Mānawatia a Matariki!!

A much needed public holiday for many, and I hope you are all able to take time the can for remembrance, celebration, and preparation over this Matariki weekend.

“As Matariki rises in the morning sky during winter, it calls us to cluster together to celebrate our world, our people and our home by remembering our loved ones, celebrating who we are today and who we hope to be in the future. Whether you are looking at the rising of Matariki or Puanga in our early morning sky, or even the setting of Rehua, the period of Matariki is about all of us – the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.” - from www.matariki.com

I am quietly reflecting tonight on the kindness and solidarity of others, and how loudly small acts speak.

From the creation of visual timetables by a teacher to the thoughtful messages of solidarity to the understanding of colleagues as I apologise for my delay in responding, people have been so very kind to me and to us.

We recently visited a ‘have a go’ day at the Cambridge Velodrome; the staff at Trikes NZ were lovely. Look at this kid having the time of her life casually cycling about:

There are places who provide funding (trikes are rather more expensive than your usual bicycles), which is even kinder and more thoughtful.

My emotional and mental bandwith these past few months has been greatly decreased. As I have apologised, again, for dropping the ball, being out of contact, missing a deadline, people have been so very kind and understanding. We have commiserated together over the various incomprehensible policy decisions made and how they have impacted on each of us.

I am very thankful for each of these small acts of thoughtfulness and kindess; they speak far more profoundly and meaningfully than any of the loud and cruel voices (that often get a disproportionate amount of air time).

Take care and enjoy your weekend, however you choose to spend it.

xx Bex