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The Kokatahi Band .1962.
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DescriptionBack row,L to R: Ron Manley, Dave Chinn, Arnold Thompson, Charlie Donnelly , Peter Kirwan, Ken McKey, Jack Tomlinson.
Middle row,L to R: Jack Marshall, Les Inwood, Bill Wilson, Bill O'Brien, Merl Hutchison, Jack Innes, Jim Woolhouse.
Kneeling: Harry Sweeney and Dave McLeod.Date of Photo1962Map[1] ContributorJanet Sutton
Middle row,L to R: Jack Marshall, Les Inwood, Bill Wilson, Bill O'Brien, Merl Hutchison, Jack Innes, Jim Woolhouse.
Kneeling: Harry Sweeney and Dave McLeod.Date of Photo1962Map[1] ContributorJanet Sutton
Shown in this image
Location (city or town)KokatahiPersonDave McLeodJack HeveldtJack InnesMerle Hutchinson Charlie WoolhouseJim MilnerRon ManleyLes InwoodJack TomlinsonBilly WilsonJack MarshallBilly O`BrienJim WoolhousePercy CroughOrganisation (eg business)The Kokatahi BandEventThe Kokatahi Band in the mid 1960`s.
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Category Tagmusic
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Date Created4th February 2021CommentsJanet Keats
Ron Manley top left
· Reply · 13h
Steve Jones
That's a great photo
· Reply · 13h
Grant Woolhouse
Nancy Woolhouse
· Reply · 12h
Kel Mitchelle
Middle row 3rd man with the violin is our grandfather Billy Wilson
· Reply · 12h
David Verrall
Back row l=r Ron Manley, Dave Chinn, Arnold Thompson, Jim Milner, Peter Kirwan, Ken McKey, Jack Tomlinson.Middle row l=r Jack Marshall, Les Inwood, Bill Wilson, Bill O'Brien, Merl Hutchison, Jack Innes, Jim Woolhouse, Kneeling Harry Sweney and Dave McLeod. Its the Kokatahi Band from 1962, new cover on the drum. From Boyangs n' Bandannas by Frank Graham published 2001
Margaret Standen
David Verrall Back row 4 th from the left is Charlie Donnelly ( my Dad)
David Verrall
Martin James
Uncle Jack Heveldt
Paula Brien
Great band
Gary Keown
Remember. All them growing up awesome band back then
Karin Carter
Uncle Merle
Mark Fleming
Karin Carter name misspelt
Stephen Foster
Member pop. Milner good olbugger
Chris Connors
Helen Connors
Bryce Smith
A real Coast group. Great music.
Veronica Moore
My uncle jack, grandfather Frank Heveldt and my father were in the band in the early days, jack for many years but he is not in this photo at all
Vern Pattinson
Veronica Moore worked with Jack
Jo-Anne Smith
I love listening to these guys play when I was a kid at the Raven thought Hospital anniversary but they head back in the 70s
Kay Nichols
Jim Woolhouse far right, middle row. Great to see him.
Jody Jamieson
Mandy Chinn
Patricia Heveldt
Dad (Jack Heveldt) is not in this photo. Dad played the bones. I'm not sure who the gent is on the bottom right of this photo (with the bones), I still have the bones that Dad (and his father before him), played, On the opening day at Shantytown, Dad said they were 80 years old. As Shantytown has just celebrated 50 years that makes the bones 130 years old. They may not have any Monetry value but the provenance that goes with them is fantastic (a real piece of history}
Margaret Standen
Patricia Heveldt I remember you’re Dad playing the bones at the Inter Continental Hotel in Auckland. He stood up on the grand piano in his soxs and the security guys come to get him down. We all had a great night.
Patricia Heveldt
Unfortunately (or unfortunately) I didn't see that. If I remember at that time I was in the NZ Army at Trentham Camp and I caught up with Dad in Upperhut (I think it was). He'd been away somewhere with the Band. Oh how the years have flown by
Vern Pattinson
Patricia Heveldt worked with Jack at Unit sawmill stillwater he often got the spones out and played for us great guy
Les Ellis
Patricia Heveldt bottom right is Dave McLoed.
