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.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

What are you doing for your summer holidays?

Here in Opotiki we like to have a little fun.

Natural fun, fun so natural we call it unplugged.

One of the major attractions is the mega mudslide, you can't get more natural than that.

I am not sure about the beauty qualities of the moist soil, but I believe the theraputic qualities are of great benefit. All that stuff oozing through your fingers.

Have a look at a little bit of the action from a couple of years ago, but still all relevant this summer. Clip by Alextronics of Opotiki.

When playing the clip ensure you have your sound on.
The music is very appropriate for the content.




While it's great to have a summer break, when you live in a place like Opotiki with holiday type attractions at your doorstep, every day is like being on holiday.

Join us now, bookings wont last forever.

OOPS

And a big OOPS from me.

Sorry have not updated blog.

Watch this space as will be filled asap

OPOTIKI'S STRIKES GOLD

We have always considered that Opotiki has a wealth greater than what is translated in financial terms, predominately because of it's location.

Now it is confirmed in financial terms. The Opotiki News 3/11/2009 has reported GOLD kiwifruit growers in the district are to benefit more than most from Zespri's October record forecast. Thanks to Opotiki's higher production (approx 20% of the little gold fruit), they have exceeded the industry average and that means more money for the growers. Not bad considering the depressed world fruit market.

While we can thank the strong Japanese yen, and them buying 3rd of the NZ grown gold crop, I think location and soil play their part in a successful orchard as well, and for that...Opotiki can take a well deserved bow. Here they are planting more and more gold.

Coastal climates are good for a lot of things.

Health being one.

Gold kiwifruit offer a healthy store of vitamins C and E, potassium and fibre.

Coastal living can provide good doses of the sun's vitamin D (if taken in sensible doses), potassium from your home grown potatoes and bananas, and fibre from the same source, or the bush.

Or get it all from one of our orchards.

We have struck GOLD, lay your claim now before the stakes get too high.

Derby Day

While we are not trying to compete with Flemington's famous Derby Day, we are pretty happy with our own derby day. Opotiki's Bluelight Trolley Derby.



This year's hotly contested event is being held on Saturday 7th November. I think it was initiated for the youth, now many an older person can be seen jostling for a podium finish. For example, my husband a.k.a. 'The Stig', will be driving the local police entry aptly named 'Geriatric Highway Patrol'. His trolley made by a local firm,(of course he assisted), has red and blue lights, a siren fitted, and very little room for movement. I can see that on the day, him getting in and out of this piece of aerodynamic magnificance, will be a treat in itself.




Today was scrutineering day, of course safety is a major consideration. While there was no real concern amongst the soon to be competitors about displaying their 'secret weapons' before the event, there was some keen observation going on.



Unlike Flemington, there will be no totaliser betting or funny hats, just a whole lot of fun in a community that is really good at having a whole lot of fun.



And interestingly, I learned that trolley is the plural of trolly.

HOW'S YOUR LABOUR WEEKEND

Hopefully the weather where you are is as good as it has been here! This photo taken yesterday afternoon at Hukuwai Beach. Our pound puppy's first trip to the seaside
The weather has been marvellous


Same beach, same time, just a diffent point of view.


And just to confirm it's been marvellous weather, this photo was taken at 8.30ish this morning from my backyard.

I hope you are also enjoying such a weekend.

MANUAL LABOUR

Samuel Parnell a carpenter in Petone early 1840, was the founder of the 8 hour working day. Thanks to Sam we get the 4th Monday in October as a public holiday.

It was reported that when asked to build a store for one Mr George Hunter, Samuel's reply was "I will do my best, but I must make this condition, Mr. Hunter, that on the job the hours shall only be eight for the day ... There are twenty-four hours per day given us; eight of these should be for work, eight for sleep, and the remaining eight for recreation and in which for men to do what little things they want for themselves. I am ready to start to-morrow morning at eight o'clock, but it must be on these terms or none at all."

