‘Team Hunter’ acknowledged
When Brian Hunter saw a service manager’s job vacancy at Matamata Refrigeration, he pulled out his map and thought: ‘‘Where’s Matamata?’’.
He dragged his wife Sandra and their boys kicking and screaming to the small rural town and more than 30 years later, a special morning tea was held to acknowledge the contributions ‘‘ Team Hunter’’ has made to the Matamata community.
It was the first time an event like this had been organised by the Matamata- Piako District Council.
Mayor Hugh Vercoe said it was more than appropriate to acknowledge Brian and Sandra because their service to the community had been enormous.
‘‘Thank you for choosing Matamata,’’ Mr Vercoe said. ‘‘Matamata is lucky to have you.’’
A number of people stood up and spoke of the Hunters’ dedication to the community groups they had been in and continue to be involved with, including Matamata Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Kevin Curtis, and Centigrade director Paul Donderwinkel. Brian was instrumental in transforming Matamata Refrigeration into what is now known as Centigrade
Brian and Sandra were also acknowledged by Matamata Police, Victim Support, the Rotary Club of Matamata and the Mata- mata Swifts.
Former Matamata Chronicle editor Gaye Belton spoke fondly of the working relationship her and Sandra had shared during their many years at the Chronicle.
Brian said while he would miss working with the wonderful staff, he was looking forward to concentrating on other things including golf.
‘‘At 8 o’clock in the morning, being on the first tee at Matamata Golf Club is far better than being at work,’’he said.