Ukrainian family living in uncertainty in NZ, with special visas to expire
A Ukrainian couple who fled their war-torn homeland and found sanctuary in Aotearoa are pleading with the New Zealand Government to let them stay.
Andrii Mishchenko and Olha Turska arrived in New Zealand in April 2022 on the two-year special Ukraine visa.
The area surrounding their hometown of Sloviansk in Donbas was involved in intense fighting, with Russian forces unleashing attacks. They are now staying with their daughter in Auckland.
Best way to use leftovers?
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.
Merry Christmas from Dazzling Paws Dog Grooming Orakei Bay Village Remuera
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!
😀🎄🎊🎉 🎊
Te Pūrākau o Te Rangatira Ngākau Hūmarie - Day 34
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.
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