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Burglar beats 76-year-old in Opotiki
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| Photo / Cameron Avery |
When she demanded to know what the young man was doing, he grabbed her and demanded cash. The victim attempted to flee but he threatened to kill her if she screamed or called the Police.
He forced her into a bedroom where the victim later escaped through a window and raised the alarm. Meanwhile the offender stole a small amount of cash and then left the address. This attack left the elderly victim bruised and shaken. She was seen by medical staff but fortunately did not require hospital treatmeiint.
Detective Constable Ash Clements describes the assault by saying: "This is a cowardly attack on an elderly female in her home, a place she should be safe. He needs to be caught, this type of offence can not he tolerated in our community.
"In the past information from the public has been the key to solving crimes of this nature and this is another situation where we need the local community to call with any information, no matter how unimportant it may seem to them".
The offender is described as a man in his late teens, early 20's, fair-skinned Maori, of short stature and slim build.
Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the King Street area between 1pm and 1:30pm, or anyone who has any knowledge of this incident is asked contact the Police as soon as possible.
You can pass information directly to the Öpötiki Police 07 315-1112, the Whakatäne police 07 308-5255 or anonymously via the Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.
New probation centre officialy opened
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The Tauranga South facility costing $1.2 million, will provide safer and more modern environments for Corrections staff and community groups.
"Our staff work extremely hard to keep communities safe and to try and help offenders turn their lives around," says Mrs Tolley.
"They deserve to be in surroundings which enable them to work constructively with offenders, and which also keep them safe.
"These new centres have enhanced safety features such as CCTV and glass interview rooms. They also have space for on-site training, meetings and delivery of rehabilitation programmes.
"Local community groups will also be able to take advantage of the new facilities, and I want to acknowledge the role they play in supporting our target of reducing reoffending.
"These new probation centres are an important addition to their communities, as we forge ahead with our targets of preventing crime, reducing the number of victims of crime and reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017."
Total fire ban for Western Bay
A total fire ban will be imposed across the Western Bay of Plenty District from 6.00am today.
Mr Barry Low, Principal Rural Fire Officer, said that this move has been made in light of weather conditions, both existing and forecast, and the amount of dry fuels present in the rural environment.
‘We placed severe restrictions on permit issues a month ago, which limited the number of allowed fires’ said Barry. ‘The total fire ban will mean that, with the exception of gas-fired barbecues, no open-air fires will be allowed in any part of the Western Bay of Plenty’.
‘Long range forecasts do not show any significant rainfall in the near future. While we may get the occasional shower, these do little to reduce fire danger. Much of that moisture will evaporate within hours’ said Barry.’
The Rural Fire Authority asks that farmers and others in the rural area take especial care when using chainsaws, mowers, or other machinery capable of generating a spark. The Authority also notes that the ban will apply to urban areas within Western Bay of Plenty District.
Persons sighting smoke or fire should immediately call the ‘111’ emergency number and ask for Fire Service.
‘Long range forecasts do not show any significant rainfall in the near future. While we may get the occasional shower, these do little to reduce fire danger. Much of that moisture will evaporate within hours’ said Barry.’
The Rural Fire Authority asks that farmers and others in the rural area take especial care when using chainsaws, mowers, or other machinery capable of generating a spark. The Authority also notes that the ban will apply to urban areas within Western Bay of Plenty District.
Persons sighting smoke or fire should immediately call the ‘111’ emergency number and ask for Fire Service.
Public process to decide Rena's future
Any decision to leave the remaining structure of the cargo ship MV Rena on Otaiti (Astrolabe) Reef off the Tauranga coast requires a full resource consent process, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Chief Executive Mary-Anne Macleod says.
No consent application has yet been made.
Recent announcements about the ultimate fate of the remaining Rena structure have raised questions about the process that would be followed if the owners applied for a consent to leave the wreck and any debris on the reef.
Regional Council Chief Executive Mary-Anne Macleod said a "full and robust" statutory process would be followed if a consent application was lodged for any part of the Rena to remain on Otaiti Reef.
"Under the provisions of the Regional Council’s Coastal Plan, a resource consent is required for any structure to occupy the seabed. A full and robust statutory process would be followed in accordance with the requirements of the Resource Management Act," she said.
Any consent application for leaving the structure on the reef would be publicly notified to give the public every opportunity to express any concerns through this statutory process.
