Stallholder portrait - Joseph, the bone carver
When Joseph and his family came here from Tonga ten years ago, he first worked in kiwifruit orchards, pruning, harvesting and so on. But happy he was not. He wanted to use his artistic talent and started carving – bone and wood. “Mine is pacific art”, says Siosefu as his name is spelt in Tongan. He amalgamates Tongan and Maori themes like “a Tongan fish hook but mixed with a manaia design.” Or he inserts pieces of paua shell into a Polynesian style fish hook. Joseph/Siusefu is working hard to constantly increasing the quality of his work. “I think my talent is growing … my work is better [than] before.” And if things work out, he will open his own shop and gallery one day in this town. But for now he is still at Thames Market with his beautiful carvings.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
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