New Plymouth – Page 2 – Smart Writing

“The Bus” journey with the James Family.

March 7, 2016 by Sharyn Smart

Their dream lifestyle sat in the driveway for five years before a major health scare suddenly made the timing right.

“Mortality was the catalyst for all this change. Two ambulance rides to hospital from work. The boss looked at me at my desk and said are you OK? He basically said we are ringing an ambulance.”

At only 45 years old Philip James’ symptoms were a mix of anxiety, high heart rate, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, possible clotting in his legs and stress.

“I started looking the symptoms up and saw that they are all related to sitting at a desk all day. I wasn’t stressed in that there was a lot of pressure I was stressed in the sense of I just wasn’t enjoying the work.”

Working as an electrical draughtsman meant many hours very busy on a project or many hours awaiting the arrival of a project. All these hours were spent sitting “chained” to his desk.

“You couldn’t get up out of your desk and go and wander into town you had to stay in your seat.

“I ended up at the doctor with stress levels that were through the roof which was causing all my health issues. I got sent off to somebody to manage my stress. Basically we came to the conclusion that if I didn’t change job it was going to kill me.”

Want to help save the kiwi? Kevin Stokes talks about his role as a volunteer.

February 28, 2016March 2, 2016 by Sharyn Smart

Stopping at the Taranaki Kiwi Trust stall at the local A&P Show turned into a life changing event for Kevin Stokes after talking with Sue Hardwick-Smith.

“I only got involved because I ran into Sue one day at the Stratford A&P show. They had a stand there and I got talking with her. I said yea I don’t mind coming out as a volunteer and helping you.”

Four years later and he is hooked. He admits that it is something he enjoys doing as he shares the experience with others.

“One of the enjoyments of it really is seeing the kids’ faces. To see their faces’ as they get a chance to hold these birds is priceless.

“It is just something that I have an interest in and I’ve got the time to do it. While I am fit enough to do it I will keep doing it.”

Right from his first trip Kevin has been interested in helping save our national icon.

“The first time I went out it was an egg lift with Sid Marsh. I went out a few more times and then it just took off from there.

“I enjoy it because I can do it on my own. For the monitoring I just come and go as I want to.

“It also means I have been able to share the field work with Sue which leaves her time to do the administration side of things as well.”

Jim Aitken talks about “35 and a bit years” as an animal control officer

February 27, 2016February 27, 2016 by Sharyn Smart

“Remember a dog wakes up in the morning and says ‘Hi I am a dog.’ We humans say ‘you are a particular breed and you will behave in a particular manner.’ This statement is not true. We influence how our dog behaves. It relies on us for direction.” Jim Aitken 2016

Spending “35 and a bit years” as an animal control officer Jim Aitken talks about retirement and plans for the future.

“It was time for me to step aside. My heart was really working with the dog owners and out in the field. The position of senior animal control officer had become more of an administrative one with a strong IT requirement that I didn’t feel I could provide adequately to the Council.

“They have got an excellent field team that I was privileged to work with. I felt that stepping aside meant that younger members in the team could advance and the skills would remain in the NP Council area. I haven’t regretted it but I miss it dearly!”

“Picking up part time work truck driving is what I want to do. I love driving trucks which is what I started off doing before becoming an animal control officer.”

Family time has always been important for the New Plymouth man. Jim and Lynn have been married for 14 years. Between them they have six children and currently 13 grandchildren.

“Lynn and I have purchased a camper van that we wish to live in for an indefinite period of time and travel around working. Spending more time with the children and grandchildren is also important.

“We would dearly love looking after houses obviously specialising in small farms or farmlets. Anyone who wants their house looked after for a period of time is welcome to contact us. We get the advantage of cost free living and people get the advantage of someone caring for their pets and animals at home and protect their property while they are away.”

Writing is breathing for author Jolene Stockman

December 1, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Jolene Quicke (Jolene Stockman) and Paule Quicke

Growing up Jolene Stockman was described as quiet, shy and super intelligent.

