Flynn & Ronan's new schools

A number of people are asking about how Flynn and Ronan are getting on at their new schools here in Nelson. Flynn is attending Nelson Intermediate (year 7) and Ronan is at Nelson Central (year 3/4).



Hi guys, how's it going. So far I've made three best friends, and a few other friends. My best friends names are Quinn, Lockie, Ben and Max. I've been playing soccer lots. Bye.


Hi its Flynn im having heaps of fun in nelson, yay! You should feel ashamed to live in such a big city, its like paradise here! I cant believe that I lived in Auckland, well only 6 weeks ago really.
I have a few good friends now and im getting to know the place I walk to and from school every day now. I got a new cell phone today! Oh and I have an Mp3 player now, yay! Im so happy! And im getting a paper delivery job soon, but Nelson is so awesome its so fun sitting on the beach sipping champayne out of coconuts, but I shouldn't brag about to much, or you might be like sheep and follow us down here... God that would be weird! And as you may have noticed my spaleng hez gon bud und I gand spal propily zo biy gize!!!
frum flin!

Brightwater wine and food festival

Sunday 17th Feb 2008, 11am - 6.30pm, Brightwater.



What a venue, what a day! Over 60 local yummy food and tasty wine stalls, live music and a great turn out.


Kay about to enjoy a whitebait fritter with friend


Punters enjoying the sun


Chilled local wine


Simon relaxing with a vino


Local band 'Mojo' getting people in the groove. These guys were great. Check out the dude grooving in the yellow t shirt!

Waitangi Day and International Buskers Festival

Waitangi Day was spent on the local Marae enjoying local flavours and custom. Afterwards we all sang Happy Birthday to Nelson with the Mayor at the neighboring Founders Historical Village. Relaxing and enjoyable!



That evening was the International Buskers Festival, held at the base of the Cathedral steps. There's Flynn, center stage, with the 'Mullet Brothers', doing the inter-nation paper, scissors, rock showdown. After much rule bending New Zealand won!

Performers were: Mr Spin, Pandora Pink, the Great Dave, and who can forget the naughty Shirley Sunflower. Great fun!

Golden Bay shines

Images from our afternoon in the bay.


Golden shell


Ronan with a stick


Detail of sculpture in gallery


Historic Cemetery, Collingwood

The Takaka Mardi Gras

Takaka township is the official bohemian capital of New Zealand. This year us intrepid Owens spent a fun afternoon and evening amid its many colourful and zany characters.


One of the many special things about Takaka is its relative isolation. Crossing the Takaka hill is an experience in itself. The famous Able Tasman National Park is located on the headland, between Motueka and Takaka.


Flynn tried his hand at busking on the day, and made $10 within as many minutes.
Here is a brief clip of him in action...



Golden Bay has a fantastic drumming troupe.


And a cool little movie theater. Zoom into these details of the mural. Can you see the map of Golden Bay hidden Anywhere?