Journey

Kua hinga te Totara i te wao nui a Tane”  The Totara has fallen in the forest of Tane.

This morning I am feeling shocked and very sad.  A colleague of ours, a man we liked and had a great deal of respect for, tragically passed away in the weekend.  Simon was Sanctuary Manager of Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust www.rotokare.org.nz/ .  Over the last decade both Sean and I have worked with Simon on projects to protect the biodiversity of Taranaki.  Even though he was only 49 Simon made a huge contribution to conservation and the community in our region.  He was passionate, dedicated, intelligent, funny and generous.  It was thanks to Simon, and the members of the Taranaki Kohanga Kiwi at Rotokare project, that Rory was able to name a Western brown kiwi last year.  ‘The Hulk’ was released into forest at the Totara Block in 2020.  Last weekend we met his girlfriend Rex.  Simon was full of life.  I can’t believe he is gone.  It makes me angry at how life can be too short, especially for great people.  It is so unfair.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the team at Rotokare Sanctuary. 

We have had a quiet week.  Rory had a fall so has spent the week with a brace on his sprained left ankle.  Dane modified his workouts to focus on his upper body.  Rory had his three monthly testosterone (replacement) injection.  He enjoyed his afternoon with Rob on Thursday doing bloke stuff.  Yesterday he had a visit from Jack his old Companion and they spent a couple of hours catching up on news. 

Thank you to Hayden and Ally Keeling for the load of firewood to keep our home warm this winter.