1. What are your family links with Mercury Bay?
My great-great-grandparents, Mau and Eilleen Silbery. Eilleen Mary Caulton’s father, Ike, was one of the first settlers on Marine Parade, Cooks Beach. She settled at 22 Marine Parade, with the best view of Centre Island (Motukorure Island). I watched the sun rise and set through our homestead’s windows for most of my childhood, witnessing both powerful cyclones and many beautiful, peaceful days.
2. Where are you living now? How long have you been there?
I’ve been in Sydney for about 15 years, but I first moved to Australia in 2004, settling in Hampton Park, Melbourne. I worked for five years at Woolworths DC, Mulgrave – driving forklifts and picking and packing for the stores, meeting some great people along the way. Now, I work in stevedoring at Port Botany, operating massive cranes on the docks, driving heavy machinery, and working on container ships – unlashing and securing cargo. I’ve been here for over a decade and still love it. The rotational shifts, especially night shifts, can be tough, but the camaraderie and friendships I’ve built make it all worthwhile.
3. When were you living in the Coromandel? Which schools did you attend, and for how long?
It all began in Cooks Beach around February 1976. My sister, Sophie Silbery, and I were adopted by our great-great-grandparents.
I attended Whenuakite Primary School from around 1980 until I was 12 or 13, then moved on to Mercury Bay Area School until I was about sixteen. I had a great education and some incredible teachers, including our PT teacher, Ron Morgan.
He took us on many adventures, from sailing on the Spirit of Adventure to driving us to athletics and sporting events – definitely a pivotal role model in our lives.
4. What have you been doing since school?
At 16, I moved to Auckland to live with my grandparents and attended Ngā Tapuwae College (now Southern Cross) under Kepa Stirling. I was involved in sports and kapa haka with my whānau. Later, I also attended Avondale High School, continuing kapa haka there.
I worked at Pt Chev petrol station and Tahi Clothing on Queen Street. At 19, I had my son, Joshua Hapimana Silbery Martin, then moved to Waiouru as my ex-partner was in the NZ Army Artillery Corps. I did a short stint in the Army around 1998, topping my basic training, which was a bit of a blast. I worked as a civilian steward and supplier quartermaster in the Army, reconnecting with old school friends and whānau.
After leaving Waiouru, I moved to Whanganui, where I had two more children, Taylor and Te Ariki Silbery Nepia. I worked for IHC as a community support worker, a job I really enjoyed. I also attended UCOL and graduated with a double diploma in business management.
5. What achievement are you most proud of?
Joining the Army was a major highlight of my life. I served as a steward and a regular soldier, working as a supplier quartermaster at the ammunition depot — definitely one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of my life.
But above all, my greatest achievement is having my three beautiful children, who have blessed me with eight amazing mokos.
6. Have you been back to the Coromandel recently? Impressions?
Yes, I was back in January and had an amazing time reconnecting with whānau and old friends from my school days.
7. What are your fondest memories of the Coromandel?
Running and playing in the sand dunes at Cooks Beach with my sister and school friends. The Cooks Beach Athletics Club, run by my great-great-grandparents, Mau and Eilleen Silbery, was a big part of my childhood. I loved throwing the discus and running 400 m relays. We played a lot of sports, including soccer, and traveled all over the North Island for events.
School camp was another highlight – skiing at Mount Ruapehu. We had no fear back then, flying down those slopes like we were professionals.
8. Who were some of your friends in those early years?
Kirsti & Dylan Stock, Lyn & Joanne Maybe, Charleen & Vanessa Harsent, Faith @ Issac Tucker, Danny Evans, David Black, Raymond & Susan Hamilton. Carey Boner, Karl Nickolet, Kyle Kid, Gordon Darrah, Tania Rowbottom, Arama Campbell, Kim Herod, Helen Rudolf, Kelly McKenzie, Lana Garland, Dallas Bates, Tania Wilson. Webster family, Corey Talbot.
Pania & Stacey Wait. Mel & Catherine Riddle, Bryce Skinner. Magerita DeKwaint, Hayley & Caroline Nelson. James Jackman. Elizabeth & David Ihaia, Mark Carter. Maria & Charlie Dowd, Erica Kirby, Levi & Daya Willis.
I’m sorry if I’ve missed anyone – my memory isn’t what it used to be!
9. Friends you’d like to reconnect with?
Gordon Darrah, Kelly McKenzie, Tania & Arama Campbell, Pania & Stacey Wait, Faith & Issac Tucker, Maria & Charlie Dowd.
Gordon Darrah, Kelly McKenzie Tana & Arama Campbell, Pania & Stacey Wait, Faith & Issac Tucker. Maria & Charlie Dowd. Erica Kirby. Levi & Daya Willis.
10. Anything else you’d like to share?
I was incredibly lucky to have one of the best upbringings in Cooks Beach and Whitianga. I built lifelong memories and developed life skills that have carried me through the years. They say home is where the heart is, and this special place is exactly that.
The friendships I made here will always be part of me, and I will forever be connected to this beautiful whenua and its surrounding beaches.
One of my favourite places to visit is Hot Water Beach – I never miss a good thermal soak and swim when I’m back. Cathedral Cove and Lonely Bay were also top hiking spots for me. Every time I return home, I feel rejuvenated and at peace, surrounded by the stunning scenery that truly makes this place heaven on earth.
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