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In the serene village of Te Ao Marama, a young Māori student named Aroha was studying engineering at a renowned university in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aroha was a dedicated learner, carrying with her the aspirations of her whānau (family) and iwi (tribe). She approached her studies with the same … View moreIn the serene village of Te Ao Marama, a young Māori student named Aroha was studying engineering at a renowned university in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aroha was a dedicated learner, carrying with her the aspirations of her whānau (family) and iwi (tribe). She approached her studies with the same principles her tūpuna (ancestors) had lived by: manaakitanga (care and respect for others), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and a commitment to excellence.
Aroha had consistently achieved high marks in her studies, always earning recognition for her hard work. But when her third-year semester results were published, Aroha was disheartened to see her grades fall to a whakamanawa noa (average pass). One course, in particular, had received unusually low marks, and she couldn’t understand why.
Instead of reacting in frustration, Aroha reflected on the teachings of her kaumātua (elders): "Kia mau ki te tūmanako” — hold on to hope. She sought advice from her peers, who told her to let it go and move forward. They warned her that challenging the system could be risky and might even result in worse outcomes.
Aroha, however, trusted her instincts. She remembered how her tupuna would pause to think carefully before making important decisions. She went to the local marae for karakia (prayer) and spent time in quiet contemplation, asking for guidance. While reflecting, she recalled that during the exam, she had used extra paper to explain her calculations. A thought struck her: what if the additional pages hadn’t been reviewed?
With renewed determination, Aroha submitted a formal request for a recount (re - totaling of her marks). She included a note explaining that she had attached extra pages and asked the examiners to check whether they had been accounted for.
When the recount results came back, her suspicion proved correct—the additional pages containing key parts of her answers had been overlooked. Her recalculated score not only restored her distinction but also placed her among the top students in her class.
Aroha shared the news with her whānau, who celebrated her perseverance. But she also took a moment to thank her professors for their work and acknowledge the importance of the process.
Moral of the Story
This story reflects the principles of whakamanawa (perseverance) and aro nui (attention to detail). Aroha’s success came not only from her hard work but from her willingness to trust her instincts, reflect thoughtfully, and act with respect for the academic system.
Her journey also highlights manaakitanga—the importance of showing gratitude and care for others, even when seeking justice for oneself. For Aroha, her achievement was not just a personal victory but a way to honour her tūpuna and demonstrate how Māori values can guide success in all aspects of life.
Apologies for the delay, busy morning. Here is today's one :)
In a small rural town in the heart of New Zealand, there was a local washer named Hemi, who worked hard washing the laundry for the people in the community. He owned a well-behaved dog called Kahu and a sturdy old horse named … View moreApologies for the delay, busy morning. Here is today's one :)
In a small rural town in the heart of New Zealand, there was a local washer named Hemi, who worked hard washing the laundry for the people in the community. He owned a well-behaved dog called Kahu and a sturdy old horse named Tahi.
Every day, Hemi would load Tahi with heavy bundles of dirty laundry and make the long trek down to the river to wash it. The river, known as the Whanganui, was a calm and peaceful place where Hemi could get the washing done while Tahi grazed nearby. After washing the clothes, Hemi would hang them on the riverbank to dry under the sun.
Once the clothes were dry enough, Hemi would load them onto Tahi’s back and head back to his home. There, he would hang the clothes on the lines outside to dry even further before folding them and returning them to the owners in the town.
Kahu, the dog, had a different role. While Hemi worked on the laundry, Kahu would patrol the property and keep an eye out for any would-be thieves or anyone trying to steal the clothes as they dried. Kahu would bark loudly at any suspicious person, ensuring the laundry was safe.
Hemi’s job was to wash the clothes with care and attention to detail, while Tahi’s job was to carry the heavy load to and from the river. Kahu’s task was simply to guard the laundry while it dried. Hemi made sure to feed Tahi and Kahu for their hard work. However, he had a tendency to favour Tahi more because, after all, Tahi was the one doing the heavy lifting. Kahu, on the other hand, only had to bark from time to time, so Hemi fed Kahu a little less than he fed Tahi.
Kahu, feeling neglected and underfed, grew increasingly irritated. One evening, as Hemi was asleep after a long day of work, a thief crept into the yard to steal some of the drying clothes. Kahu saw the thief, but instead of barking as usual, he decided to keep quiet in retaliation for the lack of food and attention. Tahi, on the other hand, saw the thief too, and began to bray loudly, trying to alert Hemi.
But Hemi was sound asleep, and the braying of the horse only annoyed him. In his frustration, Hemi rushed outside and, in the dark, mistook Tahi’s braying for a nuisance. He lashed out at Tahi in anger, thinking the horse was causing trouble. Tragically, in his fury, Hemi struck Tahi so hard that the old horse collapsed and died.
