Niue (Naturally Nice) 1 September 2024

My BHAG AKA,  (alright enough acronyms already) Big Hairy Audacious Goal  Also Known As, dream job, is to be a travel/food writer.  So, in an effort to start an atomic habit (Atomic Habits - James Clear)  as recommended by number #1 daughter, I should start small, hence a blog, now. 

Celebrating life; new (pregnant daughter), old, (pending 60th birthday of patriarch), we packed our bags (carry on x 6) with water play toys and multiple swimwear for our 3 night stay at the Scenic Matavai, Niue. 

As a last hurrah for our nuclear family of four, plus boys before the baby ups the dynamic in December, this wee pearler of an island was chosen.  A veritable no brainer, three hour flight from Auckland, trading in the Kiwi dollar. 

Four days was enough according to the only returning Niue traveler,  to get in many tourist sights on land as well as two chartered adventures off shore. 

The (coral) island ejected out of the ocean a millennia ago, has grown up well.  The island is like an Odering’s warehouse,  but with plants literally growing out of the volcanic rock earth. The fallen coconuts also sprout into palm trees wherever they drop.  The chasms (kaz-ems not chaz-ems) have been punched out of the tiny island by the relentless waves, forming incredible grottos and rock pools, easily accessible  from the  coastal route road, recently updated by the “kindly” efforts of China Aid.  The Chinese workers camp is located close to the airport, recognisable by the swinging red lanterns. 

Whale season was in full swing.  Our sonars were on high alert for the tell tale water spouting, whereupon yelps and running ensued to the edge of the hotel lookout, where we watched in group awe,  as the whales played in their own 5 star resort.

Scenic Matavai picked a prime spot to erect their clifftop resort.  There is access to the ocean close by; onsite and within five minutes from the hotel.  Of course we tried out both,  desperate for full immersion in the crystal clear liquid.

The water clarity is second to none. The crushing waves that beat the surrounding island reef, before lapping over the verge of the flat coral halo, are transparent with visible fish surfing the waves in. The rainwater has been conveniently sieved through the island into the ocean bringing with it, no sediment.   The colour is icy blue in the shallower water, deepening into cobalt hues and then filling out to navy blue where the whales play.

I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of visible rubbish about the island and in the water.  Having been internationally and locally tainted with the impact of the weight of forever plastic on our planet, it seemed less of a problem here.  I put that down to the minuscule permanent population (around 1500) and the infant tourist market.  One common denominator here:  plastic consuming humans. Ugh.

Air NZ is the only airline that flies into Niue.  In season, twice a week on a Tuesday and Saturday.  You can stay for a quick recharge and power tick your way through your checklist or extend to a full week or ten days and really explore the lifestyle and natural beauty of the place at  a more reasonable pace.  

The food available here is the typical island fare of locally caught fish, tuna for days, and mahi mahi for a change.  Coconut, many ways, including basic (non plastic) straw in and drink deeply, to the hard chewable stuff and something bouncy in between which was mysterious to my palate. Niue has its own honey, which is like the water, transparent and runny.  We did not partake of the blue crabs abundant about the island but I did fantasise about them in a curry or deep fried in Asian spices. The many roadside shacks dotting the main road did a bustling trade in varied hours, serving up cold drinks, views and a mixture of deep fried and international fusion dishes dreamt up with whatever was at hand in their sparse arsenal.

The chickens that roamed freely everywhere outnumbered the humans.  A few were caged and I wondered if they appeared on any menus. I saw no visible eggs on my travels. The roosters were like opera singers, gorgeous to look at but a little hard on the ears after a while.  Their persistent crowing had you reaching for their necks in the early hours of the morning. 

The sea snakes are a challenge I’m working on.  I’m not proud of my first encounter.  I was ankle deep when one of the ‘curious’ fellows approached at speed menacingly.  They are very common here, black striped averaging 4cm (D) X 70cm (L).  I froze as this lone villain blocked my escape path to terra firma as I hissed out a cry for help to my husband.  He dutifully talked me out of my hysteria and protected me, from myself.

