PalmyProudISSUE FIVE Summer in Palmy - It's time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful city - Palmerston North City Council
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PalmyProud ISSUE FIVE
Summer in Palmy
It’s time to get outside
and enjoy our beautiful city
RAUMATI | SUMMER 2019/20
pncc.govt.nz
Firedancers thrill the community at Koanga Spring Bonfire - Ahimate Reserve. 2
3
INSIDE
Welcome to PalmyProud
ISSUE FIVE
Please send any ideas or submissions to:
PalmyProud@pncc.govt.nz 06 356 8199
PalmyProud
PalmyProud is a free
quarterly magazine.
Quarterly updates are available
online at pncc.govt.nz.
Let’s Get Social
6 7
Keep up to date on what is
happening in Palmy through our
digital channels.
@PNCityCouncil
@PNCityCouncil
@PNCityCouncil
pncc.govt.nz
PalmyProud@pncc.govt.nz
8
COVER PHOTO:
Ahimate Beach - Manawatū River.
BACK COVER PHOTO:
One of New Zealand's favourite
summer pastimes.
This publication uses vegetable based inks, and FSC®
certified papers produced from responsible sources.
12 14
4
RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Inside
this issue
Content proudly created and curated
by the Palmerston North City Council
Marketing and Communications team
with guest writers Georgia Berg and
Richard Mays.
15 18 A city connected by pathways .................6
Expect the unexpected................................7
Best of summer in Palmy .............................8
World-class director for
summer Shakespeare ................................. 12
City to become a work of art ................. 14
A creative Blueprint .................................... 15
Music, marching and military mates .. 18
21 22 Palmy by night .............................................. 21
A park for all seasons and reasons....... 22
Into the night ................................................. 25
On yer bike ...................................................... 26
Site of significance ...................................... 29
Replay/Share a pair ..................................... 30
Fish and chip Fridays: a Kiwi classic .... 32
25 26
Palmy Community ....................................... 33
Summer Events Guide
What's happening in Palmy .................... 34
30 22
32
5
INTERESTING FACTS
Welcome from
our Mayor
Kia ora koutou,
W
onderful Summertime. It’s
the season that brings out
the very best of Palmerston
North City’s people and places. In this
issue, we highlight some amazing
places to eat, visit and play this
season while also celebrating some of
our most passionate, compassionate
and innovative people. We think
you’ll agree we have struck the right
balance here in Palmerston North City
where we’re able to enjoy small city
benefits while maintaining big city
ambitions – especially when it comes
to what’s on this Summer.
The city is known to attract and host
an incredible array of big and small
A city connected by pathways
events, but this summer is particularly
packed with exciting choices. Whether
your passion is motorsport, softball,
rugby league, cycling, music, art,
theatre, creating your own events
or spending time with your family
While an average visit to Palmy usually includes a stroll
outside on Exploring Esplanade Day along the mighty awa – our beloved Manawatū River
– there’s something for everyone. In
the international event space, in late
- fitting in the city’s more than 100km of recreational
February the world softball community pathways in a day would be a stretch.
comes to vastly revamped Colquhoun
T
Park as we host the Under 18 Softball he length of pathways in Palmy has been growing at a steady rate
World Cup from Saturday 22 February since 2014, with our city extending pathways at a rate faster than its
through to Sunday 1 March. I’m also population growth. In fact, there is now 1.2km of pathway for every
particularly proud that Palmerston North 1000 residents.
is hosting the inaugural New Zealand
Military Tattoo in April. It promises to be These pathways include our various tracks, trails and walkways (surfaced and
a spectacular, world-class event right unsurfaced) in our natural and urban green spaces for both people and bikes, but
here in the Defence hub of New Zealand. excludes the significant number of mountain bike tracks.
I hope you’ll join me on Saturday 4 April. However, if roughly 20 hours of non-stop walking doesn’t sound like your perfect
Please continue to share ideas for future day, there’s also room for play at our local parks, which equate to about 10.1
stories to the team at PalmyProud to hectares of park for every 1000 residents or 3.4 playgrounds for every 1000 children.
help us showcase and celebrate what Finding a relaxing, peaceful spot should be pretty easy!
you love about Palmy. #Palmyproud.
For more fun facts about Palmerston North City, check out the Council’s City
Ngā mihi, Dashboards - pncc.govt.nz/dashboards.
Mayor Grant Smith
Palmerston North City
6
NEW & NOTEWORTHY RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Expect the unexpected...
Palmy Unleashed is a Palmerston North City Council public activation
programme helping to bring fun and vibrancy to our city centre’s streets and public
spaces. Powered by the idea of “by the people, for the people” the initiative is all
about supporting events that are unique, pop-up in nature,
a little bit unexpected and community driven.
P
almy Unleashed is a way for residents to test out a So, if you’ve got an idea for something new and unique
space or new idea through an event. The initiative to bring to our CBD, we can help you bring it to life. If it’s
relies on a ‘lighter, quicker, cheaper’ mentality to funding, equipment, promotion or event management
help make amazing things happen in and for our city. support that you’re in need of, then reach out and we’ll help
you unleash a more exciting Palmy.
An example of Palmy Unleashed from last year was the pop-
up silent disco that took over one of Palmy’s alley ways. By palmyunleashed@pncc.govt.nz
giving out headphones to those who came along, organizers 356 8199
brought the laneway to life in a totally new way. Dancing
pncc.govt.nz/palmyunleashed
and jammin’ - people enjoyed the unique vibe created by the
silent party. @PalmyUnleashed
Palmy Unleashed isn’t only laneway silent discos – it’s
anything you and our community can create. From funky
art installations, to games days, food truck nights to outdoor
music festivals.
7
FEATURE
Best of summer in Palmy
With sunny days here to stay, it’s time to get outside and enjoy our beautiful city.
We all have our favourite spots to play, swim, ride and walk – how about this summer you mix it up
and try somewhere new? Here are some of our favourites.