Patricia Heveldt
Thanks Les. I love the old stories, pics etc about the Kokatahi band
Gaelyn Watson
Les Inwood my great grandfather .
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn Watson
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn Watson My mother, Doreen Blocksage, nee Hocton, cousin.
Errol
Gaelyn Watson
AnneErrol Blocksage my grandmother was Dorothy Olsen Nee Inwood.
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn, Leslie Hocton Inwood & sister?, circa 1912/13.
Errol
AnneErrol Blocksage thankyou for that. I will pass it on to my mum also. Not sure if she has seen this one.
Loretta Donnelly
Charlie Donnelly middle back row with accordion.
Lois Little
Is that Kenny m,Kay top row second from left.?..
Lois Little
Right I meant
Joy Meyer
I loved listening to the Kokatahi Band. Merle Hutchison lived 2 houses up from us in Gibson Quay in Hokitika
Dianne OBrien
Back left is Ron Manley and next to him Dave Chinn
Pauline Schafer
Lovely, Trish!
Joy Hill-Cooper
Loved watching and listening to them play
Keith Douthett
I remember watching these guys play way back then. They were amazing and their instruments were incredible! I hope they have been preserved for posterity!
Marlana Quy
I remember my late mum Patricia Quy ( wood) saying one of these members was a relative of ours but dont know which one.
Peter Kirwan top row fifth from left
Naomi Kirwan
Angela Keenan
Anthea Keenan
Goooo Kokatahi... giving so many so much enjoyment.
Lyn Henham
Uncle Billy
Mike Hutchison
Harry Sweeny front row left of the Drum
Deborah Baughan
Sarah Veller Douglas Smales
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Fabulous photo.
Wynsome Adams
ShonaandMurray Marshall which one is uncle Jack Marshall could he be the same one who came whitebaiting down Neil’s Beach in the 80s?
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Wynsome Adams no another Jack Marshall Winnie.
Sharon Sharpe
I'm pretty sure that's my grandfather, Kenny McKey, back row, 2nd from the right. He played the violin. (Kristine McKey ?)
Malcolm Lutton
ken 2 fromright
Jenny Jones
My mum Shirley Jones just loves this band our friend Merle Hutchison lived across the road from us on the lake Rd .We often listen to him playing his acorden. Such lovely man.
Sandra Douglas
Ron Manley -1st back
Gail Howard
A friend from the Kokatahi Valley has just sent me a cutting from the local newspaper with a photo of my great uncle Jack McCormick and his three wheeler bike. I used to rid the bike as a youngster. Great photo and lovely old man. He was a founding member of the Band. Thank you Vicky Fletcher Very much appreciated.
Vicky Fletcher
A pleasure to do it Gail
Bernadette Hannah
Our Grandfather Jack Marshall and Uncle Merl Hutchison were in it as long as I can remember Probably one of the foundation members too .Grandfather had lots of great stories to tell . Still love listening to them play
Grant N Meg McAloon
My Grandfather Berty was also in the band and I believe that my cousin still has that drum as I recall playing with it when I was very young.
Dorothy Andrews
Great pic!
Trish Hutana
Love this band
Cathy Hale
Great memories of this band at annual band fun weekends Top of the South
Glenice Hansen
Loved this band favorite was Wheels
Bazza Morland
My late uncle David Shand played chromatic harp in this band years unknown , any clues ?
David Verrall
Bazza Morland The book Boyangs and Bandannas says..."Dave Shand, (harmonica), Listed as a member in the 1930s".
Bazza Morland
Thank you David .
Joy Beveridge
Great memories of this band playing.
Kathryn Ward
Such a wonderful group. I loved listening to them.
Helen Crowley
My grandfather played the piano accordion James "Jim" MILNER & I remember a Percy CROW that played the violin I think. It was abt 1965 to 1970s though hmmmm ... they played at all the Annual Agricultural Shows, etc on the back of a trailer. I competed in the Highland Dance Competitions at them from abt 1965 to 1971 great fun......
