Miraz Jordan

Waitangi Day 6 Feb 2024 7:57 AM:

A Ngāpuhi kaumātua says He Whakaputanga needs to be elevated in the national conscious as the "matua", the parent of The Treaty.

He Whakaputanga - known in English as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand - was signed in 1835 around 50 rangatira, mostly of Ngāpuhi.

Hone Sadler says it laid the groundwork for the Treaty because it declared that sovereign power in New Zealand resided fully with Māori.

"If that covenant, that document wasn't signed we would never have had a Treaty because a Treaty can only be signed between apparently sovereign nations."

Just wanted to note this — Oxford gains dark sky park status | RNZ News:

Oxford [north of Christchurch] has become the 6th New Zealand community to gain dark sky accreditation.

Dark Sky International has granted international dark sky park accreditation to the 11,350-hectare Oxford Forest Conservation Area to the west of the town, which is owned by the Department of Conservation.

Oxford joins dark sky sanctuaries Aotea Great Barrier Island and Rakiura Stewart Island, and dark sky reserves Aoraki Mackenzie, Wai-Iti (Tasman district) and Wairarapa.

With a birthday (69) coming up I followed a whim the other day (unusual for me) and ordered a new Apple watch mid-cycle. Upgrading from a S7 to a S9. It should be with me on my birthday. 😁

Hmmm, in the first week of April Deb and I might spend a few days in Te Wai Pounamu (The South Island). Which could mean doing this — Takapō Stargazing at Mount John:

High atop Mount John’s 1,029- metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Let our skilled guides open your eyes to the Southern night sky with captivating tales and facts.

Bumper breeding season for NZ's rarest bird after disastrous season last year | RNZ News:

… five fledglings already striking out on their own and as many as eight more chicks to follow.

That might not sound like many but given that the total world population of tara iti, or fairy terns, is less than 40, that is a huge boost to the species' chances of survival.

Didn't feel right to use one of the photos, but go look — the pics are amazing! 🐦

Earlier this week I thought I was over Covid but just not up to par. Yesterday and today I realise I actually feel well. I have a growing spark of energy.

Yesterday I lay down for a nap in the afternoon and couldn't get to sleep. Previous days I've just essentially passed out immediately. 🦠

Just in case Deb and I do ever end up travelling to the Arctic — Top Arctic Wildlife Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot:

Mastering Arctic Photography Techniques

Photographing in the Arctic requires mastering specific techniques to overcome the challenges posed by extreme conditions.

This is such an interesting podcast episode: Werthwhile Language – The Vocal Fries Pod:

Carrie and Megan talk with Dr Suzanne Wertheim about her book, The Inclusive Language Field Guide: 6 Simple Principles for Avoiding Painful Mistakes and Communicating Respectfully.

It seems I have a case of the 3am blahs. 😱

Whew, drove to Pekapeka for brunch with a friend, bought a few groceries on the way home. Exhausted now.

Lay down for a few moments … and woke an hour later! Missing out on this glorious hot and sunny day.