Play
Palmerston North Skate Park and tyre scramble. Bring the doggo too - we have agility
equipment and plenty of paddocks to tire both your fur
Our central city skate park includes a pump track, pyramid
babies and real babies.
ramp, pole jam, ledges, many pads, flat bars, hubbas, banks
and hips all located and waiting for you at the Skate Park Rangitāne Park
on Railway Land Reserve. Even if you have no idea what any
If you’ve got a slide junkie at home then this is the park for
of these terms mean, we can assure you that if you’ve got a
you. The Rangitāne Rippler is so long we’ve built steps for you
skateboard or scooter, you’re destined to have fun.
to climb the hill that gets you to the top. It’s made of stainless
Milverton Park steel, so don’t plan your trip on a searing hot day. Located in
the South of the city near the racecourse, this Awapuni-based
In the heart of Palmy, Milverton Park playground has just had
park has a playground to keep everyone entertained.
a major reno and is proving popular for toddlers and older
kids. Get in early to get an easy park or stay late and have a Apollo Park
picnic dinner under the beautiful elm trees.
This Milson-based park is often referred to as Butterfly Park,
Linklater Reserve and rightly so. Between December and April, you’ll be able to
see Monarch Butterflies hatching throughout the park.
Located in Kelvin Grove, Linklater is one of our newest and
Early morning is the best time to see them and once you’re
biggest parks on the North Western edge of the city.
done you can play on the recently renovated playground,
It's more of a wilderness park, where an epic flying fox awaits
which includes a large rocket children can climb in and on
the older kids and younger ones can have a go on our log
and be spun.
8
RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Swim
Ahimate Beach Paddling pools at Esplanade and Memorial Park
On the Manawatū River, Ahimate Reserve (formerly Save some water and ditch your paddling pool for one of
Waitoetoe Park) is one of the city’s newest parks with our public paddling pools. Perfect for toddlers and young
a major focus on natural play. You won’t find your kids with plenty of seating for parents.
stereotypical playground here. Once you’ve finished at
* Before swimming in our rivers and streams, check
the dog park, explore the pine forest, use the bike tracks,
Horizons Regional Council’s safe swim spots map on its
or climb on logs. Play in the treehouse or in our tree nets
website. Remember, even if rivers and streams look calm
- or head down to the river for a dip. It’s one of the most
that might change quickly. Look for hidden objects before
popular river swim spots because of its stone beach and
you leap and never enter a river or stream alone. If you’re
cliff face that adrenalin junkies love diving off.
ever in doubt- stay out.
Bledisloe Park swimming hole
Within this city centre park, close to Massey University’s
entrance along the beautiful 30 minute walk, you’ll find a
stream and swimming hole to take a quick dip. The sound
of some of our native birds singing will make you feel like
you’re in a central city spa.
Lido, Freyberg and Splashhurst Aquatic Centres
When you’re trying to stay out of the sun’s rays or it’s not
quite so sunny, head to one of our three pools for a dip.
Freyberg and Splashhurst are both indoor pools, while the
Lido has both indoor and outdoor pools with some pretty
epic slides to keep the kids and big kids entertained.
Kahuterawa Reserve
Head towards Linton and discover this reserve, which is a
great spot to get away from the city and back to nature.
Once you’ve enjoyed a walk through the park, take a quick
dip in the Kahuterawa Stream to cool down.
9
FEATURE
Walk
Loop track - Te Āpiti Gorge walk Bledisloe Park
If you’re travelling with people who can’t manage a long Join the native birds as this path journeys through one of
walk, this is a great option. This short 1.2km loop track is Palmerston North’s native bush remnants. The pathway
located at the Woodville end of the Te Āpiti – Manawatū also links up with the Turitea Stream where babbling water,
Gorge. It’s an easy walk through some beautiful native bush birdsong and fresh bush scent combine to create an oasis
- there are no steps and it’s suitable for pushchairs. of calm. Take your togs because the stream and swimming
A playground and toilet in Ballance Domain across the hole are a perfect place for a swim too. If you’re keen to get
road from the car park make it an ideal destination for your heart rate up, there are three sets of stairs for you to
young families. run or walk up. The trail can be done in 30 minutes from
Tennent Drive, but you can make it about 2 hours if you
Te Arapiki a Tane (The stairway of Tane)
start at the Summerhill shops.
If you’re wanting a bootylicious behind or beautiful river
Turitea Green Corridors
views, then these steps are perfect for you. Two sets of
steps take you from Te Motu o Potua (Anzac Park) and The Green Corridors is a biodiversity initiative creating
Vaucluse Heights to the Manawatū awa (river). One set is habitats for our native birds to thrive by improving water
207 steps and the other is 220. Try them once for the view quality for our native fish while also producing a beautiful
then come back again when you’re working on your fitness. bush network with riparian planting for our city to enjoy
for walking, running, biking and picnics. You can start the
Sledge Track and beyond
1.4km journey from the Ngahere Park Road bridge. Enter
This close-to-town track has options for both families and the gateway at the bridge and follow the path to the
competent trampers. Accessed from Kahuterawa Road off viewpoint, down the steps, across the bridge and along the
Old West Road, in the first half-hour of walking you’ll find stream. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the swimming hole.
swimming holes and waterfalls as well as stunning rock
formations in the river. The track gets harder from here and
is better suited for seasoned walkers. If you fit into those
categories, old mineshafts and some of the region’s most
spectacular scenery await you at the top.
Aerial image of Te Arapiki a Tāne
10RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Photo: Gravel & Tar
Ride
Manawatū River pathway Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park
Named Te Ara Tahatika o Manawatū, we’ve got close to 10km Thanks to Manawatū Mountain Bike Club, Arapuke Forest
of path that you can cycle or walk along right next to the Park is fast becoming one of the best places in New Zealand
Manawatū River. With 12 entrance points, you can choose to ride your mountain bike. Over the past five years, club
from a short stint to a leisurely weekend ride. This pathway is members have developed more than 30km of cross-country
also very popular with walkers, runners and dogs, so please and downhill tracks in a growing network of Grade 2 to Grade
keep to low speeds in case you need to stop in a hurry. 6 mountain bike trails and forestry roads. If you aren’t sure you
have the adrenaline required or have young kids, try some of
He Ara Kotahi bridge and pathway
our jumps along the river pathway first. Arapuke also offers
This 9km network of pathways opened in June 2019 and has walkers many options.
quickly become one of the city’s favourite leisure activities
Junior Road Safety Park
with more than 220,000 visitors in under six months! From
He Ara Kotahi bridge near Ruha Street you can cycle to Linton, The Junior Road Safety Park is a place for children aged two
enjoying pine forests, farmland and beautiful views. If you’re to 10 to learn how to be safe on the city’s streets – without
after a shorter route, you can cycle from the bridge to the the pressure of real-life road rage. The park, which is based in
Food HQ Science or Massey University campuses in about the Victoria Esplanade, has been built to scale and looks and
2km or cycle the loop between Fitzherbert Bridge and He Ara feels like Palmerston North city’s streets. It’s designed to be a
Kotahi Bridge, which clocks in at 3.7kms. family-friendly, fun environment for kids to learn about basic
road safety while gaining confidence.
