What's In A Name

In todays business/economic environment, where brands are an important part of a person/product/company/town/city identity, we are not going to be left out.

Pakowhai was the original name of the Maori settlement that is where our township is today.

Our current name, Opotiki, is a shortened version of O Potiki-Mai-Tawhiti, 'the two pets from afar'. Those two pets were fish that belonged to Tarawa who brought them over from Hawaiiki and placed them in a spring above Waiotahi Beach.

Our township is bordered by two rivers, the Otara and the Waioeka. In the early days these rivers provided transport and communication inland, and the natural harbour at Pakowhai assured access to the coastline. Today they still provide those things, just with bridges connecting the riverbanks.

So it does seem rather appropriate that the two fish 'brand' be something that identifies our town. Although not prolific at the moment, there are indications the branding will become more and more meaningful alongside our town name.

As we locals know, there are definitely more than 'two fish'to be found in our rivers and ocean. And with the other natural resources these places provide, we are a place of plenty of kai moana options.

Be part of our 'brand' and know that there is very much more to a name. And be assured that it is alright to be a small fry at times.

Lest We Forget

When Size Does Matter

Being more diminutive in height than the average person, size has had a quite an impact on my life.

Whilst my mother saved many pennies when buying material to make my dresses, I know a lot of extra effort had to go into making my off the peg pants/trousers the right fit. As I was one of thirteen children, time was a limited commodity for mum.

In my youth I was severely traumatised by being too short for the upper grade school netball teams, I never noticed it so much in my primary school years. Of course it was my short parents fault. How dare they pass on their genetics. Randy Newman's song didn't help my cause at all. And for the rest of my natural born days I will be required to hem most purchases either leg and/or arm. I certainly was one person delighted with the advent of capris', irrespective of the opinion of fashionistas. I think they may class them in the same category as crocs. I love my crocs.

Coming from a 'small' town we know it's about quality not quantity, but we like to 'think big'. Not in the same way as the late Sir Robert Muldoon, but in a way where we recognise the potential of our place and set plans for the future. One of those plan's is Opotiki's Harbour Development Project(note link on blog site). That development coupled with the possibility of a aquaculture project will definitely affect the size of our town. Not only are we excited about these opportunities, Mayor John Forbes has advised that economic leaders from across the Bay of Plenty rated our developments as a priority for government support.
As we all know, having support from neighbours is a good thing.

When size matters in Opotiki, it can come in several differing forms. Be it long term District Plans, the Big 3 competition, growing super sized kumara and blooming large interesting fungi.

Going Bush

I do love to camp.

There is something intrinsically feral about being so close to the earth, mother nature and escaping the rigours and restrictions of everyday living.

I have to admit my camping is not truly basic. I do at least have to have the minimum comfort of a longdrop and access to cold water, preferably on tap. For everything else, including cooking and washing facilities I am happy to live, albeit temporarily, in a very simple way. Not having to vaccum the tent, allows time to catch up on reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku and drinking copious amounts of my favourite tipple.

Of course what comes next is me telling like minded people, there are some great camping sites in the Opotiki District. Of course residents don't have to go far.

For the more intrepid or the downright curious, we also offer bush walks and wonderlands to satisfy all levels of capability and fitness. Whether it be a scenic reserve, track, walkway or a domain, most preferences can be catered for.

A special area of wonder, is the Hikutaia Domain. A magnificent setting where specimen plantings of all types of flora and breathtaking walks are set in 5 hectares of parklike setting. One of the more historic nature has to offer within the park, is the Burial Tree, Taketakerau. Estimated as over 2000 years old and being steeped in the burial customs of the local Maori, this tree is a magnificent sight as well as being one of a significant cultural taonga (treasure).

We are more than happy to share our taonga, be part of our treasure chest, that is Opotiki.

Step It Up

At the gym, as I was making my usual feeble attempt at step class this morning, I was amazed to see two horses walking by the window. I was amazed for a couple of reasons. One being that the horses were untethered and should not have been walking past the window. And the other was because they looked far too frisky for that hour of the day.

I must admit to having a little discomfort around horses. This concern I have is probably based around the fact that being as vertically challenged as I am, standing close to any one of these animals makes me feel rather vulnerable. I was not brought up with horses and have had only one riding experience (in my tender youth) I would rather forget. That does not mean I dislike our four legged friends, it’s just that I prefer two legs and without hooves.

Now there are a lot of people in our area who are horse mad, and I believe may at times suffer a sort of equine fever. Whether for club, competition, or casual enjoyment, some riders take their mounts and their equipment very seriously. Per capita, I would think we have a good proportion of equestrians, and of course the area to allow for it. The region provides both beach and bush areas ideal for riding or trekking, and according to our local information booklet, the local Ngati horses are famous for their quiet nature and sure-footedness in steep inland country.
It is not uncommon to hear clip, clopping around some of the streets within the township and of course evidence remains of where they have been. There is many a keen gardener who is very happy to fertilise their plots with what is left behind.

The pinnacle of horsiness in Opotiki, politically correct or not, is the annual, late in December, rodeo. It’s very popular and attracts several thousand viewers. We are part of the National Rodeo Circuit, and fans and participants have a fun filled day oohing and aahing at the antics of man and beast.

Now let’s face it there are not too many gyms that you go to that will have a view of such equine agility so close at hand. And here the costs to workout and keep trim are very affordable; you can see the sunrise through the exercise room window (post horses) and on Wednesday’s you can step it up to another level.
Willie Apiata V.C as a young lad in Te Kaha, with beloved horse Blaze

Bring It On

I know sun worshippers will strongly disagree with me, but I gotta tell you, I love this time of year and what is going to follow over the ensuing months! By the end of daylight saving I am ready to welcome all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Not only is the Autumn visibility far more defined due to the generally cooler climate not affected by any heat haze, but I can rest snugly at night without mosquito’s savaging body parts exposed due to extreme heat. There are a lot worse things to experience than getting frightfully cold and then being able to warm up in several different ways.

From a female perspective, wardrobe options are greater, loads of accessories and of course the much loved long/short/laced/zipped/leather/vinyl/ and indescribably synthetic boots.

Of course if you are bloke it’s not too shabby for you either, there is the Rugby, League, Football, Roar, Duck Shooting, chainsaws for the firewood, poking the fire, and all accessories that go with those pastimes, playtimes and downright good fun.

April also means there is a lot of work to be done. It is very busy here; the kiwifruit season is in full swing. Global crisis aside, the industry that is one of the biggest in our area is not showing any signs of slowing down. Two of our biggest packhouses have expanded and our official unemployment total is down to nine (statistic from Work and Income) this week. Not bad news at all.

So button up, save your skin, and enjoy our cooler time of year, where sometimes-even wool is still too warm. We rarely reach below temperatures; frosts are fairly light due to the sea breeze and you are safe in the knowledge that the Autumn/Winter season is not a patch on what they experience in the Northern Hemisphere or in the Southern parts of New Zealand.

Bring it on!