Leading from the front issuu

TWILIGHT YEARS —
REFLECTING AND OBSERVING
Yes, our same self-styled Pat continues to travel the
highways and byways nationally and internationally, but
he can still be seen most mornings walking the estuary
at Ahuriri with a bag collecting rubbish that some of us
casually drop, leave, or dump as we walk the same track.
Here he is, still caring, still passionate about life and
the environment. Only these days he usually has friends
or grandchildren in tow, in case he overlooks something.
For many hours and years Pat has spent rejuvenating
the bush at Puketitiri. He doesn’t just talk about conservation,
he practices what he preaches.
I’m often amused when visiting Pat. We exchange
normal greetings followed by Pat saying: “I’ll put the jug
on. We’ll have a nice cup of coffee.” To which I heartily
agree. Magic in motion as I sit and wait for the coffee. I
wait as Pat trades small talk, then there’s Pat’s version
of the news. I wait, as I know there’s more to come, like
his thought for the day. I wait, thinking I’m very patient,
as I know we have yet to get around to, how friends and
family are doing.
By this time the jug needs re boiling. Pat’s done something
on his computer as well as commented on the
state of his house and how he really needs to get a routine,
to which I say,” Oh well Pat, I’m off now and thanks
for the coffee!” I think Pat is perfectly entitled to confuse
me, ponder on the events of the world, and sometimes
forget what he intended to do. After all that’s what the
twilight years are about, don’t you think?
I have left out many things, events and challenges that
I know Pat has tackled or made a significant contribution
to in our city and so, I suggest the challenge is now to
have someone sit and record with Pat those events and
challenges most memorable to him. Who am I? I’m Jim,
one of Pat’s Mates.
THE
JOHN ROBSON
COLLECTION
Through his involvement with the Napier Pilot
City Trust, Dr John Robson became a “treasure” in
Ahuriri and in 1990 a collection was opened in his
honour at the Napier Public Library by mayor Alan
Dick and John Harré, former director of the former
Hawke’s Bay Community College.
Napier Libraries now holds the collection of Restorative
Justice items known as the John Robson
Collection, instigated by the Napier Pilot City Trust
/ Tō Mātou Taiwhenua Kōkiri o Mataruahau.
Robson’s opposition to capital punishment and
his support for the reformation of offenders, were
heartfelt and deep. The role he played in the death
penalty being abolished in 1961, brought him both
relief and satisfaction.
The trust — driven by the kaupapa, Napier Develops
Communities not Prisons — established
The John Robson collection as a community initiative
with the intention to gather resources and
inspire informed debate.
Also featuring an online prospectus, the collection
includes items relating to criminal, social and
restorative justice and receives donations of publications
from New Zealand and around the world.
Financial donations are also welcomed to ensure
the resource can continue to grow and be relevant.
The collection is now available in its entirety for
lending and is housed on the first floor of the Napier
Library, along with other relevant resources.
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Napier Pilot City Trust – for a kinder, fairer city