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MICHAEL JOHN ASPIN

4.         MICHAEL JOHN (JACK) married CATHERINE ELIZABETH JOHANSON at the School House, Avoca, Dargaville on 14th November 1906.
View Michael and Catherine's Marriage Certificate here.

Their seven children –

(1) CHRISTINA (TEANIE)   (dec’d)
     m Ivan  Wedding  (dec’d)
     Elva Therese
 m Patrick Charles William Shine
                  Bernard Kim
              m Sheryl Diane Greenwood
                                    Niketta Kim
                                    Lennon Bradley
                                    Sivana Monique
                  Gavin William
              m Raewyn Gail Jolly
                                    Chelsea Emma
                                    Amber Therese)
                                    Serena Ailsa     )Twins
                                    Jasmine Sarah
                  Christine Ann
              m Paul William Stitt
                                    Joel Paul
                                    Sophia Rose
                                    Julia Ann
                  Vaughan Patrick
              m Michelle Tracey Matthews
                                    Kayla Shavaughan
                                    Luke Richard
                  Carl Frederick
              m Tania Leigh Parkyn
                                    Andre Clark
                                    Dylan Brent
                                    Keenan Patrick
                  Patricia Mary
              m Peter Selwyn Yerkovich
                                    Cody Carlece
                                    Crispin Patrick Lionel
                                    Alana Therese
                  Lewis John (dec’d)
              m Ada Johnson
                                    Jule
                                m Robert Stanyon
                                                      Alison
                                                      Richard
                                    Sheral
                                m Steven Meha
                                                      Adam )
                                                      John   )   Twins
                                                      Sara
                                    Helen
                  Ivan Paul   (dec’d)
              m June Cassidy
                                    Leon Paul
                                m Rose
                                                      Kerry
                                    Maree
                                m Shane
                                                      Tigan
                                    Mathew Bruce
                  Mary Catherine (dec'd)
                  Patrick Hugh
              m Margaret Williams
                                    Jason Reginald
                                    Marcus Patrick
                                m Janine Monk
                                                      Jessica Catherine
                                                      Aliesha
                                                      Ebony
                                    Janine Margaret
                                    Adele Amelia Yvette
                  Christopher Clive
              m Geraldine Williams
                                    Theresa
                                    Denise
                                    Christopher
                                m Catherine
                                                      Flynn Shalom
                                                      Luca Beth
                  Francis Martin
              m Jeanette Florian
                                    Tinealle
                                    Joshua
                  Anthony Terrence
              m Diane Sheedy
                                    Angela Christine
                                    Katrina
                                    Michelle Elva

(2) JOHN HERMAN (JACK) (dec’d)
      m Connie Ellen  Holmes
      Ellen
  m Patrick O'Sullivan   (dec’d)
                  Patrick
              m Andrea Karl
                                    Patrick Joseph
                                    Finn Peter
                                    Bowen Seamus
                  Sean Francis
                  Bridget Constance
              m Rob Kitchin
                                    Ryan Robin
                                    Shea Christopher
                                    Bridie Mira
                  Mary-Ellen
                  Michael
              & Deanna Rudd
                                    Remana Francis
                  Fiona Marie
                  Shamus Finbar (dec'd)
                  Liam Christopher
      John
  m Marion Inglis
                  John Darren
              & Rosalie Craddock
                                    John Ethan
                  (John married Leanne Purchase)
                                    Jack Darren
                                    Joseph Simone
                                    Siobhan Margaret
                                    Todd Mitchell
                  Leanne’s previous family
                                    Bradley Purchase
                  Megan
                  Alan
              & Jody Thomas
                                    Jamie Lee
      (John remarried Ruth Aspin)
      Howard Oscar
  m Rosina Mary Gleeson
                  Harvey Herbert (dec'd)
                  Darrell Howard
              & Yvonne Knight
                                    Karl Harvey
                  Harley  William
                  Alex Bevan
              & Jill Yeandle
                                    Kyle Alex
                  Sheree Mary
              & Timothy John Riley
                                    Jakeb Oscar Aspin-Riley

                                    Tasmin Rosebeth Aspin-Riley
      Wayne Francis
  m Patricia  Ann Denize
                  Wade Graham
                  Marie  Louise Mary (dec'd)
                  Leonie Frances
              m Paul Andrew Sands
                                    Chevelle Constance
                                    Jordan Andrew
                  Murray Wayne
      Connie-May
  m Bob Thorn
                  Lara-May
                  Max

(3) VICTOR STANLEY (VIC) (dec’d)
      m Joan Kemp  (dec’d)
      Garry Stanley
  m Ruth Bernage
                  Craig
              m Brenda Janice Anderson
                                    Jake Stanley
                                    Ryan
                  Debbie
      (Ruth remarried John Aspin)
      Ricky (dec’d)
      Bruce Peter
  & Robyn Shaw
                  Hayden
                  Christin
      Michael John
  & Hinerangi Murray
                  Kelly Joan
      Selwyn
  m Kim Withrington

