What is it?The project is a unique Rolling Ball Clock measuring6m x 4m x 2.5m high with a striking wave formroof. This special glass enclosed kinetic sculpturecomprises 35 “bowling balls” running on stainlesssteel tracks. They perform various physical motionslike banked corners, loop the loop, ride in elevatorsetc as well as telling the time via timing racks. Therewill also be a strong cultural theme with a centralMaori Pou created in stainless steel and copper,telling the story of Maramataka, the Maori MoonCalendar. The work is being led by carver Te WarihiHetaraka, cultural advisor to the team, whose sonPhillip has designed the central Pou. The art workalso includes a small model of the Te Matau a Pohelifting bridge and a Mechanical Pedaling “Man”.

What will it do?The purpose of the project will be to create a worldunique kinetic sculpture which not only tells thetime but also provides a major tourist attractionwith educational and cultural values. The sculpturehas the potential to provoke, galvanise and educate,is a unique cultural project anchored in thecommunity, harnessing the raw medium of balance,equilibrium, movement, gears, wheels and chains.Encompassing concepts from mathematics to physicsit is sparked by a “Whangarei” sense of adventure,genuine creativity and the Kiwi “number eight wire”approach. It will be one of the highlights whenexperiencing the Hatea Loop Walkway in Whangarei.

Its secondary purpose is to stimulate interest andhighlight the adjacent National Clock Museum,providing a portal for additional interest in time andthe other clocks inside the museum.

Where will it be?The site allocated by the Whangarei District Councilis adjacent to the Claphams Clock Museum andbeside the main walkway through the Town Basin.

What stage are we at ?The clock enclosure and foundations have beendesigned. The project has an actual site with thegeotechnical investigation completed, a ResourceConsent and a Building Consent. The clockmechanism and guiding rails is almost completelydesigned and documented and a detailed costestimate prepared.

Project timetable: completion in 2020Once funding is complete the fabrication of theclock could be completed within 12 months by localsuppliers and contractors.Who will visit the Clock ?• Tourists: Both local and international groups on

the Hatea Loop Walkway• Cultural Tours – Story of Maramataka• Night Time: Theatre style lighting giving an

additional 4-5 hours of exposure.• Educational tours of school groups ( with

parents)

The VisionThe Whangarei District Council has a vision ofthe Hatea Loop Walkway being the “jewel in thecrown” of Whangarei. We consider that the growthin tourism being driven by the Hundertwasser ArtCentre now under construction, the Hihiaua CulturalCentre, the riverside hotel projects, and Camera

Obscura and when these are combined with theexisting sculpture park, Te Matau a Pohe, Whangareibecomes a tourist destination in its own right.The additive effect of these activities would createa unique visitor experience which should attractincreasing numbers of both local and internationalvisitors.

ABOUT THE CLOCK

ADVERTORIAL

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Timeless & Classic Quality

HENK OOSTERBROEKHenk Oosterbroek was born in Holland.

Started work at the age of 15 in the boatbuildingindustry following his fathers and grandfathersfootsteps. Emigrated to New Zealand in 1971 andcontinued in the boatbuilding industry.

Between 1975 and 1980 he has worked in variousindustries from general engineering to aluminiumjoinery and in the 1980 back to boatbuilding andstarted stainless steel fabrication in the early 2000before retiring.

He developed a reasonable knowledge in differentfields and was always ready for a challenge andproblemsolving.

He has a can’t do attitude.

PHIL COLLINSI am the Senior Research & Development Engineerat Hansen Products and became involved with theAbout Time clock project over 8 years ago after beingapproached by Graham Brice.

Raised in Whangarei, and with a keen interestin engineering, I started a Fitting, Turning andMachining apprenticeship with the WhangareiEngineering Company (WECO) in 1979.

Following that, I spent five years at Long LifeTool Company, designing, building, operating andmaintaining production equipment for jig sawblades.

In 1988 I joined Hansen Products, initiallyoperating injection moulding machines, beforelearning and doing toolmaking then moving on toCAD design of their plastic pipe fittings and valves.

PHILLIP HETARAKA (son of Te Warihi)Early childhood I was always captivated andinfatuated by my surroundings, especially withthings man-made. Fascination later developed intounderstanding how things were made. This involveda lot of taking apart and reconstructing. I always hada passion for art and was able to visually interpretmy surroundings using any mediums available.

