing Whanganui’s vibrant and diverse arts community.

Whanganui is home to many established, world renown and emerging artists, recognised nationally and internationally as a premier arts destination for New Zealand.

They open their private studios giving you an opportunity to see them at work, whilst pop-up collectives let you see some of Whanganui’s heritage buildings used for creative purpose, along with galleries opening their doors and sharing their knowledge.

Artists Open Studios takes you on journey through some quirky and historic studio locations located in the beautiful heritage city, and the surrounding areas of Marton and Waverley.

With a plethora of mediums to explore including sculpture, ceramics, painting,

mixed media, glass, furniture, textiles, weaving, welding and many more, the event appeals to serious collectors and those simply looking for the unique opportunity to visit artists in their studios.

In association with the event there are always special activities and entertainment planned such as workshops, Gallery Tours, Appetite for Art Dinner, and collaboration with other art themed events.

All event information can be found on the Artists Open Studios website which features profiles for each studio, an interactive map and search by suburb and medium.

Whether you are local, or from far-afield, we hope you enjoy the art, the people and the experience openstudios.co.nz.

Held over two weekends every year in March, this event is not to be missed.

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he soul should always stand ajar ready to welcome the ecstatic experience” is a quote from poet Emily Dickinson.

And the New Zealand Opera School’s Opera and Aroha on the River concert in mid-January delivered exactly that for music lovers - an ecstatic experience.

A wonderfully warm and balmy night saw the riverbank by Taupo Quay fill with an eager audience of 1500 or more for the arrival of the waka from Putiki Marae. With a welcome from kaumatua John Maihi, the 21 Opera School students lined the top deck of the Waimarie paddlesteamer.

A specially made pontoon clipped to the riverboat ensured more stage space and the Putiki Wharanui joined with the students to sing the Swedish hymn Whakaaria Mai - How Great Thou Art - which has been translated into many languages, including te reo Maori.

The students then performed Wagner’s rousing Sailors’ Chorus, and within minutes hearts were full and thumping as former school alumni, tenor Amitai Pati - now world-famous as part of Sol3 Mio stood elegant and proud singing the aria Un aura Amorosa from Cosi Fan Tutte. He was sublime.

The setting of the boat, the waka, the river and the singers - along with an ensemble from Wanganui Brass - made for a marvellous scene, prompting a few eyes to moisten.

The audience was swelled by a few hundred who lined up outside the barrier fences and

“The soul should always stand ajar ready to welcome the ecstatic experience” - Poet Emily Dickinson. across Taupo Quay to listen to a memorable display of singing talent and savour an equally memorable night for Whanganui.

Pene Pati was absolutely the “young Pavarotti” as he sang La Fleur Que Tu M’avais Jetee from Bizet’s opera Carmen, and he was followed by his cousin, baritone Moses Mackay, singing the ever-popular Toreador song with glittering panache.

Soprano Amina Edris (Pene’s wife), in glorious voice, gave us Musetta’s Waltz from Puccini’s La Boheme.

When night fell, the Waimarie glowed in a myriad of colours, while the lights in the windows of the houses across on the hill shone like a backdrop of lighted candles.

The river gleamed and the moon hung low ... it was a breathtaking atmosphere.

Amina and Pene, who perform with the San Francisco Opera Company, presented a powerful duet from Verdi’s La Traviata , while Mackay returned for That’s Amore, substituting “Whanganui” for “Napoli” to the delight of the crowd.

Kristin Darragh really rocked as she delivered Kander and Ebb’s Life Is A Cabaret, while the whole company came together for an intricate arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

But the highlight was arguably when Pene and Amitai Pati and Moses Mackay

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came together as Sol3 Mio to sing and joke in high spirits, and announce the surprise appearance by one of the school’s most acclaimed former students, tenor Simon O’Neill.

O’Neill acknowledged his debt to his time in Whanganui at the first ever NZ Opera School 25 years ago, then treated us to a stirring rendition of the aria Nessum Dorma from Puccini’s Turandot.

A glittering night to remember …

ABOVE: Stylish baritone Moses Mackay tells the riverside crowd - “That’s Amore”.

BELOW: Husband and wife, soprano Amina Edris and tenor Pene Pati, delighted the audience with their passionate duet.

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unday 24 March was a special day for dogs at Whanganui East Pool.

Advertised as a Doggy Paddle, it was the last day of the season and the water was reserved for canine friends, large and small.

To keep squabbles to a minimum, small dogs had the pool from 1pm and vacated the premises before the big dogs took over at 3pm.

“It was fantastic: really good fun,” said one of the dog owners as she was leaving.

One was taking her small dog home and would return later with her German shepherd.

Melody Tamou, Splash Centre Operations Manager was at the pool with two of her staff members, Kimberly and Lexia.

“This is the first year we’ve done this,” she says. “Other regions like Auckland and Wellington have done it, so we thought …

“It’s definitely been cool, especially as we’re animal lovers.”

She says, although it’s not a requirement, a lot of the owners are getting in the pool with their animals.

Gienipha was there with Noah, her little Jack Russell / fox terrier.

She put him in the pool and he paddled frantically to the side, where he attempted to get out by himself. Gienipha lifted him out.

Not all dogs can naturally swim. One tiny dog - a shih tzu / Japanese chin - just floundered in the water, says his owner.

Drew had brought his Scottish terrier, Fergus on the back of his 300cc Vespa scooter.

“They’re not great swimmers: they’re too heavy boned,” says Drew. “You have to be careful with them around water.”

The helmet carrier on Drew’s Vespa has been adapted to be a doggie seat for Fergus.

He is harnessed in and has his own little pair of dog goggles. Fergus is a YouTube star too, and he loves a camera.

PICTURED: Noah goes for a dip Fergus is togged up and ready for the ride home.

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No. of years in travel: 11 years

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Favourite destinations: Vietnam, Argentina and New York Three things I can’t live without when I travel: My running shoes, backpack and sunnies!

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Why I love to travel: I love the adventure, learning about the history of a destination, trying new food, exploring new places and seeing how other people live.

Favourite destinations: Egypt and Ireland Three things I can’t live without when I travel: My camera, comfy shoes and my phone My next dream getaway: Bali or Vietnam

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No. of years in travel: 11 years

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Since she was re-launched on the Whanganui River in 2000, the Waimarie paddle steamer has become an iconic symbol of the River City and a significant attraction for both locals and visitors.

Based on the banks of the Whanganui River, the Waimarie sails up the river and back from October until April.

The two hour experience, enhanced by tales of the colourful history of the steamer and of the river, is popular with both young and old.

Popular private charters

The Waimarie is becoming increasingly popular and it’s not just her scheduled daily cruises - with more private hires available than ever before.

The Waimarie has hosted all sorts of special chartered sailings, from weddings and birthdays to champagne breakfasts and corporate events, and even schools keen on educating students about the history of the river.

It’s unbelievable the amount of restoration work that has been donated by the people of the city to restore Waimarie to its former glory – it’s truly remarkable and quite a story to tell on how she has spent her last 100 years.

Did you Know?

Experience

Find out more info:

• Waimarie means good fortune • Designed & pre-fabricated in London in 1899 • Carried cargo, mail & river dwellers in its early years • Was known as the queen of the river • Sank in 1952 • Pulled from the river 1993 • Restored by the people of the city • Re-launched 2000 • Only surviving coal-fired paddle steamer from NZ’s golden riverboat era

• Live vintage-style commentary

Visit 1a Taupo Quay, Whanganui Phone: +64 (6) 347 1863 Email: info@waimarie.co.nz Web: www.waimarie.co.nz

• View the steam engine room • Retrieve your message from a carrier pigeon • Enjoy scenic views • Eat & drink from the licensed gallery café

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ften it’s the best ideas that only need a touch of generosity to come to fruition, and in Whanganui’s central city just such a good turn has proved the point.

Mainstreet Whanganui has started erecting plaques featuring digitally-printed historical pictures of the city’s streetscape to give pedestrians an idea of what the inner city once looked like.

But it has been the generosity of local businessman Nick Gibbons which has given the project impetus with his decision to gift the plaques to Mainstreet.

The project had been an ongoing collaboration involving Nick, Mainstreet’s design and heritage committee and the Whanganui District Council.

So far six bollards, carrying historic images on top, have been anchored around the inner city with another three to be positioned. Each plaque measures 300 x 215 mm and will be seen in Ridgway St, Victoria Ave and Maria Pl. Nick said the plaques showed people glimpses of Whanganui’s past.

“I knew there were plenty of historical photographs, so I thought we could get enough to be able to display them.”

He said each bollard, with its image on

top, would give people an idea of what they would be looking at if they were in Whanganui all those years ago, looking across the street from that exact spot.

And he says there is opportunity to get more bollards in place around the CBD. “The design committee was talking about 20 sites, but I suggested we start off with about 10. Six are already up and another three will soon be in place,” Nick said.

Most of the buildings in those early photos are long gone, such as the old Majestic Theatre in the Avenue and the underground toilets that were once in Maria Pl. “We’re so used to seeing what’s there now but don’t always have an idea of what was there before,” Nick said.

He said 1885 was about the time of the earliest photos of Whanganui were taken and he didn’t want to go any later than the 1920s.

Nick said initially there were going to be some costs involved “but I said let’s just get it done. I just think if everyone can do something small for the city then we create something special”.

“Eventually, I’d like to see more information of these photos to be available

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on the Mainstreet website, basically have a drop box with a thumbnail image and a small blurb about what the image shows.”

John Anderson, who chairs Mainstreet’s design and heritage committee, said the organisation has floated the idea of the plaques some time ago and Nick’s generosity had made it happen.

“This is a tremendous gesture by Nick.

It brings to fruition an idea that the committee had put forward some time ago, well before I got to be on the committee.

But this sort of project links Whanganui’s past with the future, and this is what Mainstreet is always trying to do in the central city area,” John said.

Des Warahi, Mainstreet general manager, said Mainstreet acknowledged the support of all those involved in the project. They included H&A Print and the Alexander Library, which provided the images, Ali Arc who made the plaques and Morrie Gibbons Signs who took care of the digital imaging.

Mainstreet Whanganui employee Nick Trevor-Roper has been installing the plaques.

PICTURED: Men involved in the project (from left): John Anderson, Nick Trevor-Roper, Nick Gibbons and Des Warahi.

14

A

pplying a mural to the fountain box was one of the last steps in a process of comprehensive upgrades to the Higginbottom fountain at Rotokawau Virginia Lake.

