“We looked at other websites like Peanuts and Garfield, and thought it would be good to have something similar for Footrot Flats,” Gareth said.
“We brought in website company NV Interactive and began to build a site we hoped would capture the spirit of the cartoon.
“The result has really exceeded all expectations and is quite unique.”
The website is a place to reacquaint with Mr Ball’s much-loved characters, and a way for one generation to share the cartoons with their children and grandchildren.
“Every couple of weeks we will put up a Footrot Flats feature on a seasonal theme. It could be fishing, or shearing, or maybe a colouring competition.”
The site includes a button so cartoons and pictures can be shared on Facebook or by email.
Visitors to the website will be able to search for cartoons they remember. If people would like to see the cartoon of Rangi crash-tackling Wal, for instance, they can click on the Rangi, Wal and Rugby buttons in the cartoon archive to bring it up.
While Mr Ball is unwell and not able to comment, his eyes lit up a little when he saw his characters on an iPad screen, Gareth said.
“A few hundred strips are already loaded and one more will be added each day for however long it takes to post the several thousand strips Murray drew.”
The website is at www.footrotflats.com. The site can also be accessed on Facebook at footrotflatsnz
