A Christmas thank you to Bay of Plenty people working this festive period
20 Dec, 2020 02:00 AM
9 minutes to read
This time of year is traditionally spent with family, friends and loved ones. But in some industries, staff are rostered on to work this festive period while the rest of us take a well-earned break. Zoe Hunter chats to the dedicated staff working this Christmas.
Renee van der Weijde has worked Christmas Day for the past four years.
But the manager of Wanderlust NZ on The Strand says she doesn t mind because she gets to bring people together and make sure no-one feels lonely at Christmas.
Des Ferrow remembered as Tauranga s Godfather of giving
17 Dec, 2020 05:00 PM
8 minutes to read Des Ferrow left an indelible legacy in the city. Photo / Supplied
Des Ferrow - a man described as probably Tauranga s greatest ever philanthropist - has died. Called the godfather of giving , Desmond Des Joseph Ferrow was one of the city s foremost property developers, who quietly ploughed millions of dollars into local causes.
His death notice states he died peacefully at home on December 5 after 87 years of uneventful living . The tongue-in-cheek description was in keeping with his preference for flying under the radar.
Ferrow was the force behind the Tauranga Charitable Trust and used his business acumen for the good of the city.