These days she has to stop talking because she just can’t breathe as her words rush out in a torrent of intellectual advice after being dammed for many years.

Husband Paul Quicke and their children Quilliam (5) and Luxton (2) are her support crew.

The children’s unique names had much research and thought go into them as one of her books.

“We were told we’d probably never have kids. Then we have gone on to have two. Quilliam is named after quill as in a pen for me as a writer.

“Luxton is named after lux as in light as Paul is an electrician and works with light.”

She has worked hard to discover how to turn her passion for writing to work for her. Her latest venture is working with her husband Paul Quicke operating the Taranaki franchise of Giggle TV. This is an advertising concept where companies advertise through TV commercials played on TV screens within businesses.

Looking back Jolene now realises just how far she has already come. At 17 she decided to take tackle her fear of public speaking joined Toastmasters. Within 10 years she was the youngest to be awarded the Distinguished Toastmaster Award which is proudly displayed in her New Plymouth home.

Gabby Devine and Starlit HOPE

November 28, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Sharyn Smart talks with Sarah Devine about the legacy her daughter Gabby left behind in the form of Starlit HOPE.

Angel “Gabby Devine” reached heaven on the 15th May 2015

Even though Gabby Devine now resides in heaven she is still having a major impact down here on earth.

Her most recent award was accepted by her parents, Sarah and Roland Devine at the New Zealand of the Year Awards where Gabby was awarded the Local Hero Award.

“Gabby is the youngest person to ever receive the award as they usually only accept nominations from those 15 years and older.

“I’m sure she is looking down pleased with the impact she is making as she is inspiring others to make Random Acts of Kindness which is a beautiful legacy to leave.”

Sparky the kiwi visits Taranaki

October 6, 2015October 24, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Recently I got to share an amazing experience with my children.

We got to meet Sparky a very special North Island brown kiwi.

Sparky arrived at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre in 2002 after losing his leg in an illegal gin trap.

Founders Robert and Robyn Webb started the Centre in 1992 and now rescue then care for and rehabilitate over 1,200 birds each year. They also spend many hours on education and community projects.

Sparky was three and a half months old when he arrived from a forest up in Keri Keri after being caught in a gin trap or possum trap. When it catches the kiwi the trap jaws are so powerful they will either break the leg or cut it nearly right off. The result of that is the kiwi would normally have to be put down.

Gavin Hayes delivers a taste of the Mediterranean

September 14, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Vetro New Plymouth moved location only a month ago but already owner Gavin Hayes is reaping success.

“My main goal is to have a successful, profitable business that I am proud of.”

“Even though it is early days it is proving to be a good move as our turnover has nearly doubled. It has been massive.”

Always seeking the next challenge Gavin felt Vetro had outgrown its location and wanted to move away from the cooking aspect of the business and focus on the ingredients themselves.

“The meals were not the real purpose of the shop yet somehow they took over. It was something that I was passionate about but when I tried to employ someone else to extend the service things didn’t work out.”

Corey Peters – World Champion sit down skier

August 29, 2015September 13, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up” – Corey Peters 2015.

Achieving World status after three years of dedicated training has been an incredible journey for Corey Peters.

“I certainly wasn’t thinking that when I first started skiing that I would be the best in the world. I couldn’t really believe I had won the World Championships.”

In September 2009 Corey was paralysed from the waist down after a jump landed terribly wrong at a motor-cross event in Taupo.

After only a couple of laps to warm up, it was time to race on an unfamiliar track. A very miscalculated decision of holding the throttle open as he hit the jump meant that he “absolutely, completely, overshot” the landing. “I was so high in the air it wasn’t funny.”

Split seconds in the air turned into what seemed like forever. “Time kind of slowed down when I was at the peak of the jump in the air.” The bike making contact with the ground, therefore landing the jump, was actually the worst thing that could have happened.

“As soon as I hit the ground, still on the bike because I landed the jump, the suspension bottomed out and my butt smacked the seat. With the suspension bottoming out it was like landing in a seated position on concrete as there was no travel left in the suspension. That was when my vertebrae completely burst on impact. In the air I just lost all feeling in my legs and ended up crashing into a wall made of hay bales.”

