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Emmy Pratt is the voice of Great Barrier Marine Radio and a lifeline to those out on the water - Source: ONE News -
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Emmy Pratt is the voice of Great Barrier Marine Radio and a lifeline for those out on the water.
At her desk, she is the eyes and ears for boaties all over the Hauraki Gulf.
It's supposed to be just a job, but Pratt is always at the end of the radio for stranded boaties, even if it's just for a simple weather forecast.
"I'm never lonely, never lonely because there is always someone there," says Pratt.
Most importantly, her log book tells her where boaties are - which is handy in an emergency.
It was Pratt's predecessor, the late George Mason who started the service 47 years ago.
He's the guy who helped find the Rose Nowell and it was Pratt who started doing some house work for him and ended up with a bigger job.
"He was very much a character and well loved by all the boaties on the gulf so much missed and a hard act to follow," says Pratt.
And it's not just the radio. Her phone rings off the hook as well, usually with half the island wanting to know when the freight ferry is arriving.
"I only manage because it's not face to face, I am basically a shy person," says Pratt.
Pratt is not always house bound.
But even when she's with a gaggle of mature girls raising funds for the island's first pensioner housing, her ear piece and radio are always close by, as are her friends.
"She is very devoted to her radio and I hope that everyone appreciates that because it doesn't leave much time for Emmy," says Winnie Blackwell, a friend.
Boaties say Pratt is the guardian angel of the sea - quite a title for a rather shy lady and her radio.
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Post new commentRuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.
Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Love this segment! What great people!
margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !
Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!
TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
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 :)