Artist Amla Meijer says she “liked the idea of people sitting in front of the mural looking at the fountain, with the wings of the swan outstretched around them”.

The fountain, installed in 1971, is a copper and steel floating structure in the form of a lily.

According to Whanganui District Council’s Parks Team Leader Wendy Bainbridge, the lights on the fountain “were continually failing, and had become uneconomic to repair”.

Upgrading the lights was a complex and expensive procedure, which involved installing new LED lights and drilling under the lake to replace ducting and cabling.

Powerco Ltd donated $10,000 to the Virginia Lake Trust for the recent upgrades and a bequest was also provided by the Eleanor Burgess Trust. Whanganui District Council contributed to installation costs.

LEFT: Artist Amla Meijer with her swan mural.

Picture / Holly Hoddinott.

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15

An opening ceremony for the upgraded fountain was held in December with mayor Hamish McDouall and representatives from Powerco Ltd, the Eleanor Burgess Trust and the Virginia Lake Trust.

Mayor McDouall said the project is another example of the community and the council working together on something which brings a lot of joy to residents and tourists.

“The fountain was gifted to the city in the early 1970s by Percy Higginbottom, a well-known philanthropist, and through the Virginia Lake Trust, Eleanor Burgess Trust and Powerco, this culture of philanthropy at the lake has continued.

“The Higginbottom Fountain is a much-loved fixture of the lake and of our city. The lake and fountain are major Whanganui icons people see when driving toward the city from the western entrance and it’s even more magical when the lights are on at night.

“While enjoying leisurely summer evenings over Christmas I encourage you to view the fountain in full colour mode once the sun goes down.”

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17

T

he burgeoning success of the New Zealand Opera School in Whanganui has led to the Opera in Schools programme 2019 heading to Whanganui for the first time. NZ Opera School chairman Donald Trott said it was very exciting that, at last, the in-school programme would visit Whanganui.

Four of the five singers performing the 45-minute, English language version of The Barber Of Seville were students from the 2019 Opera School.

They are school award winner Manase Latu, who won the Merle Higgie Memorial Award for most improved student along with the Dame Malvina Major emerging artists; Will King, Pasquale Orchard and Angus Simmons.

Opera in Schools performed at Whanganui Collegiate School in the Prince Edward Auditorium.

Opera in Schools has been performing in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch for the past seven years.

However, the success of the opera school in Whanganui has paved the way for the in-school programme to include the regional city as well, Trott said.

“We are thrilled especially as students from the school are performing.” Opera in Schools spokesman Andrew Gordon said the goal at New Zealand Opera was to ignite a passion that will last a lifetime and foster young talent.

“We involve future audiences by offering live performance and creative workshops.

These are opportunities where young people can engage and join in different

aspects of opera and the performing arts.”

Singing every day is heaven, say four former Opera School students.

Latu, King, Simmons and Orchard say their time at the New Zealand Opera School had been an incredible gift.

All four are also hoping to study overseas later this year with 2018 overseas tutor Professor Cesar Ulloa, who is head of voice at the San Francisco Conservatoire.

Trott said students were very comfortable with this master.

“Cesar is kind, sensitive and sympathetic.

“He is a warm and caring man, his future students can count themselves very lucky,” Trott said.

“We are very fortunate to have Cesar return to us.”

LEFT: Singers Will King (left), Pasquale Orchard, Angus Simmons and Manase Latu at the NZ Opera School Recital in January.

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18

A

large glass chandelier made up of work by 40 New Zealand and international glass artists was the centrepiece for a conference that attracted more than 200 Australasian glass artists to Whanganui.

The public also had a chance to dig for treasure at a beach dig with more than 100 glitzy prizes to be won.

Glass artists Leanne Williams and Jim Dennison were tasked with co-ordinating the giant chandelier, now on display at the Sarjeant on the Quay.

The Martinborough duo, known as the Crystal Chain Gang, said they received an overwhelming number of submissions.

“Each artist sent us a diagram, model or a written plan of what their contribution would be,” said Dennison.

“The criteria was not too strict - we just asked that the piece had to relate to chandelier language.”

Although it could have been a logistical nightmare, it came together nicely in time for the CoLab Australasian Glass Conference which began in Whanganui mid February.

Now hanging from the Sarjeant on the Quay ceiling, the individual works have been brought together into one giant chandelier and Williams said there are many people to thank.

“The wonderful artists at NZ Glassworks in Whanganui have crafted many pieces of clear glass to bring it all together.”

Glassworks manager Scott Redding, along with Whanganui glass artists Katie Brown and Philip Stokes, led teams to craft clear beads and moulded pieces to thread amongst the individual artists’ work.

Other key players were Nicole Lucas who helped it all come together and Andrew Taylor who forged and welded the framework. A hexagonal mirror had been placed on the gallery floor beneath the chandelier to enhance viewing.

Redding said it is hoped that the chandelier will have a permanent home at the Glassworks in Rutland St after being exhibited at the Sarjeant.

More than 200 Australasian visitors were in Whanganui for the conference which ran all weekend.

“It is double the number that we were expecting which is fantastic,” said Redding.

The New Zealand Society of Artists in Glass and its Australian counterpart Ausglass have previously organised their conferences on alternate years and this is the first time they have united for a combined conference.

CoLab opened at Putiki Marae and the weekend was action-packed with speakers, workshops, hot glass demos, and public events including a Beach Furnace and Dig In at Castlecliff.

Members of the public paid $10 to dig a section of the beach for a glass treasure.

“Over 100 pieces have been donated for the Dig In and they range from a paperweight with a $50 value to pieces that are worth thousands,” said Redding.

TOP: Crystal Chain Gang Leanne Williams and Jim Dennison with the finished chandelier on display at Sarjeant on the Quay.

MIDDLE: Digging for the treasure at Castlecliff Beach.

BOTTOM: A hexagonal mirror on the floor of the Sarjeant Gallery allows visitors to view the lower pieces on the chandelier.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

19

A

licia Laird has had a couple of birthdays since she helped close the Whanganui Regional Museum doors in September 2016.

On Saturday, March 16 she joined kuia Josephine Takarangi-Firmin who closed them with her over two years ago to reopen them.

Museum director Frank Stark said brass and guitar duo Tahupotiki Pikimaui and Ben Thompson provided the perfect accompaniment for the opening and they were followed by Trish Nugent-Lyne playing the museum’s 1829 barrel organ.

Jerome Kavanagh provided sweet sounds from traditional Maori instrument taonga puoro and children from a number of local schools combined for a kapa haka performance led by Lisa Reweti.

“I don’t think they had even rehearsed together as a group and they were very well co-ordinated,” said museum director Frank Stark.

The music continued with performances

by Daniel Fitzsimmons and Ellen Young of

Castlecliff Lights.

The Queenspark building, which has undergone extensive earthquake strengthening and repairs, was visited by thousands of people during the weekend and on Sunday there was a tour with senior museum curator Libby Sharpe and an introduction to the natural treasures with Keith Beautrais.

A highlight for many was Don Gordon from the Union Boat Club talking about Awesome - The Story of the Army Eight exhibition in the new Samuel Drew Gallery.

All weekend, there were opportunities

to explore the refurbished museum interior with interactive exhibitions, dress-up selfies and films showing in the new AV room.

Stark said he was looking forward to putting his feet up after welcoming an estimated 4500 visitors to the museum since Friday, which started with a blessing and rededication ceremony at 5am.

BELOW LEFT: Children sing outside the museum during the reopening celebration.

BELOW RIGHT: Laird and Josephine TakarangiFirmin returned to open the museum doors they closed in 2016.

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20

M

any have the ability to take their skills out to the wide world, but it takes real talent to be recognised as “world famous in Whanganui”.

There was a lot of emotion in the voice of proud mother Maureen Johnson when she stood on the dais at the Wanganui Function Centre to accept the tributes for son Earl Bamber at the 2018 Ray White Whanganui Sports Awards in November.

Bamber had sent a grainy cellphone video from the streets of Macau, where he was competing at the 2018 FIA GT World Cup for Porsche, to thank the audience for his International Sportsperson of the Year award.

The 28-year-old singled out those who had been members of the Wheels Trust and Club 500, which gave financial backing to Bamber when he was a teenager to go out on the world stage.

“There were people there that helped me as a young person to achieve my dream,” said Bamber, who is well respected throughout motor racing circles across the world, but had yet to receive an award

in his home town. “Whanganui has good talented sportspeople and Earl identifies (with that),” said Johnson after the video played. “He is truly indebted to Club 500.”

Mum had only just got back to her seat when she had to stand up again as Bamber then received the biggest prize of the night - the Supreme Award - which is decided from all the category winners.

“Wow,” she exclaimed, in a voice beginning to shake. “We, his family, are really proud of his racing career, but Whanganui can be just as proud of celebrating his success.”

Johnson said her on all of her son’s social media platforms, which are extensive, he uses the handle of being proudly from New Zealand and Whanganui wherever he goes in the world.

“He lives on a farm above Jerusalem on the Whanganui River.”

He has been a world endurance champion behind the wheel and now expat Whanganui driver Earl Bamber can add victorious team owner to his resume as Earl Bamber Motorsport won the Bathurst

12 Hour in early February 2019.

Bamber led the two-car operation that has given his Porsche factory one of the few endurance crowns the motorsport giant had yet to win.

RIGHT: Earl Bamber was the Supreme Award winner at the 2018 Whanganui Sports Awards.

BELOW: Owner Earl Bamber (second left, front), and his EBM team celebrate winning the Bathurst 12 Hour.

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22

P

lumber Dan is no stranger to acts of kindness toward a giving Whanganui community.

Daniel Goldsworthy, the man behind one of Whanganui’s largest plumbing companies, feels compelled to give back to a community he grew up in and one that gives to him – it’s just in his nature.

His charitable fundraising efforts are a celebration of a city he is passionate about.

Dan sponsorship money was raised for Plunket and the last two years for Diabetes Whanganui.

Whanganui River. Prizes are awarded at the end of the day for the largest fish caught along with spot prizes on the day.

His trademark yellow duck is also gainfully employed in charitable work.

Each year around 2000 ducks representing members of the community keen on donating to charity are released into the river from the Dublin St Bridge.

Plumber Dan is also plainly visible every year at the Christmas Parade.

“Whanganui gives to me, I give back,’ is Goldsworthy’s simple philosophy.