Shona McLean
Always loved hearing them
Phil Barker
Here they are at westland show
Charlie Blanchett
Percy Crow played a Saxolin most enjoyed
Patricia Heveldt
they had quite unique instruments. remember the Swanea whistle (I think it was) made from a bicycle pump
Charlie Blanchett
Patricia Heveldt Hi pat you are quite right the
Sandi Greenlees
badge icon
My grandfather ,Charlie Woolhouse used to play the drum.I remember them practicing at the Kokatahi store, when I lived with them.
Arthur Dehn
Dave Chinn, back row relative of mine on my Granddad's brother s side
Warren Thomson
Is that the harry Sweeney who married Josie Waddell from Ross and then had a swimming pool business in Chrfistchurch?
Jean Wells
Warren Thomson think he married Beverley Mcintosh
Liz Hay
Jean Wells yes, he did. He was Harry Sweney, with one 'e' before the 'n', and was my father's brother.
Another uncle of mine, by marriage, is also in the band - Dave Chinn, who married Thora Sweney, Harry's sister.
Liz Hay
Warren Thomson no. See my reply below. He was Harry Sweney.
Sandra Mike Moore
Gosh they were great musicians.
Robyn Edwards
Loved that band!
Alan Acker
Didn’t Harvey Jarrett paint the drum !
Joy Meyer
Merle Hitchison lived 2 doors up from us. He was a lovely man.
Mike Davie
I can remember Ron Manley, came from Murchison.
Dell Robertson
Very popular ,back in the day
Carrol Barnes - Baker
A few faces I remember there
Renee Panapa
I love them so much
Colin Harman
Can remember them coming up to Motueka a few times in the 50s
Barbara Scott
Dad, Laurie Scott, was the bass drummer in the early 70s.
Kath Rogers
That brings back a lot of memories
Jack Kingi
Looking for information on Les Inwood, my grandmother Marjorie Elizabeth Kingi was an Inwood!
Joy Beveridge
Great band, sure could make music.
Carole Holley
I loved that band,used to follow where they played mainly in Hokitika at races
Raelene Rainbird
Anne Dyer is that great uncle Jack Tomlinson .I loved there new outfits they were wearing at the Kūmara races.
Hazel Oldham
Are they still going I loved them
PaulAnthony Teens
Hazel Oldham those men r all dead but there are others keeping band going
Alan-Robyn McKey
My Father Ken “the fiddler” McKey, back row. Remember a lot of faces in this photo. Great band.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey were your family living in Ross when he played in the band ..
Alan-Robyn McKey
Sandra Douglas Yes, we left Ross for Christchurch in September 1964.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey do you remember our family lived in sale st .you lived on corner tramway/sale st. My bros Russell,Athol,Rodney, sister Ellen, so I wld been 8 when you left.
Alan-Robyn McKey
Sandra Douglas Yes, I remember your family, you lived on the other side of the Breezes.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey yes.
John Greaney
They were the attraction at any show. Great memories
Warren Thomson
Is that the harry Sweeney who married Josie Waddell from Ross and then had a swimming pool business in Chrfistchurch?
Jean Wells
Warren Thomson think he married Beverley Mcintosh
Liz Hay
Jean Wells yes, he did. He was Harry Sweney, with one 'e' before the 'n', and was my father's brother.
Another uncle of mine, by marriage, is also in the band - Dave Chinn, who married Thora Sweney, Harry's sister.
Liz Hay
Warren Thomson no. See my reply below. He was Harry Sweney.
Jill Barker
Uncle Peter Kirwan in the back row! Great band over the years!!!
1
Kay Godfrey
Middle back row, 4th from left is NOT Charles Donnelly. It is my grandfather - Jim Milner
Hazel Oldham
Are they still going I loved them
1d
Reply
PaulAnthony Teens
Hazel Oldham those men r all dead but there are others keeping band going
Kokatahi Band
Hazel Oldham we sure are
Jack Kingi
Looking for information on Les Inwood, my grandmother Marjorie Elizabeth Kingi was an Inwood!
