Keith Turuwhaenua has spent 60 years on the job
Keith Turuwhaenua is KiwiRail's longest-serving current employee, and one of only a handful of staff aged over 75. On Saturday he celebrated 60 years on the job - and the 76-year-old says he still enjoys getting up every day to head to work.
Turuwhaenua got the job after his grandfather encouraged him to move to Wellington to complete a trade training programme run by the Government's Māori Affairs department in 1961 when he was 16.
He has worked out of KiwiRail's mechanical depot in Thorndon, where he's currently based, for much of his career but also worked at the workshop in Woburn, Lower Hutt, for a time.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.2% Yes
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21.2% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Wellington Colours
Red Cross Shop Kilbirnie is celebrating our provincial colours this week! Come in and get decked out in Wellington colours!
27 Rongotai Road Kilbirnie Wellington
9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday,
10am to 4pm Sunday