Rock club to host mini show in November after biennial show was cancelled due to Covid-19

Every rock is a hidden gem, and a group of Taranaki rock enthusiasts want to show you why.

Members of the 50-strong Taranaki Lapidary and Mineral Club cut and polish stones found all around the country.

“We’re into working stones and cutting and polishing stones,” geologist Ian Larsen said.

Their work can expose the beauty inside some of the dullest looking rocks found on Taranaki beaches, he added.

The club, which has been running for more than 45 years, is based at the Scenic Lodge off Centennial Dr in New Plymouth.

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After its biennial show was cancelled this year due to Covid-19, members have decided to host a mini show from 9am-4pm on November 14 and 15 at the club room.

Local dealers will be there with rock, greenstone and crystal displays, members will give machinery demonstrations, and greenstone experts Terry Hignett and Wihou Tamihana will also fix broken greenstone necklaces.

Secretary Hazel Madgwick got involved with the club after going to a show at the TSB Stadium 21 years ago, and although she didn’t know anything about rocks she still joined.

Now she has a passion for rocks.

“They call it rock pox because you get hooked. It’s like a disease,” Larsen laughed.

The club is also open to the public most weekends and Larsen encouraged people to pop by and have a look.

“We’re always looking for new members to come along.”