One of the first things we did after we unpacked was take the gondola up the mountain and then ride the luge. Mr Weatherman forecasted snow but all the time we were in Queenstown none fell. We weren’t disappointed about there being no snow falling though because we’re not very good skiers but still, it was cold. And no, there was no bungy jumping or ledge jumping for us even though Pascale protested against our wishes—but can you blame us for not letting her? Look who was scared of heights.
Before we left Gisborne, dad took us to the museum in town. The museum is home to the war memorial where photographs of my grandfather and relatives are displayed for their service in WWII. Ngati Porou is the most decorated tribe in all of New Zealand. Nothing to boast about however for as Apirana Ngata wrote, many of our men joined the army so that our people might be recognised as citizens in their own country, for being Maori was not synonymous with being a New Zealander. My grandfather was awarded the Military Medal and his first cousin the Victoria Cross. “This was the price they paid for citizenship,” wrote Ngata.
Last week in the capital recognition and a public apology was given to those who served in the Vietnam wars. We knew dad was in the army and that he fought overseas, we just didn’t know where. He never talked about it. The lies they were told and the shame and hurt they had to carry for so many years. Dad didn’t attend the Vietnam march but he did march in the Malay one and when he did he not only carried his own medals but his father’s too. I am happy and very proud of him. If only mum where here to share in his happiness. He tells me that when he passes there will be a place for him in the memorial too. He can be so morbid sometimes.
While at the marae a guy drove in asking for help. The tide had quickly come in and he and his mates had gotten their $110,000 Toyota Landcruiser (cars are expensive in NZ) stuck on the beach. The manager of Toyota was out there and had taken it out for a test drive and to take photographs before its unveiling. He was a bit nervous about my camera and asked that I not publish my pics in the local newspaper just yet. In the local newspaper? Just yet? I laughed because it never occurred to me to send these pics to the Gisborne Herald.
About Me
Like Vermeer I've discovered the wonders of diffused light streaming through windows. I like standing next them because it's good for my complexion. And like Vermeer I enjoy candid and lifestyle images. I'm Athena. From the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island. Married to a Frenchman living in Texas, with three children, two birds and a partridge in a pear tree. I paint with my camera obscura. I also write.
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