The Givers Keep On Giving

The concept of 'Paying It Forward' is second nature to this remarkable tight knit community of Picton.

 Nicci Fitzgerald owner/operator of Piwaka Lodge, High Street, Picton is well known for her goodwill toward those suffering and in need within community.  It is her compassion and conviction that propels her forward into being a source of 'provision' for those struggling severely, who are also, at times "the forgotten" in society. 

Ripples of trauma residue are seen and felt deeply within small communities, a place where the locals know one another by name.  This is a collective response to those events we have zero control over. We pull together, we make a difference where we can. We pay it forward. 

Recognizing the need to support and show appreciation for our First Responders, Nicci swiftly inspired the quick action networking plan.  It resulted in an outpouring of koha from local businesses, individuals, groups and business owners and as far as Christchurch. The goal was to show loving support to our volunteers and First Responders who were present at the fateful crash site in Koromiko earlier this month.  Gift boxes and baskets were delivered as a surprise. A group of Kapa Haka students from Queen Charlotte College, led by David Collins, graced us with a powerful Haka, and heartfelt Waiata. 

Our brave, our 'First Responders', include our very own volunteer team at Picton Fire Brigade and the St John Ambulance team who experienced first hand the devastating carnage left behind from the now deemed "worst road accident in 20 years" in Marlborough. A crash that resulted in seven fatalities and two serious injuries, one of the surviving victims still in critical condition. Our thoughts go out to all of the loved ones of the victims, and those who have been deeply effected by the ordeal.

This blog post is a tribute to the 'Humans of Picton' who are doing for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. They are mostly volunteers, and belong to the Picton Fire Brigade, St Johns Ambulance crew and local Police. These are our First Responders - our heroes. Their stories will never be told in full to those of us who sit in the comfort of our homes, unaware of the selfless mahi these men and women donate, throughout the year.

We hope that this outpouring of love and support for you, our 'heroes' will uplift, envelop and support you each, in the inevitable ripple effect of trauma.  We pray that you will find the courage, resilience and comfort from those you love and need in this time. 

Picton Fire Brigade celebrated their 150th Birthday in June this year. It is timely for us each to recognise the need for more volunteers. Will it be you?  Would you like to know more? Please have a chat with the senior volunteers or contact them on Facebook. Check out their website for training nights.  Get involved! 

A stunning cake donated by our local artisan ..... celebrating the upcoming Picton Fire Brigades 150yr Anniversary

Our local Fire Chief .. welcomes you to follow their social media pages for upcoming initiatives and events that could interest you. 

Gift Giving - Speeches & Haka  <<<Click here for video

Surprise Entrance at Fire Brigade<<<Click here for video

Thankyou Kapa Haka group from Queen Charlotte College who attended alongside David Collins to gift us with a stirring Haka and heartfelt Waiata.  

A huge thankyou to all, who make a difference through simple kindness and generosity. You know who you are. Do not tire from your efforts. You are appreciated. Keep looking for opportunity to raise one another up.  Communities thrive on kindness. 

For further fundraising efforts for St Johns and Picton Fire Brigade, check out this raffle. 

CACTUS - The Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit

While their peers sleep, our local CACTUS participants hit the Queen Charlotte College gymnasium for a grueling 8 week training. Three days a week over this period where they meet to face the challenge of lifetime. 

This successful programme has been initiated by Police in Marlborough since 2006.

However, without the generosity of sponsors Marlborough Lines, Marlborough District Council Youth Fund and the dedicated team of volunteers who give up their personal time and energy, this initiative would cease.  Aaron Waters, who has newly stepped into the role, as facilitator of the programme alongside Gannon Karena, Personal Trainer. 

A previous participant (age 16) commented "Other people think we're just doing fitness, but it prepares you for life, because you have to do these things as an adult. Get up early for work, study, stay up late.  The people here actually make me want to come three days a week and get up at 4am. You look out for each other. We're like family. You have to experience it to know"

SPOKEN ORDERS FROM THE 6AM TRAINING

"Stand attention for 3 minutes,shoulders right back!DO NOT MOVE!Any single movement?Press-Ups.CACTUS is about earning.Not here to tick boxes.If any of your teachers reports any misbehavior ..3 strikes you are OUT."Why have you signed up for CACTUS?  Its a privilege! 1MIN" he informs.DON'T EVEN FIDGET!1 1/2 MINS!You could hear a pin drop..the silence is deafening.2 1/2 MINS!Warm up, on the red line.5 sprints, then 5 press ups.Whistle, start stop and freeze!FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FULLY.If the instructions are not adhered to then back to zero..they start again."

A parched participant stopped to hydrate.  They start again. Flustered, ruddy faces, heavy breathing..They know that if one fails, all fail.

