'The hidden jewels' of Flaxmere shine in calendar aimed at inspiring a town that's seen troubles

November 20, 2017

Henare O'Keefe's calendar delivers 12 months of inspiration from the Hawke's Bay town, in a bid to combat its negative image.

The man behind a calendar which features residents of Flaxmere says they're the town's "hidden jewels" and he just wants everyone there to have good relationships and jobs.

Seven Sharp reported that the Hawke's Bay town has made headlines over the years for all the wrong reasons - crime, gangs and poverty.

Local man Henare O'Keefe has been a cheerleader for Flaxmere for some 40 years, but the town has been through some bad patches.

"When you have people who are told 'you don't amount to anything, you're hopeless,' throw in poverty unemployment, drugs and alcohol, it's not surprising these terrible, terrible things come to the surface. But then to balance that you have all these wonderful people," he said. 

"Hence Flaxmere Heroes Calendar was born, and the hidden jewels that come out of this place." 

Every year, the calendar features inspiring Flaxmere students, like Kahlia Awa.

"I was in the Hastings West Ross Shield team and was first female captain in 115 years," she said.

And Mary Lolohea, who says her big goal is to become and opera singer if she can, quickly adding "I will be 'cause I can achieve it".

The month of March features Pat O'Brien whose Battle for Life programme has helped many young people.

The calendar is 12 months of inspiration, delivered for free, so what's Mr O'Keefe's dream for Flaxmere?

"You just want everyone to be happy and have good relationships, good jobs, just to love one another really. That's not too much to ask is it?" he said. 

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