Whangarei Falls

The 26 metre high Falls, within the city limits, would be the most photographed spot in Whangarei.

Whangarei Coastguard

The Whangarei Coastguard in action, checking out an overturned boat at Onerahi recently.
 They're getting a brand new locally built boat any day now.

Get the Humps

One of the more creative outfits at Waipu's Xmas Parade, held on Xmas Eve.

3 Sisters & Elephant

At Tongaporutu, on the coast, north of Waitara in Taranaki, you can see three 25 metre rock formations known as the 3 Sisters and the Elephant.

Onerahi Shops Scenery

One of the scenic tile murals added to beautify the Onerahi shops recently.

Because It's Xmas

One of a Kind

The only one in New Zealand, the Technical Rescue Tenderbased in the busy Papatoetoe Fire Station in South Auckland is used for complex rescues, major vehicle crashes and building collapses etc. It is often called the Heavy Rescue Tender (by fire staff), which Auckland had two of before.

Fish From Glass

Last Saturday the Artisans Fair was held in Cafler Park, Whangarei.

This lady (from Annie Rose)was making fish from sticks of glass using a blowtorch.

Life Savers

The Whangarei Heads Surf Lifeguards at work, at Ocean Beach (East of Whangarei) last summer.

We owe them real gratitude for their work.

Heritage Park

The Whangarei Heritage Park is not far from the western edge of the city, where 11 clubs and organisations are sited. The have regular visitor days where people can experience what they have to offer.

NZ's Smallest Fire Station?

At Tongaporutu. a tiny seaside settlement near Mokau, in North Taranaki.

There are really interesting cliff faces and breakaway islands here.

Undies Away

An old photo of the Undies 500 road race run here by More FM. Always worth a laugh for some of the more creative costumes. They haven't held one this year that I know of.

Not Your Usual Shapes

The windows and door are really interesting shapes.
Rongotea is a small village west of Palmerston North.

Reel the Mail In

Such a cool idea.

Spotted at Onerahi - how you can get your mail without getting wet. Just use the line and pulleys at each end to bring the box up to the deck.

From Cows to Fires

Many rural fire brigades in New Zealand have their own tankers, for obvious reason. Some are converted milk tankers. The Te Kauwhata one above looks like it was one of these.

Have a Rocketing Xmas

One of floats that captured public interest at yesterday's Kamo Xmas Parade. A radio controlled rocket with trailer. The astronaut waved to the crowd as well.

One Moment, I'll Connect You

The Kauri Museum at Matakohe has an old Post Office building full of the old time equipment. Well worth a visit. Much more than just this there.

Seen Better Days

The remains of a once busy wharf pier at Port Whangarei. Most of the boats use the deep water port at Marsden Point now.

Maungakaramea's Pride

Earlier this year the Maungakaramea Rural Fire Force took delivery of a brand new fire engine, replacing their old one.
They are well into building a new fire station as well, having operated from an old shed.

Duck!

A skateboarder flies high at the Whangarei Skate park at a brilliantly fine day for the skateboarding competitions in February.

Just a Few Floats

What you can do with stuff washed up on the beach.
This well decorated home in the main street of Te Kopuru (south of Dargaville) has hundreds of ropes and buoys from ships, and other decorations.

Gnarly

This twisted leaf-free tree caught my eye while photographing Whangarei Harbour.

This Truck is Very Nice

Lovingly restored, one of Russell's early fire engines got an outing at Kawakawa Fire Brigade's parade in 2005.

He's In Front Of You

A judge watches during the national skydiving championships at Onerahi Airport (Whangarei) last summer.

Skydive Ballistic Blondes operates a public tandem dive operation here.

Just Walking the Dog

Sorry for the big gaps on posts, hope to be back to daily posts again.

This boy and his dog were enjoying the hot day at Sandspit, a picturesque seaside village east of Warkworth.