The Haka

I took this photo while in Nelson recently. The event was the Under 15 years Rugby tournament, and the boy on the right leading the Haka for his school, St.Kevin's College, is one of my sons, Michael. He made a good job of it, and the Haka from this school was the most impressive of all. I am unsure as to why they were allowed to do it only on the last game. While the Haka was impressive, the rugby they played was not of such a standard, and Michael's team did not win a game. However, the team saw some parts of the country they had not seen before, and I am sure they all learned something about attitude and how it affects one's game.
I like this photo as it captures the 'challenge' in the body language, even to the stamping of the foot.
I was hoping to photograph members of this team scoring tries, but that will have to wait until next time.

The Tree

My Cousin has sold her property, and all the family is shifting to Singapore for a few years. She has young children, and I suppose it will give them experience in a different culture. But this photo is the view from the lounge window, and I fear they will miss it. I remember when this tree was planted here, and it was touch and go for a few years if it would survive. It has been climbed over by many small children, including mine, and has lived.
Someone once painted a painting of a scene like this, just one tree in the middle of apparently nothing else. I do not remember who it was, but I know I have seen it.
The Nor'West arch above it is a common cloud formation here, and I am sure my cousin will miss that, too.
Safe travels, cousin.

This is a photo I took recently of the Arrowtown Premier Rugby team. They had pretty much won everything going in the Otago Country competition, except the White Horse Cup, which is held by Alexandra. This team is well led by Aidan Winter, who is the sort of no nonsense loose forward that other clubs dream of having. I notice as well one Hayden Finch. I am sure this guy used to play for the New Zealand under 19 team, in fact I think they won the worlds while he was in the team. Hayden is from the Crescent Club in Kaitangata, where his family have been if not the backbone then certainly the ribs of the Crescent Club for many years. It will be interesting to watch Arrowtown next year, as some of the 'imports' may not be there. They do not have another team to draw from, (except the under eights, and it might be a few years.....)
I was a bit miffed as my big light has reflected on the shield, however they assured me that since this was the first time they had won it, they did not mind how prominent it was.
This type of photo where the printing is on the photo and not on top and bottom of a plain white border are certainly becoming more popular, and they really do look dramatic. The big poster I did for the Club wall certainly looked good.
Well done Arrowtown, good result.
D.

Steve Potter for President.

While this blog is intended mostly for my photos, I will occasionally stray into opinion.
Steve Potter is a quiet sort of person, but his determination is second to none.
Three years ago a friend of one of Steve's daughters (Shane Cribb) had a car accident. He was driving to work and ran into a police car which was doing a "U" turn in front of him. The police rigged it so it looked like the boys' fault, and charged him. He was duly convicted, forbidden to drive, and fined. Steve Potter was very upset by this and went to work. It took two years to get the conviction overturned, and yesterday the Police were ordered to pay $18,000.00 as compensation to Shane Cribb. I think this is a very small payout for all the stress etc, not to mention the injuries suffered, and the writing off of his car. Be that as it may, the whole town now waits for the next step, which will be the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the accident. I will post the outcome of that one in future, I hope.
D.

Thanks

Thanks, Peter Peryer, for the inspiration.
Now all I have to do is learn how to use it.
Donald.