(4) WILLIAM SYLVESTER (DAN)
      m Kathleen Josephine Agnes Marshall  (dec’d)
      Kathleen (Kay) Yvonne
  m Robert (Bob) O'Reilly
                  Andrew
              m Natalie  Stewart
                                    Liam
                                    Michael
                  Diane
              m Guy Williams
                                    Coby Stryke
                  Jan
                  David
      Margaret Frances
  m Tony Weaver
      Brian William
  m Alma Coogan
                  Penny Michelle
                  Glen Brian
                  Stuart Francis
              & Donna Sixtus
                                    Alexander William
                  Linda Marie
                  Dean Lewis
      David Anthony
  m Lesley Riley
                  Joanne Michelle
                  Scott
      Rosemary (Rosi) Patricia
  m Terrence Handscomb
                  Fletcher Michael
                  Amelia Rose
      Timothey Peter George
  m Karen  White
                  Matthew  James
                  William John  (dec’d)
                  Christopher Timothey Dalziel
                  Rebecca Jane
      Gillian Elizabeth Claire
                  Lauren Kathleen
      Mark Daniel
  m Wendy Talbot
                  Thomas  Daniel Talbot
                  Charlotte Louise Talbot

(5) ALMA MARY NOREEN     (dec’d)
      m Ross Benjamin Dryland  (dec’d)
      Valerie Aileen
  m Frank Norman Kerrigan
                  Mary Frances
              m Paul
                                    They have 2 daughters
                  Angela
              m Paul
                                    They have 6 children
                  Anthony )
             ?m Bridget
                                    They have 2 children
                  Jacinta    ) Twins
              m Patrick
                                    They have 3 children
                  Joseph  )
                  Paul      ) Twins
      Alma Margaret
      Religious Sister M. Peter Claver, now  Mother Maria Salude)
      Audrey Therese                  )  Twins
  m Arthur Ronald Halliday
                  Michael
                  Anne
              m Neville Bull
                                    Shaun Michael
                                    Amanda Jane
                                    Jason
                  Claire
                  Bernadette
              m John Boyd
                                    Karli Jane
                                    Jessica Francis
                                    Melissa Elizabeth
                                    Samantha
                  Ross Gerard
              m Toni Crook
                                    Brooke
                                    Jarrod Ross
                                    Cullen
                  Stephen
                  Mark
                  John
              m Helena
      Peter Ross
  m Helen Irene Barlow
                  Christopher John
                  Maria Diane
              m John Linton Sharland
                                    Reece Ian
                                    Nathan Lewis
                                    Danielle
                  Sharon Terese
              m Ivan Rex King
                                    Stephanie Faye Irene
                                    Kellum Rex
                  Ruth Catherine
      Paul Aspin
  m Gail Lorraine Briggs
                  Jonathan
                  Matthew
                  Timothy
                  Elizabeth
                  Andrew
                  Sarah
                  Nicholas
      Roger Stephen
  m Darryl Anne Briggs
                  Mary Anne
              m Spencer Brockband
                                    William
                                    Nathaniel
                  Angelene
                  Rebecca
                  Benjamin
                  Patrick
                  Catherine
                  Daniel
                  Ross
                  Luke
                  Rachel
                  Christine
                  Emma
                  Rose Marie
                  Joanna

(6) AUDREY  (dec’d)
      m Henry Walters (dec’d)
      Cathryn  (dec’d)
      Elizabeth
  m John Read
                  Carl
                  Adele
                  Emily
      Basil
  m Anne Conroy
                  Bradley Basil
                  Rebecca Anne
      (Henry remarried Vera Court.)

(7)  TREVOR
      m Molly Bennett
      Barry James
  m Wendy Maddaford
                  Bradley
                  Warwick
              m Lisa Ratahi
                                    Cairo Cully
                                    Tehran
                                    Rios
                  Kelly-Anne
              & Warrick Hickman
                  Kendal
      Stanley Clive
  & Terry Armstrong
                  Louis Manu-o-te-Rangi
      Neil Thomas
  m Jill
                  Aaron
                  Lindsay
                  Haley
                  April
      Peter Keith
  m Jenny Mann
                  Katie
                  Peter
                  Jack
      Christine Margaret
  m Allan Peers
                  Danelle
                  Rhys

 

View Michael Aspin's Birth Certificate here.
Michael John (Jack) Aspin was born at Knive Downs, Queensland, Australia on the 14th October 1878, and his birth certificate shows that Mrs Lawson was the person in attendance. (We also note that his certificate gives his name as 'John' without the Michael, but his marriage certificate gives 'Michael John'). Anyhow, he was known to all as Jack, or in the case of his family, Pop. Like his sisters, he would have travelled with the family to New Zealand when he was just three years old. And also like his sisters, Jack never received any formal education, although he did learn to read, etc., and to write, and in his adult life any letters he had to write he used to dictate to Kate his wife. He knew how to construct a letter, etc., she knew how to write - together they made a good team. Likewise reading, although he could read a little, he never mastered it completely, and Kate used to read things to him. He lived on the farm at Grahams Beach, helping with all that had to be done, be it milking the few cows, gum digging or whatever. He grew up to become a bushman, and travelled around in this capacity a bit, staying for some time in Kennedy Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula, and up Northern Wairoa, near Dargaville. At Kennedy Bay, just after the turn of the century, he was with some of the Short boys, along with others, and for a time his sister Emma and her husband Jim and family were up there too. Rugby was a game enjoyed and played by all these chaps.