My influences have come from everywhere, butmore so from my upbringing, family and friends.

My greatest inspirations are my parents.I have produced several works, mostly in the

form of contemporary Maori design, tamoko/tattoowork or corporate identity and branding. I havecollaborated and worked alongside my father TeWarihi Hetaraka on a number of projects.

I have been and currently working as a GraphicsTutor at The Design School for the past 3-4 years andhave had the privilege to pass on my knowledge andskills of the industry to those whom have walkedthrough the doors.

My latest work are a series of greeting cards anddigital prints illustrating my interpretation of MaoriMythology of the creation.

It is a privilege to be working alongside an

amazing industrial artist Henk and his talented teamon the ‘About Time’ project as his cultural advisorand korero designer. I saw this as an opportunityto unite all cultures together and to enhance thekaupapa and tikanga of this project by sharing theknowledge of our ancestors in regard to MaramatakaMaori - The Maori Lunar Calendar.

GRAHAM BRICEBorn in the UK came to NZ with family in 1939settled in Whangarei were father established anoptometrical practice.

Schooling at Horahora, and Whau Valleyprimary’s, attended Whangaei Boys High andthen boarded at Kings college Auckland. Studie’doptometry in Auckland and then post graduationqualification in the UK

Returning to NZ joined father in Whangareipractice (now Specsavers) In 1956 married (Wendy)and now have 4 adult children

Has been involved in a number of communityactivities.

Past committee member;- Whangarei YHA;....Whangarei Tourism Trust Board

Past secretary;- Whangarei Amateur Athletic Club,Olympic Swimming Pool Building committee

Past chairman:- Whangarei & District Road SafetyCouncil... Whangarei Blood & Leukema FoundationCo editor with Chris Carey :- Destination NZCruising Guide to Northern Waters

Whilst a member of the then W.T.T, suggestedthat to boost interest in Claphams Clock Museum

an outside big version of a running ball clock beconstructed. In 2008 a working group was formed

JOHN REGINALD SHAWBeing born in a farming village in the heart ofSherwood forest was very lucky. Had a wonderfulplace to play. In abandoned quarries, streams to fishand trees to climb. Village school.. A scholarship toa grammar school, an engineering apprenticeship.Tertiary studies at Peoples college in the shadow ofNottingham castle. Marriage to my fiancée Pam in1966, moved to Rolls Royce as a draughtsman. 1968,why not go to N Z for a look? Never left! Trained asa metalwork teacher and teacher librarian. WBHS for23 years, then WGHS for 17, retired last year. Fouryears ago was invited to “help” build the rolling ballclock model.

ROGER REYNOLDSRoger Reynolds was born and bred in Whangareiwhere he trained as an Electrician. He has beeninvolved in domestic, commercial, industrial & shipwiring, which involved lighting such things as sportsfields, wharves, display lighting etc. He worked inwholesale, retail and procurement.

VIC PITMANRetired in August 2015 after 10 years professionaltruck driving in Whangarei.

Educated through Northcote Primary,Intermediate and College from 1951 to December1960.

Joined Post and Telegraph in 1961 as aTelecommunications draughtsman.

Working in Auckland, Papakura, Whangarei andNelson drawing offices over 24-years.

Career change in 1985 - promotion in humanresources, as a Senior Employee assistance advisor inRotorua. Moving back to Whangarei in 2005.

Vic’s involvement in volunteerism through LionsClubs International since 1977, a keen petrol headand a part time assistant to a motorcycle journalist,road testing new motorcycles from 1985 to 2000.

WARREN THOMAS – PROJECT MANAGERI retired to Whangarei 10 years ago and have only beeninvolved for the past 5 years in the clock in variouscapacities. Before that my working career was as anengineer and project manager in the designing andbuilding food processing factories in New Zealand,Australia and Malaysia. This work was for Beca aleading New Zealand consulting engineering firm.

PETER ROMERFrom a Draughtsman in UK to teaching Maths,Science, Graphics and Design in NZ, Peter thendeveloped a Graphics and Design business. Sinceretirement he’s enjoyed designing publicity materialfor the Octagon Theatre, the Classic and Sports CarClub and the Rolling Ball Clock.

