Taranaki Swiss Club Address
508 Salisbury Road
RD 24
Stratford
Othmar Hebler
Position: President
Phone: 06 278 6878 / 027 677 8915
Email: othmar.hebler@swiss.org.nz
Othmar Hebler has been our President since 2005, and is very dedicated to his role. Othmar immigrated to New Zealand many years ago, and married Marlies, a Swiss, who was touring around our country. They have three children who all speak Swiss-German very well, and who are all members of our club; that’s no mean feat especially when Martin lives in the South Island!! Othmar participates in the Singing Group, plays the alphorn and accordion – in a nutshell he has great musical talent. He ensures that the Club house and surroundings are well maintained, helped by a hard-working committee. Othmar is our bus driver on our trips away, and for this we are truly grateful. His wife Marlies contributes a huge amount to our club also. Unlike her husband, Marlies’ talents lie mainly in the kitchen. Thanks to Othmar, Marlies and a great committee we have an amazing club and we look forward to many more years of service from you both!!!
Zeno Von Hospenthal
Position: Vice President / Music
Phone: 06 764 6515
Email: N/A
Zeno has been our Vice President for quite a few years and has been on the Taranaki Swiss Club committee for nearing fifty years. Zeno is a second generation Swiss but understand the dialect very well. Zeno is a very keen “Jasser” and enjoys all our functions. In the past he has participated in the kegeln and small and big bore shooting. He is a very, very talented musician, but sadly was involved in a car crash that left his left arm and hand badly damaged. But with his great determination and positive attitude he has been back playing his beloved accordion. He plays by ear and quickly picks up tunes; he enjoys playing for the Singing Group and with the other musicians. Zeno is also an excellent painter and a very keen gardener and is passionate about keeping our club house and grounds looking pristine. Zeno lives close by and is great at opening up and locking the building and grounds when other organisations use our facilities. Zeno likes to work behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly and we look forward to his continued support for many more years.
Marianne Drummond
Position: Secretary / Treasurer
Phone: 06 762 8757 / 027 762 8011
Email: marianne.drummond@swiss.org.nz
Marianne has been treasurer for longer than she cares to remember!!! And secretary for a few years less. Marianne writes the articles for the Helvetia magazine and updates (perhaps not often enough!!!) the website. With both parents immigrating from Switzerland, she grew up with Taranaki Swiss Club being an integral part of her social calendar. Marianne participated in the Trachtengruppe while it was active, and plays the accordion part-time for the Singing Group. She enjoys Swiss tradition and culture and is grateful that her husband, Adrian, and sons, Daniel and Richard, also participate in the Club and help at functions.
Walter Seifert
Position: Jassen Organiser
Phone: 06 762 8559
Email: walter.seifert@swiss.org.nz
Walter is our Past President, and agreed to continue serving the Taranaki Swiss Club committee upon his retirement from the Presidency. Walter has been active in the shooting events (both small bore where he was President of the sub-committee and Karabiner), the Kegeln and also the Jassen. Walter is currently running our Jassen afternoons and thoroughly enjoys these games. Walter is a people’s person, and loves a chat … that’s what a social club is for, isn’t it Walter??!!! Walter participates in the Singing Group which he thoroughly enjoys, and is a great entertainer. He is great at “Tahlerschwingen” and uses his percussion instruments accompanying the accordionists.
Heidi Werder
Position: Kegeln Chief and Committee Member
Phone: 06 273 4286
Email: heidi.werder@swiss.org.nz
Heidi has also been on the Taranaki Swiss Club committee for many years. She’s great in the kitchen and is an amazing waitress for the fondue … ensuring everyone gets their fondues as soon as possible. She’s a keen sports competitor … great in shot put, keglen and jassen!!! Heidi has shown her talents in the Singing Group, and is an excellent accompanist to the accordions with her broom and half brush!!! Heidi is also wonderful at “Tahlerschwingen”, so has many strings to her musical bows!!! She’s an amazing entertainer!! Heidi has been Kegeln master for several years, and is an avid supporter of this event. Together with her late husband Nic they taught their children Swiss-German, and all speak the language fluently. Well done, Heidi. Their two sons, Sami and Thomas, have been regular competitors in the Schwingen (Swiss wrestling) held at our annual picnic, and between them have taken out many titles and in more recent years been referees and organised the administration of this “Swiss” sport. It is impressive to note that all of Heidi’s children are members of the Taranaki Swiss Club, even Marianne who lives in the South Island, and they obviously all cherish their Swiss heritage!! Thank you for all you have done for our Club, Heidi, and we look forward to your continued support for many more years!!!