Then, while he was working in the bush up Dargaville way, he met Miss Catherine (Kate) Johanson. Kate came from Te Kopuru but was at that time at Avoca, and Jack was at Tangowahine, and they were married at the School House, Avoca on the 14th November 1906, he being 28 years old and she 17. They made their home back at Grahams Beach on the farm, living for the first year or so with John and Margaret Aspin. Bill Short, son of Jim and Emma, remembers that he was with his grandfather when they went down with the bullock wagon to meet Jack and his bride off the boat. He also recalls that Jack gave him a fountain pen which he treasured greatly, but adds that the “damn thing never worked”. One imagines that Jack continued on working as a bushman, turning his hand also to farming in earnest. Their first daughter, Christina, was born in Auckland, and it was when she was a toddler that the new house was built up on the hill closer to the roadway, and the old home was dismantled, as they had to use some of the timber from this for the new home. This second home was built by Jack himself with the help of his father-in-law Herman Johanson. Herman and his second wife at that time lived on the farm next door owned by Lloyd and Betty Andrews, (and since the 1990’s by their son Grant and Debbie Andrews) and he built the original homestead on that farm.  On 26th February 1907 we note a land transfer from John Aspin to Michael John Aspin and thus the couple took to farming in earnest. The rest of Jack and Kate's family, with the exception of Audrey and Trevor, were born at their home, ably assisted by our well known mid-wife, Margaret Aspin. Jack was a great 'tree' man, and planted many trees about the place, also establishing a very good orchard. The only fruit obtainable was what you grew yourself in those days, and this was one family who was not going to be short. The pear trees he planted are still bearing very well today. Fresh figs too are still available annually from the trees planted by Jack, and we understand, John Aspin (Snr) also planted an orchard, as well as other shelter trees. Jack also had made himself a very effective smokehouse, and the fish, bacon and ham that came out of that were perfection itself. He used a bank to build it, and dug a fairly large hole out of the bank and lit the fire in here, then simply dug another hole directly above the fire to the surface, say two feet through or so and this let the smoke out. Then it was a simple task of building the smokehouse above, or over this hole, hang the fish or whatever in it, light the fire and you are in business.

January 1st, 1915, saw an 'Occupation License with Right of Purchase' being granted to Kate for a block of 153 acres, directly across the road from the block they already owned. One notes that the annual rental was 4 pounds  ($8) - to be paid in half-yearly installments.
However, although farming was to be his main occupation, Jack had a wide and varied interest in all other activities in the district and beyond. He took a keen and active interest in all local activities, be it a Ratepayers Association, School Committee, Patriotic Association, Church organisation, sports body or whatever. He was always attending meetings, and made a notable contribution to the School Committees, having a keen interest in education in general. The schools of Orua Bay, Grahams Beach, Awhitu Wharf, Awhitu Central and Manukau Heads all had one combined School Committee, and Jack was a member of this from 1916 through to 1942, being the Chairman for 19 years. In all that time he never missed one of their monthly meetings, always held at Awhitu Central, and he used to ride his horse to these, until he purchased his first car, a Model T Ford in 1923, then he could ride in style. He was one of the instigators of the movement towards the Combined School at Matakawau and along with others followed this objective with much enthusiasm, the result being the school as we know it today. On his retirement from the Committee he was presented with an "Illuminated Address". His sons, Vic, Jack and Dan and grandsons Wayne, Brian and Tim have all been involved in the administration of this school, and it is interesting to note that when the new school opened in 1949, 11 of his grandchildren were on the roll and there has been a continual attendance of Aspins (his grandchildren and great-grandchildren) ever since, with three being on the roll as this book goes to press in 1983.   There was a short gap of 6 years, then for the next decade ie from 1989 to 1999 three more of his great-grandchildren attended the school.    As we go to press in 2003 there are still two more  of his great-grandchildren on the roll at Matakawau School.

In the early days there was no Catholic Church in the district, and the Priest would come out for several days, saying mass at peoples homes, be it Aspins or Torpeys or wherever. Then it was decided to build a new church at Matakawau, and again Jack offered his support, raising funds for this objective. He was also engaged raising funds for the Patriotic Society, especially during and after the Second World War, and also many sports bodies. Jack also enjoyed many sports, playing rugby when younger, then they built clay tennis courts on the farm about the early 1930's and during the 20's many an enjoyable game of social cricket was played in Aspins’ front paddock with the locals all gathering about to enjoy the games. Jack was also a keen fisherman, and during the war years he made himself a kauri dingy, which he named Poly Kalar, and I understand that means Good Luck in Greek. With a single outboard on it, he spent many an hour out on the Manukau.  I also understand that he sold this to Don Goodrick, Maud and Lorton’s son, to be used out off the  Coromandel. He was involved in many things, and even spent some time as an agent for the Pigmarketing Association, was well known with a regular position as a Returning Officer for the elections, and was a J.P. for many years. He acted in some capacity at the Grahams Beach telephone office, and received a fine Testimonial upon his retirement from that position.   We have included a copy of this in our update.

Kate was the daughter of Christina (nee Campbell) and Herman Johanson, and was the middle child in a family of seven, i.e. Herman, Donald, Oskar, Kate, Margaret, Sarah and Gus. Like her husband, she was involved in many organisations in the district, be it Womens Institute, or Catholic Women's League (which organisation she attended the National Conferences) or whatever. She was well known at any local sports event, for she always won the married ladies race, then even the grandmother's race, these speedy events being held on the beach. Many a hair-raising story has been told of her escapades in the motor car - before and after she got her license. I am of the opinion that a book could be written on this subject alone. She was a woman greatly respected by young and old alike, from her sense of humour, her depth of character, to her good taste and style of dress.

