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

These days John Garea enjoys a quiet life living on a lifestyle block in Warkworth. He likes fishing, tinkering with his 1928 Ford Model A and running a digger business. But in his former days as Johnny Garcia, he appeared regularly on TV with thousands...... Read More

From tracking down the people behind the Rainbow Warrior sinking to catching a petty thief in Warkworth, Chris Martin takes a lot of pride in protecting his community. The owner  of the security firm Insite draws on a lifetime of police experience...... Read More

Forty-eight years in a single career is an achievement by any standard, but to clock up that length of time as a registered general and obstetric nurse (NZRGON) probably demonstrates that, for Paddy Sullivan, it was more a vocation than a job. She remembers...... Read More

Vern Rule’s lifelong fascination for wind technology, including sports, has seen him involved in atmospheric research, hang gliding and land yachting. The 76-year-old Stanmore Bay resident retired a few years ago, and says he’s had time...... Read More

With all of his school reports suggesting he should spend more time focusing on academic work rather than playing outside, Rob Denton was destined to be heavily involved in sport. That passion led him to become an umpire at several Olympic Games. He...... Read More

Guitarist Danny Crocome has become a familiar face in Mahurangi, playing folk, pop, classical and jazz music at every conceivable venue and, through his teaching, guiding many local children towards mastery of the instrument. He spoke to James Addis...... Read More

When Stanmore Bay School principal Carol Abley resigned at the end of March, the shock was felt by the whole school community. When she goes, at the end of next term, there is no doubt she will enjoy spending more time with her children and grandchildren....... Read More

Daniel Hicks has had a life-long love affair with steam engines and the steamboats that once cruised and continue to cruise the Mahurangi River – one of which he owns. He spoke to James Addis about his passion for steam and keeping Warkworth’s...... Read More

From class clown to great debater, One Warkworth Business Association manager Murray Chapman has an appetite for communicating with people from all walks of life. In doing so he manages to keep a smile on his and others’ faces, despite experiencing...... Read More