Waitangi reflections

I have had a quiet Waitangi Day - we don't have TV so no images of protests or whatever, in fact most of my day was spent in the garden connecting with nature and growing food. I did read about the hand-holding issue up north and the usual abuse of Titewhai Harawira. I loved the way it was sorted out - by the kuia themselves not the men or the media. I struggle to celebrate the day itself because I don't believe that the crown have lived up to their side of the agreement and they have deliberately evaded real questions of equality in the past and today. National and Labour are both too similar for me with their neo-liberal agenda and 'growth is good' mantra's. No for me it is The Mana Party and the Greens for support - that is what I am working on supporting and that is where my energy and faith is going.

It was a tough year last year for me but it ended up unexpectedly well as I got back with the mother of my son and I'm living with them both again. Study is coming up and the ever-present financial issues but with Charlotte and Kahu and me I believe we can make it work - that is where my energy is going too.

Blogging, it seems is still on my agenda - I still have something to say and over time I'll say it.

being bouncy

Although there are many injustices around and they really get up my nose, I am reminding myself of the good things in life, the important things - like watching a boy learn to ride and jump on a scooter.

waiting

These are dark days for Christchurch/Otautahi - the shock is beginning to wear off and the losses are becoming obvious - people have died, people are gone and there are still people fighting for life within the rubble, hoping for rescue - arohanui to all.


It is difficult being far away, thinking of the familar streets walked down, and the buildings paused by. I want to drive down to help, I want to do something but small circles my feet make and there is little I can do. So many waiting to hear who has gone and waiting to recognise a name, a friend, a workmate a person with family and loved ones, a person with hopes and dreams and a life history, a whakapapa.


To all people of Christchurch/Otautahi especially my kin of Ngai Tahu whanui, my thoughts and heart are with you all.

Update - Good Ngai Tahu communication and information on this facebook page

earthquake

A massive earthquake in Christchurch - news just coming in - kia kaha and much arohanui to all.

The cathedral tower is down

RadioNZ

The Standard

Stuff running report

Just spoke to mate - it is bad, buildings down, dust and tears. He is okay but many are not.

Confirmed deaths on radio and dozens of people trapped.

Mutiple fatalities in multiple locations including buses crushed by falling debris - radio

most if not all of the Christchurch civil defence leaders are in Wellington at a conference and the airport is down so they can't get straight in

power out to 80% of the city

rescue teams being formed to search collapsed buildings

65 confirmed dead - up to 200 perhaps still trapped in collapsed and burning buildings

Update - 75 confirmed dead, 300 still unaccounted for - over 120 people pulled out of rubble overnight

make the most

This time of year can be stressful and within our distress we can be hard on ourselves and others. You are not alone, you are not an island or a rock - it is okay to feel but we must accept responsibility for our feelings and what we do with them. Reach out and ask for help if you need it - don't be afraid - just ask for help.

The buy, buy, buy constant barrage is hard to handle - try making something or being creative. I'm giving my brothers and their families a scrapbook, some glitter, a gluepen and coloured pencils - the scrapbook is entitled "Our happy holiday memories". That is a $20, 5 person present that everyone can get into. Grandparents can write and draw pictures - the kids can stick things in there and record their impressions of the days with help from mum and dad - shells, sand, sticks and leaves can be added. I am imagining that in 20 years the scrapbook can be reopened and the memories will rekindle.

The big challenge I find is to just allow the season to flow. There is no point fighting it - it is a waste of energy. Much better to flow with it and use it to further our aims - to grow communities - to bring people together - to be kind to ourselves and others. Rest and relax - swim and walk - smile and laugh. Connect with the beauty of nature and the other inhabitants of our world - admire the majesty of papatuanuku, the glory of mother earth. Recharge and energise for the challenges to come. And love, always love.

family-whanau-community

This is a great initiative - this time of year can be difficult for many people. Tensions rise as expectations are unable to be met, often women and children suffer increased abuse and violence. Money is short and there are so many endless messages telling us to buy and spend. When you add in the beaches and the fear deceitfully generated around who can go and have a swim - it is no wonder that many struggle. The answer is within this song and the intent behind it.

Family-whanau-community is the answer. We are constantly forced to see and think of ourselves as seperate from others - it is structural and difficult to resist. But it can be resisted - by coming together in love and connection. Any excuse to generate community and togetherness is welcome and it is up to all of us to take the first steps. Ring your relative - the one you had a falling out with. Say gidday to your neighbour - the one you have seen many times. Working together will save us all.


Kiwi Kiwi Christmas ... Song by www.thekerrstreetcrew.com For the Auckland City Mission Please give generously from allan johnston on Vimeo.

A group of beneficiaries released a Christmas carol with a very distinct kiwi feel and a whole lot of heart. The troupe of unemployed musicians met less than a month ago at a seminar put together by the The Depot and wrote "A Kiwi Christmas" in an hour and recorded it in record time.

Instead of seeing this as a quick money making scheme, the musos have agreed that all proceeds from the sale of the song will go to people even more strapped for income this Christmas season and will donate those takings to the Auckland City Mission.

aucklandcitymission.org.nz/​online_payment.php?action=submit

For additional information, to arrange interviews or images contact:

Adee Keil (The Depot): Home (09) 372-9566, Cell (027) 631 5358

Hat tip - Happyzine

lucky escape on Titi Islands

I am glad no one was hurt.


From The Southland Times

"Two houses on the largest of the Muttonbird islands were swept into the sea yesterday.

The devastation coincides with today's start of the annual harvest of muttonbird (titi or sooty shearwater) chicks on the 36 islands, known as the Titi Islands, surrounding Stewart Island and managed by Rakiura Maori.

The houses are owned by the Skerrett and Rautahi whanau.

I am not sure what it all means but I am sure it means something.

Kia kaha