<strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Thursday <strong>February</strong> <strong>18</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 14 NEWS •From page 12 Bruce has been an inspiration to his family. His son Allan has competed in the Coast to Coast several times. When Bruce was 64, he joined his 16-year-old grandson Jesse in a team and they completed the event together. Although Bruce said he was always frightened of water, kayaking was his favourite part of the race. “I’m not a particularly good swimmer but I was pretty sure if I came out, I’d be able to make it to the side,” he said. “In a kayak, you’re just sitting there really and are going with the water. It’s easier.” Bruce said the best part of the race was all the people. For Bruce and many other competitors, the race was all about giving it a go and finishing. “<strong>The</strong> top 10 per cent are going to give their all and try to win, but the other 90 per cent are in the race for the social side where the aim is to finish,” he said. <strong>The</strong>re was great camaraderie during the race and Bruce made many friends. He finally put down the paddle, and untied his laces, finishing his last race at 73-years-old. He has since survived bowel cancer, but he is not retiring from life yet. His daughter, Annie Horgan, was there to witness his cavort into the air. “He comes up with the ideas and I organise it,” she said. “He’s amazing, such an inspiration. I say, “I’m too old, I can’t do that,” and then Dad goes and proves me wrong.” Earlier in the year, Bruce went down the zipline at the adventure park. He is tentatively talking about skydiving now. Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Always giving it a go TROOPER: Bruce Bunny during the mountain run in the 2002 Coast to Coast. Bruce said: “Just do what you can while you can.” Sarah Leishman works at Hamner Springs Attractions. She was very impressed with Bruce’s jump. “It is such a cool statement to make at 91. He proved that you are never too old to do something,” she said. “He has gone and proven everyone wrong who uses age as an excuse.” Storyboards tell history of new motorway sites ELEVEN storyboards depicting the history of the area and the importance of the environment have been placed along the new Christchurch Northern Corridor shared path. <strong>The</strong> steel panels can be found along the new path at culturally significant sites. <strong>The</strong> project took several months to develop. Landscape architect Kim Goodfellow came up with the storyboard concept. To bring to life the rich history of this ancient trail, the CNC Alliance worked with Lytteltonbased writer Liz Grant and Ngai Tahu Whakapapa unit manager Arapata Reuben. Artist Morgan Mathews-Hale, of Kaitiaki Studios, designed the steel artworks and information panels. “<strong>The</strong> design reflects the Taurapa (canoe stern post) of a great waka (canoe) and traditionally represent elaborate narratives such as that of Tāwhaki and his ascent to the heavens. For us it tells the stories and whakapapa of the motorway and also indicates a journey, travel and direction of our ancestors and future generations,” Mathews- Hale said. Cyclists and pedestrians can stop at each of the 11 sites to learn about the significance of each spot. TEACHING: One of 11 storyboards along the Christchurch Northern Corridor shared path. PHOTO: NEWSLINE Native trees and plants have also been put in over the past three years. <strong>The</strong> new plants will be an important food source for the return of native birds into the city’s fringes. Said city council head of transport Richard Osborne: “We are very pleased with this safe, off-road pathway linking to existing and new cycle facilities. “This new cycling path has already inspired many people to take up biking, e-biking and an active commute to work. “From day one we have seen an average of 350 cyclists a day using this shared path and the numbers are growing rapidly.” When we call, hundreds of Kiwi businesses answer. At Fire and Emergency, 80% of our people are volunteers, many running or working at businesses just like this. In an emergency, their businesses proudly allow them to rush out and help. LOOK FOR THIS MARK
Thursday <strong>February</strong> <strong>18</strong> <strong>2021</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Star</strong> 15
Change language