The next morning, Hemi was devastated. He found the clothes had been stolen, and his beloved Tahi was dead. Kahu, still hungry and upset, hadn’t barked as he should have. Hemi now realized the true cost of his actions: by not feeding Kahu properly, he had neglected his duty as a master and created a situation where everyone suffered. The townspeople no longer trusted him, and he had lost the loyalty of his dog, as well as the service of his hardworking horse.
Moral of the Story:
In life, everyone has their role and responsibility. Just as a horse is meant to carry loads and a dog is meant to guard, it’s important to recognize and respect the contributions of others. If you neglect those who help you, or fail to fulfill your own responsibilities, you risk upsetting the balance and causing harm. Do your duty with care, treat others with fairness, and don’t interfere with roles that don’t belong to you. When everyone does their part quietly and without complaint, things will run smoothly, and you’ll avoid unnecessary troubles.
Lovely Kaufmann mahogany piano.
Pick up Mt Eden.
All the keys work. Height 110cm; depth 54cm; width 134cm.
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may … View moreThis Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Whether it’s a table setting, for the tree or a shelf display, use Resene FX Metallics to create your own modern Christmas decor. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
Desi Dhamaka is happening this Saturday from 7 PM - Till Late, and it's the perfect way to spend your evening! 🌟 Treat yourself to our incredible variety of dosa, idli, and vada, along with sizzling hot live music and delicious masala chai!
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***Please note that we … View moreDesi Dhamaka is happening this Saturday from 7 PM - Till Late, and it's the perfect way to spend your evening! 🌟 Treat yourself to our incredible variety of dosa, idli, and vada, along with sizzling hot live music and delicious masala chai!
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***Please note that we will not be at our usual location, 60 Dornwell Road, Mt Roskill, this Saturday.***
Once upon a time, there was a stream. In that stream, there were three fish. The first fish was named "Futuristic"
Futuristic always planned for the future. It always thought of what would happen to the stream in three months, in six months, in twelve months, in twenty-four months, in … View moreOnce upon a time, there was a stream. In that stream, there were three fish. The first fish was named "Futuristic"
Futuristic always planned for the future. It always thought of what would happen to the stream in three months, in six months, in twelve months, in twenty-four months, in five years, and so on. It had a scientific approach.
The second fish was named “Spontaneous" It had lots of ideas to get out of difficult situations. For example, it knew all the exit routes from the stream, the various ways to dive deep into the water, and it knew the different ways to jump out of danger etc. Spontaneous was also very active and had friends among fellow-fish.
The third fish was called "Just Another". Just Another never planned for the future, nor did it know the tricks to get out of difficult situations.
One fine day, Futuristic swam to sea level and checked the mean temperature of the sun. It seemed to Futuristic that it was too hot. Given this kind of temperature, and considering the depth of the stream, the stream would dry up within a month. Saying this aloud to Spontaneous and Just Another, Futuristic said it was leaving the stream and going out to a bigger pond, lake, river or sea. It hoped Spontaneous and Just Another would join, but that did not happen.
Soon, the stream began to dry up. A fisherman came by and caught both Spontaneous and Just Another in his net. Being an athletic fish, Spontaneous jumped out of the net before it lost its life and back into the water and swam out into sea. However, Just Another died in the fisherman's net. Just Another was the kind of fish who would perish without a fight when all the others perish. It simply left things to destiny.
Therefore, it is for us to decide whether we wish to be like Futuristic, Spontaneous or Just Another. Whichever route we choose to take in our lives, be rest assured that our faith belief stays with us.
Are you looking for casual childcare in the evenings or on the weekends?? Do you just need to take the occasional time out or maybe want some kid free shopping time.
I live locally and have 3 Adult children as well as a Nana to a grandchild overseas. I am a Registered Nurse with a Current First… View moreAre you looking for casual childcare in the evenings or on the weekends?? Do you just need to take the occasional time out or maybe want some kid free shopping time.
I live locally and have 3 Adult children as well as a Nana to a grandchild overseas. I am a Registered Nurse with a Current First Aid Certificate.
Please feel free to make contact.
Thanks Kathy
In a picturesque valley of New Zealand, nestled between the rolling hills of the South Island, there lived a farmer named Hemi. Hemi was a humble man, known throughout his village for his hard work and deep faith in the teachings of the local Māori elders. Each time a renowned elder, Te Rongo, … View moreIn a picturesque valley of New Zealand, nestled between the rolling hills of the South Island, there lived a farmer named Hemi. Hemi was a humble man, known throughout his village for his hard work and deep faith in the teachings of the local Māori elders. Each time a renowned elder, Te Rongo, passed by his farm, Hemi would bow respectfully and greet him. He admired Te Rongo’s wisdom, and like any good disciple, Hemi believed in following his guidance without question.
