Category Archives: Day to day – that’s my life!!

Iti – Open for business

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“Iti” – an exhibition of photographs of and about Wairere Tame Iti by Wellington photographer Birgit Krippner and paintings by Tame Iti of Ngai Tuhoe.

The exhibition opened at Suite Gallery, 241 Cuba Street, Wellington on the evening of 19th Feb 2015 and runs through until the 7th March before heading to the USA.

A good number of people turned out for the inaugural exhibition at this new location. Many had travelled down from the Urewera for the event. Wellingtons Leica fraternity was abuzz and out in force for the opening along with the Canon wielding photographer…… these images are captured with an iPhone…

Do try and get to see the wonderful and thought provoking work on display…..

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2012-01-07 Ballooning ZK-XXF

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Here are some images from the balloon ride on the day 11 people lost their lives.

The Coroner has determined to censor the images and prohibit me from publishing my work. I dispute his right to do this and also the manner in which he has gone about setting a precedent. Some of these photos may well breach his order which I hold in contempt.

The images show glimpses of the day from my first shot until my last…  the last two shots here are of the crash site, am I allowed to publish these???

Any family that wishes to can see all of the photos, this has been offered – only two have taken up the offer.

I invite anyone who wishes to to sit down and discuss this with me.

I protested publicly against the Vietnam War, against Nuclear weapons and I’m making a public protest against the withdrawal of freedoms by the Coroners action….

Finally, I wish to thank the Wairarapa and wider community for the tremendous support that has been given to us all through this terrible tragedy……

Thank you for looking

Geoff Walker

It’s just another day…. or is it????

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A walk along the Waiohine River stop bank at Matarawa……..

Dull day at the river.... Waiohine at Matarawa. Flood protection Stop bank track... Kahikatea paddock Power over the river Ready to burst Friendly piopio Cabbage tree clearing Meg the labrador.... Night upon us Spring clean light ripple creek Dried fennel flowers Pining Hahahahaaaa New growth abounds Welcome to our world.....

What a stunning world we live in and down here in New Zealand we have such an awesome landscape and people… You can see why Peter Jackson and James Cameron live very near here!! 🙂

Have a great day and keep smiling…….

Masterton, New Zealand’s Commemoration of Soldiers departing for World War One exactly 100 years ago on 13th August 1914.

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Here are a small selection of photos of the reenactment of the first Wairarapa Soldiers leaving for the Great War.

Dressed for town …….

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All dressed up!! 

Downtown Rackoko Trading Centre.

The Acholi children are wonderful and have an inner happiness Westerners are seeking. After 20 years of war centred near here the people can use a hand, if you want to assist a child and family contact me through the Contact Page…. 

2014-03-15 Hot Air Ballooning Over Martinborough with Kiwi Balloon Company.

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Saturday morning of the Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta and the balloons retuned to Martinborough for the first time in many years… while the weather wasn’t optimal for ballooning it was good enough (and much better than forecast) for 22 out of 23 balloons to lift off and enjoy views of the vineyards below. A good crowd of locals turned out to see it all unfold and were rewarded with some low flying over the town. I was fortunate to have a ride in the Hamilton ZK-UPP balloon flown by Kiwi Balloon Company’s Mark Brown. There were five other passengers along with fellow photographer Mike Heydon aboard and we had a great ride drifting south west of the town. I’ve put a commentary with each photo so am inviting you to scroll through them and take an imaginary voyage!!

