TE NUPEPA O TE TAIRAWHITI FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 HOME-DELIVERED $1.90, RETAIL $2.20 PAGE 2 WORLD FIRST AT COVID-19 PAGES 3, 6-7, 10, 13, 18 NGATA • GISBORNE-DESIGNED WASTEWATER TEST AERO GATHERING INTEREST COLLEGE • COOK ISLAND TRAVEL BUBBLE ON THE CARDS CLUB’S • NO JAB, NO FRONT-LINE JOB FOR BORDER ‘MOVING WORKERS 60TH • KEY SUMMIT IN EUROPE AS ‘THIRD WAVE’ FORWARD’ THREATENS PAGE 4 ANDY WARHOL, RIVERDALE STYLE: Te Wiremu House manager Lynette Stankovich admires portraits created by Year 4 Riverdale School students and displayed on a wall at Te Wiremu’s newly-renovated dementia ward. The artwork is based on American pop artist Andy Warhol imagery. “I see real value in art for children and anyone who supports it,” says Ms Stankovich. Other Riverdale student works inspired by the likes of Vincent Van Gogh are also on display. Picture by Liam Clayton ACCOUNT CLOSED Kiwibank Gisborne to shut doors for good from June 30 by Jack Marshall them know about the other ways they and over, improves digital know-how with but had still not heard anything back. can bank with us,” said a Kiwibank phones and computers. “It’s a worrying trend but we will not DESPITE a significant half-yearly spokesperson. Maurice Alford, of TaiTech, said he was give up on this,” said Mayor Beijen. profit and mayoral outcry, Kiwibank has Kiwibank received 11 submissions saddened by the closure news. “We will be following up with this until announced the bank’s Gisborne branch regarding the Gisborne branch closure “I had hoped that community responses we get action.” will close as of June 30. and one mayoral response. from around the country might have It was especially disappointing coming It is one of seven Kiwibank branch Much of the feedback acknowledged highlighted the importance of balancing from a government-owned organisation. closures nationwide — from Balclutha to the rapid change in customer preferences financial profits against the social cost, The bank was maximising profit at the Waihi. to online banking, as well as identifying as emphasised in the Government’s own expense of regional communities, Mayor The move comes after the bank issues of concern, the spokesperson said. economic plan,” said Dr Alford. Beijen said. reported a $55 million profit for the Areas people were most concerned with “Closing a branch might make sense “I’m shocked when a region of 50,000 is second half of 2020. were the elderly, business customers, from a short-term perspective, but losing its bank. That means it’s moving The bank has put the closures down staff at the bank and the level of internet further marginalising the already away from just rural centres.” to the decrease in customers going to connectivity in remote rural communities. digitally disenfranchised cannot Mayor Stoltz said she was disappointed branches and an increase in online and “Through our partnership with Digital strengthen or build communities.” at the Gisborne closure, digital banking. Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa, we will be Earlier this month, South Wairarapa “I received a phone call from them Kiwibank says it intends to retain its providing free digital banking workshops mayor Mayor Alex Beijen presented yesterday informing me of their decision recently-upgraded ATM in Gisborne and in Gisborne before the branch closes.” a petition on behalf of 33 mayors — and I then received a generic letter the bank still has a service window in Tairawhiti Technology Trust (TaiTech) including Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz outlining their justification. operation at the NZ Post Shop in Kaiti and the HB Williams Memorial Library, — urging all banks to reinstate rural “I still firmly believe our community Hub. in conjunction with the alliance, run branches across New Zealand. deserves to be served by our state-owned “Between now and when the branch the Stepping UP computer-based digital Mayor Beijen told The Gisborne bank in a way that suits their needs. closes, our people in the branch will be literacy programme. Herald he had had no response from the “Offering only phone and online options working closely with customers to let The programme, aimed at 65-year-olds Government. He sent a follow-up letter is not good enough.” GISBORNE RUATORIA WAIROA Local News ...... 1-5 Business ............11 Literature ...........16 Racing .......... 22-23 Births & Deaths ...4 Opinion ..............12 Television ...........19 Sport ............ 24-28 9 771170 043005 TOMORROW National ...6-10, 17-18 World............ 13-15 Classifieds ... 