Departing family still have ties with Waimarino

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 42, 7 April 1987, Page 5

Departing family still have ties with Waimarino

A well-known Ohakune couple have recently opted for a warmer climate and have up and moved to Whangaparoa, near Auckland. Dave and Corinne Johns with their children Tricia 14 and Courtney 2'/4, left for 'up north' in the weekend, but intend to form a wellworn trail between there and Ohakune. Dave first arrived in the Waimarino 23 years ago as a representative of the Australian Wool Board. Dave ran the first rope tows on the Ohakune side of Mount Ruapehu from 1965 for various companies. He managed a market garden business for three years from 1970-73 while still holding down a job on the mountain. From 1978-80 he worked as operations manager for Turoa Skifields and was present at their official opening in 1979. Dave never really gave up his connection with the mountain because with his next job running his own business — 'Dave Johns Bobcat Services', started in October 1 98 1 , he was the major contractor for Turoa. He sold the business in 1984 to Hurlstone Earthmoving and since then has worked on a cable laying . contract with Koi Young and Sons, for the electrification of the main trunk line. Dave was also in Wellington recently in a 14 -month marine engineering contract with Capital Marine Services. Dave has been living in Auckland since last October working as a mechanical engineer for Kaipara Excavators. His present project is working on the construction of a 1000 berth marina for Wilkinson Davies Ltd.

Dave said he has seen Ohakune evolve from a market garden and pulp mill orientated township to what it is today — a fast-growing thriving tourist resort. He is very enthusiastic about the area's potential and said he will be keeping a close eye on it in the future as well as making full use of the facilities during his weekends off. Corinne has lived in Ohakune for nine years, coming originally from Hamilton. She held the position of post mistress at the Ohakune Junction Post Office for some time, as well as holding various clerical positions in Ohakune, including in our very own Waimarino Bulletin office from 1983. Corinne was clerk and Dave's number one supporter during the years he ran his own business. She has also worked at the Sunbeam

Lodge in Ohakune and parttime in the fashion retail business. Dave and Corinne were both very involved in the community even while they kept to their busy work schedules. Dave was a member of Ohakune Jaycees and was president for two years. He was a member when the organisation won national and international fame by winning the Bass award for their part in promoting carrot growing in the area. He narrowly missed out on becoming an Ohakune Borough Councillorin 1968 by just one vote! Dave was also a volunteer fireman in Ohakune for five years. Corinne served as treasurer on the Ohakune School Committee for seven years and on the swimming baths committee for three. She always figured prominently in community fundraising activities including

taking part in numerous fashion parades. All the family were very sad to leave the area and their many good friends but still intend to retain an interest in Ohakune. They own two sections in Miro Park and have long term plans to build a holiday home on one. Their memories of Ohakune include a 'unique' wedding day, when Corinne as the bride was transported to the service via helicopter — a novel change to the usual method of getting to the church on time.