They float downstream to the Town Bridge where a winner is determined and prizes awarded. Total proceeds from the exercise go to social support agency Jigsaw.

Through his company Plumber Dan, Goldsworthy’s main sponsorships are centred around the Whanganui River.

“The ducks are a lot easier to release than they are to gather back up out of the river.”

Five years ago the city’s annual Raft Race went into a hiatus, but thanks to Goldsworthy’s fascination with fun activities he quickly came to the rescue. Not only is it a fun event for both participants and spectators, but also a generous fundraiser.

Then there is the Plumber Dan Kid’s Fishing Competition. While it is not a fundraiser for charity, it is laid on by Plumber Dan so that hundreds of children can enjoy a day fishing off the city marina for free.

The first two years under the Plumber

The kids can bait their hooks with free bait before dropping their lines into the

Each year Goldsworthy tries to outdo the previous year with decoration of his miniature cars.

Goldsworthy loves his toys, especially his miniature Mini convertibles including one with two fronts.

His toys extend to his work diggers, but also electric bikes and a beautifully restored Chev Impala.

When manpower allowed this year Goldsworthy had staff out and about around town offering to share his toys. For a small fee people could enjoy his toys with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society.

“It’s all about fun hence all my toys.

Each year I try and do something different with decoration of cars in the Christmas Parade and our Soapbox Derby vehicle,” Goldsworthy said.

“Life is like a book and it’s up to you how interesting that book will be. I see a lot of people just existing and that’s sad – it’s (life) got to include fun.”

PICTURED: Jigsaw Whanganui chief executive Tim Metcalfe (left) stands by as plumber Daniel Goldsworthy hands cash to 2018 Duck Race winner Doug Davidson.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

23

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24

B

usiness is far from flat at Whanganui’s only commercial brewery, in fact, it’s fizzing.

Since opening for business as a oneman operation late last year, Andy “H” Henshaw has grown his Roots Brewing Co into a thriving hive of industry that has a strong community focus.

A serious home brewer for about 10 years, Henshaw took the plunge and opened the first commercial brewery in Whanganui in 57 years.

Roots Brewing Co is in a former dairy factory on State Highway 3 at Westmere that also housed the Land Meats processing plant for a spell.

Henshaw began brewing in November last year and his first batches of his uniquely-flavoured brews were offered for sale in January this year.

Smoked snapper, kawakawa and watercress, coriander and grapefruit zest and many other exotic flavours are being used.

They might seem more like something off a food menu but they are just some of the flavours Henshaw has been brewing up, with award-winning success..

"I grew up in Whanganui and I've been wanting to do this for about 20 years. I thought this building would be ideal for a brewery,” Henshaw said.

"Whanganui hasn't had a brewery for 57 years.”

In February 2018, Henshaw took part in the Whanganui's first PopUp Business School Aotearoa where students were able to develop their business ideas.

"It came along at just the right time and I'd really recommend it to anyone who is thinking of starting up a business," Henshaw said.

He has been keeping it local, using Whanganui trade firms to help him set up the brewery, malt from a Marton company and New Zealand hops.

"The community has been really supportive of what I'm doing. A lot of

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"I've used local firms for everything and the (Whanganui District) council has been really supportive."

“All our bottles are 888ml glass bottles (two pints) and we offer a 25 cent refund for bottles returned to the brewery. But people can wave the refund and donate it to our tree-fund.

“We currently have around 400 native seedlings planted and once they are of the right size we plan to donate those to schools and community groups throughout the region. Roots by name, roots by nature,” Henshaw said.

The brewery has an off-licence and has been doing cellar door sales, including bottle sales since January.

There is a courtyard and next summer he plans to hold one-off events and bring in local food carts.

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25

He is selling his beer through bars and bottle stores in Whanganui and will also include outlets in Taranaki, Ohakune and Palmerston North.

Henshaw says a cider, using locally grown Monty's Surprise apples, is on the cards in the future and he also wants to collaborate with Windermere Berry Farm on some berryflavoured brews.

"I like to do experimental beers like fruit beers and smoked beers, and adding unusual ingredients.

“Twice we’ve won the Judges Choice award at the National Homebrew Competition for the most innovative beer and consistently medal across our range.

“Our core range is complimented with an ever evolving lineup of seasonal and experimental brews.”

Future plans include opening up the brewery so people can brew their own keg in a commercial premises, either to take home, sell through an outlet, or to brew their own beer for an event.

Roots Brewing participated in a fundraiser for Farming Friends of Hospice Whanganui in April and was part of the New Zealand Young Famer of the Year regional final at Cooks Gardens, providing a brewing based challenge for the finalists.

Roots Brewing Co. owner Andy Henshaw has taken the plunge into commercial brewing.

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26

T

he Bridge To Nowhere is a concrete road bridge spanning the Mangapurua Stream in the Whanganui National Park.

It has no roads leading to it, but it is accessible by mountain bike or tramping on a variety of different tracks, or by boat or kayak, followed by a 45-minute (one way) walk along maintained bush trails.

The Bridge To Nowhere is an icon within the Whanganui National Park and a major visitor destination.

A wooden swing bridge was constructed across the Mangapurua Stream in 1919.

This connected the isolated valley with the riverboats that brought goods along the Whanganui River. However the settlers had always expected that roading access would be improved – a more solid bridge would be built and that it would form part of a road between Raetihi and Taranaki.

Planning for the new bridge started when the timber bridge began to rot. In 1936 the new steel-reinforced concrete bridge was finally opened. It was an impressive sight at nearly 40 metres above

the river within the steep ravine walls.

Today, you can still see the remains of the old swing bridge from the concrete Bridge To Nowhere that replaced it.

By the time construction of the Bridge To Nowhere was finished, many of the Mangapurua settlers had abandoned their holdings. The physical labour and

economic hardship had taken their toll on the returned servicemen and their families.

Serious erosion (caused by the clearing of bush), flooding and poor road access were other obstacles that the settlers could no longer overcome.

By 1942 only three of the farmers remained in the valley. They were eventually forced to leave when the government decided that road access would no longer be maintained. By 1944, everyone had gone. Not only that, they left virtually penniless.

The Bridge To Nowhere gets more use now than it did when it was first built. It is the unofficial flagship of Whanganui National Park and a major visitor attraction on the Whanganui Journey – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

There are two ways to access the Bridge To Nowhere site, either by a gentle 40 minute walk from the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River (boat transport required up the river) or by the Mangapurua Track, accessible from either Whakahoro or Ruatiti road end.

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27

L

ongevity is finally paying dividends for the Wanganui Jockey Club.

The club laid claim to be the oldest racing club in New Zealand as the clock wound down to the 170 year anniversary on December 1, 2018.

The club had shared the distinction of holding the first race meetings in 1848 with Nelson, although with the Wanganui meeting being held late in the year, Nelson was given the nod as the eldest.

Nelson, however, has since folded leaving Wanganui the sole survivor.

Two years back the club had the honour of having its track status upgraded from “supporter” to “significant” opening the door on access to additional funding assistance from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Since then, and the subsequent Messara Report naming tracks to be culled in a drastic industry restructure, the club has flourished.

Wanganui missed the cull and has now tapped into funding available to help with infrastructure upgrades.

Upwards of $90,000 has been granted for a new Jacobsen mower (worth $90,000 on its own) and installation of an irrigation system.

The track is in the process of being measured up for irrigation with the project due to begin in late September.

Where the club is at now, and after

surviving so long, would have been hardly imaginable by those pioneering men who launched it 170 years ago.

From the earliest years when the military, in conjunction with the early settlers, ran race meetings, a rich tapestry has been woven to capture one of New Zealand’s most fascinating historical snapshots in time spanning an incredible 170 years.

Luckily for us the imagination of those early soldiers and settlers included the racing of horses and successive generations have kept the flame alive for us to enjoy.

Wanganui was originally known as Petre (pronounced Peter) until the late 1840s. It was named after the Hon, Henry Petre, a young blood of a noble house in England who incidentally imported the thoroughbred stallions Aether and Riddlesworth to this country in 1843.

So even in the early naming of Wanganui as it was, a link had been established with the racing industry.

In the 1840s there were thousands of Imperial Troops in New Zealand and with Wanganui being a garrison town the influence of the militia had a huge bearing on the establishment of racing here.

The piece of land they used at that first meeting was owned by a Mr Pick and was little more than a barren waste of sandhills and holes, flax, toetoe, ti-tree and tutu with little native grass. Indeed all grasses were

imported in New Zealand and it was many decades before the race track took on the manicured appearance we have come to know.

Lieutenant MgGregor of H.M. 65th Regiment owned the winner first running of the Wanganui Stakes, a brown gelding called Slipper ridden by Charles Lett, while John Cameron of Marangai ran second in the Wanganui Hurdle riding his own chestnut gelding Kawhia.

The Wellington Independent wrote of this meeting entitling it “The Wanganui Fete”. The use of the English written language was, of course, far more flamboyant in the 1840s.

“Owing to the spirited exertions of a few lovers of good old British sports, the little town of Wanganui has anticipated an agreeable Christmas by a three days’ fete. The amusements commenced on Thursday… and it is worthy of observation as marking a great improvement in the settlement since the commencement of the year that the first two days were devoted to horse racing. The spot selected for the rendezvous is a piece of level land near the town capable of being converted into a course at a trifling expense.”

Racing went on from this day in an organisation known as the Race Track Club and while records may have been kept, they no longer remain.

Wanganui Cup Day, 1 December 2018 TOP LEFT: Huntsman leads beagle dogs onto the track BOTTOM LEFT: The very popular Mascot Race BOTTOM RIGHT: Santa arriving in cart

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28 In less than two hours on May 20, 1997, fire destroyed 90 years of racing history in Whanganui as the old grandstand at the racecourse was gutted.

The old stand had survived numerous earthquakes and had been used by many organisations over the years, including the army during World War 2.

In her book, Wanganui Jockey Club 1848-1998, author Laraine Sole described how onlookers from all sides of the racecourse watched in awe as large sections of the grandstand crashed to the ground.

Extra equipment was trucked in from Palmerston North, including breathing apparatus, to help firefighters and up to 15 appliances from throughout the region battle the blaze. Firemen stayed until late that night dampening hot spots.

Fortunately, they were able to contain the blaze in the wooden building and the Eulogy Lounge, which was subsequently gutted and refurbished at a cost of $600,000, so that 10 days later the club was able to host the winter meeting with little inconvenience.