Gaelyn Watson
Jack Kingi Les Inwood was my Great Grandfather he had 1 daughter my grandmother Dorothy and 1 son Keith.
Jack Kingi
Gaelyn Watson do you also have Tutbury relatives?
Gaelyn Watson
Jack Kingi not sure I will ask mum Les is the grandson of Appo Hoc Ting (Hocton) the first Chinese person to be naturalised in NZ. They were from Dovedale near Nelson.
Jack Kingi
Gaelyn Watson family is also tied to the Roberts from they same area! The Roberts were originally Roberto from Palma, Mallorca!
Ron Manley top left
· Reply · 13h
Steve Jones
That's a great photo
· Reply · 13h
Grant Woolhouse
Nancy Woolhouse
· Reply · 12h
Kel Mitchelle
Middle row 3rd man with the violin is our grandfather Billy Wilson
· Reply · 12h
David Verrall
Back row l=r Ron Manley, Dave Chinn, Arnold Thompson, Jim Milner, Peter Kirwan, Ken McKey, Jack Tomlinson.Middle row l=r Jack Marshall, Les Inwood, Bill Wilson, Bill O'Brien, Merl Hutchison, Jack Innes, Jim Woolhouse, Kneeling Harry Sweney and Dave McLeod. Its the Kokatahi Band from 1962, new cover on the drum. From Boyangs n' Bandannas by Frank Graham published 2001
Margaret Standen
David Verrall Back row 4 th from the left is Charlie Donnelly ( my Dad)
David Verrall
Martin James
Uncle Jack Heveldt
Paula Brien
Great band
Gary Keown
Remember. All them growing up awesome band back then
Karin Carter
Uncle Merle
Mark Fleming
Karin Carter name misspelt
Stephen Foster
Member pop. Milner good olbugger
Chris Connors
Helen Connors
Bryce Smith
A real Coast group. Great music.
Veronica Moore
My uncle jack, grandfather Frank Heveldt and my father were in the band in the early days, jack for many years but he is not in this photo at all
Vern Pattinson
Veronica Moore worked with Jack
Jo-Anne Smith
I love listening to these guys play when I was a kid at the Raven thought Hospital anniversary but they head back in the 70s
Kay Nichols
Jim Woolhouse far right, middle row. Great to see him.
Jody Jamieson
Mandy Chinn
Patricia Heveldt
Dad (Jack Heveldt) is not in this photo. Dad played the bones. I'm not sure who the gent is on the bottom right of this photo (with the bones), I still have the bones that Dad (and his father before him), played, On the opening day at Shantytown, Dad said they were 80 years old. As Shantytown has just celebrated 50 years that makes the bones 130 years old. They may not have any Monetry value but the provenance that goes with them is fantastic (a real piece of history}
Margaret Standen
Patricia Heveldt I remember you’re Dad playing the bones at the Inter Continental Hotel in Auckland. He stood up on the grand piano in his soxs and the security guys come to get him down. We all had a great night.
Patricia Heveldt
Unfortunately (or unfortunately) I didn't see that. If I remember at that time I was in the NZ Army at Trentham Camp and I caught up with Dad in Upperhut (I think it was). He'd been away somewhere with the Band. Oh how the years have flown by
Vern Pattinson
Patricia Heveldt worked with Jack at Unit sawmill stillwater he often got the spones out and played for us great guy
Les Ellis
Patricia Heveldt bottom right is Dave McLoed.
Patricia Heveldt
Thanks Les. I love the old stories, pics etc about the Kokatahi band
Gaelyn Watson
Les Inwood my great grandfather .
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn Watson
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn Watson My mother, Doreen Blocksage, nee Hocton, cousin.
Errol
Gaelyn Watson
AnneErrol Blocksage my grandmother was Dorothy Olsen Nee Inwood.
AnneErrol Blocksage
Gaelyn, Leslie Hocton Inwood & sister?, circa 1912/13.
Errol
AnneErrol Blocksage thankyou for that. I will pass it on to my mum also. Not sure if she has seen this one.
Loretta Donnelly
Charlie Donnelly middle back row with accordion.