Erna Zimmermann
Position: Committee Member and Hall Custodian
Phone: 06 278 8476 or 027 272 6438
Email: erna.zimmermann@swiss.org.nz
Erna has been on the Taranaki Swiss Club committee for many years, with Remigi retiring in 2016 from our team, although continues to help when required. Remigi had been Karabiner (big bore shooting) Rifle Master for several years. Most of their Taranaki-based children are members of the Swiss Club and enjoy participating in our functions. Erna is currently our friendly hall custodian, so if you require the hall for a function, please do not hesitate to ring her. Erna is an avid jass player, and both her and Remigi participate in Kegeln and shooting events. Erna is one of our “fondue makers” and is wonderful around the kitchen. You must try one of Erna’s home-made Baslerleckerli … they are truly the BEST!!! She contributed many recipes to the Helvetia magazine, something many members thoroughly enjoyed. Both Remigi and Erna participate with the Singing Group, with Remigi also assisting the accordion players by playing the wooden spoons. Erna does Tahlerschwingen with Walter and Heidi, and thoroughly enjoys participating in the Singing and Entertainment group. Erna continues to make a big contribution on the committee, and we hope to have her for many more years!!
Marlies Hebler
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 06 278 6878 / 027 828 9014
Email: marlies.hebler@swiss.org.nz
Marlies is married to our President, Othmar. She arrived in New Zealand as a tourist, and … well … the rest is history … she married Othmar and they have lived in New Zealand ever since!!! They have three adult children who all speak Swiss-German … well done for ensuring that your children speak the language of their forebearers! Marlies is efficient in the kitchen, ensuring that we always have more than enough food!!! Marlies participates in the Kegeln, Shooting and Jassen … and has won the shot put trophy several times. Marlies is currently leader of the Singing Group which performs for various other clubs and organisations, as well as offering lunch and entertainment for other clubs in our own club house … a function which is thoroughly enjoyed by the people who come. We thank you Marlies for your huge efforts and look forward to your help for many more years!!!
Vonnie Ngatai
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 301 6122
Email: N/A
Vonnie has been a member of the Taranaki Swiss Club and Swiss Society of NZ for many years. Her late father was Alby Schuler who was a very respected and loyal member of our club. Vonnie became more interested in the Taranaki Swiss Club in recent years, wishing to foster Swiss traditions that Alby was so keen on. Vonnie accompanied Alby on several bus trips away and was so proud when he won the inaugural National Jass Competition in 2021. She became a member of our committee in 2021, and has proved to be a valuable asset; helping in the kitchen with a multitude of dishes and making beautiful salads and sweets, especially Basler Leckerli. She enjoys trying new Swiss recipes and uses many of her grandmother’s delicious recipes too. Thanks for your valuable contribution to our committee, Vonnie, and we hope you will enjoy being a part of our team for many more years!
Anne Butler
Position: Committee Member
Phone: N/A
Email: N/A
Anne Butler is married to Tom who is a fourth generation Swiss. They first came to the Swiss Club in 1975 when dances were held at the Kapuni Hall and they have always been interested in their Swiss heritage. They spent 20 years in Australia and, upon their return to New Zealand, decided to become members of the Taranaki Swiss Club and be actively involved. They thoroughly enjoy the Kegeln nights and participate in most of our functions. Although Anne has had mobility issues, she helps wherever she can (otherwise Tom deputises!!) and we hope that you, too, enjoy being part of our team.