In December 1935 Jack and Kate sold their farm to “Aspin Brothers, PO Box 49, Waiuku.”    This partnership consisted of three of their sons, Jack, Vic and Dan.  The family were still living in their home and the change gave Jack and Kate  time to enjoy life more and many can recall the enormous vegetable garden Jack tendered on the front flats of the farm.  I am told he grew vegetables enough to feed half the district!!  In 1949 as part of the general  change-around,   they  moved  to  their new home on a section that was part of the block that Vic farmed right down by Grahams Beach.    The partnership had changed in December 1945 for a while to include just Vic and Dan with Jack now on his own farm down Hatton’s Rd.     Trevor was included into the partnership in Oct. 1947 upon reaching the age of 21, as was always part of the original plan.   For a very short time – weeks only -  after their marriage Trevor and Molly lived with his parents until Kate declared that this was no way for newly-weds to live.  They need their own place. Thus things happened.  This general change-around in 1949 saw the brothers settle out into their own independent farming operations, all the while working very closely together and helping each other.    The actual partnership was eventually dissolved when Dan bought out Vic’s half share in the 153 acre block in May 1957.   But in 1949   -  
   Jack had settled at Matakawau:
   Vic on the farm at Grahams Beach:
   Dan on the block across the road from the
      homestead but retaining the home, sheds
      and access to water supply:
   Trevor on the original farm with the home
      and sheds down Marshalls Road:
   Their parents to their retirement home
      overlooking Grahams Beach:

The ‘home that Jack built’ was indeed just that.     The brothers had milled the timber off the farm, stacked it to dry then carted it down to the site.   The blocks the house was made of were all made by the family, using sand from Grahams Beach and I am sure that the plan too is an Aspin original.     Jack, or Pop as they called him, was very handy indeed with a hammer and under his leadership, their home was built and they took no time in again establishing a lovely garden, and orchard, and Jack really had time to spend out fishing now. He died after a short illness on 28th May 1951, aged 72 and is buried at Waipipi. Kate continued on in their home, and played bowls for a number of years. Her garden blossomed, and she had many years to enjoy her growing family. She was a hot favourite with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they will remember with affection, the many happy hours spent in her company - there was no such thing as a generation gap with this lady. She thought nothing of popping into her little prefect car and travelling down to Wellington, or up to Houhora or to Hamilton or wherever to visit her family and friends. In fact she was still driving herself everywhere when she was 83/84 years of age.   There are many stories to be told of ‘grandma and her travels’. 

We were given a copy of a letter written in 1970 by her to her daughter Alma Dryland and at that time she was staying with her friend, Aunty May.   The letter is in her handwriting, not personal, but really demonstrates the “hands on” interest she took in all members of her family.    We did not print it last time, but have taken the liberty of  printing it now in this update.    

When Brian and I were married in June 1972, the cottage on the farm was not yet built for us.   The alternative was that we live with mum and dad (Kath & Dan) and family for a few months. Grandma knew this and so she offered us her home to live in while she herself moved around various family members.    So her home became our home for  about 5 months and we were all ever so appreciative of her generosity.    But there is more…….  This woman, who was now well into her 80’s, had remembered, and knew and understood well what it is to be young and in love.     In all aspects of life, she had yet again shown that she was a person of great understanding.    

Her health declined in the mid 70’s, and she passed away in Waikato Hospital on 7th October 1975, aged 86 years, and is buried alongside her husband at Waipipi.

Click here for Michael John Aspin's Testimonal

Click here for the letter to Alma

(1) CHRISTINE MARGARET (TEANIE) - born on 11th October 1907.  The birth notice taken from the NZ Herald on 4 Nov 1907, reads like this. 
   “ASPIN:  On October 11 (1907) , at Nurse Grace’s home, Vincent Street, to Mr and Mrs M.J.Aspin  of Awhitu, a daughter.”
She began school on her sixth birthday, and Teanie remembers this day well. She and brother Jack began school together, Jack being just four years old, and were to attend the Orua Bay School. Her grandparents, Johansens, lived next door on what is now Lloyd Andrews property, and uncle Gus and his brother who were big boys then walked though to the school also, making their way down Marshalls Road, and across the flats on the other side of the gully. This day they were to wait for Teanie and Jack and walk through with them, but they did not turn up, and Teanie can remember her disappointment still. But all was well, they turned up next day, and all made their way off to school. Vic Johns was the teacher at that time, and he had a boat, and would teach three days at Orua Bay, and then three days at Awhitu Wharf. At some time they left Orua Bay School, and walked the three miles overland to attend the Awhitu Wharf School, and after gaining her Proficiency she left at the age of 15. She remembers that to sit her Proficiency, she had to ride the horse out to Awhitu Central where all the local schools gathered for this examination, and the school teacher rode out in the gig - quite an occasion was this event.
She continued to live at home, helping with all that had to be done, be it domestic, farming or helping with the other children. When she was 21, she left to take a position as a domestic assistant for a doctor in Taupo and remained here for a year. She returned home briefly, and she remembers that this was on the 11th October 1930 - the day Dick McPike passed away. She took up another position as a domestic assistant for a doctor's wife, this time in Putaruru, and was here for three months. It was when she was home again after this that she met one of the young farmers in the district who was visiting her family one day. He was farming across the gully at Orua Bay, and there are no prizes for guessing that it was, yes, Ivan Wedding. Teanie moved into Auckland at this time as she had a job with Choysa, and remembers her pay of one pound per week, then went to Putaruru where she took a position in a Hotel. Teanie and Ivan were married at Waiuku on 22nd April 1935. They made their home on their farm at Orua Bay, where they milked cows. Their first six children, Elva, Lewis, Ivan, Mary, Pat and Chris were all born at Waiuku while they were living here. In 1946/47 they bought an undeveloped farm at Waipu, Northland, and the family moved to farm this.

