Social Club Trip to Whakaari
We started our Journey at 9.00am in front of White Island Rendezvous, 17 of us all excited and chatty. We received our milk fat stainless steel ticket, and off to the wharf we went like the 7 dwarfs with extra’s. We boarded PJ4 and straight away harassed the crew, John, John and Isaac the underage looking skipper.
Off we went 1 hour and 20 minutes approximate travel time to the island, on the way we came upon a huge pod of common dolphins 200 or so, spread out for like a mile or two. What a sight, because those that know me will understand how I feel about the dolphins, so I cried when they came up so close to the boat and followed us for ages, absolutely awesome. The skipper managed to pull us away from them without too much moans and we carried on to the island.
We were given a nice as pumpkin soup and bread, I was hoping to hell that it wasn’t our lunch. Then John and John handed out the safety equipment for us to use on the island. These fabulous yellow hard hats and gas masks, that was kind of daunting, it was like oh my god! what are we going into. The next dilemma was realising I had to get into the little dinghy to take us from the boat to the island. I’m a bit of a poofta you know, strictly two feet on terra firma for me.
Well we all managed to get transported safely to the island, and off the 7 dwarfs and extra’s went. What a sight, the tour guide John B was very knowledgeable about the history and it was really interesting. We spent about an hour and a half on the island, Jen wanted to quit after 10 minutes but we kept encouraging her to shut up and keep moving. We all safely made the trip back to the boat and got ourselves ready for lunch. Steve, Cheryl, Max and Hine went for a swim, then there was a bit of interest by the men when the boat next to us had women in bikini’s diving in, whatever!!
Lunch was served and it was yummy, the skipper decided to up anchor and take us for a ride around the island, they don’t do this for a normal tour so we were special. Then we headed home. Well about twenty minutes into the journey we came across another huge pod of bottlenose dolphins (like moko) oh! my God what a performance they gave us, honestly it was magical, jumping and spinning in the air, racing the boat and spinning and turning in the water. John said he has been doing the tours for 3 years and has never seen anything like it, I said they have come out to see us, he said yep I think you’re right. There were small pods of black whales and we saw flying fish so you couldn’t ask for anything more. It was a fantastic trip, everyone enjoyed the whole day and we finished with dinner at the RSA which was yummy, then a few of the girls entertained us on the karaoke. Well done to aunty Erica for organising a wonderful day for us, I harassed her about over spending, but in the end the scrooge ended up coming under budget, it was worth it.
Now for us to keep doing trips like that, you social club members need to get in and support when you can, like this weekends Hakinakina Day, if you want to go on trips you need to fundraise!!!!
Pono Wetini, your most friendly as person in the world…
New Early Childhood Centre Underway
18.02.10
Te Ara Ki Tua has been providing care for children since July 2007. Since this time there has been a waiting list created to cater to the number of new enrolments. With the new building Te Ara Ki Tua will now have 30-50 spaces for children appose to the 20 spaces it has now.
The staff and children will benefit immensely from the new building being built at Te Pahitaua. No longer will staff need to work in an environment with peeling paint and ripped lino. The new building will provide warmth in the winter and cooling in the summer. The children will have a large, wonderful outside area to play in as well as new activity and learning equipment. Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa recieved two buildings from Edgecumb College that were to be knocked down. These are in the process of being remodeled and extended.We are all so excited for the new Early Childhood Centre, check back for progress on the build.
Progress Update - Taking Shape
Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa Staff Xmas Party
15.12.09
Last Friday our staff celebrated Christmas and another year together at NASH. Unlike last years luau we opted for a more low key team building day. The morning was spent at Adventure SolutioNZ on the High Ropes, Assault Course and Paintball. We were split into three teams and rotated around these three activities.
Paintball gave us an oppurtunity to avenge stolen pens, while the Assault Course and the High Ropes helped us to support and encourage others to conquer fears and walk away with new achievments. The day allowed staff to get to know those who work in different areas and have fun together.
Later in the afternoon we took part in a very stressful Christmas Hamper making game. Having to trade and bargain with items to make up your themed hamper is not as easy as it sounds and provided a good laugh. After the mayhem we settled down for a BBQ and a few drinks. it was a great day and we all walked away with a nicley decorated (depending on who made it) hamper.
Merry Christmas from everyone at Te Tohu o Te Ora o Ngati Awa.
