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Te Atarangi o te Ngākau
In the serene hills of Aotearoa, arohaed beside a pristine lake, lived a young Māori girl named Aroha. She was known for her bright smilearoha deep inside, she often carried doubt about her abilities. She longed to master the art of wearoha korowai (traditional Māori … View moreTe Atarangi o te Ngākau
In the serene hills of Aotearoa, arohaed beside a pristine lake, lived a young Māori girl named Aroha. She was known for her bright smilearoha deep inside, she often carried doubt about her abilities. She longed to master the art of wearoha korowai (traditional Māori cloaks), a skill that symbolised both beauty and mana. However, every time she began, her fingers trembled, and she would stop, thinking she was not good enough.
One day, as Aroha sat by the lake, her kuia (elderly grandmother), Rangi, approached her with gentle eyes. “Aroha,” she said, “why do you look so troubled?”
Aroha sighed. “Kuia, I try to weave, but I always feel like I will fail. The korowai I imagine is beautiful, but what if my hands cannot make it so? Maybe I am not meant for this art.”
Kuia Rangi smiled knowingly and pointed to the lake. “Look at the water, moko (grandchild). What do you see?”
“I see my reflection,” Aroha replied.
“And how does it appear?” Rangi asked.
“It looks worried, unsure… just like how I feel inside,” Aroha admitted.
Rangi chuckled softly. “Exactly, moko. The lake reflects what is inside you. So does life. If you believe in doubt and failure, your weaving will reflect that. But if your heart holds faith, patience, and aroha for yourself, the korowai will carry that beauty too. Remember: “As is your feeling, so it becomes.”
Inspired, Aroha decided to shift her thoughts. She began to weave, not worrying about the outcome but focusing on the love and intention she put into every stitch. Her fingers stopped trembling as she worked with joy and confidence. Days turned into weeks, and finally, a stunning korowai emerged, full of intricate patterns and radiant colors. It reflected the aroha and belief she had nurtured within herself.
The village celebrated her work, and Aroha realized that her kuia was right: her world mirrored the emotions in her heart.
Moral of the Story
“Te ngākau te kaihanga o tō ao” – The heart shapes your world.
Your thoughts and feelings influence the outcome of your actions. Approach life with positivity and aroha, and the world will reflect that beauty back to you.
We are a family owned business based in Pakuranga. Been working in our neighbourhood for 30 years. We love building and have the team to do everything for you. We have our plumber, electrician, tiler and more tradies to get the job done 👍🏽
Neighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your … View moreNeighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your thoughts below.
Hundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand … View moreHundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand families having to cut back on essentials.
Ryman residents were overwhelmingly in support of the idea, with many volunteering to help choose the gifts to fill over 1000 shoeboxes with thoughtful items.
Click read more for the full story.
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Hi Neighbours - I am hearing from many people saying they are exhausted at the end of 2024. It’s been a hard year for a lot of people. I hope you can find moments of peace in the runup to Christmas and the holiday season ☺
Mindfulness cultivates an attitude of being kind to ourselves, … View moreHi Neighbours - I am hearing from many people saying they are exhausted at the end of 2024. It’s been a hard year for a lot of people. I hope you can find moments of peace in the runup to Christmas and the holiday season ☺
Mindfulness cultivates an attitude of being kind to ourselves, noticing and regulating our stress patterns, which helps to reduce the path from stress to exhaustion.
If you would be interested in that, join our friendly small Meadowbank Mindfulness group next year. The sessions include gentle movement and relaxing simple meditation, and often the option for a chat and a cuppa too. With me, Eve Rudkin, registered teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction
3rd Monday of the month (except December!) 1.30-2.45. First time free, then Koha welcome. 0212551485 www.everudkinmindfulness.co.nz....
Click Read More to find out more about what I do - I also offer one-on-one sessions and custom courses for group bookings.
Does anyone know a good washing machine repairer who is also reasonably priced?
Thanks
Less than a week left to enter this merry competition.
With lots of spot prizes to win (as well as the title of NZ's Merriest Home), it's worth getting out your camera phone and taking a picture of your festive abode!
Check out the Christmassy homes here.
Kia Ora Neighbours,
Come and visit us at 200 Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga 😌
We’ve just put more affordable items on our shop floor so you can enjoy buying pressies for your family and friends❤️
We’ve got plenty of shoes and clothes to choose from! Evening wear, summery wear and your … View moreKia Ora Neighbours,
Come and visit us at 200 Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga 😌
We’ve just put more affordable items on our shop floor so you can enjoy buying pressies for your family and friends❤️
We’ve got plenty of shoes and clothes to choose from! Evening wear, summery wear and your casual fits for that planned picnic on the beach ☀️🕶️🏖️ grab your swimwear from us, prints to make you stand out from the rest
Gorgeous whiteware and fancy wine glasses waiting to be sipped from🥂🍾
Come through while stocks last
Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Meet you here ❤️
It's that time again! We're doing our yearly collection for Auckland City Mission's "Auckland Angels" campaign and helping them bring the magic of Christmas to families in need. If you would like to donate you'll find our collection trolley by the reception area of … View moreIt's that time again! We're doing our yearly collection for Auckland City Mission's "Auckland Angels" campaign and helping them bring the magic of Christmas to families in need. If you would like to donate you'll find our collection trolley by the reception area of Parnell Community Centre or at the EFTPOS stand at @parnellfarmersmarket . Please drop your donations by 18 December 2024.
