schools' cup

Go Coleraine Inst on Monday!

Perfect result is to meet Ballyclare HS in final!

we are ok

Just in case you are worrying if we are in the earthquake zone. We are safe.

The earthquake was in the South Island.

We are in the North Island.

The earthquake has impacted the lives of all New Zealanders in many ways.

art deco

This is Art Deco weekend in Napier.

Each year the city celebrates the rebuilding after the 1931 earthquake.

The city was rebuilt in the art deco sytle of the 1920's.

The celebrations each year draw tourists from NewZealand and elsewhere to the partying.

This is the prime tourist event for Napier each year. It is very much geared towards the 1920's and 1930's and had nothing for the younger generations of today.

Time to move on Napier, I think!

social network

I lost my first Facebook friend on Friday.

Neil passed away after a short battle with a brain tumour.

Some of his family and friends have placed tributes on his page.

The problem with Facebook is that it can be cruel, continuing to recommend someone as a friend after they are unable to respond.

aurora

I am wondering if many of you in the northern hemisphere have seen the auroras.

Has anyone managed to take a picture?

A Narrow Sea

Are any of you there listening to the history programme 'A Narrow Sea' on Radio Ulster?

I would like to hear your opinions on the way it is told. It is just one interpretation of history.

I have listened to every episode since it started on 3rd January.

Is the book out yet? I would enjoy reading it!

apartment view

This is the view from my Auckland apartment looking towards the Harbour Bridge.

strange sight

This is a view from my office window.

The duck is being used as promotion for an NZ TV channel.

(click on the picture to enlarge)

big boat

The Queen Elizabeth is in town (Auckland).

She is on her first tour of New Zealand.

A huge floating hotel!

(click on the picture to enlarge)