Despite imagining that she would spend her working life in a bank, in fact Jeanette Cullingford has ended up with a varied CV that includes motorcycle postie and funeral director. The 47-year-old has directed more than 100 funerals and says every one...... Read More

Alon Shaw served as principal of Mahurangi College from 1970 to 1993, guiding the school through periods of major transition and change. He is retired now and although still in love with Mahurangi, decided to return to his roots in Canterbury. Before...... Read More

Detective Inspector Scott Beard reluctantly became a household name as he fronted up to media on behalf of Police throughout the recent Grace Millane murder investigation. He has also featured on TV in the Cold Case series and on the Sunday programme...... Read More

Tomarata resident Ihirangi Heke was kicked out of school at 15, but went on to earn a PhD and become a globally recognised expert on indigenous health and its connection to the environment. He spoke to James Addis … I’m from Tauhei, which...... Read More

A career as a marine biologist and scuba diver flowed on into teaching science and biology for Arkles Bay resident Sam Stammers. In her college days, Sam was inspired to become a marine biologist by a wonderful teacher and has come full circle, as she...... Read More

Scientist and current NZ Rural Ambassador, Courtney Davies, of Dairy Flat, has certainly made the first 22 years of her life count. She has represented NZ in several different disciplines, attended conferences and science events around the world, set-up...... Read More

  James Newlove may not have drawn a winning hand to start his life, but grabbed his opportunities to enjoy some good sporting days and a successful career in the IT industry. He grew up in a single parent household with very little money, but...... Read More

The Raiders league club has been Karen Gibbons’ second home, but she is stepping down as chair next week – a post she has held since 2009. As she has supported the club over the years, so it has supported her, most notably when her son Ryan...... Read More

Trish Allen is renowned globally as a leading exponent and teacher of permaculture and, more locally, as the driving force behind such groups as Mahurangi Wastebusters and the Matakana Community Garden. She and her husband, the late Joe Polaischer,...... Read More

Whether she is writing a children’s book, organising a fundraising event or singing jazz with some of NZ’s top musicians, June Pitman-Hayes, of Red Beach, keeps herself busy. She is a passionate about the value of creativity in all walks...... Read More