Stuart Whitaker

1 week ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

This week is National Volunteer Week. It’s a week to honour the collective energies and efforts of volunteers across New Zealand and a time to recognise and thank the millions of people who give their time and skills to our communities. Stuart Whitaker spoke to two of the many volunteers in our community, volunteer firefighter Diana Hutchings and Pukehina Surf Rescue treasurer and junior surf helper Kate Pomare. Hutchings has been with Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade for almost five years.

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

Diana Hutchings has been a volunteer firefighter with Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade for almost five years. Photo / Supplied This week is National Volunteer Week, honouring the collective energies and efforts of millions of Kiwis who give their time and skills to communities. Journalist Stuart Whitaker spoke to two of the many volunteers in the Western Bay of Plenty community: Volunteer firefighter Diana Hutchings and Pukehina Surf Rescue treasurer and junior surf helper Kate Pomare.

1 week ago | palestineherald.com | Stuart Whitaker

Flag Day, celebrated on June 14, is considered the most appropriate day to hold flag disposal ceremonies. The American Legion Post 85 hosted its annual Flag Disposal Ceremony Saturday, June 14, at Reagan Park. A second Flag Disposal Ceremony was held Saturday afternoon, Veterans of Foreign War Post 8924. The Palestine Fire Department and Boy Scout Troop 440 participated in the American Legion ceremony.

3 weeks ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

Punk might have been born almost half a century ago – but it’s not dead. One of the latest bands to carry the mantle is Punktuation – three Te Puke High School students who love the music as much for its attitude as its sound. Fronting the band is Will King on guitar and vocals, with Jack Taylor on drums and Ahliyah Reihana on bass. Formed last year, the band won through to the Smokefreerockquest Bay of Plenty final, winning the best song category, with just the second song Will had ever written.

3 weeks ago | sunlive.co.nz | Stuart Whitaker

If Te Puke town centre looks a little less untidy this week, then it’s thanks to a small group of rubbish collectors. Rallied by Keep Te Puke Beautiful co-ordinator Craig Wallace, the small group concentrated their Sunday morning efforts on the south side of Jellicoe St and particularly picking up cigarette butts after Wallace had heard about a similar initiative in the UK. Wallace said he was rapt with the results and with the efforts of the volunteers.