Mangaone Pathway
The Mangaone Stream Pathway stretches from Tōtara Road in
Awapuni through to Milson Line and Flygers Line. Although
you can walk the stopbanks on both sides, the walkway
markers switch sides at Amberley Avenue.
11ARTS Artist in Residence - Mel. Cook 12
RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
World-class director for
summer Shakespeare
“Random kismet” has led to London-based director
Mel. Cook leading the Manawatū Summer Shakespeare
2020 production, Twelfth Night, as the latest recipient of
Palmerston North’s Visiting Artist in Residence.
A
graduate of RADA’s Acting BA and Birkbeck The Palmerston North Visiting Artists Scheme, supported by
University of London’s MFA in Theatre Directing, Massey University, Palmerston North City Council and the
Mel has led multiple productions for theatres in the Square Edge Arts Centre, contracts three artists across artistic
United Kingdom and United States. Summer Shakespeare forms each year. The third and final residency of the year is
audiences will be treated through Mel’s experience held by a theatre artist who works directly with the region’s
in devising and directing site-specific, interactive community to create a production for Manawatū Summer
and digital events, as well as classic, cabaret, physical Shakespeare. This scheme has been offering outstanding
and improvised theatre. The director runs Snakebit productions for the Manawatū community for almost two
Theatricals, which makes work for festivals including decades. Its momentum has built audiences - drawing in
VAULT, LIFT, Latitude, and Wilderness, and has worked people who would normally never attend theatre.
with world-leading theatre companies. Mel previously
Playwright and community arts initiator Dr Angie Farrow
visited New Zealand a few years ago, spending time at
says Manawatū Summer Shakespeare gives the community’s
Auckland’s Covert Theatre for the T2 comedy festival.
emerging and established artists “a unique opportunity to
The Palmerston North residency came as an extension of upskill and be part of a creative community that proves to be
travel plans. Mel was accompanying an artist scout friend to uplifting, deeply involving and an example of collective effort
New Zealand and decided to see if anyone needed someone that is unique in this region”.
to lead some theatre workshops during that timeframe.
Working with an army of actors, designers and musicians, Mel
“Whenever I go travelling, it feels a bit weird not to give
will direct a Twelfth Night production that is “a rollicking party
something back.” A Google search showed up Palmerston
with identity bass”.
North’s Visiting Artist in Residence programme. “It was really
just a kismet thing, with me going, well, I’m going to be there, “Twelfth Night is a fun romp, and is also extremely timely,
and you need someone about the time I’m going to be there given the growing awareness of the identity spectrum. Set
– so, do you fancy it?” in an extremely privileged modern world. These are people
in the yachting set. People with household staff. People who
“It was kind of that Joseph Campbellian thing of doors
still flaunt familial titles. And people who ultimately have the
opening when you are on the right path at that moment.”
space and freedom to question and remake their identities.
With a passion for live autonomous events, Mel says there is Young, well-heeled influencers; older, party letch uncles; and
something about theatre that is a bit like a good music gig. the support staff who actually work,” Mel says.
“It’s kind of the most human of arts forms, in that it's about
As the resident artist, Mel will be hosted at Square Edge
real people, in real time, in a real space, breathing the same air
Arts Centre’s ‘Artpartment’ and have an office on the Massey
and having an experience together. I’m very much interested
University campus, with access to the university library. The
in creating theatre that has that sense of shared experience
residency will also see Mel involved with Massey’s summer
and shared space.”
school contact courses, and participating in the Shakespeare
in Schools programme, bringing inspiration to
“That’s why doing something like this, out Palmerston North’s high school students, as well as offering
community workshops.
in the park, out in the community is perfect
because everyone is part of it.
You don’t have some weird fourth wall where Twelfth Night will run at the Victoria Esplanade
from 27 February to 7 March.
everyone is sitting in the dark and pretending
that they are not being watched.”
13ARTS
City to become a work of art
Art enthusiasts of all disciplines will be taking to the streets in January as the
Palmy CBD becomes an outdoor art gallery.
S
treet Prints Papaioea will be (literally) painting the All 20 murals will be themed “kua kakahutia te Rangimarie”,
town as homegrown artists are joined by a crop of or “under the cloak of peace” to represent the city’s diverse
international artists to transform the city street art community.
festival, we never knew we were missing.
Street Prints Papaioea will be bringing live art, workshops,
The international contingent from Australia, Ireland, the exhibitions and an art auction from 16-22 January 2020 –
United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Greece, and for more information head to streetprints.org/papaioea/.
their Kiwi counterparts will be each taking a brush to up to
Street Prints – ‘the idea of leaving artistic footprints in the
20 large-scale murals around the city centre.
streets’ – was established in 2014 by the Pushing Arts in
The city’s youth will have an important role to play during NZ Trust (P.A.I.N.T).
the festival, as organisers team up with Youth Space
Palmerston North to offer 40 local young people getting
the ultimate hands-on experience alongside the artists.
A Whakatauaki has been developed for the street art
festival in collaboration with local iwi, Rangitāne.
14INNOVATION RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
A creative Blueprint
From 3D-printed prototypes to laser-cut gifts, and vinyl cut clothing designs to hygiene
products for developing countries, Blueprint – the City Library Makerspace is already
enabling creativity, solutions and innovation in its first few months of opening.