It was especially traumatic for staff as 1998 was the sesqui (150) year and all the catering facilities had been lost.

Snapshots on the Opening Day of the Wanganui Jockey Club’s spring meeting

Barry Kennedy, Dave Macnab, Maurice Falloon (patron) and Gavin Higgie survey the aftermath

View of the Camp, Wanganui Racecourse - Denton Photo

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29

T

he story of perhaps our greatest equine product, Veandercross, began in 1989.

It was to be a significant event in the lives of the Turner family, especially Whanganui High School teacher Chris Turner, wife Helen and father Basil.

Like Kiwi from neighbouring Waverley Racing Club, Veandercross became the stuff dreams are made of.

It is always difficult to compare athletes of vastly different eras, but the feats of the Wanganui Wonder, or Vandy, were extraordinary and perhaps even undersold or overlooked by many of the racing fraternity.

The influence that George Currie imports Absurd and Eulogy have had on the New Zealand breeding industry is well-documented in history and the Smith family’s Wotan winning the 1936 Melbourne Cup at odds of 100/1 was huge.

Even Nick Nicoloff ’s Satisfy who had an incredible 26 starts as a two-year-old winning the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes beating international owner Sir Robert Sangster’s Glorious Way in the process was momentous. Sangster had travelled Glorious Way from Australia in an attempt to steal our juvenile jewels.

Satisfy then went on to three-year-old glory to claim the $400,000 Troy New Zealand, albeit on protest from an errant Accountant who was relegated for causing interference to Whanganui’s young gun.

We simply cannot detract from performances of many, many others over the years either, including multiple Group One winner and Stephen Gudsell’s pride and joy Start Wondering trained by Evan and JJ Rayner.

Veandercross, however, trumps them all.

Chris Turner had always longed for a racehorse, so went to an auction north of Levin with a notion to buy a mare by Super Gray. There were several and things may well have turned out vastly different had a grey mare called Lavender not wandered over to the fence to talk to him.

Lavender was in foal to Wham with a Crossways foal at foot. Turner managed to buy all three for a paltry $1400. The foal at foot just happened to be Veandercross, who by any standards had a very average pedigree even though he did trace back to the great Nijinski and line-bred back to influential broodmare Something Royal.

Chris owned Vandy with father Basil and decided to train the horse himself.

What he didn’t know about training he learned from others and books, especially crediting Dr Philip Swann’s Initial Stages of Conditioning and Training.

Veandercross was a natural and Chris had an ability to recognise the horse’s readiness to race. He only stepped him out three times as a two-year-old winning all three.

Fellow trainers, trackworkers and stablehands in Whanganui were delighted

– they could all see Veandercross had a real presence, the look of a real bona fide athlete and piled the money on accordingly.

Long story short, Veandercross went on to fame and glory.

As a three-year-old he won the coveted NZ 2000 Guineas and Bayer Classic (now the Levin Classic) and second in the derby.

The New Zealand Derby was a very rough race where the eventual winner Cavallieri (a horse who never won another race) bumped a number of horses sideways, cannoning a horse into Veandercross, who recovered his stride, but he couldn’t quite overtake the winner, going down by a half head. The siren went, but in an extraordinary enquiry, the stewards dismissed the appeal.

In these races, he displayed what would become his characteristic comefrom-behind style of racing. It made it more likely he would encounter trouble in the run, and he was often described as “unlucky in defeat.”

An increasing number of pundits were starting to blame jockey Jim Walker for his unlucky late runs but Turner fully supported the jockey.

He headed across the Tasman under the watchful eye of fellow Kiwi trainer John Wheeler who had had huge success in Australia over many years. Chris was rarely out of their sight.

Turner retired his champion in the 1997/1998 season. He had 40 starts during his career for 15 wins, nine seconds and four thirds, earning $3,544,633.00, a massive amount for that era. He won eight times at Group One level.

Veandercross was a top-quality middle distance horse who became the dominant weight-for-age racehorse in Australasia.

He is remembered for his rivalry with Naturalism, and for having run second in the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups in 1992 - the latter loss occurring after a controversial ride by jockey Shane Dye. Veandercross was put down at his Whanganui home on Caulfield Cup day 2014 (October 18) aged 26.

LEFT: Chris Turner and his cheeky champion Veandercross

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30

I

n providing care and services to the community, Hospice Whanganui is also reliant on that community for support.

Although we provide hospital-level care, around half of funding for the service comes from the Ministry of Health, so the reality of fundraising (like it is for many charitable organisations) is part of our everyday life.

Recently we held our first Twilight Gala in our grounds and it was fantastic to see so many people come to the event.

While it was successful and we raised more than $11000, it was also a special opportunity to come to visit Hospice for reasons that were purely enjoyable.

We were also privileged to be involved with the Artists Open Studio where, in collaboration with Whanganui Prison, more than 60 beautiful mixed media artworks were donated by prisoners.

so when goods are donated, it’s not only Hospice who benefits; savvy customers come across some great bargains and goods which are still useful and useable go to a good home!

All 24 of the prisoners volunteered to produce work without reward of financial gain or recognition, knowing the money raised would be used in the community.

These were displayed/featured at the Boutique for two weeks and were viewed by hundreds of people.

We’re delighted with not only the creativity and artistry but with the generosity in donating the pieces which were sold via blind auction.

Our Hospice shops are important fundraisers for us, so donations of quality goods are always welcome.

There is strong awareness and support for recycling, upcycling and repurposing,

We have a new, refreshed website which we’re pretty excited about, so for any upcoming events, or info on how you can get to know us a little better, visit hospicewhanganui.org.nz.

LEFT: The beautiful Hospice gardens.

ABOVE: Some of the art on show at the Hospice Boutique in Victoria Ave.

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W

hanganui’s inaugural street art festival got under way in late March with international and New Zealand-based artists working throughout the lower CBD.

Detroit-based street artist Pat Perry makes progress on his EdithCollier-inspired work. Collier was a Whanganui-born painter born 134 years ago

The visiting artists spent three days getting to know the area, starting with a pirate-themed welcome cruise on the Whanganui River.

Whanganui Walls was held over four days with eight artists creating original street art work on fresh walls in the lower two blocks of the CBD. One of its organisers, Simon Ormerod, said it was a great opportunity for the public to watch street artists in action.

“The lead-up has been super smooth.

We had an amazing trip on the river, the Wairua, and it was a really nice way for everyone to relax into Whanganui.”

“It will give people a fascinating insight into street art processes. We’ve timed the street art festival to coincide with the second Open Studios weekend so people can add visits to the eight walls to their tour programme,” he said.

Town Centre Regeneration project manager Ellen Young said Whanganui had a vibrant arts scene and Whanganui Walls

would bring “some of the colour out of the art galleries and into the streets”.

“Street art is a great way to rejuvenate our town centre as it evokes an emotional response and stimulates discussion, creating connections between people,” Young said.

A programme has been put in place to give seven local student artists in Years 12-13 or in tertiary study the chance to be mentored by the Whanganui Walls artists.

Selected student artists were paired with a street artist for a couple of days to learn skills and techniques.

Whanganui District Council arts adviser Riah King-Wall said council was keen to support Whanganui Walls and Whanganui & Partners with the event.

“A key goal in the council’s proposed arts and culture strategic plan is to promote engagement in the arts for everyone in our community, and street art really fits well with that,” she said.

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38

M

eet a couple of real-life warriors whose motto is “saving NZ, one house at a time”.

Scott Bryant and Zach Wilson, 17-yearold Year 13 students at Whanganui Collegiate School, are doing their bit for the planet through their business Whanganui Eco Warriors.

They’re cleaning up the recyclables residents along Kaitoke Rd and Nicholson Drive areas near Lake Wiritoa, south of the city, put out for collection.

Both boys have restricted licences and that means they can’t take each other as passengers. So Zach rides his bike, something he says he doesn’t mind doing.

Their venture is part of Collegiate’s Young Enterprise Business scheme and they are trialling their kerbside project for a month.

They started on February 19 and pick up the recyclable cargo every Tuesday between 4pm-5.30pm.

Enrol now for 2020 For more information or an enrolment pack, contact the office on 06 349 0105

But this pair has bigger things in mind: They want to extend roadside recycling well beyond the rural homes around Kaitoke and are looking at some city suburbs.

Zach got involved with recycling when he recognised there were no recycling options available in Collegiate classrooms. It was also something aligned to his work toward getting a Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

He ended up placing bins in 18 classrooms and taking away the recyclables each week. He’s done it for two years now.

Meanwhile, Scott found out about reusable shopping bags Sustainable Whanganui was making, so he began selling them around Collegiate on behalf of that organisation.

The boys, who have been friends for 10 years, say kerbside recycling is a natural progression.

But this eco duo had other irons in the recycling fire, creating second-hand

uniform sales at Collegiate during the last summer holidays.

“We wanted to make it a bit more affordable for families to come to Collegiate.

They made a small commission on the more than 140 items they sold.

We’ve got the system up and running now, and we’re hoping someone else will pick it up after we leave,” Zach said.

Their next step is to create an online shop for second-hand uniforms.

The response to their kerbside venture has prompted a good response from locals.

This is their test market, because the boys want to know if it is something they can develop.

Their goal is to employ others to run the business, because they’re both busy at school and it’s also their final year at Collegiate.

Money they make from the recycling run will be ploughed back into the business.

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39

“We like that the Whanganui District Council has been discussing kerbside recycling, but we want something to happen now. There’s a need now for kerbside collection to be happening,” Zach said.

“Our vision as part of the Young Enterprise scheme is to help the environment by creating intergenerational sustainability. There are clear goals and we want to go further with it. We want to expand.

“The thing is we both enjoy being involved in recycling,” Zach said.

For more information, go to their Facebook page: Whanganui Eco Warriors.

Zach Wilson (left) and Scott Bryant have brought recycling to Lake Wiritoa residents but have big ambitions about their enterprise. Photo / Steve Caudwell, Whanganui Photography Ltd.

Eloise lives in Auckland… and yet she goes to school in Whanganui.

She used to go to school in Auckland. The problem, Eloise says, is that—with over 1200 students—it was too big. “The teachers would say they would help me, but then they’d forget.” And then there was the traffic: out of the house at 7.20am, gridlock on the way home, murder getting to sport on weekends.