Daughter number #2 went (voluntarily) scuba diving in the aptly named, Snake Gully a day later,  with her dad and told me the snake’s side of the story.  ‘Apparently’ they have never bitten a person in Niue and they are just curious.  I tried to think of them as long skinny fish as opposed to Niue unique, venomous snakes 10x more potent than your everyday Cobra.

The islanders (like the snakes) are friendly, always waving and smiling. Their singing is hypnotic and soothing, their country, naturally gorgeous and beguiling.  I will return, maybe to cash in my 20% returning voucher from the Scenic Matavai, or to try out a more local authentic experience.

Niue is unique. Like it’s snake. (Obsessing is not a good atomic habit). I will return.

MOTB or MOB or just plain Mooree

 Hey team,

Hi I’m back….it’s only been a couple of years since my last post.  Blame the pandemic.  Was so busy evading viruses, I forgot to write.

Just checked and decided I might tryyyy and use this site to keep in touch over the next few weeks (7-8) while away in Queenstown, then Auckland, back to Christchurch early March.  I know, wild eh.  

Firstly, MOTB!! Insane. You’ll all know that acronym! I prefer MOB Mother of Bride. Seems more succinct.  This day has been so far off and now it is here.  Not even a pandemic could stop the momentum of it. 

I’m like a good Girl Scout, prepared.  Emotionally and physically.  I have the speech written, 3.34 minutes long, the sensible shoes ready to co-march our eldest daughter down the aisle of no return (Lol) and the dress picked out over six months ago.  A little bit of last minute fad fasting and footwork will ensure I still can squeeze into it.  My hair style is at peak length; enough to style with ease as opposed to the buzz cut of a freshly shorn sheep and I’m leaving my face to a professional to sort out on the day.  

That’s about it really.  Due to my incredible child raising skills and her higher school education, I have found myself  redundant and jobless in the event coordination arena.  I have received my ‘run sheet’ via email, so will know exactly (to the minute) what is happening and when I should be there.  Can’t wait.  It will be the greatest party we’ve had to date!

A new iPad Pro 11 inch with matching keyboard has reignited my typing fingers. I couldn’t/wouldn’t part with the extra $$$ for the 12.5inch.  Am going with portability and am pretty happy thus far with the lack of inches. (She never uttered).

Let me know if these mad utterings reach you..

Flying Solo

How many people catch the bus straight to The Koru lounge?  I would rather spend my money on the destination, than the journey.  Like economy class versus First Class, to me,  it’s about delayed gratification.  

Actually, the bus ride makes sense...they have their own lane, so they’re quicker.  You can sleep, if a little jaded without 'lack of conversation' guilt.  You get a birds eye view of the city. It’s a fifth of the price. Why wouldn’t you?

The Koru membership is a great gift to give your husband on his birthday under your airpoints number.  It means whenever you travel together he receives all the benefits.  It also means you do too, whether together or apart. Sadly, he is only the former. #bygones . I’ve showered in Koru, eaten my own body weight, drank like a sailor, sat smugly up the front of the plane, offloaded my carry on luggage onto an elitist trolley and generally enjoyed as many benefits as I can. 

Travelling alone, like going to the movies alone is a learned skill.  I am well practiced.  On a recent trip to Auckland, I had two free days to enjoy while waiting to fulfil my maternal duties at night, after the eldest child returned from her working day.

Maximising my mother/daughter time, I trailed her to work on the bus (an old friend], then to a Mojo outlet to enjoy a millennial's breakfast of eggs and coffee, pre work.  No dishes or preparation. Easy.  After a jovial farewell, I headed to the ferry terminal and bought a ticket to Rangitoto Island for a Tuesday morning exploration.  Literally, in her shoes, as I had bought carry on, I trudged up the 260m to the peak, loving every step at my own pace.

Under advisement from the shoe’s owner, I had packed a lunch of TANK® salad as there were no shops on the island.  I enjoyed the snack immensely, back at the wharf, post climb. Alone and loving it, I didn’t need to check if my ‘partner’ was okay, needed a loo, had enough sustenance of their choice or was too tired. Instead I looked out over the Hauraki Gulf and chomped leisurely lost in my own thoughts and the stunning view.  

Back to the CBD on the ferry is worth the $32 return trip. The wind in your fringe on the top deck and  being sandwiched between foreign visiting families, really gives you a tourist vibe. 

