Vet Matt Gumbrell is well known in the community – whether people see him driving around in his little green Austin, volunteering his skills at community events or at work in his Orewa Beach clinic. His curiosity draws him to new experiences, interesting...... Read More

Sally Knight will direct Warkworth Theatre Group’s production, Death and Taxe$, at the Warkworth Town Hall next month. She spoke to James Addis about her passion for live performance … I was born in the UK and came to New Zealand when...... Read More

Colin Chester has a lot to be proud of – a strong family, playing hockey for New Zealand, a career as a musician, giving back to the community. The 67-year-old has run the Silverdale branch of the family business, Chesters Plumbing and Bathroom...... Read More

Unitec associate professor Dr Jonathan Leaver, who lives in Omaha, once studied petroleum engineering at Stanford University, but today says burning fossil fuels must stop if we are to save our planet. He spoke to James Addis about how his environmental...... Read More

Being turned down at his first job interview might just have been the best thing that ever happened to Glen Inger, co-founder of The Warehouse. Instead of spending life as a fitter and turner, he went on become one of the country’s most successful...... Read More

Wellsford’s Bronson Steele is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished stunt performers. During his 20-year career, he has worked on major films such as The Lord of the Rings and TV series including Outrageous Fortune. He spoke to Jonathan...... Read More

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