Respected Parihaka Resident and Veteran Dies After House Fire
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Vol. 25 No 13, July 15, 2016 www.opunakecoastalnews.co.nz Published every Thursday Fortnight Phone and Fax 761-7016 A/H 761-8206 for Advertising and Editorial ISSN 2324-2337, ISSN 2324-2345 Inside Farewell for outstanding teacher Everybody’s Theatre, in tional guide but (most of Opunake on July 7 was the all) friend.” scene for a farewell to one Board of Trustees Chair- of our truly outstanding person Andy Whitehead teachers, Jenny Bennett who spoke of Jenny’s passion arrived at Opunake High for and commitment to School in 1980 and was education, also letting slip Head of Faculty for English her exact birthdate as May for many years. The MC for 21, 1951. the well-organised event One of the fi nal speakers was Opunake High School was current Principal Simon Mid-Winter swim in teacher Murray Weir, who Fuller. He mentioned her Opunake. See page 5. handled his role capably and “diligence, organisation, with humour. He even man- hours of activity and quality aged to obtain a message teaching” - and concluded, from The Queen - of sorts. “Over 36 years your contri- Musical accompaniment bution has been massive.” was provided by gifted musi- Jenny gave a wide rang- cians Jacob Symons, Ariana ing speech with humour Dingle, Kerry Logan and to the fore. She spoke of Katerina Papageorgiou. fi rst coming to Opunake in There was an intriguing 1980 “where I didn’t know PowerPoint show which a soul.” Her fi rst friend was Open Days at Opunake highlighted different aspects the late Search Ratahi. She Primary School. Turn of Jenny’s contribution to shared that the motto on her to page 7. education, as well as her Jenny Bennett, Simon Reid (centre) and Alistair Cook classroom wall was ‘I have other interests such as acting the faith that you have the and sport. fi nalists many times (includ- spent hours ensuring written Sharon Arlidge, who had power’ - meaning that all Firstly Murray read mes- ing winning) - her record feedback by way of mark- travelled all the way from students have the potential sages - mostly from former exceeds that of any other ing to ensure her students the South Island to attend, to be the best they can be. colleagues, but also from English teacher in Taranaki. received optimal help. explained that Jenny was “My best moments have former students of this inspi- One year her students won Former Principal Mark driven by the mantra, “How been when I have seen a stu- rational teacher. An impor- virtually every accolade. This Bowden was one speaker can I do this better.” Sharon dent realise that hey, I can tant message of support was record stands for itself and who spoke about, Jenny’s commented, “She inspired me do this. This is not so hard from Pamela Jones (STDC lead to a special literary award “Illustrious and wonderful to do better.” after all, I can achieve.” Children and Young Adults to Jenny while ago. career including hours and Simon Reid gave a speech, Jenny is especially delight- Librarian), who organises After the messages, a num- hours of marking.” which showed that Jenny ed with Maaori achieve- Special celebration at the prestigious Ronald Hugh ber of fellow colleagues came Former colleague Alistair has had a big impact on him. ment. “I have been proud to Rahotu Playcentre. See Morrieson Literary Awards; up to pay tribute. The picture Cook shared some unique po- “What a superb teacher she page 6. this has signifi cance because painted is that of an extremely etry to sum up Jenny’s career has been,” he stated. She was Continued on page 5 Jenny’s students have been conscientious teacher, who in a colourful way. his, “Boss, mentor, inspira- Respected Parihaka resident and veteran dies after house fi re A leading member of both inson died after he and his the history of the village sues arising from the legacy said. Nina joins Trav- the Parihaka community and wife Whakaarahia managed which had been the base of of the land disputes of the Mr Robinson’s tangi was elsmart, Stratford. the Opunake RSA died in the to escape the fi re which en- Te Whiti and Tohu in their last century, Mr Williams held on July 11. Turn to page 5. early hours of July 8. gulfed their Parihaka home. non-violent opposition to Turoa Leonard Rex Rob- The Rahotu Fire Brigade had further Pakeha settlement in been alerted about 2.40am Coastal Taranaki. BRISKET/ that morning, and the Opu- He was also a keen member BACON HOCKS nake, Okato and Kaponga of the Returned Services COASTAL brigades were called in for Association, having been AND BONES MACHINERY SALES assistance. an executive member of the The Robinsons had been