I
n the old Public Trust site, beneath the Palmerston Replacement parts for washing machines and cars, and one-
North Central Library on The Square side, Blueprint has off manufacturing prototypes are now being made. One man
been years in the works and now has a space in which is designing a new mousetrap, model engineers create parts,
it can have all its equipment out all the time for public a solar panel installer is remodelling overseas parts to suit
use. While the Palmerston North Library has owned the New Zealand’s needs.
equipment for a few years, it was previously only brought
For a young diabetic, 3D printing was able to replace a broken
out to support workshops or events.
sensor holder. “We took the broken one, remodelled it in the
Community Creation Coordinator Harley Bell says Blueprint’s software and printed her some new ones,” Harley says.
driving force is to enable people, in a low-cost way, “to
If you’re thinking personalised gifts, the laser cutter, for
be creative, to learn, to get a taste of the kind of stuff you
cutting and engraving wood, acrylics, felt and leather, might
wouldn’t normally have access to”.
be the equipment for you. “That’s something that I wish I
While not the first New Zealand Makerspace, Blueprint is the could have in my shed at home,” Harley says.
biggest library-facilitated space. “We’ve been fortunate to
have a leadership team who’ve pushed for it, who’ve
believed in it.”
Most popular at Blueprint are the 3D printing machines,
which have seen an evolution in use since being introduced
to the library about three years ago. It’s moved on from
novelty trinkets. “Now the majority of people are designing
their own items, which is exactly what we hoped for,”
Harley says.
15ARTS 16
RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
“We’ve found that it is
very much an instant
gratification machine
– you can take a design
from a computer to being
cut or engraved in less than
10 minutes.”
Harley says people have been bringing in low-cost, store-
sourced chopping boards or coasters and adding their own
designs. A retired woodworker used it in making furniture for
his grandchildren. “He got some old reclaimed rimu… cleaned
it up, brought it in here and he engraved it with their names
and favourite pictures.” Flat-pack birdhouse Christmas gifts
and welding jigs are other items that have been created with
the laser cutter.
Vinyl cutters are also available at Blueprint, for making
products from large-format stickers, to heat-pressed transfers,
to stencils. “Heat-pressed logos for shirts and bags has proved
really popular.”
Those working with cloth might also take advantage of the
sewing machines, overlockers and embroidery machine.
“They’re for you to use, come in and get started. We look after
the machines, you just need to provide the skills,” Harley says.
A Red Cross refugee group comes in for weekly sewing and
making bunting and bags for sale at the Red Cross Shop. “It’s
not just a production thing for them, it’s also a social thing.”
Days for Girls NZ members come in to sew reusable women’s
hygiene products to send to developing countries.
Also available at Blueprint are computers with the Adobe
Creative Cloud suite, including Photoshop and InDesign, and
software for 3D modelling. Rooms are set up with equipment
for electronics and woodworking.
Blueprint welcomes school groups into the Makerspace.
Groups are introduced to the machinery, discuss health and
safety, then split up to work on 3D printing, laser cutting,
robotics, electronics, and more. “School groups absolutely love
it – they don’t want to leave!”
Blueprint – the City Library Makerspace is at
7 The Square, at the front of the Palmerston North City
Library. It is open varied hours Wednesday to Saturday.
Visit citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz/pnlibraries/blueprint
17EVENT
Music, marching and military mates
There’s a friendly battle of ‘screaming cats’ versus ‘spit and dribble’
in the Palmy Harcourts office.
T
he jesting is between sales agents Tim Cook and
Tim Cook
Murray Mansfield who are colleagues, acclaimed
musicians and friends. ‘Screaming cats’ is in
reference to Murray’s bagpipes, and the ‘spit and dribble’
to Tim’s cornet and bugle.
What makes you Palmy Proud?
While they now work full time as sales agents, their musical
prowess has seen them both enjoy amazing opportunities for I love Palmy! I’m fourth-generation Palmy-born and have
international travel and performing in front of world leaders raised my children here. There are great people here, fantastic
because of their military links. schools and some of the best cycling tracks in New Zealand.
Both served in the Defence Force. Tim as a full-time musician
in the Army Band’s Regular Force from 1984 – 88. What are your highlights from your time with Defence
He continued his military service as a territorial in the Air Force Bands?
Force Band at Ohakea and as a Reservist for the New Zealand The Army Band’s private performance for the Queen and
Army Band. Prince Philip on their front lawn at Windsor Castle for
Murray served with the New Zealand Air Force for 27 years her 90th birthday was pretty special. Performing at the
as an Aircraft Technician at Ohakea, and during this time Edinburgh Tattoo had been on my bucket list and this year we
performed with the Air Force Band. He continues to play for performed 21 shows there to a live audience of 200,000 and
them as a musician reservist and the band’s lone piper. tens of millions through broadcasts.
Both are preparing to take centre stage along with more than Murray and I were both with the Auckland Air Force Band
600 other performers at the New Zealand Military Tattoo in that travelled to China for the Nanchang Tattoo in 2013. We
Palmerston North on 4 April. were possibly one of the first military groups to ever go to
China. I’ve also played for the King of Thailand’s 60th birthday
We chatted with them about living in Palmy, music and and attended numerous significant commemorative events
the military. around the world.
How much work is it to be part of the New Zealand
Army Band as a reservist?
This year I’ve been away a lot with musical commitments, so
there are repercussions, but it’s worth it. The New Zealand
Army Band is recognised as the leading military marching
band in the world. You have to be performance fit – both
musically and physically, such as your facial muscles and
diaphragm. There is a challenge holding a note steady while
you’re doing high knee leg raises – it takes discipline.
18EVENT RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
having awesome musicians, we have outstanding vocalists
What keeps you performing? who get the crowd singing and clapping along to well-known
songs. It will be a memorable night.
I love it. The comradery, the music and in particular, I love
working with the younger guys. They’re all world-class
musicians/soldiers. I’m also proud to be in the Army and
representing New Zealand on the world stage. Being part
of the Defence Force is being part of a big family, it’s a Murray Mansfield
connection I’ll have for life.
What makes you Palmy Proud?
