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Shipwreck That Created Me

Writer's picture: Regina De Wolf-NgarimuRegina De Wolf-Ngarimu

On the 28 September 2023, Lightning talks are on at Taiki E! I will be participating and I go to see the talks whenever I can. It is astounding to see what people accomplish. People like Hubba Kaiwai who runs a roading business up the coast and Tairawhiti Adventure Trust, they built the skate parks, really inspire me. The number of people who have achieved all kinds of neat stuff, in diverse areas, creates a wave of positivity within. We all need that right? I just got back from the Chatham Islands Writers Retreat where we worked extensively on capturing your history, creative thoughts and skills for future generations. In 100 years how will your whanau (family) know you? I'm grateful my great-great-grandfather was shipwrecked on Flower Pot Rock at Pitt Island in 1859, aboard the Franklin. The photo is a piece of the Franklin that resides in the Chatham Islands Museum.

He stayed and married my great-great-grandmother, so hey I exist! And, shipping records are fantastic - I know Henry Grinnell was the first mate. Our Māori culture of whakapapa (genealogy) is also a blessing. It was my privilege to be gifted part of my history by Deb Goomes in Rekohu.

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Benita Kape
Benita Kape
20 сент. 2023 г.

My son has just been on a little tiki tour up the Corromandel. He had long known about his great grandfather having being shipwrecked in that area. Had no idea how well the district has curated that grounding.


Also, on my mother's side one of my nieces made a concentrated effort to find out about our family in Scotland. Amazing the finds she had.We learned that our Mum's mother had married a dour Scotsman and gone out to Boston, USA to live. Most of my life I'd lived thinking my mother was an only child. Not so; and contact has been made with that side of the family. Not sure how much our mother knew of all that. For some…

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Regina De Wolf-Ngarimu
Regina De Wolf-Ngarimu
19 сент. 2023 г.

Yes, I love it! And not just me. There is a huge branch with many twigs on the family tree from Henry, even thought he didn't live long in this life - he is certainly left a legacy ❤👏

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Taranga Kent
Taranga Kent
19 сент. 2023 г.

Love the title! Isn't it wonderful how a negatives(i.e. a shipwreck) can turn into something positive (i.e. you!)

Fellow author and Chatham Island fan, Taranga Kent

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