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.