Good Sorts: Chris O'Connor 

Source: ONE NewsChris O'Connor

• WATCH the video (2:32)

Chris O'Connor is a man who saw something wrong in his community, and instead of shrugging it off decided to do something about it.

But the truckie needed help from lots of people to get ahead and to ask for it was a big step.

The main road north out of New Plymouth is a popular route, but some people never make it out of Taranaki. O'Connor drives the road five times a week and he says truckies are the eyes and ears of the road.

Of all the calls for help made after the 160 crashes on the road in the past five years, none have been made from a cell phone because North Taranaki is a cellphone dead zone.

"We pay a lot of money for service, it's something I think we should all expect if we are paying for it," says O'Connor who contacted a newspaper in an effort to get something done.

Journalist Gordon Brown says he was curious and then Richard Burton from St John got on board, believing the campaign could save lives.

Burton says time is vital for the seriously injured and the sooner emergency services can get there, the better so Brown began putting pen to paper.

"It got to the stage nearly every week I was in the paper," says O'Connor.

And when 7000 people signed the petition for a cellphone tower the movers and shakers in Auckland had to take notice and in a few weeks Mokau will have cellphone coverage.

"We at Vodafone thought we would get behind him and support him and make this site come alive for him," says spokesman Mike Davies.

O'Connor has Asperges Syndrome, meaning he's happiest communicating with his fingers. So he has never met Brown or anyone else involved in his campaign.

But it doesn't matter. Chris O'Connor is a good sort and one day perhaps a life saver.

Do you know someone who is a "good sort" that ONE News should talk to? Click here to nominate them

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TheHoltens ; 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT  

The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)

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simplicity ; 2009-11-15 @ 22:41 NZDT  

Arthur Drower What an amazing man 60yrs in the fire service and 21 in St Johns, Funeral is at 11am Tok Club then He will take his last call from the fire station where he will be driven in a fire truck pass his house and back to the station, The Ambulance that he first drove will be driven down with 10 of the Auckland Ambo Team. Firemen from all around NZ will be making there way to what I am sure will be the largest Funeral that Tokoroa has seen. I am proud to have known a man so warm & Caring

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tabby ; 2009-11-01 @ 21:49 NZDT  

For 2 years Tapai was someone who made our day as I took my daughter to chemo everyweek. You are a blessing to so many and I pray Gods blessings upon your life thank you so much Tapai, my daughter died but just loved seeing you and if you were not there we would go oh no now where to park. thanks you so much keep blessing other people as they go through this time in their life.

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roset ; 2009-09-27 @ 18:03 NZDT  

Gill Fahey has done more than anyone can ever know for waifs and strays, new comers, neighbours, friends, family and strangers. She is the genuine example of a silent angel.

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nolaann ; 2009-09-14 @ 16:57 NZDT  

How can I find out about becoming a volunteer in a programme like this. I enjoy talking to people from other places.

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