So, she followed her older sister and brother to Whanganui Collegiate School. “It’s a smaller school, and you get to know people from all over New Zealand and every different country. I can talk to the teachers and I’m not scared to tell them I need help. p I now enjoy j y School so much."

Make Whanganui Collegiate School a part of your life journey.

Call 06 349 0210 and ask for Admissions. www.collegiate.school.nz

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

40 St George’s School Year 1-8, Anglican, Co-educational, Independent School

T

he contents of the Cambridge Mathematics exam are so important that the document is stored in a safe and Whanganui High School is regularly audited.

To prevent the Cambridge International Examination questions being shared, students in three time zones complete them at the same time.

WHS students have had the opportunity to do these exams since 2012 and last year 14 of them took part with much success.

Leading the charge was Ahimsha Saravanapavan who received an overall A on the exam that provides students with an opportunity to gain a wider knowledge of maths.

The A level group is tutored by Christopher Burrows who was thrilled with the results.

"I was really pleased with our top scorer, Ahimsha. She was a Year 12 working at Year 13 and she has been great," Burrows said.

"I had another lad who came through and just attended for fun, with no intent to do the exam, just because he knew he needed extra maths for university."

There are three levels of Cambridge Mathematics offered at WHS, which became the examination centre when Whanganui Collegiate School stopped offering it in 2014.

Year 11s have the opportunity to take part in IGCSE classes which are taught by Reka Hermann, the leader of Cambridge Mathematics at Whanganui High School.

Historically, the IGCSE course was extracurricular, requiring students to study during lunchtime or after school, but 2019 marks the first year it is part of the timetable.

That's because it's growing in popularity. When the course was first delivered it had eight students, the next year it was 28 and now it averages 20 students a year.

Burrows has been teaching at WHS since 2007 and delivering Cambridge Mathematics since 2013.

He said it was a perk of the job to meet students who have the same passion that he does.

"It's not everyone's cup of tea, but a lot of these kids are really proud of what they do and we need to try to break the stereotype of the general population's opinion of maths," he said.

"They're happy to give up going home early on a Friday and doing extra hours of maths instead. It's challenging and it sets them up for university really well."

Reka Hermann and Christopher Burrows teach Cambridge Mathematics at Whanganui High School. Behind them are the successful students.

Families choose St George’s because we encourage DISCOVERY and nurture every child’s potential to shine.

Our Four Pillars enable innovation, creativity and a future focus for our students and community.

SUSTAINABILITY - To nurture and sustain our school, our values and its Anglican ethos.

DISCOVERY - To provide opportunities for valuable, innovative learning experiences. Our curriculum values and develops curious students and instils a growth mind-set. Our students develop their potential as aspirational, future-focussed learners.

PASTORAL - To ensure a safe, caring, inspiring school environment. Our happy children will thrive and develop character and key social / life skills.

COMMUNITY - To foster respectful, compassionate relationships within our school whanau. To connect and contribute positively to our wider community.

Our key points of difference are what set us apart: • A small boutique school giving every child a chance to shine; • Passionate, brave, caring, inspirational and creative teaching professionals; • ‘DISCOVERY’ is a cornerstone of the curriculum that will develop soft skills and prepare children for an uncertain yet exciting future; • A personalised learning programme for every student; • An Anglican school with strong values and traditions.

The relationship we build between home and school is essential, so together we can provide an arms wide round approach for your child.

Headmaster, Julie Gifkins, warmly welcomes you to visit St George’s.

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www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

41

Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services Ltd - “Your One Stop Engineering Shop” Elite Mechanical and Engineering Services cuts a fine figure in Wanganui trade circles.

The flourishing company with around 22 skilled staff is based in the heart of the city’s vibrant manufacturing region and has developed from small beginnings into a successful engineering company offering a wide range of services.

It is made up of a small team of tradesmen who are not only proficient in the maintenance and repair of trade machinery, but are also equipped with the technical expertise to design, develop and install machinery to meet specific requirements.

Mike Mooney and the team take pride in their ability to get a job done quickly and efficiently, with special attention given to detail and workmanship.

No Job is Too Big or Too Small From mild steel and stainless steel to aluminium, the fully equipped workshop in Heads Road enables tradesmen to fabricate a wide variety of sheet metal products. Precision waterjet cutting means almost any shape can be cut from a wide variety of materials to specific specifications. With over 2500sqm of workshop, no job is too big or too small for Mike and the team.

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42

T

he former Nazareth Rest Home will be bought by Whanganui District Council Holdings and used to house student pilots, Holdings chairwoman Annette Main says.

The rest home, owned by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart New Zealand Trust Board, closed in April last year and was put out to tender.

At the same time Holdings commissioned a report on possible accommodation for the growing number of New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) students.

“We didn’t want the fact that we are bringing in students from elsewhere to add

to problems around housing availability,” Main said.

The former 46-bed rest home fitted requirements exactly. After an okay in principle from Whanganui District Council and with the help of Palmerston North Catholic Diocese manager Tony Murphy and Property Brokers commercial sales consultant Gil Button, a price and purchase were agreed on.

The rest home and its 2.5ha hillsides and wetland have to be subdivided off from the rest of the Sisters’ Mount St Joseph property before Nazareth can change hands.

Holdings will own the property and

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lease it to the pilot school, just as it leases the academy its premises near Whanganui Airport.

Another entity could get involved in providing student accommodation at the new facility.

“It goes well with the concept of why we bought the pilot academy, to spread the benefits across the community. Having international students is fabulous for our economy,” Main said.

Mayor Hamish McDouall is glad Nazareth will stay in local ownership and have a new life as student accommodation.

“Whanganui Holdings have made this decision to accommodate the growing number of students at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.

Whanganui is seen as a safe location for the parents of international students and I am sure they will be happy to see their family members looked after in such lovely surroundings.

We will know in more detail what

43

this students’ accommodation facility is going to look like once the purchase is completed,” McDouall said.

The academy has about 100 students at any one time, and most of them are from other countries. There are 30 at Dublin Apartments, and others at the Hikurangi Stay Place, at a motor inn and in private board. That will continue, Main said, but it will be good to have a lot of the students in one place.

“This is an opportunity for us to continue our pastoral care, which is a very important component of having international students. That’s what gives their parents comfort.”

NZICPA chief executive Phill Bedford said a new facility will complement the academy’s existing options for accommodation. “We are delighted to be able to house additional students, as we are currently working through a new pilot training programme which would see an increase in student numbers.”

The Nazareth building is more than compliant for use by young and able-bodied people. It has peaceful gardens and a wonderful view of the river and city. Public access to the wetland in the valley will continue, and students may help maintain it.

The building could be adapted to accommodate a person providing oversight, or to add more units, and it has a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

The City Mission community garden and orchard on the hill, and the statues in the gardens, are all to stay.

The Sisters’ work in Whanganui has often been with education and youth, Sister Liz Hickey said, and they have another connection with flying. Their former headquarters, near the former Sacred Heart College, were sold to Ryman Healthcare, and its new facility is named after a former pupil, World War II pilot Jane Winstone.

“The Sisters are very pleased about the

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new use of Nazareth, especially after the sadness of the closure last year. Having young people around will bring new life for the building and the site,” Hickey said.

FAR LEFT: The former Nazareth Rest Home is to become a hostel for New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy students.

BELOW: Students at the flight school at Whanganui Airport.

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44

Dedicated To

RESULTS

Shannon Jury

Marketing & Sales Specialist

M: 027 823 1851 P: 06 349 0883

shannon.jury@harcourts.co.nz

Harcourts Whanganui

Licensed REAA 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ 25 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui 4500 PO Box 4167, Whanganui 4541, NZ

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45

Two leading New Zealand forestry companies have formally combined under a new brand to provide clients with a fully integrated forest management service from carbon to forest establishment, harvesting and marketing.

Forest360 is the bringing together of FOMS Ltd, a traditional forest harvesting and marketing company, and Woodnet Ltd, a forest management and land use company. FOMS purchased 100% of the Woodnet shares in November 2017 and the businesses have been run in parallel while and integration plan was developed.

and 70% of the total volume delivered to the Wellington Port by road and rail.

Woodnet was established in the Wairarapa in 2000 and has gained an enviable reputation for the provision of quality, practical, value added advice and consultancy in the Emissions Trading Scheme, land use assessments, forest consultancy, forest valuations as well as traditional services in forest inventory and forest management.

Woodnet is the chosen partner of Beef and Lamb NZ to deliver workshops to their members on land use alternatives.

FOMS was established in the Manawatu in 2004 and has grown to be one of the largest providers of harvesting and marketing services in the North Island handling over 1.3 million tonnes per annum with over 55 harvesting crews spread over all regions.

FOMS have a strong presence in the Southern North Island with a reputation for innovation in harvesting and a strong focus on logistics efďŹ ciency.

This evidenced by the formation of a recent logistics company joint venture with two other major forest companies. This logistics company will manage between 60 www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

Consolidation of business provides an opportunity for the integration of best practice forest management systems to provide long term value to forest owner clients, particularly in GIS, stand record management, modelling, and investment analysis.

Forest360 is now able to provide traditional full forest management services with the beneďŹ t of an extension into an ever increasing area of demand around land use advice.

In this area Forest360 has partnered with renowned agricultural consultants, BakerAg. This union allows land owners to access land use advice where the key value drivers are consulted by specialist professionals in each area rather than generalist advice.

The Forest360 team is excited to be part of this evolution of two very strong businesses and look forward to providing existing and new clients with a superior forest management service based on best practice forest and land management.

For any forest harvesting, management, establishment or landuse advice, please contact the Forest360 team at www.forest360.nz

46

Y

ou don’t know what you don’t know” - and when Warrick and Jan Funnell bought a drone for agricultural spraying they had no idea how steep the learning curve would be.

The Whanganui couple set up Agdrone Ltd, seeing an opportunity to provide agricultural spraying services in areas where helicopters cannot fly.

During a visit to the Fieldays at Mystery Creek last year the Funnells saw a drone designed to spray weeds and thought it would be a good part-time venture.

They watched videos on YouTube of drones spraying rice paddies in Asia and in August went to a demonstration at Kinloch, Taupo. They then bought a new drone.

“It was cutting-edge technology when we bought it but it’ll be an antique in two years,” Warrick said.

“You don’t know what you don’t know.

It’s been quite a learning curve.”

With the drone purchased, Warrick had to learn how to fly it and get his licence to operate it commercially.

In August he spent three days in Tauranga at a flying school where he learned theory and law about flying drones. A three-day agricultural chemical rating course in Auckland followed then a flight test with an approved person.