You know Mr. Parnell,' Hunter replied, 'that in London the bell rang at six o'clock, and if a man was not there ready to turn to he lost a quarter of a day'. 'We're not in London', said Parnell. With few tradesmen in the young settlement, Hunter had little choice but to accept the carpenter's terms. As Parnell later wrote, 'the first strike for eight hours a-day the world has ever seen, was settled on the spot.'

Parnell's response reminds me of the "you're not in Guatemala now Dr Ropata" quote.

Labour weekend is a celebration of the efforts of our forebears' to keep work to civilised hours, it is also traditionally a time for planting out the vege garden and gearing up for summer.


Don't let the sunset on your weekend without balancing your 3x8hrs per day as per recommendation of Samuel Parnell

Sunset off Waiotahe Beach

KEEPING UP THE STANDARDS

Well I never....I never thought it would take 4 days to get over, recover, revive, and feel much better after succumbing to some undiagnosed unwellness....but today there is a glimmer, a mere glimmer of hope and I just might make it through the day.

An article in Saturday's Herald (Herald Homes) refers to misleading advertising and the impact of such. While The Advertising Standards Authority is there to monitor such transgressions and deal with any complaints, often damage is done and is irreparable.

That is why when I refer to living in Opotiki and what is happening here at any given time, you can be confident it is not just from a subjective point of view, or fabricated.

For e.g we do have a CBD (albeit a Compact Business District).

An A & E (5-6 beds)and other health centres.




A supermarket (a smaller version of most city marts and without checkout conveyer belts) plus a couple of superettes.


Our own community radio station 88.1 FM (rumoured to be 'streaming' soon) that I am lucky to be involved with by doing a 1 hour show every week.


Schools, clubs, parks (including skate), movie theatre etc, etc, etc.


Beaches that go for miles (kms), rivers that go for miles (kms), bush that goes for miles(kms)..

A council that are very keen to pursue and promote development, and parade our district initiatives to whomever and wherever needed.


And the list goes on. To long to mention everything and in danger of leaving things out.

Imagine everything one needs to have. For a lifestyle a little less stressful, I believe you will find it here.

If not, someone will start a group.

All photos taken this morning. Oh yes, the sun does shine on us.

And this is where I work, be sure to call in..

OOPS

Sorry very behind time this week, busy, busy, busy. Will update within 24hrs.

WHAT A WEEKEND

It's another big weekend for Opotiki.

Our premium multi sport event, the Motu Challenge is on this weekend, and there is even a very mini version for the kids. Training wheels allowed, especially as the children's age group is 2yrs - 14yrs.

Not for the feint of heart, this endurance event draws participants from far and wide. With 65km mountain bike, 17km run, 52km road cycle, 27km kyak, 8km road cycle and a 3km run, competitors face a gruelling task with an upside of being amongst some of the best scenery multisport has to offer.

This year there is a new event; the Scott Motu 160 cycle challenge, 65km mountain bike will be raced with the Motu Challenge competitors. Multisporters will then split off at Motu to complete their run, ride and paddle; while Motu 160 competitors will get straight onto their road bikes and cycle 90km back over Traffords Hill and down Waioeka gorge to Opotiki.

The mini Motu kidliwinks only have to jog, bike, jog and every child competitor receives a medal. They are the future of multisport so we like to start them young.

Locals like to get out and support competitors, and volunteers galore ensure a smooth running event.

The weather forecast is not brilliant, but I am sure those competing will appreciate cooler temperatures. There are some challengers who have been regular visitors to the town doing trial runs in anticipation of the big action on Saturday.

Of course Sunday is a day of rest and recovery. Usually, the town's cafes' are packed to the gunnels with people brunching, nursing their weary bodies, debriefing and contemplating whether to go through it all again next year.

Sunday is also Bathurst day. Die hard petrol heads will ensure premium television space is available, wear silly hats, dream of being there next year, and have plenty of liquid refreshment handy.

But unlike Bathhurst, we have greenery, rivers, rugged tracks and the best mountain bike section of any race (in NZ admittedly).

That's Opotiki's contribution to multisport.

