The first Maori woman to gain a PhD – from Oxford, no less – began her educational journey at Gordonton School 78 years ago. Dr Ngapare Hopa still lives in her parent’s house, in the middle of Gordonton village. She featured recently in Home Range magazine. She has headed Auckland University’s Maori Studies Department, worked
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Many people may already know Zealong Tea Estate’s origins – the story of how New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate all started with a Camellia tree flourishing in a neighbour’s backyard. That single tree was the inspiration for founder Vincent Chen to try growing tea in the Waikato. “In fact, the neighbour, Harold Nielsen, became
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Betty Anderson, sponge maker extraordinaire, toilet cleaning champion and friend to many, was farewelled in Gordonton recently. Fittingly, the memorial service was in the hall, and the New Zealand flag flown at half-mast. John Bridgman, former Gordonton District Committee chairman, said every community has a sponge cake maker for functions – “Betty was our
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Kate Wilson from Prof’s@Woodlands shares a special recipe. We have a copy of Kate’s book Platter Chatter to give away – to enter email number8network and tell us the name of Kate’s husband. (Nb: This has now been won, many thanks to all who entered!) What is your position and what are your
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From her home studio in rural Gordonton Marian Riddell produces beautiful, eye-catching calligraphy. She takes time out of a busy life to talk about her Art. Or is it Science? Possibly both, with a hint of magic… How did you get started? My interest in calligraphy started in high school. I had taken a
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FROM THE VAULTS: Gordonton artist Chris Smith painted his eye-catching, colourful Wall of Fame depicting life and the locals of Gordonton in 1999. It created much comment and appreciation for at least 10 years, but was painted over when new tenants moved into the building. Annette Taylor talked with him in 2014. IT
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