It's always an interesting intrigue when being apart from people regardless of distance can further enhance ties.
Not that I'm against such a thought. In fact, in my honest opinion it's always a good indication as to perhaps the level of friendship where both parties are actively seeking out how the other is doing.
It's always refreshing and certainly aids what can be a difficult day in Paradise.
Last Monday was one of my favourite days since I've been here in Rarotonga, and in an odd twist it had nothing to do with life here at all.
Instead it was during work when, in a moment of surprise, I received a small package from my sister Desiree and her two beautiful children.
As well as a neat wee photobook from Fay Looney, a touching two-page letter with updates on two nieces I have never met was the perfect antidote to what had been a grinding day at work.
Not only did I get a description on life in Rotorua, but three precious photos of both nieces, Anahera and Layla, that I treasure as much as anything I own here in the Cooks.
--
There are the awesome phone calls home with the parents. Getting to hear how family is going down in Wellington is something I always look forward to (and I know they're always interested as to if 'that room' at my place still stands!)
I'm used to living away from my Wellington-based parents. I did so for about five years while I was at university and then in my first proper job in Auckland.
But having these phone calls almost make me feel like I'm still back down in Waterloo at our house like old times.
--
Even friends coming over and wanting to catch up make me chuffed. Seeing friendly, familiar faces - even after almost three months in the Cooks - make for awesome catchups and further kindling for on-fire friendships.
Having seen so many old friends already (some of whom now permanently live here) it's been an awesome experience and one I hope to share with many of you who are looking to spend some time in Raro soon.
--
Anywho, that's all for this week. A nice short, sharp reminder about the power of friendships and the benefit of hearing each of you.
Here's hoping for a great, fresh new week for us all,
Until next time, kia manuia friends and family.
Matiu Workman
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Getting amongst it in the Cooks
Sometimes there's nothing more enjoyable than being involved in sport.
You do have to blink a few times to realise that the same guy you saw play at halfback on the rugby field could very well be the right back for the local football team, too.
And what an experience it has been. Comaraderie, compassion and commitment on both sports fields has seen me get into it more than I thought I would have.
We've all heard about how key sport is to uniting people, and it's no different here in the Cooks. Golden oldies rugby is prime and garners great support. Parliamentarians, veterans and the like all team up and give it their all regardless of ability.
This culminated in the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team's recent visit to the island. Being 'short of numbers', the tourists called me up and asked if I'd like to lace up my boots. Being coached by former All Black and NZRU Chairman Richard Guy, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
So I chucked on my boots and gave it my all for a quarter before letting someone else take my spot. Commentator Winston Peters apparently made mention of me which in itself is embarrassing enough to end one's rugby career.
For the record, the NZ team lost 17-10 to a passionate Cook Islands team. Haven't won on that ground in three attempts now.
--
Life here is actually legitimately awesome. It's been a greyish start but now, into my third month, I could certainly see myself getting more and more used to Raro life.
Punctuality and sunburn aside, there are so many fantastic people and I've been lucky to call some of them my friends.
Certainly feel like I'm ready to make my mark - this is the Rarotonga I envisaged when I first came to the rock.
After a period of soul-searching, it's finally here - the Raro life!
--
I'm just getting a couple of pieces of footage for the next vid and if you're interested in anything in particular do feel free to suggest it.
Unless it's my sunburn line - then it'll be an instant rejection.
--
Take care my beloved friends and family. I do always appreciate your support and feedback and hope you enjoy reading of my time here in the Cook Islands. Kia manuia.
 |
| Getting into a ruck with the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team. Photo: Matariki Wilson. |
Playing, refereeing, writing about it or simply supporting it - there is no better than accomplishing something as a team on the field, pitch, turf or all of the above.
In the Cook Islands, sport is what they live on. From rugby to league, netball to cricket, football to handball (turns out they have their own association that is proving to be popular) and all of the other sports, participation is healthy, competitive and makes for good viewing.
You do have to blink a few times to realise that the same guy you saw play at halfback on the rugby field could very well be the right back for the local football team, too.
There is certainly enough talent here on the island to have a competitive league. There are several codes that cater for all sportspeople because, well, they have to.
With only 12,000 people on the rock, it's very hard to manage to find a sportsman or woman who focus on one sport. It's mind boggling seeing how many natural athletes there are here, who are the jack of all trades but unfortunately the masters of none, too.
