A Big Storm.

In early April 2025, a severe storm hit the Tasman District. It was very scary but fortunately there was no major damage. However, the Matai River burst its banks. The last big Storm occurred in August 2022 and lasted longer.

Harry and Harvey.

I have been walking Harvey, a ten-year-old Black Labrador, and Harry, a Schnauzer Dog who is about fourteen years old. I started walking Harvey in February 2016 and Harry in August 2019. They both have tickets on them meaning they are very grand. They are both heaps of fun and enjoyable to walk.

Picton Ferries.

The current Government's handling of the Interislander ferries has been disastrous, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis should be ashamed. It will cost New Zealand taxpayers more than the previous government's plan. Picton is a lovely place to visit, but this Government has taken a hands-off approach to the ferries.

The Government.

The current National-led government, along with NZ First and Act NZ Party, has poorly served New Zealand, resulting in higher unemployment and failing to upgrade hospitals, ferries, school lunches, and treaty negotiations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon mismanaged Andrew Bayly's dismissal as Consumer Affairs Minister, and ministers are generally unresponsive, with Bayly never replying to me.

 

Arena Williams.

On March 9th, I met Arena Williams, Labour's Member of Parliament for Manurewa and the Youth Affairs Spokesperson. Born in 1990, Arena has served in Parliament since 2020. Arena was very approachable, and I was pleased to meet her. Our first meeting occurred in January 2021.

Sri Lanka Ladies.

On March 7th and 9th, I watched New Zealand's White Ferns play Sri Lanka at Saxton Oval in two 50-over matches. The White Ferns won both easily, clinching the series 2-0. I was delighted to meet Darshan Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka's trainer, who also worked with the men's team in 2015. I met some White Ferns around town and took a photo with the World Cup.

Andrew Goodman.

I went to school with the Ireland rugby defence coach Andrew Goodman. I was at Saint Joseph’s school with Andrew from 1992 to 1994. He was never in my class and was year younger than me. He had the nickname ‘Goody’. He captained the Tasman Mako NPC Side between 2009 and 2011 where he played centre. He later coached the Mako and the Crusaders in Super Rugby then Leinster in Ireland. He was defence coach for Ireland against the All Blacks in November 2024. He was in Nelson over Christmas and I saw him at the petrol station when I was getting petrol for the lawnmower.

Paddington.

On February 3^rd, I went to see Paddington in Peru. It was a really good movie which I really enjoyed. It was funny that it was a talking bear who was named after Paddington railway station in London.

John Minto.

On February 1^st I met well known activist John Minto who led protesters in 1981 against the Springbok rugby tour to New Zealand. I read his articles on the Daily Blog which is a left leaning website on politics. He liked my comments about Christopher Luxon feeding the whole of North Island with a bucket of KFC and loaf of bread.

Big Red Bus.

Every Summer I go on the double decker bus which is a big red bus just like the Big Red Bus in London. It is a 1984 vehicle which goes between the information centre in Nelson to the motor camp. I always like going upstairs

Black Caps and Sri Lanka.

On January 3rd, I went to Nelson Airport and met some of the cricketers from both the Sri Lanka and New Zealand teams. I was really pleased I met Bhanuka Rajapaksa who has played for my favourite Indian Premier League side. I also met Nuwan Thursana who will be playing for Bangalore Royal Challengers this year in the IPL and Black Caps Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry.

Meeting the Black Caps.

On January 2nd I went to see the Black Caps play Sri Lanka at Saxton Oval in a twenty-twenty match. The Black Caps had already wrapped up the series at Mount Maunganui. I was lucky enough to meet some of the Black Caps outside their hotel. They were Nathan Smith, Michael Bracewell and Tim Robinson as well Wayne Knight the umpire. Sri Lanka won by 7 Runs with the series ending two to one for New Zealand. There was an awesome century by Kausal Perera from Sri Lanka.

Steven Zindel.

I am really good friends with Steven Zindel who is a well known lawyer in Nelson. He is always approachable and down to earth. He is Dutch and has been a lawyer in Nelson for a long time. I really like Steven as a person.

David Seymour.

I think, Act leader and cabinet minister, David Seymour is completely and utterly wrong with his Treaty bill. He is smug and arrogant. He doesn't understand poor people or Maori who are disadvantaged and, sadly, live not as long as non Maori. The Prime Minister is a weak individual for not saying no to Seymour.

Cricket.

I am so pleased Saxton Oval will be hosting a lot of top class cricket such as the Black Caps hosting Sri Lanka. It will be the Sri Lankan men's fourth visit to Nelson. Their first was in January 2015. The Sri Lanka team are improving under the coaching of Sarth Jayasuriya who is a Sri Lanka legend.

Indiana Restaurant.

For my 43rd birthday I got an Indiana cafe voucher for $100. I have had a couple of meals there, as has my mum. Mine were kadal chicken and mango chicken. I highly recommend this restaurant. It is now my favourite Indian restaurant in Nelson and the staff are very friendly. 

South Street.

Nelson has New Zealand's oldest street. It is called South Street and it was formed in the 1860s. It is a very expensive part of Nelson to live and is truly beautiful with lots of cottages. It is near the Rutherford hotel which is Nelson's tallest building.

Sky Stadium..

I am looking forward to returning to Wellington in May 2025. I have been going to Sky Stadium since February 2002. I haven't been there since May 2019. I went to three rugby tests there, against South Africa, England and Australia as well a British/Irish Lions clash way back in 2005. I have watched about 21 games of rugby at this world class stadium. 22 next year.

Trump.

I think Donald Trump is very bad for America. He is going to make the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I was shocked that he won so easily against Democrat candidate Kamala Harris. He thinks he is the man but I think he is ignorant. He wants to be a dictator like Russian leader Putin.

Picton.

I think Picton is a wonderful place to visit. I like going there for bus rides and yes maybe I could stay over for a night. It's like paradise near the beautiful sea. But sadly this Government has run down our ferry services and should hold their heads in shame. There are famous people who come from Picton such as former New Zealand cricket all-rounder Chris Cairns who was born in Picton in 1970.

White Ferns.

I was really surprised that the New Zealand White Ferns cricket team won the 20-20 Championship. I have to be honest, I didn't give them a chance, considering they were on a 10 match losing streak. I remember that their last win in 20-20 was on March 24th 2024, out at Saxton Oval. I will be looking forward to them playing 2x50 over fixtures against Sri Lanka on March 7th and 9th next year. This was New Zealands first 20-20 World Cup win.