Kiwi Tales podcasts and videos of Kiwis with interesting stories to tell. I really enjoy interacting with people on a one on one basis, and trying to understand what makes them tick, and how they came to be where they are in their life today. I have encountered so many people in my life that have such interesting stories to tell, and have their own unique perspective on the world, and I often find myself thinking what a shame it is we will never know their story. These people are not always those we might imagine them to be. There are people who live their life quietly without a word as to what they’ve done in their past. There are old folks who have done things in younger days that we would think impossible now. Everyone has a story to tell, and that is my goal with this little idea, to try and tell them, and in doing so to encourage, provide hope, and to inspire. Credit NZ Flag Image: vecteezy.com
Jim Lynch is the founder and visionary behind the Wellington ecosanctuary Zealandia.He tells of the story and struggles behind the creation of Zealandia, and talks about conservation in the modern world - what works, and what doesn't. He is also a very strong advicate of the concept of "Large Conservation Zones" - a different (but surprisingly common sense) way to save New Zealands endangered species and ecosystems.This is an inspiring story that I hope you enjoy.0:00 Introduction10:30 Visionaries14:12 Cartooning Career25:10 Wellington Conservation History - Before Humans and After38:27 Comparison to Today42:41 Natural Wellington Project53:26 Extinction1:02:30 Zealandia Beginnings1:15:11 The Fence1:20:08 Playing God1:21:55 Eradication of Pests1:27:08 Re-Introduction of Species1:40:47 Large Conservation Zones2:00:19 10802:08:13 Final Questions
Willie Sage has had a hugely varied career, ranging from shearing, to bush flying, to helicopters, to jets, to a highly respected Flight Examiner.In this interview (his second on Kiwi Tales), he tells a few stories of his aviation career, and offers some common sense thoughts and insights about relevant aviation topics.0:00 Introduction7:36 Flying Jets13:46 International Ferry Flights17:35 Bush Flying26:56 Airline Flight Training42:21 Flight Checking & Training59:12 Tips for New Pilots1:02:22 ATC Rules1:08:31 Brain Plasticity for Older Pilots1:13:26 Final Questions
Bernie Lewis is a 96 year old RAF and test pilot veteran. He has had an incredible aviation career that most of us can only dream of, having flown a huge range of fixed and multi-wing aircraft including the Vulcan bomber flying test bed. Not bad for a farm boy from Takaka who was no good at maths!! He has written a book titled "From Tiger Moths to Test Pilot" telling of his career. It is available for purchase from The Copy Press, Nelson. PLEASE "LIKE" AND "SUBSCRIBE" IF YOU ENJOYED THIS VIDEO. IT HELPS A LOT. THANKYOU! 0:00 Introduction 6:31 Early Years 28:53 Learning to Fly 1948 31:13 Joining the RAF 1950 35:28 Germany Posting 44:24 Instructing 46:39 Empire Test Pilot School 57:47 Helicopter Conversion 1:02:21 Bristol Siddeley Test Pilot 1963 1:10:04 Scout Helicopter Incidents 1:20:42 Interesting Test Pilot Jobs 1:47:37 Test Pilot Questions 1:55:29 Return to NZ 1971, CAA 2:00:17 Flying the Dauphin Helicopter 2:03:53 Parachuting 2:05:37 Final Questions
Cynric Temple-Camp has been a Pathologist at Palmerston North Hospital for nearly 40 years. In that time he has performed countless autopsies on murder victims, accident victims, unexplained deaths and many others, and has studied multitudes of viruses and diseases. He has documented many of these cases in his three published books - The Cause of Death, The Quick and the Dead, and the Final Diagnosis, and has a knack of bringing people's stories to life in an almost poetic manner. At the end of this interview is footage of a tour of the Pathology departments at Palmerston North Hospital kindy provided to me by Cynric. PLEASE "LIKE" AND "SUBSCRIBE" IF YOU ENJOYED THIS VIDEO. IT HELPS A LOT. THANKYOU! Also available on Spotify and other major podcast apps. 0:00 Introduction 