--
 |
| Had the ball taken off me haha, Avatiu FC taking on Arorangi Photo: CIFA Media |
I decided to join both cricket and football teams here that I later found out are on opposite sides of the island. Logic slapped me int he face with a stick and said "Think of the petrol costs!"
But in hindsight it has turned out to be one of the better ideas I've had since being here. How else would you be able to get to know more people if you were batting and bowling against some of the people you might be kicking a ball with only two or three days earlier?
And what an experience it has been. Comaraderie, compassion and commitment on both sports fields has seen me get into it more than I thought I would have.
We've all heard about how key sport is to uniting people, and it's no different here in the Cooks. Golden oldies rugby is prime and garners great support. Parliamentarians, veterans and the like all team up and give it their all regardless of ability.
This culminated in the NZ Parliamentary Rugby Team's recent visit to the island. Being 'short of numbers', the tourists called me up and asked if I'd like to lace up my boots. Being coached by former All Black and NZRU Chairman Richard Guy, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
So I chucked on my boots and gave it my all for a quarter before letting someone else take my spot. Commentator Winston Peters apparently made mention of me which in itself is embarrassing enough to end one's rugby career.
For the record, the NZ team lost 17-10 to a passionate Cook Islands team. Haven't won on that ground in three attempts now.
--
Life here is actually legitimately awesome. It's been a greyish start but now, into my third month, I could certainly see myself getting more and more used to Raro life.
Punctuality and sunburn aside, there are so many fantastic people and I've been lucky to call some of them my friends.
Certainly feel like I'm ready to make my mark - this is the Rarotonga I envisaged when I first came to the rock.
After a period of soul-searching, it's finally here - the Raro life!
--
I'm just getting a couple of pieces of footage for the next vid and if you're interested in anything in particular do feel free to suggest it.
Unless it's my sunburn line - then it'll be an instant rejection.
--
Take care my beloved friends and family. I do always appreciate your support and feedback and hope you enjoy reading of my time here in the Cook Islands. Kia manuia.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Kim Workman: My father
I love Father's Day for two reasons.
The first is to give us young fullas a chance to thank our fatherly figure in our lives for helping to mould us into the people we are today. It doesn't have to be a male - single mothers or whoever also do fantastic jobs, too.
It's also a healthy reminder for me to call my dad, Kim, and let him know how I'm going whether in Auckland, Rarotonga or wherever.
This year there won't be such an opportunity. Dad is currently at a silent retreat, where he'll be technologyless for a week or so (this is from my memory at least). It's almost ironic that the man who talks upfront with people for a living has decided voluntarily to give it all up for a week, and boy I find that inspiring.
So, as a result of me not being able to talk to him about how I'm going, I thought I'd talk to you about my love and adoration for the man I am proud to call my father, Robert Kinsela (Kim) Workman.
--
Born on September 9, 1940, dad has always had a way with the piano. He'd tickle the ivories throughout his life and even played in Christmas parades growing up with a band under the banner of "Kim Workman and the Ambassadors".
What an ambassador dad has become since.
Dad has worked in the area of justice for at least 30 years. Having been recruited as a cop in 1960 alongside another young policeman known as Max Jones, dad focused on working with youth at the local high schools in the Wairarapa area.
Having gone through the system for a number of years, dad became the head of prisions in 1989 and was in the job until 1993.
He has had a career that has brought upon many changes, including working in the Police, the Office of the Ombudsman, the State Services Commission, the Department of Maori Affairs and the Ministry of Health.
People can change.
--
Gang members, convicted criminals, people we fear or even turn a blind eye to. Whoever they are they are all people to my father, and I respect him thoroughly for that.
And they do too. I distinctly recall dad telling of a time when gang members were invited to a conference, not to scare anybody or force
These people who are excluded from our community are welcomed by my father and, as a result they showed them one of the greatest gestures of respect in the Maori world - the spiritual unity through a hongi.
--
So why is dad staying silent for a week-odd?
He has finally realised that technology has had so much of an influence on his daily life that it was time to almost reboot; to restore the natural wairua [spirit] inside him that had been drained by a new message or an imminent phone call.
