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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Families hope proposed Christchurch sites end Erebus memorial wait
By Anna Sargent of RNZ Some families of Mt Erebus victims who have endured an excruciating wait for a national memorial hope the emergence of three potential sites in Christchurch will eventually put an end to years of controversy and delay. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage was seeking feedback from families about building a memorial on the Avon River bank in the central city, in Cracroft Reserve in Cashmere or the St James' Church grounds in Harewood to remember the 257 people killed in the plane crash in Antarctica in 1979. A plan for a memorial in Auckland's Dove Meyer Robinson Park in Parnell faced major pushback, with objectors claiming it would change the tone of the gardens. The plan was ultimately abandoned in 2023 after cyclone damage meant the land was unsafe to build on. The government committed to building a memorial in 2017. Erebus captain's daughter grateful for Chch offer Phil Stewart, who lost his aunt Dawn Matthews in the disaster, said the wait was frustrating. "For a lot of us, there's a fair bit of unresolved grief related to Erebus, and this dragging out hasn't helped," he said. "My own brother, who was equally keen for the memorial to be built, has died since this process started, so he never got to see the memorial. I'm sure there are a lot of other stories like that, too. "I just want it sorted, and I will be very sad if it descends to bickering about whether it should be Auckland or Christchurch. I just think we need to get it done." As a Wellingtonian, Stewart said he was neutral about which city the memorial should be built in, but it was ultimately important for it to be a respectful place where families could gather to reflect and remember. "Either place would involve some travel for me. I think Christchurch is fine, obviously Auckland was the first starting point, but to be honest, I think Auckland has had its chance and I think they've blown it," he said. The Avon River bank was Stewart's favourite option. "I've visited the earthquake memorial along there a couple of times, and it occurred to me this would be a nice site. It's very accessible, it's quite a peaceful setting, and it's in the heart of Christchurch. "To me, it also shows Christchurch is embracing the memorial and offering some hospitality, which is much appreciated. "Cracroft Park on the Port Hills is fine too, from a different perspective, it offers these sweeping views of the plains and mountains and is somehow more connected to the sky." David Allan, who lost his parents and sister in the Erebus disaster, told Checkpoint that a national memorial was long overdue. "My view is regardless of location, the important thing is that we actually have a memorial. I am ambivalent about whether it be Auckland or Christchurch," he said. "It's a complete indictment of our society that after all this time we don't have one, and it's still causing considerable anguish for a lot of people." Kathryn Carter, the eldest daughter of the late Erebus captain Jim Collins, said she wanted to see Auckland "take ownership" of the national memorial. She said the Christchurch offer was generous, but she believed Auckland was most suitable because it was home to a significant number of passengers and crew. The flight departed from Auckland, so the city would be the best place for the memorial to celebrate Erebus passengers' "journey into the unknown" and to celebrate their lives, Carter said. However, the whole country was involved in the tragedy, making it frustrating that there was still no memorial decades after the disaster. Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger said the city was honoured to be considered as a possible location. "We just offered and said if we can help, we certainly will," he said. "I go down to the earthquake memorial, and you see people there holding their hands on their loved one's name and remembering, so it's important, we know what it's like. "Two of the places that have been suggested are council land, we're more than happy to give that for the cause, it's up to the families or the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to decide where they want to put it." The ministry's senior officer responsible for the memorial, Glenis Philip-Barbara, told Morning Report families had been surveyed on preferred alternatives to Auckland. "Christchurch came up on top, and then, of course, we received the very generous offer from the mayor of Christchurch city to consider them," she said. "So we moved off to Christchurch to have a look and see what we could present to families." She acknowledged the wait for a memorial had been "excruciating" for families. "It has been a long journey and far more difficult than we ever anticipated. There are many Erebus families who just want us to get on and build a memorial." The site at Auckland's Takaparawhau was also being considered, she said.
