Gales fell trees, tip pole in roundaboutGale force north-to-northwesterly winds that battered the district yesterday reached gusts of more than 100 kilometres an hour and felled several trees, but did not cause much in the way of power disruption.An Eastand Network spokesman said this morning the Mata Road and Ihungia Road had issues, with about 40 customers up there losing electricity.“They will get their power restored today.” The outages on those roads were caused by falling trees, he said.“There were also half-a-dozen isolated faults, and again those customers will have their power back today.”There were some isolated outages in the Wairoa district as well that were being dealt with today.The high winds also closed a main Gisborne thoroughfare for about two hours, after a street light pole on the Roebuck Road-Gladstone Road roundabout was blown sideways. The roundabout and sections of both roads were closed and detours put in place for about two hours while council contractors safely removed the pole. “We also had reports of trees down on Gaddums Hill, Taumata Road, Goodwin Road and multiple trees down on Wharekopae Road and two street lights were arching on Desmond Road,” a GDC spokeswoman said. None
Scholarships chance for students to shineWork by young artists from Hawke's Bay to Northland made a diverse showcase for the inaugural Te Kupenga Scholarship exhibition opening at the Maia Gallery. EIT Tairawhiti's school of Maori Visual Arts, Toihoukura senior lecturer Erena Koopu said the scholarship allowed the rangatahi the opportunity to showcase their work, and give them the opportunity to be in an exhibition. A highlight of the opening was the announcement of the two recipients of the inaugural scholarships, which offer a fee-free year. Added to the Year 13 leavers fee-free scheme and the Government one-year free of fees, the two will have an easier financial road ahead with their chosen study path. One scholarship went to Te Aroha Parata, 18, from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Horouta Wananga, who entered a painting on canvas called Te Whaiao. Robyn Kahaki-Courtier from Te Kura o Te Whanau a Apanui was the second scholarship winner. She entered a painting on board, described as “My World”. At the exhibition opening, Ms Koopu said 12 artists had entered which was the perfect number for the first Te Kupenga exhibition. Entrants were mostly from Tairawhiti but there were entries from Hawke's Bay to Northland, she said. “So we had a good range in area and there is a good range of mediums in the entries.” Gisborne Girls' High School art teacher Justine Ward said she was proud of her students who had given it a go. “It is a life opportunity. It is wonderful for them to have the chance to exhibit their work. They have learned a lot.” Te Aroha was surprised then overjoyed when named as a recipient. She said the scholarship was something to help her realise her dreams. “I have always been inspired to do art. It is really the only subject I really focus on.” Her art in the exhibition is looking forward. “It portrays how the young generation are the new faces and protectors of the land and sea.” The piece took her five full days. “I was totally focused. I wanted to give it a good go so I can carry on doing what I want the most.” Robyn was unable to attend the opening. Her art is accompanied by a full description. Forged from acrylics, pit pens, lace and charcoal, Robyn says her piece is inspired by a Greek myth merged with Maoritanga. None
Divers rescued Father blown 8km out to sea in nor’wester blast.A father and son on kayaks were rescued yesterday after being hit by the strong north-westerly winds as they were diving off Turihaua.Another of the man's sons made it to shore safely in a small runabout that was nearby.The three were diving for paua and crayfish on a reef about a kilometre off Turihaua when the wind struck.“They had anchored their kayaks together while they were diving, but the anchors didn't hold, and the kayaks started to drift away from them,” said Sergeant Greg Lexmond, from the police, who co-ordinated the rescue.“When they realised they were in trouble. the youngest son, aged in his teens, climbed into the runabout that another diver was using nearby, and was taken ashore,” Sgt Lexmond said.“He flagged down a passing motorist to raise the alarm at around 10am.”The Trust Tairawhiti Rescue helicopter and the Lion Foundation Gisborne Coastguard were called out.“The chopper crew located the man's other son, aged 21, on the reef they had been diving on, in the water, hanging on to his kayak.“They hovered over him until the Coastguard boat arrived to pick him up.”Coastguard crewman Adrian Brown said when they got to him at about 11.30am the man told them he had not seen his father for about an hour.“He told us his dad had been blown out to sea by the wind.”The chopper had to return to the airport to refuel at that stage so the Coastguard boat, skippered by Aaron Boyle with Tony Watson as the second crewman, began a grid search out to sea. “We were into the second leg of our search pattern when Tony saw the father. He was about eight kilometres offshore at that point,” Mr Brown said. “. . .and he was still being blown further out to sea. We could not believe how far out he was.”He was out near the Aerial Reef.They picked the 53-year-old and his kayak up and took both him and his son back to the port to be reunited with worried family members.