He'll be back in no time, and there will come a time when those outstanding emails will be responded to and the missed calls will be addressed.
For now though, it's about getting back to life as it used to be ahead of such a drastic change in technology.
--
Just before I finish I wanted to thank my father on behalf of all of those who recall him throughout their time in his company. Living in Rarotonga I know of at least two people who recall working with him.
One is Max Jones, the young cop who dad started alongside in the Wairarapa and the second is this country's minister of agriculture and health, Nandi Glassie, who dad worked with in Rotorua for a time.
Dad's legacy is one that is everlasting, in my opinion. His work with Rethinking Crime and Punishment has continued to change how a nation thinks about "locking everybody up". It needed somebody to light the fire, and it was my father who held the matches.
For that dad I thank you. Not just as a son, but as a fellow man and friend. Meitaki maata my brother, and I look forward to hearing you tickle those ivories again soon on my return.
Love you dad, happy father's day.
Matiu
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Nature into me
"Through falling leaves
I pick my way slowly,
Talking aloud
Eases my my mind,
Sunlight filters through
I fell my head is drifting.
So full of thoughts
I've thought of
What am I gonna do
I need some thoughts that are new"
- 'Nature', the Mutton Birds.
Eight weeks have come and gone here in paradise. Eight weeks of questions around taking one step forward and two steps backward. Eight weeks of a life unrestricted.
And now, after eight weeks in Rarotonga, I think I might have found the antidote to a cloudy mind.
Being Sunday I went to church and this week found myself at the Apostolic Church in Tupapa covering the Olympic team’s attendance.
After the service I went outside and had a look at the landscape, the rugged terrain and gave myself a moment to soak in the sound of leaves caressing each other in the easy breeze.
That was it. It was exactly what I needed.
I didn’t need to find justification through my workload or an over-commitment to several groups of people on the island.
The answer was right in front me. Nature, in all of its beauty and intrigue, was the tonic.
--
I went and had dinner at Trader Jacks tonight. I sat at a bench and looked out over the water as the sun started to set and the recurring theme of nature complementing a well balanced mind re-emerged.
I sat, stared out and read a feature article about the Oglala Lakota people who live in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation from this month’s issue of National Geographic.
What a touching recollection of past tragedies and the subsequent revival of traditional Indian cultures it was. I thoroughly recommend it and thank fellow Cook Islands News journo Rachel Reeves for sharing.
The link for the feature is here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/08/pine-ridge/fuller-text
After reading it, I took more time to further soak in my surroundings - the beautiful glassy water, the fabulously contrasting peaks towards the middle of the island and the Polynesian twist to well-known songs.
It sure makes for a better place than the Red Hut only a few days earlier.
--
Can I just say how wonderfully appreciative I am of all of you who have commented on the previous post or commented on the link, or got in contact with me to discuss it. Sometimes you forget just how many people are in your corner and I do really want to thank you all for your words of encouragement.
As a result, I'm going to send out some postcards with a little thank you message/update to show my appreciation! Just message me your address either through email (matiuworkman@gmail.com) or my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Matiu-Workman/121748831238664 and I'll send one your way :)
--
Meitaki maata for another week,
MW
I pick my way slowly,
Talking aloud
Eases my my mind,
Sunlight filters through
I fell my head is drifting.
So full of thoughts
I've thought of
What am I gonna do
I need some thoughts that are new"
- 'Nature', the Mutton Birds.
Eight weeks have come and gone here in paradise. Eight weeks of questions around taking one step forward and two steps backward. Eight weeks of a life unrestricted.
And now, after eight weeks in Rarotonga, I think I might have found the antidote to a cloudy mind.
Being Sunday I went to church and this week found myself at the Apostolic Church in Tupapa covering the Olympic team’s attendance.
After the service I went outside and had a look at the landscape, the rugged terrain and gave myself a moment to soak in the sound of leaves caressing each other in the easy breeze.
That was it. It was exactly what I needed.
I didn’t need to find justification through my workload or an over-commitment to several groups of people on the island.
The answer was right in front me. Nature, in all of its beauty and intrigue, was the tonic.
--
I went and had dinner at Trader Jacks tonight. I sat at a bench and looked out over the water as the sun started to set and the recurring theme of nature complementing a well balanced mind re-emerged.
