What a celebration of our winter months here in the Ōpōtiki district! These sunny cooler winter days have given me plenty of excuses to get on my bike and make the most of our cycleways. Thanks again to the hard work of the Motu Trials team and volunteers who keep these looking so great. And it is also exciting to see the seawalls almost finished so close by. Hopefully we’ll have more to share on an opening day and a chance to visit them soon.
Thanks also to all those who attended one of the many Matariki events from the Ōpōtiki Matariki calendar. I was very proud to read that the festival has been nominated in two categories for the national NZ Events Association awards. What a recognition of the hard work of the isite team and all the many volunteers who contribute to such a wide range of incredible events that help us mark Matariki.
I was fortunate to attend a few events: I had a great early morning at Waiaua last weekend and attended a sold-out viewing of Ka Whawhai Tonu last Thursday – it was a brilliant film.
I also attended the Matariki Pacific Pulse last weekend and there was a great turnout and an excellent job by everyone involved. I got to enjoy the festivities but also had an opportunity to catch up with the High Commissioner from the Solomons, H.E. Eliam Tangirongo.
I have a bit of a connection to the Solomons myself and incredibly, that connection crossed over with the High Commissioner. In 1988, I travelled to the Solomon Islands to meet Wendy’s parents who were working at Su'u School and ask permission to get married. (Their answer should be obvious now!). There were broken down planes, missed connections, boats and a canoe trip and through all the difficulties, opportunities to spend time with the amazing people of the Solomons. It was special to share these memories with the High Commissioner and it turns out he was one of those who took us on a canoe all those years ago.
It is going to be a busy second half of the year with some important matters that will impact who whole district – our representation review, changes to the rating timetable, our Long Term Plan, the harbour walls and wharf opening, and many other topics. There are lots of ways to stay up to date with council activities so I encourage everyone to keep an eye out in the coming months to make sure you are across any changes and can have a say in things that matter to you.
Images: Mayor and high commissioner and others, view on Dunes Trial, Matariki breakfast, maybe view out the seawalls.