13:45 Pathology 19:05 Curious Case of the Dead Man in a Locked Room 27:58 Books 34:34 Upbringing and Airforce Career in Rhodesia 42:39 Tragic Case of 3 year Old "Precious" 47:03 Becoming a Pathologist 1:00:58 Immigrating to NZ 1:06:28 First NZ Case - Exhumation 1:12:18 Calculating Time of Death 1:21:21 Finding Nothing in an Autopsy 1:25:16 Jason Chase Disappearance 1:37:39 Murder 1:42:42 Jack and the Beanstalk Re-Interpretation 1:46:25 Daniel Luff Murder 1:51:45 Memory (Olivia Hope and Ben Smart case) 1:58:39 Mark Lundy Case and Trials 2:07:02 Accidents 2:11:06 Piper Seneca Crash 2:15:48 Ansett Dash 8 Crash 2:18:41 Connection to the Person 2:21:51 Holding a Brain 2:24:00 Soul Weight Experiment 2:28:22 Final Questions 2:38:22 Tour - Specimen Testing 2:47:30 Tour - Mortuary 2:57:10 Tour - Histology Lab
Dave Baldwin (aka Doctor Dave) is a practicing GP in Bulls, and operates the Bulls Flying Doctor Service throughout NZ. He has a personality that is infectious, and is one of those larger than life characters that never seems to slow down. In this interview Dave tells with openness and honesty his personal story of how it all came about, the Healthy Bastards campaign, and the tragic loss of their son in 2012. And at the end of the interview there's a bonus clip showing a little slice of the personal life of Dr Dave … Episode Links: Bulls Flying Doctor Service https://www.flyingdoctor.co.nz/home International Healthy Bastards Club https://www.healthybastards.co.nz/home Also available on Spotify and other major podcast apps. 0:00 Introduction 22:43 Fox Glacier Accident 34:37 Childhood 44:27 Schooling/University 1:03:15 Becoming a Doctor 1:05:48 RNZAF/75 Squadron 1:09:25 Bulls Medical Centre 1:21:20 Learning to Fly 1:24:30 Bulls Flying Doctor Service 1:36:43 ZK-RJG 1:42:08 CAA Directors Safety Award 1:44:08 Men's (& Women's) Health 1:46:00 Healthy Bastards Campaign 2:09:17 Family Tragedy 2:21:11 Suicide Epidemic in NZ 2:30:28 Spirituality 2:37:44 Death 2:40:03 Writing 2:47:43 Final Questions 2:56:32 Dr Dave Up Close and Personal Music: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aura-classica/eine-kleine-nachtmusik-mozart License code: YGLE9TEIORFD7S5V Summer Rain Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/summer-rain License code: FE4FFRAKB5T4IFF3
Ewan Smith founded Air Rarotonga nearly in 1978, and is still the Managing Director nearly 50 years later. In this interview he tells the story of how it all started, the ups and downs of running an airline in the remote south pacific, and also how personal tragedy has shaped his and his family's lives.
Kevin recently wrote an article titled “Golden Moments”, where he described his diagnosis and ongoing battle with the big “C”. He has received feedback from many people who have found it both moving and helpful in their own lives. Kevin was Chief Flying Instructor at the Marlborough Aero Club for 17 years, and has taught and mentored many pilots through their aviation training with his typical common sense, no nonsense, and sometimes non-traditional methods. NOTE: Kevin reads "Golden Moments" at end of this interview, or you can click the link below for a pdf version. https://1drv.ms/b/c/d44dfcab36abefad/EROzVKSGQ-NAgh1qUSoglAABwg9P7KJ837ehcRGQ_-PJ5w?e=yQwWyy Also available on Spotify and other major podcast apps. 0:00 Introduction 1:42 "C" Diagnosis 14:13 Symptoms and Treatment 28:09 Death 33:22 Childhood 35:29 Learning to Fly and Passing Exams 45:30 CFI Role 54:30 Writing 56:32 "Laughter in the Sky" Book 1:11:07 Final Questions 1:16:47 GOLDEN MOMENTS
Ruth Shaw, author of bestselling "The Bookseller at the End of the World" and "Bookshop Dogs" describes with great courage and honesty her amazing life. This is an incredibly moving and inspiring story of tragedy and despair, but interlaced throughout with many heart warming moments. Episode Links: Two Wee Bookshop's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074150511871 0:00 Introduction 29:16 Early Life 40:33 1963 1:07:08 Navy Wren 1:15:06 Stuart Island and Meeting Lance 1:23:37 Tahiti 1:29:53 Suva 1:34:15 Joshua's Death 1:38:54 Papua New Guinea 1:45:58 Pirates 1:51:16 Mum's Illness & Death 1:55:00 Tough Times in Australia 2:11:11 Pig Farm 2:13:53 Sailing Australia 2:15:04 Kings Cross 2:16:23 Lance Reunion 2:22:22 Fiordland Ecology Holidays 2:27:15 Marriage to Lance 2:33:22 Search for Son 2:41:45 Bookshops 2:47:48 Final Questions
