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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 and Pat
worked together for a bit. Sean has remained within
the carpentery/alluminium joinery industry and has made
his home in Auckland.
Bridget
was born on 25th August 1963 and went to live
in Australia in the early part of the 80’s for a while.
She married Rob Kitchin in 1986. Rob is a builder and
they built their own home new Westport where they live
with their three children. There is Ryan born on 8th
March 1994, Shea born on 15th November
1996 and Bridie who was born on 18th
August 1999.
Mary-Ellen
made her appearance on 12th August 1964. Having
completed her schooling, she did an arts course at Waikato
Technical Institute, then worked in computer design for
some time and is now at Teachers’ Training college
studying early childhood development.
Michael
arrived on 22nd March 1969 and having completed
his schooling also at Sacred Heart, he went to wherever
folk go to become architects. This he has made his
career and it was Michael who designed the new kitchen
extensions to Dan and Kath Aspin’s retirement home on the
farm at Grahams Beach.
He comes recommended !!
Michael and Deanna Rudd have a son Remana, who was born on
22nd March 1969.
Fiona
was born on 26th April 1970, attended schools
at Waiuku, and she now works as a lawyer in Auckland,
making her home in Waiuku.
Liam,
born on 5th November 1974, also attended
schools at Waiuku, and Liam graduated in law and is now in
America.
John
- their eldest son, was born in Auckland in that eventful
week of 1940, and attended school at Waiuku and Matakawau.
He got a bit caught up in the wheels of progress here, and
had to do his Std 6 year twice, the second time by
correspondence while still attending the primary school,
in order to ensure that there would be sufficient children
in the district to warrant having a secondary school. This
aim being achieved, John gained the rest of his secondary
schooling at the new Awhitu District High. Among other
sports, he also wrestled, and was runner-up to the senior
North Island title. After leaving school, he returned home
to help on the farm, taking other odd jobs available at
the time. Then at the tender age of 17 took a position as
farm manager for Howard Short, and later worked on a dairy
farm at Cambridge. He was here for two years, and during
this time met Marian Inglis. Marian came from Onehunga and
was working in Cambridge as a clerical machinist. After
their marriage they took up a sharemilking position at
Waiuku, and while here their son John Darren was born. The
following seven years saw them 50/50 sharemilking at
Waihou, and also the arrival of Megan and Alan to complete
the family. Their next move was to their own dairy farm at
Atiamuri, then some time later to Gordonton, and in 1981
they moved to Tirau where they were busy deer farming.
Their children attended schools at Waihou, Atiamuri,
Gordonton and Putaruru High. John and Marian were here
when Brian and I moved to Te Waotu which is not very far
away indeed. It was good for us to have “someone” that we
knew within easy commuting distance and were able to pop
in on them on a number of occasions. Those who visited
them at his point will recall the rather splendid old home
they enjoyed with its concrete walls and a passageway that
you could, literally, play cricket in!! (I know. I have
hit a ball for “six” in there. The only six I’ll ever
hit!) It was huge. After selling this block they moved
to another deer farm at Kaimai, then Marian moved to
Tokoroa where she is employed as the Mayor’s Personal
Assistant at the District Council, and John has made his
home in Tauranga with his partner Ruth Aspin, celebrating
their marriage on 12th July 2002.
John Darren
- Darren as he is known, did a course at Kelston when he
left school, then worked as a cadet at Waihou. He has
made dairy farming his career, working in both the North
and South Islands. He married Leanne Purchase, and they
have made their home, dairy farming at Wesport with their
family of six. In this busy household there is John
and then we have Jack who was born on 23rd
September 1966, Joseph on 1st January
1998, Siobhan, she arrived on 15th March
1999, then Todd who was born on 2nd
August 2000 and finally young Bradley. In recent
times the family have moved back to the Waikato where
Darren works in rural real estate.
Megan
completed her schooling at Putaruru High, and she now
lives in Cambridge.
Alan
also completed his schooling at Putaruru High, and
travelled quite extensively after that. He and his
daughter, Jamie Lee, both now live on Waiheke
Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Howard
- was born at Waiuku, and attended Awhitu Primary and
District High schools. Most sports activities of course
were enjoyed by him, with rugby and wrestling being
feature activities. After leaving school he worked at home
for some years, and after his marriage to Mary Gleeson,
they took up a sharemilking position at Kohekohe. They
remained here for three years, then moved to Te Puke after
the purchase of their first farm there, and continued on
for nine years. In 1978 they moved to Waihou where they
continued dairy farming until the mid 90’s. They made
the move south to the “mecca of large herds” – Canterbury,
and have made their home at Rakaia. They converted one
farm to dairying and once that was up and running, there
was no time to rest, they purchased another block and have
done the same there. They have recently built a beautiful
new home with that brilliant view of the Alps that you get
from Canterbury and where they both enjoy horse trekking
up in those hills. They have a family of four.
Darrell
was born on 30th April 1964, gained his school
at Te Puke. After leaving school he spent a half term at
Fielding College, and then went sharemilking on a
neighbouring farm to theirs at Waihou. He moved on to
other positions, ending up sharemilking on a large farm in
Southland. Darrell and his partner Yvonne Knight have a
son, Karl, born on 13th November
1988. She has since remarried, and Darrell remains
sharemilking.
Harley,
born on 29th December 1966, also gained most
of his schooling at Te Puke and then Matamata College.
He worked at home after leaving school for some time.
Harley travelled extensively overseas, and has returned
home and is now working on one of the family’s farms in
Canterbury.
Alex
was born on 21st November 1970 and he too
gained some of his schooling in Te Puke, then finished at
Matamata College. He worked in various positions and is
currently employed in the freezing works. He and Jill
Yeandle have a son Kyle born on 8th July
1998 and Alex has made his home in Hamilton.
Sheree,
born on 18th September 1972, and yes, as with
her brothers, gained her schooling at Te Puke and Matamata
College. She spent some time house keeping for her
brother Darrell. Now, together with her partner Timothy
Riley, they have made their home in Invercargill, where he
is a builder and Sheree has glass houses and grows plants
organically. They have a family of two, Jakeb
born on 22nd June 1995, and Tasmin who
was born on 8th October 1997.
Wayne
- born in Waiuku on 4th April 1945 and attended
Awhitu Primary and District High schools. Like his
brothers, Wayne enjoyed most sports, including wrestling
and when he was 16 won the North Island title at Hamilton.
Jack recalls that Wayne had gone from schoolboy wrestling
straight to senior wrestling, so his success was quite an
achievement here. After school Wayne took a position in
Auckland for a time, then after his marriage to Patricia
Denize (best known as 'Tricia'), they returned home to
sharemilk on and eventually purchase the home farm. Their
three children all attended the local playcentre, the
family being involved in the establishing of a centre in
the district, and Tricia held a number of positions of
responsibility in this organization. Wayne has involved
himself in a number of local activities, including a
continuing support for the Awhitu Wrestling Club, social
cricket, school organisations, local hall committee, etc.
Both Wayne and Tricia have shown great skills in working
with wood, and Wayne has established quite a reputation
for himself with his lathe-turned, handcarved, and
wilderness created wooden items, ranging from bowls and
goblets to hat hangers and clocks, and it's interesting to
note that some of the kauri Wayne is using is from the
swamps on the farm. They established a jersey stud on
their farm, and it is known as 'Tinopai'.
This Stud requires more recording.
Read on:
Wayne and Tricia sold 9 of their bulls to the LIC Sire
Proving Scheme, a high distinction in itself. From this
came ‘Tinopai Waiuku’. He had the highest BW of any bull
in that year. Tragically, he died before being able to be
used heavily, but was used by the LIC for contract mating
with the few available straws and went on to sire many of
today’s well known bulls in the AI industry, to name a few
– there is Van der Fits Fjord GR, Parkwood Casper and
Royals Green Elmo. Six of his sons made it into the
Premium Sires Team over the years. His dam (that is,
mother) was Tinopai Dantes Pet SJ3 and she is the
grand-Dam of Panache who in 2000 is the very top bull of
all breeds on the RAS List. The credits go on……… (It
helps to be a dairy farmer to understand this stuff and
the significance of just how great he was!!) For those of
you not familiar with the lingo, it’s like this -
This animal became the bovine version of Patrick Hogan’s
Sir Tristram!!
Their Stud was dispersed on 8th June 1989 with
the distinction of being the highest price dispersal of
that year. They ‘converted’ the farm to deer and beef
and continue to farm it today. In 1998 the whole farm
won the Awhitu Landcare Environmental Award – yet another
high distinction by this couple.
Also, over the last few years, these Aspins have built up
quite a formidable reputation in the sport of
orienteering, and it continues to get better. Both Wayne
and Tricia, and daughter Leonie, have achieved much in
this field, and we have covered this more fully in the
sports chapter, but add, that through their involvement
and enthusiasm, this is a sport that has gained much local
recognition and following. Sons Wade, born on 21st
August 1964 and Murray who was born on 7th
November 1969 attend the I.H.C. school in Waiuku during
the week and are home at weekends.
