Exploring Middle-Earth, A Visit To The Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand
A year ago, I had the incredible joy of sharing a truly unforgettable experience with my daughter when we visited the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of New Zealand. Nestled among rolling green hills and timeless scenery, we stepped into the world of hobbits, elves, and epic tales. But beyond the iconic round doors […]
The Bombing Of The Rainbow Warrior And Its Journey To Dargaville, My Role To Serve And Protect
On July 10, 1985, the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk while docked in Auckland Harbour. The ship had been preparing to sail to protest French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Tragically, the bombing killed photographer Fernando Pereira and shocked people around the world. What many didn’t know at the time was that […]
Whangarei Lift Bridge, Te Matau a Pohe “The Fishhook of Pohe”
Looking for something uniquely to do when you visit Whangarei? Make sure you stop by Te Matau a Pohe, Whangarei Lift Bridge the city’s spectacular rolling-lift bridge inspired by Māori culture and cutting-edge design. Located just a short walk from the vibrant Town Basin, this award-winning bridge isn’t just a way to cross the river […]
The Hundertwasser Art Centre – Whangarei New Zealand
Who Was Hundertwasser? Born Friedrich Stowasser in Vienna in 1928, he later changed his name to Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He was a painter, architect, writer, and environmentalist. He believed buildings should be creative, colorful, and in harmony with nature. He famously said, “The straight line is godless and immoral.” In the 1970s, he moved to New […]
Memories Of Baylys Beach, A Dargaville Treasure
Tucked away on the wild west coast of Northland, just a short drive from the town of Dargaville, lies Baylys Beach, a place that to me will always feel like home. Long before it became a “hidden gem” to the local people from the area, it was simply our beach. Windswept, raw, and untamed […]