That time of Year

Very hot hangi stones.

It is known as the Silly Season! Everyone is getting into the Christmas Spirit.

The schools are busy practising for their end of year concerts; there are swimming lessons to be had (because its summer now) and I have heard about hangi being cooked with manuhiri (visitors), parents, children and teachers celebrating this special time of the year.



I saw a gas hangi in operation at one school, at another the traditional way of preparing and cooking the hangi was seen and yet at another site, tin foil plates with individual servings was the case.

So, there is an idea - especially for Hangarau (technology). Look at the different ways of 'making' a hangi. The best part of all, of course, is in the 'eating'.

He mihi mō te wā Kirihimete

He tino mihi ki a koutou mō te wā Kirihimete. Christmas Greetings and well wishes to all.

Our picture was taken at Okarito - the Kotuku Sanctuary. (Te Tai o Poutini) The mother (or father) kotuku, has returned to the nest and is feeding its young.

This could be likened to te wā Kirihimete (Christmas time). The family returns to the nest and mum and dad feed them. And what a feed!

So you viewers out there, enjoy your Christmas break, have a good rest, whakawhanaukataka (family time) AND a big feed.

Don't forget to be safe on the roads, and we will catch up with you next year. 2008.