I was privileged to attend my first Pasifika awards evening in my capacity as BOT member. What a fun filled celebration! I loved the passion, emotion and enjoyment of everyone’s achievements. Such a breath of fresh air! My favourite moment was catching this young man looking after a wee brother or cousin. He was one of a group at a table who took it in turns to hold him. Heartening to see how ‘normal’ it seemed to be for them.
photoaday
Rā 301 Rāhina 30 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
I didn’t really need to work, anyway!
Rā 300 Rātapu 29 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
A muddy day on the trails. Had to be quick to catch a view between the clouds. 
Rā 299 Rāhoroi 28 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
Today was the first time that NZ remembered formally the NZ Wars. Rā Maumahara, 28th October, marks the day in 1835 when the Treaty of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand was signed.
We attended a small ceremony in Steele Park / Te Nihinihi. The 50 oak trees that surround the park were planted on the 26th of August 1889 by veterans of the 4th Waikato Regiment in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their occupation of Hamilton.
On Saturday, red ribbons with names of Māori who died, or were involved in the NZ Wars were tied around each tree.
Rā 298 Rāmere 27 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
Raindrops on roses….. this is one of my favourite things!
There is another story attached to this …. read here.
Rā 297 Rāpare 26 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
A contented cat.
Rā 296 Rāapa 25 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
A morning in AKL welcoming our new Kaitiaki, then a run around Ngaroto to blow the cobwebs away
Rā 295 Rātu 24 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
The Cobham Road underpass, which has been under construction for the last few months is now open. One of the things I like about Hamilton is the add amount of street art and there is a great example of it in the underpass. This is just a detail. 
Rā 294 Rāhina 23 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
Rain kept us inside today so I spent the day sewing. Made 3 sets of bunting to brighten up the garden in the summer and refurbished the swing seat… now just need some sun!
Rā 293 Rātapu 22 o Whiringa-ā-nuku
Our Clementine tree is in full bloom, the scent is divine and it seems the bees like it too. Think I probably took 59 photos to get two or three in focus. Thank heavens for digital photography! 
