Ohakune resident-in-exile 'Swiss Chris' plans return

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 9, 31 July 1984, Page 7

Ohakune resident-in-exile 'Swiss Chris' plans return

Chris Lehmann ('Swiss Chris') first came to Ohakune in 1980, liked it and decided to stay. But before he could do that he had to return to Switzerland to comply with the expiry of his 6-month visitor's permit. He came back to New Zealand six months later to join the growing Swiss community that was either living here permanently or just 'wintering over' during the ski seasons. He was readily accepted by the local community and, though an architectural draughtsman by profession, h'e did a variety of jobs. He worked on the skifield and as supervisor at the caravan park. He worked for Andreas Hefti in his ski hire shop for two seasons. He also got involved, in his professional status again, working for the

Winstone Samsung Pulp Mill at Karioi as a draughtsman and designing

the new squash courts that are to be erected next to the College and Community Gymnasium in Tainui Street. He was also employed at the drawing board by Graham Dixon Engineering of Ohakune. His Visa has run out and he had to leave the country a fortnight ago ... he will be travelling first to Thailand and then through the Orient before returning home to Switzerland where his family run a 300-year old restaurant. He thinks the Ohakune community is a great one and he would like to return to New Zealand one day but that will depend on circumstances. He's leaving a mobile 'home-on-wheels' with friends

here in Ohakune so that, when he does return, he will be able to fulfill his ambition to see the rest of this country which he rates highly in terms of its natural scenery, pollution-free climate and the warmth and friendliness of its people.