Predawn in Martinborough and time for a flat white from Kitcheners Cafe before it all starts.
Sue at Kitcheners makes great Havana Coffee!!
Pilots briefing in the town sqaure in the middle of Martinborough.
Colour is appearing.
We set up in the local rugby club grounds right next to vineyards full of ripe grapes.
The basket is out of the trailer…
Checked and ready
Passengers waiting
The rest of the passenger list
Miz Waikato fires up next door.
Instructions from pilot Mark
You get in like this
And you …. from here!!
The basket is attached to the chase vehicle as a precaution.
Ready to inflate
Cold air starts the inflation
It takes a lot of air, in fact 210,000 cubic feet…
We are getting bigger as Miz Waikato and Team Swan also inflate beside us.
Patriot (the space shuttle) balloon pilot Barry and one of his crew checking out Miz Waikato
Miz Waikato crew are a happy lot!!
Balloons everywhere… they all followed us to the field.
What a great atmosphere as the sun is rising.
Mark checks the inside of the balloon and all the attachments.
From the mouth to the top view
It’s nearly filled.
From the top to the bottom view
The top, ready to heat up and stand up.
Down the side of the envelope
Mark Wilton with passenger Dean are first off the ground.
John Clulow fires up Miz Waikato
Patriot crew on stand by…. they decided not to fly today.
Passengers ready to go
Deatils
Firing the burners
The air inside is heated
The gas is LPG and a good amount is used… I hope someone brought marshmellows.
Pilot Mark glows in the flames.
And up she goes at=s the hot air goes to the top
The pilots ride the basket as it stands up too.
Under control….
Others around are getting read….
Great place for photos….
Ready to embark….
Mark gets everything ready and checks them!!
Young onlooker….
Older onlookers…
This is what you do… Mark gives the safety briefing.
Photographer Mike Heydon takes some shots…
Mark starts the burners again for lift off.
And Hamilton slowly rises.
All go
ZK-UPP is UP!!
Daryl McKee’s new house shape is taking shape preparing to fly.
The view of Martinborough becomes apparent.
Miz Waikato is ready to leave too
Oakley father and son combo Dad Michael in the huge 275 thousand cubic ft balloon ZK-OAK and son Nicholas in ZK-WRU with the stripes. These guys are top pilots and Michael has Ballooning Canterbury.
ZK-OAK takes off – this is the biggest commercial balloon in New Zealand.
Fly over the house
Martinborough houses.
Martinborough vineyards.
Martinborough… such a nice town.
Looking good Mark.
The big balloon rises..
Middle of town
Still on the ground
Oak
John Clulow in Muz Waikato with Howard Watson in the multi coloured Mogul
Martinborough Square
The Square again
OAK over the town.
Square
Square with fish eye view.
The crew onboard Hamilton
Lots of balloons over Marty
Scott Cursons in OH Lar Lar …..
Nicholas Oakley in WRU and Paulin Hickey from Hamilton in Sunrise
Dan King in the yellow PUFF and Chris Bransgrove in Remx
The house is up
John Clifton … who won Fiesta trophy in Transwell… a much deserved win, John is a great pilot and great guy!!
Vineyards
Looking south
Chris rises ove Dan… balloons are ascending and descending at different rates and times and it really does lead to some amazing illusions on what is happening.
Brian Boland in Scrap Palace. Brian makes these small 2 person balloons which are quite popular with five flying in the fiesta.
Howard heads for town centre
Mark Wilton heads for the grapes…. hmmmmm
The Ruamahunga River
Scrap Palace goes underneath us
The house moves along with followers
Howard chatting to the locals
Balloons over Martinborough.
Scott and Nicholas over town.
Scott heading for the drop zone at PnK Mitre10
Nicholas Oakley with the dry hills behind.
Peter King zips past. I believe Peter was training a new pilot!
Looking down on the land
The 2014 vintage is right here.
Lots of balloons over town
Mark wilton touring around.
The newest development in Martinborough…
Peter King on the vines. Now did he do Around the Vines the next day??
Vineyard..
Covered grapes
Bare field
Rural Sth Wairarapa
Looking doen on vines
I counted up to 17 balloons over town at once!!
Lovely graphic shapes
Our country
The Ballooning Canterbury passengers getting wet feet as Michael dips them in the river!!
Mark’s not going there!!! To the river!!
Stock on the move
Landscape
More landscape
Black and white
And colour
OAK lights up
Plenty of hot air!!
Arty maize
Ordinary maize
In the mood…..
What a quiet time
Whose house is this????
Shapes of maize
Vines.. and vines …. and more vines
Moody
Keeping the weight on.
Resting place
Waiting for the crew
Nice position Mark.
The crew arrive
Balloon and trailer
Peter king and trainee coming in
Yep that’s them
Being shadowed by John Clulow
Ready to ald…
Almost down
Touch down
John flies past
Great first landing for Pete’s apprentice.
Pilot Mark’s wife Wendy snaps a few pics.
Mark burns of the gas from the lines ready to pack it all up
Local pilot John Bargh flies past with a wiggle of his wings..
Packing up….
Mark Wilton checking the maize
Kids checking on Mark in the maize!!
Stuffing the envelope back in the bag…. that is how it is done.
In here!!
Nearly all in!!
People came to see it all happen… this gentleman is from Nelson and wants a ride. Next time bring more coffee and cups please!!!
Balloon on its trailer
Ready for the big trailer
basket on it’s trailer
All packed up and ready for the trailer… the end of a great journey…. thanks Kiwi Balloon Company from hamilton and special thanks to Pilot Mark brown and wife Wendy Peel, you guiys are just the best!!