20-21 Weather .............27 > 2 NEWS The Gisborne Herald • Friday, March 26, 2021 FROM THE AIR: Gisborne Herald photographer Liam Clayton took this spectacular shot of a fly-in at the Ruatoria aerodrome in March last year, just before the Covid-19 lockdown. More than 20 aircraft are expected tomorrow for Ruatoria Aero Club’s 60th commemorations. Picture by Liam Clayton TAKING TE REO TO NEW HEIGHTS Ruatoria Aero Club fly-in a world first LIGHT aircraft from across New Zealand will “It’s really important as many of our place world’s first te reo Maori fly-in. including a Pimp My Digger competition, descend on Ruatoria this weekend for what is names in Ngati Porou are special to us.” “Airways New Zealand, the air traffic control entertainment by the Howard Morrison Quartet being hailed as the world’s first te reo Maori fly- Mr Fox said it was a great time for the service provider, are supporting the event and Take 2, local kai and a marae stay,” Mr Fox said. in aviation event. aviation community to get behind correct use of have made available an audio file for pilots to “A number of local aviators will be Ruatoria Aero Club will host the fly-in and te reo Maori. help with their reo. It’s great to have Airways’ acknowledged at a special event luncheon community event tomorrow as part of its “Pilot landing fees will be waived if they support but more is needed to celebrate the for their contribution to the East Coast over celebration of 60 years of East Coast aviation. pronounce place names correctly in their radio nation’s official language.” the last 60 years. It’s a great event for our “We have asked pilots flying to our event call. The organisers planned to hold the event last communities and we are looking forward to to have a go pronouncing Maori place names “If not they will be asked to make a koha year but had to postpone it because of Covid- hosting visiting aviators in the heart of Ngati correctly when making their radio calls,” says toward the aerodrome trust.” 19. Porou.” veteran broadcaster and pilot Derek Fox. Mr Fox understands the event will be the “A range of community events are proposed, Organisers expect more than 20 aircraft. Eco retreat surrounds for first radio-controlled car champs by Jack Marshall The club will float buoys on the retreat’s While winning is the ultimate, Matt prizes of radio car vouchers. wetland lake for the boat races. says there is no ego involved. The meets A map will be provided for visitors to DRIVERS, start your engines. “It is such a great sport that everyone are simply a great excuse to get together. head off on a one-hour walking tour of the Gisborne Radio Car Club is gearing up can get into and it is a hell of a lot of “The number one thing for us is getting hills and a 30-minute walk around the for its inaugural champs this weekend. fun,” club organiser Matt Spackman says outdoors with friends and family and wetlands. Cars, trucks and boats controlled from of a hobby this has quickly grown in having a bit of fun.” Children are welcome to bring bikes and a distance will do battle on the track and popularity in Gisborne. Entry is free for competitors and the helmets and ride the trails. water on Sunday at a luxury hideaway. “We started up early last year and have public. A sausage sizzle and salads will be The event will run from 10am to 1pm. Manutuke Eco Retreat is hosting the grown to around 100 members with cars, provided. Those wanting to enter should head to event during which its hill track and which is awesome. The event is going to Spectators are welcome to walk the the retreat at 280 Waingake Road,between wetland will be open for explorers to be a great day to get everyone out on the countryside and watch the remote control 9.30 and 10.30am on Sunday to sign in tramp. track testing their gear.” racers going for checkered flag glory and and get a debrief on the races. LOOKING AHEAD Get your FOCUS ON THE LAND Gisborne Herald • Another good-sized yarding at the weekly home-delivered Matawhero sheep sale today — 2600 head. Prices and comment. • Northland’s Murray Child led a successful sheep dog training day this week. • The wet weather did not stop the Open Farm Day at Pihitia Station at Whangara last weekend. TOMORROW TOMORROW The Gisborne Herald, 64 Gladstone Road, P.O. Box 1143, Gisborne • Phone (06) 869 0600 • Fax (Editorial) (06) 869 0643 (Advertising) (06) 869 0644 Editor: Jeremy Muir • Chief Reporter: Andrew Ashton • Circulation: Cara Haines • Sports: Jack Malcolm/John Gillies To fi nd out more call 869 0620 e-mail: [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected] • web site: www.gisborneherald.co.nz The Gisborne Herald • Friday, March 26, 2021 NEWS 3 A GISBORNE fisherman of big game fame, Alain Jorion, has created some concrete show-stoppers Welcome outside his and wife Rachel’s Makorori home.