Aotearoa - Part 1

This is the beginning of my appreciation of Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud that has brought me many of my best and worst experiences in the last five and a half years. Some of you will know Aotearoa by the more common Pakeha name, New Zealand.

My inspiration hit me tonight like a tonne of bricks, after I had been considering for some time how I was to start my new lease of writing! A few months ago, my parents and I applied for our New Zealand citizenship, without the guarantee that I would be returning to this beautiful country, they denied my application, yet granted Mum and Dads. A letter came in the post, inviting Mum and Dad and guests to their citizenship ceremony, where they were to pledge allegiance Queen Elizabeth the second, queen of New Zealand.


(Here they are pictured with their tickets, ready to go into the ceremony, what happy chappies!)

I knew my parents were nervous and it felt really good to go along and support them, even if I did have to sit on my own for an hour and a half! The ceremony was wonderful, introduced by members of the Auckland trust and council, with an iwi member present to welcome the citizens in behalf of the Maori in New Zealand. Listening to his prayer in English and then Maori really warmed my heart and it was beautiful to hear such enthusiasm and delight in welcoming these new people to their country.

Every nationality you could imagine had their turn walking up on stage and shaking hands with everyone. I take my hat off to the man that read out all (approximately) 500 names, he read every single one as though he had been rehearsing it for weeks! It brought tears to my eyes watching, mother, father, brother, sister, husband, wife, babies and toddlers, all taking their steps on stage in front of the audience. It also touched my heart how the crowd applauded for an hour on end at every individual that took to the stage. I think, having known what these people have all been through to get their citizenship, made me extra emotional. Each and every one of those people have left their home country, taking with them their own nationality and setting off into the unknown of another culture and country, living in hope that there they shall find acceptance and security in their new life.

It made me so proud of the people around me, of my parents for getting up there and taking those steps on stage. But also proud that these people have all reached a goal that they had been aiming for in their life. That goal was to become a New Zealand citizen and they all reached it successfully, each with their own story of the ups and downs.

We were all invited to join in singing the New Zealand national anthem (which I have to say, I know better than the English national anthem) it was lovely hearing everyone putting so much effort and feeling into the song, I found that having the words up to read significantly helped! The evening was topped off by a Maori Haka group, with some beautiful songs sung and the haka superbly performed. Their culture maybe young, but it is still apparent, and I respect their integrity in keeping it fresh and present for these special occasions. It gave me goose bumps to hear the strength and vitality in their singing and the vibes they gave off were just awesome!

Part 1 of my appreciation to Aotearoa! Thank you!

On My Mind

A blog has been perched at the tip of my tongue for weeks, yet I haven't found the right words and enough of them to write something decent. Many things have happened this last month and with it has come many thoughts to mind. Some very frustrating ones and to be honest, they are the hardest to release, so this is my opportunity to let them out.

The past month has been an emotional rollercoaster in the history of the world. I believe it was just over a month ago that Christchurch, NZ was hit by a magnitude 6.4earthquake, claiming hundreds of lives. Everyone knows of someone that has been affected if not directly then through a friend or family member. The images of the injured and buildings turned to rubble on television, the demand to send medical workers and aid, the fundraising to send money to the Red Cross, we have all made a contribution. Along with the trusting help from surrounding countries.

On March the 11th, Japan was struck by a 9.8 magnitude earthquake. Although the buildings were well prepared to take such a shake, the country was not prepared for the 10 metre tsunami that was to follow, wiping out the coast of Japan. Watching on the news the sheer force and strength of Mother Nature as it tore through farmland, swept buildings, cars and boats in land, made us feel utterly helpless. At this time, a number has not been confirmed as to the loss of lives, but it is estimated in the thousands, keeping in mind the many villages that have been wiped out.

It makes me consider what I would do in that situation, completely numb with helplessness and fear. My heart goes out to the people having been effected by the multiple disasters.

As a friend said, these situations bring out the best and the worst in people. I was disappointed and shocked to see that a number of heartless human beings had published updates on Facebook about how the disaster was 'karma' for what happened at Pearl Harbour back in 1941. Seventy odd years ago. I cannot accept that these people have continued to bring up the past to find reason and put blame on something that, this time, is consequently something that Mother Nature and the reality of living on planet Earth, has brought on. It makes me sad to think that they are so narrow minded and live with tunnel vision.

Therefore, I am thankful of an open-mind, to understand and accept realities. However hard they may hit. It seems many are still living in the past. After reading and seeing peoples reaction to the news, it has made me more aware of the importance of forgiveness. In order to move on, we need to learn to forgive. Not necessarily forget.