Barrie retires but isn't stopping

If you want something done, the saying goes, ask a busy person - and the old adage certainly applies to Barrie Smith.

Technically, Barrie is about to have a bit more free time, as he has stepped down from the management board of the Taranaki Pioneer Village after 20 years volunteering at the village. Of these 20 years, Barrie has spent the last nine as president of the management board, doing everything from dealing with the village's finances, "and we managed to bring it out from a big financial loss", to helping with the restoration of the old buildings.

"It's not a case of just paperwork, or talking to people, it has been physical work too, I am someone, who if I am asked to do something, I do it straight away."

While most would be savouring the freedom that will come after spending "pretty much at least a part of every day at the village", Barrie has no intention of putting up his feet.

"I'm still an active member of the Rotary club, I'm still a Justice of the Peace and then there are things like the Positive Ageing group that I am involved with too and a consumer health group, as well as the animals at home to look after."

Barrie says watching the village grow and develop has been a huge reward for the time he has put into it, and says his proudest achievement has been the restoration of the old Stratford Court room, complete with an original judge's bench. "Being a JP, it was a project that I felt close to, that I am proud to have overseen."

Barrie has always been involved with the community, and his home bears testament to all he has achieved.

The walls are full of certificates of appreciation, life memberships and other awards given to him in his time serving as a district councillor (including a stint as deputy mayor), a JP, his include his involvements in Federated Farmers, Young Farmers, COGs (community organisation grants), the Citizens Award he received in 2013 and more.

His awards have equal pride of place with the art offerings from some of Barrie and his wife Dorothy's six grandchildren.

Barrie recommends becoming involved with the pioneer village to anyone. "They are always in need of volunteers, and you get so much personal achievement out of it, it really is something quite special."

Shona Glentworth has been elected to succeed Barrie as president of the Taranaki Pioneer Village Board.