Robin Collins
Topics: Albert Town, Maungawera, schooling, rabbits, building, paraflying
Robin Collins is the second generation of his family to have grown up in the Albert Town, Maungawera and Wānaka area. He recalls his childhood & school days, fishing, swimming, helping with rose hip picking and rabbit board poisoning. His father arranged a building apprenticeship in Lumsden, when he was 14 years old. He describes some of his early work out of the district, including building pre-cut huts for the Noxious Animals division of the Forestry Department, at Tapanui, and air drops into the high country. He returned to the district as a young builder, and later went into business for himself, building over 50 houses, as well as farm buildings & renovations. A keen boatie, and fisherman, he was the instigator of an early Para-flying venture in Roys Bay, Lake Wānaka. Robin and his wife Kay, still live in Albert Town, not far from the first house they built in the same street.
Interviewed by Heather Knox
Wānaka Primary School Photo, 1948
Robbins family home on Helwick Street, at far left
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