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.

SPRING FEVER

Temperatures are rising, gardens are about to burst forth with a festival of colour, and everyones vitamin d level will be sure to rise.

HELLO SPRING

Unfortunately, spring also heralds allergies that make spring a little less enjoyable for some. I am not sure that warmer climes are much of a panacea for the poor sufferers, but they can take the edge of misery.

HELLO SPRING

Things are definitely looking up. Earlier this week The NZ Herald said that NZ was on the cusp of a fragile recovery, so that must be so. And I must admit the amount of enquiries we have had for property this week would concur with what the NZ Herald reported.

HELLO SPRING

We are ready here for all that spring has to offer. Be assured, we are not limited to any specific time of year to enjoy the benefits of living in Opotiki, you needn't be either.

Do not take life too seriously. You will not get out of it alive. - Elbert Hubbard