A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
Opinion
In these days of despair about erupting volcanoes, destruction of major highways, flooding and warming oceans, (to mention only a few of the distressing stories — my heart goes out to all those affected by the White Island tragedy),where is our hope and inspiration?
Each year I look forward to
seeing the colour photo on the front page of The Herald, with our bright young people standing proudly in their school finery, each displaying their dux medal.
These young folk have worked so hard to achieve their dux status, the crowning glory of their school days, as they move on to their adult lives. Most of them talk of their hopes and dreams of what they want to now achieve, their plans for university and careers ahead.
I enjoy reading about these teenagers, some of whom I may personally know, who provide hope and good role models for other youngsters here in Tairawhiti.
There are students from each and every secondary school in this region who have gone on to achieve great things. We have only to read of ventures like Rocket Lab in Mahia (strictly speaking in Hawke's Bay) or Pultron Composites which is doing so well, and remember events such as the Gigatown competition, to know that Tairawhiti people and businesses can punch well above their weight.