Lois Little
Is that Kenny m,Kay top row second from left.?..
Lois Little
Right I meant
Joy Meyer
I loved listening to the Kokatahi Band. Merle Hutchison lived 2 houses up from us in Gibson Quay in Hokitika
Dianne OBrien
Back left is Ron Manley and next to him Dave Chinn
Pauline Schafer
Lovely, Trish!
Joy Hill-Cooper
Loved watching and listening to them play
Keith Douthett
I remember watching these guys play way back then. They were amazing and their instruments were incredible! I hope they have been preserved for posterity!
Marlana Quy
I remember my late mum Patricia Quy ( wood) saying one of these members was a relative of ours but dont know which one.
Peter Kirwan top row fifth from left
Naomi Kirwan
Angela Keenan
Anthea Keenan
Goooo Kokatahi... giving so many so much enjoyment.
Lyn Henham
Uncle Billy
Mike Hutchison
Harry Sweeny front row left of the Drum
Deborah Baughan
Sarah Veller Douglas Smales
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Fabulous photo.
Wynsome Adams
ShonaandMurray Marshall which one is uncle Jack Marshall could he be the same one who came whitebaiting down Neil’s Beach in the 80s?
ShonaandMurray Marshall
Wynsome Adams no another Jack Marshall Winnie.
Sharon Sharpe
I'm pretty sure that's my grandfather, Kenny McKey, back row, 2nd from the right. He played the violin. (Kristine McKey ?)
Malcolm Lutton
ken 2 fromright
Jenny Jones
My mum Shirley Jones just loves this band our friend Merle Hutchison lived across the road from us on the lake Rd .We often listen to him playing his acorden. Such lovely man.
Sandra Douglas
Ron Manley -1st back
Gail Howard
A friend from the Kokatahi Valley has just sent me a cutting from the local newspaper with a photo of my great uncle Jack McCormick and his three wheeler bike. I used to rid the bike as a youngster. Great photo and lovely old man. He was a founding member of the Band. Thank you Vicky Fletcher Very much appreciated.
Vicky Fletcher
A pleasure to do it Gail
Bernadette Hannah
Our Grandfather Jack Marshall and Uncle Merl Hutchison were in it as long as I can remember Probably one of the foundation members too .Grandfather had lots of great stories to tell . Still love listening to them play
Grant N Meg McAloon
My Grandfather Berty was also in the band and I believe that my cousin still has that drum as I recall playing with it when I was very young.
Dorothy Andrews
Great pic!
Trish Hutana
Love this band
Cathy Hale
Great memories of this band at annual band fun weekends Top of the South
Glenice Hansen
Loved this band favorite was Wheels
Bazza Morland
My late uncle David Shand played chromatic harp in this band years unknown , any clues ?
David Verrall
Bazza Morland The book Boyangs and Bandannas says..."Dave Shand, (harmonica), Listed as a member in the 1930s".
Bazza Morland
Thank you David .
Joy Beveridge
Great memories of this band playing.
Kathryn Ward
Such a wonderful group. I loved listening to them.
Helen Crowley
My grandfather played the piano accordion James "Jim" MILNER & I remember a Percy CROW that played the violin I think. It was abt 1965 to 1970s though hmmmm ... they played at all the Annual Agricultural Shows, etc on the back of a trailer. I competed in the Highland Dance Competitions at them from abt 1965 to 1971 great fun......
Shona McLean
Always loved hearing them
Phil Barker
Here they are at westland show
Charlie Blanchett
Percy Crow played a Saxolin most enjoyed
Patricia Heveldt
they had quite unique instruments. remember the Swanea whistle (I think it was) made from a bicycle pump
Charlie Blanchett
Patricia Heveldt Hi pat you are quite right the
Sandi Greenlees
badge icon
My grandfather ,Charlie Woolhouse used to play the drum.I remember them practicing at the Kokatahi store, when I lived with them.
Arthur Dehn
Dave Chinn, back row relative of mine on my Granddad's brother s side
Warren Thomson
Is that the harry Sweeney who married Josie Waddell from Ross and then had a swimming pool business in Chrfistchurch?
