Runa from Takapuna
This month’s Channel Grill features a lady known as “Runa from Takapuna”. Runa McPheat is proudly North Shore born and bred – in the “Channel Zone”. So is her husband of 44 years Forres. Most of their lives have been spent in the Devonport and Belmont areas, but eight years ago they moved into the heart of Takapuna, and they love it. 34 years ago the McPheat’s set up their business Filtercorp in their Belmont basement. This is a real family business that Runa and Forres have put their heart and soul into. It is now being run by their sons Blair and Kevin. The McPheat’s also play a big part in the North Shore community they love, so Channel Magazine’s Aidan Bennett put “Runa from Takapuna” under the Channel Grill in mid-November.
Aidan Bennett: How come you and Forres have stayed in the “Channel Zone” (Devonport-Takapuna) for so long?
Runa McPheat: With our business we have travelled to many parts of the world and haven’t seen anywhere better.
AB: You obviously love the area, but is there anything at all that really annoys you about it?
RM: Yes, Takapuna Beach needs a grooming programme to keep it pristine.
AB: So what does Filtercorp do?
RM: We manufacture industrial air filters covering the dairy, food processing, wood waste and cement industries along with air intake filters for hospitals, airports etc.
AB: You must be proud of the business and particularly proud of the BFM Fitting invented by your son Blair that has received some accolades recently? What is it?
RM: It is the world’s first sanitary snap-in flexible connector for joining such things as hoppers to sifters. It has FDA and EU approvals and is now operating in 47 countries.
AB: What do you love about Forres?
RM: His loyalty and generosity, not only to me but to others as well. There is never a dull moment living with Forres with constant surprises.
AB: Family is obviously important to you?
RM: We have two sons, Blair and Kevin. Each one is General Manager of our two Companies, Kevin at Filtercorp and Blair at BFM Global. Our daughter Lisa is married to an international marketer who has recently returned to New Zealand after eight years overseas with a multi-national. We have six grandchildren, two girls and four boys, all living on the North Shore. They are all into the sports and activities on water and land that the North Shore is so good at providing.
AB: I understand you are big into your golf and fishing. What is the biggest fish you have caught and the best round of golf you have ever played?
RM: I hold the family Snapper record at 25.5lbs (wow, that’s 11.57kg! – jealous, Ed.). My best round of golf was 81 at Beewah Golf Club in Queensland.
AB: Where is the best fishing spot for Runa?
RM: Stray lining at dusk in Katherine Bay, Great Barrier Island.
AB: What is the best golf course you have ever played at?
RM: Our own Wairakei Golf Course, near Taupo. It’s stunning!
AB: When you do leave the Shore where do you go on holiday in NZ?
And what is your favourite spot overseas?
RM: We have a beach house at Omaha which is a handy distance for friends and family to join us. We also enjoy Queenstown and overseas currently our favourite spot is Caloundra just north of Brisbane in Queensland.
AB: Super City working for you?
RM: Not yet but hopefully it will.
AB: Runa’s Top 10. What are the 10 things you love most about the
North Shore?
RM: Proximity to the coast; Tuesday night activities on Takapuna Beach; The view from Mt Victoria; Friendliness of the people; Having many long term friends living nearby; The high standard of restaurants; The many parks and recreational areas; Lake Pupuke; Living at the Mon Desir Apartments; Waitamata Golf Course.
Doing what I love doing