If a consent application is made in the future, the Regional Council would engage the best available scientific and technical advice to ensure an informed decision could be made, Ms Macleod said.
House fire murder accused bailed
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| Photo: [Getty Stock] |
Bail has been granted to a man accused of murdering his partner in a house fire near Ruatoria in October last year.
A man charged with murdering his partner in a house fire north of Ruatoria last year has been released on bail after appearing in court.
Lawrence Huihui Wawatai, 55, was granted bail after a hearing in the Gisborne District Court on Wednesday.
He is charged with the murder of Mary-Ann August-Akuhata, 48, who died from injuries suffered in the fire in the settlement of Tikitiki on October 10 last year.
The Gisborne Herald reports Wawatai, who has yet to enter a plea, was bailed to a Bay of Plenty address with a 24-hour curfew.
He had been in custody since his last appearance in court on Friday. Wawatai was remanded for a pre-committal appearance in March.
11-year-old run over by quad bike
The Tauranga based Trust Power Tect Resue Helicopter was called to transpor the 11-year-old to Hosipital with back injuries.
A spokesperson for the rescue helicopter says the girl fell off a quad bike and was then run over.
She was treated by at the scene and transported to Whakatane Hospital in a stable condition.
Great British Car Rally heads for Whakatane
More than 200 British-manufactured vehicles, old and new, are expected to take part in the rally, which begins in Auckland on 17 February and ends in Christchurch on 22 February. Day 2 (Monday 18 February) will see participants travel from Tauranga to Gisborne, with a two-hour stop scheduled in Whakatāne from noon till 2.00pm.
The Whakatane District Council’s Kakahoroa Drive Car Park (to the east of The Warehouse and between the rear of The Strand and Kakahoroa Drive) will be closed for the day to accommodate the rally participants and support vehicles.
Mayor Tony Bonne says the Council realises that the car park closure will cause some inconvenience for regular users, but the area is the only viable location for the event. “We have to be able to park more than 200 vehicles in the CBD, so that participants can access the town’s cafes, restaurants and retail opportunities,” he explains. “Being included as a stop-off is a very positive development for the District and the Council and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce are fully supportive of this high-profile event.”
Mr Bonne says a welcome is being planned for rally participants, who will also be encouraged to visit the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award exhibition at Te Kōputu – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre – or take in the visitor experience provided at the Mataatua Wharenui.
“We will be asking people who normally use the Kakahoroa Drive Car Park to utilise the all-day parking facilities available at the McAlister Street, Pyne Street and Clifton Road Car Parks. Parking time restrictions on The Strand will be unchanged, but elsewhere in the CBD, we will be relaxing the normal time allowances for the day.”
The Council will publicise alternative parking arrangements in the lead-up to the event.
Waiohau farmer airlifted to hospital
The 34 year old Waiohau farmer fell from his motorbike on a farm track just before 4pm.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson said the man received head injuries and was treated by paramedics before being flown to Waikato hospital for further treatment.
The man is believed to be in a stable condition.
Low to rapidly deepen today
A low rapidly deepens over the Tasman Sea today, then moves slowly eastwards across the South Island from Monday. An associated front is expected to move across the South Island and North Island during Monday and early Tuesday, preceded by strong to gale northerlies.
The heaviest rain is forecast on Monday for Westland, the ranges of northwest Nelson, and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges. A period of heavy rain is also likely for the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty from Monday afternoon through to Tuesday morning. Rainfall amounts in these areas may approach warning levels.
As the low moves across the South Island, cold southeasterly rain is expected in Canterbury during Monday. This rain should turn to snow above about 400 metres for a time Monday morning with brief heavy falls. A heavy snow advisory for farmers has been issued for the Canterbury High Country. This has the potential to disrupt transport and cause stress in livestock.
Finally, as the front moves onto the North Island on Monday, it is preceded by a period of strong northerlies. This Watch is for the possibility of severe gale gusts Monday morning and afternoon in southern Taranaki, inland Wanganui and Taihape.
People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, in case warnings becomes necessary.
Three men charged in relation to Opotiki stabbing overnight
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen, officer in charge of the Eastern Bay of Plenty CIB says Police were called to a Church Street address in Opotiki where it's alleged a 24 year old man was stabbed by three offenders following an altercation at a private function.
