Taupo Smash Repairs - Tauhara

A qualified Hairdresser - upon finishing her apprenticeship she also travelled overseas.

On returning to NZ Lorraine bought her own Salon in Auckland. From humble beginnings of working alone, she moved the salon and grew the business to a staff of 6, training numerous apprentices during the 15 years of ownership.

Lorraine sold the Salon to focus on being a full time mother and quickly became involved in lots of community work while juggling three young children.

In moving to Taupo Lorraine was able to continue her community involvement and threw herself into numerous community events while using her business skills to support Lou and the Taupo Smash Repairs business from a home office.

Lorraine held the Role of President of the Waipahihi School PTA for 8 years and in that time was heavily involved of the building of the school Hall, and was instrumental in starting the Ironkidz Triathlon as a Fundraising event for the School Hall. Over her time as President there was over $100,000 raised from varying events.

The Love of Event organisation has seen her hold a position on many of Taupo’s long standing events. In the early days there was heavy involvement in the Taupo Motor Cycle Club (Taupo MCC) which saw Lorraine take on many roles during Monthly Club meetings and Major Events, like the The International MotoX Event which saw top Riders from around the world converge on Taupo.

Other events involvement saw Lorraine on the organising committee of the Levene Half Marathon which went on to become the Mizuno Half Marathon- Volunteering at Ironman NZ in varying roles since it moved here to Taupo in 1999. More recently being in charge of the finish line crew assisting athletes as they finish the gruelling event.

Junior Rugby took a lot of hours during the early days when both the boys played – which led to King Country Representative roles – Managing the King Country Under 17 team.

Lorraine has taken on the role of running The Taupo Badminton Club and bringing it back from the point of extinction and coaches Juniors and then runs Senior Badminton on Monday evenings.