Seasons Greetings to all
I am sure you will agree that 2011 will be a year we will all remember. Perhaps it was one of the most eventful years in our nations history. We have seen Natures force and fury in rain floods, and the aftermath that followed. There were devastating earth quakes in Christchurch which resulted in loss of life and property being destroyed and damaged. The recovery will take many years and many locals have gone to live elsewhere. The uncertainties of the economy both locally and internationally have made us all carefully consider our spending.
Mums passing in July has meant big changes for us. I have been doing volunteer work at the local school so that has helped keep me busy. We miss her and it was a hard day when her birthday came on the 8th of December. We are not looking forward to Christmas day as it will be a very hard day. We plan to do something different and not to dwell on thing too much.
Maylene completed her 30th year of teaching at Tuakau School. The school gave her flowers at the prize giving and put on a special lunch for her with invited guests. She was surprised and I think she enjoyed it all. She has taught for 44 years and now is teaching the third generation of pupils. The school has grown and they will have two extra teachers next year.
2012 is a year that shows real promise. Fine sunny days lots of time outside in the sun shine and many opportunities to enjoy all of the things that life offers us. Maylene and I wish you the compliments of the season and a wonderful 2012
Lots and lots of rain
There has been a rain storm over New Zealand the top over the south island has been badly hit by floods land slides and wash outs. Roads are are closed and communities isolated. Civil Defence is providing aide and an Australian woman who was pregnant has been flown out. The rain has eased and the clean up has begun.
Last Day of School Year
Today was the last day of the school year. Holiday for all and a break in routine children get a chance to get some sunshine and fresh air. Teachers can relax and sleep in for a few days. Then it all starts again in the new year.
Special Votes Tomorrow
Results of special votes will be released tomorrow and there are tow seats that are very close. It will be interesting to see what the final result is.
2011 Xmas Parade
Well the Xmas parade at Tuakau showed a real lack of support from the business community. There were less floats this year and few floats showed much in the way of real effort. Good float from Harrisville a lot of effort had gone in and was judged first. Also a good effort from Onewhero.
Life Goes On
Well the election is over and life goes on Key is working with Act & NZ Future. The Labour Party are working at voting in a new leader. The world economy seems shaky and unsure. But all the time people get on with their lives, going to work eating, sleeping and living out their lives in every way.
National Returned
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