I sat, stared out and read a feature article about the Oglala Lakota people who live in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation from this month’s issue of National Geographic.
What a touching recollection of past tragedies and the subsequent revival of traditional Indian cultures it was. I thoroughly recommend it and thank fellow Cook Islands News journo Rachel Reeves for sharing.
The link for the feature is here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/08/pine-ridge/fuller-text
After reading it, I took more time to further soak in my surroundings - the beautiful glassy water, the fabulously contrasting peaks towards the middle of the island and the Polynesian twist to well-known songs.
It sure makes for a better place than the Red Hut only a few days earlier.
--
Can I just say how wonderfully appreciative I am of all of you who have commented on the previous post or commented on the link, or got in contact with me to discuss it. Sometimes you forget just how many people are in your corner and I do really want to thank you all for your words of encouragement.
As a result, I'm going to send out some postcards with a little thank you message/update to show my appreciation! Just message me your address either through email (matiuworkman@gmail.com) or my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Matiu-Workman/121748831238664 and I'll send one your way :)
--
Meitaki maata for another week,
MW
Friday, August 17, 2012
Trouble, trouble, toil and stumble
As is par for the course, it's almost fitting that my first wee post on this update comes from (vaguely at least) one of my clearly favourite hobbies: Eating.
--
I ate dinner tonight at a place called the Red Hut. It's a pretty informal sort of place - on the side of the road that almost resembles a shed rather than a restaurant. With no lighting around, I sat at the table provided and ate across the road from a restaurant showcasing their island night - full of glitz, glamour and Raro-infused remixes of cult classics like Shalalalala from the Vengaboys.
The setting was almost metaphorical from where I am at the moment here in Rarotonga. All of a sudden, after weeks of confidence-building productivitiy and feelings of confidence, today struck. Away from the fun, festival-type atmosphere of Rarotonga I was instead in a dimly lit area on the street. Helpless. Struggling.
It was supposed to be a good day. Following on from good days where I'd run a fair bit of copy and sunk my teeth into a weighty topic, today was all about following up details.
But, for some reason, I emotionally collapsed. By 6pm on Thursday night I was ready to go home, find the darkest corner in my pad and just let it all out.
I still can't explain it, looking back. I got into one of those states where life just doesn't want to cooperate with whatever you want to do. Stress envelopes everything, and stress' endorphins are nothing but frustratioin and melancholy.
While only into my eighth week here in Raro, today's mental shutdown certainly reminded me that, especially in the early stages, there is no such thing as complete peace of mind.
I would hardly call it a fall from comfortability - rather a stumble. It's time like these where a familiar face or a warm hug to come home to is the perfect tonic.
I texted mum when I was down and almost instantly felt a touch better. I guess it's about who you keep closest.
--
The hardest thing about being a journalist is that any idea you had of pleasing all parties is thrown out the door almost from the beginning.
Frankly, I struggle with that. As a people person I'm all about trying to ensure people are happy and unsatisfaction is the bane of my existance.
Now, that only happens from 5pm-8.30am Monday through to Friday and for the weekend. It's tough to digest but like I've said, it's something I've got to get used to.
--
If you had no idea or forgot about it, my first video blog post was uploaded :) Click on it, enjoy it, and let me know if you think I should add anything!
I'v already got ideas for the next few ones but it's always cool to hear what YOU want to see. I get to live here and see this stuff everyday - you don't, and that's the key to the videos! :)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Music, motoring and more Rarotongan fun
Have you ever come across a song that, for some reason unbeknownst to you, always manages to make you miss home? A song that has no obvious links to where you're from?
I found that song today, and of all the artists in the world it had to be one of the biggest bands in the world: Coldplay.
The song? 'Your love means everything'.
It's a song that, up until a few days ago, had no significant meaning. And then, on a Tuesday night while I was working on a new project, I came across the song.
Then the unthinkable happened. Memories of 'home' surfaced. Memories of friends, family, highlights and lowlights that all made for a three-minute video package.
On reflection it's interesting to see whether there really is a subconscious connection between specific songs and life back home, but at the time it was just plain scary.
A few days have passed and I've realised just how improtant discovering that song was. It wasn't for times when life's high-flying and everything is taking off. Nor is it for times when perhaps work, cricket or anything else here is feeling a little flat.
