Guardian seeks replacement for Murray Owen

October 10th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

Motueka readers are losing one of their favourite news reporters. Murray Owen, the chief reporter of The Guardian weekly community paper, is finishing his work there in a few weeks.

Murray has written for the paper for over six years, and has become one of the district's better known identities while writing up stories about the goings-on in Motueka and the wider Tasman area.

While interested in all the general news, he has had a special love for watching and writing up events on the sporting fields and various kinds of artistic and theatrical productions. (He even takes part in some - the photo shows him in the 2010 Starlight Parade.)

He has also been very interested in the history of the area, and in particular the people who made that history.

Murray told me he has no definite idea of what he will do next to earn a crust. His main immediate goal is to oversee the successful production of the Imagine Theatre's upcoming adult comedy-drama, The Big O.E., which opens next week. He is the show's director, following a similar role in several Imagine Theatre productions over his six years in Motueka.

After that, he expects there will be a bit of a rest, recharging his batteries. Reporting on any community newspaper inevitably involves lots of weekend work, when sport is played and community events are staged. This required the persistent use of notepads and cameras, as well as a lot of stamina.

He expects he will be able to do a bit more tramping in future, which he always enjoys. Writing histories has also been one of his interests, and opportunities may open up to earn some money on commissioned writing work.

The Guardian has begun advertising for a replacement, and whoever is appointed will have big shoes to fill as a ready contact with a huge range of people and a conduit of interesting community stories to a wider audience.

Comment by Shirley Frater:
[Posted 11 October 2013]

Thanks Murray, your reporting has helped the organisers of many events as you saunter up with the camera bag and pad - "What's happening, or where is it happening?". Then the trust that something - a story a photo, in the next edition. You got paid but somehow you have made the stories real without sensationalism.

We do not know much about you Murray, but you know a lot about us and Motueka. Thank you - seems too simple but it's meant. You are a ruby jewel in Motueka's crown.

Comment by Pauline Westall:
[Posted 13 October 2013]

To say that I am sad to see you moving on would be an understatement. Your reporting has been fantastic and you could always be relied on to cover a story. You have done marvels for the museum with your articles and photographs. I wish you well in what ever (ad)venture you embark on. I will miss you.

Comment by (Revd.) Matt Beech, Parish Elder-care Coordinator, Motueka Anglican Parish:
[Posted 13 October 2013]

Hello Murray; My thanks to you for your help, support and your articles re our Seminars for Seniors over the past period 2011 - 13. Very much appreciated. Blessings and best wishes for your future.

Comment by Jim Butler:
[Posted 21 October 2013]

Also very sorry to see Murray leave the Guardian. Make the best of your golden years Murray. They do not last forever. Best wishes.

Comment by Sean Delaney:
[Posted 21 October 2013]

Ka nui te mihi ki a koe i hopu whakaahua ki ngaa haakinakina me ngaa mahi-a-haapori. You'll be missed at the sporting events and the other community activities. You have left a legacy for the youth to follow. Maa te Atua koe e manaaki, e tiaki.

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