Leonie,
born on 4th December 1966, attended Awhitu
Primary and Waiuku College, and she worked as a
hairdresser in Waiuku and Pukekohe. She married Paul
Sands who hails from Te Toro and is a mechanic, now
working as a fitter and turner at the steel mill. They
own a farm that surrounds the south side of Lake Pokorua
at Kohekohe. As you drive up the Peninsular you look
down on to this lake to your left. Leonie has developed a
special interest in propagating native plants and is
developing a totally native garden. She has won two
Awhitu Landcare Environmental Awards, and two years later,
a further Environmental Award for her conservation work in
the wetlands adjacent to the lake. She has been the
driving force behind all adjoining land owners fencing the
lake off, obtaining a grant to do the fencing. Another
outstanding achievement. In her spare time, she raises
their family of two, Chevelle born on 27th
September 1991 and Jordan who was born on 13th
December 1994.
Connie-May
- also born in Waiuku, and gained her schooling at Awhitu
Primary and Waiuku College. After school she took a job in
Waiuku, then moved to Auckland, working as a clerical
assistant. She continued on here until her marriage to Bob
Thorne, a Health Inspector from Manurewa, and they made
their home at Weymouth with their two children, Lara-May
and Max. They both gained their education at Weymouth
Primary and High Schools and so with her family at school,
Connie-May returned full-time to work in the Post
Office. In time the couple moved to Rotorua making
their home on the shores of beautiful Lake Okareka and for
a time Bob was employed at the South Waikato District
Council in his profession of Health Inspection. Since
then they have developed a business as an Environmental
Consultant specializing in acoustics. This business is
based in Brisbane and they commute back and forth between
home and work. (Could their great-grandparents ever have
imagined such a thing being possible?)
When in Rotorua Connie-May works with the Healing Arts,
and spends leisure time painting and producing wonderful
pottery sculptures.
Lara-May
has brought a home in Waiuku, returning to her ancestral
roots, and she works for TV NZ.
Max
graduated in Law and is studying Art. He is presently
living in London although we understand Brisbane is a
regular port of call.
(3) VICTOR STANLEY (VIC)
- born at Grahams Beach in 1911 and as mentioned
previously, was delivered by his 'Granny Barry'. With his
sister and brother, he walked the three miles through a
track in the scrub overland to attend school at the Awhitu
Wharf school on Colbeck Road. Vic remembers that they left
home at 8.00 a.m. to reach school in time for it to begin
at 9.20, and finished at 3.30, then walked home again.
Having thoroughly tormented and tested the teaching
profession, he left at 13 years of age after gaining his
Proficiency, and helped out at home for a time working on
the farm. Around 15 years of age he worked for a bit on
the punts, this involving loading sand on to barges for
use in concrete, and much of this concrete was used on
places like the Great South Road in Auckland. Around 17
years old saw him purchase his first motorbike. Vic
remembers it cost him eighty two pounds, and it got him
around very well, and he went to Morrinsville working on a
dairy farm for two pounds per week. His brother Jack was
there too, and they were at Morrinsville for a year, and
during this time Vic played football for the Kereone Club
and Waikato junior representatives. He came back to
Grahams Beach to work on the farm. At this point he became
involved in wrestling along with his brothers, gaining the
Auckland title in 1933, 1937, 1940 and 1946, but this is
covered in another chapter along with other sporting
activities. In 1935 he bought the farm in partnership with
Jack and Dan and continued working here after his marriage
to a local girl, Joan Kemp in 1941. They made their home
on the other farm closer to Grahams Beach, milking 70 odd
cows during the war years, and purchasing more land to
make their farm bigger. They continued their sporting
interests, including tennis, cricket and golf, and Joan
enjoyed horse riding, and they both became involved with
archery, Joan in particular gaining much success here, and
they both were involved organising the local Club, etc.
Vic served for some time on the local school committee.
Sons Garry, Ricky, Bruce and Michael were all born in
Waiuku and lived most of their childhood at Grahams Beach,
and then in 1956/57 the family moved north to Motatangi
and purchased a dairy farm there, not too far away from
Teanie and Ivan Wedding. Vic and Joan continue farming
here, he became a keen golfer, enjoying many tournaments
around the North Island throughout his retirement.
Vic passed away on 23rd December 1985, Joan on
28th April 1986, buried at Houhora.
Garry
- born in Waiuku in 1942, he attended Grahams Beach school
for a time and went on to attend Awhitu District school
and then Sacred Heart College in Auckland. As with his
brothers, Garry enjoyed athletics and many other sports,
and after a brilliant decade of stalling and evasion
tactics, he left school and for a short time took up a
position with the freezing works in Auckland before
coming home to work on the farm. He continued on here for
a while, then later purchased a farm just down the road
from his parents, and dairy farming for Garry began in
earnest. In 1965 he married a local girl, Ruth Bernage,
and together, aided by untold supplies of sheer hard work,
they developed their farm into a self-sufficient dairy
unit. And when I talk about sheer hard work, I mean just
that !!!! This couple developed swamp land that most
people would walk away from, into excellent dairy
pasture. At a time when Aspin Farms paid $200 an acre
for drystock land at Awhitu, Garry and Ruth paid something
in the range of $10 an acre for their swamp land. I
recall Garry complaining, because his neighbour got his
part of the same block for $2 per acre – or a similar
figure!! That was around 1973/4. But hard work produces
miracles……Their son Craig and daughter Debbie were both
born in Kaitaia, and both attended Waiharara Primary
school, and Kaitaia College. The family enjoyed water
skiing, both Garry and Ruth being avid gardeners, the
proof being the superb grounds around their lovely new
home. Eventually the farm was sold, and Garry continues
living at Pukenui. Ruth made the move to Tauranga where
she now lives with her partner John Aspin, celebrating
their marriage on 12th July 2002.
Craig
started working as a glazier when he left school in 1985,
and then met Brenda Janice Anderson in 1992. They
celebrated their marriage on 12th March 1994
and their son Jake was born on 17th July
1998. Craig and Brenda have now purchased the glass and
aluminium company that he has worked for since leaving
school, making their home in Kaitaia, and their second
child is due on the day we gather for this unveiling,
January 20th, 2001. In fact, their second
son Ryan arrived on January 22nd.
Debbie
proved herself to be quite an outstanding horsewoman,
riding since about the age of 8. During this time, and
with great help from her parents, she really excelled at
the Pony Club circuit.
Debbie represented Northland at the NZ Pony Club
championships at Hastings in 1986. A highlight of her
career was gaining third place at the champs at Avondale
in 1987. This was a tremendous effort for such a small
Association. After leaving school, she
gained her heavy traffic license and was employed
delivering wholesale milk around Kaitaia and as far north
as you can buy milk. 1994 saw Debbie and a girl friend
off for a year overseas, on the BIG OE also. They worked
at a bar in a London pub, and used this as their base.
They saw a lot of Europe, most of the British Isles,
coming home via Canada. Debbie has now made her home
in Cambridge. She still drives trucks – the bigger the
rig the better, and for as many hours as possible. In
recent times she has taken a position as tanker driver for
NZMP stationed out of the Te Rapa factory. Her spare time
is taken with developing her ¼ acre garden.
Ricky
- born in Waiuku on 4th June 1943 and attended
Awhitu District School, and then Sacred Heart College in
Auckland. Apart from athletics, and probably about 100
other things, Ricky also enjoyed football, and later on
was chosen to represent his sub-union. After leaving
school he worked on the family farm for a couple of years,
then worked for the forestry in the area for a time, then
turned his hand to carpentry, and continued in this trade
ever since. He has worked on various construction sites
and building projects around Auckland, Hamilton, Sydney,
then back to Auckland for a time before returning to
Sydney, and this is where he had chosen to make his home.
Tragically, Ricky passed away on 29th September
1984 as the result of a house fire in Sydney.
Bruce
- also born in Waiuku in 1951, attended Awhitu District
school, then went on to Sacred Heart for a time, before
finishing his secondary schooling at Kaitaia College.
After leaving school he worked for a time at home, then
with the forestry at Kaitaia, and has continued working
there since. Bruce enjoys spear fishing and diving around
the coast for crayfish, etc., and has made his home at
Pukenui where he and Robyn live with their two small
children, Hayden and Christin. (Not
updated yet.)
Michael
- born at Waiuku as well, in 1952, would have attended
Waiharara Primary school, then Sacred Heart in Auckland,
finishing his secondary at Kaitaja College. Michael gained
his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with Prices in
Auckland, then travelled over to Australia for a time, and
later returned home where he lives now, taking employment
in various casual jobs offering about the area. Like his
brother, Bruce, he too enjoys spear fishing, loves diving,
and many a cray or paua have ended their existence on
Aspin's dining table, thanks to these fellows.