The purpose is teaching youth the importance of team work, following instruction to the letter.  Togetherness - they are only as fit as their least fit.  It is not a competition. Team work. Support each other. 

River McLaren was the youth volunteer for the 8 week course. As a student at QCC, he completed the course and first hand credits it for turning his life around. He is successfully climbing the ladder in his chosen career, Boxing.  

"If you are doing it hard, and still doing it?..You are winning ~ Sarah (support coach)

Clive Godsiff and Amy Cragg help with the breakfasts. Other staff including David Collins from Queen Charlotte College assist where they can. 

Dylan Endersby (a student at QCC and participant of C.A.C.T.U.S  three times so far) wrote to me on request, at the end of week three. 

"After 2 yrs without C.A.C.T.U.S, I was eager to jump back in. Upon my first session back it seemed easier than I remembered.  After 20 minutes and almost fainting, I was quickly reminded what I was in for. This volunteered run course, builds so much character. The bond of the group is so amazing to see. I wouldn't get up at 5.30am, 3 mornings a week for most things, but I get so much out of it.  After every session, I feel on top of the world, and I hope the course continues for many years to come"

The eight week grueling challenge, tests the participants to the limit and beyond. It is modeled somewhat, on military principles. They are trained hard, for the purpose of physical and mental strength, all leading up to 'The Longest Day" finale. 

CLICK HERE - The Longest Day Finale <<< Short video of the last three challenges accomplished by 2022 CACTUS participants. 

Sarah, Aaron(Facilitator) and Frank (absent Gannon Karena)

Warming up with showers, after the grand finale SPLASH, SWIM, JUMP each were asked how they were feeling, and if they'd like to share what they gained from completing the eight week course.

All said they felt tired, exhausted, hungry. Many shared that they felt accomplished, inspired and ready to take on leadership roles, including mentoring other students at school. Others commented on the bond formed between each other. All were thankful for the opportunity and would recommend it to others. 

 CLICK HERE The Big Splash  <<< Slideshow of students diving/jumping from the platform

Picton Yacht Club

Prizegiving was held at the Yacht Club at Shelley Beach after their showers. Some family and support people made up the audience.  Some of the dignitaries included Betty Whyte (Principal), Our local Constable and Sargeants, Marlborough Lines Sponsors, Rebeca Clifton, Deputy Mayor, Nadine Taylor.

Trainer Gannon Karena shakes Milly Pickles hand at prizegiving.

Lunch was provided to a hungry, well deserving group of accomplished, future leaders. 

All will sleep well tonight. 

We are mighty proud of each of you.  

The Shugar Tipu Memorial cup was awarded to Mason Larrington, the Determination and Spirit Cup awarded to Rheana Robertsbull. 

It has been a privilege to witness a small part of the experience. 

 

Our Loss Is Their Gain - Chrissy Powseland

 It was a few days before New Years Eve 2009, Chrissy Powlesland stepped onto a train bound for Picton. Visiting her dear friend Jo O'Connell, in Picton, she was unprepared for the awakening that took place in her mind and spirit.

In her words, "I fell deeply in love! I was blown away by the incredible beauty of Picton".  At this time, Chrissy was working as an Advertising Account Director in Auckland. 

One of her more memorable projects was working with her client, Westpac to raise awareness of Red Socks Day. 

The artwork (which now belongs to the Westpac Art Collection) was a heroic portrait of Sir Peter Blake, created by Street Artist 'Sparrow' - using the famous Red Socks. The campaign was covered by Breakfast TVNZ and it won advertising awards for its creativity. 

Toward the latter part of 2012, with many successful campaign briefs under her belt, and ten years working in advertising, a slight health scare opened the door to opportunity. 

Chrissy felt it was time for her to breathe, leave the big smoke and immerse herself into a community and buy her own home and grow roots. Picton, was the fortunate town where she landed.  

Her friend Jo had a 'crazy' idea. A fundraising initiative for Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary. Jo called it the Picton Pestival.

Chrissy undertook the Event Management role as a volunteer in the summer of 2013.

Outrageously fresh, fun and inclusive for all in the community. From 'Swap A Possom Tail For A Pint' to 'The Largest Pest Competition' in which the winner showcased a stag, with another couple from Waimate presenting a Wallaby. Needless to say, this was the beginning of a new career path for our feature subject, Chrissy. 

Chrissy went on to work in the wine industry for six years, devel0ping the Mud House brand and launching a new brand, Madam Sass.  She also volunteered many hours of her time while she lived in Picton (committee member of Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Chair of Picton Smart and Connected, and organiser of both the America's Cup Parade and the Matariki Festival).  In 2019 Chrissy took ont he contract role of General Manager for the Totaranui 250 Trust; doing her part in steerring the waka for the successful Tuia 250 commemorations in the region. More recently Chrissy was the Manager of the Picton Little Theatre. 

