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808 days ago

Now Boarding: Maritime Museum’s “Little Tall Ship” Breeze

Emma Clark-Dow Reporter from Central Leader

Good morning neighbours,

The Maritime Museum is excited to announce the return of the brigantine Breeze, starting with fortnightly sailings from Labour Weekend, October 22.

Built by the late Ralph Sewell and his family the two-masted sailing vessel was launched in Coromandel, in October 1981.

The Sewells had an agenda: to construct and sail a nineteenth-century coastal trader to be able to teach old-school skills.

“[Breeze] will enable enthusiasts to further their association with the sea and benefit from the company of kindred spirits,” Sewell wrote.

The "little tall ship" has undergone a significant overhaul since its last public sailing back in 2016.

Vincent Lipanovich, Director of the Maritime Museum, said passengers can expect an “energetic and exciting experience” onboard.

“Sailing on Breeze presents such a unique experience for maritime enthusiasts and novice sailors alike – passengers will be invited to roll their sleeves up and experience the thrill of sailing a traditional vessel as they take in the sights of the Waitematā Harbour," Lipanovich said.

The team planned to set sail in January this year, but was delayed due to rising Covid-19 cases.

"It’s such a special boat and it feels wonderful to finally have this vessel available for people to experience and create new memories," Lipanovich said.

Please visit the Breeze page on the Maritime Museum website for up-to-date information. Due to the dynamic nature of the vessel, passengers must be aged 12 and over. Sailings last three hours as passengers explore the Waitematā Harbour.

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Best way to use leftovers?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I'm sure you've got some excess ham at home or cold roast potatoes.

What are some of your favourite ways to use leftover food from Christmas day? Share below.

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17 hours ago

Merry Christmas from Dazzling Paws Dog Grooming Orakei Bay Village Remuera

Cindy from Dazzling Paws Dog Grooming

From our Dazzling Paws Dog Grooming family to yours, Cindy , Jose & Belladona wish our amazing clients, dedicated supporters & vibrant community a Merry Christmas!

We want to express our special thanks for the beautiful gifts.
Thank you so much Sue, Tania, Annette, Elliot & Rebecca, Dale & Neil, Helen, Jennifer, Carolyn, Linda, Angela, Anne, Amanda, Maria, Rachel, Nicky J., Lauren, Rae & Peter, Robyn, Alex, Nicky J., Di & Grant, Fleur, Kay, Jane, Kathy, Mel, Catherine, and Anna for lovely Christmas gifts for us and for our daughter Belladona, we really appreciate them! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
😀🎄🎊🎉 🎊

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20 hours ago

Te Pūrākau o Te Rangatira Ngākau Hūmarie - Day 34

Kiran Reddy from Mount Eden

The Tale of the Humble Leader

In a small Māori village near the coast of Aotearoa, the whānau were preparing for Te Rā o te Kirihimete (Christmas Day). It was a time of celebration, sharing, and remembering the values of aroha (love), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kotahitanga (unity). However, this year, the village faced a challenge. Their rangatira, Wiremu, had grown distant and prideful, burdened by his position.

Wiremu often made decisions alone, thinking that his wisdom and authority were enough to guide the iwi. While the villagers respected him, they felt unheard, and the spirit of unity began to fade.

As the Kirihimete celebrations approached, the kaumātua, Hinewai, decided to intervene. She invited Wiremu to the marae one evening, where she shared a story about Tāwhaki, the demigod who ascended to the heavens not through power, but through humility and service.

“Wiremu,” Hinewai said, “even the greatest leaders are at their strongest when they serve their people. Leadership is not about standing above others but walking beside them.”

Wiremu reflected on her words but was unsure how to change.

The Lesson of the Whetū (Stars)

On Christmas Eve, as the village prepared for their festivities, a fierce storm rolled in from the sea. The winds howled, and the rain poured, threatening to ruin the celebration. The central whare kai (dining hall) began to leak, and the decorations the tamariki had made were soaked. The people gathered anxiously, unsure of how to proceed.

Wiremu stood at the edge of the marae, looking at the chaos. In that moment, Hinewai’s words echoed in his mind: “Even the greatest leaders serve their people.”

Without hesitation, Wiremu took off his korowai (cloak of leadership) and joined the villagers. He grabbed buckets to catch the rain, helped rebuild the decorations, and reassured the tamariki that their work would be restored. His humility inspired others, and soon the entire iwi was working together, laughing and singing as they prepared the whare for the celebration.

A Kirihimete Under the Stars

When the storm cleared, the sky was filled with bright whetū (stars). The villagers gathered around a glowing fire outside the whare, sharing kai and stories of gratitude. Wiremu stood among them, no longer as a distant rangatira, but as a friend and servant of his people.

Under the starlit sky, Hinewai stood and addressed the iwi.

“This Kirihimete, we are reminded that true leadership is like the brightest whetū. It does not shine to outdo others but guides them through darkness. Wiremu has shown us the power of humility, and through his service, we have rediscovered our unity.”

Wiremu bowed his head humbly. “Tonight, you have all taught me that a leader is nothing without their people. Let us carry this spirit of kotahitanga and aroha into the new year.”

The villagers cheered, and the spirit of Te Rā o te Kirihimete shone brightly in their hearts.

Moral of the Story:

Leadership is not about authority or pride but about humility and service. Like the whetū that guide travelers, a true leader walks alongside their people, bringing light and unity through service and aroha. At Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of giving, humility, and leading with love.