Michael lives at Pukenui with his partner, Hinerangi
Murray and their daughter, Kelli born on 8th
June 1987.
Selwyn
- born at Kaitaia on 23rd August 1959, he
attended Waiharara Primary school and Kaitaia College.
Upon leaving school he worked with a panelbeating firm in
Kaitaia as an apprentice, then worked as a carpenters
labourer in Auckland for some time, then back to
panelbeating to finish his apprenticeship, and in the
early 80’s Selwyn left and made his home in Brisbane,
Australia, panelbeating. However, we have no doubt that he
will be back, because you've heard about these folk across
the Tasman haven't you - why four/fifths of them live on
the eastern seaboard - it's the closest they can get to
New Zealand!
And YEP….. he did – but it took awhile !!!
Selwyn continued his career as a panelbeater, but
travelled extensively overseas, spending some time in the
States, before returning to New Zealand. He married a
Warkworth girl, Kim Withrington, on 7th March
1998 and they have made their home on the North Shore
where he has his panel beating business and Kim works as
an administration manager.
(4)
WILLIAM SYLVESTER (DAN) - born at Grahams
Beach, with the assistance of his 'Granny Barry' on the
6th November 1913, and was named after the Parish Priest
of the time, Father Skinner, and became known as 'Sylvie'.
He began school at age five and along with Teanie, Jack
and Vic, he too would have walked the three miles through
the track in the scrub to the Awhitu Wharf school at
Colbeck Road. After the big floods of 1925, when he was 12
years old, the family left the Awhitu Wharf school in
favour of the more safer route to the Grahams Beach
school, and this is where he finished his primary
education, after gaining his Proficiency. He then went on
to Seddon Memorial Technical in Auckland, private boarding
with the McLeod family, and spent two years there. His
schooling now complete, he took up a position on a dairy
farm at Opotiki, and would have been 16 years old at this
time. He can still vividly remember the quakes and
tremours that were felt up at Opotiki and which were all
part of the big Napier earthquake of 1931. The following
year he returned home, living with his family and taking
numerous casual jobs offering about the district at the
time. Many sporting interests were pursued at this time
too, including tennis (played on the family's clay courts
on the farm) and wrestling. The tennis court was
positioned on the harbour side of the road, and straight
opposite the entranceway to the brick home that is the
main homestead for the farm now. Wrestling was to become
a sport he would follow closely for most of his life, and
many successes were enjoyed by him at both club and
championship levels. Another sport played by the family
was cricket, and this was to feature in Sylvie's life too,
for this bought about for him a change of name! Cricket
was played on the front paddocks and Dan Torpey used to be
one of the locals who played. Sylvie (who was about ten
years old then) would be long stopping, and while waiting
for the change-over, would get the hurry-up to the other
end of the pitch by Dan Torpey. Dan teased the life out of
him, and literally chased him from one end of the pitch to
the other. Eventually someone cottoned to the idea of
calling him 'Dan' as an added tease, and the name stuck!
In 1935 Dan (i.e. Dan Aspin!) took over the family farm in
partnership with Jack and Vic, and settled down to the
nitty-gritty of milking cows, breaking in new land, and
all else that goes with dairy farming. We've all heard
about farmers and the assets they endeavour to establish
for themselves, well the author believes that perhaps Dan
gained his greatest 'asset' when on 24th May 1941 he
married one Miss Kathleen Marshall, daughter of William
and Mary Marshall, farmers of Wattle Bay, which is
situated just inside the Manukau Harbour on the South
Head. Kath, as she is affectionately known, was a nurse,
working at Kingseat Hospital, and had spent most of her
life at the Manukau Heads, her parents being the
Light-house keepers for many years before purchasing their
farm at Wattle Bay. She attended school at Manukau Heads,
and as a young child would walk from their home at the
head of the gully in Wattle Bay, up those steep hills
to the school up close to the light-house. Remember that,
as you go for a drive out to the “Heads” and look down
that gully!!!! After their marriage, they made their home
in the cottage built for them on the farm, the access to
this cottage being down Marshalls Road. This cottage has
withstood the pressure of time, having been home to a
number of families, including Trevor and Molly when they
were first married, others who have owned that piece of
land, has even spent some time as a haybarn, and in the
late 70’s had been restored and redecorated by its present
owners, Lloyd and Betty Andrews, and enjoyed as a holiday
retreat home for yet another family.
Kath and Dan lived on here until he was called up to serve
in the Armed Forces on the 1st April 1942. Their daughter
Kathleen (Kay) was born the following month, and Kath
recalls that a soldier was only permitted leave when his
wife entered the nursing home immediately prior to giving
birth, so they were lucky to get a little more time
together. Because of Japan's entry into the war, the
destination of the Artillery was delayed, but after three
final leaves, he departed from Wellington Harbour on board
the Aquitania, along with the rest of the 8th
Reinforcements. They reached Egypt early in the new year,
and saw the end of the African campaign, and all of the
Italian campaign, including the battle for Casino, right
through to Trieste where the German Forces surrendered.
He returned on the Strathmore on the 30th September 1945
and arrived back in Grahams Beach on the 1st October –
Trevor’s 18th birthday. The turmoil of war now
behind them, they settled back to farming with his
brothers Jack and Vic and also Trevor, who had now grown
to be an adult. Margaret was born in 1946 and son Brian in
1948. A general 'change-around' occurred in 1949. Jack and
Connie were now on their own farm at Hattons Road. Trevor
and Molly settled in to the cottage on Marshalls Road and
took over that block of land, Vic and Joan of course were
living down on the farm closer to Grahams Beach, a home
was built for the brothers’ parents Jack and Kate to
retire at Grahams Beach, and Dan and Kath moved in to the
family home, formally taking over the farm across the
road. Although each had their own ‘operation’ to run, the
brothers still worked in very closely together helping
each when needed and sharing equipment. I understand that
Aspins old Farmall F20 was the first tractor at Grahams
Beach, being carted in as part of a back load from
Onehunga on Bill Hudson’s punt. Kath and Dan's family
continued to grow with the arrivals of David and Rosemary,
then Timothy who came into this world on Brian's eighth
birthday. Even scores for girls and boys, but Gillian's
arrival in 1957, then Mark's in 1961 rounded off the
scoring and the family. 1956/57 saw Vic and Joan sell and
move to their farm at Motatangi, north of Kaitaia, Trevor
and Molly had sold and left June1952, thus leaving Dan and
Kath on their block. The old homestead was in need of
repair, and with their expanding family, a new five
bedroom brick home was built, back off the road, and on
the other side, and they moved into this in December
1959. Kath’s brother-in-law Herb McEntee was the builder
for this project. Two years later saw a new herringbone
cowshed built up on the hill not far from the new home,
both home and shed having extensive views over the Manukau
Harbour to Auckland. The original shed was an eight aside
and was one of the earlier herringbones to be built in the
Franklin area. It was later extended to 12 aside, and in
1977 extensive alterations were made to building and yards
and it was rebuilt as a 22 aside herringbone. Family
friend, Ralph McLeod was the builder on this occasion.
Kath, a keen gardener, established a very productive
orchard and always maintained her huge vegetable garden.
Many a visitor has left with a cabbage, or cauliflower, or
pumpkin, tomatoes, apples or pears in the boot of their
car thanks to her generosity. Her enthusiasm for
gardening led to involvement in the local garden circle,
and organising flower shows, besides involvement in many
church and local organisations. Dan has served a number of
years on the local school committees, as well as a
considerable involvement with the Awhitu Wrestling Club of
which all four boys were members, plus a number of farming
organisations, and served as a committeeman for the New
Zealand Co-op Dairy Company. Their children have all
helped at different times on the farm, Kay, Brian and
David having all spent sometime working full-time on the
farm after leaving school.
Brian was married in 1972 and a cottage was built for him
on the farm, thus a fifth generation of Aspins began
living at Grahams Beach. In 1973 an additional block of
land was purchased on the back of the home farm, the
company “Aspin Farms Ltd” was formed, and the block of 384
acres continued to be farmed by Dan and Brian. In 1979
Brian and Alma brought the herd and were employed as 50/50
sharemilkers. June 1983 Brian and Alma purchased their
own farm at Te Waotu, and another sharemilker was
employed, with another change of sharemilkers occurring
in 1985.
Due to the heavy workload and family commitments, there
was often no time to enjoy fishing in the earlier days,
but in the early 1970's they bought a small boat, and many
relaxing hours have been spent with family and friends
chasing the elusive 'seven pounder' out on the waters of
the Manukau. But, if all else fails, there is always
golf!!! This has been a sport enjoyed and pursued by Dan
for over 40 years now, and like the fish story, every
shot’s going to be the perfect one! And he has landed a
few perfect shots too but these stories need to be retold
verbally as they loose punch when put on paper. However,
the competition got a bit fierce in the early 80’s, as
having her family all grown up and left home, and with the
opening of the 9 hole golf course on the Awhitu A.R.A.
