A Special Place
Last Friday night Dave and I joined with community members from Amberley attending an ecumenical dinner in the Tin Shed. This was organised by the spiritual leaders from the area to share the spirit of fellowship and kindness. It was a wonderful occasion sharing over a delicious meal prepared by volunteers and being equally well entertained by a local musician.
Occasions like this that are happening all over the district on a regular basis led by a variety of different groups, unfortunately in our busy worlds we seldom stop and show gratitude for those who make this happen. Just around the corner is the Amuri Ladies Golf Annual Cancer support Breakfast and equally this will bring community members together offering the chance to stop, reflect and support each other in an increasing complex world where blame and criticism is an easier focus.
Events like this may not hit the attention of media however they are a crucial in offering a moment to reflect and turn our attention to the compassion that our district offers every day and particularly welcome in the often-gloomy wintertime.
The Hanmer Springs Alpine Winter Festival has met the attention of the media and is alive and bringing a real buzz to the community and at if you haven’t already had a time, I would thoroughly recommend a visit. Jump on the alpinewinterfestival.co.nz website and check out all the great details and range of activities, it’s a real must do over the school holiday break. The Ice-Skating Rink is an absolute stunner and a credit to the maintenance team of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, it truly demonstrates the “can do” attitude and the incredible skills of our staff to not only dream it but also make it happen.
The Hanmer Springs school students opened the “Bayleys Skateathon” with a stirring Waiata at 8am on Saturday 29th June with the funds raised during that day to the Child Cancer Foundation, an organisation who supports families who are going through a diagnosis and sadly this effects three kiwi families per week. As Mayor and mum, I am supportive of any ways we demonstrate our connectedness and compassion for all members of our community.
Whilst I have only touched on a few events and recognise there are many more, it has reminded me of this beautiful Maori proverb which emphasizes the central importance of human connection and relationships, it highlights that people, their wellbeing and their relationships are the most valuable aspects of life.
He aha te mea nui ote ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata
What is the most important thing in the world – it is people, it is people It is people
Stay safe and warm and look after each other.
