Bike Auckland

Bike Auckland’s AGM was the best AGM I’ve attended! Over in 5 minutes-” totally rigged!” as the dynamic silver-haired chair, Barbara Cuthbert, announced gleefully, ” because all the current committee members want to continue,” – “but”- she added “we can easily coopt any other keen bikers!” An evening to celebrate a busy year of hustling, […]

Spring Round About…

Alcohol and Drug Court supporters’ dinner We’ve heard about the great work of Auckland and West Auckland Alcohol and Other Drug Courts for a while now.  But Justice Department money doesn’t cover all the costs of court clients…such as rental deposits, transport costs  for  appointments with potential employers or Work and Income, repairs for damaged […]

Rangitoto…

  “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

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?

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

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..

 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…

…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 […]