WHS students assisting in Patronage visit

Whanganui High School students Alex Forlong and Alex Vinnell (sitting middle background) assisted in compiling a truly wonderful power point presentation at First Vets for the Patronage visit of Dame Patsy Reddy.

Thank you letter from Merenia Donne MNZM to the Principal at Whanganui High School

'Dame Patsy covers bases'
(Wanganui Chronicle story)

Dame Patsy Reddy has continued to work her way around Whanganui following the investiture of Dame Tariana Turia at Pūtiki Marae on Tuesday.

Along with husband Sir David Gascoigne, they first visited Gonville Library where she read Kapai and the Kauri Trees to children from Castlecliff's Barsanti Kindergarten.

Next on the itinerary was a trip to Pacific Helmets on Heads Road and then she made her way to First Vets in support of Kotuku Foundation Assistance Animals Aotearoa (KFAAA).

Dame Patsy Reddy pats Molly at a presentation and demonstration ceremony at First Vets.
Photo / Stuart Munro

"I'm a patron of this particular charity. That arose when the founder of the patron Merenia Donne came to government house for her own investiture earlier this year," Dame Patsy said.

"She knew of our particular love of dogs and interest in therapy dogs."

Inside the clinic on Glasgow Street, Donne made a presentation on her work with KFAAA, which makes assistance dogs affordable and available to those that need them.

Following the presentation, there was a dog zen training demonstration performed by experienced dog trainer Mark Vette.

Dame Patsy said that she learned a lot on the day, such as the prime time for training dogs being when they are between two and four months old.

"I've just pointed out that with our poodle, who's now 10, we may have missed the boat, but [Mark] did assure me that you can teach old dogs new tricks so hopefully that's the case.

"I think it's remarkable work, I'm sure it's very intensive training though because they're such specialised skills those dogs need to look after people with medical conditions."

At 9am today, Dame Patsy will be at the opening of the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, followed by a trip to RNZAF Base Ohakea at 10.30.

Dame Patsy said she does regional visits every few months and was really interested to see what is going on in Whanganui.

"There's a real community spirit here, there are lots of people that are engaged in supporting the community and each other.

"And entrepreneurial spirit too, whether it's the Pacific Helmets or the Glassworks, they're actually making businesses that are unique to Whanganui."

By Jesse King
Wanganui Chronicle 16/8/18