Rediscovering that song is for the times when hopes of life working out here feel grim, or in times of loneliness, sorrow or times when doubt resurfaces.
It took me two days, but the song wasn't trying to alienate me from life in New Zealand, or showcase what I have left behind.
It was the opposite. It showed me what I have at all times. It showed me people who care and are there to support me. It showed me moments that led to this exciting adventure and times of trial that I've had to overcome in order to get here.
Who would have thought that something so seemingly impersonal in the form of a 3-minute melody with a few words could affect someone in the way that it has done with me.
You just have to sit and be in awe at the power of music sometimes.
--
The generosity of the people here in the Cooks is something I have always admired, but it has truly come to the fore over the last few days after my scooter broke down. Again.
Brian, who owns a cafe here called Cafe Jireh and whose church I attend, invited me to his beautiful place for lunch.
My tyre blew on the way to his place and, having pulled over, I started walking home begrudgingly with this weight between my two forearms.
Enter two papas who put the bike on the back of the ute then got me to sit on it.
None of this fastening the bike carry-on. It was plain and simple "we're going to help you the only way we know how" and it was bloody fantastic.
Brian met me at my place and later let me borrow his own scooter while mine was to get fixed. I'm still very grateful for this offer, which I took up keenly. His yellow beast (known as the Custard Square - what his cafe is famous for) lasted me two days, however, before it mysteriously died.
While Brian's scooter had gone ka-put, my own tyre scenario was getting increasingly frustrating.
For the second time in three weeks a tyre had gone flat, forcing me to walk to work for a few days, which I didn't mind too much.
On the way to work, which is a 3-4km walk, I had no less than four people asking me if I wanted a ride to work.
Needing the exercise I flatly declined any of their enquiries but was so surprised at, despite having their own places to be, they would pull over after seeing a guy walking to work.
It was a refreshing feeling knowing that there were still a lot of people with awesome intentions here in this beautiful paradise known as Raro.
My cricket team's captain, Hori, came to the rescue and fixed my back tyre. I'm very grateful for his help - shot brother! Really appreciate it for the umpteenth time!
--
Thanks to mum and Youtube I have finally got my video camera working! I've just finished filming and editing my first 5-minute webisode in Rarotonga, but I thought I'd open it to the floor and see what you guys wanted to know about life here.
If you're interested in interviews with locals, let me know. If it's more scenery you want to see, tell me. I'm super keen to get your ideas so that you fully enjoy life here (Don't lie - I know of at least three of you who are trying to live vicariously through me here! ;) )
Anywho, let me know whenever or on this post what you are interested in seeing and I'll endeavor to throw it on this first one. No little sneak previews or bits of detail about the first one - I didn't really think of a general theme when I went out filming so it's pointless trying to explain it! ;)
--
Met a relative for the first time a few days ago. This skux, Nikora Vaetoru, is related to me through my late birthmother Theresa.
I didn't really understand the specific relations thing - we're family, that's enough for me.
It was choice meeting up with him while he was here with some group - even managed to catch the eye of some girls in a church service he went to.
What can I say, must be something to do with my birthmother's side of the family hey?
--
Cricket season is starting soon and I'm bursting with excitement.
Shout out to Ryan for shipping my cricket gear over from New Zealand. Next Saturday is our first warm-up game and captain Hori - who is the Cooks' first international captain - reckons I'm going up the order to complement the master sloggers in the side (of which there are plenty).
Pretty excited to get more into sport here. It's an awesome way to make friends and the guys I ahve already met and trained with are all good lads with chat coming at a premium. Outstanding season ahead, I reckon.
--
Somebody asked me about the Sheraton site in the last post. Lawyer Tim Arnold, who is representing the landowners here in the Cooks, said the Mirage Group in Auckland are still intrested in developing the site and they are in consultation as to what to do next. The Mirage Group are paying rent on the property.
--
That's all for this week's summary :) Hopefully the video will be put up in the next few days. Until then, be safe, meitaki maata and kia manuia!
Matiu
I found that song today, and of all the artists in the world it had to be one of the biggest bands in the world: Coldplay.
The song? 'Your love means everything'.
It's a song that, up until a few days ago, had no significant meaning. And then, on a Tuesday night while I was working on a new project, I came across the song.