Peter has been part of the Ball clock team rightfrom the beginning when Graham Brice, BrianAdcock and he were in Rotary together. It wasGraham’s idea that set the whole ball rolling! Peter’sparticular interests have been producing 3D imagesof the clock and the development of ‘Pedal Man’leaving the mechanics of the actual clock to the othertalented guys.

BRIAN ADCOCKBrian Adcock joined the initial team very early inthe project, as a colleague of Graham Brice and PeteRomer in Rotary. His background as a civil engineerand project manager was invaluable in those earlydays and his sense of humour and design skillsadded a special dimension to the team – he is sadlymissed.

MALCOLM HAWTHORNEWhangarei engineer Malcolm Hawthorn has beenremembered as a wonderful, caring man, whodedicated his life to helping the community anddeveloping engineering and young engineers.

Mr Hawthorn, a retired director of HawthornGeddes Engineers and Architects, and a formerWhangarei district councillor. Mr Hawthorn wasalso a fellow of the Engineering NZ (formerly theInstitute of Professional Engineers of NZ).

He was also a long-time member of the WhangareiLions.

He was a founding member of the About TimeProject team.

ABOUT THE TEAM

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• Paintings • Glass Works • Carvings• Jewellery • Sculptures • Ceramics

• Gift Vouchers

1392 Russell Rd, HikurangiPhone/Fax: Gallery 09 433 9616or Café 09 433 9934Hours: 7am to 5pm - Weekdays

9am to 5pm - Weekendswww.galleryhelenabay.co.nz

www.facebook/galleryhelenabay

Gift Vouchersavailable for theCafé & Gallery

ADVERTORIAL

CULTURALThe clock tells the story of Maramataka,the maori moon calendar. The large wheelrepresents the sun, the centre wheel the earand the top wheel and the moon. The ballson the racks are the stars. It is the position ofthe stars in relation to the moon that tells uswhen is the right time for planting, harvestingor fishing.

www.coco.co.nz

Proud tobe solarpoweringthe RollingClock project

Proudly Northland owned andoperated for over 37 years

Showroom:15 Kioreroa Road, WhangareiWebsite: www.hubands.co.nzPhone: 0800 482 263

On behalf of the Whangarei Community we are urging youto support our “About Time” Project. A group of highlytalented engineers and designers have been working on thisproject for more than ten years.

These men are local heroes who have contributed theirown money, thousands of hours and extraordinary expertiseto bring this engineering masterpiece to our city. Thereis nothing else like it in the world! It will become the“Whangarei Rolling Ball Clock”

The government has contributed $750,000 through theProvncial Growth Fund but before we can uplift this fundingwe need to raise $150,000.

The Northland Community Foundation are our bankingpartners.

FUNDRAISING NEEDS TO CONTINUE:1. Via our Givealittle page – or to our Facebook or website

to find the link. This will provide you with an immediatereceipt. http://givealittle.co.nz/cause/about-time-rolling-ball-clock

2. Go to Northland Community Foundation (https://northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz/donate/). Usedrop down menu to select About Time Rolling BallClock. This will produce an immediate receipt; and abank transfer receipt will be sent.

3. Send a cheque to About Time Rolling Ball Clock, PO Box3314, Onerahi.

LEVELS OF DONATIONSAny donations are highly appreciated. However, if youwould like your contribution to be recognised on the clockitself when it is showcased at the Whangarei Town Basin,you may choose from the following options:• Pavers- These are triangle shaped pavers that will

surround the ground below the clock.• Pavers - $500 Selling Fast• Advertising Spaces- Sand blasted glass panel, which will

surround the clock itself around the bottom area. Thishas a minimum advertising time of 10 years.

• 40 cm - $2,000• 1 metre - $5,000

COUNCIL PARTNERSIP FUNDING GRANTWe have been successful in receiving an allocationof $110,000 from the Whangarei District CouncilPartnership Fund. This is a source of funds forcommunity lead projects within the district. It aimsto deliver a unique attraction of artistic, culturaland educational merit. As a kinetic sculpture andworking clock, it aligns with existing Town Basinamenities such as Clapham’s Clock Museum and theSculpture Trail. The council has accepted inheritanceof the ongoing operation and maintenance cost ofthe amenity.

