Two huge challenges are spreading around the planet- the sickness caused by the Covid-19 Virus, and the liveliness aroused by the healthy Black Lives Matter movement. Surely we humans can use these two dramatic experiences to shape real changes for our futures together on this tiny, fragile planet? We’ve been moved by the shifts which […]
Emerging from Covid-19 Rahui…
May 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment
We are very glad to be now in Level 2 of the Rahui. We were in Level 4 (total lockdown) for 5 weeks from 26 March, then in Level 3 for 2 weeks from 28 April to 14 May. Now, in Level 2, we are able to socialise more freely (in small numbers, and keeping […]
Highlights during the Rahui for us…
May 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Being in lockdown has had lots of positives for us…in our privileged situation. We’ve both enjoyed our separate daily walks around our neighbourhoods, noticing all the little things.. …paintings, messages, and soft toys in house windows to please passing children (and adults!) …lots of warm vibes and greetings from passers-by who streamed out into the […]
At the Table …?
April 19, 2020 by Leave a Comment
We are a bit addicted to the “Jacinda and Ashleigh Show” on radio or TV most days at 1pm. The Prime Minister and the Director-General of Health present the latest news on Covid-19 with clarity and warmth. We are grateful that swift action to isolate cases and prevent the spread we have seen in some […]
Amazing Autumn Artistry..
March 19, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, we had the good fortune to engage in a range of stimulating and challenging events around Tamaki Makauraru, Kelmarna Gardens Trust put on a fundraising dinner, in the gardens, in cooperation with Forest and Ozone Cafés – a feast of fruit, vegetables and herbs picked from the gardens, prepared and […]
Pride…
February 19, 2020 by Leave a Comment
During February we have felt a growing sense of pride in Aotearoa- pride in the progress we are making to become a Treaty-based nation and in our growing capacity for diversity -the ability to welcome and include people of different ethnicities, cultures, religions and genders. We’ve enjoyed the rainbow colours of Skytower, and of […]
Ōwairaka
December 19, 2019 by 1 Comment
In late November we became involved in political action on our local maunga in Tāmaki Makaurau – Ōwairaka/Mount Albert. We had heard on the news that a small group of local residents had gathered half way up the mountain to stop a tree-felling firm from carrying out the instructions of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to […]
Local Body Elections
October 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment
We are especially delighted that our friend Lyn Riesterer , of Whakatohea descent, became Mayor of the Opotiki District Council – she is the first gay Maori woman Mayor in Aotearoa. Lyn has been on the Opotiki District Council for two terms, and was Deputy Mayor in her second term. Her background is in education […]
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