Then the unthinkable happened. Memories of 'home' surfaced. Memories of friends, family, highlights and lowlights that all made for a three-minute video package.
On reflection it's interesting to see whether there really is a subconscious connection between specific songs and life back home, but at the time it was just plain scary.
A few days have passed and I've realised just how improtant discovering that song was. It wasn't for times when life's high-flying and everything is taking off. Nor is it for times when perhaps work, cricket or anything else here is feeling a little flat.
Rediscovering that song is for the times when hopes of life working out here feel grim, or in times of loneliness, sorrow or times when doubt resurfaces.
It took me two days, but the song wasn't trying to alienate me from life in New Zealand, or showcase what I have left behind.
It was the opposite. It showed me what I have at all times. It showed me people who care and are there to support me. It showed me moments that led to this exciting adventure and times of trial that I've had to overcome in order to get here.
Who would have thought that something so seemingly impersonal in the form of a 3-minute melody with a few words could affect someone in the way that it has done with me.
You just have to sit and be in awe at the power of music sometimes.
--
The generosity of the people here in the Cooks is something I have always admired, but it has truly come to the fore over the last few days after my scooter broke down. Again.
Brian, who owns a cafe here called Cafe Jireh and whose church I attend, invited me to his beautiful place for lunch.
My tyre blew on the way to his place and, having pulled over, I started walking home begrudgingly with this weight between my two forearms.
Enter two papas who put the bike on the back of the ute then got me to sit on it.
None of this fastening the bike carry-on. It was plain and simple "we're going to help you the only way we know how" and it was bloody fantastic.
Brian met me at my place and later let me borrow his own scooter while mine was to get fixed. I'm still very grateful for this offer, which I took up keenly. His yellow beast (known as the Custard Square - what his cafe is famous for) lasted me two days, however, before it mysteriously died.
While Brian's scooter had gone ka-put, my own tyre scenario was getting increasingly frustrating.
For the second time in three weeks a tyre had gone flat, forcing me to walk to work for a few days, which I didn't mind too much.
On the way to work, which is a 3-4km walk, I had no less than four people asking me if I wanted a ride to work.
Needing the exercise I flatly declined any of their enquiries but was so surprised at, despite having their own places to be, they would pull over after seeing a guy walking to work.
It was a refreshing feeling knowing that there were still a lot of people with awesome intentions here in this beautiful paradise known as Raro.
My cricket team's captain, Hori, came to the rescue and fixed my back tyre. I'm very grateful for his help - shot brother! Really appreciate it for the umpteenth time!
--
Thanks to mum and Youtube I have finally got my video camera working! I've just finished filming and editing my first 5-minute webisode in Rarotonga, but I thought I'd open it to the floor and see what you guys wanted to know about life here.
If you're interested in interviews with locals, let me know. If it's more scenery you want to see, tell me. I'm super keen to get your ideas so that you fully enjoy life here (Don't lie - I know of at least three of you who are trying to live vicariously through me here! ;) )
Anywho, let me know whenever or on this post what you are interested in seeing and I'll endeavor to throw it on this first one. No little sneak previews or bits of detail about the first one - I didn't really think of a general theme when I went out filming so it's pointless trying to explain it! ;)
--
Met a relative for the first time a few days ago. This skux, Nikora Vaetoru, is related to me through my late birthmother Theresa.
I didn't really understand the specific relations thing - we're family, that's enough for me.
It was choice meeting up with him while he was here with some group - even managed to catch the eye of some girls in a church service he went to.
What can I say, must be something to do with my birthmother's side of the family hey?
--
Cricket season is starting soon and I'm bursting with excitement.
Shout out to Ryan for shipping my cricket gear over from New Zealand. Next Saturday is our first warm-up game and captain Hori - who is the Cooks' first international captain - reckons I'm going up the order to complement the master sloggers in the side (of which there are plenty).
Pretty excited to get more into sport here. It's an awesome way to make friends and the guys I ahve already met and trained with are all good lads with chat coming at a premium. Outstanding season ahead, I reckon.
--
Somebody asked me about the Sheraton site in the last post. Lawyer Tim Arnold, who is representing the landowners here in the Cooks, said the Mirage Group in Auckland are still intrested in developing the site and they are in consultation as to what to do next. The Mirage Group are paying rent on the property.