Warrick had to submit an exposition (standard operating procedure) to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and, having no idea what was required, contracted Aviation Safety Management Systems (ASMS) in Feilding to produce the 138page document which was submitted to CAA in October.

“The concept of a UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] in agriculture is a pioneering thing. There’s no written training syllabus for people like me. There is very little New Zealand agricultural drone spraying experience to call on. Rice paddies are not situated on the side of hills that grow

gorse.”

ASMS wrote the syllabus then Warrick had to go through his drone flying and agricultural spraying paces with an approved instructor. He then had an extensive interview with CAA to complete his qualification under CAA’s Rule 102 which relates to safety of unmanned aircraft systems.

The Funnells’ DJI AGRAS MS-1 drone carries 10 litres of water but there are drones that carry up to 30 litres.

Warrick programmes in the work area and the drone flies within those specifications. However, in some cases, such as on hillsides, the drone needs to be operated manually.

“Most of the time I’m spraying scatter stuff. If it’s dense, a big helicopter is more efficient.

“With scattered gorse, it can take 30 minutes to use 10 litres of water but if I’m solid spraying I’ve got rid of the lot in

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47

nine minutes. I can turn the spray off in between plants so it’s not wrecking too much pasture or using more chemical than I need.”

The drone’s 3kg battery lasts 12-15 minutes, depending on the type of work the drone is doing, which means it needs to be changed regularly during jobs.

Spraying can only be done in line of sight and Warrick has to have an observer with him on jobs, with older brother Barry currently undertaking that role and doing the frequent battery changes.

To date, Agdrone has done agricultural spraying jobs on gorse, pampas, thistles, old man’s beard and manuka.

Other services include spraying moss on roofs and whitewashing horticultural glasshouses to reduce ultraviolet penetration.

Warrick is keen to explore the possibility of forestry spraying in future, using the drone for work currently done on foot.

Pilot Warrick Funnell operates Agdrone’s agricultural spraying drone.

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49

I

t was a battle of the brains when Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall and The Chase’s Shaun Wallace faced off on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp.

Known as “The Dark Destroyer,” Wallace formerly won Britain’s Mastermind television series and McDouall was the champion of its New Zealand spinoff.

Former Whanganui Collegiate School student Jeremy Wells played host as the two duked it out in a 30-second quiz duel on general knowledge.

When his 30 seconds were up, McDouall had a solid tally of six correct answers. In response, Wallace could only muster two.

McDouall was gracious in victory and admitted the odds were against his opponent.

“Over a couple of rounds I managed to beat him by one point, but as the general knowledge questions were so New Zealandskewed I thought that was a little unfair,” McDouall said.

“He did very well on his specialist subject which was American history, but that was obviously left on the cutting room floor.”

McDouall was asked questions about the longest-serving New Zealand prime minister and which film set Matamata was closest to, correctly answering Richard Seddon and Hobbiton.

Wallace was asked questions such as who launched The Humanity Star and what Clarke Gayford’s TV show was about.

He incorrectly answered Houston and interior decorating. The correct answers were Rocket Lab and fishing.

McDouall said Wallace, who is travelling New Zealand promoting his book Chasing the Dream, was extremely sharp and a classy character.

“He asked me some stuff about my specialist subject and what was amazing

is, after I said it was David Bowie, he just spouted about 10 facts about him,” McDouall said.

“It was like ‘wow, this guy must walk around with a drop-down menu in his head’. It was absolutely phenomenal.”

The two have a lot more in common than just their quizzing backgrounds. They enjoyed talking about football, London and law as both are qualified lawyers.

When interviewed on the show by Hilary Barry and Wells, Wallace said getting called to the bar would always be the proudest moment of his life. “ ... as an 11-year-old boy, I was like the Muhammad Ali of my class, ‘I’m going to be a lawyer’ and I talked the talk and I managed to walk the walk,” Wallace said.

Wallace was called to the bar in 1984, he won Mastermind in 2004 and has been appearing on popular TV quiz show The Chase since 2009.

L to R: Hamish McDouall, Jeremy Wells and The Chase’s Shaun Wallace.

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50

M

asonic Court Rest Home is set in beautiful gardens just a few metres from the Whanganui River’s picturesque east bank. It has 56 rooms, most with ensuite facilities. All rooms are tastefully furnished and spacious with a lovely outlook to the garden.

Masonic Court Rest Home offers permanent, respite and day care services. By being not-for-profit, we are able to provide honest and high standards of care. We don’t charge premiums on any rooms.

Respite care and day programme fees are kept very affordable.

We offer diversional therapy activities seven days a week. Day programmes are available six days a week so people can come for a fun day of activity and social interaction with our residents. The programme includes delicious morning and afternoon teas and a two course home cooked meal at midday. All food is made with local produce and is cooked on site.

Masonic Court Rest Home staff pride themselves on the care they deliver to our community and our residents. It is considered home to our residents and we think of ourselves as a big, happy family.

Masonic Court Rest Home is “Care You Can Trust”. For further information about us, please contact Facility Manager Victoria Morris on 343 9090.

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51

T

he world owes a small thoroughbred horse stud on the outskirts of Whanganui a huge debt of gratitude.

Without Grangewilliam Stud, a 20-minute drive north of Whanganui at Waitorara, the world’s best racehorse Winx would simply not be among us.

Last year the Australian champion mare was voted the world’s best racehorse in a tie with English wonder Cracksman.

Winx has become a household name worldwide after winning 32 consecutive races, including 24 at Group One level, a world record in itself.

Trained in Sydney by former Foxton lad Chris Waller, Winx is an absolute champion who attracts even non-racing folk in their droves to watch her racing.

However, had it not been for tragedy at Grangewilliam in 2001 and the smooth talking abilities of then studmaster John Corcoran, Winx would not even had been a twinkle in her daddy’s eye let alone a world-beater.

Winx’s grandmother Vegas Magic had been owned and trained by Graeme Rogerson in New Zealand and when it came time to send her the matron’s

paddock, Grangewilliam was chosen.

Corcoran was standing Batavian, a stallion of some talent Rogerson had also trained. He was to be mated with Vegas Magic.

Immediately after serving a mare before Vegas Magic was to be sent to the barn, Batavian dropped dead.

Mark Corcoran, the current studmaster at Grangewilliam, recalled how his dad John had to ring Rogerson with the bad news.

“Dad told Graeme that Batavian had died and immediately suggested one of our other stallions, Al Akbar,” Corcoran said.

“It took a bit of convincing Graeme but dad said Vegas Magic was ready to be served that very moment, so he agreed, The

result, of course, was Vegas Showgirl, a filly Graeme Rogerson also ended up training.

She was a stakes-winning mare he later sold to Australian interests and the rest is history – she is, of course, the mother of Winx.”

So if Batavian hadn’t died and John Corcoran not talked Graeme Rogerson into serving Vegas Magic with Al Akbar the world would never have enjoyed the wonders of Winx.

LEFT: Winx’s grandmother would have taken the long walk up the lane to the serving barn at Grangewilliam Stud in Waitotara.

RIGHT: The world’s best racehorse Winx has strong ties to Grangewilliam Stud, just 20 minutes up the road from Whanganui.

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D St Johns Hill Healthcare has amazing views over both town and river.

St Johns Hill Healthcare offers you or your loved one person-centred Hospital or Rest Home level care for short, medium and long term stays.

What makes a great rest home?

We believe St Johns Hill Healthcare residents deserve the best care and we aim to provide exceptional care. This shows in our outstanding staff; we focus our energies in ensuring that the quality of our care is continuously improving and ensuring highly trained and equipped staff.

We greatly value the importance of offering choices and we always listen to our residents and their families.

We are privileged to have a beautiful chapel onsite for church services. Our delicious meals are cooked on the premises. We provide a variety of activities for all our residents 7 days a week; we endeavour to create a living environment, promoting dignity, respect and an ambience of calmness.

We strive to ensure that St Johns Hill Healthcare is a comfortable, cheery, family friendly environment for our residents and that the care is of the highest standard and appropriate to each individual.

2 Virginia Rd, St Johns Hill, Wanganui sue.walker@stjohnshillhealthcare.co.nz 06 348 1500

Experts in Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying & Roofing

isplay Associates is one of the city’s leading signage and visual marketing specialists.

This family-owned business has successfully established itself since the late 1980’s providing all aspects of signage and visual marketing to a large diverse local and national client base.

The eye-catching logos designed by Display Associates on vehicles, buildings and apparel is often what sets Whanganui businesses and individuals apart.

Creating the right first impression for your business, is the philosophy the team adheres to. It maintains the consistency of that branding through every aspect of marketing – signs, graphics, screenprint and embroidery.

They are one of the largest apparel wholesalers in Whanganui and also offer an extensive range of promotional products – name badges, pens, fridge magnets, cups, flags, glasses and many corporate gifts.

The embroidery division runs the latest technology with 8 head capability which allows high quality with a quick turnaround time.

Display Associates has upgraded to the latest in Laser Engraving machinery which brands products from trophies, most plastics, wood through to glass.

The company has achieved 3M Gold Status as graphics providers for vehicle wrapping, building and illuminated signage. This achievement is currently held by 7 graphic providers in the lower North Island and is a reflection on the quality and workmanship that Display Associates provide.

Display Associates is involved with a number of community projects. The team enjoy seeing the benefits of their work with groups such as Life Education, Relay for Life/Whanganui Cancer Society, numerous sports clubs, and more recently signage for the Community Bike Park.

Manager Blair Symes said he is proud to have such a great team beside him, always enthusiastic and ready to go with the next big project.

Symes also commented on the strength of the Whanganui Business community.

“Whanganui is pumping and has been for a while now. I think it is sustainable too, it’s all been positive and on the up.

Even attitudes to marketing and branding have changed.

People are more aware of the importance of promoting their businesses and we discuss with them the benefits of branding and creating company profiles – it’s a great environment we’re living in.”

The team at Display Associates are ready to help you make your “mark” on Whanganui.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

54

I

n the small south Rangitikei town of Bulls is the iconic Bulls Museum.

Traffic flows past on State Highway 1, but there are many who stop to see what the town with an interesting name and large sculptured bulls that stand on the roadside, has to offer.

And then they discover the Bulls Museum which opened in the township in 2001.

It’s easy to see why this small museum punches above its weight, run by 22 volunteers, passionate about the Rangitikei District and its rich and diverse history.

