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A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
The Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into … View moreThe Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into the realm of the gods. They became known as Ngā Whetū o te Rangi (The Stars of the Sky).
Among these stars, the most important cluster was Matariki, whose return each year marked a time of renewal, remembrance, and harvest.
The Moon’s Journey
Te Marama (the Moon) watched from her lonely path in the heavens. She admired the brilliance of the stars and longed to be part of their eternal dance. But Te Marama’s journey through the sky was a solitary one, following her cycle of waxing and waning to bring balance to the tides and light to the night.
Te Marama approached Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) with her wish. “Tāwhirimātea, I want to shine like the stars and be part of their unity. Please, help me join them.”
Tāwhirimātea, who had scattered the stars across the sky in his fury during the separation of his parents, listened to Te Marama’s plea. But he shook his head. “E Marama, your light is different. You do not burn with fire as the stars do. You are a reflection, a guide for those who walk the earth in darkness.”
Te Marama felt sorrowful but decided to speak with Matariki, the brightest and most beloved of the star clusters.
The Gift of Connection
Matariki greeted Te Marama warmly. “Te Marama, you have your own beauty, but I see your longing. During my time in the sky, I will send my tamariki (children) to guide you.”
Matariki’s children, the stars of her cluster, began to move in rhythm with the moon. They whispered ancient songs of hope, unity, and renewal, their light twinkling like laughter. Te Marama found joy in this companionship, even though it was fleeting.
Each night, as Te Marama waxed to fullness, she felt the presence of the stars more strongly. They taught her how to listen to the world below: the cries of the karoro (seagulls) over the tides, the hum of the forest under the moonlit sky, and the dreams of the people.
The Sacred Cycle
In return, Te Marama shared her light, illuminating the stars so that they could be seen more clearly by the iwi (people) below. Together, they became a guide for fishing, planting, and navigation.
From that time on, the people celebrated Te Marama alongside Matariki, acknowledging the balance between her cycles and the stars' steadfastness. Her waxing and waning became a metaphor for life’s rhythms: growth, rest, and renewal.
The heavens were no longer lonely for Te Marama, as she realised she was part of a greater story — a connection between Ranginui above and Papatūānuku below.
Kōrero Whakamutunga (Closing Words)
Today, when the moon rises full and bright, she reminds us of unity, and when Matariki returns, she brings the promise of new beginnings. Together, they teach us to honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Brand new, never used. Comes with cutter. Has to go as takes up space. Pick up Penrose.
Kia Ora Neighbours,
We are looking for your pre-loved good quality clothing, homewares and furniture that you’d like to let go of and donate them to our Shop.
If you can’t drop it off yourself, no worries, we run a free collection service for bulky donations like furniture.
Please call us on … View moreKia Ora Neighbours,
We are looking for your pre-loved good quality clothing, homewares and furniture that you’d like to let go of and donate them to our Shop.
If you can’t drop it off yourself, no worries, we run a free collection service for bulky donations like furniture.
Please call us on 027 265 1419 (Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm).
Or send us a text to the same number to arrange a suitable collection day.
Smaller items and be dropped off during trading hours.
Thank you for your support 🎅🏽
The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living… View moreThe Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living crisis are pushing more people into need, but donations and government support are dwindling.
Despite this, The Salvation Army continues to provide vital services, including food, counselling, and lifestyle programmes. Donations, no matter the size, bring long-term change to families, ensuring joy this Christmas and beyond.
For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, please visit:
www.salvationarmy.org.nz...
or phone 0800 53 00 00
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
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Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
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Hi Neighbours,
Firstly a HUGE thanks to Don and all of Team Blue along with the volunteers helping to take care of our areas .
Piper needs a mention too, along with being very cute , he probably helps to keep Don sane :-)
Don comments on the high success rate for holding shoplifters … View moreHi Neighbours,
Firstly a HUGE thanks to Don and all of Team Blue along with the volunteers helping to take care of our areas .
Piper needs a mention too, along with being very cute , he probably helps to keep Don sane :-)
Don comments on the high success rate for holding shoplifters accountable due to the way businesses are reporting thefts. CCTV in store is working.
He also mentioned the free APP called HOIST for asset management & tool tracker if your items are loaded into the APP.
There's tips to remember before you go away and what can help to keep your property safe while you are away. Empty boxes lying around with the make and model of your new 96" TV is a dead giveaway and best not to leave your spare keys to your motor vehicles inside in plain view. Lock your garages and sheds etc Please check your home contents insurance cover too.