The 2020 New Zealand Military Tattoo is in
Palmerston North – what are you looking forward I’ve lived in Palmy for 30 years now and love the place. It’s
been a fantastic place to raise my family and now I’m loving
to most? selling homes to others who choose to live here.
It will be wonderful to perform with my Army mates and my What are your highlights from your time with
fellow Harcourts agent, Murray, in my home town. Tattoos are
a rare event and I’d encourage people to bring their children/ Defence Force Bands?
grandchildren along, as children don’t get to see many live
performances these days. There are more than 600 performers As a sole piper, I’ve played a lot of laments at major events
– when else to you get to see that? As well as the Army Band around the world including Anzac Day in Gallipoli for
the 100th anniversary. Performing around the world and
representing New Zealand at many auspicious occasions
are always memorable events - I’ve only just
returned from my second performance in
China.
However, my two highlights are playing
for the Queen at Government House
and composing the lament for the
repatriation of the Unknown Warrior of
New Zealand.
I’ve also had the honour of playing
at Sir Edmund Hilary’s funeral. These
were special moments.
What keeps you performing?
My parents played the pipes,
so I started really young. A big
part of my playing has been in
competitions both here and
internationally. Performing
with the New Zealand Air Force
band has given me fantastic
opportunities and experiences
because of the Defence connection.
The connection with Defence is huge
and I will be doing this for a while.
While I’m enjoying my new career in real
estate, being part of the Defence Force is
in your blood. It’s not something you do
– it’s who you are.
Peter Cook and Murry Mansfield in their regalia.
19EVENT
I’m honoured to be directing the five pipe bands performing
What achievement are you most proud of? – they are some of the best in New Zealand. Collectively it
will be a band of 100 pipers and for something unique, a
It was humbling to receive a Queen’s Service Medal for Police dog show is incorporated into the Auckland Police Pipe
services to pipe bands in 2015, the year of the Anzac Band's performance.
centenary commemorations.
They’re putting in many hours of their own time to show the
What’s so special about the bagpipes? country their best performance. It’s going to be a slick show
by quality bands who are on top of their game.
Not many people realise the Scottish bagpipe is an People have this rare opportunity to see a Military Tattoo.
instrument of war. Their link to the military is significant. It’s going to be quite magical, a little bit emotional and
The history of pipe bands in New Zealand is also lengthy, uniquely New Zealand entertainment in a fantastic facility.
some of our pipe bands date back more than 100 years. People won’t regret coming – they may, however, regret
not coming.
The 2020 New Zealand Military Tattoo is in Palmerston
North – what are you looking forward to most?
It’s fantastic to have something on the scale of this on my
doorstep. With Palmy being the Defence Hub of
New Zealand, it’s right that it’s being held here.
20NIGHTLIFE RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Palmy by night
It takes a local to know where to find the best live music in town.
L
ocal D Fresh, also known as Damian McGregor, is the • The Fish Cocktail and Wine Bar: The name says it all.
city’s top DJ and is the best person to ask "where This is the place to be for all you cocktail junkies
should I go tonight?". Not only is he the resident DJ out there.
at Brew Union Brewing Company, but he also has more
"But if you do want to kick it into the night and hear the
than 30 years of experience in the music scene. Lucky for
birds chirping, check out The Daily or The Office."
you, he's recommended his best late-night hangouts in
the city. Both venues are local student’s watering holes and the
place to be if you’re looking to dance till 3am. The Daily
"Nightlife doesn't have to be only for nocturnal individuals."
features five bars and two clubs under one roof, whereas
D Fresh knows late-night clubbing nights aren't for The Office offers a more intimate version.
everyone. Some of us appreciate a good eight-hour beauty
"The best part about whatever vibe you want for your
sleep, but we still want to have fun. If you’re looking for a
evening - everything is so close here in Palmy, that you
venue that offers the perfect balance between getting out
really could do it all."
with your mates to see live music, yet you can still be home
by 11pm, check out these establishments. D Fresh isn't wrong. Whether you’re searching for a chill
pub experience with some acoustics or getting your dance
• Bubbles Champagne and Wine Bar: The best live
moves on, Palmy has a place for you.
band venue in Palmy. This bar has fantastic tapas,
and live music every Friday and Saturday night.
• The Celtic Inn: Enjoy a nice Guinness at this classic Live music venues mentioned in the article:
Irish pub with live soft-rock bands.
Brew Union Brewing Company: Located at 41
• Brew Union Brewing Company: If sippin' on craft Broadway Avenue. Bubbles Champagne and Wine Bar:
beverages, rummaging through old vinyl, and Located at 59 Broadway Avenue. The Celtic Inn: Located
enjoying thin-crust wood-fired pizzas sounds like at 73-77 Broadway Avenue. The Fish Cocktail and
your type of evening, visit this micro-brewery. D Wine Bar: Located at 157 Broadway Avenue. The Daily:
Fresh does a vinyl-only evening every Friday night Located at 511-513 Main Street. The Office: Located at
here, and every Saturday there’s a mix of solo 522 Main Street.
acoustic artists and duos.
21PUBLIC SPACES
A park for all seasons and reasons
It might be a summer for the great outdoors – especially with the annual
Explore Esplanade Open Day approaching, but the Victoria Esplanade, our
city’s botanical gardens, is pretty cool year round.
T
he Victoria Esplanade is a huge rambling outdoor Karl’s tongue-in-cheek comment refers to the southern end of
heritage mansion that contains many rooms. the park where the main train station and depot is.
Esplanade Scenic Railway track manager Karl Morris
The station car park is adjacent to the Lido Aquatic Centre and
knows the place inside out.
nearby holiday park, with a bush track access to the Riverside
Karl and fellow members of the Scenic Railway crew volunteer Pathway and new He Ara Kotahi shared bridge across the
there most days of the week, operating the trains and Manawatū River.
engaged in track or locomotive maintenance.
The railway provides a 1km-long link between this ‘quieter’
They see Palmy’s premier park and botanical gardens wing of the house and the Esplanade’s northern rumpus and
in all seasons and all weathers, and appreciate its living rooms where most of the action takes place.
year-round appeal.
