Star Our People

Wannabe tradesman spent lifetime as an optician

Christchurch optometrist John Veale closed his business in Shirley, winding down a career which...

Wannabe tradesman who spent a lifetime as an optician in Christchurch heads into retirement

John Veale closed his optometry business in Shirley on Friday but the 74-year-old will not lose sight of a profession he has been devoted to since abandoning plans to be a tradesman at his father’s insistence.

Our people: Gary Stead's path to the Black Caps

From backyard cricket growing up in a Canterbury orchard to coaching the Black Caps

Black Caps coach Gary Stead opens up about his own cricket playing career, the infamous 2019 World Cup final, and whether he has ever fiddled with Kane Williamson’s set-up.

From the chalkboard to coaching future Black Caps

Career-long teacher Steve Garland ends his 42-year long tenure at Shirley Boys' High School this...

From the chalkboard to coaching future Black Caps: Shirley Boys' teacher retires after 42 years

A 42-year teaching stint at Shirley Boys’ High School enabled Steve Garland - who retires this week - to help shape the careers of several future Black Caps.

Life with Highland dancing no short fling

Highland dancing was no short-term fling for Colleen Cole, who has been involved in the Scottish...

Life with Highland dancing no short fling: ‘I’m always there to be called upon if needed’

Colleen Cole started Highland dancing as a five-year-old and 76 years later she is still immersed in a quintessentially Scottish passion in Christchurch.

New Ilam MP on beating cancer and her road to the Beehive

New Ilam MP on beating cancer and her road to the Beehive

Sarah Pallett opens up about beating cancer and then Gerry Brownlee on her way to winning the Ilam electorate race.

UC lecturer heads back home to the US

Associate professor Amy Fletcher. Photo: Supplied

UC lecturer forced to return home to the US in the era of Trump and Covid

Canterbury Uni associate professor Amy Fletcher has been living in Christchurch since 1999 - but the Covid pandemic and its potential impact on her family and friends has forced her to return home to the United States.

Bringing rugby talent to the top

Bringing rugby talent to the top: Canterbury co-coach on job sharing with Reuben Thorne

Mark Brown never quite made the step up to provincial rugby amid stiff competition for a start in Otago’s formidable loose forward trio in the 1990s - so he switched focus to helping other talented players reach the top.

Covid hero and ambulance volunteer's passion for medicine

Former Redcliffs woman Jane Potts has been volunteering for St John Darfield for eight years....

Covid hero and ambulance volunteer's passion for medicine

Canterbury woman Jane Potts was recognised as a ‘Covid hero’ for her work volunteering as a St John ambulance officer during the lockdown.

Our people: Finding the right balance to be a successful principal

Bernadette May with year 3 and 4 pupils at Tai Tapu school. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Our people: Finding the right balance to be a successful principal

Bernadette May is the first female principal at Tai Tapu School in the Selwyn district. She spoke to Devon Bolger about her passion for education and well-being.

Behind the Darkroom: No featherweight when it comes to performing on stage

Feather Shaw co-owns Darkroom and is helping more young people from diverse backgrounds become...

Behind the Darkroom: No featherweight when it comes to performing on stage

Feather Shaw is the co-owner of Christchurch venue, Darkroom. Matt Slaughter spoke to her about supporting Christchurch musicians and her background in the arts.

Boyhood skydiving dream comes true

Lee Barraclough talks about his business Skydiving Kiwis, which is set to launch a new attraction soon that will see people skydive out of a helicopter onto Sumner Beach.

A hilly haven for herbs: Family business keeps growing

A hilly haven for herbs: Family business keeps growing

A goal of becoming self-sufficient in food and natural medicines has grown into a burgeoning business for a Banks Peninsula family.

Our People: Reality of becoming a police officer from an early age

David Harvey has been enjoying his golf since retiring from a 40-year police career and is men’s...

Our People: Reality of becoming a police officer from an early age

David Harvey served for 40 years in the police, retiring in 2017, and has now been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The former detective senior sergeant spoke to Matt Slaughter.

Man behind Bully Hayes restaurant

Bully Hayes owner Wayne Jones said it will cost between $20,000-$30,000 to rename his restaurant...

Man behind Bully Hayes restaurant

Iconic Akaroa restaurant Bully Hayes will be renamed after the recent controversy over claims the name honours slavery. Jess Gibson talked to owner Wayne Jones about the future of the business.

A life-long passion for wildlife

Anne Richardson with ‘Hunter’ a blue duck. Photo: Geoff Sloan

A life-long passion for wildlife

Anne Richardson has been protecting and breeding native flora and fauna at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Canterbury for 28 years.

Activist takes up fight against Canterbury coal mine

Siana Fitzjohn with her KuneKune pig Splodge and sheep Little Hope. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Activist takes up fight against Canterbury coal mine

Siana Fitzjohn talks about her work with Extinction Rebellion and mounting opposition to a coal mine expansion in Canterbury.

Random acts of kindness: Helping Canterbury families

Natasha Oliver has been managing donations for struggling families for three years. The Rakaia resident speaks about her work with the Selwyn Kindness Initiatives group and her passion...

Passion pays off: Ash-Leigh builds big future in dairy industry

Ash-Leigh Campbell, of Halswell, was named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year for 2020 last week....

Passion pays off: Ash-Leigh builds big future in dairy industry

Lincoln University graduate and Halswell resident Ash-Leigh Campbell has been named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. She speaks about the achievement and what it's like to manage 8000 cows.

On a mission to support the vulnerable

Vicki-Anne Parker shares a birthday with her dog Chloe, and is regularly accompanied by the pooch...

On a mission to support the vulnerable

Vicki-Anne Parker's love of community service and giving back inspired her to start the NZ Gifts of Love and Strength charity.

Looking after Canterbury families in need

Looking after Canterbury families in need

Leonie Corry co-founded the Ellesmere Food Bank in 1995, providing food for families in need. She spoke to Devon Bolger about helping the community and receiving a Queen’s Service Medal.

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