Park, Kath invested in a set of clubs also. During
this period in their lives, they enjoyed a number of
overseas trips, including travel through Italy where Dan
was stationed during the second world war. Their
daughter Gill was working for Air New Zealand and able to
accompany them on that European trip. In 1994 Dan
returned to the commemorations of the 50th
anniversary of the Battle of Casino, this time with
daughter Kay accompanying him. In 1989 the sharemilkers
employed moved on to purchase their own farm at Kohekohe.
Dan decided to repurchase the herd again, and Tim and
Karen moved their family from Canterbury to manage the
farm at Grahams Beach. Dan and Kath were now able to
enjoy full retirement.
In time, and with Tim and Karen’s growing family and Kath
and Dan’s need for a smaller residence, they swapped
houses. Kath suffered ill health in the latter years
of her life, and with the support of family, Dan was able
to care for her for some considerable time. Eventually,
she became a resident at Franklin Memorial Hospital, and
passed away on May 30th, 2000. A further
change occurred in the mid 90’s when Tim and Karen were
employed as sharemilkers, and the Board of Aspin Farms
Ltd, consisting of the children of Dan and Kath, took
over the business management of the farm. This
continues, and when Tim and Karen made the move into
Waiuku in 1999, a farm manager was employed to run the
day-to-day functions of the farm.
Dan continues living on the farm at Grahams Beach, and for
any hungry travellers there is a guaranteed fresh loaf of
bread in the bread maker, and a very warm welcome at the
door.
Kay
- their first-born was born at Waiuku on the 7th May 1942.
She attended Grahams Beach and Awhitu Consolidated schools
for her primary education, then went on to St. Mary's
College in Auckland for her three years of secondary,
gaining her school certificate. During this time Kay
enjoyed netball and the usual school sports, and learned
to play the piano. She left school to come home and work
full-time on the farm, helping with many of the household
chores as well, until a few years later she began her
nursing training at Greenlane Hospital, Auckland, and
gained her nurses medal in 1965. Now then, who knows what
a N.Z.D.B.C.O. is? No, it is not a N.Z. Dairy Blokes
Current Overdraft, it is in fact a N.Z. Dairy Board
Consulting Officer, and one of these unique individuals is
a certain Bob O'Reilly. Bob at that time was the C.O.
whose area included the Peninsula, and he and Kay were
married on the 28th May 1966, at Matakawau. Bob came from
Mangere in Auckland, and they made their home at Paeroa
where Bob continued his career. Andrew, Dianne and Jann
were all born at Paeroa, in 1967, 68 and 73 respectively.
Then in 1974 a transfer took them up to Whangarei and the
family was complete with the arrival of David that same
year. January 1979 saw another transfer and the family
moved to Palmerston North where Bob held a senior position
with the Dairy Board Consulting Officer team. Both Kay and
Bob have always been actively involved in the various
school activities, etc., and the family developed a great
love of the sea, enjoying swimming, snorkeling and diving
around the coastline. Andrew began school when at Paeroa,
then he and Dianne attended primary school at Whangarei.
They completed their primary education at Palmerston
North, and both attended St. Peter’s College there. Jann
and David both completed their education also at
Palmerston North. Kay enjoyed her involvement with the
Toastmistress Club when in Whangarei, and with her family
all at school, she returned to nursing, taking a
part-time position as a Practice Nurse in a doctor's
surgery, and made the move to Papakura when Bob took up
the position of Consulting Officer for the Franklin
area. Kay works in a local doctor’s surgery, and in her
very full and busy life still finds time to give to
community and church activities. Every morning Kay, is out
pounding the streets of Papakura in her enthusiasm for
walking and maintaining a high level of fitness. She
needs it, for Kay packs more into her 24 hour day than
most of us squeeze into 48!!
Andrew
married Natalie Stewart in December, 1989 at Palmerston
North. They made their home in Wellington where their
son Liam was born in October 1991. After
graduation from the Police Academy Andrew was stationed at
Wairoa and while here Michael was born in
1993. The family moved to Morrinsville and have made
their home there with Andrew stationed full-time in
Hamilton.
Diane
completed her nurses’ training at Polytech in Palmerston
North and nursed there before her BIG OE in the mid
90’s. She returned in 1998 and made her home in
Wellington, continuing her nursing. Di married Guy
Williams on 9th March 2002 in Wellington. Guy
is one of these talented folk involved with the computer
graphic work that was an essential part of the film, The
Lord of the Rings. They have made their home in
Wellington with their son Coby Stryke Williams
who was born on 8th January 2003.
Jann
developed a great love of horses during her teen years,
successfully competing in many events. She graduated with
a Bachelor of Agriculture from Massey University then she
too got the travel bug, ending up working in Hokkaido,
Japan, training horses. She returned home for a while
before her BIG OE trip, also to Europe. Jann returned in
2000 and now works at Glenbrook Steel Mill, and has made
her home in Waiuku.
David
has completed a Diploma in Turf Culture, working on a
number of golf courses on the North Shore as a Greenkeeper.
David too has enjoyed a number of overseas trips, and in
his spare time enjoys a good surf on the waves. The
love of surfing has taken him to Raglan where he is
employed as a Green keeper for the Raglan Golf Club.
Margaret
- Kath and Dan's second daughter, was born at Waiuku on
the 10th August 1946, and attended Awhitu Primary school,
moving on to St. Mary's College in Auckland where she
spent three years as a boarder. Margaret enjoyed netball,
and also took a business course in typing and commercial
practice. Upon leaving school she took a position as a
clerical assistant in Waiuku, later transferring to
Auckland. In 1974 she travelled over to Australia, and
returned to take up a position as a Clerical Assistant in
Forlongs in Frankton, has gained promotion in this
position and continues working here today. On the 6th
January 1977 she was married to Tony Weaver at the Church
of the Holy Rosary at Matakawau. Tony comes from Hastings
and he and Margaret have made their home in Hamilton.
Brian
- born at Waiuku on the 20th January 1948 and gained his
primary schooling at Awhitu. He spent some time as a
boarder at St. Paul's College, Ponsonby, then Sacred Heart
College in Auckland before returning to finish his
secondary schooling at Awhitu District High. He gained his
School Certificate in three subjects, and left school to
work on the farm. Two years later he took a position on a
dairy farm at Katikati, then the following season, 1967,
took another job on a dairy farm at Otorohanga. In 1970 he
won a Young Farmers' exchange trip to Queensland,
Australia, for three months then returned to his former
job. Brian has always enjoyed most sports, including
wrestling, cricket and rugby, playing senior rugby for Kio
Kio United. He was married to Alma Coogan (oops, that's
me!!) on the 24th June 1972. I was a private secretary
working in Hamilton, and after our marriage in my home
town of Taumarunui, we made our home on the farm at
Grahams Beach, and continued on here sharemilking for
Aspin Farms. Our first three children were born at Waiuku,
Penny on the 25th May 1973, Glen on the 1st October 1974,
Stuart on the 22nd August 1976 and Linda at Pukekohe on
the 9th April 1979. They attended the local playcentre and
then the eldest three attended the Awhitu Primary school.
June 1983 we purchased our own farm and so moved to Te
Waotu, Putaruru, where our children attended Puketurua
Primary school and Putaruru Intermediate. The arrival
of Dean on 7th August 1988 completed our
family. We sold this farm in 1992 and purchased and
converted a sheep farm to dairying at Tirohanga, N/W of
Taupo. Over the years we have added three adjoining
dairy farms on to this block and with the help of staff
manage this as one farm with an adjoining drystock
block. Like so many others, we continue our involvement
in various community, farming and school organizations.
Brian has had a long association with the Livestock
Improvement Corporation since 1972, working as an A.B.
technician, then an A.B. supervisor, and now as a National
Councillor. He has served as a Committeeman for NZ Dairy
Group, and spent some years as a civil defence policeman,
working closely with the Police while in Putaruru.
Penny
attended Putaruru High school, where she achieved the
distinction of becoming Dux of the school in 1990. She
graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Massey
University in 1994, then continued on to do her Masters,
her thesis being to study the “effects of 1080 poison on
invertebrates in the Pureora Forest.” She took a break
before writing this thesis, and spent three years as an
assistant teaching english in Sapporo city, Hokkaido,
Japan, returning in August 2000 to complete the writing of
her thesis. That done, she has taken a position with
Dexcel at the Whareroa research station, Hawera. Penny has
a great love of music, has taught herself photography,
enjoys tramping and cycle touring.
Glen
completed his schooling at Francis Douglas College in New
Plymouth, and while here developed his love of surfing and
mountain climbing. He graduated from Massey University
with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) in
1998. He spent six months in 1996 working on a dairy
farm in Ireland, then made his home in New Plymouth for a
time, working for some time for the Livestock Improvement
Corporation there. January 2000 saw him return to
Ireland to work for the same farmer, this time taking his
girlfriend, Belinda (Bee) Wilks, with him, Bee having
grown up in New Plymouth. They announced their engagement
in Ireland in July and returned at the end of 2000 to make
their home in Taranaki. They took a management position
on a dairy farm on the outskirts of New Plymouth in June
2001 and an 800 cow farm at Opunake in June 2002.