Its popular playground and junior road safety park, heritage
“Even in the middle of winter, people are here – walking, gardens, walking tracks and grassy glades, magnificent trees,
riding, playing, having picnics and barbecues,” Karl says. conservatory, aviary, paddling pool, lawns and cafe have
made it irresistible for generations of ‘Palmy-nauts’, and their
The Scenic Railway celebrated its 50th birthday on 23
visitors.
November 2019 by opening a new length of replacement
track through the gardens and running free rides for all. There’s no doubt that a train ride is a must for visiting families.
Free train rides will also be a feature of the coming [2020] During the 2018-19 financial year, the Railway attracted more
Open Day. than 74,000 passengers, while last year’s [2019] fine spring
weather had passengers queuing up for the Halloween-
“If it weren’t for the trains, it’s doubtful anyone would know
themed night trains.
what the other end of the Esplanade looks like.”
22RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Trees are intrinsic to the
park’s atmosphere and provide
glorious green backdrops to the
surrounding sportsgrounds - the
hockey turfs, croquet courts,
cricket wickets and rugby fields.
23PUBLIC SPACES
However, the famous 50-year-old attraction has competition Since being named to acknowledge Queen Victoria’s 60th
for numbers from a new kid on the Esplanade block. Jubilee in 1897, the Esplanade as the focal point of the city’s
expansive outdoor precinct has rarely disappointed.
The Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery with its striking
eco-themed Paul Dibble sculpture nearby, is on track for Whether it’s a venue for the city’s annual Summer
100,000 visitors in its first year, attracting 61,850 people in the Shakespeare production, weddings, open-air concerts
seven months since opening in March 2019. or family birthday parties, it provides a green hub for
innumerable gatherings and countless kilometres of riverside
Mind you, Wildbase Recovery has a certain novelty value
walking and biking tracks.
with free entry to view its constantly changing fauna, while a
20-minute scenic ride on the ol’ train will set you back $3. The city’s senior Parks and Property Planner Aaron Phillips
estimates that in excess of 900,000 people visit the Esplanade
It was the advent of Wildbase that prompted the new piece
in a year, averaging between 2200 – 2500 each day.
of track.
This replaces line embedded in the concrete path that runs
past the stylish rehab facility for Aotearoa’s injured and sick “We are grateful to our forebearers
native birds and animals. for putting aside this large swathe of
The vibration of passing trains was disturbing the patients, land, and we’re conscious of preserving
so now the line curls through the gardens on sleepers atop a
traditional gravel bed. and improving it as a legacy for future
“And we didn’t have to remove any trees,” Karl says. generations,” Aaron says.
The Esplanade has another 50-year-old ‘resident’ - the Dugald
MacKenzie New Zealand Rose Garden established in 1969 Plans for this year include improving the NZ Rose Gardens
as New Zealand’s first international trials gardens - one of and Camellia Walk.
only four international Rose Gardens of Significance in the There are designs for a new entrance off Park Rd to consider
Southern Hemisphere. and the Lions mini putt golf course proposed for the space
In 2003, it was the first in New Zealand to receive a Garden of between the playground and the hockey turfs.
Excellence Award from the World Federation of Rose Societies. Certainly, the park will continue to evolve.
The trial grounds’ jubilee will be celebrated this year [2020] That will ensure this venerable sprawling 26-hectare riverside
culminating in November’s National Rose Show. character ‘homestead’ will always have plenty of rooms to
Much closer though is the annual Explore Esplanade Open Day. discover, explore, embrace and enjoy.
On Sunday 16 February, the park will become carnival exploreesplanade@pncc.govt.nz
central as thousands flock to enjoy live stage and roving 356 8199
performances, workshops, displays, food and craft stalls. pncc.govt.nz
Organisers say the scale of the day and its entertainment “will facebook.com/pncc
certainly not disappoint” – especially with free train rides for
all Palmerston North residents.
24READERS POEM RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Into the night, carrying the stars...
Our breaths fog in the night air as though baby dragons
were asleep in our windpipes.
Walking until the streetlights stop and the stars begin.
We passed a couple lying on the path.
Arms and legs entangled, so quiet we could’ve stepped on them.
They were statues grounded in concrete.
Wind whistled between outlines of trees and I kept waiting
to see pairs of eyes through the dark.
A Morepork called its own name so I called back and
again it replied in lonely echoes.
We walked the star path, hundreds of illuminated
pebbles scattered underfoot.
As we trudged home we carried the stars in our pockets.
~ Georgia Berg
25LIFESTYLE
On yer bike
Whether you’ve got a balance bike or a cyclocross, Palmy is fast becoming
one of the cycling capitals of New Zealand.
W
hen Miriam Sharland’s car “I’ve become friends with someone exist. “Cyclists also drive, and people
broke down seven years I used to see cycling every day. We’d who drive often ride bikes.”
ago, she’d never have be going opposite ways and one day
predicted that bad luck could have this person came up to me at a class Stomp, Bonk, Shred and Bail
led to an early retirement. But that’s at Massey and said ‘hello’ like she knew Don’t worry if you don’t know those
exactly what she’s considering after me - and I said ‘oh my god you’re the words - if the Mountain Bike Club has
switching from car to bike. person on the bike with the pink jacket’. its way, you will soon.
That would never happen if we were
“If you toss up the cost of a car, Arapuke Forest Park has put Palmy on
in cars.”
insurance, WOF, breakdowns, new parts, the map for mountain biking.
oil, service and depreciation and put The Palmerston North City Council
that in savings or an investment, wants to see more people getting Committee member Russell Brebner
you’d be surprised how much it can on their bikes. The Urban Cycling says Arapuke is one of the best parks
add up. I’m 53 and I’m not planning on Masterplan will expand the number around.
working to 65- I’m planning on riding of cycle lanes, reduce speeds around “Our advantage is concentration. As
my bike more.” schools and shops, and support a rider you can go on lots of trails all
businesses and schools to get more in one day and there’s a shuttle that
While Sharland got into cycling by
people choosing to get on a bike. The takes you back up over and over again.
accident, what keeps her on her bike is
plan reveals that 60 per cent of people We have 24 trails - the longest is 3km
her health and the planet.
in Palmy want to bike but have some and the shortest about 400m. We have
“There’s more and more compelling concerns. Sharland gets it. 30km in total and our target is 50km
evidence we need to get out of over the next few years.”
