Students revisit 1987 'Jurassic' period
Nineteen eighty-seven was a big year: big hair and big shoulders, for women, mobile phones the size of bricks and mortgage rates that peaked at 20.5 per cent … Wintec journalism students revisit the stories that made headlines 20 years ago… more
Separation of twins a career highlight
In 1987, when Heather Glen was asked to be part of a surgical team to separate conjoined twins at Waikato Hospital, she thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But three years ago, she was part of the team that successfully separated another set of twins. Wintec student journalist Holly McKay reports… more
Remembering the good old days of Knightshade
Knightshade was the hottest band in town in 1987, and went on to support big-name acts including Deep Purple and ZZ Top. Wintec journalism student Ben Telfer caught up with the band's frontman… more
Dead boy's legacy gives life to others
In 1987 Waikato people raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund a liver transplant for critically ill toddler Regan Chibnall. Tragically, Regan did not survive, but dozens of other children have benefited from his legacy. Wintec journalism student Amy Smart catches up with one of them… more
Lotto luck just keeps rolling on
Lotto was born 20 years ago. Wintec journalism student Emma Pottinger talks to one of Hamilton's first winners… more
Farmers look back on the tough times
1987 was an annus horribilis for farmers. Commodity prices were low and dairy farmers were being paid not to produce milk. Wintec journalism student Kathy Graham talks to two who survived… more
Thankfully, lightning doesn't strike twice
In 1987, Ben Bunting was one of a group of Hamilton schoolboys struck by lightning. Wintec journalism student Angela Hughes asked him how it has affected his life… more
Cave-rafting venture glowing success
In 1987, Waitomo caver Peter Chandler asked some unsuspecting backpackers to float through the rivers of a limestone underworld in the interests of market research. It was the beginning of a venture that now attracts thousands of tourists a year. Wintec journalism student Andy Fyers talks to Chandler about the birth of black water rafting… more
Javelin is no longer thorn on King's side
Troy King was 13 years old when a javelin pierced his chest at a Waikato secondary school sports day. Wintec journalism student Brad Mills asks him what he recalls… more
A tale of love, subterfuge and heartache
In 1987, a young Chilean man arrived on the doorstep of pizzeria owner Joe Di Maio. It was the beginning of a friendship that spanned a decade and dominated the headlines of the Waikato Times for a year. Wintec journalism student Greer McDonald revisits the story… more
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Golden days of boom and burnt fingers
The year 1987 was a golden one for the New Zealand thoroughbred industry. Everyone wanted a slice of the action, but some were badly burned. Wintec journalism student Penny Miles reports… more
Expansive times mirrored in 80s fashion
Big shoulders and big hair were the hallmarks of high fashion in 1987. Wintec journalism student Deanna Harris talks to the style-setters of 20 years ago… more
Fun-filled memories for broadcasters
In 1987, the TV news programme Top Half was co-fronted by Natalie Brunt. Wintec journalism student Florence Kerr catches up with her and another veteran Waikato broadcaster, Ronny Phillips… more
Glenn still cheers the sea waves crashing
In 1987, Glenn Campbell was king of the waves in Aotearoa. Over a decade, the Raglan-based surfer won almost every title in the country and competed successfully internationally. Wintec journalism student Katrina Lintonbon caught up with him at his favourite beach… more
Forget the lamb, it was steak 'well done'
Shrimp cocktails, scallops mornay, banana fritters. Wintec journalism student David Tilson talks to Hamilton's long-standing restaurateurs about food fashions 20 years ago… more
Pain of the cane a distant memory
In 1987, corporal punishment was in its dying days in New Zealand schools. Wintec journalism student Susana Talagi talks to teachers and a student about the practice of caning… more
Driving down memory lane in a clapped-out HQ
In 1987, a new car cost just under half the price of a tidy house in Hamilton. Most young people drove "old dungers". Wintec journalism student Anthony Kelly was one of them, but he says it wasn't all bad… more
Kidnap changed Jenny Gallagher forever
In 1987, Hamilton woman Jenny Gallagher was kidnapped and held at a bush campsite for two days. Wintec journalism student Nicolina Newcombe talks to her and the police officer who led the inquiry… more
Te Poi's buzzing and Big John is smiling
When the dairy factory at Te Poi closed 20 years ago, many thought it spelled the end of the small Waikato township. But Wintec journalism student Cleo Fraser found there is plenty of life in Te Poi, especially on Monday nights… more |