On my walk home, I stopped/fell into a quaint wee Asian Grocer on Parnell Rise, after almost passing out in the heat and incline.  The dear old mama eyed me suspiciously as I circled the aisles formulating a dinner plan for that night.  $24 later I had the makings of a vege curry on sweet potato noodles sussed, and dragged my haul further up the hill to the lair.

Because I could, I peered through windows, actually entered shops I was interested in and even spoke at leisure with strangers.  Needing a pause from all this self satisfaction, I headed for home to unload and then venture out to the nearby museum. Another one of ‘my’ fave spots. 

The heat of the day and the strenuous walking got to me and after knocking up the evening meal nice and early, I lurched for the couch and was found there many hours later.  I did manage to sprint down to the local Asian nail shop but upon pre-payment,  learnt I should have carried cash as they would not accept credit.  #amateur

My eldest daughter appreciated my culinary efforts and we chatted and lazed about.  She repaid me by painting my nails without demanding a cashflow card.

The following morning after a nourishing home cooked breakfast together, I dragged myself out of the flat after a spot of cleaning, not because it needed it, but because that's my language of love. Service.  I also refolded two shelves of clothes before extricating myself.

The Auckland Museum is a must see.  Who knew they could cram so much into a seemingly average sized building. Unlike the Christchurch Museum where entry is free to all, the Aucklanders only charge the tourists. $25 each.  Kiwis are exempt with proof of residency.  Brilliant idea.  The place was brimming with paying customers.  I only had an hour, so barely touched the sides.  I will definitely be back to loiter longer. 

All good things must come to an end and I must return to my real life and let my child live hers. It is a special time and one I relish, connecting on a one on one level.

As 'Arnie" says, "I'll be back!"

International Womens Day

We are creatures of habits....bad habits!  My weekly blog has stretched out like Helen Parr (of the Incredibles Movie) to three weekly.  Doh!  I feel like a butterfly flitting from moments in time, usually 3-4 week bands and completely obliterating regular tasks in favour of the current mood. I was surprised to see a late payment charge on my regular phone and power bills as I had put into place 'alarms' to remind me.  Obviously not alarming enough as I went into online banking and discovered I had missed a month of bill paying?? The reason was I had two holidays within that month and had studiously ignored regular tasks. I'm only 53, so there is plenty of time to get it right.

I digress, back to my "weekly" blog.

Women eh, I could wax lyrical endlessly about them.  I am one, I produced two more, I drink coffee and wine with a lot of them, I was cut out of one 53 years ago, my country is led by one and most of all, I am inspired by them daily.

I was asked to go to a breakfast by my bridesmaid (duties ceased 30 years ago) at Duncan Cotterill for International Womens Day.  I ummed and ahhed at the early morning wake up required, then put on my big girl pants and was happily jolted out of blissful slumber at 6.30am for a 7.30am start in the city.  The right side of my face needed a good hour to catch up.

 Women of all ages, shapes, and occupations filed into the 100 seat room, and chatted amicably with each other.  Dress for Success was the chosen charity, ASB bank had supplied the dainty food and Duncan Cotterill the venue. 

The three speakers were varied beginning with Hannah Duder of Indigo and Iris, a young personal friend of our family, so I was familiar with her brand.  She lit up the room with her smile, message and authenticity. Her take home message was; you can make money and do good simultaneously, as she was living, breathing proof of this.  She is a driven youth and her desire to improve humanity is a sight to behold.

Kerry Jackson of MM Linen was up next.  More relatable to me as she was in her 50's.  That was where the relatibilty ended.  She started off slowly, drawing you in to her story and graciously sharing her personal life which touched on low self esteem issues, marital problems and eventual  career halting issues. She spoke with confidence and ease as if we were a room of her friends and regaled us with her meteoric rise to fame and fortune within the short space of four years that she had achieved this.  Jobless, divorced and with a child at 50, she now runs a company that has over 500 stockists worldwide.  She acts almost as surprised as us at how she has achieved this feat.

Hannah mentioned in her talk that as women we need to collaborate, not compete....'leave the ladder out' and help fellow women up it. 