Andrew London is an incredibly clever and talented songwriter, singer and musician. He has a reputation for his witty, satirical lyrics that comment on everyday life in New Zealand. Episode Links: Andrew's Website https://andrewlondon.co.nz/ Andrew's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@otakilondons Andrew's Facebook page https://facebook.com/andrewlondonnz 0:00 Introduction 6:58 I've Got to Get Myself Some New Friends 11:26 Inspiration for Songs 13:32 Set Me Up By the Bar 16:50 I Hugged Me Mate 25:00 Songwriting Process 30:16 Musical Upbringing 39:30 Playing as a Couple 42:42 Beans on Toast 48:04 Engaging with a Crowd 52:16 Groups 53:21 Terry Crayford/Hot Club Sandwich 57:45 Touring 1:03:45 Norfolk Island and NZ Group Tours 1:07:25 Emily Bay 1:12:00 Cattlestops/Colleen Trenwith 1:15:16 Making a Living as a Musician 1:18:36 Hey Man 1:22:41 Let's Talk About Me (The Musical) 1:32:16 Learning an Instrument as a Kid 1:35:51 Favourite Song 1:36:43 I Don't Recognise This Neighbourhood 1:40:56 Play My Way Home
Kylie has climbed and explored all over the world, including being the first New Zealand woman to ski to the South Pole. She has started and run various businesses, and along with her husband Ivan owns and runs Wings and Water - a floatplane company based in Te Anau, New Zealand. Episode Links: Wings and Water Website https://www.wingsandwater.co.nz 0:00 Introduction 9:15 Wings and Water 31:04 Early Life 32:10 Glacier Explorers 45:29 High Places Greenland 50:21 Icetroll Norway 51:47 Antarctica 55:13 Denali Summit 59:32 Soth Pole 1:18:53 Inspiring Young Women 1:23:03 Big Wall Norway 1:30:00 Gaining Flying Experience 1:34:26 U Fly 1:38:09 Alaska Floats & Skis 1:39:37 C208 Amphibian Broome 1:43:04 Starting a Family 1:47:28 Advise for Life
Chris Long was raised in the wild and remote Gorge River. Since leaving home he has travelled extensively, working in some of the world's most hostile and beautiful environments, including Antarctica, Norway, China, and many others. He has written an autobiography titled "The Boy from Gorge River", and has documented many of his experiences on his WildKiwiAdventurer social media channels. Episode Links: Chris's Social Media Channels YouTube @WildKiwiAdventurer Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wildkiwiadventurer/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wildkiwiadventurer/ Website https://www.wildkiwiadventurer.com/ 0:00 Introduction 6:29 Writing a Book 15:54 Learning to Fly 24:14 Working on a Russian Icebreaker 33:41 Antarctica 56:12 Overseas Travel 1:01:37 Norway 1:12:33 Things vs Experiences 1:16:22 Creativity 1:18:02 Experiences vs People 1:22:55 Being Raised at Gorge River 1:27:59 Self Sufficiency 1:34:30 Sustainability 1:41:15 Leaving Home 1:42:59 Quotes from Parents 1:47:00 Risk vs Reward 1:55:38 Future Plans/Final Questions
Ken Tustin has spent decades searching for the elusive moose in Fiordland, New Zealand. He has flown helicopters in Antarctica and all over the world, has spent many years researching Himalayan Tahr in NZ, and is a biologist and author. Episode Links: Stealth Films - "Fiordland Moose" & "Mountain Monarchs" DVD's https://www.stealthfilms.co.nz/dvds Natural History - "A Wild Moose Chase" Film https://www.nzgeo.com/video/a-wild-moose-chase/ Due to the length of this interview, I've divided it into three sections (1. Tahr; 2. Flying; 3. Moose), with the time stamps listed below. 0:00 Introduction SECTION 1 8:52 Himalayan Tahr in NZ 22:09 Graeme Caughley Research Project 28:29 Lessons from George Schallar 35:35 Godley River Solo Study 56:11 Loneliness 58:46 Mountain Monarchs Film 1:05:25 Nepal 1:13:26 Management of Tahr in NZ SECTION 2 1:28:10 Learning to Fly 1:32:00 Early Helicopter Career with Tim Wallis 1:43:22 Incidents and "Gaining Experience" 2:05:27 Antarctica 2:18:17 Burma & Laos 2:25:38 Burmese Friends & Myanmar Civil War SECTION 3 2:38:14 NZ Moose 2:46:52 1972 Moose Survey 2:59:25 Introduction of Moose in NZ 3:04:44 Pre 1952 Shootings and Sightings 3:11:35 1990's & 2000's Search 3:20:09 2002 DNA Evidence & 2020 Sighting 3:32:22 Natural History Documentary 3:45:11 Fiordland 3:47:34 Final Questions
