Bryan Vickery Media Taranaki

02/08/2025

Celebrating Community is what Drives Me.

Special thanks to community stalwart Lesley Dowding for organising today's video shoot in Ōkato. A huge shout out goes to Coastal Clydesdales and driver Glenys Putt, and Jade with Kovi Sketches, www.switchdesign.co.nz

During the last twelve months (as a NPDC Councillor) I have worked closely with Lesley Dowding and the Kaitake Community Board to strengthen community connections in Ōkato. Key milestone celebrations have been filmed and archived with Taranaki Media Archive.

During September I have organised for the Ōākura Post to do a two page feature showcasing what makes Ōkato unique; and this edition of the paper will be delivered to every home in Ōkato.

I can film positive content like this thanks to the support of Primo.

31/07/2025

It was a blast sitting in on Turkey The Bird and Shaskeen Reel jamming together in Mark Corbett's garage.

My video doesn't do justice to their incredible sound. Lucky me, I get to emcee their fundraising concert Live In Concert on Saturday, 23 August, 7.30PM at the TSB Showplace Theatre Royal.

It's a fundraiser Concert for Taranaki Cathedral Strengthening.
Tickets $40 at eventfinda.co.nz or isite.

I can film positive content like this thanks to the support of Primo.

31/07/2025

TSB partners with Stadium Taranaki to bring more opportunities to the region

TSB’s name will be in lights at the recently opened East Stand at Stadium Taranaki.

It will now be known as the TSB Stand as the bank partners with Stadium Taranaki to support the vision of creating the best regional stadium in New Zealand.

TSB chief executive Kerry Boielle says the redeveloped stadium offers huge benefits for the whole community.
“TSB is excited to get behind Stadium Taranaki because of what this world-class premises will deliver for our community.
“It’ll generate more opportunities to host local, regional, national and international sports and entertainment events, and that creates a better place to live and work, all while supporting our local economy and showcasing Taranaki on the global stage.
“TSB loves to champion great things to help our community thrive, so this is just another commitment to support our local rohe,” says Kerry.

Stadium Taranaki is a modern, versatile facility, suitable for a wide range of uses – from international sporting fixtures and elite entertainment events to conferences, trade shows, and private functions.

The stadium is owned by the Taranaki Regional Council (via the Taranaki Stadium Trust), who worked in collaboration with Ngāti Te-Whiti on the new design of the stand, and the venue is managed and operated by New Plymouth District Council.

“We’re proud to welcome TSB as the Principal Partner for Stadium Taranaki’s East Stand,” says NPDC Chief Executive Gareth Green.
“TSB’s support represents more than a naming rights agreement - it’s a statement of shared values and local pride. We’re thrilled to partner with an organisation that understands the importance of investing in people, places, and
in the future of events in our region.”

The TSB Stand is positioned 8 metres closer to the main field, creating an electric atmosphere for players, participants, and spectators, and enhancing the venue’s reputation as an iconic destination for diverse
events.

It offers flexible, scalable seating, public amenities, and dual-sided viewing for sports on both the main pitch and outer fields - enhancing usability for a wide range of sports and community activities. Plus has great facilities such as public toilets, changing rooms, showers and food/beverage areas.

Stadium Taranaki is also committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience - offering wheelchair and companion seating, mobility parking close to entry points, accessible toilets, and support services to ensure all visitors
enjoy their venue experience.

Kerry Boielle says: “This year TSB is celebrating our 175th
birthday so we consider this another gift to our community. Let’s all make the most of this outstanding facility and really get behind the events that come here.”

ENDS

29/07/2025

😍 Just love seeing our show splashed across the pages of the Taranaki Daily News! Forever grateful to the awesome team at Stuff for the amazing coverage, and the ongoing support of New Plymouth Little Theatre. We can't wait to see you on opening night NEXT WEDNESDAY!! For tickets to Ache, book online at: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/aug/nplt-ache

29/07/2025

Help Bell Block Marist Dragons League Club to rebuild from the ground up !!

28/07/2025

I was privileged to attend the Taranaki screening of No Tears on the Field at the TET Kings Theatre in Stratford (Monday, 28 July, 2028).

Directed by Doc Edge alumna Lisa Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let's Talk About S*x), the film is about more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best, young women daring to dream big thrown curveballs that leave you gasping, crying,, laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible.