Stuart
also attended Francis Douglas College and also caught the
surfing bug!! He finished his schooling at John Paul
College, Rotorua. Stu has always had a love of
aeroplanes, and a scholarship from Lakeside Aviation,
Rotorua, saw him get his first real taste of flying. He
left school to work on a dairy farm for one year, at the
same time financing his flying to obtain his private
pilots license. He moved on to aeronautical
engineering and is now completing his 4 year
apprenticeship with Flight Line at Ardmore airfield. In
July 2002 he and his fiancé Donna Sixtus made their home
in Melbourne where their son Alexander William Aspin
was born on 28th February 2003.
Lindy
was awarded the Cup for Excellence at Putaruru
Intermediate school, and completed her schooling at John
Paul College, Rotorua. During this time she travelled
to Japan as part of a school tour, and she also enjoyed
the sport of rowing. She graduated from Waikato
University with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (and another
trip to Japan under her belt) in October 2000 and was
employed in Hamilton, with the Livestock Improvement
Corporation, or more recently, Dexcel as administrator
for their website, e-solve. In June 2002 she moved
to make her home in Sydney and is employed as a marketing
co-ordinator for General Electrical, Medical.
Dean
attended Te Waotu and Whakamaru playcenters and gained his
primary schooling at Tirohanga, was a student of St. Pat’s
school, Taupo, in 2001 then Taupo Nui-a-Tia College in
2002. He continues his love of snow skiing.
David
- like the others was born at Waiuku, on the 24th June
1950 and gained his primary schooling at Awhitu, and then
two years at St. Paul's College, Ponsonby as a boarder.
David left school and came home to work on the farm, and
along with his other sporting interests of course,
wrestling featured prominently. He travelled touring with
wrestling teams to Australia, Japan, America and Canada,
and represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games at
Edinburgh gaining a Bronze Medal, and Christchurch where
he gained the Gold, and also at the Olympic Games at
Munich and Montreal where although he was unplaced in his
bouts, he was honoured to be chosen to carry the New
Zealand flag for the team on both occasions. David
achieved a very high level of distinction in this sport,
and it was an extremely exciting time for all the family
to be watching his success. These trips overseas took
often several months at a time, and he found himself
working at any job offering in-between trips, be it
working at home, on another farm, on the local hay-truck
or whatever. Around 1969 he took up green-keeping at the
Pukekohe Golf Course, then returned home in 1974 to help
out on the farm for a while. At this time he was in
training for the Montreal Olympics so found employment
closer to town and spent some months in intensive training
in the States prior to the Olympics. This cupid fellow
catches up with the best of 'em we are told, and caught up
with David in a hotel dining room in Los Angeles where he
met Lesley Riley, who was at the start of her overseas
working holiday. When they eventually returned home, they
met up again, and the following year on the 19th
March 1977 they were married at Warkworth. Lesley worked
in office administration, had spent most of her life at
Howick, and they made their home in Auckland. They spent a
short time farming again, before returning to live in
Auckland, and settling in their home at Manurewa. They
have two children, Joanne born in Auckland on the 12th
June 1978, and Scott also born in Auckland on the 8th
January 1980. David was employed with W.Stevenson and Son
operating big machinery, working on the steel mill
expansion programme at Glenbrook. He returned to
greenkeeping and they moved to the golf course at
Maramarua for some years. He was employed then as
greenkeeper at Manukau, then North Shore, and now has the
contract for the Waiuku and Awhitu Golf Clubs and they
have made their family home at Brown’s Bay. The
front terrace of their home, with its view out over the
waters of the Hauraki Gulf, was one of the spots to sit
with a cool beer and enjoy part of the spectacle that was
the America’s Cup in 2000!
Somewhere in his busy schedule, David has recently fitted
in more time for wrestling, this time as a coach.
Both Joanne and Scott attended schools at Maramarua,
Manurewa and the North Shore.
Jo’
has found her niche working as a customer consultant for
Resene Paints. She has made her home in Brisbane for the
while, again, working for Resene.
Scott
has been part of the ‘crew’ who worked on the development
of the golf course that is Golf Harbour, and then worked
for Stevensons until he departed for the BIG OE to see
the world.
Rosemary
- better known as 'Rosie’, was born in Waiuku on 21st
July 1952 and also attended Awhitu High school and went on
to St. Mary’s College for 3 years gaining school
certificate. She came back to Waiuku College to gain
university entrance in 1968. Rose went to Teachers’
College and Auckland University for 2 years and then moved
to Dunedin, living a hippie lifestyle, making batik
dresses and running a craft market. She travelled to
Australia where she became involved in the teachings of
Maharaj, which has been an ongoing influence, and then
returned to NZ in 1974. In 1978 she married Terrence
Handscomb, and they have two children, Fletcher born on 21st
May 1976 and Amelia born on 17th November
1978. Rosi works as an independent midwife, having
done her nurse training in the mid 80’s, and as a midwife
in 1990. And if that sounds easy to read, trust me, to
achieve that in real life with all the demands of family
is a major achievement indeed!! Terence is an artist who
works currently in Design School in Wellington, and spent
the past 10 years travelling a number of times to Germany
where he has had several works exhibited.
Fletcher
is now 24, works in the hospitality business, with a keen
interest in music.
Amelia
is 22 and has just been accepted in to Design School.
Timothey Peter George
- more commonly known as 'Tim', made his debut in Waiuku
on the 20th January 1956. Tim attended Awhitu Primary and
Waiuku College, gaining his school certificate and
university entrance. Tim always enjoyed sports,
particularly cricket and rugby, and also wrestling, and
represented his college in the First IV team and also was
a Counties schoolboy representative. He also enjoyed
dramatics, playing prominent rolls in several plays, and
when he stretches the vocal chords, Tim has been known to
put out a very pleasing sound indeed. After school he
spent a year at Lincoln College before taking a position
with Gordon and Gotch in Christchurch in 1975 and
continued on here making his home in Christchurch. While
here he has played cricket for a Southern Districts team,
and rugby for the Sydenham Club, and completed a short
tour in Australia with this club, being actively involved
in raising the funds for the tour, for many preceeding
months. On his return to Christchurch he took up a new
position with Securitas. Tim married Karen White in
1984 and they made their home in Christchurch were
Matthew was born on 4th December 1984. A
change of life style saw them dairy farming at Waikuku
(North Canterbury) for the next four years. Their son
William was stillborn on 6th February 1987
and their third son Christopher arrived on 23rd
February 1988. In 1989 they made the move north to the
farm at Grahams Beach, and Rebecca was born on 23rd
February 1990. Tim and Karen were involved in all
aspects of community life in Awhitu. Karen was a member
of Plunket, and played badminton and netball for Awhitu.
Tim, mostly everything – badminton, School PTA (being
chairman for 3 years), coached and administered Waiuku
Junior Rugby and also was very involved in the fight for
the Grahams Beach erosion wall which has made a great
difference to the aspect of “the beach”. After 10 years
farming at Grahams Beach, Tim and Karen have moved to
Waiuku where Karen is employed by South Auckland Health at
Franklin Memorial Hospital (now a hospital for the
elderly), and Tim at the Glenbrook Steel Mill. Both still
involve themselves in the community, with Tim being
President of Waiuku Junior Rugby and Karen supporting and
fundraising at the hospital, etc. It needs to be added
that although we have seen little of the acting skills
alluded to earlier, Tim has been known to enter the spirit
of events, such as appearing at the Sunset Festival Mowa
Race as “Camp Mother” (in all the drag gear), plus
allowed himself to become the “Bionic Baby” in the Waiuku
Christmas parade. He has a unique and gifted talent. The family move into their own home in Waiuku
on 19th January, the day before we gather for
the unveiling of his great-grandfather’s headstone.
Mathew (Matt)
attended Awhitu Primary school and is presently at Waiuku
College having just passed all six school certificate
subjects this year. He enjoys cricket (member of the 2nd
XI), has played rugby, but due to a slight neck injury has
taken up coaching this year, coaching a team for the
Waiuku Junior Club, having good success.
Christopher (Chip)
attended Awhitu Primary school and on moving to Waiuku,
View Road school. Chip is full of energy and just loves
sports (surprise – surprise) has played rugby since he was
seven, being coached by his mother for 2 years. He also
runs well at primary school level and as we all know,
generally treats the world to a big smile.
Rebecca (Becky)
attended Awhitu Primary school and presently View Road
school in Waiuku. Becky plays netball, listens to music
and she too fronts Ms World with a happy face.
