The National Party has been returned for a second term. Key does not have a large margin but enough to govern with a little help from Act & United future. Green Party have an increased number of seats
First Blue Penguins released back into the wild
It was great to see many small blue penguins being released back onto the sea. Now free from the oil that had threatened to take their lives and cased pain and suffering. They were like lots of little :happy feet running down the beach. Also looked like a lot of triathlon swimmers starting a race. The Rena did not take the lives of these little birds.
Hands on Teaching
The picture below is of children votong 40 years ago at Pukekohe Hill School. Children ran an election and learn’t about the political system in a “hands on way”.
40 Years Ago
Containers starting to come off Rena
Salvos are starting to get the containers off and remove them via barge to a safe place. they predict it will be a long slow job and estimate a limit of six a day dependent on weather.
Last of the oil pumped from Rena
It sounds like the last of the oil will soon have been pumped from the Rena. This means that there should be no more oil leaked into the sea. The beach clean up continues and will do for some time but should get easier.
A little time to take stock
Spent the day in the garden. We can learn a lot form this type of experience. Gardens are a lot like life there is always change, They never stand still, plants live and die and new life comes from tiny seeds. Care and attention brings colour and harmony. But it all require time effort and energy just like every other aspect of our life.
Sad day at Tuakau Primary School
The sudden loss of a staff member at Tuakau Primary School has left staff feeling shattered. No chance to say goodbye. A service will be held tomorrow.
Salvos Continue to Work to Remove Oil
The Salvo on the Rena are still working to remove the balance of the oil from the ship there is still 500 tons of oil to be pumped out many believe it will still take some time. When the oil is gone they then plan to remove the containers.
More Oil Pumped Out
With more settled weather the salvos have once again moved to pump thr remainder of oil from the grounded container ship. Progress has been good but there is still something like 500 tons of oil left in the tanks.