The final morning lineup was Rosa and Margo of Two Raw Sisters. They started their journey very early and have had amazing success and experience in their short lives. In their twenties they are  full of vim and vigour for their chosen path of bringing a 'plant based' diet to the world.

Afterwards on the drive home, it struck me, that as a woman ages, they gain more confidence; financially, communally and spiritually but still seem to fight the battle of aging.  Buying into anti-aging products, continuing to dye their hair, contemplating anti-aging plastic surgery, and still working on the outside package as opposed to the winner within. 

This group of women intrigued me.  The reciprocal lessons learned between two generations.
Who was whose role models?

Feb 5

I am alone (avec aged furry dog child) in the campervan staring out over Lake Hayes.  This is day 4 in the camper and the first time, I have camped and been alone.  I was hoping to read the newly opened library bag but decided it was better use of time to blog without  unintentioned interruption by close quartered company. So here I am.

The lure to organise the cupboards has been sated and systems changed for the umpteenth time. In my frenzy I pulled out, unearthing the feeble screw hold, the freestanding pole holding up the table, so will confess my sins on Ant’s return from his run hopeful to catch him in full endorphins mode.  

Our travels to date have consisted of meeting up with people.  As wonderful as that is, it is not “getting away from it all”.  Equal portions of ‘catching up’ and camping is ideal.  

We are still very green at this whole retirement, ‘time to do the things you wanted to do but never had the time to’ kind of thing.  

We tentatively dip our middle age toes in the leisure time pool and this time brought our mountain bikes along.  The almost 17 year old pooch doesn’t really mind being stowed in the castoff merchandising backpack for a couple of hours while we explore the Central Otago locales. 

Lowburn and the adjacent Bannockburn were a pleasant cycle ride away. A mere 15km loop initially following an small arc of lake Dunstan past the vintage village of Cromwell and out to the heights of Bannockburn...wine central.  Mt Difficulty lived up to its namesake and discouraged our custom by abhorring our dog. We spent a paltry $6 on tasting then hastily left with our bulging wallets.  Desert Heart a kilometre down the road took us to their hearts, where apparently the council bylaws did not reach.  There were dogs and diners galore, enjoying all the region had to offer. Denny and co’s relaxed establishment endeared us to the area, as did their share platter that could rival any Michelin man with its delectable delights.  Not your everyday opening of hors de vours jars onto a plate, but a selection of over a dozen differing hand made morsels. Oversize, blown wine glasses showcased their ros'e magnificently and we supped gratefully drinking in the day with our nearest and dearest.  

Another cycle ride of note is from Arrowtown to Peregrine winery.  A 16km ride downhill with a back wind winding deep into the Gibbston valley along well made tracks that take you over swing bridges for a birds eye view of the raging  Kawarau river.  The last bridge even has locals and tourists jumping off it attached to bungy cords.  The blood curdling shrieks are enough to cure your curiosity.

We ended our ride two kilometres after Peregrine winery so passed it without sampling their wares.  Will save that for another time.  

A nighttime dip in the fast flowing Kawarau river was high risk but we survived to tell the tale. I was always going to tell the tale as I was just the anxious observer.  Someone needs to inherit the insurance.

I'm going great guns accomplishing my new weekly blog regime....second one in.  I love January, it's so achievable.


Godley Head is 7.4km from home, a 13 minute drive.  On  Monday we drove our campervan there for the night.  "Why", you say? "Why not", I say. We called on our fellow campers and drove over around late afternoon after almost bailing due to wild and wet weather plaguing our fair city that day.

It turned out to be a 'great call at the intersection' as the sun shone brightly in the sheltered spot we chose beneath some lofty aged pines at the end of the road. We called the phone number on the DOC signpost and got an email sent which gave us the code to open the lock. 

Serious drinking ensued as we enjoyed the last of the sun from our tiny mobile homes.  I had packed a pre made curry and we warmed it up on the stove and served it in the bigger camper with salads from their van.

The next morning, we woke with heavy heads around 8am! Our fellow campers were up and about and chatting surreptitiously near our window.  The day was sunny and the view spectacular. We took a stroll around the camp end of the Godley Head Loop Track just for shits and giggles.

$13 a head, 7.4km travel and views 'you'd save a lifetime for'! "Why wouldnt ya?!"

