“Where shall we go for my birthday treat, I wonder? Somewhere not too far away, close to nature, simple to arrange, and with a low carbon footprint. How about Rangitoto Island?” Tanya asked herself…and Charmaine … So here are Tanya’s reflections on 14-17 August 2019… For both of us, the skyline of Auckland has […]
Te Wai Pounamu: Monday 24 June-Tuesday 2 July
July 19, 2019 by 4 Comments
This winter we decided to take a short break in the South Island of Aotearoa , rather than on a warm island in the Pacific to the north. So Tanya organised a journey to Marlborough, Kaikoura and Christchurch. In Marlborough we wanted to learn more about the Wairau Bar and Moahunter history there; in Kaikoura […]
Friday 15 March 2019: a way to look forward with hope?
March 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment
On this same day, before the evil erupted in Christchurch, tens of thousands of young people in Aotearoa left their schools to demonstrate their deep concern about climate change and the future of our planet. We went to Aotea Square in Auckland to support them. It was inspirational- thousands of young people of all cultures […]
Tai Haruru
February 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Soon after our return from Wellington we went for a few days to North Piha to stay in the lovely Forest and Bird house, Tai Haruru, again. It’s a very restful place in the bush, old-fashioned and well-furnished for five in the house and another four in a separate self-contained flat. Tanya had her 40th […]
Solstice greetings to you all..
December 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Saturday December 22 is the longest day of the year and promises to be warm here, of course. To our Northern Hemisphere friends and family experiencing the Winter Solstice on Friday 21 December, stay snug, and we’re glad the days will be lengthening for you from now on. We wonder what you will be doing […]
…and finally, a good place to stay…
December 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
…a small town whose population increases from 3000 to 10,000 for a couple of weeks over Christmas and New Year, every year, but outside this peak Christmas period offers a lively, diverse community, every outdoor activity you can think of , and outstanding places to stay, to eat, and to explore: Whaingaroa-Raglan As part of […]
Creativity in the City…
November 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Architects… Taiga, our 9-year-old friend from Earthsong, joined us for a day exploring the work of some of Aotearoa’s leading architects. Fifteen central Auckland architecture firms held open days, and we managed to spend time at four, talking with staff and looking at current project models, past work images and futuristic designs. Taiga had two […]
Celebrating Te Reo
November 18, 2018 by 1 Comment
We’re still enjoying the upsurge in use and acknowledgement of Te Reo Maori. And we urge you all to read the excellent article on page 112 of the September-October issue of New Zealand Geographic. Kennedy Warne’s essay, A Flash of Fire: what a difference a name makes , explores the differences between Maori and English government […]
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