In her experience, living in Picton was a fantastic 'deep dive' into community. Her ability to share stories, to connect humans, with refreshing outlook, positivity and calm is not unnoticed.  

Humans of Picton (Humans Of Picton FB) - a take on Humans of New York, features profiles of personalities within our local community, business or other.  Its not unlike the vision that this page 'Picton Up Close & Personal' has had for our community.  

It is due to the ongoing followers and support that 'Humans Of Picton' facebook page have had, that I've decided to jump on board as admin, and attempt to keep the page current and connected. Thankyou Chrissy for handing the torch over, so to speak. I love those boots you have worn in, and will do my best to continue connecting our special humans in Picton.  

UPDATE:  Chrissy is now settling well into life on Waiheke Island and loving it.  Her new role as Communications Manager for the local tourism group saw her launch a new campaign Welcome to Waiheke  

We are mighty proud of who you are, and to call you ours. Again - our loss is their gain.  We look forward to seeing all the new developments with Waiheke Island Tourism, adding your own flair, expertise and passionate vision. 

 

Chrissy leaves behind a carefully woven tapestry of memories, highs and lows, tirelessly working with generous community focused individuals and groups, to bring the 'one voice' required when forging a change of direction, mind and focus for any community.  

Our Local Saint, From Vinnies

 Getting to know Marianne Govaerts in the time that I have, the title of 'Saint' will not sit well I am certain. 

A mother of two incredible young men, Leon and Timo, and loving partner to Clayton Thomson. Her life is filled with passion and care for others. She lovingly credits her partner for teaching her 'selflessness'. 

We have a story...it may remind you of someone. A relative, an old acquaintance, a friend...Perhaps yourself at one time.

'Numb, completely spent, out of body, the room closing in, and grasping for any clues to confirm that she wasn't, in actual fact standing in line amongst others  to be tagged, numbered, counted, following the aimless, all muted with the same humiliating truth. They were in need of help. This mother, needed food for her boys. She had to ask strangers. She had to wait in line. Her inner critic relentlessly clawing at her last strand of dignity. 

"I do not belong here" - she quietly reassured herself, looking around at unfamiliar faces. Each shadow human, had a story to tell - and no-one who cared to listen.  

After an internal check-in, her life as she knew it, flashed in front of her eyes .. her body slumped into a submissive surrender and she accepted the raw reality. "I do belong here" 

When the world, she had tried so hard to weave into a picture of perfection came crumbling down, it hit hard.  Terribly hard. 

This story, belongs to our Marianne Govaerts. Due to her personal experience, she has remained motivated to help those in need, no questions asked. This dark chapter was the catalyst to crawling her way out to a new beginning, a new learning and a new way of life.

 She found the loving care and support through her partner Clayton, who lifted her and her then very young sons up with kindness and selflessness.  

Greatly loved and respected within this community, Marianne has been instrumental in creating strong networks, building bridges, tirelessly advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves here in Picton, Marlborough and surrounding districts.  

The recent community effort organized by Marianne at St Vinnies, and supported by local heroes including Waikawa Marae, Piwaka Lodge Shiona and Nicci, Fresh Choice, Food Bank Picton, The Papatuanuku Independency Trust, and generous individuals providing baking and soup.  This was made possible by those who spend their time and effort on building people up, not breaking them down, in their time of need. 

Shiona @ Piwaka Lodge (both Nicci and Shiona are heavily involved in helping those in need

This second koha project, came only four days after the first successful 'Free Food Stall'.

Marianne commented that together, these wonderful non profit groups are a force to be reckoned. She is thankful to be a small part of this huge gathering of kind people, best supporting those most vulnerable within community. Whether elderly, the young, struggling solo parents, physically or mentally challenged, there is HOPE, there is LIGHT.  It is her personal hope that future joint projects will be organized together. It is the combining of strengths and resources that have the greatest impact. 

Empathy is the chip that motivates volunteers, mostly. 

This feature is being shared because we realise there are people from many demographics who are struggling on different levels.  Lockdowns certainly do not help. Isolation can be very damaging. Check in with your neighbors.

If you are inspired by these volunteers, please know you can start right now, where you are at. Some ways you may consider being a part of this 'Kindness Bug' (a much better virus to catch, with the most highest transmission rate ever recorded), start small, start where you are right now, start now. 

Consider the following:

• Any left overs you'd usually throw out - Freeze.  Every Friday St Vinnies Store can accept items for the food bank - frozen goods, packaged goods, anything youd like to share
• Do some extra baking - anything is welcome. These 'treats' are always received with such delight, and says loudly "Everyone deserves something more"
• You can donate via debit card EFT POS at the St Vinnies Store - anytime they are open
• Naturally any clothing donations are always welcome. 
• Get yourself a police check, and volunteer to read to a lonely senior citizen. Or just sit and listen, have a cup of tea with them. 
• Picton Volunteers Needed - Picton Resource Centre (Mariners Mall)
• As a business you may want to set up an automatic payment of $20 a month direct to St Vinnies account.  
• Look the next person you walk past, in the eye smile and say hello. 