The net result of this funding allocation means

that we have met an initial fund-raising targetof $150,000 which will permit draw downof the Provincial Growth Funding and allowcommencement of construction of the clock.

OPEN DAYSCome and be amazed by the full sized workingmodel we have built as a “ proof of concept”.This is located in a council workshop in ReyburnHouse Lane immediately opposite the Sculpture Parkand beside Louie Berkers Panelbeaters. These opendays will continue every Saturday morning from10am to 1 pm.

WHANGAREI ROLLING BALLIMPORTANT NEWS FLASH

HOW FAST IS THE PEDAL MANGOING?

SANDRA MCKERSEYSandra McKersey is a newcomer to the teamand has thrown herself into fundraising withunbridled enthusiasm. She is so proud to beassociated with this exceptional project and withthis clever group of Whangarei engineers anddesigners. She is best known for establishingPeople Potential Ltd “and I love it here shesaid. This community is clever, creative andinnovative”.

JAN AHLERSJan Ahlers is committed ot the fundraising forthis amazing engineering project because she hasadmired for years the huge dedication just a fewmen have put into such a intricate and complexdesign.

She believes this Whangarei Rolling Ball Clockwill not only become a drawcard for tourists, butwill be a constant source of wonder and intriguefor regular users of the popular Loop Walk,young and old.

ADVERTORIAL

EDUCATIONALThere is a lot of physics and science behindthe ball movement. We have questionnairesthat can be given out to school groups whichask for some calculations of the physics behindthe clock.

Do the maths!• Driving Geared Motor Speed is 2 rpm ( revs per

minute )• Each sprocket set has the ratio of 52:14• How many sets are involved?• Pedal Man Speed = Motor Speed x ( overall

ratio )

What’s your answer?• Is it ? Look closely and see that there are three

sprocket sets.

Calculation• Number of teeth on driving (large) sprocket is

52 (Na)• Number of teeth on driven (small) sprocket is

14 (Nb)• Formula for overall ratio

= Na x Na x Na Nb x Nb x Nb= 51.24

Pedal Man Speed =Motor Speed x 51.24

= 102.48 rpm

“Get layed

by the best”

Concrete

Layed by

Ross Bourke09 433 8385 | Mob: 027 271 7036

rockobourke@gmail.com

FINISHERSFINISHERSTHETHE

THE ABOUT TIMEPROJECT TEAM ….Would like to thank our main contractorAbsolute Stainless Steel for their fabricationequipment including an automated computercontrolled stainless steel bending machine forthe stainless steel rails.

OUR SUB CONTRACTORS:• Axia for their 3D drawings

to as-built

• Ross Bourke for the internalconcrete finish

• Cook Costello for thestructural design

• Culhams Engineering for theirtransport and craneage

• GHK Piling for the piling andfoundations

• Hubands Energy for their expertadvice on solar power

• Metro Glass for the glass enclosure

• Ministry of Business (MOB)for the $750,000 through theProvincial Growth Fund

• The Northland Community Foundationour banking partners

• Northern Advocate (NZME.)for the advertising

• TBN for the lighting

• Tui Technology Ltd for theelectrical and computer controls

• Virgin Concrete for theconcrete supply

• Last, but not least WhangareiDistrict Council for the $110,000grant from their Partnership Fund

Without all their support, we would not be able to create thisoutstanding and unique Clock.

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa!

8 www.northernadvocate.co.nz Monday, September 23, 2019

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OpinionEDITORIAL

Twelvegoodmenand truenomore

The odious jurysystem remains,

and it is a stain onthe justice system.

Graeme Barrow

W hen the first settlersfromtheUnitedKingdomarrived inNewZealand they

broughtwith themthehabits, thecustoms, andconventionsof thecountries theyhad left behind.

Somewereexcellent, somenot—among the latter the first-past-thepost electoral systemand jurysystemof criminal justice.

TheGovernmentof thedaysoonworkedout that the first-past-thepost electoral systemwasinequitable, as therewasadisparity in thevalueofvotes.Small villageswhichhad theirownMemberofParliament gotthe samenumberofvotes aslargervillageswhichhad theirownMP. So theywisely got ridofit and introducedproportionalrepresentation.

