Monday, August 31, 2020

TODAY'S WALK

We had an enjoyable walk today following the route Doug and I planned last week.   


We went a bit further along Vale Road and I noticed this flowering plant - I think it is a rose but it seemed very early.  We have had the odd flower but this was covered in flowers.  Unfortunately, it has not come out very well.


This native I noticed last time but did not get a photo.  I am not sure what it is but the leaf is in the following photo.




Plenty of ducks alongside the river


  and the mother duck had brought her eight ducklings out a bit further.



Afterwards Doug had to get a fitting for the tank so I walked into town and noticed this lovely mural of a Hongi





 HONGI IS THE TRADITIONAL MĀORI GREETING IN NEW ZEALAND. IT IS DONE BY PRESSING ONE’S NOSE AND FOREHEAD (AT THE SAME TIME) TO ANOTHER PERSON AT AN ENCOUNTER.

 

DURING THE HONGI, THE “HA”, OR BREATH OF LIFE IS EXCHANGED AND INTERMINGLED.
THE BREATH OF LIFE IS ALSO CONSIDERED THE SHARING OF BOTH PARTIES’ SOULS.

 

THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF THIS PHYSICAL GREETING, ONE IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED “MANUHIRI” VISITOR, BUT RATHER “TANGATA WHENUA”, ONE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND.


(Not recommended during Pandemics)

 

12 comments:

  1. Duck with Ducklings is always an uplifting sight, it reminds me of when we had pure free-range hens; they would suddenly turn-up with a dozen chicks behind them.

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    1. As well as the hens our ducks and turkeys did the same.

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  2. That native plant looks so familiar but I can't for the life of me remember what it is. I hope someone else knows!
    Sounds like you had a pleasant walk :)

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    1. It was a lovely walk with enough hill to give us a workout. I wish I could think of the plant's name.

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  3. I love the way NZ has all these murals on otherwise bare walls. That hongi one is awesome.

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    1. We don't usually go down that street and I had not seen the mural before.

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  4. I guess hongi has fallen out of favour for the time being! Kissing and hugging have suffered the same fate haven't they?

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  5. I don’t know that flower, but it is lovely.

    Seeing a family of ducks always makes one smile.

    The mural reminds me of how much we need each other and how hard this time of separation is.

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    1. It is always lovely to see ducklings and you are so right about this time of separation.

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  6. I've seen that mural in Whangarei too. If you download a plant identifying app onto your phone it should tell you what that flower is.

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    1. I just tried an app but got a plant that was similar but not the same. I am sure it is a native.

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