Duddings Lake and Ratana Pa

The tranquil sounds of birdlife was shattered by the roar of a jet boat being put through it’s paces on the lake.  We were sitting outside enjoying our morning tea when a car and boat trailer drove around to the far side of the lake. The boat engine coughed and spluttered a few times before roaring into life.  Then away it went, racing down the centre of the lake.  The ducks and geese  scattered out of the way in fright.

Jet boat on Duddings Lake

And what’s this little creature on Geoff and Eileen’s caravan step?  There he was, waving his feelers in the air, and not scared at all of us all crowding around to get a good look.  It was a large stick insect, probably visiting from the stand of conifer trees on the boundary fence just behind us.  They have evolved to blend in with their surroundings to avoid being caught and eaten by predators such as birds. During the day, they sit still or sway like leaves in the breeze, and by night they feed on leaves.  Our visitor  would have been much safer if it had stayed in the trees, away from the beady eyes of hungry birds.

  

  Look who has come calling

After lunch Geoff suggested we take a “tiki tour” up to Ratana, home of the Ratana Church.  This was founded by Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, who had a spiritual vision at the age of 44.  He became known for his healing powers and toured the country urging Maori to unify under God. He became known as “Te Māngai” (mouthpiece). With his followers  he set up the community at Ratana.  The beautiful white church with room for 2000 people is surrounded by lovely gardens and entrance is through a set of impressive gates.

Ratana Church

Each year on January 24th the politicians flock to Ratana Pa for the annual commemorations of the prophet Tahupotiki Ratana's birthday.  The Ratana followers were traditionally big supporters of the Labour Party, that has changed over the years and now politicians of all the parties arrive at the Pa to pay tribute and meet with members.

Also in  the grounds in the long low building of the Manuao, an accommodation facility and head office of the church, and this building too carries great significance spiritually and physically.  The Manuao carries models of the Seven Canoes which made the journey to New Zealand, along with a model of Captain James Cook’s Endeavour and the Heemskerck, captained by Able Tasman.   Ratana referred to the wakas mounted on the Manuao veranda as spiritual lifeboats.

The Manuao with models of wakas on the veranda

Close by was the beautifully carved Whare Maori which contains crutches and wheelchairs from followers who were healed by Ratana in the 1920s and 1930s.

The Whare Maori

We also stopped off at Turakina to have a look around, and travelled down to the small beach settlement of Koitiata. There is a small motor camp across the road from the beach, and the sites were very reasonably priced.  Not quite sure about the water quality though.  A sign by the camp washing machine states not to wash any white clothing in the machine as the items will discolour!

Koitiata Beach

We had a celebration dessert for our last evening in camp.  Geoff and Eileen invited us to share a gourmet chocolate and whisky flavoured Christmas Pudding with them, which was served with hot custard.   Very tasty it was too.  Our Easter holiday is winding down, and tomorrow it is time to pack up and travel back to our respective homes.