Teanie remembers this well, and the hard times that were to follow while they worked and got themselves established. They arrived on 3rd September and lived in a tent and two army huts joined together. Her sister, Audrey, was with them for a time to help, and she and the bigger children slept in the tent and Teanie and Ivan and the babies slept in the hut. There was no water and they had to go down to the creek, light a fire there to heat up the water and put in the galvanised bath for a wash. It took Ivan three months, working by himself, to get timber felled, cut and milled sufficiently to build their home. Her father, Jack, came up for a time to help, and eventually their home was built, the wood being all Kauri. She recalls the bathtub was a great big concrete trough with a plug in it, and all the water had to be heated in the copper and carried to the bath - or should we say 'swimming pool', - Waipu's first spa pool perhaps. The gorse on this place was quite massive, being much higher than the tractor, and Ivan had to clear a block, put it in temporary grass, graze it for a while, then clear it again and regrass it, and this was repeated for the other blocks as he cleared them. Teanie remembers that they arrived with one house-cow, and four years later were milking 60 cows.

Then in 1951 they moved to Waihopo (Houhora, Northland) where they bought a farm, and then set about to develop this place. Initially they milked a few cows by hand, and Ivan dug and washed Kauri gum, but the price of this dropped considerably, so he didn't do that any more, and when they got electricity installed in their second year, they turned to milking cows in earnest, and built up the farm until it carried 100 cows.

In 1965, with sons Lewis and Ivan now running the farm, they retired to Houhora Heads, taking a position as caretakers at the motor camp there. They remained here for seven years, until the camp got just too busy for them, and they retired in earnest to Pukenui which is just a mile or two away, and just south of Houhora. They had time now to enjoy the things they never had time for before, including rock hounding and polishing gem stones, from which they made some lovely jewellery. Ivan suffered poor health and found that the dust from the stones affected his lungs, so being a man never to remain idle, he took up painting, and made some very beautiful table clothes, bedspreads, etc, always looking for more things to do and make. His health continued to decline, and several operations left him confined to a wheel chair, from where he continued his paintings and other interests. It was while on a trip to the South Island that Ivan's health took a turn for the worse, and sadly he passed away in Timaru Hospital on 10th April 1982. Teanie continued to live in their home in Pukenui for some years before moving to Gordonton, then to Waiuku for a while, and more recently she moved back to a  rest home in Kaitaia to be close to family and friends.    As I print this, she has entered her 94th year, continuing to keep good health and high spirits.   Quite a remarkable achievement indeed.
The ‘remarkable achievement’ continued long enough for me to tell you, as I reprint this update for its final edition, that we farewelled Teanie in January 2003 and she is buried alongside Ivan at Waipipi.   

Elva - was born in Waiuku on the 27th February 1936, and began her schooling at Orua Bay primary, then Waipu primary and attended St. Joseph's convent in Auckland as a boarder. She left school and came home for a year, helping out and working at home, until she was offered a job in the Waiharara Store, and this she took, remaining there for 18 months. They have great customers in these country stores, and one of these, a chap by the name of Pat Shine, used to come into the store for a bottle of lemonade, even if he wasn't thirsty!!
I am sure the turnover of the store must have dropped considerably when Elva left and went to work in the Kaitaia Telephone Exchange, and a short while later she went down to Auckland, working as a machinist for a year, and then came back to take a position at the Houhora Hotel for six months. Well, we know what happened at the Waiharara Store, imagine what the effect was on the Hotel turnover, for by this time it was a bottle of lemonade twice a day that Pat was requiring.  We've heard it said with flowers, but never with lemonade, but it must have its charm, for their marriage took place at Kaitaia in 1957, and they made their home on their farm on Kaimaumau Road, which is not far from Waiharara. They milked dairy cows on this rugged farm while they were developing it, as it had previously been gum land, and eventually built numbers up from 18 to 90. Over the years more land has been purchased, until today they farm 360 acres, and just five years back they sold their herd, and now graze Shorthorn for beef.  Their family of six were all born in Kaitaia, and attended Waiharara Primary school and Kaitaia College. They have all played badminton in the local hall, and been involved in the activities that are available in the district.
The eldest, Kim, was born on 24th August 1958, and from an early age he loved making mechanical things, so it follows that when he left school during his fourth form, he took up a motor mechanics apprenticeship at Awanui. He qualified, then moved to Australia where he did a lot of truck driving for about two years, and by the early 1980’s had returned home intending to take up a position there again.  Kim married Sheryl Diane Greenwood.   Sheryl was born on 26th February 1963 and this couple now have three children  -  Niketta Kim, born on 28th May 1988, Lennon Bradley, born on 17th June 1991 and Sivana Monique who was born on 9th June 1995. 
Gavin was born on the 29th January 1960, and left school after gaining his school certificate and university entrance, and he is known for his talents with a paint brush. Several of the buildings on the farm have his trademark in the form of a great big Goofey or whatever, and visitors remember these well. He attended Auckland Technical Institute, studying to become a civil engineer, and finished his time at Manukau City Council.  He then went contracting for some years, then the family were farming in the Waikato and more recently at Waiuku.   I add a note in here saying that if you ever doubted there was ‘Heaven on earth’, go and have a meal in the restaurant overlooking Kariotahi Beach.  Just do it. This is Gavin’s restaurant and is truly a slice of Heaven.       He married Raewyn Gail Jolly and she was born on 3rd January 1962.    They have four children.  Chelsea Emma who was born on 17th June 1989.  Twins Amber Therese and Serena Ailsa, born on 11th March 1991 and Jasmine Sarah who was born on 29th September 1993.  
Christine, born on the 25th February 1962, left school after gaining her school certificate and university entrance, and also gained a bursery. She took up nursing at Auckland Hospital, and has remained there, and has just finished her last year of training.  That was in the early 1980’s.   Since then Christine married Paul William Stitt.   Paul was born on 27th September 1960 and they now have three children –  Joel Paul born on 18th March 1986, Sophia Rose who was born on 20th August 1988 and Julia Ann who was born on 13th October 1989.
Vaughan, born on the 27th June 1964, also attained School Certificate and completed his sixth form year, enjoying motorbike riding and mechanics.    He went on to marry Michelle Tracey Matthews, Michelle being born on 24th June 1969 and the couple now have two children.    Kayla Shavaughan was born on 9th June 1995 and Luke Richard who was born on 8th September 1998. 
Carl was born on the 24th April 1966, gained his school certificate, and is at present working in a sports store in Kaitaia, and he enjoys deep sea diving and many sports.  Again, that was back in the early 1980’s.  Since then Carl has married Tania Liegh Parkyn, Tania being born on 12th November 1970 and they have added three new faces to the Shine dynasty.   They are Andre Clark, born on 23rd May 1995, Dylan Brent, born on 31st July 1997 and also Keenan Patrick who was born on 28th March 1999.
Patricia, or 'Trish' as she is known, was born on the 13th March 1968,  in her fifth form at Kaitaia High and loved any kind of animal you care to mention - horses, cats, pigeons, whatever and enjoyed the outdoors.  Trish was just a teenager in the early 1980’s but she too has taken upon herself the status of being married.   Her husband is Peter Selwyn Yerkovich and their three children are Cody Carlece who was born on 22nd January 1992, Crispin Patrick Lionel, born on 28th July 1994 and also Alana Therese, born on 5th December 1999. 
Elva and Pat continue their farming operations.  In their very, very busy lives Elva finds time to maintain a wonderful ‘rural’ garden.   Fishing is also an enjoyable past-time, and Pat enjoys tampering with, and repairing old trucks and cars. There is always a warm welcome down Kaimaumau Road.