Gillian
- she let the world know she was here on the 12th December
1957 and attended Awhitu Primary school and Waiuku
College, gaining her school certificate and university
entrance also. She too enjoyed netball, and keeping up
with the other members of the family in whatever they were
doing! After leaving school Gill spent one year at Waikato
University before taking up a nursing career, training at
Greenlane Hospital in Auckland and became a registered
nurse in 1979. She continued nursing and in 1980 travelled
to the United Kingdom and made her home in London. Gill
nursed in London and travelled extensively through Europe,
particularly Italy, and to the States. Her Christmas
present for the family in 1982 was to return home in
person and continued nursing in Greenlane Hospital again.
A change of career saw Gill become a flight attendant for
Air New Zealand in 1984 and she continued in this position
until 1999. As you do in these positions, Gill had a few
of the world’s better known personalities on some of her
flights. To mention a few, there were George Harrison of
the Beatles, Keith Richards and Mick Jaggar of the Stones,
the rock group Smashing Pumpkins, The Monkeys, film star
Sophia Loren, Princess Ann, The All Blacks, and other
sporting teams, etc. More than one or two of her nieces
and nephews have benefited from a special autograph
‘obtained’ by their rather special aunt.
Her daughter Lauren was born in Auckland on 29th
August 1990 and they made their home in Mt. Albert.
Lauren attended Ferndale Kindergarten and is now a student
at Gladstone Primary school.
Mark
- born in Waiuku on the 2nd February 1961. Awhitu Primary
school saw another Aspin on its roll, as did Waiuku
College, and Mark left after gaining his school
certificate and university entrance. Again, cricket and
rugby were sports enjoyed, along with wrestling and
others. He then moved to Palmerston North to attend Massey
University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture
Science, in 1984. He continued to play rugby, and in the
true Aspin tradition, became a keen and able golfer. He
managed Keeble Farm, one of the university’s research
farms, then in 1989 took a position managing a quarantine
station near Feilding for LambXL, a company that imported
five new breeds of sheep into NZ. He married Wendy
Talbot on 16th January 1988 in Gisborne and
they made their home at Kiwitea, with Wendy teaching at
Feilding Agricultural High school.
Their son Thomas was born here on 2nd
January 1992. That same year, following the sale of the
new sheep breeds into the national flock, he took up a
position with the NZ Meat Board as a research project
manager and moved to Wellington. Mark has taken a
responsibility for the Meat Board monitor farm programme.
Charlotte
was born on 13th June 1994 and they
continue to work in Wellington, making their family home
in Normandale, Lower Hutt.
(5)
ALMA MARY NOREEN - born at her parents' home
at Grahams Beach and as with the others, her Granny Barry
was the mid-wife in attendance. She was born in 1916 and
started her schooling at the Awhitu Wharf school, and left
when she was in Std 3, after the big floods of 1925, and
along with other members of the family, she then attended
school at Grahams Beach. This school was in Sutherland's
House, and then later they attended the new school up the
road. There being no secondary schooling available, she
left school in Std 6, having gained her Proficiency -
travelling up to Awhitu Central school for this
examination.
She remained at home, helping out with the work that had
to be done, and also helping others in the district, then
when she was 18 she took a position as a domestic help at
Taneatua (Whakatane). She remained here for a couple of
years and returned to a position in Auckland. While
wrestling was a sport that was to feature largely in the
lives of her brothers, it did not escape its influence on
Alma's life, for it was while she was at home and helping
with a working bee sewing up wrestling bags with the
McPike and Aspin boys and some others on the back verandah
of the homestead, that she met the chap who was working
for the McPike's at the time, Ross Dryland. Ross came from
Weymouth, South Auckland, and after he and Alma were
married on 27th November 1937, they took up
dairy farming at Karaka. Their first three children,
Valerie and twins Alma and Audrey were born while they
were here, then they came back to Pollok sharemilking for
the McPike Bros, and while here sons Peter and Paul were
born. After four years, they purchased their farm which
was on the West Coast Road at Pollok, and their third son,
Roger was born while they were here. Ross and Alma have
always enjoyed a good game of tennis, as did all their
family, and they were very regular players at the Pollok
Tennis Club. Ross also enjoyed a few rounds of golf,
playing in Waiuku. They continued farming here for some 18
years, until in 1962, and with the boys home and helping,
they purchased a dairy farm at Whitikahu (Taupiri). They
were all busy dairying here for a further 10 years and
1972 saw them purchase a large dairy unit at Puketaha
which is just N.E. of Hamilton. That same year both Paul
and Roger were married, and both couples have made their
homes on the farm, and continue living here today. Ross
and Alma also continued on the farm, enjoying their
extending family, friends and let's not forget the
everlasting, ever enjoyable and on just the odd occasion
perhaps, the ever frustrating game of golf, for Alma has
caught the bug now too!
The boys built a home for their parents on the farm and
Ross and Alma retired in earnest. After failing
health, Ross passed away on their 58th wedding
anniversary, 27th November 1995.
Alma continued on in their home and she too passed away on
23rd January 2002.
Valerie
- born at Onehunga on the 1st June 1938, attended school
at both Pollok and Matakawau primary schools and then did
her secondary at Sacred Heart in Remuera, Auckland. After
leaving school she came home to help out for a while, then
took a position in Waiuku, and then in Auckland as a
doctors receptionist. She continued on here until her
marriage to Frank Kerrigan at St. Joseph's, Fairfield,
Hamilton on the 9th February 1963, and they have made
their home in Mangere. Frank came from Hastings, and works
in the Accounts Department of Arthur Yates. They have a
family of seven, all born at the Mater Hospital, viz Mary
Frances, Angela, Anthony, Bridget, twins Jacinta and
Joseph and Paul. Mary Frances has now left school and
taken a clerical position with Mesca Industries, and the
other members of the family continue their schooling in
the Onehunga area, with Paul being yet at pre-school.
Again, that was back in 1981 and while we do not have all
the information on this growing family, we will include
what we do have.
Mary Frances
and her husband Paul made their home in Mangere until she
took up a position recently which eventuated in the family
moving to live in China with their two girls.
Angela
and her husband Paul live in the Mangere area with their
family of six children which includes one set of twins.
Anthony
has also made his home in Mangere Bridge and works in the
field of accounting.
Bridget
also has made her home in Mangere with her two children.
Of the twins, Jacinta married Patrick and they have
also made their home in Mangere with their three
children. Patrick works at the airport. And Joseph
too had made his home in Mangere but after his marriage in
2003 has moved to live in England.
Paul
is another Kerrigan who lives also at Mangere Bridge.
Alma
- and Audrey, the Dryland twins, were born at Onehunga on
the 9th October 1939. They attended Pollok and Matakawau
Primary school, and attained their secondary schooling at
the Pukekohe Convent. Alma took a position as a machinist
in Waiuku after leaving school, then moved to Auckland to
flat with his sister and brother, taking a position in the
Herald Office in Auckland. She continued on here until
entering the Mercy Sisters' Convent on the 24th May 1962,
taking her Final Vows on the 16th January. She took the
name of Sister Peter Claver and worked in the St. Josephs
Home at Takapuna. In December of 1980 she moved to Savil,
Spain, joining the Order of the Camelite of the Holy Face,
and is now known as Mother Maria Salud.
Audrey
- born of course on the 9th October 1939, gaining her
schooling at Pollok and Matakawau Primary and Pukekohe
Convent, then after she left school spent some time
working on the farm, until she moved to Auckland and lives
with her sister and her brother Paul, working in the
Herald Office in Auckland. Audrey enjoyed playing table
tennis, and it was while playing table tennis that she met
Arthur Halliday, and they were married at Matakawau in
1961, and we note that theirs was the first Nuptial Mass
celebrated in the new Church here. They made their home in
Manurewa, Arthur working with Personality/Miami Furniture.
They have a family of eight, Michael, Anne, Claire,
Bernadette, Ross Gerard, Stephen, Mark and John and they
have all attended or are still attending school in
Manurewa. Michael has now left school, working as a
clerical assistant for a motors firm, Anne has taken up
hairdressing and Claire works as a machinist. From 1981
this family has grown as well. Audrey and Arthur
continue on living in their family home of the last 42
years enjoying their expanding “clan”. The boys all
gained their secondary education at De La Salle and the
girls at McCauley College.
Michael
is an accountant working for South Auckland Motors and has
made his home on his 5 acre block at Drury.
Ann
continued with her hair dressing and married Neville Bull
on 4th February 1987. Neville, a qualified
mechanic and worked at South Auckland Motors also. He
spent some time working with alluminium windows before the
family moved to Matamata to begin their dairy farming
career. They are currently sharemilking for David and
Antonia Craig on their farm at Hamilton’s Road on the
Manukau Heads. They have a family of three, Shaun
born on 26th March 1988, Amanda who
was born on 8th February 1990 and Jason
who was born on 13th May 1992. They attend
school at Matakawau and Waiuku College.
Claire
has remained living at home and taken an office manager’s
position.