“People often think cycling is
our cars. Climate change feels like
dangerous, but the reality is you’re Before you write it off, remember that
something we can’t control, but we can
more likely to get injured as a you don’t have to be a middle-aged
control our pollution. I also love that
pedestrian than a cyclist.” man to gain entry.
it helps me stay fit and is good for my
physical and mental health. Riding is Her advice? “Pop on a hi-vis, use “We’re seeing a lot more diverse
like a meditation for me - I have a buffer lights, be assertive, catch drivers’ eyes, demographic on the tracks, both young
between work and home and while indicate and choose quieter routes. and old. The classic mountain biker is a
riding I feel like everything is right with That’s the best start until you build up middle-aged man, but we often have
the world.” confidence.” people riding who are in their 70’s and
As well as saving money, Sharland also The bike vs car battle is something toddlers on balance bikes.
made a new friend. Sharland wants people to accept doesn’t
26LIFESTYLE RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
We’re also excited to see more women any age to build and develop passion,
heading to the park.” interest and skills so they can graduate
from there and go to Arapuke. If in
The Mountain Bike Club has also
teamed up with the Council to develop
doubt, try them out. Then, if you want
an easy trail - head to the Arapuke and
Gravel and Tar
easy mountain bike tracks along the
Manawatū River. There are tracks by
enter from Scott’s Road where you’ll
find the easiest tracks.” has been called
Albert Street towards Fitzherbert
Bridge, Ruamahanga Cresent towards
Riverside Drive, a skills track at Ahimate
That’s what the winner of the La
Femme race in Gravel and Tar said as
“the most fun you
Reserve - and if you’re experienced -
major jumps near the Recycling Centre
she claimed her trophy in early 2019. can have on a bike
at Awapuni. in one day.”
“For me as a dad to young children
this is so cool. It’s a way for people of
27LIFESTYLE
Arapuke Mountain bike park.
The professional cycling event has been The 140km race is a team event that “We’ve already met some of the criteria,
held in Palmy for five years and been a sees cyclists race between Feilding and and with new infrastructure going in
UCI event for three. That means cyclists Palmerston North on both sealed and we’ll be meeting more. We suspect a
want to come here to race and get unsealed roads. It’s become known couple of other cities in Australia and
points, so they can ultimately qualify for as the toughest cycling race in the New Zealand are keen to be the first
the biggest races like Tour De France. Southern Hemisphere. In 2019, La too, so I’ve got some talking to do with
Femme became the first UCI event in some people in the city to see how
In 2020, 20 teams have already
New Zealand for women. There’s also we can come together and make this
registered from countries including
an event for the keen amateur, junior happen. How good would that be?”
Japan, Sweden, France, Malaysia, and
or Masters’ rider; the Slicks and Stones
Australia. Gravel and Tar will be held on 25
is designed for people who want the
January 2020. It begins in Feilding
Bob Selden has been involved for the challenge of riding on the UCI course,
and ends at Memorial Park in
past two years after becoming friends but with a shorter distance.
Palmerston North. Palmerston North
with local Steve Stannard, who brought
Selden loves cycling and thinks Palmy is City Council is hosting the finish
the events to Palmy. He says it’s an easy
a great place for it. He and Dr Stannard line event in the afternoon with live
sell to cyclists.
set up the Greasy Chain Charitable music, food trucks, bouncy castles,
“Palmy is easy to get to, the Trust, which runs events with a goal face painting and more.
internationals fly into Wellington and of getting more people on their
we bus them here. They love that Palmy bikes. His ultimate dream, though, is
is quite flat but close to the hills. They getting Palmy to be the first city in the
also comment on how friendly Palmy Southern Hemisphere to be a UCI ‘bike
is, and how much they enjoy exploring capital’- it’s like the Michelin Star for
the city in the days leading up to cycling and shows that Palmy is a great
the event.” place to ride.
28HERITAGE RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
Site of Significance
Today we know the Central Energy Trust Arena as a busy sports and
events facility. However, the site has a long history with the military
and was recently named as a Site of Signifance by the Poppy Places Trust.
The military connection dates back to 1899 (Boer War) when the site, which
was then known as The Showgrounds, was used by troops and cadets.
Military Tournaments and the First World War By late 1941, the war with Japan was becoming a
growing reality and the military had full occupancy of The
M
ilitary tournaments on the site started in 1901 Showgrounds for the duration of the war.
when the Imperial Representative Corps arrived
After 20 August 1942, the Central Districts Ordnance Depot
in Palmerston North and paraded in The Square
was renamed No 2 Sub Depot. Explosives and ammunition
and then to The Showgrounds with the Manawatū
were also stored at the Showgrounds until 1943.
Mounted Rifles and the Palmerston North Rifles. An
estimated crowd of 12,000 observed the parade and
military displays. The Big Blaze
In 1906, the King’s birthday was celebrated with inaugural On 2 January 1945, a fire swept through the Showgrounds,
military tournaments – these were held until the King’s death destroying five large buildings filled with army stores meant
in 1910 with crowds numbering between 7000 and 8000. to equip soldiers at regional military camps. The estimated
cost of the fire was a staggering £1million (approx $90 million
From 1914, The Showgrounds were used as a remount depot value in 2018).
and a stop-over between military camps. Peace celebrations
were held on 19 July 1919 (delayed because of the influenza
epidemic) with military groups parading around The Square
Aftermath
and speeches conducted at The Showgrounds in front of a It was fortunate that the fire occurred in 1944 when the threat
crowd of 7000. of invasion had subsided, and the bulk of the Territorial Army,
Home Guard and other Home Defence Forces had been
Second World War and the (28th) Māori Battalion demobilised, so the loss of the stores was negligible to the
ongoing operations of the Army.