Are you interested in joining or learning more about the Onehunga Community Patrol - info in the newsletter :-)
All the best wishes for a wonderful festive season and roll on 2025.
Best wishes
Colleen:-)
Quite old but in clean and tidy condition. Everything works. Grey fabric. Pick up Inkerman St Onehunga.
The Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and … View moreThe Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and performed the karanga with a voice that resonated like the winds of Tawhirimātea. Yet, in her heart, Raukura felt a longing.
One night, under the light of a full moon, Raukura sought the guidance of her kaumātua, Matakite. He was a tohunga of deep wisdom, known for helping others navigate the wairua realm.
“E Koro,” Raukura said, “I fulfill all my responsibilities to the iwi, but I still feel bound by this world. How can I find peace and freedom in the embrace of Io Matua Kore when my journey ends?”
Matakite smiled knowingly. “Raukura, come to the whare tīpuna at dawn. Bring nothing but your open heart.”
The next morning, Raukura arrived. Inside the whare, a single lamp made of carved pounamu glowed softly. Its flame flickered, yet remained steady.
“This lamp,” said Matakite, “is your mahi, your duties, and your attachments. Your task is to keep it burning, no matter what happens. But remember, the flame is not yours to own.”
Raukura nodded and embraced her new role. Day by day, she cared for the lamp, ensuring it burned brightly while continuing her mahi—weaving cloaks, planting kumara, and guiding her younger whānau in karakia. As time passed, she began to take pride in how brightly the lamp shone, believing it reflected her worth.
One stormy night, a strong gust from the mountains of Tāwhirimātea blew through the whare. The flame flickered and went out. Distressed, Raukura tried everything to relight it, but the damp air and her trembling hands made it impossible.
Exhausted, she sat beside the extinguished lamp, her heart heavy with shame.
At dawn, Matakite entered the whare. Seeing Raukura’s sorrow, he asked gently, “E hine, why do you grieve so?”
“Koro,” Raukura replied, “I have failed. The flame is gone, and I could not keep it alive. I have dishonored my tikanga and my purpose.”
Matakite sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “E moko, the lamp was never yours to hold forever. Its flame, like all things in this world, is impermanent. You have misunderstood its purpose.”
Raukura looked at him with tearful eyes. “Then what was the lesson, Koro?”
“The flame represents your attachments,” Matakite explained. “Your mahi and tikanga are sacred, but if you become attached to the outcomes of your actions, you lose sight of the eternal. True peace, te rongo, comes when you serve with aroha, but without clinging to success or fearing failure. Your ultimate purpose is to let go of all attachments and keep your heart fixed on Io Matua Kore, the source of all life.”
Raukura listened deeply, and understanding dawned in her heart. She began to see that her role was not to control the flame but to nurture it while it lasted, and then release it when its time had passed.
From that day forward, Raukura lived differently. She continued her mahi with devotion, but she no longer tied her self-worth to the outcomes. Whether the lamp burned brightly or dimmed, her heart remained steadfast, her thoughts centered on Io Matua Kore.
Years later, when Raukura’s time came, she lay peacefully, surrounded by her whānau. As the final karakia was sung, her last breath carried the whisper of Io Matua Kore’s name. Her spirit soared, free from the bonds of the material world, reunited with the eternal light.
Moral of the Story:
In life, we must fulfill our tikanga and mahi with dedication and aroha, but without attachment to the results. Everything in this world is temporary, like the flickering flame of a lamp. True peace comes when we let go of our attachments and fix our hearts on Io Matua Kore, the eternal source of life. When we embrace detachment, we can find liberation in this life and beyond.
At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every … View moreAt Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.
This festive season, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.
Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Te Oranga o te Wairua (The Well-being of the Spirit)
In a quiet village nestled between the lush mountains of Aotearoa, a young man named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was admired for his sharp wit and industrious spirit. He dreamed of owning the finest taonga, treasures that would elevate… View moreTe Oranga o te Wairua (The Well-being of the Spirit)
In a quiet village nestled between the lush mountains of Aotearoa, a young man named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was admired for his sharp wit and industrious spirit. He dreamed of owning the finest taonga, treasures that would elevate his mana and make him the most respected rangatira in his iwi. Every day, he toiled in the bush, carving pounamu and trading with merchants from afar. Soon, his whare was filled with beautiful adornments, rare cloaks, and gifts from distant lands.
Despite his success, a strange emptiness lingered in Rangi’s heart. The more he gained, the less joy he felt. One evening, he sought the wisdom of Kuia Marama, an elder known for her connection to the wairua realm. She sat by the embers of her fire, weaving harakeke.