Bernadette
became a dress cutter by trade. She married John Boyd on
28th March 1997 and they have a family of
four. Karli born on 26th August 1998,
Jessica born on 28th July 2000,
Melissa who was born on 8th August 2001 and
this busy household also has wee Samantha who was
born on 23rd August 2002. They have made their
home in Manukau Heights and John works as a builder.
Ross
left school to work in knitwear and also gained his
printing apprenticeship. He married Toni Crook from
Tuakau and they have made their home in Manurewa with
their family of three – Brooke who was born on 30th
October 1995, Jarrod Ross born on 10th
February 1997 and Cullen who was born on 10th
April 1999.
Stephen
is also a builder having his business called B & H
Builders and lives in Manurewa.
Mark,
a qualified mechanic, also lives in Manurewa and works as
the Parts manager for Toyota.
John
has taken on a position as a computer engineer and on 23rd
February 2002 he married Helena.
Peter
- Ross and Alma's eldest son, was born in Waiuku on the
7th July 1941, and gained his schooling at Pollok and
Matakawau, then secondary at St. Paul's and later Sacred
Heart in Auckland. He left school and came home to help
out on the farm when the family moved to Whitikahu. After
his marriage to Helen Barlow in 1965, Helen being born on
25th July 1943, a new home was built on the
back end of the farm, and they then took over half the
farm, to make their home there. They continued on in
dairying until Peter contacted the disease leptospirosus
and he found he was unable to keep up dairying, and they
moved to Rotorua to establish their trucking business
there and also owning a motel. They purchased a farm out
at Tuai which is near Lake Waikaremoana. This is an
especially beautiful part of the world and our family were
lucky to have a stop-over there just before we did the
Lake Waikaremoana tramp. It was something! Peter managed
this farm from Rotorua and eventually sold it to
concentrate fully on his trucking operation. Helen has
continued her career in office administration in Rotorua
and they have since retired from both the motel and
trucking businesses to have time to enjoy more of the
finer things in life.
They have a family of four children, Christopher, born 7th
September 1966, Maria, born on 14th November
1967, Sharon, born on 10th December 1968 and
Ruth, born on 9th August 1972. All three
attended schools in Rotorua.
Chris
has made a career in dairy farming. He has worked with
large herds from Rotorua to Southland to Australia then
back to NZ and a 50/50 sharemilking job near Rotorua
before moving to farm his own farm of 500 cows near
Dannevirke on June 1st 2002.
Maria
also took up a career in dairy farming. She married John
Sharland on 3rd June 1989 and they have made
their home on the farm at Mamaku milking 600 cows. They
have a family of three, Reece, Nathan and
Danielle. Reece and Nathan attend school at Mamaku
while Danielle is just over 1 yr old in 2003. This
family enjoys motorcross riding and Maria and her horse
enjoy the sport of hunting.
Sharon
also headed for a dairy farming career for 3 years or
so. She married Ivan King in Rotorua and the couple
have made their home there. Ivan is a vehicle dismantler
and their two children Stephanie and Kellum
attend school in Rotorua. Like her sister Maria, Sharon
too enjoys a good hunt with the hounds.
Ruth
left school to take up a career in office
administration. She married Ross Bryson on 2nd
February 2002 and the couple made their home in Rotorua
before moving recently to Takaka where Ross continues his
business as a carpet layer.
Paul
- was born in Waiuku on the 10th November 19 and he too
attended school at Pollok and Matakawau, and then
Secondary at St. Paul's in Auckland. After leaving school
he took a position in Auckland with a Sports supply shop,
flatting with his sisters, then when the family moved to
Whitikahu, Paul then joined them and took up dairy farming
full-time. 1972 was a big year for the Drylands for not
only did they move to a new farm, they also saw two sons
marry two sisters. Paul and Gail were the first couple
married, and they made their home on the farm at Telephone
Road, Puketaha. Gail trained at the Teachers Training
College in Hamilton and taught at Frankton Primary and
Manatapu Primary. They continue on dairy farming with
their family of five, Jonathan, Matthew, Timothy,
Elizabeth, Andrew, Sarah and Nicholas two being still
pre-school and the others attending Puketaha Primary.
(This
family also needs updating.)
Roger
- born in Waiuku on the 26th December 1946, and he
attended Awhitu Primary school and then St. Paul's College
in Auckland. Schooling completed, Roger returned home to
help on the farm, and of course his marriage to Darryl
Briggs was the other big event of 1972. Both Darryl and
Gail were bought up on a dairy farm at Onepu which is 15
miles from Whakatane, and Darryl trained as a nurse in
Hamilton and she and Roger made their home on the farm at
Telephone Road. They continue on here and of their family
of seven, i.e. Mary Anne, Angelene, Rebecca,
Benjamin, Patrick, Catherine and the baby, Daniel the
eldest four attend Puketaha Primary and the others are
pre-school. It doesn't take much arithmetic to work out
that there are seven Drylands attending the local Primary
school - four in one room and three in the infants - quite
a record.
Yes, that was in 1982.
This family has doubled in size and to make my task
easier, I shall simply rewrite the notes that Darryl sent
me – so read on. Roger and Darryl are still on the farm at Telephone Road,
Puketaha, having extended the house a room or two to
accommodate their family of 14 children. Mary Anne,
the eldest is married to Spenser Brockband, a fireman, and
they live in Te Awamutu. They have two boys, William
and Nathaniel. Angelene
and Rebecca spent a year in Canada working as
snowboarding and rafting instructors. Angelene, who is
also a Chef, is at Marlborough Polytech for a year
studying adventure leadership courses. Rebecca, also a
nurse, is currently checking out different jobs.
Benjamin
is a diesel mechanic and on the BIG OE at the moment
working on a fishing boat in Ireland.
Patrick,
also a diesel mechanic, works at Piako Motors,
Morrinsville.
Catherine
and Daniel worked on dairy farms in Australia for
the last 6 months and are presently holidaying in the
South Island.
Ross
has just completed 6th Form and his future
direction is still to be decided.
Luke
is in the 5th Form, and Rachel in the 4th
Form at Fairfield College.
Christine, Emma, Rose Marie
and Joanna all go to Puketaha Primary school.
(6)
AUDREY - was born in Onehunga on the 29th
May 1922 and she gained her schooling at Grahams Beach.
After school, Audrey came home to help out for a while
then went to Tauranga working as a domestic assistant,
then back home again for a time. During the war years she
went up to Pukehuia which is near Dargaville and worked
for two years there as a land girl. Then she spent a
little time at home again, and also went up to Waipu to
help her sister Teanie and her family for a time.
She then went working as a Womens Division housekeeper,
taking jobs in homes wherever they were offering, be it
Huntly, Onewhero, Mangere or where. This was definitely
the right job for Audrey, for while housekeeping at Aka
Aka she met the man who was to become her husband. She was
working for Henry Walter's sisters, and he'd be a regular
guest for Sunday lunch. What do they say - "the easiest
way to a man's heart”. Audrey and Henry were married in
Pukekohe in 1953 and they have made their home on their
farm at Waipipi where they continued to live all their
lives. Audrey and Henry enjoy their garden and their busy
farm life. They have a family of three, and besides her
many community involvements, Audrey found time to enjoy
the game of golf. One of her many notable achievements
was in setting up the Civilian Maimed Association (CMA) in
Waiuku. This was set up to help people with disabilities
and was a cause she believed in and contributed to with
great energy. Audrey passed away, after an illness, on
11th December, 1986. Henry remarried in
1989, continuing his life-time work, which is beef
farming. Henry passed away on 18th December
1996, both he and Audrey being buried at Waipipi.
Cathryn
- was born at Waiuku on the 25th October 1953 and gained
her schooling at Waipipi Primary and Sacred Heart Convent
in Remuera. When she left school Catherine worked as a
shop assistant in Waiuku, then moved to Onehunga where she
continued to work as a shop assistant, making her home in
Epsom. Eventually she returned to live in Waiuku and
became very involved with the CMA – an organization set up
by her mother Audrey. She involved herself in many other
community groups including St. Anthony’s Parish in Waiuku. Cathy passed away in her sleep on 9th July 2003
and is buried along side her parents at Waipipi.
Elizabeth
- born on the 12th July 1958 at Waiuku, she too gained her
schooling at Waipipi Primary and Sacred Heart Convent in
Remuera. She left school and went hairdressing, working in
a salon in Papakura. She continued on here until her
marriage to John Read in 1978. John was a foreman on the
Post and Telegraph and they made their home in Waiuku with
their three children, Carl born on the 30th September
1979, Adele born on the 22nd February 1982 and Emily who
was born on 2nd February 1984. Liz continues
her interest in hairdressing, working part-time while her
children were young and also teaching at night school.
She has turned this into career now, running her own
hairdressing business. She and her partner Gavin
Holmes, a dairy farmer from Kariotahi, both find time to
enjoy the sport of hunting and are both on the committee
of the Pakuranga Hunt Club – this love of horses is
widespread indeed!