Mary Kalin
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 06 278 1914
Email: N/A
Mary’s grandfather, Ernst Uttinger, came out from Zug, Switzerland as a child with his family. He married an Italian, Emelia, and they had seven girls, one being Mary’s mum. Mary married Brian Kalin, a second generation Swiss, and they joined the Swiss Club to reconnect with their Swiss culture. Brian and Mary attend most of our functions, when work allows, and enjoy the camaraderie of our members, and meeting new people. Mary is a great help in the kitchen, always with a smile on her face, and we hope you will enjoy working with us for many more years to come!!
Richard Wagner
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 022 435 9806
Email: richard.wagner@swiss.org.nz
In February 1974, the day of Richard’s arrival in New Zealand, he was offered a position as Aircraft Mechanic with NZ Aerospace Industries in Hamilton. Besides working on aeroplanes, he also flew them by gaining his commercial pilot and instructor licences. During his time in the Waikato, he joined the Hamilton Swiss Club where he got to know many of the members at the social events. After a few years at Waitemata Aero Club (Auckland) as flying instructor, he decided to explore the South Seas. He was fortunate to further his flying career with airlines in the islands of Tonga and Fiji, plus the atolls of the Marshall archipelago, where they resided for six and a half years. His wife, Lynley and son, Marcus, thoroughly enjoyed the tropical weather and crystal clear waters of the ocean. From there, they lived in Switzerland for 25 years, where their son received an excellent education. Having done a lot of scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean, Richard joined the Lake Thun Diving Club, where he became a committee member and President for many years. After retiring early 2016, Richard and Lynley returned to New Zealand, where they explored for fifteen months all the exciting places on both islands with their campervan and mountain bikes. Arriving in Hawera and seeing the great view of Mt Taranaki in the background, they decided this was the place they would like to settle. They subsequently joined the Taranaki Swiss Club and both Richard and Lynley participate in the Singing Group. Lynley is a very talented piano accordionist. Richard was elected to our committee, and he enjoys taking photos at our various events for inclusion in the Helvetia magazine and the Swiss Revue.
Bryce Kaiser
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 06 274 5856
Email: bryce.kaiser@swiss.org.nz
Bryce has been on the Taranaki Swiss Club committee for many years, and he took over the Karabiner Rifle Masters’ duties from Remigi until we discontinued the big bore shooting due to the change in New Zealand gun laws. Bryce is a second generation Swiss and has embraced Swiss culture and traditions. His mum and late dad both enjoyed the Swiss Club functions and activities, and this was obviously passed on to their children. Bryce and three of his brothers are members of our club, even though Ron lives in Palmerston North, with his other brother a member and past President of the Auckland Swiss Club. He enjoys small bore shooting, takes part in the Kegeln events and organises the parking for the picnic. We look forward to your continued support on our committee for some time to come!
Joe Kuriger
Position: Small Bore Rifle Master
Phone: 06 762 8774 / 027 476 5839
Email: joeychelle1@gmail.com
Joe’s grandparents were born in Switzerland before emigrating to New Zealand, with his dad, Alex and all the siblings being born in New Zealand. Alex was a committee member of the Taranaki Swiss Club for many years, in charge of the music at the picnics when they were held at Te Ngutu Park. Now Joe is following in his dad’s footsteps and has become a member of our committee. Joe and his wife Rochelle became interested in their Swiss heritage after his brother Alex and wife Debbie started coming to the Swiss Club. Joe and Rochelle have four children who are also members and attend our various Swiss club functions. They are all particularly keen on shooting and Kegeln, achieving great results in both disciplines. Joe has taken on the role of smallbore rifle master and is keen to encourage members to shoot on our range, especially juniors. Joe is happy to coach anyone, so please come along and give shooting a go!! As a qualified builder we enjoy his input into building issues that come up from time to time, together with general maintenance! Thanks so much, Joe, for joining our team, and we hope that you will enjoy many years on our committee!!
