FEELING REFRESHED

Finally, the much longed for, and awaited rain has arrived.

By the bucket load.

That's okay as we were all beginning to feel a little parched.

A good drenching will make us feel totally refreshed.

Yesterday however was a day I was able to enjoy and take photos of a few of the gardens around town before the flowers lose some of their glory.


As with most towns we have a dedicated team of workers who spend a lot of time planning, planting and maintaining the garden beds for the benefit of the community.

The colourful display of flora shown via the photographs enhance 2 picnic sites and the war memorial, allowing everyone to see what productive soil we have here.

PLAYTIME

It's playtime at Opotiki Wharf.

This summer the locals and visitors alike get to experience the provision of waterplay resources. These photos taken today not only show what a cracker day it was here (as per most other days)they also show people enjoying the pontoon, slide and rope swings.

There is a very practical reason for the water play area, it leaves the boat ramp and launching area free and clear for boaties minus swimmers and dippers.

When the area was opened, just before christmas, the mayor and some of the councillors were amongst the first to test the equipment, one even dressed as Santa. That's what I like about this town, everyone is involved.

If river swimming is not to your liking, that's okay, there is a competition for BMX riders and skateboarders at the bowl tomorrow. There is always something to do.

And if you are one of the many hundreds of people lucky enough to have visited our town already you know that.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Wherever you are, whatever you do, and however you celebrate, have a safe and happy holiday season.

We will be celebrating not only the season but the place in which we live.

Swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping, bbq's, walking etc, etc, and we do not even have to leave town to do it.

And of course for those interested The Rodeo.

The Opotiki Rodeo : sponsored by Whakatane Hunting & Fishing

28th December 2009

The Annual Opotiki Rodeo is not to be missed. It features spectacular horse and western type events and is commended by the competing cowboys & girls to be one of the best in New Zealand.
The Opotiki Transport Open Bull Ride starts at 2pm sharp. Carries a $1,000 purse (prize money). The cowboys ride a 700kg bull - bred especially for bucking. This is one of the highest paying events on the national circuit attracting around 200 competitors from the South Island and Australia and over 4,000 spectators.

There are amusements, food and drink stands, and clothing and tack (saddlery), available for purchase.

Great entertainment for all ages.

WHERE: Opotiki Rodeo Grounds, St John Street, Opotiki
COST: Adult $15, Child $5, Family $35
DATE: 28th December 2009

TOWN AND AROUND

Just in case you're in the neighbourhood these holidays (or indeed anytime of year), here are some of the sights you will see.













Not bad huh! Everyday here is like being on holiday.

Photos compliments Central Backpackers, King St, Opotiki.

WELCOME TO OPOTIKI

Waiotahi Estuary

Whether you are holidaying, here for a specific event or just passing through, welcome to our town. The Waiotahi Spit with it's very popular Pipi Beds and rest area offers toilets, a caravan dump station and safe swimming.


Approaching the bridge into town over the Waioeka River
As you approach the bridge into town (from Whakatane side) the golf course and the residential area know as Woodlands, are to the right.


Corner of Elliott St and the main shopping area of Church St The main street carving depicts the historic lifestyle of the age from the arrival of white people. It portrays the progress of civilisations introducing agriculture, horticulture and trading. Schooners and scow were the main mode of transport to this coastal town. The essence of the 2 carvings at the entrance to the main street at opposite end of town, is survival, the estern one being a bird and the western, Pikopiko (frond) - the food of our forefathers.

We already know we have a unique character. Our beaches are long, sandy and peaceful; the coast is rocky, picturesque and alive with sea life. We have natural bush clad ranges, DOC reserves and clear freshwater rivers. We are renowned for our friendly people. You know you only have to inquire.

Thank you for coming. Take care of our environment.

'TIS THE SEASON

It is the season and beyond all reason we feel more pressure than at any other time to spend more money than we can afford, just to celebrate 1 day.

Not everyone subscribes to the 'silly season'. Whether that is because of religious or cultural beliefs, or a refusal to buy in to the commercialism of a day, it does not matter, people can and do make up their own minds.

I have to admit I love the whole package, especially the family get together.
And lights twinkling in the late evening.

Last year in Opotiki the Eastern Bay Energy Trust provided a stainless steel spiral christmas tree that was lit with green and white lights, it made a welcoming beacon for anyone travelling through our town at night.

But of course we are lucky here to be surrounded by natures very own christmas tree, the pohutakawa. A fine example of this being the 'Pohutakawa Tunnel' that welcomes all driving through Waiotahi towards our coastal town.



No matter what your reasons are for your season, we do not discriminate. We have the belief that everyone is entitled to live their life in an environment that offers a holistic approach. Whether you want solace for the soul, metaphysically speaking enjoying all nature has to offer, or just want a different lifestyle and location, don't look past us, we are always looking ahead.

SOMEBODY STOP THE CLOCK

I seem to constantly on the back foot lately and it's nothing to do with my inappropiately healed shoes.

This time of year seems to go very fast and we will soon be heralding a new year.

Every year my plan to be organised by the festive season is thwarted by my inability to be organised by the festive season.

I blame the clock, (I am sure 'global warming'is affecting the rate at which the seconds fly by). Well global warming is blamed for a lot of things, so why not the movement of time.

I love the New Year because no matter what has happened during the past 12 months, psychologically I feel I get another opportunity to make the ensuing year better.


The new year is also an opportunity for commercial trials for the mussel farm, and Whakatohea Aquaculture is also hoping to commence pond farm trials of sea cucumber in 2010. If there is market acceptance of locally 'grown' sea cucumber, there will be strong interest from Bay of Plenty iwi and a Chinese sea food company to invest in research and commercial trials.

So I'm thinking it's going to be a good year for us here in Opotiki and of course there will be benefit for the whole region.

The following excerpt was taken from ODC (Opotiki District Council) Newsletter November 2009.

A Time for Celebration

Whaia te pai tawhiti, whaia kia tata, whaia te pai tata, kia mau kia tina, whakatina.

We aim for the distant horizon, we persevere and go beyond the boundaries, reach and grasp what is before you, hold fast, hold firm and cherish. This is a time for Opotiki to celebrate, as Robert Edwards, Chair of Whakatohea Trust Board says. “Our area and our people used to have a vibrant economy,based on our capability to farm, and to trade with others. We dearly wish to restore that tradition and to regenerate a viable economy for Opotiki. The people of Whakatohea have been determined to re-create hope and jobs. We have not yet settled with the Crown, but we have invested a decade of effort and resources into this aquaculture potential.”

Vaughan Payne, ODC Chief Executive concurs. “The Opotiki community, along with Council and Whakatohea, have worked hard to get to this point. Thankyou! We are delighted to now have the support of a regional aquaculture strategy and wider Bay of Plenty networks. We are also pleased at the growing awareness across Government of the potential of aquaculture for “NZ Inc”.

So you can see there are good things ahead for us here.

Join us, stop the clock regarding lifestyle (only) and enjoy things as they are, and as they will be.