Jude and Geoff

We met in Sierra Leone where Geoff was working for a British charity; WaterAid, and I was working for Save the Children Fund UK, in war torn Liberia.
We lived together in Sierra Leone for 2 1/2 years before leaving, due to civil unrest as the war in Liberia spilled over into Sierra Leone.


We then moved to live and work in the Republic of Georgia for two years with Oxfam.
During that time we had Sasha, and moved on to North Korea for a 6 month contract – INTERESTING place!!!
From there we lived in Turkmenistan for two years, and then Krgyzstan for 1 year. We had our second daughter; Zelina. We've also spent time living in London, and Northern Ireland where Geoff's family live.

Living in Little River has been such a relief really.
After all the travelling around, I just so like being in one place, and it's such a beautiful, peaceful place. Both Geoff and I have joined the local Fire Brigade, and I also volunteer for St John Ambulance as well. It's helped us to settle in to this community.


We decided to run a Bed & Breakfast as a way to keep in contact with overseas visitors and different cultures etc. We always had people staying with us anyway, I just love making them cosy and making a fuss over them! Little River suits us as it's not too far off the beaten track, but rural enough to enjoy a small community and bring our children up in secure setting.

Running our B&B has been a blast! We bought and renovated the cottage next door, so it's easy to keep tidy, not like my house! We have had lots of guests, and enojyed meeting people and hearing their stories.

 
The most exciting thing lately, is the Emergency Cadets Services we have helped start here. It's a first for the NZ Fire Service. We have 22+ regulars which meet every Friday evening aged between 10-16. They just love it and the proof is in the pudding as we've been running for since March this year! Our focus is on fire, first aid, civil defence, and we're going to link up with the Department of Conservation as well. We have heaps of things we want to expand into like camping, cooking etc etc. It's all so exciting!!!!

Joseph and Nicky

Even though it was many years ago, Joseph remembers driving over the hill from Christchurch to Lyttelton for the first time. As the expansive views of sparkling blue harbour and rugged, notched crater walls opened before him the only question in his mind was, "Why would I want to live anywhere else in Christchurch?"




It wasn't long before he and Nicky settled into their Victorian house and set about making restorations for the bed-and-breakfast, nestled in the village of Lyttelton at the base of the slopes of a huge and ancient volcanic crater. No need for concern; the last eruption and took place more than 11 million years ago and the volcano has long been extinct! At the time however the results were somewhat devastating and the explosion left a large open crater that was flooded by the sea. Residents of Lyttelton have long since been grateful for this fact, given that most enjoy a beautiful harbour view framed by the green hills of the Banks Peninsula beyond.


Part of the attraction of the location for Joseph and Nicky is the easy access to the hills and sea. Both are keen outdoor enthusiasts and spend most weekends kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, walking or some combination of the above. Lyttelton is unique in that there aren't many places in the world where it's possible to do any of these sports without getting into your car.


Joseph and Nicky are both teachers so after a busy day in the classroom they enjoy the peace and quiet of Lyttelton, playing with their two cats in the garden, tending to the fruit trees, vegetable garden and chickens. The chickens are especially important since they provide your breakfast eggs!

The area is a great place to unwind and ideal for nature lovers. Behind the bed-and-breakfast are a number of walks leading up to the Crater Rim reserves where regenerating bush and bird-life flourish. See the exposed volcanic cliff faces where the rock climbers practise their art.

Nicky and Joseph are active environmentalists and both volunteer time to assist local groups.

Joseph hosts a regular weekend "Enviro Show" on the local radio station called, you guessed it, Volcano Radio, interviewing many colourful characters. If you have a story to tell and you're interested, you could even find yourself at the sharp end of a microphone!

The Unofficial Mayor of Katikati

Nancy Merriman - Katikati Heritage Museum

Step back into the past, with walk-through scenes and exhibits at the Katikati Heritage Museum. You will be pleasantly surprised, at how much fun history can actually be. The museum is the home of the Goodwin bottle collection which is the largest of its kind in Australasia, it also features the LPs of yesteryear collection – both very impressive.

The friendly barn style museum, represents the pioneering days when Irish immigrants first settled in Katikati, up until today. It is believed that Katikati is the site of the only planned Ulster Irish settlement in the world.

Educational programs are available which meet the school curriculum from years 1 through to Year 8 and can be tailored to class and age need. These programs are hands on and children are dressed as in 100 years ago in education.For enquiries and unit plans call (07)549 0651.

Prices for admission and tours of the Museum are:

Adults $6.00
Children $4.00
Family (two adults and three children) $20.00

Group bookings of ten or more adults is $5.00 per head

The Katikati Heritage Museum is located in the Bay of Plenty New Zealand it is a fun, educational and affordable journey through the past, a destination not to be missed.

The Misty River Cafe, Waipawa

Middle of a Recession, Middle of Winter, Middle of Nowhere...

...and thriving.

When Kris knew his mother was coming to cook for him he was confident he would do OK.

Julie makes specials every day because she like the variety. She says the customes have confidence in the quality of the food so everything on the menu sells.

Attention to detail extends to the sunny courtyard herb garden and a sweet tussy-mussy in the loo.

12 High St Waipawa

Internet Access in a welcoming, feminine environment

Sharons quiet, central business is the perfect spot to catch up on your family emails and update your online journal. 
She is accommodating to customers requests and easy to engage.
Sharon is generous with her time and knowledge. She offers training and support in a welcoming and feminine environment. 


Sharon opened her own internet cafe in order to provide a more flexible service and to extend her scope and gain fulfillment from assisting her customers.


She has the creativity to whip up business cards and flyers for locals, her prices are very reasonable. 


www.computerwhys.co.nz 
Look for her just across the road from the Mall entrance at:
196 Oxford Street, Levin. 
You can also phone her on (06) 368 8063