"The victim suffered a number of stab wounds to his back and lower body and is currently being treated for these injuries in Whakatane Hospital. His condition does not appear to be life threatening at this stage."
Three men, two aged 16 and one aged 22 years, are appearing in the Whakatane District Court this afternoon charged with various offences including wounding with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
"We are continuing our enquiries into this incident and have a number of people still to talk to. Luckily the victim's condition does now not appear to be life threatening."
Police would like to hear from anyone with any information in relation to this incident. Anyone with information should either phone Opotiki Police on (07) 315 1112, Whakatane Police (07) 308 5255 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
White Island showing signs of unrest
Active volcano White Island is showing signs of increased activity and that has prompted GNS to lift the aviation alert level from green to yellow for pilots flying over and near the Bay of Plenty region.
The Crater Lake at White Island has recently started to re-fill and gases are now vigorously streaming through it says GNS in a release issued this afternoon. "Airborne gas measurements made yesterday show that the discharge of some sulphur gases has increased. During the past few weeks there has also been some minor volcanic tremor" says the statement by Duty Volcanologist Michael Rosenberg.
"During 2011and early 2012 White Island Crater Lake slowly evaporated to expose steam vents and form two large muddy pools. However, sometime between Friday July 27 and Saturday July 28, the lake level rose quickly by about 3 m to 5 m. Vigorous flow of gas and steam through the new lake can be seen from the air".
GNS says the lake has been inaccessible for many months and they have not been able to measure changes in its temperature or chemistry. "Sulphur gases measured yesterday in the steam and gas plume have increased during the last three months but CO2 gas output remains at about the same level" the statement says.
Since early July there have been intermittent periods of volcanic tremor, including several hours early on Saturday July 28 and during Monday and Tuesday this week. Tremor is not uncommon at White Island but earlier this year it had been at very low levels.
A recent ground survey showed that the main crater floor is no longer subsiding and now may be slowly rising.
These phenomena are typical for White Island's activity, but are the first substantial changes to occur in the last few years.
The statement goes on to say White Island is an active volcano but recent changes in activity suggest that the hydrothermal system has become unstable, and as a result the risk has increased.
GNS advises extra caution should be taken, especially if approaching the Crater Lake and other active thermal features.
GNS Science volcanologists are monitoring the activity and further information will be released as soon as it is available.
The increased activity at White Island has no connection with the recent earthquakes and changes in gas flux at Tongariro volcano.
Tuscany Villas Whakatane Joins Heritage Boutique Collection
The Heritage Boutique Collection welcomes Tuscany Villas Whakatane as the ninth property to join the luxury Collection.
The property has a range of corporate suites, one bedroom suites and two bedroom family suites. All suites come with a spa bath en suite.
“We are thrilled to expand the Heritage Boutique Collection in to such a popular regional centre as Whakatane. Demand has been strong for pristine condition accommodation with a high level of service and standards in this region,” says Ronnie Ronalde general manager of the Heritage Boutique Collection.
Whakatane is a beautiful coastal town centrally located between Ohope, Tauranga and Taupo, with Rotorua just 50 minutes drive away. The town is a popular hub on the touring route to the spectacular East Cape region.
Whakatane is also considered the best place to access White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano. For outdoors fans there is so much to do in Whakatane including cultural experiences, water sports, hiking, tramping, game fishing and exploring New Zealand’s natural habitat.
To celebrate joining the Heritage Boutique Collection, Tuscany Villas Whakatane is offering an overnight stay special for $149 GST inc a night for two people in a corporate suite with a complimentary bottle of wine. The special is on until 30 September. Call 07 308 2244 to book. Websitewww.HeritageBoutique.co.nz
The Heritage Boutique Collection presents an exclusive selection of properties offering charm and sophistication in key New Zealand locations. Every property to join the Heritage Boutique Collection does so by invitation only. The Collection represents the ultimate in hospitality, superior facilities and professional standards promising every guest will feel like 'someone special' staying 'somewhere special.'
“We are heartened by the progress in achieving our aim to be New Zealand’s most preeminent and respected collection of boutique properties, that promise our guests the warmest welcome and a truly relaxing stay appealing to all five senses,” adds Ronnie Ronalde.
