GREEN AS

After 10 days away, I must admit I was yearning for a little of the greenery of New Zealand. Probably even more so, the wonderful hue nature provides, in Opotiki.

Sydney is certainly a vibrant place, multi ethnic, lots and lots of people, sandstone buildings, galleries etc.etc.etc...Food selections that could make gourmet's of us all, being a king prawn lover, my daily habit was well and truly sated. And a transport system that I am sure most Aucklanders'would envy.
Of course there were trees and ocassionally pieces of lawn, all mixed in with a lot of concrete, glass and aluminum.

Even after a wonderful time with family and prawns, I looked forward to my return to a less frenetic pace,space for my soul to be closer to the land and a lot less concrete, glass and aluminum.

We all know there is no place like home. Take note, here we are only green in nature, and perhaps a little ungrown, but we are not greenhorns' in knowing Opotiki's a great place to live.

Away With Me

I cannot log
My normal blog
As away to Auckland I go
Several hours in the car
Going quick, quick, then, roadwork slow

Overnight in the Auck 'burb's
With the car parked at the kerb
Hoping it'll be there in the morn
Without a paint refurb.

Then off to airport for a redeye flight
To Oz and Sydney town
Where hopefully, Pacific Blue
Will put us safely down.

A family wedding to attend
And plenty of sights to see
Knowing that after all this
It's home to OPOTIKI

The Paintings on the Wall

I know the title should read the Writing's on the wall, although as I have previously mentioned, we do things a little differently.





Opotiki is striving to become the New Zealand's Youth Art Capital and we are very pleased to strive for such an honour. The Youth Art in Public Places Project was started in early 2008 under the guidance of, and with help from, Blue Light Youth Aid, Ministry of Social Development and Shona Hammond Boys QSM, the director of Opotiki Childrens Art House.

We do not compare nor compete for any of Katikati's mural glory, we proudly stand by each brushstroke made in an attempt to reduce graffiti and instill a sense of pride in the youth of the town. The young artists recreate scenes that are familiar, historic and specifically local. As a result, they are growing their self esteem by making positive contributions to the community and some real talent has been discovered. Areas that were once dull and drab are now a pleasure to look upon.


Word is starting to spread about our murals. Photographs of the murals were recently displayed at the Royal Easter Show and this week our Youth Aid Officer and Opotiki's Art Director showcased the project to the Blue Light Conference in Queenstown.




Come and see for yourselves how we are painting our town in a differing light, rather than having the writing on the wall.