LIONS ROAR LOUDEST
What more glorious tribute can I bestow on the Wellington Lions provincial rugby team other than mention it here.
As a past executive member of the Wellington Lions Supporters Club, I am in raptures right now except for one biggly niggle.
So we not only won the Ranfurly Shield off Hawkes Bay, but will hold onto it for at least the next 10 months, but we also won the national provincial championship for the first time in 22 years and in appearing within that time in 8 finals.
Taking the Shield from HB was very pleasing as I did travel to Napier one year for a Shield clash only for the Lions to be denied victory in the very last moment by a drop goal from way out.
And beating Canterbury on their home turf in the NPC final by outfoxing them and outperforming their tough forward pack, was a joy to behold.
Here is the niggly bit. WE got a measley three players out of our top 15 Lions side in the AB Fifteen to play two matches in the Northern hemisphere when we should have had up to 12 in this 28-player strong squad.
Our players were hard done by which is another gripe I have against the ABs head coach who had a big say in the team's composition. Don't forget Wellington had a record or near record unbroken run of wins including pulverising Waikato and Auckland in the competition's knock out phases.
Just a thought to finish off, the head coaching job for the Lions has become vacant for the 2023 season. Will Tana Umaga be a contender?
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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22% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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