One sunny afternoon, as Te Rongo walked along the edge of Hemi’s farm, he saw the farmer kneeling by his crops. The golden fields of wheat, flax, and vegetables stretched across the land, but one particular crop stood out—Hemi had been growing kumara (sweet potatoes), a staple of the Māori diet.
Te Rongo, noticing that the kumara plants were still small, only just beginning to sprout, stopped to speak with Hemi. “Why do you always bow before me when I pass, Hemi?” Te Rongo asked kindly, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. “Do you truly listen to my guidance, even when it seems difficult?”
Without hesitation, Hemi replied, “Yes, Te Rongo. I will always follow your words, no matter what they are.”
Te Rongo smiled and glanced over the field of young kumara. “Cut them now,” he instructed, pointing at the small plants. “If you wait, they will be ruined when the storms arrive.”
Hemi was taken aback. His kumara had only just begun to grow, and he knew it was too early to harvest. However, he trusted Te Rongo’s wisdom. “I will do as you say,” he answered.
When Hemi returned home, his wife, Aroha, was worried. “The kumara are not ready yet, Hemi,” she said. “If we cut them now, we may not have enough for ourselves in the coming months.”
Hemi reassured her and went to the farm to gather the crop. Yet, before he could do so, the neighboring landowner, Te Awhina, approached him with a stern look. “Hemi, I understand you are going to cut your kumara,” she said. “But you know that I have a share in your harvest this season. If you cut your crop now, I’ll need to ensure you’re following through on our agreement. We made a deal for two full harvests from your farm.”
Te Awhina insisted that Hemi sign a written agreement, guaranteeing her two full yields in exchange for allowing him to proceed. Hemi signed without hesitation, trusting in the wisdom of Te Rongo’s advice.
Days passed, and a great storm rolled in from the sea, battering the region with heavy rains and strong winds. Farmers across the valley, including those who had ignored Te Rongo’s counsel, watched helplessly as their crops were destroyed. But Hemi’s early harvest of kumara fared much better. Because he had listened to Te Rongo’s guidance, his crops were safe, and he found that they were even more abundant than he had expected.
When the storm had passed, Hemi’s fields were full of plump, healthy kumara, much more than he could use alone. True to his nature, Hemi gave two portions of the harvest to Te Awhina, honoring their agreement. The rest, he divided into six portions. Six portions went to those in the community who had lost everything in the storm—widows, elders, and struggling families.
Months later, as Te Rongo walked by Hemi’s farm once more, Hemi ran to meet him, eager to share the news of his good fortune. He had helped the community and was thriving in his own way, all thanks to Te Rongo’s guidance. As Hemi fell to his knees, ready to express his gratitude, Te Rongo spoke before he could.
“You have done well, Hemi,” said Te Rongo, his voice filled with warmth. “You were blessed with a bountiful harvest because I knew that you would share your good fortune with others. Your heart is pure, and you have always been honest in your intentions. You gave six portions to those in need, and only kept two for yourself, showing that you understand the true spirit of giving.”
Hemi stood, deeply moved by the elder’s words. “I only did as you instructed, Te Rongo,” he said. “Your wisdom guided me, and my heart could not bear to keep all of it for myself. The people in this village are like my family.”
Te Rongo placed a hand on Hemi’s shoulder and nodded. “That is the heart of an honest disciple—one who listens not just to words, but to the needs of the world around them. You’ve demonstrated that, Hemi. This is why the land has blessed you.”
And so, Hemi continued his farming with a humble heart, sharing not just the fruits of his labor but also the wisdom of Te Rongo. His actions spread through the valley, reminding everyone that true abundance comes not from hoarding, but from sharing with an open heart.
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**Moral:** Just as Hemi trusted the wisdom of his mentor, Te Rongo, and followed through with honesty and compassion, so too must we strive to act with integrity and generosity. In doing so, we not only receive blessings but also help uplift those around us. True discipleship is not in mere obedience, but in the heart's honest desire to serve others.
📚𝗡𝗼𝘃-𝗗𝗲𝗰 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲📚
Just in time for some summer holiday reading, there are some great books by Carissa Broadbent (THE SONGBIRD AND THE HEART OF STONE—Crowns of Nyaxia Series), Laurie Gilmore (THE PUMPKIN SPICE … View more📚𝗡𝗼𝘃-𝗗𝗲𝗰 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲📚
Just in time for some summer holiday reading, there are some great books by Carissa Broadbent (THE SONGBIRD AND THE HEART OF STONE—Crowns of Nyaxia Series), Laurie Gilmore (THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE—Dream Harbour Series), Callie Hart (QUICKSILVER—Fae & Alchemy Series), Ana Huang (THE STRIKER—Gods of the Game Series), Stephanie Laurens (DEAD BESIDE THE THAMES—The Casebook of Barnaby Adair Series), Julie Anne Long (THE BEAST TAKES A BRIDE—The Palace of Rogues Series), Nora Roberts (THE MIRROR—Lost Bride Trilogy), J.R. Ward (A BLOOM IN WINTER—Black Dagger Brotherhood World) and more. Happy holidays and enjoy your reading!
