Wellington NZ's Own Gezi Park

The protesters’ banner attached to the railings overlooking the green

I was living in Turkey during the Gezi Park demonstrations against the government's plan to raze that
small green space, and build a shopping mall. Although the demonstration was peaceful, and non-
threatening, the police reacted violently with tear gas, and water cannons, inflaming the situation. I couldn't help but compare this with the attempt by residents of Wellington to prevent their local council from selling or leasing this tiny green space to a private developer.

Jack Ilott Green is a tiny sanctuary among concrete high rises

I will admit that the park doesn’t look much, but that is because the local council have stopped all maintenance on it, according to the protesters.

Collecting signatures for the petition to the Wellington City Council

This was the sign behind the protesters’ table.

I love it when the people speak. I believe this petition has already collected over 8,000 signatures.If the developers do move in, perhaps they can have an ‘Occupy Jack Ilott Green’. Although, unlike 'Occupy Gezi Park’, I can't imagine the New Zealand police donning riot gear, bringing in water cannons, and tear gassing the protesters, so perhaps ‘Occupy Jack Ilott Green’ is the way to go.

More information can be found on  http://savejackilottgreen.my-free.website/ and
https://www.facebook.com/savejackillottgreen/

Elizabeth Coughlan

Practicing Dragon Boat Racing, Wellington, NZ

Dragon Boat crew practicing for the Festival

I must confess, I am not a fan of cricket, although I don't mind watching the occasional game. So, on the day after our visit to the Basin Reserve, I decided not to accompany David to the second day of the test match between Australia and New Zealand, choosing, instead, to take my camera, and see what other delights the city of Wellington had to offer.

I noticed groups of people heading to the waterfront, so I followed them. They were all going to watch the teams practicing for the 2016 Dragon Boat Racing Festival. Wellington holds the largest Dragon Boat Festival in New Zealand, and this 2 day event attracts thousands to its action packed entertainment. What I was watching was a training event, leading up to the finals.

Any group can enter their team, and the organisers will even help with coaching in the weekends before the event. This is a true team sport where timing is everything. Just one person out of sync can jeopardise the whole team's effort. It obviously takes a lot of work, but it looks such fun!

Here is the video I took that day

Elizabeth Coughlan

Australia v NZ 1st Test Match 2016

 

Crowd waiting for the first test match between Australia and New Zealand,

at the Basin Reserve, Wellington

We had breakfast in the Members’ Lounge

Brian, David and I made an early start and hastened to take our places for breakfast in the Members’ Lounge of the Basin Reserve cricket ground in Wellington. After our ‘typical English breakfast’, we listened to Ashley Mallet, an Australian international cricketer of the ‘70’s, who regaled us with his memories of that era, before taking our seats in the members’ enclosure.

The teams warming up on the field before the match

Crowds on the field at lunchtime

New Zealand cricket grounds are unique, in that they allow people on to the ground during the lunch break of a match. No other country allows this for security reasons, and so the pitch is not damaged during the match. It appears that New Zealanders are more responsible than the rest of the world!

Captains go out for the toss

Winning the toss of a coin is vital in cricket, as it determines which team goes in to bat first. New Zealand didn’t want to win the toss, as this would mean the Australians would put them in to bat while the wicket was new. Apparently, it is more advantageous to bat after the ground has worn down a bit.

Oh, dear! Australia won the toss!

The National Anthems are played at the beginning of a test match…

…and then the match begins

Unfortunately for the local supporters, New Zealand never recovered from their first morning collapse and were beaten by Australia.

Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington cityscape, showing towering new blocks

We flew into the picturesque capital of Wellington,New Zealand, to meet up with our nephew, Brian, who had arranged tickets for the cricket test match between Australia and New Zealand. Known as the 'coolest little capital', Wellington is a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. Sparkling high rises soar above the city, towering over the rustic houses of yore.

Older houses in Wellington

Original buildings, like the old Wharf Offices of the Harbour Board, 

have been lovingly restored

Although small in size, Wellington is a vibrant city with world class cafés, museums and art galleries, as well as sporting an active outdoor lifestyle. On our first evening, we decided to try a recommended restaurant near to our hotel. We were more than delighted with our choice! Il Piccolo (http://www.ilpiccolo.nz) is directly opposite the Papua New Guinea High Commission on Willis Street. It is a tiny restaurant, with great cuisine, and very affordable.

Il Piccolo from the inside

Our view, the Papua New Guinea High Commission

Our dinner was excellent, and we were able to bag the table in the window. Our enjoyment was enhanced by the music from the 60s and 70s, playing softly in the background. It was a memorable evening.

The next day we wandered around Wellington. This was easy, as it is a small city, geared for pedestrians. We headed for the water front...

...crossed the city square

...and stopped to admire the City to Sea Bridge

…before walking across to the water front

This bridge was designed by Maori artist Paratene Matchitt, and symbolises the origin of Wellington Harbour. The Maori people believe it was created by two taniwha (sea monsters) who lived in a lake near the ocean. When they decided to reach the open sea, they forced their way through the land and made the opening that formed habour as we see it today.

Wellington is famous for its art installations, and many examples can be seen throughout the city. One of the more curious is the award-winning Kumutoto public toilets, in Jervois Quay (below).

I had to walk around to the back before I relalised just what this was!

That evening, we were delighted to catch up with our nephew, Brian

Stone carving overlooking the habour

I leave you with this testament to the city of Wellington

Elizabeth Coughlan