Lewis - born in Waiuku on the 10th September 1937 and attended Orua Bay and Waipu primary schools, and Std 6 at Waihopo, then Sacred Heart College in Auckland as a boarder. After leaving school he came home to help on the farm, and at the same time did odd jobs, tractor driving and working for contractors around the district. He also did a bit of fishing, and cutting trees in the Maioro Forest near Waiuku. During this time he stayed with his aunty, Audrey and Henry Walters. On the 5th June 1965 he married Ada Johnson, a nurse from Kaitaia, and at this point the family farm was divided in half, and Lewis and Ada purchased half of this. They continued farming here  having purchased an extra block of land next door. They have always milked dairy cows, and Ada has played a very active role in this, working extremely hard indeed.  In the early 80’s they planted a small block of land in a horticulture crop. They have three daughters, Julie born on the 5th May 1966, married Robert Stanyon and they have two children, Alison and Richard.  
Sheryl born on the 12th October 1967 and she married Steven Meha.  This couple have three children.  Twins Adam and John and daughter Sarah.  
Helen born on the 11th July 1972. Each was born in Kaitaia, have attended Pukenui primary school and Kaitaia High, and were also a great help to their parents, working on the farm or helping out about the house when necessary. Lewis also found time a few years back to build himself a boat.
Lewis passed away very suddenly on 16th November 1995 while he and Ada were returning home from a holiday down south.

Ivan - was born at Waiuku on the 18th October 1940, and attended Waipu and Waihopo Primary schools, and then St. Pauls as a boarder. He left school to come home to work, and like his brother Lewis, he took other jobs offering within the district, contract jobs, land clearing, etc., and for a time he too worked in the Maioro Forest near Waiuku and also stayed with Audrey and Henry Walters. It was during this time that he met a local Otaua girl, June Cassidy, and this was a friendship that was to last. June was nursing, and able to get a transfer to Kaitaia Hospital, and they were married at Kaitaia in 1963. They made their home on the farm at Waihopo, purchasing half of the original block after Teanie and Ivan's retirement, and continued farming there for some time until they began their second venture, scalloping. They moved to their new home which was at Heads Point, Pukenui, bought a boat, and worked at dredging up these tasty morsels (who's for breakfast!), as well as being involved with draindigging and contracting work around the area, and continued these businesses until they purchased land at Houhora, and set about completing their new home, and establishing a horticultural crop. They have three children, Leon was born on the 13th October 1963 (or it may be 13th September, 1963!) and attended Pukenui primary and Kaitaia High and worked as an apprentice auto mechanic.  Leon and his wife Rose began their family with the arrival of  Kerry in 1999. 
Daughter Maree was born on the 16th December 1964, and having also attended Pukenui primary and Kaitaia High, she took on a position as a secretary.    Maree and her husband Shane began their family with the arrival of Tigan.
Mathew, who was born on the 18th January 1974, and attended Pukenui Primary school – remembering that that was back in the early 1980’s !!
Change is constant        -           and sadly, this family lost Ivan on 9th June 1997.

Teanie and Ivan's second and only other daughter, Mary, was born at Waiuku in 1941. However, she was to be theirs for only a very short time, as she was very tragically drowned at the age of sixteen and a half months.