“Kuia,” Rangi began, “I have everything I ever wanted, yet I feel nothing but restlessness. Why is my heart not content?”
Marama looked up, her eyes shimmering like the stars of Matariki. “My moko, you have gathered treasures for the body but forgotten the treasures of the spirit. True oranga comes not from what you hold but from what you give.”
Confused, Rangi asked, “What must I give?”
The kuia handed him a kete woven with care. “Take this into the ngahere. Inside, place not things, but acts of aroha.”
Rangi obeyed, though he did not fully understand. In the forest, he saw a tūī struggling with a broken wing. He cared for the bird until it flew freely again. He came across a stream clogged with fallen branches and cleared its path. At a nearby marae, he helped an elderly man plant kumara for the coming season.
Day by day, Rangi felt his spirit lighten. His heart sang like the tūī, and his sleep grew deep and restful. When he returned to Kuia Marama, his kete was empty, but his heart was full.
“Kuia,” he said, “I see now. Happiness is not a prize to win but a river to flow through.”
The elder smiled. “You have learned the secret of manaakitanga, Rangi. By uplifting others, we uplift ourselves. Never forget the power of wairua, the bond that ties us to each other and to Papatūānuku.”
From that day on, Rangi lived not for wealth but for the well-being of his iwi and the land. He became a kaitiaki, a guardian of balance. His life was not marked by treasures of gold or greenstone but by the deep love and respect of his people.
And in giving himself selflessly, Rangi found a joy greater than he had ever imagined — a joy that echoed through the mountains, the rivers, and the stars.
Ka ora te tangata i te aroha. (Through love, the people thrive.)
Moral of the Story:
True happiness and fulfilment come not from accumulating material wealth or seeking status but from cultivating a deep connection to others, to nature, and to our spiritual essence. By practicing manaakitanga — selfless care and generosity — we not only uplift those around us but also discover the richness and peace within ourselves. In giving to others and honoring the wairua of all things, we find our place in the greater harmony of life.
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In the heart of Aotearoa, nestled between rolling hills and misty forests, there lived a young Māori warrior named Tahu. He was known for his deep respect for the land, the trees, the birds, and the rivers that nourished his people. Tahu was not only skilled in hunting and combat but was also … View moreIn the heart of Aotearoa, nestled between rolling hills and misty forests, there lived a young Māori warrior named Tahu. He was known for his deep respect for the land, the trees, the birds, and the rivers that nourished his people. Tahu was not only skilled in hunting and combat but was also revered for his unwavering dedication to the customs and values of his iwi (tribe).
One day, Tahu discovered that a group of outsiders had been illegally taking wood from the sacred forest, a place known as Te Ngahere o Te Wairua. This forest was not just a source of resources but was the living embodiment of the ancestors’ spirits and the protector of the land. The elders had always taught that the forest must be respected and that only what was necessary for survival could be taken, and only with the blessing of the land’s guardian spirits.
Angered by the violation, Tahu knew that he had to act. He approached the tribe’s council and spoke of the need to protect the forest and uphold the values that had kept his people strong for generations. The elders, impressed by his commitment, bestowed upon him the responsibility of guarding the forest and teaching others the importance of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
Days turned into weeks, and Tahu continued to patrol the forest, reminding the people of the stories and teachings that had been passed down. Yet, he knew that protecting the forest wasn’t just about confronting those who came with axes and saws, it was about instilling a sense of respect and understanding in others. He spoke of the ancestral spirits that watched over them and how they would only protect those who treated the forest as sacred.
One day, an outsider came to Tahu, seeking permission to take wood. Tahu, with a calm but resolute voice, told him, “Ko te tikanga ka tiakina e te tangata e tiaki ana i te tikanga. The values we uphold protect us, but only if we guard them with our actions.” The man, who had come for profit, was taken aback by Tahu’s words and the solemnity in his eyes. He realised that he had come to the forest not as a guest but as an intruder.
With newfound understanding, the man left and vowed to spread word of the forest’s importance to others. Over time, the message reached more and more people, and they began to see the forest not as a resource to exploit, but as a living being to respect. Tahu’s actions inspired not just his own iwi but all the tribes around them to practice kaitiakitanga and live in harmony with the land.
Moral of the Story:
The story of Tahu teaches us that "Ko te tikanga ka tiakina e te tangata e tiaki ana i te tikanga” — those who protect and uphold their values will find that those values will protect them in return. By living with respect and honouring the traditions and sacredness of the world, we invite protection and guidance, fostering a community bound by trust and
harmony.
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