As a front line person, Marianne gets to see it all.  

The difference is the 'Mariannes' of this world, do not care to label or judge those already suffering. There is an inner knowing that many will be reached, and one act of kindness can change someones' world forever. For others, it may just be the only kindness that person has received in an entire year. 

Thankyou Marianne, (and all of you super heroes making a difference), for running with the 'torch' in Olympian fashion, and passing that torch onto us who are inspired, and ignited by your example.  

PS: Thankyou for putting me onto our next 'feature' for Picton - Up Close & Personal

*  If interested in learning how to  best support, (not enable) individuals who are stuck in behavior and patterns that are destructive to self and others, I highly recommend a book written by Oprah and Dr Perry - its a game changer!

What Happened To You - Understanding the Science, and the recovery of Trauma

From years of researching addiction and mental unwellness, I am certain many sufferers can rehabilitate. Trauma based training and care is a whole new perspective, which I personally believe will lead the way to healing in the years to come. 

Dr Gabor Mate is an expert in this field. (A brilliant scholar and teacher, who has suffered from ADHD) 

The Best Explanation re Addiction (9 minute video)

*Personal notes, not discussed with Marianne. 

PICTON - UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

 A quick introduction is required. 

My name is Leeanne Meikle. 

I am an outsider who has been flirting around the edges of Picton, earlier this year. 

My background is sales, advertising and social media content management on behalf of small to medium size businesses. The following endeavors have been a labor of love, a contribution of sorts, celebrating community and well being through photography and written features. 

Up Close & Personal facebook pages began nine yrs ago in a Wairarapa village called Martinborough.  For those who love 'Wine Tastings' may well have visited this wonderful little place.   (this page no longer exists)

From there, I started a page called  FEILDING - UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Click here This is my home town, and it was a pleasure to write a few feature articles about some well loved locals.  

I combine blog, photography and human stories (ordinary humans, just happily doing their thing, as they contribute to the community they live in)

I completed my partial South Island roadtrip, 8 years ago, with my son who was 13yrs of age at the time.  It was my friend Nicci Fitzgerald (Piwaka Lodge click here) who was instrumental in securing some gigs for me in Picton - I mostly performed at the then Mikeys Bar and a final gig at Lochmara Lodge before returning home to the North Island. 

This was pre-Covid, and cruise ships would be a regular feature during the week.  I was lucky to have had such a fabulous outdoor venue to perform in, and day visitors off the cruise ship would flock to where the music was, as they stretched there legs (pre covid - did not spread their legs) walking around town. 

I fell in love with this beautiful town, filled with  down to earth, friendly people.  I had a feeling somewhat, that I would return one day. 

Fast forward eight years - my youngest son (who was thirteen years of age the last visit) now twenty-one years old in October. Mama has spread her wings and returned to Picton, Marlborough. (with my familys' blessing of course).

I arrived January 2021, in my transit motorhome, and sang at a few venues over a period of 3 months. I was supposed to be doing a West Coast roadtrip, but again, got held up by this wonderful place.  I landed a job at The Thirsty Pig, and adored the locals (adore).  I felt very welcome, and it was with a touch of sadness when I decided to resume my plans onto the West Coast in April this year, then onto Melbourne. 

Long story short.  HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.

My heart remains with my family and friends up North, however, my love affair belongs here in Picton. 

I have been blessed to have found fulltime work that will work fully around my gigs around Marlborough in Summer. 

The above is of no importance, however I just thought I would give you a little background to who I am and where I've come from. I am in the process of getting my 'Ducks In A Row' - work in progress!

PICTON - UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Now this is the fun part...

This page will be about you.  The people who live here. The contributors, the volunteers, the business owners, the human stories that connect us all.  The overcomers, the struggles and the care that is shown and given, not because anyone has to, but because they want to. 

It will also feature business owner/operators, their products and services, with a fresh lens and perspective.  Up Close & Personal is a platform to inspire, connect and celebrate the ordinary, which in truth, is the the extraordinary.  

The things and people we become accustomed to, can blur into the background of our lives, when it is these strands of familiarity that bind together, strengthen and secure one another in uncertain times. 

Over the next few weeks, keep an eye out for the new posts from this blog.  There is so much good happening within this wee town. 

I am very pleased I am here, and looking forward to weaving a little bit of me, into your rich tapestry of community and good will. 

Kindest regards

Leeanne Meikle