Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
Teenager beats world record
It’s 71 years since Roger Bannister ran the first sub four minute mile and since then nearly 1800 runners have achieved the feat. This week a Kiwi teenager became the youngest person in the world to do it.
Fifteen year old Sam Ruthe ran the mile at 3.58.35 at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium this week aged 15 – beating the previous youngest record holder by a matter of months.
“‘This was probably my favourite goal that I’ve reached. I’ve definitely enjoyed this one the most, with all the people here supporting me,’ Ruthe said. ‘This has been the most set up for me, so I’m really happy to have gotten this one.’
“Ruthe, who achieved the record-breaking feat 24 days short of his 16th birthday, beat his previous best time of 4:01.72 seconds, which he achieved at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui in January. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, a two-time Olympic champion and holder of three world records, ran the race in 3:58.07 at the age of 16, while Australia’s Cam Myers holds the current best time for a 16-year-old at 3:55.44.” (Source: “New Zealand’s Sam Ruthe becomes first 15-year-old to run sub-four minute mile,” March 19, www.guardian.co.uk).
5 stars – incredible achievement for a young runner who has a fantastic sporting future ahead of him. Great stuff!
Kiwi fog buster
Each year fog causes costly delays to flights all over the world but a Kiwi company has developed technology that could well be a game changer for aviation here and around the globe.
“Emily Blythe, the founder of Pyper Vision, has developed a world-first technology that uses advanced algorithms, real-time data, and machine learning to predict fog with unprecedented accuracy. The result? Fewer disruptions, better flight planning, and a smoother journey for air travellers.
“Pyper Vision’s fogcasting technology promises to change the game for the aviation industry, which currently faces a staggering $27 billion annual loss due to flight delays and cancellations caused by weather, particularly fog.
“Pyper Vision’s success is attracting global attention. The company has made a deal with Air New Zealand to trial its fogcasting technology across the airline’s domestic network, starting in April. This trial will roll out over six-months, covering airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton.” (Source: “Flight disruptions because of fog? Kiwi tech aims to clear the skies,” by Ava Whitworth, March 18, www.stuff.co.nz).
5 stars – advances in aviation are truly amazing and fantastic to see a Kiwi company ahead of the curve. Big upside!
Artist creates miniatures of lost Christchurch buildings
Anyone raised in Christchurch, or indeed visitors to the city before the 2011 quakes, inevitably ask themselves ‘what used to be here?’ as they walk the streets of a very new inner city. Anytime I’m home I ponder that question and there are apps and sites that can tell you what buildings used to stand on empty lots or where new structures sit today.
However, a Christchurch artist has painstakingly recreated a number of buildings now gone forever in beautiful miniatures. Mike Beer has constructed ten scale models of iconic Christchurch buildings for an exhibition “Ghosts on every corner” that was on display at Christchurch Cathedral last week.
“Beer said the buildings were chosen after talking to people in Christchurch about places of significance, some of which were destroyed in the 2011 earthquake.
“‘It’s called Ghosts on Every Corner. It’s the fact that something can go, but the ghost of that memory can still exist. For instance, I used to love hanging out with friends at Java (a cafe on the corner of High and Lichfield Streets). That place is gone now, but the memory is still there like a ghost, so that’s what the project represents,’ he said.
“The sold-out one-day exhibition at the cathedral on Friday was a preview of a larger exhibition that would run for a month at Christchurch’s Arts Centre from 29 March.” (Source: “Miniature replica buildings of Christchurch’s past on display,” by Rachel Graham, March 20, www.rnz.co.nz).
0 Comments