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
HIV fears as needle exchange to close
Contract goes to Chch provider The impending closure of the Dunedin-run needle-exchange service could lead to a rise in HIV cases throughout the city, advocates fear. The Otago Daily Times has been told DISC Trust has lost its contract to administer the programme, which will now be run by Christchurch-based health services provider He Waka Tapu. The trust, which includes the Southland Harm Reduction Programme, Dunedin Intravenous Organisation, Timaru Needle Exchange Trust and Nelson Injecting Community Health Enterprise, is part of a community network that has run the programme for more than 35 years. It is understood at least 15 South Island support staff will lose their jobs as a result of the contract's move. This includes three of the five Dunedin staff. A Dunedin worker said he was worried about the new provider's lack of experience and "on the ground" knowledge. In particular, he worried it might stop the peer-based system, in which ex-users, or those who had ties to the community, provided harm reduction advice and support, he said. "Our biggest concern is the lack of peer input — everyone here in Dunedin is a peer, which greatly reduces the stigmatism of the service. "Often we're the only point-of-health contact for the intravenous drug users, because of the stigma. "For intravenous drug users, as soon as they are doing it, they are breaking the law. So everyone that we serve is already on the wrong side of the tracks." The Dunedin branch also ran a free GP clinic for its clients, and so far, there had been no indication about its future, he said. "It can take years to build up trust as peers, especially when it comes to getting them accessing the health service." He Waka Tapu provides personalised health consultations, community health initiatives, mental health crisis intervention, addiction support services, reintegration programmes, family violence prevention and educational offerings to promote holistic wellbeing. Although He Waka Tapu had "lots of experience in the practical health field", it had no experience in the peer service aspects of the needle-exchange programme, the worker said. "A huge part of New Zealand's success in not having a widespread HIV problem was down to the provision of clean equipment through the needle-exchange programme. "For many of our clients, we are the only health-related service that they will see at all. "A huge part of addiction is a background in trauma — and you would be surprised at how many of our clients' trauma is related to abuse within the healthcare system or setting." The worker was particularly concerned in the possibility of neglect and logistical issues with setting up a new clean-needle service. "New Zealand is definitely at risk of another HIV pandemic." The worker said he had been made aware by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) that DISC's contract would wind up in September. "We only found out yesterday who the new provider is. There's been no contact from the new provider. We can't even imagine how they will staff it without peers." University of Otago (Wellington) public health department Prof Michael Baker said it would be a "grave step backwards" if the new provider moved away from a peer service. "It was really best practice internationally because it meant that these groups could maintain the trust of injecting drug users — and that's almost certainly contributed to the long-term success of the programme. "The HIV response in New Zealand was among the most effective in the world because it had a strong emphasis on basically destigmatising human provision. "We are a pragmatic society. We want things that work." HNZ and He Waka Tapu have been approached for comment.
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Record Running For Wellington This Weekend
Press Release – Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon More than 4000 runners and walkers will line up at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Sunday for the 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon event, and before they even line up there have been records broken. Established in 1986, the event has been the regions premier marathon for almost three decades and is one of New Zealand's 'big four' marathons, alongside Christchurch, Rotorua and Auckland, that are certified to international standard and belong to the World Marathon Majors circuit. In 2025 a record 26 countries will be represented, with runners coming from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and, of course, all ends of New Zealand. Defending Champion Looking for NZ Title This year's half marathon event plays host to the Athletics New Zealand half marathon championship, and favourite for line honours is the Wellington event's defending half marathon champion, Toby Gualter. A year ago, the 24-year-old Wellingtonian broke through with his first major half marathon win when setting a race record of 1hr 05min 29secs. But just two months ago in Christchurch he ran even faster, recording