I recently acted as Auctioneer for the Mike Delaney Benefit Dinner in Whangarei. This young man was a 'sure thing' for the Black Sticks; but he suffered an horrific freak accident diving into the surf at Gisborne and breaking a small bone in the top of his neck (the same one that Christopher Reeve – aka Superman – did). This should have left him in a wheelchair, but his fighting spirit and infectious sense of humour have helped him back on his feet and coaching his beloved sport. Mike's had one trip to Germany for stem cell therapy, with amazing results, and with the help of all present he's going back for another. There’s no stopping this man; he’s an inspiration.
On 27 September 2009 the Parliamentary XV played the Tasman Buccaneers at Trafalgar Park in Nelson. Maryan Street and I joined Ken Laban in the commentary box. The team got up 32-20 against a spirited 'golden oldies' team that included legend Todd Blackadder. The day before the Parliamentary Netball team played a local side (the local side won 35-15); all part of a fundraising weekend for the Nelson Environment Centre. About $1,300 was raised and, with a contribution from the Parliamentary Rugby Trust of another $1,000, made it a very successful weekend all round.
For the International Day of Older Persons, I celebrated at an event in Christchurch, with my colleague Nicky Wagner; our community support services turned out in force with informative displays on all manner of issues of interest to our older persons.
Recently I was invited to the upcoming unveiling of a life-sized bronze statute of legendary New Zealand racehorse Phar Lap, to be unveiled in November 2009.
The statue is the initiative of the Phar Lap Charitable Trust. Through their tireless efforts, the Trust has managed to raise $400,000 to properly honour this iconic thoroughbred.
The photo above shows Jo Goodhew (Member for Rangitata) and myself with a smaller version of the statue; it has been loaned to my Office in advance of the official debut of the full size version. If the miniature is anything to go by, the Trust will have a truly remarkable memorial for a truly remarkable horse.
At the launch of "Whats the Plan Stan?" on 10 August 2009.
Here I am at the opening of AUT University North Shore Campus AF Lecture Theatre building on 11 June 2009, standing in for the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister John Key and Associate Local Government Minister John Carter.
Here I am at the Taupo Bay tsunami warning civil defence exercise on 1 May 2009 with Vern Johnston, Jan Turner, Di Sinclair and Wendy Griffith.
Powering down: Northland MP John Carter with Top Energy's former CEO Roger de Bray (left) at the opening of stage two of the Ngawha geothermal power station on 31 January 2009. An evening function at Kaikohe's Mid North Motor Inn was held the same evening to farewell Mr de Bray after 18 years during which he steered the company from the former Bay of Islands Electric Power Board to the unique power generation and lines company it is today. Photo courtesy Northern News.
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John Carter, Minister of Civil Defence, and Stuart Collie, Chairman of Environment Southland attended the 25th Anniversary Commeration of the 1984 Southland Floods. (Photo courtesy Invercargill City Council)
In early December 2008, as Civil Defence Minister, I hosted a key delegation from Indonesia. Here I am at my Wellington ministerial offices with Dr Kuntoro Mangkusubroto.
On Monday 27 June 2008, Pete O'Dell and I had the pleasure of being in the last vehicle to use the single-lane concrete bridge in the Stone Store Basin. Our ride was a 1913-14 Model T Ford from Pete's Pioneer & Transport Museum at Kerikeri. It was a model T Ford which made the first crossing of the original wooden bridge in the basin in 1915, so it was fitting that another would be the last.
On May 25 2008, I was honoured and excited, as a Trustee and as the local MP, to be part of the official launch of the steam train Gabriel after many months of hard work by the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway Trust and its miracle workers. There were many activities on the day but the highlight for many – apart from Gabriel herself! – was the annual "Puff and Pull" competition. I had my turn at it and I can tell you it was hard work!
Read and see more about this memorable day (PDF file)
Official Party (L-R) Laurie Byers (FNDC), Keith Rogers (District Governor Rotary), David Scoffman (BOI Rotary), John Carter, (MP), Alison Lemon (Chairperson), Pastor Jim Prime, Frank Leadley (Boss)
Coastguard Hokianga congratulated Queen's Birthday weekend 2008, I attended the ceremony for the launching of the new Coast Guard vessel. The Hokianga Volunteers and their supporters are a determined group who have shown what can be achieved if a few people in the community give leadership. I admire their efforts and tenacity which have resulted in this wonderful new boat making its home in the Hokianga. It will mean greater safety for all who sail in and about the Hokianga Harbour and further out to sea. They are to be commended for this fine effort.
I'm pictured here with Pub Charity's Stu Wilson and Brad McKee, President Jeff Cramp and HVC Ivan Harnett admiring Hokianga Vounteer Coastguard's new vessel "Hokianga Rescue".
Once again as head of delegation, I attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting, this time in April 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa. With Zimbabwe right next door, the New Zealand delegation felt the IPU could not remain silent on the crisis. Myself, Dover Samuels and Nandor Tanczos promoted an emergency resolution to the Assembly. It proceeded and I was part of the drafting Committee that settled upon the final wording. The issue is also covered in a Cape Times newspaper report.
At the Broadwood Show, a couple of the stalwart axemen challenged John Wigglesworth, CEO of Hokianga Health, and me to a sawoff. My cousin Bill Carter paired with John and I teamed up with Jo Te Wake. Thanks to Jo, we got there first.
