In Channel Magazine we love highlighting people in our community who make a difference. Two local Devonport peninsula people, Kate and Lauren, have created ‘Local Life NZ’ a social media entity doing similar online. We love what they do, so we’re now collaborating with them to include content in Channel Mag. This month they profile Kate, Justine and Tom.

Kate

“My first client was Luna, a miniature schnauzer. She looked so cute in the photos. I like photographing animals because of their expressions. Sometimes it’s almost like they’re posing for me.
“I used to use my Mum’s phone to take photos but then I saved up for my first camera from the money I made from selling handmade cards when I was four. I’ve always liked creating stuff and saving up for things.
“I’m hoping to do a pet photography course - that’s my goal. I can spend hours playing with people’s pets to get the right shot – it helps that I have treats.
“I mainly photograph dogs but I sometimes do cats. I’ve even done cows. I’m in the photography club at Carmel College and I like taking part in creative competitions so I can learn new things."
– Kate, 11-year-old student and pet photographer @misspetfolio, with her Golden Retriever Ruby.

Justine

“The Swap Shop idea came from my time living in London, where I used to attend similar events at pubs and community halls. I loved the concept and how it engaged the community in such a fun and worthwhile way. It’s really a win-win for everyone.
“Our first event back in April was an amazing success. We had over 750 items donated before the event and more swapping happening right the way through. Over 220 people came through the doors of the Community House on the day, and most of them left with piles of pre-loved gems.
“Volunteers are so important for events like this, and we couldn’t have done it without them. They were so busy swapping, sorting and hanging clothes - they were the best group.”
– Justine Kinsella, Devonport Community House marketing and activations manager. The next Swap Shop will be held in November.

Tom

Originally designed and hand-painted by Tom Smith in 1985, the sign at the entrance to Devonport has been smashed up, vandalised, covered in graffiti, used for target practice and borne the brunt of impact by cars and trucks over the years. It was even stolen once.
Tom has had to re-touch whole areas and replace panels too many times to count. The sign has now been digitised so Tom can fix any part that may get damaged.
A graduate of Manchester Art College Design School, Tom worked as an art and creative director in advertising in London before moving his family to Devonport in the '70s. Now, he says, he “couldn’t live anywhere else”.
Although the sign structure itself is older than 1985, Tom’s work was ready in time to coincide with the run-up to the Devonport Borough Council’s centenary in 1986. The profile of the Devonport Peninsula inside the lettering is based on a photo taken in the mid-19th century when there were only a handful of houses in Devonport and Mt Cambria was still intact.
– Tom Smith, Designer

If you have a story you would like to share or know of a local hero, contact Kate Dobbin & Lauren Lulu Taylor at hello@localifenz.com
Follow Local Life NZ on Facebook and Instagram – @LocalLifeNZ