the fastest time on New Zealand soil for more than 10 years with 1hr 03min 30secs. Harry Dixon (Feilding) and Eric Speakman (Wgtn) are the runners most expected to challenge, with Dixon having a best time less than a minute slower than Gualter and Speakman being runner up behind Gualter in this race last year. Recent improvers Matt Arnold (Akld), Luke Scott (PNth) and Max Taylor (Wgtn) will also be in the mix. But Gualter is the form horse, with three national titles, personal best times from 5000m to the half marathon and half marathon wins in Wellington and Christchurch in the last 12 months alone. The race for women's honours is expected to be closer. Seven-time national champion, Lisa Cross (Akld), won this race in 2019 and despite being over 40 won the Auckland Grand Prix cross country just a week ago. But the fastest half marathoner in the field is Wellington-based Japanese runner, Kumiko Otani, who ran 1hr 13min a decade ago, was fourth in the 2024 national championship and recently clocked 1hr 18min. Also in the mix will be former national 800m champion Katherine Camp (Chch), who has a best of 1hr 16min and if she is close with a kilometre to go there are few who could finish faster. These three favourites, however, would do well to watch out for a trio of young improvers Hannah Bartram (Chch), Caitlin Bassett (Wgtn) and Rose Dillon (Akld) who have been improving every time out. Fast Full Marathon Likely While the national half marathon championship takes centre stage in 2025, the full marathon distance is just as likely to see a race record. Among half a dozen realistic contenders, two men have faster best times that the race record of 2hrs 22min 43secs set by American Dan Lowry in 2017. Former Wellington winner, Hiro Tanimoto, has a best of 2hrs 20min and 2024 Christchurch Marathon winner, Andy Good, has a best of 2hrs 21min. Good has targeted the Wellington race specifically, and is renowned as an aggressive front runner who likes to chase fast times. Tanimoto was third in the recent Hawkes Bay Marathon and is super consistent with podium placings in every major marathon in New Zealand since moving here in 2015. But both runners will need to watch for local standouts Seamus Kane, Mark Moore, Nic Sunseri and Chris Wharam. Wharam won this race back in 2015, while Moore was second in 2019. Sunseri has a marathon best of 2hrs 23min, so will be in the mix, but the dark horse could be 42k rookie Seamus Kane, who has been a consistent performer over the half marathon distance. The women's full distance is likely to come down to top domestic performers Mel Aitken and Ali Campbell. Campbell (Wgtn) is returning to the full distance for the first time since 2021 when she finished third in the Auckland Marathon, while Aitken (Otago) was recently third in the national marathon champs in Rotorua. Something for Everyone Event Manager Michael Jacques is pleased with the calibre of racing, but say, 'The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon is a race of the people'. The accessible nature of the event is reflected in the number of rookies, with more than 25 percent of the 4000-plus field either new runners or first timers to the Wellington event. There are more than a few repeat offenders though. Auckland's Malcolm Gray has finished more than 350 marathons and returns for the Wellington event, while Wellington first timer Lester Smith is coming from Australia for his 215th marathon. Other highlights include large school contingents from Otaki College and Tawa Intermediate, while Wellington's Des Young continues his streak as the only person to have run all 38 editions of the event. Other returnees include Aucklanders Garth Barfoot and Coleen Faloon, who are the eldest male and female participants at 89 and 82 years respectively. A goal many entrants choose is to participate in support of the New Zealand Heart Foundation, which is the official charity of the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon. Their 'Have A Heart' programme provides a platform for participants to raise money for heart health research. The 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon kicks off on Sunday at Sky Stadium with the Full Marathon Walk at 7:00am, followed by the Full Marathon Run at 7:30am, all Half Marathoners at 9:00am, all 10K participants at 9:30am and the Kid's Magic Mile at 9:40am. Late entries can be made on Saturday at Gazley Volkswagen, 38 Kent Terrace in Wellington. For more information see
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Record Running For Wellington This Weekend