The town takes its name from James Bull who owned the local store in the late 1800s.

Bull came to New Zealand from Chelsea, London as a 26-year old and landed in Wellington in 1857.

His first assignment was to build a chair for the Parliamentary Speaker but looking for better opportunities, in 1858 he and long-time friend Dick Howard tendered to build a new ferry house and hotel for Thomas Scott in the Rangitikei. In 1863 James Bull became the Bull’s postmaster and people would say they were going to Bull’s for provisions. And that is how the town came to be called Bulls.

The many visitors to the museum are given information sheets in their language; French, German, Spanish, Hindi, Sri Lankan, Maori and Chinese. Some overseas visitors have requested the information

sheet in English and returned it in their language.

“We value all the people who visit and look forward to them coming,” says Helen Cooper. Helen is on the A-team that changes the displays and keeps them topical.

There’s a lot of knowledge about the early settlers held in the Bulls Museum and many visitors come wanting to know their family’s history.

Volunteer Anne Simms is the museum’s dedicated early settler researcher archivist and was formerly archivist at Nga Tawa secondary school for girls, north of Bulls.

West of Bulls is the grave of Bess, the black thoroughbred that served in Egypt in World War 1 and was one of only four horses that returned to New Zealand after the war.

The museum has a dedicated memorial to Bess which has inspired many people to write books and make a film about her.

The interest in Bess, and the many horses that went to war but never returned, has seen the increase in numbers of people who attend the special annual Anzac Day service at Bess’ memorial.

Formula One racing legend the late Chris Amon was born in Bulls and his success and life is another of the enduring displays in the Bulls Museum.

The Bulls Museum honoured Amon in a display that ran from December 2013

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

to March 2014. Amon remarked when he saw the display that included his teddy which his mother gave away when he was nine, to a four-year old Allan Giles: “I was amazed to see that old teddy and it was nice to see the bear still intact.” He said he was blown away by everything the museum had gathered together. “They’ve put in a huge amount of effort and given that it’s all voluntary make it all the more special.”

The museum holds the names of all students who attended the agricultural and farm training school Flock House from 1924 until 1987. A former student arrived in Palmerston North recently, hired a car, and arrived at the museum eager to see that his name was recorded on the school roll.

The community has used its name in quirky signage: “Forgive-a-Bull’ at the Anglican Church, “Const-a-Bull” at the local police station and “Lick-a-Bull” at the ice-cream shop.

The museum volunteers say they have an A-team who keeps the displays topical and changes them every 3-4 months.

The Bulls and District Historical Society has published two books, Slices of Life (2016) and Historic Homes, Churches and Public Buildings (2018), which are a comprehensive record of Bulls and the south Rangitikei region.

• The Bulls Museum opens 10am-3pm Monday-Sunday.

55

My main focus is to provide the best service and to get the best results for all of my clients.

I can offer time, patience and results.

Ko tōku aronga nui, kia parematatia e ahau te tautāwhi kounga hei rironga matua mō ōku kiritaki katoa.

Ka tukuna e ahau tōku wā me te mānawanawa kia whai hua!

Kelly Mckee SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST Licensed REAA 2008

Mobile: +64 21 062 9981 Phone: +64 6 349 0883 Email: kelly.mckee@harcourts.co.nz

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

56

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WANGANUI EAST CLUB THE CLUB WITH A DIFFERENCE!

We are here to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for our members and their guests to enjoy and entertain themselves in.

The club is open 7 days a week, with courtesy vans operating Wednesday to Sunday.

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Members, their guests and affiliated members welcome www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

57

A

s he sat at the Tupoho stall at Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens Whanganui’s land settlement negotiations, chairman Ken Mair projected the place into the future.

“This area is part of settlement negotiations and we remain pretty optimistic that it will be returned to us without predicting the outcomes,” he said.

About 400 people were at Whanganui’s Pakaitore/Moutoa Gardens on February 28, to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the day in 1995 when they walked on to the small reserve and set up camp.

That occupation or reclamation spanned 79 days and became national and international news.

The day has been celebrated by Whanganui iwi ever since.

It’s a time to celebrate the way Whanganui is - and because of that participant Sacha Keating wished the whole community was there.

“It’s about celebrating Whanganui, the being of Whanganui, and including all the

relationships is really important,” he said.

He would have liked organisations to allow their staff to attend at lunchtime.

“The only way we resolve injustice or issues from the past is for everybody to participate in a solution.”

Whanganui’s Maori schools were out in force. There were food stalls along Taupo Quay, a gazebo for kaumatua and stalls for organisations like Nga Tangati Tiaki o Whanganui, Te Atawhai o Te Ao and Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Maori Research organisation Te Atawhai o Te Ao is undertaking research into how Maori experience racism, and people could spend 15 minutes to give their feedback.

It already has more than 500 responses, Rawiri Tinirau said, most gained at Te Matatini in Wellington.

The aim is for 2000 responses, from all age groups. Then an advisory panel will decide how to target the resulting report. “Hopefully it’s going to impact on policy. There’s not a lot being done around solutions and education,” Tinirau said.

Iwi stayed the previous night at the reserve and began the day at 5am with riverside karakia. After breakfast there was a powhiri for people who were important in the occupation and have died during the last year.

Two of them were Papa Stu Kawau, from the Tupoho kura, and Raymond Wiari. Both had been there from day one, Marilyn Kairimu-Davis said.

“It was an honour to bring both of them on together.”

During the morning kohanga reo and schools paraded and performed, and food was provided by the Pakaitore Trust.

After lunch Te Taikura o Te Awa Tupua performed, followed by talk from distinguished people, talk of those memorable 79 days in 1995 and an update on progress with Treaty of Waitangi land settlements in this area.

The day wound up with entertainment, a clean-up for the reserve and closing karakia about 8pm.

LEFT: Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Atihaunui a Paparangi students perform at Pakaitore/ Moutoa Gardens.

BELOW: Some schools brought their own flags.

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58

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59

T

he kitty simply keeps growing for a group of Whanganui East lawn bowlers.

All members of the Wanganui East Bowling Club, the group have turned their extramural social activities into a nice wee earner at the dogs. They are turning their paltry $30 monthly investment into a tidy annual return.

While the greens at the bowling club are their traditional playground, the home of the Wanganui Greyhound Club at Hatrick Raceway has almost become a home away from home for the dedicated few.

It all began in 2012 after a few bowling club members went for dinner at Hatrick Raceway during a regular Friday night race meeting.

Some decided they might enjoy racing a greyhound themselves and after an introduction to Bruce Goodwin, a part-time trainer and farmer, a syndicate was formed to race a dog or two from his Turakina kennels.

The initial syndicate numbered 10,

all bowling club members, but within 12 months after immediate success the syndicate swelled to 20 and included several non-bowlers. The present day number, however, is 18.

“The initial formation of the syndicate was two-fold,” syndicate manager Barry Stevens said.

“It was to enjoy racing the dogs and to spend time together socially with a meal and a few beers. During the early days we would have 18 or 19 members present enjoying themselves at Hatrick.

“During the seven years we’ve been involved we have raced around 12 or 14

dogs and had about 115 winners.”

Stevens said the syndicate has spread the love and employed a number of trainers over the years and currently have five dogs in work with Jake and Dayze Bell in Marton.

The syndicate has introduced a large number of others to greyhound racing and some members have even formed smaller syndicates to race additional dogs.

“Just a week or two back on a Friday night one of the dogs, Thrilling Eddie won paying $17 – that was a great night out.

It costs us $30 each a month and every Christmas we pay out a bonus to syndicate members – last Christmas it was $1000.”

Their best dog early in the piece was Wild Effective who won 16 races and $34,000 in stakes, while Allegro Betty features an Oaks among her 19 wins and $54,000 in stakes, while Bigtime Onfire is currently flying the flag with 18 wins and around $60,000.

PICTURED: The Wanganui East Bowling Club syndicate rally round to cheer yet another of their dogs home at Hatrick Raceway.

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06 3456794 www.wanganuigreyhounds.co.nz www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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The Golf On Friday 22 February, NZME Whanganui held their annual Charity Golf Day in collaboration with Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui. A staple of the local sporting and social calendar, this is a fun-filled event that brings local businesses together in friendly competition, in aid of the naming sponsor’s chosen charity.

This year, Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui’s Hayden and Sarah Gibson chose a charity close to their hearts – Wanganui Riding for the Disabled. Having grown up with horses, Sarah is very aware of the cost and the work involved in caring for one, let alone many horses.

They are both also aware just how much Riding for the Disabled helps children and adults with disabilities in our community.

In total, 17 teams competed over 18 holes, in a five-man Ambrose tournament.

Ambrose is the most social and quickest of all golf games and usually takes around four to five hours for an 18 hole round. Tee-

off was at 11, and by 4pm the teams were making their way back to the clubhouse after an action-packed day of golf and friendly rivalry.

The evening continued with prize giving, and a charity auction. Spirits were high, and good-natured bidding wars ensued over the generously donated auction items. Christina from NZME said the prizes were of an excellent calibre and quality this year.

The Charity “As a local business, it was important to us to support a local charity,” says Hayden Gibson of Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui.

“We wanted the community to understand exactly what Riding for the Disabled does for kids, like Carter (Hoskin, pictured) and so many others.”

In a short but meaningful speech, Hayden and Sarah presented the exciting result of all the hard work put in by organisers and sponsors alike:

“On behalf of NZME and Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui, and all of the supporters of our Charity Golf Day, we would like to present you with this cheque for $13,000.”

Cue jaw drop, as Wendy Sellars (pictured, of the RDA) and Carter received the donation that means so much to them.

The RDA must raise a total of $445,000

by June in order to buy the land they occupy on Purnell Street, and this money will take their total to over $150,000 raised.

Wendy said that the donation reduced her to tears. She is thankful for the association with Mitre 10 MEGA Wanganui, which she says has “raised the profile of the RDA”.

Carter was excited to be involved in receiving the cheque, and made sure to say “thank you from the ponies!” He has been riding at the RDA for more than two years now, and his favourite horse is Stella.

Wanganui NZRDA

From left: Sarah Gibson, Wendy Sellars (RDA), Hayden Gibson, Gene Toyne, Christina Forsyth and Carter (front).

