North Otago Legends

A lifetime of commitment and service to Our district is why many of us will know Helen, She is passionate, determined and gets things done. Helen on the podcast was open, honest and real. She did not sugarcoat the tough seasons in life but shares with us how to navigate them and come out the other side with hope and grace. Helen, thank you for standing up again after the storms and showing others how to do the same.

We left last week's podcast asking Hayden about writing his first book, as far as suspense goes it doesn't get better than this. Will he write a book… Will it be on last names in New Zealand, famous sports personalities or his beloved W.B.H.S? 

The wait is over, all will be revealed on today's podcast plus much more. 

One of the most enjoyable Friday nights all year was spent chatting with Hayden Meikle on the podcast. The conversation flowed, anecdotes enjoyable and we didn’t want to leave. Hayden regaled us for well over 1 ½ hours with his story and it's for that reason we have split it into two parts. 

If you know Hayden then you’ll love this one.

The 7th child of 10 from a good North Otago Catholic family Peter Rae enjoyed growing up in North Otago. He may reside in Christchurch and have business interests around New Zealand but he still loves coming home to Oamaru. From ‘Waitaki Transport’ to the ‘Last Post’, Peter's entrepreneurial foresight has left its mark in the history of our district.

As a young boy growing up in China remembering the Japanese going through his village Peter Lee has traveled a long way.  Peter’s journey to North Otago is different than most and very interesting. He is well respected in the community and those that know him well, remember Peter as a very hard worker and great businessman. Thank you for your time Peter.

Our interview with Kevin Murdoch was great, Kevin known as the ‘Commodore’ in some circles is passionate about Oamaru and most importantly the harbour. When he is not busy renting cars, disposing of  deceased wildlife or teaching young ones to sail you will find Kevin at his art gallery in the old part of town. Pop in and say hi. 

With 6 try’s and one drop goal Ralph darling was second highest point scorer for North Otago in the 2019 Heartland rugby competition. He wasn’t a winger, fullback or a first five but a front rower. Will he hang up the boots this season or lace them up for another crack at the title? If you know Ralph he is easy going, laid back and it was great to chat with him on the podcast.

Deputy Mayor, Queens Service Medal recipient, Community leader. No matter the title, Hana Halalele is a blessing to North Otago and the Pasifika community.  Hana is very humble, hard working and one of our visionaries. She uses her voice to promote others and that is why Hana is a North Otago Legend. Thanks Hana for everything you do, you’ll never know how many you have helped.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and moving to Oamaru as a child was a huge move for Jimmy McGeown. Jimmy tells us what it was like to settle in a new land with his family and the opportunities he’s had since. Most in town would know the McGeown family, their quick wit and always ready to lean a hand. Thanks Jimmy we needed a laugh.

What can change in four years? Well for Peter Breen the answer is a lot. Today’s podcast was brilliant, to see where a young lad who grew up in the Waitaki district can get to with a little hard work, a dream and the passion to see it all come to pass. Peter has a great story to tell and we were honoured he squeezed us in while back in NZ on holiday, Cheers Pete

You may know Bill Kingan but did you know he spent many years overseas volunteering in a third world country? Bill and Shirley have taken their skills, knowledge and Kiwi ingenuity into remote villages to be a blessing and make a difference. Bill’s vision for helping others is why we think he is a bit of a legend.

Merry Christmas from Gazza and Damo. Thanks for listening to the podcast and all the best for a successful 2023.

In truth Oamaru was only going to be a stepping stone for Clare Kearney, but like most of us she fell in love with the Waitaki District and stayed. We are glad she did as her wealth of governance experience has been needed and appreciated over the years. From School boards to chairing Network Waitaki, Clare has been a vital part of making things tick.

Last week's podcast was full of amazing antidotes with Terry Kent letting us into his world. Today we have part 2 and we get to cover all the things that we couldn’t last week. Terry has a gift of telling a story and if you enjoyed last week you appreciate part 2. (In fairness there could have been a part 3 but we had to stop somewhere)

You may know Terry Kent from St John’s, or Musical Theatre, or Civil Defense, or 45 South, or any number of things that he does in our community. You may think how can we fit it all into one podcast, The answer is we can’t. Enjoy part 1 with Terry and tune in next week for part 2.  

George Kelcher is a busy man and he loves a project. Today on the podcast George gives some insight into Road Metals, the North Otago  crushing and aggregate supply company, and some of the projects he has been involved in. George also keeps busy being a co-owner of Guthrie Bowron Retail Home Decorating Business and a director of Whitestone Contracting.

Sene Naoupu is the recently retired Irish rugby vice-captain and part of the New Zealand commentary team for the final of the ‘Women's World Cup’. If you want to be inspired and encouraged about how a young girl from North Otago rose to such great heights, then today's podcast is for you. 

Today we turned the tables and interviewed a journalist, asking the tough questions and putting him on the spot. Jim Hopkins has been involved with the media most of his life from presenting television shows to talkback radio. Jim graced the golden area of broadcasting, debating and comedy with his wit, charm and verbal dexterity.