Jean Wells
Warren Thomson think he married Beverley Mcintosh
Liz Hay
Jean Wells yes, he did. He was Harry Sweney, with one 'e' before the 'n', and was my father's brother.
Another uncle of mine, by marriage, is also in the band - Dave Chinn, who married Thora Sweney, Harry's sister.
Liz Hay
Warren Thomson no. See my reply below. He was Harry Sweney.
Sandra Mike Moore
Gosh they were great musicians.
Robyn Edwards
Loved that band!
Alan Acker
Didn’t Harvey Jarrett paint the drum !
Joy Meyer
Merle Hitchison lived 2 doors up from us. He was a lovely man.
Mike Davie
I can remember Ron Manley, came from Murchison.
Dell Robertson
Very popular ,back in the day
Carrol Barnes - Baker
A few faces I remember there
Renee Panapa
I love them so much
Colin Harman
Can remember them coming up to Motueka a few times in the 50s
Barbara Scott
Dad, Laurie Scott, was the bass drummer in the early 70s.
Kath Rogers
That brings back a lot of memories
Jack Kingi
Looking for information on Les Inwood, my grandmother Marjorie Elizabeth Kingi was an Inwood!
Joy Beveridge
Great band, sure could make music.
Carole Holley
I loved that band,used to follow where they played mainly in Hokitika at races
Raelene Rainbird
Anne Dyer is that great uncle Jack Tomlinson .I loved there new outfits they were wearing at the Kūmara races.
Hazel Oldham
Are they still going I loved them
PaulAnthony Teens
Hazel Oldham those men r all dead but there are others keeping band going
Alan-Robyn McKey
My Father Ken “the fiddler” McKey, back row. Remember a lot of faces in this photo. Great band.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey were your family living in Ross when he played in the band ..
Alan-Robyn McKey
Sandra Douglas Yes, we left Ross for Christchurch in September 1964.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey do you remember our family lived in sale st .you lived on corner tramway/sale st. My bros Russell,Athol,Rodney, sister Ellen, so I wld been 8 when you left.
Alan-Robyn McKey
Sandra Douglas Yes, I remember your family, you lived on the other side of the Breezes.
Sandra Douglas
Alan-Robyn McKey yes.
John Greaney
They were the attraction at any show. Great memories
Warren Thomson
Is that the harry Sweeney who married Josie Waddell from Ross and then had a swimming pool business in Chrfistchurch?
Jean Wells
Warren Thomson think he married Beverley Mcintosh
Liz Hay
Jean Wells yes, he did. He was Harry Sweney, with one 'e' before the 'n', and was my father's brother.
Another uncle of mine, by marriage, is also in the band - Dave Chinn, who married Thora Sweney, Harry's sister.
Liz Hay
Warren Thomson no. See my reply below. He was Harry Sweney.
Jill Barker
Uncle Peter Kirwan in the back row! Great band over the years!!!
1
Kay Godfrey
Middle back row, 4th from left is NOT Charles Donnelly. It is my grandfather - Jim Milner
Hazel Oldham
Are they still going I loved them
1d
Reply
PaulAnthony Teens
Hazel Oldham those men r all dead but there are others keeping band going
Kokatahi Band
Hazel Oldham we sure are
Jack Kingi
Looking for information on Les Inwood, my grandmother Marjorie Elizabeth Kingi was an Inwood!
Gaelyn Watson
Jack Kingi Les Inwood was my Great Grandfather he had 1 daughter my grandmother Dorothy and 1 son Keith.
Jack Kingi
Gaelyn Watson do you also have Tutbury relatives?
Gaelyn Watson
Jack Kingi not sure I will ask mum Les is the grandson of Appo Hoc Ting (Hocton) the first Chinese person to be naturalised in NZ. They were from Dovedale near Nelson.
Jack Kingi
Gaelyn Watson family is also tied to the Roberts from they same area! The Roberts were originally Roberto from Palma, Mallorca!
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West Coast New Zealand History (15th May 2024). The Kokatahi Band .1962.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 11th Apr 2026 23:17, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/28959