Category: nature
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Kauri
Our ancient Kauri trees are dying. And despite some people’s best efforts to prevent the spread of disease, visitors continue to trample the earth with their dirty boots and make no effort to wipe them before (or after) entering this sacred realm of taonga. Always leave your shoes at the…
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fall
iridescent feathers lift from tiny nests and twirl earthwards another season leaves have begun their descent and I wonder where you are I cannot shape you from the soil but wish it was possible we all need to be anchored to something the sound of you has taken shape in my mouth moth-wing-beat against paned glass…
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Filigree
Ngahere-forest-bush-woodland filigreed leaves underfoot trunks delicately lichened offer canopied shelter within. In limitless peace it all ends and begins kākāriki shoots are embedded in the cracks between stones as am I.
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kōwhai
I walk at night to different sounds as the land stills herself and breathes out my ears always pick up more when my sight is less. Beneath ancient kōwhai trees with blackened skin I allow myself to be showered by their blossoms. My story has no beginning or end but is a bundle of kelp multi–stranded and…
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Splintered
The dawn chorus today sounded agitated. I lay in bed and listened before opening my eyes. Autumn is upon us. Sunrise comes slower now, with its apricot-pink fingers. Beyond the birds I heard chainsaws, down at the foreshore. They’d said the pines were to be felled, citing erosion and safety.…
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Stagger
Sand ridges in perfect formation like frozen waves caress the beach. I walk the track a drunkard’s stagger timed with the ocean. ‘You have to pass by the door of death in order to be reborn’ you whispered. Ageless kelp beds cushion my fall into the sea green like…
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Hibernation and Final Grades
It’s been a snowy, frosty, nippy old week here in Te Wai Pounamu. So cold, yet so beautiful. I’ve been moved to tears by the stark white snow against native evergreens (who stand tall regardless), or the blood orange sun rising over icy waters, and the crackle of frost underfoot. Each morning my fingers take up…
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Change. Is it as good as a holiday?
On a trip to The Big Smoke last week, I noticed how sped up and disconnected it all seemed. My response was one of sadness. At times, I had to ask people to slow down as they spoke to me. Yes okay, a contributing factor might be my declining hearing. However, what I noticed (most glaringly)…
Iona Winter 