Western News: June 15, 2023

6
Thursday June 15 2023
A WEEK OF
SUCCESS &
GRADUATIONS
SUCCESS: Some of the J class skippers line up. The class was developed
at the Christchurch club and is now raced around the world.
‘Unique sports
institution in the
heart of the city’
Steve and I recently had a week jammed
packed of proud parent moments. Two
sons graduation within days of each
other, one in Palmerston North and one
in Houston. Many air miles racked up in
five days. You can’t imagine when your
boys are at school that someday they
step off the podium holding a cherished
degree, a decorated piece of paper, that
has taken years of grind, passion and self
motivation to achieve. Makes you feel
super proud for sure, but also reminded
me that they are adult men, ready to set
out and conquer the world with passion,
integrity, hope and kindness.
Our two sons played tennis, nationally
and internationally all through school,
starting at age five. They both won many
age group National competitions and
both represented NZL in Junior Davis
Cup. Early on, Steve and I knew they
would start their university education
in the United States (despite living
across from Canterbury University),
gaining a tennis scholarship to a school
of their choice. Connor started at
the University of California Berkeley,
doing an undergraduate degree in
Sciences. Dylan went to the University of
Minnesota in Minneapolis and pursued
an undergraduate degree in finance and
supply chain management. Both sons
finished their degrees in different places.
Connor graduated first with a Batchelor
of Veterinarian Science from Massey
University. We couldn’t be prouder
or happier than a son has chosen a
career that has given Steve and I so
much purpose, enjoyment and exciting
Connor graduating in Veterinary Science.
Dylan graduating from Rice in Houston
challenges. Connor has chosen the
path of Internship, gaining a sought
after place at VSA Surgical Specialists
in Auckland, as his first job. This is a
perfect fit for Connor who has a thirst for
learning and knowledge and may want
to pursue the surgical specialist route.
Eventually oneway his home will be
McMaster & Heap though.
Dylan graduated with a Batchelor of
Arts, majoring in Economics, from
Rice University in Houston. Another
choked up moment when “ Dylan
Oliver McMaster Heap “ was called out
amongst the 800 students graduating.
Rice is a top 15 American College,
so gaining a degree from Rice and
playing on the tennis team is a huge
achievement, requiring perseverance,
full commitment and great work ethic.
Dylan is now moving to Elon University
in North Carolina to do a Masters in
Business Analytics and finish his final
year playing tennis. The world awaits
Dylan.
Not my usual patient case study article
but I wanted to share a little of my
family. I have been writing articles for 24
years now. When we bought McMaster
& Heap Vets in 1999, Connor was two
years old, Dylan and Isaac not born yet.
Our boys have grown up with parents
devoted to helping people and their
pets and the business is a part of who
they all are. They are all very proud of
the work Steve and I do - you never
know, they all may play a part in the
MMH family business oneway.
Dr Michele McMaster BVSc
Open 7 days Cnr Hoon Hay & Coppell place ph: 338 2534
e. reception@mcmasterandheap.co.nz www.mcmasterheap.co.nz
•From page 5
Graham Luxon, the
father of National Party
leader Chris Luxon, wellknown
photographer
Euan Sarginson, and
Steve Mander, son of
Olympic sailing champion
Peter Mander, are also
members.
While the club has
many ancient mariners,
women have also made
an impact. Sue Bowie was
the first female member
as a 13-year-old in the
1970s and finished third
in a national junior
championship. Thysje
Arthur has had a long
involvement, and the
question of who cooked
dinner that night was
resolved on race days
when she and husband
Tom crossed tacks.
•From page 1
“We not only want to
encourage people to help
keep our city graffiti-free,
but we also want to thank
them. Without people
taking notice and taking
action we
would not be able to be
as effective or as efficient.
It truly is a team effort,”
Findlater said.
The graffiti team has
also completed recent
beautification projects
as part of its ‘What’s
Cool About Your School’
initiative.
Findlater said the
project offers the chance
for schools to ‘adopt’ a
cabinet and showcase
their schools with a mural
on it to increase pride
and ownership in their
Anzan Zhang, who
raced big boats in China,
spotted the model yachts
while walking in Hagley
Park, was offered the
chance to sail one, and is
now a keen member.
A wide variety of classes
have been sailed at the
club, but there is special
affection for the J class,
which is now raced in
other centres and even
at some overseas clubs.
Designed by Dave Heanly
based on the lines of the
famous America’s Cup
yacht, Ranger, it has a long
sweeping keel that enables
it to glide through the
weed which fouled yachts
with deeper keels. Very
handily, it also fits fully
rigged in the back of a car.
So far, at least, 365 J
class have been built,
community.
They have also begun
working with Restorative
Justice Services on some
community art and
mentoring projects.
“We have already had a
couple of inquiries from
parents who want their
young people to have other
fibreglass hulls from the
same mould, and one
club member, Graeme
Raxworthy, has built or
restored more than 40 J
class.
At one time in the
1960s, participant
numbers at the club
dropped to only six or
seven boats, and the club
looked set to go the same
way as penny farthing
cycle racing which used
to be held around Lake
Victoria when it was just a
swamp.
How things have
changed – now the
club, which runs races
on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, looks set to
flourish for many years
yet – a unique sports
institution in the heart of
the city.
Going graffiti free
a team effort
avenues to explore other
than tagging.
“We are always open to
new ideas so if you want to
have chat about creating a
mural, removing graffiti,
project ideas or to attend
an event, please contact
the team. Together, we can
make a difference.”