More than 4000 runners and walkers will line up at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Sunday for the 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon event, and before they even line up there have been records broken. Established in 1986, the event has been the regions premier marathon for almost three decades and is one of New Zealand's 'big four' marathons, alongside Christchurch, Rotorua and Auckland, that are certified to international standard and belong to the World Marathon Majors circuit. In 2025 a record 26 countries will be represented, with runners coming from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and, of course, all ends of New Zealand. Defending Champion Looking for NZ Title This year's half marathon event plays host to the Athletics New Zealand half marathon championship, and favourite for line honours is the Wellington event's defending half marathon champion, Toby Gualter. A year ago, the 24-year-old Wellingtonian broke through with his first major half marathon win when setting a race record of 1hr 05min 29secs. But just two months ago in Christchurch he ran even faster, recording the fastest time on New Zealand soil for more than 10 years with 1hr 03min 30secs. Harry Dixon (Feilding) and Eric Speakman (Wgtn) are the runners most expected to challenge, with Dixon having a best time less than a minute slower than Gualter and Speakman being runner up behind Gualter in this race last year. Recent improvers Matt Arnold (Akld), Luke Scott (PNth) and Max Taylor (Wgtn) will also be in the mix. But Gualter is the form horse, with three national titles, personal best times from 5000m to the half marathon and half marathon wins in Wellington and Christchurch in the last 12 months alone. The race for women's honours is expected to be closer. Seven-time national champion, Lisa Cross (Akld), won this race in 2019 and despite being over 40 won the Auckland Grand Prix cross country just a week ago. But the fastest half marathoner in the field is Wellington-based Japanese runner, Kumiko Otani, who ran 1hr 13min a decade ago, was fourth in the 2024 national championship and recently clocked 1hr 18min. Also in the mix will be former national 800m champion Katherine Camp (Chch), who has a best of 1hr 16min and if she is close with a kilometre to go there are few who could finish faster. These three favourites, however, would do well to watch out for a trio of young improvers Hannah Bartram (Chch), Caitlin Bassett (Wgtn) and Rose Dillon (Akld) who have been improving every time out. Fast Full Marathon Likely While the national half marathon championship takes centre stage in 2025, the full marathon distance is just as likely to see a race record. Among half a dozen realistic contenders, two men have faster best times that the race record of 2hrs 22min 43secs set by American Dan Lowry in 2017. Former Wellington winner, Hiro Tanimoto, has a best of 2hrs 20min and 2024 Christchurch Marathon winner, Andy Good, has a best of 2hrs 21min. Good has targeted the Wellington race specifically, and is renowned as an aggressive front runner who likes to chase fast times. Tanimoto was third in the recent Hawkes Bay Marathon and is super consistent with podium placings in every major marathon in New Zealand since moving here in 2015. But both runners will need to watch for local standouts Seamus Kane, Mark Moore, Nic Sunseri and Chris Wharam. Wharam won this race back in 2015, while Moore was second in 2019. Sunseri has a marathon best of 2hrs 23min, so will be in the mix, but the dark horse could be 42k rookie Seamus Kane, who has been a consistent performer over the half marathon distance. The women's full distance is likely to come down to top domestic performers Mel Aitken and Ali Campbell. Campbell (Wgtn) is returning to the full distance for the first time since 2021 when she finished third in the Auckland Marathon, while Aitken (Otago) was recently third in the national marathon champs in Rotorua. Something for Everyone Event Manager Michael Jacques is pleased with the calibre of racing, but say, 'The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon is a race of the people'. The accessible nature of the event is reflected in the number of rookies, with more than 25 percent of the 4000-plus field either new runners or first timers to the Wellington event. There are more than a few repeat offenders though. Auckland's Malcolm Gray has finished more than 350 marathons and returns for the Wellington event, while Wellington first timer Lester Smith is coming from Australia for his 215th marathon. Other highlights include large school contingents from Otaki College and Tawa Intermediate, while Wellington's Des Young continues his streak as the only person to have run all 38 editions of the event. Other returnees include Aucklanders Garth Barfoot and Coleen Faloon, who are the eldest male and female participants at 89 and 82 years respectively. A goal many entrants choose is to participate in support of the New Zealand Heart Foundation, which is the official charity of the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon. Their 'Have A Heart' programme provides a platform for participants to raise money for heart health research. The 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon kicks off on Sunday at Sky Stadium with the Full Marathon Walk at 7:00am, followed by the Full Marathon Run at 7:30am, all Half Marathoners at 9:00am, all 10K participants at 9:30am and the Kid's Magic Mile at 9:40am. Late entries can be made on Saturday at Gazley Volkswagen, 38 Kent Terrace in Wellington. For more information see
