Susan’s Blog & News

LATEST NEWS

News Update @ 21 April 2026:

You will see from my News Updates of 11 April and 7 April 2026 (below) that due to severe weather produced by Cyclone Vaianu I decided to schedule 2 unveilings of my painting ‘Days Gone By’. I’m pleased to report that both were well attended and enjoyed by all. With the cyclone advice and warnings I decided it would be sensible not to attempt to attend the 12th of April unveiling. Nevertheless, I have heard from Harold, who commissioned the painting, that all went very well with about 60 people who live in or were staying locally to Te Puke in attendance. Fortunately the weather was much more pleasant for the ‘official’ unveiling on Saturday the 18th of April. There were approximately 80 people there and we were, at last, able to reveal my painting for everyone to enjoy. Richard recorded the occasion and has edited a short video which you can see below.

News Update @ 11 April 2026:

Now 2 dates for unveiling of my painting.

With a severe and damaging cyclone (hurricane) predicted to be over our region tomorrow (12th April) at the time the unveiling of my painting is due to take place (see News @ 7 April 2026 below) we have decided, for everyone’s safety, to arrange an additional ‘official’ unveiling for next Saturday, 18th April at 2pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but believe that safety is the most important consideration for those considering travelling.

Nevertheless, we know that there are some people living in or who have already travelled to Te Puke. There are others who have seen the newspaper articles or have heard about the unveiling and who I am not able to reach directly. Despite the very concerning weather forecast they may have decided to attend on the original date (tomorrow).

Susan painting ‘Days Gone By’ in her studio:

News @ 7 April 2026:

I recently completed and had framed the largest painting I have ever created. It is 2 metres x 1.4 metres / 79 inches x 55 inches. It is an important historical painting that was commissioned by Harold, a very kind and generous man, who wished to thank the Te Puke Citizens & RSA Club for all they do for the community. This painting (donated to the Club by Harold and his late wife, Margaret) will hang in pride of place in the club foyer. Please note: for those outside New Zealand:

Te Puke is pronounced Teh Pookeh.
Kiwifruit (or ‘Kiwi’ as it is also known) was developed as a commercial crop in Te Puke and the town calls itself ‘The Kiwifruit Capital of the World’).

The painting, ‘Days Gone By’ (titled by Harold): has been a significant and very meaningful project for me to work on. There will be an official unveiling of the painting on:

Sunday 12 April 2026 at 2pm (NZ time) at the Te Puke Citizens & RSA, corner of Jellicoe St & Belvedere St, Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. If you live locally and happen to be free, we would love you to join us for this rather special unveiling.

During the unveiling I will try to ensure that someone takes photos or a short video of the event that I can post here on my website.

A descriptive brass plaque next to the painting provides the story. The wording is:

‘DAYS GONE BY’

An original painting in oil on linen by Susan Harrison-Tustain, from a photograph by Ross Brown, Bay of Plenty Times Chief Photographer 1970-2001.

Painting commissioned and generously donated to Te Puke Citizens RSA by Harold and Margaret on 12 April 2026.

In February 1981, as part of Te Puke’s centennial celebrations, a stagecoach drawn by four horses re-enacted a historic country mail and passenger service. The coach, accompanied by outriders and a guard riding shotgun, travelled from Te Puke to Otamarakau via Paengaroa, emphasising the 19th century slogan ” the mail must get through .”
This 8-hour journey relived the early coach service in the district, with the stagecoach arriving outside the Te Puke Post Office to collect its mail bags.

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