Simon Heath founded and set up the Mistletoe Bay Trust and the Mistletoe Charitable Foundation. He has been a school teacher, principal, and has held many other education roles for nearly 40 years. He is passionate about sustainability, strong leadership, and excellence within schools. Also available on Spotify and other major podcast apps. 0:00 Introduction 3:53 NZ Education System vs Other Countries 11:47 Education during COVID 18:06 Teaching Career 26:12 E-Learning 37:04 Eco-Learning 50:51 Mistletoe Bay Trust Story 1:17:04 Mistletoe Charitable Foundation 1:26:17 Kiwi Can Program 1:31:52 Societal Changes 1:38:19 Māori/Pākehā Equity Gap 1:45:36 What Makes a School Great? 1:51:24 Leadership 1:56:02 Mediocrity 1:58:44 Why Choose Teaching as a Career? 2:04:38 Mistletoe Bay Photos
Richard Rayward has an incredible 60 years of aviation history that began back in 1966 when he quit his job and moved to live in a remote high altitude area of South Westland to hunt venison. With him he took his new wife, his new Cessna 180, and 70 hours total flight time. Since then he has created and stills runs (with his family) Air Safaris based in Tekapo. NOTE: I do apologise for the very average video quality in this interview. I am investing in new lighting equipment and upskilling myself to do my best to improve in the future. For this reason I have decided to not include the first few minutes of this interview which had some serious focussing issues due poor lighting conditions. 0:00 Introduction 1:26 Previous career 7:56 Mark's Flat/Learning to Fly 26:38 Venison Recovery with C180 34:34 Tony Hawker 41:23 Formation of Air Safaris 1:03:56 Pilatus Porter 1:06:30 Ski Planes 1:08:56 GAF Nomad 1:18:03 Dealing with Civil Aviation 1:22:22 IFR Operations 1:28:08 Franz Josef Operation 1:31:54 1998 Accident 1:42:58 Airvan, Caravan, Helicopters 1:52:33 New Pilots/Training 1:57:48 Personal Involvement in Business 2:00:08 Coast to Coast 2:03:39 Safety Awards 2:09:54 Taking Risks in Life 2:13:38 Ethics & Leadership in Business 2:20:02 Final Questions 2:23:22 Original 1967/68 Footage 2:34:01 Air Safaris Facebook Photos
Ross Millichamp worked for New Zealand Fish and Game for 25 years and is a very well known and respected author on all things hunting and fishing. In 2008 he fell sick with Necrotising Fasciitis (flesh eating disease) but after many tough months and years recovering is now back hunting, fishing, and flying his own aircraft. 0:00 Introduction 2:46 Early Life and Salmon in NZ 9:28 Salmon Life Cycle 16:32 Current State of NZ Salmon Fishery 28:20 Brown Trout Fishery & Water Management 42:41 Blue Cod Fishery 47:03 Fish & Game Career 1:01:06 Necrotising Fasciitis Illness 1:53:52 Being in the Outdoors 1:59:01 Learning to Fly 2:09:51 Writing & Photography
This is the very first of what I hope will be many interesting tales told by equally interesting Kiwi characters. In this first episode, my very good mate Willie Sage is my guinea pig, and we discuss his early life, getting started in his aviation career, Sounds Air, Vincent Aviation, and he gives advise for those entering an aviation career. 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Early Life 9:18 Gaining Confidence 14:25 Agrodome 25:05 Pilot Training in NZ 31:03 Mountain Air 38:14 Sounds Air (early days) 47:28 SEIFR 54:45 Eagle Air 57:34 Vincent Aviation Darwin 1:08:46 Taking Responsibility 1:15:02 Rules & Regulations 1:22:51 Helicopter Flying 1:25:20 Flying Multiple Types 1:33:15 Marlborough R44 Flying 1:37:21 Robinson Helicopters 1:41:33 Aviation Accidents 1:43:12 Complacency, Common Sense 1:47:15 Advise to Young People 1:51:32 Working for CAA