I've just returned from close to three weeks in New Zealand. I was there to work on three projects: 1) Joining my friend Toke Moeller to host an Art of Hosting training at which there were 92 participants; 2) Supporting my friend and colleague Glen Lauder in his work with clients that included the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, Land Care Research, and Land and Water Forum; and 3) Hosting with my friend Roq Gareau in a men's gathering. It was all rich experience and learning, which I sense I will be appreciating and integrating for weeks, months, and years.My photos are here:
An overview of my intinerary is here:
- August 21st -- Arrive in Auckland after a 13 hour flight from Los Angeles with my friend Kathy Lung. In time to see the sun rise and, due to a slightly delayed arrival, rebook my flight to Wellington.
- August 21st -- Arrive in Wellington, greeted at the gate by my friend Glen Lauder. We drove into the city to see the venue for our Art of Hosting training, the Quality Hotel on Cuba Street. Also met Hamish Moore, one of Glen's colleagues from the Department of Conservation.
- August 21st -- Fly to Picton on the south island in a small Cessna, 12 seats via Sounds Air (White Knuckle Air). Seeing from the air the rolling hills of Wellington, beautiful beaches, coast lines, trees. Landed on an air strip as wide as a single lane road. At the end of the runway, turned around and taxied on the same strip to the airport, a house. Picked up Glen's car.
- August 21st - 22nd -- Drive down the east coast to Kaikoura. Shining sun. Stop to see Fur Seals, the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains. Stayed in an inn, The Pier. Whale watching at Kaikoura. Three Sperm Whales breathing and fluking. Albatross. More Fur Seals. Dolphins. Very sea sick.
- August 22nd - 23rd -- Drive through Lewis Pass to Maruia Springs for a hot soak. Meet two more of Glen's friends, Chris and Paul. They are planning a hike from across the country to raise awareness for people with disabilities to be in the wilderness and hiking / tramping. Meet Phil Barker, a college student working with high school students / enviro schools.
- August 23rd -- Drive the remainder of the way to the west coast. Pass through Greymouth and down to Hokitika, and Beach Street, a place Glen used to live. Pouring rain. Beautiful surf. Afternoon in the Southland Cafe for tea and conversation.
- August 23rd -- Further driving back up near the Buller River and an overnight in Murchison. Hear the story of Cave Creek.
- August 24th -- Last drive on the South Island to Nelson to stay with Glen's Dad, Allister. A beautiful man whose company I really enjoyed. Time for laundry and tending to a few emails.
- August 25th - September 1 -- Back to Sounds Air and a rough flight to Wellington in the wind. Joined with several others at the launch of the Geospatial report, a significant government effort to share geospatial information for the good of New Zealand. Meet with the broader hosting team. Host the AoH training for 92 people, including a day of harvest. A good walk with Toke to reconnect. A meeting of the LINZ and DOC people to share some hosting stories.
- September 2nd - 3rd -- Fly to Auckland to meet Wayne Knox and Roq Gareau to prepare for the men's gathering. Get to Mangere Bridge to meet Wayne's kids, Louis and Matteo, and their macadamia nut eathing dog, Teddy. Later meet Wayne's wife Shannon.
- September 3rd - 6th -- Drive to Whatipu to host the men's gathering. Meet Carl, Andrew again, Nessa. Experience a passage at the mouth of Manukau Harbor as the full moon rose in the west while the sun set in the west over the Tasman Sea.
- September 6th - 7th -- Across from the west to the gentle eastern coast at Waiwera. Another hot soak. Beautiful sun rise on the Pacific Ocean. Good bye to Wayne -- a farewell dinner. Good bye to Glen after another learning filled day.
- September 7th -- Arrive in Los Angeles three hours before leaving from Auckland. It was a 42 hour day with the time change. Completely enjoy the flight with Roq. We part in Los Angeles as he heads to Vancouver. I go on to Salt Lake City, arriving at the same time as my departure from Auckland.
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