It follows a season of grassroots rugby in Taranaki from young club players to sporting superhero Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

I can film positive content like this for free thanks to the support of Primo.

27/07/2025

Pukeiki Summit and Paint Mines.

Interestingly ochre deposits were mined in Pukeiki from 1918, when imported ochre to make paint, was not available. At first the material was taken out by horse, but from 1926 the bush tramline was used. Mining ceased in 1931 when the tramline was dismantled.

I can film positive content like this thanks to the support of Primo.

27/07/2025

Anglican Church

24/07/2025

I am a proud supporter of Access Radio Taranaki 104.4 FM and I also rate the journalistic skills of Taryn Utiger. However, to be fair, I also love The Most.

When I tutored WITT radio students they did their on-air presenting at Access Radio, and they loved it. It's exciting to see more and more people hosting radio shows on Access Radio. I also love seeing these shows advertised on electronic billboards.

A decade after copping abuse for supporting a Māori ward, a former New Plymouth mayor has launched a podcast on the topic ahead of local body elections.

24/07/2025

Ulysses Club to Lead Nationwide ‘Rev and Respect’ Rides and Events for Motorcycle
Awareness Month

In a historic first, 21 of the Ulysses Club's 26 branches across the country, alongside numerous other motorcyclists, will take to the streets this September to support MotorcycleAwareness Month (MAM). With riders outfitted in bright yellow accessories, their "Rev and
Respect" rides and events will capture the public’s attention and highlight the importance of motorcycle safety Launched in 2017, Motorcycle Awareness Month was established afte r members of ACC’s Ride Forever program analyzed crash statistics and noticed a concerning spike in motorcycle accidents every September. In response, the Ulysses Club has rallied behind this
initiative, planning coordinated national events that will bring together riders from all walks of
life.

Suzie Pentelow, Ulysses Club's National committee, explains the motivation behind these nationwide rides and events: “As a club, we’ve lost many cherished members to vehicle accidents, often with the other motorist saying, ‘I just didn’t see the bike.’ This is a reality many motorcyclists face, which is why we wanted to create an annual awareness ride that invites all bikers, regardless of age, bike brand, or affiliation, to join forces for this cause.”
Pentelow emphasizes, “No matter what club or group we belong to, we all share a love for riding and a common goal: to ensure our friends and loved ones return home safely after
every ride.”

The Ulysses Club, a social club open to motorcyclists of all ages and bike brands, has long prioritized rider safety. Andy Wilson, National President of the Ulysses Club, reflects on the
club's evolving culture: “In 2023, we changed our age policy to embrace riders of all generations. We’re seeing an increase in younger members and women riders, which shows
our commitment to fostering a diverse, safety-focused community.”

Wilson adds, “Safety has always been at the heart of what we do. Our members actively participate in rider training, first aid courses, and benefit from safety gear such as
high-visibility vests and first aid kits. Our national 'Rev and Respect' rides perfectly align with the club's mission to promote safe riding practices for everyone.”

The Ulysses Club’s efforts are made possible with the support of AA Insurance, whose sponsorship underscores their shared commitment to motorcyclist safety.
The “Rev and Respect” rides and events will take place across the country throughout September, with each event serving as a powerful reminder to all road users about the
importance of motorcycle awareness.

24/07/2025

Congratulations to local media legends Anna Richardson and Ken Swan. Last night they deservedly received NPDC Citizens' Awards for the wonderful work they have done in the community over many years.

The full list of the awards recipients and their amazing achievements will be posted on this page soon.

23/07/2025

Primo’s own Matt Harrison has just been elected to the board of ISPANZ, the Internet Service Providers Association of NZ.

He spent the day at the annual conference talking with peers about some of the big issues facing rural broadband in NZ today. Things like spectrum access, the withdrawal of copper services, the 3G shutdown, and how all of this is impacting our farmers and rural communities.

One of the highlights was hearing from local Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper, who spoke about the growing isolation, vulnerabilities, and lack of technical knowledge in rural areas as older networks disappear and more people are left behind.

The Minister of Communications wrapped up his keynote by saying:
“Spectrum, Spectrum, Spectrum!”
Safe to say the message is getting through.

We’re proud to have a strong regional voice representing Taranaki and providers like Primo at the national level.