The recently formed Heritage Boutique Collection includes The Waterfront Suites Bay of Islands, Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands, Auckland’s Waitakere Estate, Tuscany Villas Rotorua, The Martinborough Hotel, Wellesley Boutique Hotel Wellington in the North Island and Marlborough Vintners Hotel and Akaroa Cottages Banks Peninsula in the South Island. Further properties are soon to be announced.
Matatā wastewater project squashed
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The scheme was first proposed in 2004, when it had an estimated cost of $4 million, and received approval for Ministry of Health subsidy funding of $3.3 million under the Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme. The flooding and debris disaster which struck the township in 2005 saw the project placed on hold until 2008, by which time, changes in scope and design had increased the estimated cost to $9 million. Further proposed changes between 2009 and 2011 saw costs escalate to some $10.5 million, while the subsidy funding available increased to $6.7 million.
The Whakatāne District Council’s Matata Projects Governance Group Chairperson, Councillor Russell Orr, says concerns about the project lead the Council to undertake a review of its health impact justification and reassess the reticulation and treatment options available.
“There was a degree of urgency involved, because to qualify for subsidy funding, the project would have to be completed by 30 June 2014,” Mr Orr says. “Our view was that the original business case and health impact assessment
were unconvincing and given the scale of the funding at stake, we thought it prudent to take independent expert advice before proceeding.”
The Beca consultancy was engaged to undertake the project review in early-June and report back to the Council by 1 August.
The review was broken into two work areas: a new Public Health Risk Assessment based on up-to-date health and environmental testing data (carried out by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research); and a summary of previously considered reticulation and treatment options, with updated costings, and commentary on any additional options which could be considered.
“The key review finding was that there is no compelling case for the introduction of a full reticulated sewage disposal system in Matatā on the basis of risks to human health,” Mr Orr continues. “Environmental testing also indicates that adverse impacts arising from the use of septic tank disposal systems are not widespread and we are confident that those impacts can be remedied.
“Under the circumstances, it is difficult to sustain the proposition that significant public and ratepayer funding should be committed to the development of the wastewater scheme and the Council has therefore notified the Matatā community that it does not intend to continue with the project at this time.”
Documents summarising the review findings and outlining a proposed Bay of Plenty Regional Council plan change to make Matatā a ‘maintenance zone’ for on-site effluent treatment were distributed throughout the township over the weekend.
Feedback from the meeting will be taken to a full Council meeting the next day, when the Beca wastewater review report and the recommendations arising from will be considered.
“If adopted, those recommendations will see a field investigation team formed, in conjunction with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, to investigate the few areas where septic tank systems don’t seem to be working effectively and undertake a package of work to improve the standard of on-site disposal systems,” Mr Orr concludes.
The maintenance zone for on-site effluent treatment proposed by the Regional Council would involve the collection of information on existing septic tank age, condition and maintenance and establish a mandatory inspection and maintenance regime.
Kawerau dancer set for departure to Las Vegas
The day is finally here for a Kawerau dancer who will be departing the shores of New Zealand this afternoon to represent New Zealand at the World Hip Hop Champs in Las Vegas.
Joseph McClutchie, 20, along with a group of Bay of Plenty dancers from the Co' Lab Mega Crew will be departing the land of the long white cloud to the bright neon lights of Las Vegas to represent New Zealand at the World Hip Hop Champs.
Mr McClutichie will be performing apart of Papamoa's Urban Dance Company's Co' Lab Mega Crew who will be performing in the MegaCrew division.
"Who would have thought that a guy from Kawerau would have made it to Las Vegas to rep NZ and more the Bay of Plenty." says Mr McClutchie. "I thank every one that has helped me get this far in life, this has been my life long dream and I can't wait to hit that stage an kill it."
Urban Dance Company's Co' Lab Mega Crew secured their placing at the world championships after placing 3rd in the New Zealand Street Dance national competition in April.
Sarah Martin of Papamoa's Urban Dance Company said It has been a demanding effort getting the group sorted and set to go but it has been worth it.
"We would like to thank all our supporters, fans and family who have helped and contributed money, time and just support to make this 'dream' possible." She says.
The Co' Lab Mega Crew will perform in Las Vegas on Friday morning (NZ Time)
The Co' Lab Mega Crew will perform in Las Vegas on Friday morning (NZ Time)
Supporters are encouraged to join the groups official facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CoLabMegaCrew to keep up to date and follow the crew in Las Vegas.