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I'm introducing a lot of indoor plants.  Spurred on by a book borrowed from our local library; Matuku Takotako.  'Plant Society' is
a visually pleasing, easy read almost worth buying.  Great
tips on plant care, plant types and plant propagation.  So easy and so rewarding.  According to Mr Google indoor plants:

*give an assist in breathing.  Inhaling brings oxygen into the body, exhaling releases carbon dioxide...
*help deter illness...
*clean the air...
*boost healing...
*help you work better

AND, they bring you joy, Maria Kondo!

2019

A new year and a return to old loves....this blog....not past bfs.  My 'word' for the year.....CONSUMPTION.  This is my mission word. This means I will live my life this year deferring back to this word. How much am I consuming in this world and how is it affecting this world?

Inspired by Suzanne Berens, our 30+ Dutch relative who lives in Amsterdam, I have committed to NOT buy/swap/beg/borrow/steal any item of clothing/adornment for 12 months.  This means I will have to 'make do' with what I have got.

This will clearly not be difficult....as I have a vast personal adornment collection at my disposal.  I am fifteen days in and quietly confident.

That brings me to CRAFT...something I am keen to explore this year.  I have recently bought a trestle table for this specific reason and am contemplating holding a monthly meeting of fellow Crafters around this table.  If I need variety in my appearance, I could upcycle an existing item. #genius #sustainable #consumption

IKIGAI, I'm loving the capitals, aren't you? It really speaks to you. Lessons on how to live a long and happy life. One of my favourite reads this Christmas. Inspired by the villagers of Okinawa, who have an inordinate number of supercentenarians, I am going to fill my stomach to 80% full.  I am not sure, how you can tell, but I do know when I have overeaten,  as I am prone to regular bouts of gluttony.

I've also started some daily regimes....and lasted fifteen days so far. Morning Yoga with Adrienne, five minutes of stretching to begin the day. That's about as long as I can stay interested.  Loving it so far.  5-Minute standing flat belly workout sure beats laying on the floor and wrenching your back.  Gravity can be your friend in this instance. And finally, meditation; Headspace meditation app is good but I have not committed to it and need to set an alarm or something to remind me. Also, 10 press ups daily and thirty minutes of random movements, like cleaning, walking, gardening, cycling or running. #ocd

Sri Lanka is on the radar for travel. A new and uncharted territory for the nuclear family to explore.  We're thinking of booking a one way ticket, which means we can get traction and also add other travel onto it while in Asia. #awaywiththefairies #familyfuntimes #SEA

I have also committed to XERO to centre myself financially and to introduce serenity to all matters concerning money and timely bill paying.  If you Watch the cents, the dollars will take care of themselves. That's the theory anyway. I had a lesson with Sidekick accountants before Christmas and promptly forgot the lot on my return from holiday.  I stared blankly at the 120 reconciliations I had built up, with no idea what to do with them.  A quick call to Ashleigh and Emily fixed that and they had me reconciling like a pro in no time. #nailedit

NOOK tiny homes are the way of the future. A bold statement you say?  I have an ongoing fascination with tiny houses.  Does this hark back to my childhood and doll house play or is it a part of my irrevocable draw towards my mission word; CONSUMPTION.  I am passionate about not buying into the current housing market.  It is inflated, unsustainable, dangerous (mortgage rates are low now, what happens if they soar?) and downright dumb.  Why burden yourself with a 'death grip' AKA 'mortgage' on a property that is average, uninsulated, uninspired and expensive to run? Like I say, dumb!

Imagine a world full of these gorgeous, stylish, inexpensive to buy and run homes.  #affordablehousing #inspired #travelmore

That gets me onto garages....why pay big bucks to house vehicles? Why have vehicles? OMG Ebikes!
This is worthy of another photo....
MATEX e bikes.  Currently under construction via Indigogo, crowdfunding. I'm in the market for one this year.  Not sure which one yet, but I'm liking this one and it's multiuse.  Stick it in the boot of your 'gas guzzler' and bike one way and cadge a ride home. It folds up, so you can.  Go down to one car and one ebike.  #coveryourbases

#hashtags I'm still not over them. So amusing and so succinct.

PHEW.