Peter Snell unveils the 2.1 mitre Bronze statue put up in his honour outside the library in Opunake...I am pleased Opunake thought enough of me to raise the substantial funs to make this happen.I believe Opunake shaped the person who I was to become,.Peter,s family moved from Opunake when he was 9 years old,.Peter then raced against children through the main street to the Events centre where he met up with an ex teacher Bruce Telford 85yrs and classmates whom he tried to recognise by an old school photo. Peter said "There is too much greying going on" as they talked about their school days. Peter Snell won three olympic and two commonwealth games gold medals in the 1950s and 60s

A very special guy has been lost to us all. Born 1924 Died 2007.. A large crowd in the vicinity of 1000 mourners packed the Manaia Town hall and overflowed out on to the street for the funeral of James Thompson Thwaites on the 11--05--2007. Five speakers spoke on Jims life and achievments. First was his daughter who spoke of life growing up with four brothers with the love of Jim and Betty to guide them, Then a grandson spoke of the help and encouragement his grandfather had always shown him. Then Morris Roberts spoke of Jims activities within the Kiwi dairy Company. now Fonterra.Then Bettys brother spoke of the good times they had all had over the years and how the four of them had taken a trip to America together . He produced many anecdotes and caused lots of chuckles as he discribed a few of their funnier moments. Jim was a well known Jersey breeder and won a world wide award for this in 2002 .Also a bowler and president of the KEV Jim had touched so many lives.

Jim and Betty a wonderful couple so loved by all who knew them

Farewell to a very special man.1916---2007 A very large crowd attended the service for Lindsay at Manaia on Tuesday. Tributes were made to Lindsay by his family.They spoke of him as a very loving and caring man a fact that everyone who was there could relate to. Lindsay had picked the hymns to be played . How Great Thou Art--The Lords My Shepherd--and Amazing Grace The service was taken by The Celebrant Tom Thompson,, . A service of rememberance was held at Annie Brydon Rest home on Wednesday for the residents,, where Lindsay spent his last few years.. Rest easy Lindsay, You,ll be missed by us all.