❓ What are we collecting?
• Christmas treats such as mince pies, biscuits and chocolate
• Tinned fruit and vegetables
• Baked beans, tinned soup and tinned spaghetti
• Tinned meat and fish
• Pasta sauce, pasta and rice
• Breakfast cereal and muesli bars
• Spreads, such as jam, peanut butter or honey
• Flour and sugar
• Baby food
• Nappies
• Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, deodorant and feminine hygiene products
Donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers are hugely appreciated. Please do not gift clothes as it is difficult to allocate sizes. No battery operated toys please!
For more information about the amazing work Auckland City Mission does around Christmastime, check out their webiste: www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz...
Great help in improving tennis skills.
Brand & Model: Lobster Elite 2
Used, but like new.
Bought with almost $5k from the local offical store. Selling at the half price, and will come with 100+ used training balls.
The reason for the idleness is that my daughter went to study at university … View moreGreat help in improving tennis skills.
Brand & Model: Lobster Elite 2
Used, but like new.
Bought with almost $5k from the local offical store. Selling at the half price, and will come with 100+ used training balls.
The reason for the idleness is that my daughter went to study at university in Australia after graduating from college.
Pick up on Sonia Ave. Remuera.
Please find the details:
lobstersports.co.nz...
Video:
youtu.be...
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
In the bustling offices of Te Ao Solutions, the team was tasked with launching a groundbreaking product. The journey was set to be one of collaboration and creativity, but the workplace was teeming with personalities straight out of a management zoo. Each animal's behavior became a roadblock, … View moreIn the bustling offices of Te Ao Solutions, the team was tasked with launching a groundbreaking product. The journey was set to be one of collaboration and creativity, but the workplace was teeming with personalities straight out of a management zoo. Each animal's behavior became a roadblock, threatening the project’s success. The HIPPO Hiria, the CEO, always had the final say. Her Highest Paid Person's Opinion (HIPPO) dominated every meeting. "My instincts say this is the best way," she declared, overriding the carefully researched proposals of her team. Her voice silenced dissent, stalling innovation.
The ZEBRA
Zane, the marketing lead, was Zero Evidence But Really Arrogant (ZEBRA). He strutted around confidently proposing unproven strategies. “We need a viral campaign! Everyone's doing it,” he insisted, ignoring the data that suggested a different approach.
The WOLF
Wai, the project manager, was always on The Latest Fire Working (WOLF). She spent her days chasing crises rather than focusing on the broader project plan. “No time for meetings — we need to fix this bug now! she’d bark, leaving her team scrambling.
The RHINO
Rewi, a senior board member, was Really Here In Name Only (RHINO). Despite his title, he was detached from the project, offering little guidance. “Just let me know when it’s done,” he said, vanishing after every meeting.
The SEAGULL
Sara, the Senior Executive, fit the Seagull archetype perfectly. She glided into meetings unannounced, loudly criticized the team's progress, and then left as abruptly as she came. “Why is this taking so long? Just figure it out!” she squawked before flying off.
The MOUSE
Moana, a junior analyst, had Muddled Opinions, Usually Swayed Easily (MOUSE). In every meeting, she hesitated to voice her thoughts. “I’m not sure,” she often said, changing her stance based on whoever spoke last.
The PARROT
Pete, an intern, was a Pretty Annoying and Ridiculously Repeating Others (PARROT). He echoed every idea shared in meetings without adding any value. “Yes, just like what Hiria said earlier!” he’d chirp repeatedly.
The DONKEY
Dylan, the data specialist, was Data Only, No Knowledge or Expertise (DONKEY). He brought endless spreadsheets to meetings but couldn’t explain what the numbers meant. “I just pull the data,” he’d shrug when asked for insights.
The Turning Point
The project seemed doomed until a new manager, Tia, joined the team. She observed the zoo-like dynamics and decided to bring order. Tia called for a hui (gathering), where she gently but firmly addressed each personality.
-- To Hiria the HIPPO, she said, “Your voice matters, but let’s ensure everyone feels heard.”
-- To Zane the ZEBRA, she advised, “Let’s base our strategies on evidence rather than instinct.”
-- To Wai the WOLF, she suggested, “We need a clear plan to avoid constant firefighting.”
-- To Rewi the RHINO, she said, “Your involvement is crucial for guidance and support.”
-- To Sara the SEAGULL, she remarked, “Your input is valuable, but we need consistency.”
-- To Moana the MOUSE, she encouraged, “Your insights matter—trust your voice.”
-- To Pete the PARROT, she guided, “Contribute original ideas, not just echoes.”
-- To Dylan the DONKEY, she coached, “Turn data into actionable insights for the team.”
Under Tia’s leadership, the team transformed. By recognising and addressing these animalistic tendencies, they began to collaborate harmoniously, leveraging each other’s strengths and working toward a shared goal.
Moral of the Story
In any workplace, recognising and addressing unproductive behaviours is essential. Harmony is achieved when each individual contributes authentically, respects others, and aligns with the common purpose.
Prepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will … View morePrepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will continue on SH16 The Strand from January until March.
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