Cycle Trail at risk under local govt bill
The Government's flagship New Zealand Cycle Trail project is at risk if proposed changes to local government law go ahead, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) is warning.
"Cycle trails around the country are relying on funding and support from local councils. For example, the Motu Trails is a partnership between the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, Opotiki District Council, Gisborne District Council, Whakatohea Maori Trust Board and the Department of Conservation.
"The tourism industry is concerned that the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill could restrict councils investing in this type of infrastructure if it is passed in its present form," TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says.
Council-backed events and festivals, such as the Ellerslie International Flower Show, the IRB Sevens, Taupo's Ironman NZ, Warbirds over Wanaka and Pasifika, could also be at risk, he says.
TIA is calling for local government to continue to be allowed to invest in the visitor industry, which creates jobs and income in communities around the country. Support from visitors makes possible a range of events and festivals that residents also enjoy, enhancing that community's vibrancy and well-being.
"Councils are arguably the visitor industry's most important partner, investing in and supporting infrastructure such as museums and stadia, events and festivals, and the agencies that promote and sell tourism products, such as Regional Tourism Organisations, i-SITE Visitor Centres or economic development agencies," Mr Snedden says.
"TIA believes councils have a vital role to play in regional economic development but this bill does not appear to make allowance for this type of activity. The Bill must be amended to reconfirm and cement local government's role in regional economic development."
Opportunities exist to make efficiencies in current local government investment in the visitor industry, he says. TIA is proposing a taskforce comprising representatives from local
government, central government and the private sector be set up immediately to find a national solution to investment challenges for the tourism sector.
Pine tree removal in the Waioeka Gorge
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that a short section of the Waioeka Gorge at Oponae on State Highway 2 will close for short periods from 30 July – 3 August 2012 to enable the removal of hazardous trees overhanging the highway.
NZTA will be closing the highway near Waiata Road for up to 15 minute stretches to protect traffic while the trees are being removed. Some travel delays are expected.
Weather permitting, the work will begin on July 30 and will take approximately five days to complete. The work will be carried out between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
NZTA State Highway manager, Brett Gliddon, says the eighteen pine trees are self seeded and are situated precariously above the road, posing a potential hazard to road users if they were to fall.
Mr Gliddon says, “The removal of these pines is a continuation of the wilding pine control that the Department of Conservation (DOC) has progressively being undertaking in the Waioeka Gorge over recent years. The trees are located on DOC land, and the cost to remove them is being shared between the two agencies.”
For more information please visit www.nzta.govt.nz
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week in the Bay
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week will see mothers across New Zealand attempting to break the record set last year of 1564 women breastfeeding simultaneously.
Locations are being set up across New Zealand for mothers and babies to come together and celebrate breastfeeding.
Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service has been working to support two Big Latch On venues in the Bay of Plenty. Those wanting to join the event in Tauranga, which has been organised by the Breastfeeding Advocacy and Advisory Group for Western Bay of Plenty, can come along to Bayfair Shopping Centre, opposite Farmers at Mount Maungauni at 10am on Friday 3rd August. Whakatane mothers wanting to join the event can come along to Whakatane Library at 9.30am on Friday 3rd August. This Big Latch On has been organised by Ukaipo.
The Big Latch On will also be held at other venues across the Bay of Plenty:
§ Katikati – Katikati Midwives Clinic, 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati
§ Kawerau - Tuwharetoa Health, Ranfurly Building, Kawerau
§ Opotiki - Whakatohea Iwi Social & Health Services, 128 Church St, Opotiki
§ Tauranga – Grindz Café, 50 First Avenue, Tauranga
For contact details, visit the Women’s Health Action Trust website – www.womens-health.org.nz
This year it is anticipated that even more mothers will participate in the Big Latch On which will again break the record, which has been broken every year since 2005.
World Breastfeeding Week takes place annually in the first week of August in over 170 countries. Every year World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) sets a theme for Breastfeeding Week, this year it is “Understanding the Past - Planning the Future, celebrating 10 years of WHO/UNICEF's Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding”.
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and then continue to breastfeed along with the introduction of solid foods.
For more information about World Breastfeeding Week and the Big Latch On event visit www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.
Ruatahuna man dies in logging truck crash.
