Going Native

Before harvesting

My neighbour turned up on my doorstep last weekend - stanley knives and gloves in hand - to "prune" my flax bushes for me. Well actually, it was WITH me because I happened to mention that I needed to tame the front garden and she offered to help me with the flaxes as she has taken up flax weaving and had been cutting some of the flax for her use. A quick change from my pyjamas and I reported for "pruning" duty.

She did say there was no hurry as it was going to be a big job - little did I really understand what that actually meant. Before we started you could not  walk around the front garden area because of the size of the flax bushes. Before we started I thought I had three flax bushes. Before we started I had no idea how exhausted I would be at the end of the day. But, what a thoroughly satisfying experience.

Cutting and harvesting method

We Pakehas would say that we pruned the flaxes. In truth, we harvested the flax. And it's not about hacking back what you don't want. There is a methodical approach to the harvesting and a technique that protects the plant and enhances healthy growth. Flax leaves  grow in fan shapes - check out the next flax bush you come across. To harvest the flax you keep the central leaf and the leaves either side (baby with mother and father). All the other leaves on either side of these three are then cut off in a diagonal direction which leaves the three central leaves a strong support base for further growth. You methodically work your way through every fan, eventually reaching the core of the plant and working your way through to the other side. It's easy to know when you have finished and it is surprising how the flax bush doesn't look denuded but does look more majestic. For someone who is mathematically minded the logic of this activity really appealed to me. What didn't appeal was the time it took. SEVEN hours later we finished the FOUR flax bushes in the front garden and I did another one I have growing down the pathway. There are still three more to go - trouble is that this time ignorance was bliss. Not going to be the case next time.

After harvesting

My neighbour didn't stop there - she gathered up what she wanted, tied into a traditional flax bundle and stored it for future use. Meanwhile another angel that helps with my lawns took away TWO van loads of dead and harvested flax. I was truly lucky to have such wonderful helpers. This is the same flax bush after harvesting.

We both sat back - admired our handy work and had a well deserved glass on wine on the front deck and, for the first time since I have been here, I ran a bath and soaked the aching and exhausted body.

The story doesn't end there - two days later my neighbour turned up with containers that she had woven. In true Maori tradition the containers came with something in them. Just blew me away. This is a sample of the kind of work she does. I use the large one for my eggs and I am the envy of everyone who sees it.

Flax by Robyn, weaving by Louise.

THE BEST.......Finishing!

THE WORST.......Cockroaches, cockroaches and more cockroaches hiding out in the dank overgrown core of the plants. Certainly overcame my fear that day!

I'M LEARNING......When someone turns up on your doorstep armed with lots of utensils to help you, put aside the rest of the day and right off the rest of the weekend for post-activity exhaustion!!!!

Spectacular, Stunning, Simply Breathtaking

Often it takes a prod to venture into your backyard and, today, I had just such a prod. With a friend over from Australia I decided we should venture out into the bush and check out Shine Falls. A bloke in a pub told me of them about a month ago and it sounded rather special. Checked out how difficult the walk was and decided it was within the realm of our capability and interest. Even 'googled' the directions to make sure we were not going to get lost. Promptly left the directions at home mind you.

For the first time in my life I drove north past the Taupo turnover. I remembered that we were looking for a road on the right beginning with 'M'. Had a fair idea what the name was and knew I would know it when I saw it. We did find the road and it was on the corner where the shop was at Tutira just like the bloke in the pub said. About 20 minutes down that road, and onto gravel road, and we came to the parking area.

Tui feeding

A recent sign left by DOC staff told us that we would possibly see kereru and tui and that they were expecting their first kiwi hatching this week. The track had just been maintained so walking wasn't going to be a problem. We followed the signposts and commenced our trip which, according to the information board, was about an hour. The first part of the trek is across private farmland where we encountered a dead sheep - we knew it was dead and not napping because it hadn't moved by the time we came back. Called this part of the track "Dead Sheep Bend". Over the fence and we were into lowland bush area that is being regenerated with more native flora to entice native birds and animals back. There is also a comprehensive baiting programme to kill pests. Next little moment was 'Tui Glen'. There were plenty to see feeding in the kowhai but you had to be quick to get a photo of them. Path becomes a little narrower and you start to hear running water as you walk alongside a river.

Kiwi bush stream beauty

As the sound of running water became louder and louder we came across the first of many little mini rapids with dappled light giving a very soothing and secretive feel to the stream areas. We continued along the path, sometimes veering off to take photos of the stream and pools. We came across a well constructed metal bridge over the river where there were two options - the 3-4 hour walk and the 5 minute walk to Shine Falls. Great vantage point for photos but with a handrail on only one side it took me all my bravery to get this shot.

Shine Falls

After taking the brief 5 minute stroll we turned a corner and were confronted by a spectacular water display. Given the amount of rain we have had of late I am sure we saw these falls at their best. I was gob-smacked. Truly beautiful and truly breath-taking. And we had it all to ourselves. You just wanted to sit and watch nature do its thing. It was simply stunning. And these photos don't really do justice to the falls or the area. There's even a picnic table there to enjoy a meal and drink in celebration of what your are experiencing. I know it's not Victoria or Niagra Falls but the fact you could get so close and we had it all to ourselves. Judy talked about skinny dipping but even a seasoned Kiwi knows that it would freeze bits that are needed in good working order! I was in awe of nature and it's on our doorstep, it's accessible and it's New Zealand scenery at its best. Just Nike it friends!!!!!

Lake Tutira

On the way back to Napier we stopped at Lake Tutira - another idyllic location that is simply just there. You can't not stop as you drive past as it's pristine waters and clean, shaded picnic area beckon you to stop and take in the sights.


THE BEST......the surprise and grandeur of the falls as you turn the corner to view them.

THE WORST......not knowing how long it is going to take you to get there. I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to knowing where I am going.

I'M LEARNING......information boards take a very conservative view about walking times. Either that or my friend and I are very fit. And I know that ain't the truth!