Leading from the front issuu

FUN, MAYHEM & AROHA
by tim magill
Growing up at Westshore, walking was a big thing. We
all walked the Milford Track around 1968. White Pine
Bush was a nice walk before that, a project Pat was involved
with through Forest & Bird. We would go out to
the bush with him and help too, somewhat, as prison
inmates cut a track through the bush. This track remains
today at the top of Esk Valley.
On Sundays we often walked or “mooched” to the
trawlers moored at Ahuriri, sometimes further to see the
ships at the big Napier Wharf, and even on board if there
was time and approval. Nice.
Then there were the YMCA “walkabouts” from Napier
to Hastings, fundraising events that brought people together.
These were always a big thing for Pat. At least
two of these happened under his watch and were widely
supported and a bit imaginative, as I recall.
Then it was time to get serious, with the 1970 YMCA
Taupo to Napier walk as another fundraiser, with 100 people
on the trail. As always with Pat, it was for a good cause
and every time — there was fun, mayhem and aroha.
Big memories of the Taupo to Napier excursion: the
Dirty Dozen — the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Club, Old Boys
and current — keeping us fed as the able chefs; Ena
Sharples talking to my sister Jes as the youngest walker
and Kel Tremain, the big celebrity rugby player on the
walk, talked to Albert Tatlock.
Lesser walks include Waimarama to Cape Kidnappers
with the Parkers and Magill’s, and around Lake
Waikaremoana with Catherine’s Taranaki whānau, the
O’Donnells. We have to say Catherine, our Mum, was up
for all of this because she was herself adventurous, and
in that she supported Pat. What a team, and what a childhood
— one we look back on with gratitude and pride.
Above, Tim and Pat, sailing on the Kaipara near where Tim lives; below, loving the rugby hype in the 60s.
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A big presence in our lives