A Ruatahuna man is dead after a logging truck crash in the Kaingaroa forest.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 11am yesterday morning. The crash occurred on Forestry Road 6, between Kaingaroa and Reporoa, 47km south of Rotorua.
A fire communications spokesperson said emergency services from Kaingaroa, Murupara and Rotorua were called to the crash scene at about 11.00am.
A spokesman for Kaingaroa rural fire said another truck called in the crash and when we got to the scene it was evident the fully loaded truck had gone over the steep bank.
"It is a tragedy for our community and whanau." says Whitiaua Ropitini a whanau member.
"When we first heard the news we were shocked and we didn't believe it was true. Uncle Victor was an experienced truck driver and has been driving for years so it was a huge shock for all of us."
"A tangi will held at our marae Te Wai Iti" She says.
Police are investigating the crash.
Eastern Bay mourns the death of Margaret Mahy
The Eastern Bay community of Whakatane is mourning the loss of one of its greatest daughters.
Born in Whakatane, in 1936, Mahy was working as a librarian when an American publisher spotted one of her stories in a children's journal. "It was one of those romantic things that happen," she said of her discovery.
Winner of many of the world's major children's prizes, including the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen medal. She was also awarded the Order of New Zealand for her internationally acclaimed contribution to children's literature, which ranged from picture books to short stories and novels. "It is in the nature of books, that they have the capacity to make you feel powerful about what you can alter and achieve in your life," she once said.
Though Ms Mahy spent most of her life in Canterbury she always called the Eastern Bay home.
She always described the blooming of the Puhutukawa tree's at west end in Ohope, the beautiful surroundings and the smile and friendliness of the people.
Prime Minister John Key today expressed his sorrow at the passing of Margaret Mahy ONZ, one of New Zealand's best-loved authors.
"She is widely acknowledged as one of this country's finest authors, and one of the world's greatest writers of children's and young adults' stories. says Mr Key.
"I would like to extend my condolences to Ms Mahy's family and friends at this sad time,""I am sure her stories will remain firm favourites among children here and overseas for years to come." Says Mr Key.
"She is widely acknowledged as one of this country's finest authors, and one of the world's greatest writers of children's and young adults' stories. says Mr Key.
"I would like to extend my condolences to Ms Mahy's family and friends at this sad time,""I am sure her stories will remain firm favourites among children here and overseas for years to come." Says Mr Key.
Taneatua mourns local hero - A mighty Totara has fallen
An eastern bay community is in mourning following the loss of a local hero.
The community of Taneatua is in mourning after the death of local leader, koro, and principle Rob Shaw. Mr Shaw, 71, passed away on Sunday morning at Whakatane hospital following a stroke.
Described as a silent hero, a man of his community Mr Shaw served as the principal of Taneatua School for the past 16 years and gave 52 years involvement to Whakatane and Rangitaiki Tai Mitchell junior rugby teams. This year he was also honoured with a local heroes medal for his outstanding services and contribution to the Taneatua community.
Mr Shaw has been described as having a heart of gold for anyone that needed a helping hand, mentoring and shaping many children who have come from troubled homes and backgrounds. Kiwis captain Benji Marshall was among those whom Shaw has mentored
Life was not always smelling of roses. Shaw had known heartache, too. He lost his son Greg who drowned while surfing during Cyclone Ivy in 2004 and last year his 17-year-old whangai son Hugh Biddle was killed when a landslide engulfed their home at Ohope.
Yet for all that he kept going strong - helping his community and those that needed that extra helping hand.
His death has come as a shock to the community of Taneatua and residents say he will be greatly missed by all.
"I just want to say you look happy koro, happy to be with your boys. But it hurts to see you go. "says a former student.
Tribute messages on social networking sites have described Mr Shaw as a great man and say a mighty Totara tree has fallen.
A post on Facebook by a former student said. "You truly will be missed Sir, LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER! thanks for being the best ever! always there when anyone needed you!"
And this post by a former team player coached by Mr Shaw said. "He always treated us like we were his own in every way on and off the field and you could always go to him for anything and he would welcome you with open arms and had a heart of gold,he was more than just a manager,a mentor,a role model..MOE MAI RA E ROB,MA TE ATUA KOE E MANAAKI.AROHANUI.."
Mr Shaw's body will lie instate at Rewarewa Marae until Wednesday when a public funeral service is planned in Whakatane.