In March 1988 I was a reporter sent to Northland to cover the impacts of Cyclone Bola. Photographer John Selkirk and I flew into Kaitaia Airport as thecyclone bore down (the flight being another story in itself). We called for a taxi and Bob turned up.
He then drove us to Mangonui to look for some trans-Tasman race yachties who were seeking shelter. Edith was in regular contact via radio, and relayed messages to our Wellington newsroom.
The half-hour trip took more than an hour as we had to negotiate partly swept-out bridges and remove fallen trees as we went.
Bob was the ultimate professional, displaying courage and caution at all the right times. I vividly recall one stretch of road which had water lapping the verges on both sides — frogs covered the road like a tremulous slick.
Interviews done at Mangonui, we returned to Kaitaia as conditions worsened. I believe Bob was happy to be back in time for his dinner.
After filing our words and photos, I heard a 70-year-old solo yachtie, badly banged up, had made landfall further down the coast. Bob again took the job, getting us there and back in atrocious circumstances. I understand he and Edith charged the newspaper standard fare for the journeys.