--
That's all for this week's summary :) Hopefully the video will be put up in the next few days. Until then, be safe, meitaki maata and kia manuia!
Matiu
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Festivities here and abroad
Pride through success,
Honour through service.
It’s a motto a lot of people I know will have come across on a daily basis.
--
At my old stomping ground, Taita College, there’s a sign with the TC crest and surrounded by the phrase near the entrance of the school as well as near the office building.
While not thinking much of it at the time, it’s almost fitting that I am now trying to adapt it to everything I do, including over herei n Raro.
The stories people tell – be it their fascinating background, a decision that changed their lives or something else – having pride through success and establishing honour through service is something I’m applying to work here.
--
I swear I have met at least 60% of the Cook Islanders here on the island already after just five weeks here!
It’s crazy – in a good way – seeing people within the week and getting to meet them in a non-professional context. Places like the Punanga Nui market is fantastic for stuff like that, as is the local bar - yeow!
--
This week the Constitution celebrations are in full swing. This place goes off annually with people from islands across the Cooks coming and showcasing their cultures.
For a lot of these guys it’s not just about coming and doing some dancing, singing and sampling the local cuisine.
People like Mitiaro elder Kahukura Kaiui see it as a chance to reconnect and showcase everything the Cook Islands has to offer.
“It’s so that all the islands can get together and show our cultures to everybody. Those who don’t know other styles to get to see all of our different styles.”
It’s been a damp affair so far – the float parade on Friday went ahead despite a fair bit of rain! – but the smiles and determination from the participants to carry was outstanding.
--
As always, for @nokoroa, the club rugby wrap. News out is that the Takuvaine Reds have won two in a row, beating Tupapa in the weekend. Arorangi Cowboys lost to Avatiu Eels and the Ngatangiia Dragons got up over the Titikaveka Bulls!
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I’m thinking of sussing a flatwarming in the next couple of weeks (it’s been three weeks that i’ve been here now) and the only people who aren’t invited are Mr Huntsman Spider who I had the distinct dishonour of meeting on my second night here, and Mr Mouse who I see every night after work at home.
Geckos are more than welcome.
--
As always, keen on feedback and/or suggestions for what you want to know or find out :)
Meitaki maata,
MW
Honour through service.
It’s a motto a lot of people I know will have come across on a daily basis.
--
At my old stomping ground, Taita College, there’s a sign with the TC crest and surrounded by the phrase near the entrance of the school as well as near the office building.
While not thinking much of it at the time, it’s almost fitting that I am now trying to adapt it to everything I do, including over herei n Raro.
The stories people tell – be it their fascinating background, a decision that changed their lives or something else – having pride through success and establishing honour through service is something I’m applying to work here.
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I swear I have met at least 60% of the Cook Islanders here on the island already after just five weeks here!
It’s crazy – in a good way – seeing people within the week and getting to meet them in a non-professional context. Places like the Punanga Nui market is fantastic for stuff like that, as is the local bar - yeow!
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This week the Constitution celebrations are in full swing. This place goes off annually with people from islands across the Cooks coming and showcasing their cultures.
For a lot of these guys it’s not just about coming and doing some dancing, singing and sampling the local cuisine.
People like Mitiaro elder Kahukura Kaiui see it as a chance to reconnect and showcase everything the Cook Islands has to offer.
“It’s so that all the islands can get together and show our cultures to everybody. Those who don’t know other styles to get to see all of our different styles.”
It’s been a damp affair so far – the float parade on Friday went ahead despite a fair bit of rain! – but the smiles and determination from the participants to carry was outstanding.
--
As always, for @nokoroa, the club rugby wrap. News out is that the Takuvaine Reds have won two in a row, beating Tupapa in the weekend. Arorangi Cowboys lost to Avatiu Eels and the Ngatangiia Dragons got up over the Titikaveka Bulls!
--
I’m thinking of sussing a flatwarming in the next couple of weeks (it’s been three weeks that i’ve been here now) and the only people who aren’t invited are Mr Huntsman Spider who I had the distinct dishonour of meeting on my second night here, and Mr Mouse who I see every night after work at home.
Geckos are more than welcome.
--
As always, keen on feedback and/or suggestions for what you want to know or find out :)
Meitaki maata,
MW
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