Taranaki – Page 2 – Smart Writing

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.”

Taranaki Dragons support NZ Breast Cancer

November 25, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Taranaki Dragon Boating Team in full costume for Breast Cancer Pink for a Day. Photo : Sharyn Smart – Smart Shots by Sharyn

Waitara residents were treated to a pink spectacular as members of the Taranaki Dragons supported Pink for a Day Pink October.

About 35 people supported the event held at their club rooms at the Waitara boat ramp by dressing up in pink costumes with prizes awarded for their efforts.

Founding member Kathleen Moriarity attended a Breast Cancer Conference in 2007along with a friend where they discovered dragon boating and brought the idea back to Waitara.

“I guess I was one of the ones that started Taranaki Dragons. I am chuffed that it is still going. We have had a wonderful turn out today and are always looking for new paddlers.

“We have done a pink paddle for quite a few years now. The main aim is to get more awareness out there in the community of what we do, as well as raise some money for the Breast Cancer Foundation.”

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.”

Peyton Heart Project – raising awareness for suicide, bullying and other mental health issues

September 13, 2015September 14, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

Emily_Julia_Jill_2015Selfie — Emily. Julia and Jill Kubin

With World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2015 Sharyn Smart talks with the Kubin family about their efforts to save vulnerable lives.

The Kubin household in Morristown, New Jersey, USA is bursting full of generosity, caring for others and a huge hive of industry.

Three years ago Emily created Emily’s Hats for Hope Initiative. At 17 years old she wanted to help the homeless and started making hats, scarves and afghans. Her first donation was a total of eight hats. After only three and a half years she has now donated over 18,000 hats around the world and also has over 40 global spinoffs of her original initiative.

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.

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.

Lantern House Trust supports community

July 14, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

This story is about two families who have gone to extreme lengths to ensure not only their own children but many families in the future have a safe, nurturing environment to grow in.

Sheri and Andy Hay’s daughter Monique is 20-years-old and has very high special needs as she has Dravet syndrome. She has autistic features and requires 24 hour care.

Monique Hay.jpg.opt401x439o0,0s401x439 Mitchell Landers 1.jpg.opt401x360o0,0s401x360

Julie and Roger’s son Mitchell has just turned 20-years-old. He has very high special needs as he has Cornelia de Lange syndrome and also requires 24 hour care.

These two special needs young adults are part of an increasing group that society is failing. More funding along with better support has to be found to work along-side families to enable their children to have a greater quality of life.

Heart but No Wins for Fighting Airs

July 2, 2015 by Sharyn Smart

19068447649_d2c86a8067 The Airs’ season ends winless but with huge heart.

As the season ends for the Augusta Taranaki MountainAirs the records are mounting even though win eluded them.

On Sunday night the Airs came out fighting and gave their home crowd an awesome end to the season. Aaron Fuller played an outstanding game breaking the NBL record scoring 54 points in a game and pulling in 19 rebounds.

“It feels good to take the record but it would have been a lot sweeter to finish the season with a win. Individually it is kind of good but I would have rather got a win with the team to be honest,” said Fuller.

“Tonight’s game felt pretty good until we made a mistake and didn’t go into overtime. It would have been better to have a win but I mean we had some injuries. We just kept fighting and I’m proud of our guys in how we finished the season. We just didn’t lay down and give up but we kept fighting.”

The Airs challenged the Super City Rangers the entire game with the lead changing 12 times. The Rangers jumped ahead 14 points with the Airs’ determination pulling them back in to the game.

With import Chris Hagan out with injury Houston O’Riley stepped in to help adding 11 points, five turnovers, one steal and three assists.