Patrick - was born at Waiuku in 1943. He attended Waihopo and Ngataki primary schools, and went on to St. Pauls College in Auckland as a boarder. After leaving school he returned to help out at home, taking other contracting jobs offering about the district, etc., and also did a spot of fishing. In 1970 Pat married Margurita Williams, a school teacher from Auckland, and they settled in their home at Pukenui. Fishing seemed to be what Pat enjoyed doing, and about this time he purchased his boat the 'Marina' and set sail for the high seas to dredge up these lovely tasty morsels mentioned previously, i.e. scallops. We suggest that breakfast would be about the time to visit the Weddings - any breakfast any Wedding family. Pat fishes many places, including Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, Leigh, Houhora, wherever these little fellows hide out I guess. Pat and Margaret have four children, Jason born on the 2nd October 1971, Marcus on the 22nd December 1972, Janine on the 18th January 1974 and Adele born on the 22nd July 1981. They were all born at Kaitaia, and attended Pukenui school. The family were involved in many of the school activities, and Margaret helped out at times doing relief teaching.    Since this was first written, Marcus has married Janine Monk and they have three children, Jessica Catherine born on 5th November 1992, Alesha who was born on 13th July 1994 and Ebony, born in 1999.  

Christopher - was also born at Waiuku, then would have attended school at Ngataki, and later gone on to St. Paul's College in Auckland boarding here. Chris left school to come home and work the fishing boats with the local fishermen. For a time he skippered the 'Debra Anne', and several years later went on down to the South Island, tuna fishing off Greymouth. For a time he was joined by his brother Martin, and it was on their return journey to Auckland via Steward Island and the East Coast, that they got caught up in a great storm. We understand nature decided to speed things up a bit for them and add a few thrills to the trip, and they were literally blown from the Otago Coast to Gisborne where they were able to seek shelter and rest among some of the more less fortunate craft that were battered and lying in Gisborne Harbour. Well, that's the story we are told, but there may have been other reasons for the speed, because not long after this Chris married Geraldine Williams, a school teacher from Auckland, and also a cousin of Margaret’s. They have made their home in Massey, Auckland where Chris has been involved in farming mussels for commercial production. They have four children,
Theresa born on the 8th June 1977.
Denise on the 26th July 1978 and
Chris James born on the 2nd February 1981, with Catherine being born on the 25th December 1982.     As we complete this update we find the family now have two grandchildren being Catherine’s children.  They are Flynn who was born on 26th October 2000 and then Luca, born on 30th December 2002.

Martin - the seventh member of the family, and was born while they were living at Waipu, then would have attended primary school at Ngataki, and gone on to St. Paul's College in Auckland. After three years at secondary, he left and took up a career in marine engineering. He did his apprenticeship in Auckland, this taking three years, then worked as a marine engineer on boats, travelling extensively all over the world. He returned back to New Zealand, and on the 20th August 1977 he married Jeanette Florian, a secretary with the Whangarei Hospital Board. Martin worked for a time with Whangarei Engineering, and is now employed by the Harbour Board, working as an engineer on the big tugs that put the tankers in and out of the harbour. They have a daughter, Tineale, born on the 26th August 1980, and a son Joshua.  They made their home in Whangarei and for some time at least Jeanette continued in her position with the Hospital Board.

Terry - is the youngest member of the family, was born at Kaitaia, attended Ngataki primary school, and then went on to St. Pauls as his brothers did. He too left school to catch the 'sea bug' as it were, and took up positions on the fishing boats that worked Houhora Harbour. After he got his ticket, he took over the 'Debra Anne' from his brother Chris, and travelled with the boat to Greymouth, being involved fishing tuna, etc. He then bought the boat back, stopping at home for his 21st birthday party, and continued on down to Auckland to return the Debra Anne to her owners. He flew on back to Christchurch and worked off the coast there as a skipper for a time, until his marriage to Dianne Sheedy, Dianne being a cook, and also one of these unique individuals called a 'West Coaster'. After their marriage they settled in Hokatika, Terry working at Fletchers Sawmill at Bruce Bay for a time and whitebaiting, etc. Their daughter Angela was born on the 8th March 1979, then they made the move to Timaru taking a position in a freezing works, and settled here, where their second daughter Katrina was born on the 2nd February 1981.  Their third daughter is Michelle. 

(2)  JOHN HERMAN (JACK) - born at Grahams Beach in 1909 and attended school at Orua Bay, and we note that he began his schooling when aged four, as he used to travel with his sister Teanie, attending school part-time at Orua Bay, and then when he was about six or seven he attended school at Awhitu Wharf full-time. Jack recalls too that as children, they used to do a lot of gum digging - what he omitted to tell me was how much gum they dug!! After gaining his Proficiency he left school, and to quote his own words "couldn't get behind the plough quick enough". He continued working at home and taking odd jobs about the area for a short time and then at the grand age of 18 made his first investment, a motorbike. With his wheels beneath him Jack was off, and ended up taking a position on a dairy farm at Morrinsville. At this time he always enjoyed tennis, and played rugby for the first time for the Kereone Juniors. A year later saw him back home and worked on here until in 1935 he bought the farm in partnership with his brothers Vic and Dan. Wrestling was another sport that Jack was involved in, and another chapter of this book will cover his involvement in this in a little more depth. Jack was married to Connie Holmes on the 19th December 1936. Connie is the daughter of Bert and Hazel Holmes of Waiuku, and after their marriage they made their home in Auckland, Jack taking a position in the freezing works there. Connie was a great favourite with the photographers who used to take snap photos in the streets at that time, and she has many a snap taken of herself and her children when out shopping.  Jack and Connie also enjoyed a good social life as can be seen by the following article.   This article was published in the Awhitu News and I am not sure of the date but it will be somewhere near the late 1930’s.    It is a grand wee article and clearly outlines the life style at the time.   It is headed:-