Upcycle Fashion Designer Zoe Beck

August 19, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Zoe Beck has impressed organisers at NZ Fashion Week with her up-cycled designed garments.

After being told she was just too young to model in 2014 the15-year-old from Tauranga is not only modelling but showing eight of her pieces this year.

“I was so excited. I have been accepted as a designer and am modelling as well,” said Beck.

Zoe has entered into the “Walk the Line Show” which is presented by the YMCA and is an amazing opportunity for young NZ designers to show off their passion and talents on an international platform. She has entered at least one garment into each category of High Fashion, Carnival, Cultural, Recycled and Open design.

Makeup artist Codi McMurray-Young in semi-finals

August 10, 2015August 19, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

11407129_873586462709805_4210803236914200279_n Makeup artist Codi McMurray-Young is one step closer to taking part in NZ Fashion Week.

“I enjoy doing makeup because I get to make people feel happy and feel good about them-selves. Movie makeup is heaps of fun because I get to make someone’s dream a reality.

The 18-year-old from Inglewood has been picked from hundreds of entries as one of five semi-finalists for the HITO Hot New Talent Competition which is part of NZ Fashion Week.

“I saw it on facebook. I said to Mum maybe I should enter. I then completely forgot about it until I went to Mums and read an email saying congratulations you got into the top 5. I got really excited.

“They said in their email there were 100s and 100s of entries so it was pretty amazing to be hand-picked for the top five.”

It is now down to the public to vote to determine the final three in each category. Voting will be open from Friday 7^th August to Friday 14^th August.

“NZ Fashion Week is the first competition that I have ever entered. It is really exciting but really, really hard as well. It’s about who you know and how many people you know. I definitely really need the votes and shares.

“Hopefully I will get enough likes go to Auckland and help out with the NZ Fashion Week and show everyone my skills.”

Jo Seagar’s devotion to Hospice and Cooking

August 9, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Jo Seagar at the release of her book "A Bit of What you Fancy" Photo by : Sharyn Smart — Jo Seagar at the release of her book “A Bit of What you Fancy”
Photo by : Sharyn Smart

Jo Seagar is well known for her passion as a cook but many people do not know about her other passion – Hospice.

In the 2014 New Years Honours she was privileged to be named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the community, including 15 years helping Hospice New Zealand.

“I’m as passionate about Hospice as I’m about cooking. I’ve been the Ambassador for all the Hospices in New Zealand since 1999. My job is to raise funds and awareness by just getting the message of Hospice out there. It’s all about a philosophy of care and living each moment surrounded by your loved ones.”

The philosophy behind Hospice and the level of care they received meant a lot to Jo and her family when her father was fighting for his life.

“I started volunteering at Hospice in 1999 shortly after the death of my father. Thanks to Hospice he was able to die peacefully at home surrounded by family.”

Ben and Chrissy Hekenui’s life changing journey

July 30, 2015October 8, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

IMG_0289E Having his legs severed off in an industrial accident in 2008 abruptly changed the direction of Ben Hekenui’s life. He talks to freelance photojournalist Sharyn Smart about life after the accident.

“It was either all of me or a part of me. And I said you aren’t going to take me!”

Ben’s positive attitude throughout his horrific ordeal comes from a life-time of playing top level sports.

“Through all my sport I’ve had that determination, courage and that never give up attitude – this won’t beat me.”

After 26 years together, his wife Chrissy keeps him in line and keeps him focused. She has lovingly stood by his side and supported him throughout his ordeal.

“Usually they say the man is the rock but in this case she’s the rock.”

Today the 43-year-old double amputee has a passion for wheelchair basketball and captains the Taranaki RollersTeam. He has recently been named in the New Zealand training squad.

“If I was still an able-bodied person I wouldn’t have known what wheelchair basketball was like. I wouldn’t have been Taranaki Person of the Year, Countdown hero or nominated for the Spirit category at the Attitude Awards held on World Disability Day.