Opunake RSA since 2011. REPRESENTATIVE able to get out thanks to He has been a familiar face working smoke alarms, but at ANZAC Day commemo- $6.99 kg Mr Robinson died later that rations at Opunake, having JOHN morning. His death has been been parade marshal since referred to the coroner. The 2006. causes of the fi re are being “He was a good executive IN SSTORETORE NONOWJUDGEW investigated. member, and having been a Phone Mr Robinson had ties with captain, he always wanted * Polar Fleece Throws027 538 7387 the Ngaruahine, Ngapuhi everything to be formal rather * Children’s Ear Muffs & Thermals and Wainuiarua iwi. He had than informal,” Opunake POT ROASTS 06 757 5582 been in the New Zealand RSA president Geoff Wil- At your Local Supermarket * Beanies For all your army, retiring with the rank liams said. * Ski Gloves machinery enquiries of captain, having served in One of Mr Robinson’s pet Malaya and done two tours 4SQUARE 45 projects and unfulfi lled am- 77 TASMAN ST * ‘Snug’ Slippers & Boots of duty in Vietnam. bitions had been to get the OPUNAKE 146 GILL ST Mr Robinson later settled people of Parihaka and the * Hot Water Bottles 06 761 8668 NEW PLYMOUTH in Parihaka and became Queen Alexandra Mounted OPEN 7am to 9pm EVERYDAY! * Heaters PH 06 757 5582 something of an expert on Rifl es together to discuss is- * Clothes Airers * Doormats For advertising or editorial please phone/fax (06) 761-7016 SeeAt your us online Local Supermarket at www.opunakecoastalnews.co.nz 4SQUARE 45 77 TASMAN ST OPUNAKE 06 761 8668 OPEN 7am to 8pm EVERYDAY! 2 NEWS AND VIEWS Friday, July 15, 2016 OPUNAKE & COASTAL NEWS EDITORIAL Arming police WHERE YOU GO FOR HEADSTONES Police are all armed in the American man being fatally to be presented) with fatal really need any more input United States – that is on shot over a broken tail light consequences. In fact, the than this? No, police are their person. For that matter, should alert us to the fact that victim’s female companion already suffi ciently armed 33 High Street, so too are the police in we should keep things as they was lucky she was not shot in New Zealand. To have HAWERA - Ph: 06 278 5518 Australia. Police are armed are here in NZ. The victim too, as the policeman was fi rearms on their hips makes in the sense in NZ in that was merely reaching for his considerably worked up. it just too easy to make 209 Coronation Ave, they have access to fi rearms wallet, presumably to show We hear that that over 160 a snap – and often fatal - NEW PLYMOUTH - Ph: 06 759 9975 and we also have the Armed his driver’s license, when Afro-American have been decision. Offenders Squad. However, the police offi cer opened fi re shot and killed by police this the sight of a young Afro- (thinking a gun was about year alone in the US. Do we New Plymouth man continues family tradition in france Captain William Brewer Battalion regimental colour of New Plymouth is due is emblazoned with French RENTAL VEHICLES to march in one of the First World War battle world’s oldest and largest honours for Somme 1916, • CARS• •CHARTERVANS military parades when the 1918, Baupaume 1918, New Zealand Defence Hindenburg Line, and BUSES Force(NZDF) takes part France and Flanders 1916- in the Bastille Day French 1918. • VANS parade on July14.. Captain Brewer said that Regimental colours and many current personnel of • TOUR BUSES banners representing New his battalion have relatives Zealand units that served who have served in the 5th in the First World War will Wellington, West Coast and ALUMINIUM SCAFFOLDING be paraded by 86 NZDF Taranaki Battalion or its personnel on the Champs- predecessors. FOR HIRE Élysèes during the parade “It is an absolute privilege $35 per day, $50 weekend. – the fi rst time these fl ags to be carrying the battle honours earned by their 209 Coronation Ave, NEW PLYMOUTH More than 6 days $30 per day. have been paraded together outside of New Zealand. relatives, and to know WATERBLASTER FOR HIRE Infantry colours are fl ags that their legacy continues Petrol 3000 psi 15L/minC that symbolise the spirit unbroken today.” Captain William Brewer with the regimental colour of Cost: Half day $90, Full day $120, Weekend of a regiment and include Captain Brewer’s family the 5th Wellington, West Coast and Taranaki Battalion $130. Friday after 3pm return Monday 9am. honours and badges granted also has a strong military Bond for waterblaster and scaffolding $50. for battles the regiment has tradition dating back to the other great-grandfather, Peter Albrett, Staff Sergeant participated in since it was First World War. Lieutenant Ralph Brewer, James McArthur and Staff For more information contact Tracey or Christine at raised.