WATER SPOUT

Great picture taken by Warwick Tilley from Opotiki, of a large waterspout that created a bit of a stir with locals on Wednesday morning.

Predicted at being at least 15 metres across and stirring up a lot of water
it did appear to be heading inward. About 500 metres off the beach it veered off and headed east and appeared to peter out somewhere around the Waioeka rivermouth.

All one needs, a water filled tornado.....

Last weekend was the Delamere Cup, this weekend it's the Muriwai Tournament, colloquilly known as the Pa Wars.

An annual sporting extravaganza of netball and rugby attracting up to 5000 people. Teams come home to Opotiki from throughout the motu and rekindle their whanau links, celebrate their hapu and try to win the ultimate prize of becoming supreme champions for the year.

Individual marae co-ordinate their hapu, and participants are aware of the mantle of mana given to them in representing their tribe. And their ardent supporters are very vocal in lifting the spirit of the competitors.

I am sure it is becoming very apparant that we are a very active town, there is always something happening.

Up and coming events include the Motu Challenge and the Trolley Derby.

Don't be a couch potato. Participate and enjoy the fringe benefits of living in a smaller, rural community, you will always find something do.

THE DELAMERE CUP

This weekend the walls of Opotiki College will be bulging at the seams, with supporters and competitors vying for the much coveted Delamere Cup.

This year is the Golden Anniversary of the Cup competition.
Kapa haka's equivalent to the Grammys is staged annually, and is fiercely contested amongst 100's of primary school children from across the district.

Children rehearse for months to ensure their performances are top notch and powerful.

With 29 teams competing between Friday and Saturday their stamina and skill are challenged every step of the way.

The Delamere Cup is named after Takamore Delamere, he donated the trophy after being inspired by a relative who, after visiting her grandchildren at school, felt there was a lack of Maori culture among the school activities.

Many years on, the competition seems to get bigger and better, and the dedication of the participants and their tutor's is unfailing.

The event is open to all children who wish to become involved, kinda like everything that happens in our town.

Be here for the next event you will not be disappointed.

NATIVE BUSH WONDERLAND

I've said it before and I will continue to say it, we have some pretty wonderful places here in Opotiki.

Hikutaia Domain being one of the many.



Just a few kilometres from the CBD (she says with a wry smile), well we do have a business district, albeit a rather small one, is the Domain.

In a forest like setting, specimen plantings of shrubs, trees, ferns and grasses, and walking tracks, is a parkland that has a great selection of this country's native flora.


The reserve of native plants only is one of the finest in New Zealand and includes many beautiful walks in it's 5ha. Most of the different species of flora are labelled with pegs stating the Botanical name, the place of origin and the common or Maori name, if known.



The domain was established in 1930's and thanks to a local lawyer and amatuer botanist, Mr Norman Potts, the reserve is one of note, not just here but abroad.
While there are a lot of highlights to the domain, the historic tree "Taketakerau" which has a girth of about 22 metres, a height exceeding 23 metres and is estimated as over 2000 years old, is one of not only historical but also great cultural significance to our area, so we really do consider we do have a native bush wonderland.


Oh look there's my car, whilst not of any great historical of cultural significance, it certainly makes my life much easier.

It's A Lifestyle Thing

I can offer two great ways for you to start enjoying a brand new lifestyle.

1. Move to Opotiki

2. Invest in Opotiki

Now is the time to start living the life you've always wanted.


Our 'Gateway', Te ara Ki Te Tairawhiti - "The Pathway to the sunrise" is a sight that welcomes locals and visitors alike. The photo's, taken today, confirm what is a very usual sight regarding weather, here in our town.



Waiotahe Beach is a wonderful spot for relaxation or exercise, fishing, swimming and the overall general enjoyment of this beautiful spectacle. With the East Cape as it's back drop, this stretch of nature a very popular beach as there is plenty of parking, picnic areas and ample shade.



Lots of little parks for picnicing add to opportunities for a more relaxed lifestyle. No-one has to travel far to enjoy any of these.

"At night when the sky if full of stars and the sea is still, you get the wonderful sensation you are floating in space" - N Wood.