Some of New Zealand’s famous are from our smalltown Whangaroa
Eric Rush (born 1965 in Kaeo) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer and a Rugby Sevens legend, arguably one of the greatest sevens players to grace the game. In a distinguished NZ Sevens career, which began in 1988 and ran until past his 39th birthday in 2004, Rush played in more than 60 tournaments, with the highlights being 2 Commonwealth Games gold medals and the World Cup Sevens victory in 2001. He was also voted Best and Fairest Player at the 1991 Hong Kong Sevens.
Robin Hyde (born 1906, died 1939) is now regarded as a major figure in 20th century New Zealand modernist literature. She is one of New Zealand’s greatest poets, and was also a renowned novelist and a ground-breaking journalist. Her most famous novel, the
semi-autobiographical “The Godwits Fly” was completed at Otawhiri Point, Totara North in 1937. One of her most well-loved poems is entitled “Whangaroa Harbour”.
Hiwi Tauroa (born 1927) was New Zealand’s first officially-appointed Race Relations Conciliator. Before he took up this role, Hiwi was prominent in many circles, as a member of the New Zealand Maori rugby team, the principal of Wesley College, the coach of the Counties Manukau rugby team, chairman of the Maori Broadcasting Agency Te Mangai Paho, as well as being the author of several books on various subjects. Hiwi lives with his wife Pat at Waitaruke.
Richard Parker is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed ceramic artists. Winner of any awards, and with an impressive range of work in private and public collections worldwide, Richard Parker is often described as “a potter’s potter”. He has exhibited widely over many years, both in New Zealand and in Japan, Europe and the United States. His highly original and distinctive works are much sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs, both here and internationally. For many years he lived and worked at his studio on Omaunu Road, until moving to Kerikeri in 2009 to take up a teaching position at NorthTec.
Richard Mapp is one of New Zealand’s leading classical pianists. He made his solo debut at the age of 12 with the Christchurch Civic Orchestra. After graduating from Otago University, he pursued his musical studies in the UK. His Wigmore Hall debut was very well received and a successful career of solo and recital engagements in Europe, Scandinavia and North America followed. During his time in Europe, he recorded several times for the BBC and his recent release of the piano music of Enrique Granados received glowing reviews in the BBC music magazine. After returning to New Zealand in 1991 to live at Waitapu Bay, he co-founded the Bay of Islands Arts Festival and the Kerikeri International Piano Competition. He lived and taught music at Waitapu Bay until 2003. He is currently Senior Lecturer and Head of Piano Studies at Massey University in Wellington
Madhuban - New Zealand 