2014-03-14 Wairarapa Balloon Fiesta.

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It is the time of the year when hot air balloons fill the air over the Wairarapa… With over 20 balloons and two special shapes this year is looking awesome….. Day one was amazing with 22 balloons in the air … Continue reading →

2014-02-15 Masterton A+P Show…. fun

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Here’s some pics from the show…. enjoy!!

2012-02-15 Masterton A+P Show – Gate to Plate ….

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The Masterton A+P Society ran for the second year a gate to plate competition where lamb is judged from well gate to plate.  I was at the show grounds on the day of the cooking section and final judging. What a great event, well supported and I think likely to grow and grow… like lambs do!! Top marks to all r=the organisers, farmers, restaurants and others wo made it all happen!!

2013-12 December delights

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Here is last of the best of each month for 2013 – December’s delights…….. thanks for viewing, do like them and follow the blog for updates……. safe journey!

Little angel Pippa – we have great kids here in the Wairarapa.
Out towards our glorious and diverse coast and up on the hills with a great flowering of manuka.
Stew, and the kids took me up to the high points of their block near Tora.
Looking west towards the Haunui wind farm from near Tora
Manuka flowering or is it kanuka???
Towards the Haurangi’s
Watson and Son’s hives collecting manuka honey.
East coast hills.
Above Hiwikirkiri Station.
On the knob
North East to Te Awaiti
The iconic Cabbage Tree – with a view…
Man and his land…
Country retreat….
My quarters for a couple of nghts with Tineke and Stew…. thanks guys, you are just the best!!
Tuturumuri School, what a fantastic place…. only 17 kids yet we need more schools like this!! No stress, kids wear gumboots to school….. they have fun which is what being a kid is all about!!
Tuturumuri School artwork.
Tuturumuri School geodisic dome
Feijoa flowering.
West toward the southern Tararua’s from near the Haunui windfarm…
John Bargh flies over Nga Waka.
Friends of Aratoi Art Awards
Kirsty Schofields winng work in the Art Awards
Sean Crawford’s hare……
Down to Whangaimoana and a beach clean up along to Lake Ferry with plenty of helping hands.
Pirinoa School kids put in a great effort cleaning up adults rubbish.
Kahutara School joined the fun and cleaning the beach.
Conservation work… team effort
What a great location to spend the morning.
Our amazing coast.
Pirinoa School kids getting a ride.
The girls didn’t need a ride they just carried their loads to the end.
The finish at Lake Ferry with the view across to Wharekauhau.
Ocean Beach
Team work
Stone work
Ready for a feed at the Lake Ferry Hotel
Pirinoa School team clean up!!
Lake Ferry Hotel
The food is good….
Kids……
More kids
Jono lost a tooth but lucky he has it for the tooth fairy?????
Detailing the work done already…
Aratoi again for an opening with Penny and Tim Bunny
Nelson Rangi and Haddon Donald…. two “old boys” !!
Beetham family members
Aratoi trust members Steph Turner, Fraser Mailman and Lydia Wevers.
Aratoi trust members Steph Turner, Fraser Mailman and Lydia Wevers.
Jesse poaching eggs
Janice Slaters amazing cooking and decorating.
Lion Stan Mangin…..
