OUTSTANDING IN THE COMMUNITY

Volunteers are often the 'unsaluted' core of any community.

Here in Opotiki we like to acknowledge those unpaid, hardworking, individual's, groups, organisations and companies for all their efforts by holding the Contribution Awards.

Termed as Opotiki's answer to the 'Oscars', the awards were held in the De Luxe Theatre, hosted by Pio Terei who was ably assisted by our own Mayor John Forbes.
It is an excellent way to acknowledge those who give of their time and resources purely to help others.





The De Luxe Theatre (an example of early provincial cinema architecture), is one of Opotiki's Historic Buildings and has hosted many a special occasion and will continue to do so in the future. A smaller cinema has been 'built' within the main building to cater for smaller movie viewing audiences.

The theatre is managed by a trust (another of those hardworking volunteer organisations) which ensures the theatre is maintained and available for community use.

Our art deco theatre, formerly known as Regent Theatre, opened in 1926 with a silent film 'The White Sister' accompanied by the Melody Boys Band led by Epi Shalfoon. Somewhat different to the 'boy bands' of today.

Here we still like to celebrate some of those days gone by. In September the theatre will host the sixth Silent Film Festival organised by the Community Arts Council. This is a very well attended event and people like to get into the spirit of the occassion by dressing according to the era and travelling in vehicles that are sympathetic to another time and place.






Why not join us for a weekend of fun, a step back in time, and when all things were outstanding in their communities.

GOOD MORNING OPOTIKI

Although it is a crisp start to Thursday 18 June 2009, we know the rest of the day will be a stunner. Because that is how it is here.
Photo taken at 9.35 this morning in Elliott St.






Photo taken at 9.30 this morning from Hukuwai Beach, already the day is looking good.
Thanks to the weather coming from the south, the sea is incredibly calm and for those who were prepared to brave the early coolness, there may have been a frost fish or two for the breakfast.





Photo taken at 8.30 this morning in Elliott Street, just across from my workplace.
One of the township's many character homes is getting a facelift. We like to keep as much of our heritage alive as possible. We currently have 26 places listed with the Historic Places Trust and this may be added to in the future. There is a great little booklet named Historic Opotiki....port and portal of the Eastern Bay of Plenty that provides a precis of each of the historic properties.




Photo taken at 8.30 this morning across the road from the office. As you can see from the flags there is just a gentle breeze blowing, and it's just another perfect winter's day.





Numb fingers or toes are just a minor inconvenience. If looking out your window does not bring a sense wonder at what you are viewing, you may need a change of vista.

For those who take note of the minor details will see that the time and day of the posting is different to the actual event. I assume it is because the service provider is in another time zone and I am not computer literate enough to know how to change the time setting for NZ, and quite frankly I don't think it matters. Hence why I wrote actual time and date by the first photo.

OPOTIKI by NATURE

Looking out towards Waiotahe.







We are unique.

By nature we are provided with such geographical features that make Opotiki and it's people, individually and communually different from other parts of New Zealand.
Geographically we are on an amazing, virtually untouched piece of coastline. Surrounded by hills and valleys, and meandering roads, but also close enough to the cities of Gisborne, Rotorua and/or Tauranga. Those that need what the cities have to offer, know their journey will only take a couple of hours, will be very picturesque and the roads will lead them home again.




A wonderful outlook over Ohiwa








By nature, our townsfolk are friendly, interested, active and community minded. Because of these things our town is able to host numerous activities where, we not only get to bring people into town, they get to benefit from our hospitality, generousity and overall good looks. Our calendar is annually filled with community initiated events brought about by the hard work and local sponsorship of our citizens, and some well organised fun raising initiatives.



A little micro-climate all of it's own.








By nature, our horticulture industry (kiwifruit) is experiencing some great returns for our hard working orchardists. In a time when other business' are facing a very uncertain future globally, the local industry is thriving and expanding. The climate and soil here are very conducive to good production.

Opotiki by nature is who and what we are, and that's okay as those are essential qualities that lead to the good life.

WHATEVER the WEATHER

Whether your preference is snow or beach, or anything in between, we can oblige.

Ordinarily we have considered our area to have an almost sub-tropical microclimate all of it's own. However, last weekend through several kms of the Waioeka Gorge, there was snow. Winter's white blanket sent a serious chill through our town, and created an enormous thrill for those who enjoyed making snowmen and angels,and those who just wanted to see nature at it's coolest.

Of course it was the first day of Winter

Subsequent to nature's moist litter, we have had very fresh starts to the days, followed by the clearest, bluest, skies and a lake like ocean. There is something about the purity of a fine winter's day. Everything looks so new and fresh it's okay to be cold outside and then feel overlywarm in a sun heated car, or an inside fire or whatever your household equivalent is.

And then will come the rainy season.

We can tolerate that because we know it is not forever, that our soil needs the moisture, those with household tanks need them replenished, and any dusty grime of dry, gets all washed away.

Here in Opotiki, we know that whatever the weather we always look good,that extremes of nature are few and far between, and each season is only (generally) 3 months long and that's very manageable by anyone's standards.

No matter what time of year, you will need to bring your sunnies, board shorts or wetsuit, fishing and hunting gear, light and heavy clothing, surf board and definitely don't forget the snowboard (just in case).