This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Saturday 5 August, 1989.

"Awatapu College principal John Wall will not be leading his school into the 1990s and the brave new world of Tomorrow's Schools. Mr Wall is retiring after 14 years as foundation principal of the city's newest high school. Education reporter Rachel Forde spoke to the retiring principal about his future direction and his reflections on 14 exciting years spent establishing a school that has always chosen to be different."

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Thursday 14 May 1987.

"Bringing a little soft shoe shuffle to schoolkids over the holidays are Peter Tait (left), Kerryn Walsh and Time Homewood - otherwise known as The Oddbods. The play is running at Centrepoint Theatre over the next two weeks, and is aimed at five to 10-year olds, with Ross Girven handling direction and John Wraight narration"

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Local disabled country and western singer Warren McKay entertains a Palmerston North crown during Telethon."

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Singer Frankie Stevens entertains the crowd at the 1981 telethon.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

The Christmas lights which used to adorn Broadway Avenue during the festive season are seen here adding a shine to the 1981 Telethon at the Rainbow Stadium.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Well known television personality Roger Gascoigne was the Central Districts area frontman for Telethon 1981, raising money to support charities associated with 'International Year of the Disabled Person' efforts.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

The score board showing the level of funds raised during the telethon was a key feature of the live television broadcast. Telephone operators worked in shifts to take pledges of money towards the cause. The money raised in 1981 was over $5 million dollars nationally.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Ginnette McDonald (Lynn of Tawa) does her bit for the Central Districts Telethon appeal in Palmerston North"

With the driest of deliveries and an ever-present piece of gum to chew on, 'Lynn of Tawa' was the infamous comic creation of comedian Ginette McDonald, whose overblown accent perfectly satirised lower-middle class kiwi suburban life.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Julie Goodyear, the actress who played Bet Lynch in the iconic British drama Coronation Street, is seen here on the panel (with local radio personality Audrey Green beside her), encouraging donations for the 1981 telethon. She had become ill while travelling to New Zealand after being bitten by a mosquito in Fiji, but still took to the stage.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

The 12 Bar Rhythm 'n' Shoes Singing and Dancing group had a self-titled music and theatre television show which ran between 1980 and 1981. The show featured (starting from left) Tim Smyser, Dave Noda, Steve Martin, Darien Takle (Heavenly Creatures), Suzanne Lee, Richard Eriwata, Maggie Harper (Shortland Street), Marc Stevens, Reg Ruka (formerly of Auckland band The Classic Affair), and Kerry Gallagher. Vicky Haughton (Whale Rider), and Jayne Kiddell are obscured.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Celebrity panellists Julie Goodyear (Coronation Street) and Roger Gascoigne (television presenter) observe a mystery package delivered during the 1981 Telethon broadcast in Palmerston North.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Worth the effort: The success of Telethon 1981 can be seen on the faces of the main personalitoes at the Pascal Street Stadium right on 8p.m. last night. Frontman Roger Gascoigne is on the far right with overseas guests Julie Goodyear and Randy Powell next to him. The 24-hour appeal raised a total of more than $5 million for the Year of the Disabled Person."

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Members of the crowd are invited down to the set floor to dance along to Tom Sharplin and his Rock 'n' Roll Band. Other celebrity cast members Hayden Wood, Tina Cross and 12 Bar Rhythm 'n' Shoes joined the band in a sing-a-long for Telethon.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Marathon runner Brian Burns is interviewed by presenter Mark Leishman after completing a Marathon inside the four walls of the Pascal Street Stadium. The Standard reported his time as 3 hours and 5 minutes and that it was the first indoor marathon completed in New Zealand.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

A celebrity panel for the Central Districts 1981 telethon, encouraging viewers to donate money for 'International Year of the Disabled Person'. From left: Phillip Leishman - sports broadcaster, Audrey Green - radio announcer at 2ZA, Julie Goodyear - British actress from Coronation Street, and Roger Gascoigne - television presenter of music and quiz shows.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Not all Telethon guests were human. Here a group of life size Muppets, led by Kermit himself, entertain at the Pascal Street Stadium"

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Activity dies down at the Pascal Street Stadium as workers finish their final Telethon shifts. The stadium was quickly tidied up but the total, more than $5 million, will stay in New Zealanders' minds many years."

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Mike Moore was the Member of Parliament for Papanui in 1981. He became New Zealand's 34th Prime Minister in 1990 after contesting the Labour Party leadership, rolling Geoffrey Palmer a few months before the General Election.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

A 'behind the scenes' look at filming an interview with fundraising locals. This presenter is likely speaking with members of Freyberg High School's Deaf education unit.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Tom Sharplin is joined on stage by other telethon performers, including Mike Griffin, Tina Cross, Hayden Wood and Richard Eriwata of 12 Bar Rhythm 'n' Shoes among others.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Singer Tina Cross, performs with Robert Smith on keyboards and guitarist Mike Griffin.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

A New Zealand celebrity panel for the Central Districts 1981 telethon, encouraging viewers to donate money for 'International Year of the Disabled Person'. Featuring singers Frankie Stevens and Tina Cross, and presenter Peter Williams.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "Just one of the scenes that captured the whole spirit of Telethon in the Pascal Street Stadium. Sports front-man Peter Williams talks to a group of 33 children who have raised more than $500 for the appeal."

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. "United States guest Randy Powell takes time off as a front man to help out on the phones. Powell, ex bad guy in Dallas, was cheered by a Palmerston North crowd at 8p.m. for his efforts."

American Actor Randy Powell was most famous for his role as Alan Beam in the television drama Dallas and later took a role in The Days of Our Lives.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

Singer Frankie Stevens, performing with singers using New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Signing was a feature of Telethon '81 segments across the country. The visibility of sign language in use gave a huge public awareness boost for the language and the deaf community as a whole. NZSL did not become an official national language of New Zealand until 2006.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981. The 'Seawitch' pinball machine was manufactured by Stern in 1980. It featured flippers, pop bumpers, slingshots, stand-up targets, rollovers, drop targets and a spinning target. Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.

This image was taken (but not used) for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on Monday 29th June 1981.

A young boy is pouring coins collected from friends and family, into a gumboot, close to the raised seating where spectators watch the entertainment in the Rainbow Stadium.

Telethon 1981 was for the International Year of Disabled Persons. Telethon was a 24-hour live television spectacular designed to raise money for charitable causes. It originated in the United States, but New Zealand put a typically Kiwi spin on the event. Local performers, amateur and professional were joined by international stars, who entertained New Zealand to raise money for charity. Groups of people from schools, clubs, and pubs, contributed cash and cheques, often in an oversized format, to add to the pledged totals on the day of the event.