President Bruce Farley being served brekkie by Lion Bruce and Lion Bruce….. something daggy about that!!
President Bruce Farley about to address the gang.
John Rhodes paying attention to the boss while others….. well….
Bruce presents hostess with the mostest Janice with an appreciation…..
And so host Bruce didn’t feel left out President Bruce had something special for him as well….
How many bulldozers does a Bruce need????
Bruce sees the funny side with Lion Linda having a good laugh as well….
My mate Dot Bissett of the Wee Red Barn pops up everywhere and I usually pop up to catch her!!! Martinborough Square
Some art work.
Fresh raspberries
Arty roses.
Martinborough roses.
Martinborough roses.
Martinborough roses.
Martinborough roses.
Martinborough roses.
Looks very tasty…
Wild Oats staff pic for 2013
Cobblestones Market organiser Linda – who is also a Lion…. what a legend!!
Dot’s mum Joy pops up in front of the camera too!!!!
An angel at the Cobblestones Market.
Wairarapa Youth Action Plan launch……. at the flash new Carterton Events Centre.
Wairarapa Youth Action Plan launch……. at the flash new Carterton Events Centre.
“We have the information right here” says Vicki at the info centre in the events centre, Carterton.
The old library looking good in Carterton.
Greytown for the Christmas Parade and ito Wakelin House – gidday Billy Smith!!
Yummy pies at Wakelin House- you can buy them at many outlets including Moore Wilsons.
Look at this cheeky smile from Miss Scott!! Greytown Xmas Parade.
Greytown Xmas Parade – Ella Paterson and her hiding Mum.
Greytown Xmas Parade
Greytown Xmas Parade – marching girls???
Greytown Xmas Parade – services to the community
Greytown Xmas Parade – hello
Greytown Xmas Parade – hello back to you….
Greytown Xmas Parade
Greytown Xmas Parade – dress up
Greytown Xmas Parade – angels!!!
Greytown Xmas Parade – Mediaworks Alison
Greytown Xmas Parade – colourful.
Greytown Xmas Parade – champion Greytown RFC.
Greytown Xmas Parade – tennis with these guys????
Greytown Xmas Parade – the A1 team…
Greytown Xmas Parade – the A1 team…
Greytown Xmas Parade – the A1 team…
Greytown Xmas Parade – the A1 team…
Greytown Xmas Parade – the A1 team… and they are not paying me… there is just so many Southey’s!!!
Greytown Xmas Parade – Mike Green from Pour Homme with a huge grin!!
Greytown Xmas Parade – Jim Farley
Greytown Xmas Parade – Lion Keith Saywell with Lioness Raewyn Linkhorn…. mmmm.
Greytown Xmas Parade Lionesses….
Greytown Xmas Parade – Felicity Robinson one of Vicki’s Quackers..
Greytown Xmas Parade – De Dennes, who else????
Greytown Xmas Parade – Snata’s helpers.
Greytown Xmas Parade – William Southey… missed me mate!!
The Sanders – Lions of course, on parade!!
Mark II Zephyr with baby???
Greytown Xmas Parade – with the traditional pipe band.
Greytown Xmas Parade – witn Sth Wairarapa Rotary legend Brian Tucker!!!
Greytown Xmas Parade – the Mayor and Councillor Solitaire.
Greytown Xmas Parade – needs a Santa … with Butler children….
Greytown Xmas Parade – and the Hutchings out with their smiles…
Greytown Xmas Parade – Betty O’Neale with mirrors.
Family photos for Paulette and her boys… off we go, over here looks good.
Paulette and her boys…..
The boys
Back to Wild Oats and the famous Honduran Marvin pops up.
Juliet and Marvin on the iPhone.
Crystal and Courtney at Wild Oats… iPhone
Last pic of the year goes to ….. Dot Bissett of the Wee Red Barn!! Come and collect your prize Dot!!