Carl
gained his schooling at Waiuku Primary and Sacred Heart
College in Auckland where he enjoyed successes with both
the First 15 rugby team and the First 11 cricket teams.
He is now employed as a draughtsman in Auckland.
Adele
gained her education at Waiuku Primary and Waiuku College
respectively and is a trained vet nurse. Emily
also attended Waiuku Primary and College and she has made
hairdressing her trade. She has enjoyed real success in
athletics, competing in Trans-Tasman competitions.
Basil
- also born in Waiuku, on the 28th September 1962, and he
gained his schooling at Waipipi Primary and Waiuku
College. Basil left school and came home to work on the
farm, and found himself well involved in the local Young
Farmers' Club. He married Anne Conroy, a Waiuku girl, on
11th March 1989, and they made their home on
the farm out on the Coast at Waipipi, farming beef.
They have two children, Bradley Basil born on 28th
October 1991, and Rebecca Anne born on 13th
February 1994. These two attend Waipipi School where
Anne has been involved with the school BOT and the normal
community activities. Basil and Anne find themselves
very busy with involvement in their children’s activities
and sports like rugby and netball and Basil really enjoys
his time out fishing and involvement with CB radio.
Anne works full-time as human resource/personnel manager
for NZ Hot House Ltd at Bombay and Drury, being
responsible for all personnel matters for a staff of
250.
(7) TREVOR
- was born at Onehunga on the 1st October 1926, and he
gained his schooling at Grahams Beach and secondary at
Waiuku College. He left school during the war years,
coming home to work on the farm, and like other members of
the family, he enjoyed most sports, including wrestling.
He met Charlotte Bennett (better known as Molly of course)
and they were married at the Church of the Good Shepherd,
Balmoral, Auckland on the 28th August 1948. Molly came
from Auckland and was at that time working at Matakawau,
and after their marriage they made their home on the farm
at Marshalls Road, Grahams Beach. Their sons Barry and
Clive were born while they were here, then in 1952 they
sold this farm and went to Turua, purchasing Molly's
family's dairy farm there.
Their farm, being the original John Aspin’s home farm, was
sold to Harry Lewis who in turn sold it to Bill Hazel and
then on to the late Lloyd and Betty Andrews with Betty now
farming this block today.
Trevor and Molly continued farming for some time and
eventually sold this and bought a house and shop in Turua.
Molly managed this shop, and Trevor drove the milk tankers
for many years. Today they live in their home, which is
just across the road from where their shop was and of
course, apart from all the activities that a family gets
parents involved in, they enjoy most sports, including
rugby and golf, etc. These days Trevor spends his time
gardening and fishing, two interests he inherited from his
father, Jack. Molly continues to pursue her interests in
community affairs serving a number of years as a Hauraki
District Councillor, and after many years, is one of the
longest-serving members of the Thames Golf Club. Apart
from these interests, the two of them spend a good deal of
time travelling between Turua and Auckland where four of
their five children have settled.
As we continue on with the update to the original book,
Clive has sent me the information on their family, and I
will just copy from his letter here – “The name Jack Aspin will continue to live on well
into the twenty-first century. The youngest grandson of
the original Jack Aspin is Trevor, who married Molly.
Together they have five children, fourteen grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren with the youngest of their
grandchildren being named Jack. Jack is the youngest
child of the youngest of Trevor and Molly’s four sons,
Peter. Trevor, Molly and their family are looking forward
to meeting at Awhitu to honour their ancestor Jack
Aspin. Not only will they be able to reminisce and share
memories with other relatives, but they are also hoping
that this might provide an occasion for younger family
members such as Jack to establish a link with this land
which continues to play such an important role in their
lives.”
Barry
- born at Waiuku on the 27th May 1949 gained his schooling
at Turua Primary, then St. Pauls College and Thames High
School. Barry left school and worked in Otahuhu. He
travelled to Australia, working over there for four years,
and during this time enjoyed a good few games of cricket,
representing Riverina as opening batsman. It was after he
came back home that he met Wendy Maddaford, and they were
married in 1972. They have made their home in Te Atatu
with their four children, Bradley, Warwick, Kelly and
Kendal and Barry is a weedspraying contractor in
Auckland. Both Barry and Wendy are very active members
of their local community. In recent years Barry has taken
up bowls, and typical of the competitive spirit, he gives
it 100%.
Bradley
was born on 16th August 1974, gained his
schooling in Te Atatu, finishing at Rutherford High. He
operated a courier business until moving to Sydney in 1999
where he works as a club barman.
Warwick,
born on 15th November 1975, also gained his
schooling at Te Atatu, finishing at Rutherford High. He
completed his Bachelor of Science at Auckland Technical
Institute, majoring in microbiology, and is now employed
with Ag. Quality at Lynfield. He married Lisa Ratahi,
Lisa coming from New Plymouth, and she works at the Lab.
at Auckland Hospital. This busy household also has three
children !! Cairo – he was born on 2nd
October 1991. Then there is Tehran and she was
born on 21st November 1997 and finally Rios,
he being born on 15th May 2000. They live
in the same street as Barry and Wendy.
Kelly
was born on 17th October 1978, also gaining her
schooling at Te Atatu. She headed over the waters for
the BIG OE and has returned, taking up a secretarial
position, and remains living at home.
Kendal
arrived on 27th March 1994, and attends school
at Te Atatu.
Stanley Clive
(Clive) was also born at Waiuku on the 17th
June 1950, and educated at Turua Primary, then St. Pauls
College and Hauraki Plains College, and held the position
of head prefect at the latter. He continued on at Auckland
University, gaining his B.A., and diploma in English
language teaching, in 1974, then spread his wings to see
the great wide world. Clive spent three years in Algiers,
(one year working for the Algierian government, and two
years for the British consul) then spent 12 months in
London, and some time working as a language teacher in
France.
Some where in all this, Clive gained a notable education.
He has also received a Master of Arts in Applied
Linguistics from Victoria University and has recently been
awarded a PhD in Public Health from the University of
Otago, his doctoral thesis being “Trans-Tasman Migration
and Maori in the Time of AIDS”. Note: We believe,
Clive, this makes you the first “doctor” in the
Aspin family. Congratulations.
In recent years he has settled in Sydney where he is
working at the University of New South Wales in HIV social
research. His research interests include Maori health,
migration, sexual practice and HIV transmission. He has
published widely on these topics and intends writing a
book based on his thesis this year. He lives with his
partner Terry Armstrong and their five year old son
Louis Manu-o-te-Rangi. Terry, a sixth generation
Australian and is a true blue Australian in that he is
descended from the convicts as well as the first Chinese
settler in Sydney, Mak Sai Ying. He works as a real
estate agent in inner Sydney. Louis was born in
Wellington, spent four years in Nice, France so speaks
French and English, and will begin his formal education at
Darlinghurst Public school, Sydney.
Neil
- was born at Thames on the 24th April 1953, and he too
gained his Primary education at Turua Primary, then on to
Hauraki Plains College. Neil has made his home in
Auckland, being a carpenter, and has enjoyed considerable
success in rugby league. He played for Rotorua and then
Auckland, and has represented Bay of Plenty and Auckland
and also the New Zealand Maoris in the Pacific Cup
International Tourney in 1978, and also was in the Kiwi
trials that same year.
Neil married Jill and have made their home in South
Auckland. They have four children, Aaron, Lindsay,
Haley, and April .
Peter
- also born at Thames, on the 24th April 1955, which is
Neil's birthday of course, and also gained his schooling
at Turua and Hauraki Plains College, as well as Thames
High. Peter travelled overseas to Australia, and settled
there after his marriage to Jane (Jenny) Mann. Jenny came
from Cairns, Queensland and they were married in 1978,
made their home in Townsville which is in Queensland, and
Peter completed his studies, and was ordained as a
minister of religion. In this capacity, they made a
number of moves, but always in the central Queensland
region. Daughter Katie was born on 26th
April 1985, and then Peter, on 12th
November 1982. The family returned to NZ in 1995, and
Peter has taken up employment as an auctioneer at this
stage, with Jenny working as a teacher. They continue
their ministry work, and the arrival of young Jack
on 6th June 1996 completed the family.
Can you guess that these Aspins also live in ………... Te
Atatu?
The rose amongst all these thorns is Christine
- she was born at Thames on the 28th May 1958, and like
those thorns, gained her education at Turua and Hauraki
Plains College. Chris enjoyed badminton, being fortunate
(or is it hardworking enough) to represent Thames Valley
in this sport, then moved to Auckland where she took a
position as a bank clerk. Chris married Allan Peers at
Turua in 1981 (the day before the big floods down there).
Allan comes from Auckland, and they have made their home
there with their daughter Danielle, who was born on
20th July 1977. Eventually, the family moved to
Te Atatu to live across the road from her brother
Barry, and their son Rhys was born on 3rd
July 1982.
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