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Plateau Profile - John McIlroy from Ohakune |
How long have you lived in Ohakune?
I have lived in both Raetihi and Ohakune all my life. 70 years this week as I just celebrated my 70th birthday on the 29th of July.
What schools did you attend?
Ohakune Primary School, St Joseph's Convent School and Ruapehu College.
What’s the best thing about being a Central Plateau local?
Everything is at your doorstep! Turoa ski field, fishing, hunting, native bush, golf and all the walks. The Ohakune Old Coach Road is a favourite that I walk now and used to walk as a kid. I plan to do the Tongariro Crossing again this summer which is always an experience.
What’s your favourite feature of the area you live in?
The rivers, Ruapehu and the bush. Monstrous trout!
What’s your claim to fame? What best describes what you do?
I've been plumbing for 52 years - all aspects. I did the initial roofing on the original WPI Mill, the Turoa Ski Field drive stations for the Parklane Chairlift, Giant Chairlift (drive and return station) and the High Noon T-Bar. I was involved with the creation of the Ohakune Easter Hunt with brother in-laws Ray and Tom Spry and the help of the then publican Rick Lowe from the Ohakune Hotel, we ran it for the first 13 years. Owned Waimarino Wines for approx 12 years. I've been on endless committees over the years, rugby, squash, tennis, gymanastic, golf and the list goes on.
What inspired you to get plumbing?
To learn a trade.
Share your successes with us?
I'd have to say I've had many successes with rugby. I've had a love for rugby from an early age and feel it's the greatest team game going. I played for Ohakune Primary School, Ruapehu College (2nd 15) and then went on to club rugby playing for Ohakune for one year in 1957 (3rd grade) before switching to Raetihi. From 1958 to 1970 I played for Raetihi juniors then seniors from 1960. Between 1960 to 1970 I played for the Ruapehu Sub Union which consisted of Ohakune / Karioi / Raetihi and we only lost about 5-6 games in that whole time. I then played for King Country Rugby Union from 1965 to 1968 with players Colin Meads, Ray Parr, Morris Rush, Tom Spry, Rangi Paki, Alex Gage, Homan Tapsell to name a few. Back then there was only one division and in my first year we played 11 games and won 11 games to go through unbeaten. In 1966 I played for the King Country / Wanganui Combined team against the Bristish Lions at Springs Park in Wanganui and won, I also played in one All Black Trial that year.
What’s your most recent success?
The ongoing renovation of 27 Ayr Street, Ohakune.
What made it possible?
The decision to buy a heap of junk.
What are your future plans/goals?
Carry on the good work with more fishing and to not run out of cold beer.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to get through?
The last five years.
What strengths do you need to be good at what you do?
Head down - straight back - a fear of losing.
Any funny moments you can share with us?
Fishing mates having a dip especially when it's cold. Beedee with his specialty golf shots. I can often get stuck on a customers roof, when you get up on a windy day and the ladder blows off. Not good when you don't have your cellphone on you and I've been rescued many times throughout the years.
Your advice to someone wanting to get into what you do?
Do it and enjoy.
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