A TRIBUTE TO JIM BRYNES

On 1st October 2026, our wonderful Volunteer of 10 years, Jim Brynes passed away at Waipuna Hospice after a long illness.  Jim, with his Irish background, was a real character and had a cheeky aura about him and loved playing Irish music. He was also a great storyteller.  Jim was a well-known local businessman, an avid music lover, and a pillar of the Tauranga volunteer community. He was a licensed pilot of over 50 years, contributing decades of service as an instructor and tow pilot for the Tauranga Gliding Club. He will also be fondly remembered across global airwaves as a Ham Radio operator and locally as a proud announcer and volunteer with our Tauranga Village Radio Team. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife Sandra and his family   Jim in our studio

NETHERLANDS GUEST

This is Sandra from the Netherlands with announcer Steve Lambie.  She is staying in Taupo on a working holiday but going home for Christmas. Sandra was shown around our Studios, Library and Museum and was very impressed with what she saw.

A BLOOMING TIME IN THE STUDIO

George Stewart’s “Studio Guest” on Monday 14 September was the Secretary-Treasurer of the Tauranga Orchid Society, Sharron Page-Moreton. She told our listeners how to look after their plants...how not to drown them with too much water and not to allow them to stand in bright sunshine. Some varieties like to grow naturally in trees, while others can be found growing in swamps where humidity is high like in Singapore, where temperatures stay at around 30 degrees. Other varieties like cymbidiums like the air much cooler. The Orchid Society holds monthly meetings at the Wesley Centre in Tauranga where members can show off their prized plants in flower and listen to guest speakers who may be specialists in their particular field. The Annual Show is held at the Tauranga Racecourse. 

VAL CORSTONS REMEMBERED

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Val Corstons of 15th Ave passed away on Monday 10th August. A dedicated listener and Friend  Of Village Radio she was popular with all our Volunteers.   Her fruit cakes were the very best and soon devoured by our volunteers. At 97 years of age she had an amazing mind and memory.  She could still beat Steve Lambie at the card sessions they shared on a Friday. She will also be remembered for her sense of humor and fun.   Photo is of Val at one of the many Christmas parties she attended over the years.

KEY STAFF FROM COUNCIL INTERVIEWED

George Stewart’s studio guests on Monday 20 July were two of the key Tauranga City Council staff overseeing the new 300 million dollar Civic Precinct : Te Manawataki O Te Papa.    Gareth Wallis is the Head of Community Hubs, Arts, Heritage and Events, and Shersin Iyer is the Senior Projects Manager for the construction of the complex. They told our listeners that the first building, the new Public Library, will be officially opening on Friday the 16th of October, while the Museum is due to be finished in mid 2028. The good news is that construction is running on time and under budget and will include four new bus stops for passengers using the Bay Hopper buses, who at present have to walk long distances along Durham Street.     Like the new City Council building at 99 Devonport Road, all the Civic Precinct buildings are made from laminated and glued Pinus Radiata sourced from the Nelson area which are assembled off site and put together like Lego blocks. Once completed it is estimated that by 2035 up to five and a half thousand people could be visiting the new city centre, each day.   https://www.facebook.com/reel/1047744934364091   

MEET NEW ANNOUNCER JULIE GREEN

Tauranga Born and Bred Julie went to Otumoetai College. She trained as a nurse in the local hospital in the late 70s and continues with private nursing. Married to John they have a large family who have stayed nearby as adults and parents themselves, John and Juie are loving the grandparent role.   Julie has part time work connections at The Elms and for a few years has been on the committee of Tauranga Historical Society which among other things cares for Brain Watkins House Museum in Elizabeth Street.     Being with Village Radio she is learning more about music of yesteryear and really appreciates the uplifting and encouraging manner of all the other volunteers. Julie sends special thanks to Steve for sharing his time to train her.