But theby farmoreodious jurysystemremains, and it is a stainon the justice system.

In thisNewZealand is inbadcompany, theonly threeother

countrieswhich stick to it areAustralia, theUnitedKingdom,and theUnitedStates.

In theUS the systemhasbecomesopervertedandabusedthat the system itself is themajorcriminal. Corporations spendhundredsof thousandsofdollarsinvestigatingpotential jurors,findingout their prejudicesandtheir overall philosophieson theissues theywill beconfronting sothat thosewhohaveviews likelytobeatoddswith their client (theaccused) canbechallenged.

In civil cases there is anadditional flaw. Thepartywiththemostmoneycanhire thebestlawyer.

A far, far better system is theinquisitorial systemwhichoperates inWesternEuropewhere specially trained lawyersinvestigatewith theaimofestablishing the truth. Itwouldnotbepractical to introduce thatsystemhere, butwhatwouldwork farbetterwouldbe judgealone, assisted,wheredesirable,byoneor twoassessorswhowouldadviseoncomplexmatters. For instance, if the trialwasabout complicatedcorporatematters, twoaccountantsorfinancial advisers couldassist thejudge.

The flawed jury systemhas togo. It defeatsnatural justice.

BODY’S VIEW

LETTERS

Time to thank Running Ball Clock team

WHATDOYOUTHINK?

Email editor@northernadvocate.co.nz to haveyour say. Responsesmay be published.

Part of the Running Ball Clock at the Town Basin during an open day in 2017.

Iwould like to take this opportunityto thank theNorthernAdvocate fortheir long-standing support for thisproject (WhangareiRunningBallClock) and toexpressmygratefulthanksandappreciationof theconsiderablework, thought andeffortthecommitteemembershaveputinto theAboutTimeProject.

Over the last 11 years thecommitteehas,withoutpublicity,beenworkingawaycreatingthis amazinguniquestructure,which I amsurewill“wow” thepublic.

Becauseof thereluctance topublicise thework inprogress, themembers concernednowdeserve tobe recognised fortheir outstandingcreativityand“stickability”.

Firstly Iwould like toacknowledgetheworkby twoof theeight foundingmemberswhohavepassedaway—retiredengineersMalcolmHawthornandBrian Adcock—bothlaidout avisionof amuchmoreexcitingandcomplicatedwork thanIoriginally conceived.The foundingmembers,whodeservetobe recognised, innoparticularorder are:Phil Collins—designengineerHenk Oosterbroek—boatdesigner

Te Warihi Hetaraka—culturaladviserPeter Romer—graphicdesignandphotographerWarren Thomas—projectmanagerReg Shaw—engineeringdraughtsman.

Recentlywehavebeen fortunatetohavegained the specialist skills ofPhilipHetaraka, creator of thecentralpou, a fascinating interpretationofMaramataka, theMaorimoon

calendar, togetherwithRogerReynolds— lighting specialist.

TheAboutTimeProjectwouldnothavebeenpossiblewere it not for theconsiderable financial assistancefromtheProvincialGrowthFundandtheWhangareiDistrictCouncil. Also,the tireless efforts of SandraMcKerseyandJanAhlerswithfundraising.Aswearenearenoughtoour targetwehavebeenauthorisedto start construction.

Theconsiderable co-ordinationrequired is beingoverseenbyournewchairmanVicPitman(WhangareiCivicHonourAward).

I’msureWhangareiwill joinme incomplimentingall thesehelperswhohavecreated this outstandingWhangareiRunningBall Clocksculpture.

Graham Brice (Past convener)Patron

GUIDELINESThe Northern Advocatewelcomes letters from readers.Please note the following:

● Letters shouldnot exceed200words.

● They shouldbeopinionbasedonfactsor current events.

● If possible, pleaseemail.● Nonomsdeplume.● Letterswill bepublishedwithnamesandsuburb/city.

● Include full name, address andcontact details for our recordsonly.

● Local letterwritersgivenpreference.

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Emaileditor@northernadvocate.co.nzorwrite to theEditor,NorthernAdvocate, 88Robert St,Whangarei0110