Over the last couple of decades, there has been a major shift in the way we see water from a health perspective. With the exception of those living in major cities, most of us just tended to trust the stuff that came out of the kitchen tap. These days, we are more concerned about substances added by … [Read more...] about Spring Water: Straight from the Source
Urban Foraging: Free Organic Food
A few days ago, the first big typhoon of the year blew through and the only thing I could think about was saving the biwa (loquats) from a tree I had just discovered. It did occur to me that maybe my priorities were a bit different to other folks as I stood in the wind and rain picking up fruit but … [Read more...] about Urban Foraging: Free Organic Food
Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
I completed the second part of my exploration of the Kopurererua Valley walkway, from Wylie Street out to the Lakes, last week. It was a little shorter than expected but still a pleasant ramble through farmland that is gradually being returned to its natural wetland state. If you’re a fan of … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue
I had my first look at the Kopurererua Valley walkway today, completing the section from Wylie Street out to Marshall Avenue (and back). It is a pleasant amble that takes you through mostly lush farmland past various wetland areas, including the Kopurererua Stream for some of the way. Apart from a … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue
The Many Joys of Veggie Gardening
I’ve just harvested another batch of produce from my new vegetable garden and it tasted awesome, even with my limited cooking skills. Actually, this wondrous bounty was only a few leaves trimmed from some bok choy plants and much of the credit for preparing and putting things in the ground must go … [Read more...] about The Many Joys of Veggie Gardening
Yatton Park, Waimapu Estuary Walk
Since arriving back in Tauranga, I’ve started to investigate the many parks and walkways here. Walking is not everyone’s thing, I realize, but I like being in motion outdoors exploring new places and a long walk gives me plenty of space for thought. Walking is reasonable exercise but I value it more … [Read more...] about Yatton Park, Waimapu Estuary Walk
NZ’s Central North Island and Auckland
A friend recently visited from Japan and we spent several days exploring the central North Island from a base in Rotorua before flying up to Auckland for another couple of days. It seemed to take huge planning for a fairly short trip – New Zealand has changed so much in the 25 years since I last … [Read more...] about NZ’s Central North Island and Auckland