“The father was sitting on his kayak when we got to him, but he told us the wind had knocked him off his craft a couple of times.“There was a choppy swell of 1.5 to 2 metres out where he was.”Mr Brown said the man was calm and in good condition.“His thick wetsuit had helped keep him warm.”Neither man needed medical treatment.“They were both OK, but they were really lucky, and so relieved to be rescued,” Mr Brown said.“Their whanau were likewise very happy to see them safe when we got back to the port.”Sergeant Lexmond said everyone was elated with the outcome of the incident.“Two lives were saved. It could easily have been a tragedy.“The chopper crew and the Coastguard crew did a great job.”The Character Roofing surf lifesaving emergency callout squad were also on standby on shore, and a second rescue helicopter was called for from Hawke's Bay. It was recalled once the men were found.One of the sons rescued yesterday posted on Facebook, “it's time to buy a Lotto ticket”.“Me and Dad are the luckiest people on earth right now.“Our gratitude and thanks to the Coastguard heroes, the helicopter rescue and police who saved our lives.“Tangaroa has blessed us today. We're very lucky to be alive and safe,” the older son said.“Thanks to all the whanau who showed up at the harbour boat ramp.“I can only imagine the thoughts that went through everyone's minds.”He helped wash down the Coastguard boat afterwards as a gesture of gratitude. None
Terminal opening Dawn blessing on 'significant day' for the community.The second and final stage of the new Gisborne Airport terminal is almost completed and after a dawn blessing service this week the doors will open to the public.The chief executive of Eastland Group Matt Todd said it will be a significant day for the community and everyone who has been involved in the project.A blessing service will be held before 5am on Wednesday and the completed terminal will then be fully open for business.Eastland Group, the regional infrastructure company, operates the airport on behalf of Gisborne District Council. “The airport is a high-profile and vital gateway to the region, which helps support tourism and economic activity and keeps us connected to the rest of New Zealand,” said Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd.The project has been years in the planning. “The vision was to create a place that reflects and shares the unique stories of Te Tairawhiti. “Construction was delayed slightly due to the Covid-19 lockdown, so to finally see it come to life is very exciting.“I would like to acknowledge everyone who has played such an important part in this project, particularly Ngai Tawhiri, who hold mana whenua over this area,” he said.“Also, Trust Tairawhiti and the Provincial Growth Fund, who have contributed significant funding and made this development possible.“Thank you to the community who have been so supportive, and patient, while we built the terminal and kept the airport running at the same time.”Mr Todd said the project was a testament to all the contractors and Eastland Group's project management team that the whole process has gone so smoothly. The new terminal was funded by Eastland Group ($2 million), Trust Tairawhiti ($5 million), and the Provincial Growth Fund ($5.5 million). Construction began in March last year.“The building was completed in two stages to ensure the airport kept operating, which was a logistical challenge.” The first stage opened in late November 2019. “From Wednesday, the check-in area will move to the left and newest end of the terminal. In its place will be the new arrivals area with indoor baggage carousel,” Mr Todd said.“Parking will stay the same for now, as the finishing touches are made to the building during the coming weeks.”‘Greenest airport terminal in New Zealand’Visitors to the terminal will be greeted by the sight of the full tahuhu soaring along the length of the ceiling. Sir Derek Lardelli designed the tahuhu, which represents manaia — the mana of the people.The CNC computer controlled carving on plywood panels was fabricated by Makers of Architecture and developed in partnership with consultant Karl Johnstone and Tennent Brown Architects.Over the next few months more features will be added, including digital displays and a regional tourism showcase, with some important additional design and cultural elements to be revealed.Mr Todd said an official opening ceremony will be held at the airport in early November.“This will be the greenest airport terminal in New Zealand, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, rammed earth walls and many other innovative features.“From Wednesday, we invite everyone to come and visit, enjoy a coffee or a slice of the café's famous banana loaf and explore this incredible new terminal.”Mayor Rehette Stoltz said Wednesday would be an exciting day for the region.“This gateway into Te Tairawhiti is now a beautiful, fit-for-purpose facility that also shares the stories of who we are.“Congratulations to everyone involved.”None
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