On 25 January 1940, the 28th (Māori) Battalion first assembled
at The Showgrounds for military training, which continued for
three months. On 2 May 1940, the Battalion marched to the
Royal New Zealand Engineer Activity
Railway Station for embarkation with huge crowds gathering The Wellington Engineer Volunteers (WEV) came to
to farewell the soldiers. Palmerston North for regular military tournaments, including
improvised bridging, skill at arms, sapper skills and
During the wartime period, The Showgrounds were also
shooting etc.
used by the Manawatū Mounted Rifles, HQ 2 Brigade, HQ 4
Division, 2 Army Service Corps Company and No 2 Sub Depot,
and New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps. Today
Central Energy Trust Arena covers 180,000sqm and has
NZ Army Ordnance Corps No 2 Sub Depot three linked indoor stadiums. Outdoor facilities include an
artificial turf, sports fields and a speedway track. It’s the
Being only 200 metres from the Railway Station, The
premier sporting and events complex in the lower North
Showgrounds was a sensible place to locate the Central
Island located in the heart of Palmerston North city and a
Districts Ordnance Depot, having some of the most significant
fitting place to host the 2020 New Zealand Military Tattoo
covered spaces in the region with five exhibition halls
on 4 April.
under one roof and much hard-stand for vehicles and other
defence stores. To house the Māori Battalion and other units,
cookhouses, dining halls, accommodation (huts and tented) The Indian troops of the British Imperial Army
and ablutions were established. toured New Zealand and visited Palmerston North for a
short time in 1901. Their train stopped in the centre of
The Square, the troops disembarked, performed some
displays at the Showgrounds in front of a large crowd
and then re-embarked the train.
Photo courtesy: Manawatūheritage.pncc.govt.nz
29COMMUNITY
Replay/Share a Pair
A win for the planet, community and fair play
The motto “See a Need, Fill a Need” in the animated movie Robots
shares the message that if you can see that someone needs something,
you should help out if you can. And so it is for two Palmerston North-based
organisations that formed in 2017 and have grown as community-driven
voluntary initiatives.
30COMMUNITY RAUMATI SUMMER 2019
R
eplay, started by Denise McLean, collects used and Share a Pair has been equally well supported by the
new sports gear to give to children with a need Palmerston North community, having collected 2600 pairs of
for equipment, and Share a Pair, driven by Maddie shoes, giving out 1900, since its 2017 start-up. Maddie, who
McQueen Davies, 17, collects and redistributes second- won the young leader award at the 2018 Women of Influence
hand footwear. Awards, says she started the organisation after hearing stories
about the struggles facing some children in low-decile
Operating in both Manawatū and Wanganui, Replay has
schools.
wheelie bins in the community, with families, businesses,
organisations and schools, for collecting used sports gear. Seeing the privilege in her own Palmerston North Girl’s High
“We have received and given out more than 5500 pieces of School community, Maddie felt she could do something to
gear – we inventory everything,” Denise says. The giving is help. “Girls were leaving school with their $120 pair of shoes
“continuously so humbling, because people, with emotional still in great condition, just to be kicked under the bed or
value attached to gear, could sell it on Trade Me, or hold onto forgotten about in the back of the wardrobe.” Having started
it, but they are actually choosing to pass it on, and that’s with a focus on school shoes, Share a Pair is now mostly
huge”. rehoming school shoes and sneakers.
Adding to the haul is new equipment that is donated, such Shoe donations can be dropped into Kelly’s Footwear in
as through sports codes. “Manawatū Rugby just donated 25 Palmerston North or Feilding. They are distributed through
brand new rugby balls.” The Manawatū Lawn Tennis Club has pop-up shops that are advertised through the Share a Pair
recently given more than 100 used tennis balls to be passed Facebook page, and delivered as needed by arrangement
on. At Girl’s High School, a bin is overseen by student sports through messaging on the Facebook page. Pop-ups have
leaders, tying in with student engagement programmes and been mostly held at the Highbury Whanau Centre during the
Duke of Edinburgh Award service. school holidays, with one also being held at Tararua College,
in Pahiatua. She recalls being messaged by a grateful mum
Denise, who has a marketing background, says Replay’s vision
that “her son had gone to bed in the shoes because he was so
is to keep children active, which is complemented by the
excited about having this new pair of shoes”.
recycling aspect. “I want to keep encouraging that giving
of gear, that passing on, because it does reach families and These kinds of stories help Maddie understand the value
children to help participation.” of her work with Share a Pair. “It really helps to drive me to
continue to keep going.”
The primary goal is that where children need sports
equipment, they are discreetly given items that are theirs to This year, she launched the Share a Pair Ambassador
keep. Demand for equipment is seasonal – this time of year, Programme “to encourage other young people from all over
touch rugby boots are in demand. “We also check on school to start up a similar thing to what I’m doing and give them
PE sheds. Some have fantastic stocks of gear but quite often the guidance and support that they need to do so”. Already
sport gear is just used, which is great.” a scheme has been set up in Otaki, with a few one-off
collections being organised in Auckland.
Replay is a window into what a community can achieve. “We
are just the meat in the sandwich, doing the connecting. With Maddie’s high school years drawing to a close, she
We have such a kind and giving community and an active plans a gap year to the UK next year, before heading to
community, because Manawatū and Wanganui do a lot of Otago University to study law and political sciences. Recently
sport, and that was the catalyst to us getting started. We just awarded Dux, the Head Girl Cup, The Leadership Cup, a
had gear in our garage that was surplus. You never know $35,000 scholarship to Otago University and
when you start anything how it’s going to be received, but a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Cup at her
the uptake has been just wonderful.” school’s Prize Giving, Maddie keeps it
all in perspective. “For me the end
The sports equipment has brought on tears of joy
goal is definitely to get into politics,
from parents.
just because I see that being the
biggest way to be able to make a
“The children are just grinning, but the difference.” She will be overseeing the
mothers, the parents, the caregivers … are organisation’s social media from the
other side of the world, while her brother
relieved, overjoyed, their heart just bursts Benjamin, 14, in Year 10 at Palmerston
with a raft of emotions,” Denise says. North Boys’ High School steps up
to run Share a Pair’s day-to-
The success of the programme has sparked day activities.
interest from some community-focused
businesses to expand Replay to other
regions, at which stage Replay
could become a formalised
charitable enterprise.
For more information
replay.org.nz
facebook.com/shareapairnz
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