Social Evening

“The social evening arranged by Mr and Mrs Jack Aspin, jnr, for the purpose of entertaining their many friends proved to be an outstanding success.   Despite the inclemency of the weather the hall accommodation was severely taxed.   The very representative gathering that was in attendance was evidence of the high esteem in which this popular young couple are held.
   There was a galaxy of orchestral talent and some excellent dance numbers were rendered by the following:  Hyland’s orchestra, Fred Hall, L.Lee, R.Farrow, Mrs Newton and Mr Peter Newcombe of Wellington.   The latter, who is a master of the piano, greatly appealed to the dancers with his whistling solos.
   Mrs J. Aspin, snr, assisted by a band of willing workers dispensed a delectable supper in the vicinity of midnight.
   After the supper interval Mr Gus Walsh stated that he desired, on behalf of those assembled, to convey to young Mr and Mrs Jack Aspin the very sincere thanks of all for the very excellent evening that had been arranged; all present had had a most enjoyable time and the function could be regarded as one of the high lights of the Awhitu social world.   Mr Walsh said that it afforded him great pleasure in being able to attend and he wished to extend to both Jack and his good lady every prosperity and health for the future years.   He asked that the audience join with him in giving three rousing cheers and singing “For they are jolly good fellows.”

   Mr Aspin suitably replied.
   At a later stage Mr Walsh thanked all those good people who had contributed to the dance programme and he particularly thanked Mrs Aspin, snr, and her committee for the very excellent supper.
   Mr Dan Aspin ably carried out the duties of M.C. Dancing continued with a lively swing until 2 a.m.”

Isn’t that just delightful?   How times and reporting have changed!!

Jack and Connie’s first two children were born at this time, Ellen and John, and they remember well the week John was born. This was in 1940 and they recall that in that one week, John was born, they bought their first car (remembering that it cost them thirty five pounds) and bought 80 acres of bare land at Hattons Road, Matakawau. Quite a productive few days!  They moved back to Waiuku at this point, milking a few cows and working on the Railways, and then developing their land at Matakawau on the weekends.   His brothers Vic and Dan helped with this development work also. At this time Howard and Wayne bought the family up to four, and it was also at this point that Jack was instrumental in starting up the Waipipi Wrestling Club.  On 21st December 1945 Jack sold his share of the family farm to his brothers Vic and Dan, then around 1947 he and Connie began building their home on their Hattons Road farm, and moved on to it. Matakawau of course, is on the Awhitu Peninsula, and at that stage they had no electricity on their farm, and the home was only part built, but over the years they have completed it, and then built on and improved it. Before building could begin, they first had to cut the timber off the land, but with help from his father, and also his brothers, along with a good share of plain old hard work, they got things done. Their second daughter Connie-May was born in 1950, bringing the family up to five. Jack has been involved with the local School Committee, organising Saturday morning football, played cricket, and also helped lay the synthetic pitch that is still in use on the Matakawau sports field. Wrestling took a lot of his time, Jack being on the Auckland, then New Zealand Panel of Referee/Judges, and was picked to referee at the Commonwealth Games in Perth, and then also in Edinburgh in 1970, and on that same trip attended the World Games at Edmonton (Canada) and gained his International Referees Ticket.  Jack certainly made a major contribution to the sport.
About 1965, after Wayne had taken over the farm, Jack and Connie built a new home down the road a little, and continued on living there, finding time to enjoy leisure hours. Connie established a very extensive garden and grounds around their home and also showed much talent with the paint brush and doing handwork. Jack was able to find time to enthusiastically play bowls. In 1981 they sold their home, and bought another home in Kitchener Road, Waiuku where they continued their many interests and the company of family and friends.  Jack passed away on  3rd October 1988.

Ellen - was born in Auckland in on 17th July 1937, attended school at Waiuku and the old Matakawau Primary school, then Waiuku High, and at this point took up fencing as a sport - not a lass to do battle with!! After leaving school she worked in Otahuhu and continued on here until her marriage to Patrick O'Sullivan (and if we called him 'Pat' you'd know who we were talking about). Pat, as his name may suggest, came from Ireland, and he was working in and around the Auckland area as a builder. They were married on the 12th December 1959 in Otahuhu, and made their home in Papatoetoe. Their eight children were all born here, and would have attended primary at Papatoetoe and secondary at Sacred Heart and St. Mary's in Auckland. In 1978 they moved to Waiuku where they continued to live into their retirement.    One never to remain idle, among her many accomplishments Ellen took up marketing cosmetics with many satisfied clients around town and beyond.   The family farewelled Pat on 23rd May 2002.
Patrick was born in 1960 and upon leaving school spent some time as a carpenter.  In 1994 he married Andrea Karl and they have made their home on the banks of the mighty Waikato, near Taupiri.   Pat is a lawyer and I think this is another case of “my three sons” with  Patrick, born on 29th May 1996, Finn on 10th May 1998 and Bowen on 11th May 2000.
Sean, born on 27th May 1962 also worked as a carpenter after leaving school, and I think he