NB. Please see P. 3 of the catalogue for the details of our Pre-Order Link for ONYX STORM, details of our Christmas/New Year Closure (while closed, orders will be processed for pickup/shipping), and a heads-up on an Instore Book Sale planned for the second half of January 2025.
Check out the catalogue at:
chapter.co.nz...
NB. Please also see P. 3 of the catalogue for the details of the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Monthly Meetings and the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Facebook Group.
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For Enquiries or Orders:
✉️ info@chapter.co.nz ☎️ 09-6232319 📱 021-635027
NB. Chapter’s trading hours are Tue–Sun 10–4 (we are CLOSED on Mondays, except in December).
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Sick of slow WiFi? Deadzones? Buffering? Call in the local experts for a free site visit and quote Auckland wide!
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In a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, there was a young Māori student named Te Rangi who lived with his whānau in a rural area. Te Rangi was a high school student, studying for his NCEA qualifications, and he had a particular passion for performing the haka—a traditional Māori … View moreIn a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, there was a young Māori student named Te Rangi who lived with his whānau in a rural area. Te Rangi was a high school student, studying for his NCEA qualifications, and he had a particular passion for performing the haka—a traditional Māori dance that his iwi (tribe) had been practicing for generations.
Te Rangi was also a member of his school’s kapa haka group, a team that performed Māori cultural songs and dances for various competitions and events. However, unlike many of his classmates, Te Rangi wasn’t raised in an urban environment where Māori language and traditions were easily accessible. He had learned haka from his kuia (grandmother) and his uncle, but he was aware that many of the other students in his kapa haka group came from whānau that were more involved in te ao Māori (the Māori world) and were better at mastering the haka and te reo Māori.
The school year was coming to a close, and the big regional kapa haka competition was approaching. Te Rangi felt the pressure. He knew his group had strong performers, but he was worried about his own ability to perform well under the scrutiny of judges, especially when it came to the solo haka part of the competition. This section of the performance required deep emotional connection, precision in movements, and the ability to lead with confidence—skills Te Rangi was still developing.
One week before the competition, something unexpected happened. The kapa haka group’s tutor, who had been guiding them for months, fell ill and could no longer lead the group. The students were told they would have to perform without their tutor, and the responsibility fell on the shoulders of the older students in the group, including Te Rangi. They would have to organise their own rehearsals and make sure everything was ready in time for the competition.
Most of the students were worried and frustrated. They felt like they had lost their guide, and many of them struggled to stay focused. Te Rangi, however, decided that he wasn’t going to let the situation stop him. While the others were distracted by the uncertainty, he started staying after school to practice his haka on his own. He would go to the marae (Māori meeting house) in the evenings to connect with the land and the spirit of his ancestors, seeking the strength to improve his performance.
He practiced the haka over and over, refining his movements, listening carefully to the words, and even studying the history and meaning behind the chants. He sought advice from his uncle and aunties, who taught him the deeper significance of the haka beyond the movements—the emotional strength, the mana (prestige), and the connection to whakapapa (ancestry).
On the day of the competition, Te Rangi was ready. When it came time for his solo haka, the crowd was captivated. His movements were sharp, his voice was strong, and his eyes burned with the confidence and pride that only someone who had connected deeply with their culture could express. He led the haka with such conviction that the audience felt the spirit of his ancestors rise with him.
In the end, his school didn’t win first place at the competition. But Te Rangi’s performance stood out, and he was praised by the judges for his commitment to his culture and his ability to overcome adversity. His classmates, who had been doubtful and distracted, were inspired by his persistence and determination. They, too, began to practice harder, and the group as a whole performed better than they had imagined.
While Te Rangi didn’t walk away with a trophy, he left the competition with something far more valuable: the knowledge that perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his roots had led to a performance that he could be truly proud of. He had earned respect from his peers, from the judges, and from himself.
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Moral of the Story:
Te Rangi’s success came not from being the best dancer or having the most natural talent, but from his dedication to improvement and his unwavering focus. His story teaches that no matter what challenges or obstacles one faces, if you persist and put in the effort, you can overcome them and grow stronger. Whether it's in the haka, a classroom, or any other aspect of life, persistence and dedication are the keys to success.
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