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The Gym that Transforms Bodies Gym | Nutritional Advice and Plans | Personal Training Supplements Sport Spo rt Sup Supple plemen ple ments Massage | Bodybuilding men 195 Guyton Street, Wanganui Ph 348 9451 a.r.okeefe@clear.net.nz a.r

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Use your Grey Power discount here Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9.30am - 4pm Email: ginza2@xtra.co.nz

Your Local One Stop Furniture Shop WINZ quotes, Layby and Trade-Ins welcome

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Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 6.30pm www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

Belverdale Hospital, Wanganui’s privately owned surgical hospital, is proud to provide specialist surgical health care to the public of Wanganui and District.

Belverdale Hospital’s surgical specialists, management and staff are committed to provide quality patient-centred health care.

The Hospital offers a relaxing atmosphere, which blends modern facilities with traditional personal attention.

Belverdale Hospital is certified by the Ministry of Health. Our

spacious and comfortable surgical ward has 15 private rooms, all with ensuites, and two twin bedrooms for children.

A peaceful private courtyard and lounge area is available for patients and their families.

We accept all medical insurance and privately paying patients and are happy to discuss costs and payment options.

Belverdale Hospital is also an affiliated provider for Southern Cross Healthcare.

Specialist surgery offered at Belverdale Hospital includes: • ENT, Head & Neck Surgery • General Surgery • Gynaecological Surgery • Orthopaedic Surgery

See your GP for referral or for more information please contact Bronwen Butchart - Hospital Manager 5 Campbell St, Wanganui. Ph 348 1182 • Fax 348 1183 Email: manager@belverdale.co.nz • www.belverdale.co.nz

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Nau mai, haere mai… ki te Hahi Kotahi o Whanganui!

(Welcome to OneChurch Whanganui.)

There are more than 30 Christian churches in Whanganui, yet there is in fact only one. As the Apostle Paul told the church at Ephesus, there is “…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” – so we believe there is one church.

OneChurch Whanganui encourages our church leaders to be unified in worship and mission, gathering regularly to share in food and fellowship, opening the Word of God together, and supporting each other in the work of our Lord.

OneChurch Whanganui is about unity, not uniformity – we are all different and

we see this as something to celebrate. We love the diversity of our many different congregations, and we seek to learn and benefit from each other’s strengths.

Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

For there the LORD bestows His blessing.”

And Jesus Himself prayed (as recorded in John 17) that His followers would be united as one.

In Whanganui, whichever church congregation you’re part of, you are also part of a much larger family – the Whanganui branch of the family of God. Four times every year, the combined Christian churches of Whanganui get together in a Sunday evening service called

hope refuge

‘One for Worship’. These are always rich times of fellowship and unity as the one church of Jesus raises one voice in worship!

Our services for the remainder of 2019 are: 16 June (6:30pm at Faith City Church, 127 Springvale Road), 8 September (6:30pm at Central Baptist Church, 285 Wicksteed Street), and our open-air Christmas service on 1 December (6:30pm at Majestic Square, Victoria Avenue).

Te aroha noa me te rangimarie kia koutou.

(Grace and peace to you all.)

Nigel Irwin Kaihautu/Leader OneChurch Whanganui

meaning

LIFE

belonging

love

faith

friendship

Worship at10am every Sunday, incl. awesome kids programme.

285 Wicksteed Street, CBD. 06 345 3557 | centralbaptist.org.nz

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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The Churches of Whanganui invite you to join them 54 Nixon Street, Wanganui East Tel: 06 343 8999 E: webc@webc.org.nz www.webc.org.nz

“To Know Jesus and Make Him Known” • Sunday Services 10am • Faithfully Preaching God’s Word • Family Oriented • Youth Group Every Friday • Junior Church

The Anglican Church in Whanganui “We are family; we are disciples; we care for the last, the lost and the least.”

Sunday services are normally held as follows: Christ Church, 243 Wicksteed Street – 9am and 10.30am weekly St John’s, Matarawa, No. 2 Line – 11am on the first and third Sundays of each month St Chad’s, 39-41 Great North Road – 9.45am on the first and third Sundays of each month St Oswald’s, corner Western Line and SH3 – 10am on the first Sunday of each month St Mary’s, Upokongaro – 11am on the second Sunday of each month

Westmere Presbyterian Memorial Church Minister Rev David Bebarfald Ph 022 161 0256 51 State Highway 3, Whanganui

Services on Sunday at 10:00 am.

All welcome. westmerepresbyterianmc@gmail.com

Wednesday services: All Saints, Moana Street – 10am St Peter’s, Koromiko Road – 1pm

Parish office: 243 Wicksteed Street, open 9am-3pm Tuesday to Friday.

Phone: 06 345 7723 Email: angparishwhang@xtra.co.nz www.whang ganuiang glicans.org g.nz www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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Inductees in the Whanganui Sports Hall of Fame - recognising sporting achievements by athletes and coaches who have made a significant impact on Whanganui’s sporting heritage - www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/sports-hall-of-fame

Arthur Porritt (1900-1994) - Athletics

I

nducted in 2008. Also a member of the New Zealand

Sports Hall of Fame.

The Whanganui-born sprinter, who was national 100 yards champion in 1923, won a bronze medal over the same distance at the Paris Olympic Games in 1924.

While at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship, he was also chosen for the Amsterdam Olympics as a sprinter but injury kept him out of action and he was named New Zealand team captain. He was also educated at Wanganui Collegiate School.

Gary Anderson (1967 -) Cycling

I

nducted in 2008. Also a member of the New Zealand

Sports Hall of Fame.

New Zealand’s most prolific international cycling medal winner.

Won New Zealand’s first ever Olympic cycling medal when third in the individual pursuit at Barcelona in 1992. Also raced at Seoul (1988), Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000 Olympics) before retiring after 16 years of international racing.

Porritt, also a talented rugby player who played for Dunedin University, managed the New Zealand team at the 1934 London Empire Games and also at the 1936 Berlin Olympics where he persuaded the great Jack Lovelock to switch from 5000m to 1500m which he duly won.

Toast of the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games with three wins and a silver medal. Also two silvers and two bronzes at Edinburgh in 1986 and rode at Victoria (Canada) in 1994.

Although selected, a life-threatening accident prevented him from competing in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The first Baron of Wanganui and Hampstead served as president of the Commonwealth Games Federation and as a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Scored three wins, four seconds and two thirds at nine World Cup meetings between 1997 and 2000 and four wins and a third in Oceania championships.

A surgeon, health administrator and writer, Porritt later became the first New Zealander to become Governor-General of this country.

New Zealand Junior Sportsman of the Year in 1985 and 1986, winner of numerous New Zealand titles and national records. Awarded an MBE in the 1990 Queen’s Honours.

Shortly before his death in 1994, Arthur Porritt was musing on the irony of his life. Through his long life, Porritt achieved an enormous amount, yet he considered he was best remembered for something he did way back in 1924 in less than 11 seconds.

Wanganui Sportsperson of the Year in 1986-87-88.

Inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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Thu 18 Apr 6pm – 7:30pm Letting Go of Limitations Whanganui Arts @ the Centre The Power to Change - this series is designed to help people with the tools needed to build and sustain a stronger meditation practice.

Raft Race

Cricket

Fun at the Gym Club

Petanque

Thu 25 Apr 7:30pm – 9:30pm Rhythms of Ireland – 10 Year Anniversary Tour Royal Wanganui Opera House Ireland’s most celebrated show, The Rhythms of Ireland, returns to NZ in 2019, for the first time since their sell-out tour in 2010.

Fri 26 Apr 7:00pm Adam McGrath - Ragged Ramble Tour Whanganui Musicians Club Adam McGrath, Lead singer and songwriter from mythical mongrel Christchurch folk/ country band The Eastern, returns again to the state highways and byways of these long isles as part of his Autumn ‘Ragged Ramble’ Tour.

Sat 4 May, 22 June, 3 Aug 10:00am – 4:00pm 5Rhythms Workshop Series: Dancing In Our Elements Churton School This is a series of workshops in which we explore the natural elements and how they live and move in our bodies.

Ballroom Dancing

KiwiKids Bike Race

Enjoying the river

Athletics at Cooks Gardens

Sat 4 May 8:00pm – 12:00am Sea Mouse ‘Rattle Your Bones’ Tour Lucky Bar + Kitchen After 2 years of recording and performing in Wellington, the ferociously energetic band Sea Mouse are taking their hardhitting, modern blues rock ‘n’ roll to throughout New Zealand on the ‘Rattle Your Bones’ tour.

Fri 10 May 7:30pm – 9:00pm My Name Is Moana Royal Wanganui Opera House My Name Is Moana, with electrowizard Paddy Free, is an intimate 90-minute tribute to the Ocean led by singer and songwriter Moana Maniapoto. This music, which is so interwoven with New Zealand’s identity, has taken her from garage parties in South Auckland to exotic stages right around the world.

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

Thu 16 May 6:00pm – 7:00pm The Road That Wasn’t There Royal Wanganui Opera House Presented by Tour-Makers with Trick of the Light Theatre and Zanetti Productions Sat 18 May 7:30pm 10:15pm A Celebration of Pink Floyd Royal Wanganui Opera House Pink Floyd are easily one of the most recognisable and enduring bands of all time.

Wed 12 June10:00am & 11:30am Matariki Glow Show!

Royal Wanganui Opera House What Is the Matariki Glow Show?

It’s literally legendary! A giant scale puppet show for 5 - 9 year olds with magical glow-in-thedark characters from Maori myth and legend.

Sat 22 June 9:30am – 3:30pm Calligraphy: Uncial Hand Inkt, 17 Victoria Ave In this full day workshop Maggie Salter, expert calligrapher from Kapiti, will teach you the pen angles used, shape and construction of the letters, spacing and numerals.

Sat & Sun 17 & 18 Aug 10:00am Whanganui Home & Lifestyle Show Jubilee Stadium This show brings together the very best in products and services for the home.

Tues 27 Aug 6:30pm – 9:00pm Waste Free Parenting Workshop - With Kate Meads St Pauls Church Lounge Attend Kate Mead’s longestrunning and most popular workshop to become inspired and entertained about ways you can minimize waste in your home whilst babies are around!

Sun 3 Nov 4:30pm – 6:30pm Missy Raines Trio Featuring George Jackson and Ben Garnett Sarjeant Gallery With a smoky and seductive alto, Missy Raines heads up her own innovative and genre-bending trio out of Nashville, Tennesee; a rich, jazz-tinged combination of her bluegrass roots.

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Whanganui

Whanganui

www.whanganuichronicle.co.nz

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