Rochelle Kuriger
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 355 0305
Email: joeychelle1@gmail.com
Rochelle is married to committee member Joe Kuriger, and they have four children. The Kurigers have a long connection with the Taranaki Swiss Club, with various family members on the committee at different times. Rochelle enjoys Swiss culture and traditions, especially an affinity with small bore shooting where she achieves great results. She has a goal of learning to play jassen, and is motivated to find out more about Swiss culture and traditions. Rochelle enjoys trying new Swiss recipes and has brought many delicious biscuits to our club. She actively encourages their children to participate in Swiss club activities and attend functions, something we really appreciate. We look forward to your help and hope you enjoy being a part of our team, together with persuading other members of the extended Kuriger family to join in and participate!
Daniel Drummond
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 762 8012
Email: ddrummond874@gmail.com
Daniel, the son of Adrian and Marianne, has grown up with the Swiss Club being a part of his social calendar, due to his parents’ involvement with the club. He enjoys Swiss culture and tradition, and after prompting from Joe Kuriger, decided he would offer his services to the committee. He enjoys shooting (both small bore and karabiner), jassen, other sports events and, of course, our food!! As a qualified builder, we enjoy his input in building issues and undertaking maintenance work! He was an integral part of the group who recently sanded and repainted our white blocks on the exterior of the club house! A great effort by the team!! We’re thrilled to have some youth on our committee and look forward to your contribution. We hope you enjoy the camaraderie of our club committee and encourage other younger members to participate in club functions and events.
Roger Dettling
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 807 0444
Email: N/A
Roger is a third generation Swiss and appreciates his Swiss heritage. His grandad, Joe Dettling, was a founding member of the Taranaki Swiss Club and his grandmother, Josie, spent many years on the committee. His parents have been involved in the Swiss Club for many years. He fondly remembers coming to the annual picnics as a child and participating in the Schwingen. He now particularly enjoys smallbore shooting and kegeln, as well as the many other functions organised by the Swiss Club. Roger and his wife Sam own Mythen Valais, breeding Valais black-nosed sheep. Together with their two children, Charlotte and Taylor, the family participates in all the sporting events and attend most functions.
Welcome to our committee Roger, and we hope that you will enjoy being a part of our dedicated team!
Robbie Bishop
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 688 8819
Email: N/A
Robbie’s great-grandparents, John and Pauline Schupfer, were founding members of the Taranaki Swiss Club, and now Robbie feels it’s his turn to give back to the Swiss heritage he takes great pride in. Robbie thoroughly enjoys smallbore shooting and kegeln, attending most functions with his wife, Fiona, and children, Madison and Heather. He proudly wears his Swiss shirt and belt to many functions! Robbie initially joined the Taranaki Swiss Club as he thought no-one else of his family was involved and he didn’t want that part of his culture lost. We’re so pleased to have you on our committee, Robbie, and we look forward to your contribution to our Club.
Fiona Bishop
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 629 7275
Email: N/A
Fiona is Robbie’s wife and her heritage is Dutch … so she says she’s a neighbour to Switzerland!! She enjoys the culture and traditions fostered by our Club, and loves trying out different Swiss cooking recipes. She’s very keen for their daughters to know where they’re from and their heritage. Fiona enjoys smallbore shooting and kegeln, and both she and Robbie have enjoyed several trips away to the other North Island Swiss Clubs. We’re so happy that you’re joined our great team and hope you will enjoy participating in our committee. We’re looking forward to trying your Dutch and Swiss cooking recipes!!
Dani Meier
Position: Committee Member
Phone: 027 284 5132
Email: meierdani1@outlook.com
Dani was originally from canton Aargau, in the northern part of Switzerland, and emigrated to New Zealand in November 2002 to chase a dream of dairy farming with the possibility of owning his own farm one day, together with a lifestyle change. He worked for Joe and Berta Buhler for two and a half years before purchasing a farm nearby. Dani is an integral part of the Alphorn Group and he enjoys Swiss culture and traditions. As Dani says, “he is more Swiss in New Zealand than he was in Switzerland”!! Contrary to the recent recruits to our committee whose Swiss heritage is 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation, Dani is a Swiss citizen and obviously fluent in Swiss-German! Welcome to our committee, Dani, and we hope you will enjoy working with our team.
