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

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