Art Deco Festival

Napier is known as the Art Deco Capital of the world.  Following a massive earthquake (7.9 on the Richter scale) on the morning of Tuesday 3 February 1931, fires destroyed most of the commercial heart of Napier. The city was rebuilt in the style of that era and by the end of the decade Napier was the newest city on the globe. The annual Art Deco Festival celebrates the rebuilding of the city after this horrendous time.  Our intrepid group of ICA travelers parked up close to all the action at Napier Intermediate School, just a shortish walk to the city centre.  It seemed longer to those with knee and hip problems, but everyone made it there and back.

Nice to be parked on green grass

The Art Deco Trust puts together a very full programme,  and as first time attendees, everything was new to us.  The highlight to us was the vintage car parade, with 300 pre-1946 cars registered.  We walked through Clive Square and admired a young family dressed up for the day.  It was lovely to see so many getting into the spirit with their vintage styled clothing.

We spent some time in this area admiring these beauties as they awaited the start of the display.  How did the passengers clamber up into those dickey seats and get settled while dressed to the nines, I wonder?

Waiting to take part in the parade

In my opinion, there is nothing more thrilling than a pipe band - the Hawkes Bay Caledonian Pipe band started playing and got my toes tapping and my (diluted) Scots blood racing through the veins.

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band looked extra smart as they started playing before the parade.  The navy played a crucial role in Napier during the 1931 earthquake.  At 10:46 am on 3 February 1931 an earthquake registering 7.8 on the Richter scale shook throughout New Zealand, its epicentre just 15.2 kms north of Napier. The initial shock lasted for 2.5 minutes.  In the city of Napier, buildings and chimneys toppled, roads broke apart and the earth heaved and opened.   Water rushed out of the harbour as the ground rose. HMS Veronica was ‘left high and dry, all the wire mooring lines broke, but the ropes, made from New Zealand flax, held, and prevented her from rolling over on her side.’ Commander Morgan landed rescue teams to assist the injured, feed the hungry and help establish a sense of order amidst the chaos.  Fires were ablaze on shore, power and water supplies were cut and hundreds discovered they were homeless.  Two merchant ships at anchor nearby, the Taranaki and Northumberland placed themselves under naval command and assisted in the relief efforts. 

Royal New Zealand Navy Band

Once the car parade, the bands, and marching girls had moved off, it was time to make our way to see some of the other delights on show.  Ladies walked by dressed in their beaded finery, fancy feather headdresses, and some sporting fox furs around their shoulders.  The gents were also elegantly dressed, braces, hats some in knickerbocker trousers too.  And look what fun this bunch of revelers are having.

That looks like fun

There was a concert in full swing at the Sound Shell, this is free entertainment for the masses.  Seasoned attendees knew to take some folding chairs with them, while others had to stand, sit on the grass, or find somewhere to perch on.

Concert at the Sound Shell

Flying displays by the Warbirds Display Team roared overhead.  We watched as they flew in formation, and looped the looped.  Then one would break away from the group, fly up high, then nose down seemingly in a suicide mission, luckily pulling up in the nick of time and continue on his way.  Thrilling stuff indeed!

Warbirds Display Team

Getting footsore and a little weary we wandered back to the van, stopping to admire some of the Art Deco buildings as we passed by.  There are many, many Art Deco buildings, as this was the style that the city was rebuilt in after the earthquake. 

Art Deco architecture

Later in the afternoon our group had their own Best Dressed competition, and what a lovely bunch we were.  After the judges put their heads together, the winners were announced.  The Best Dressed Couple was Val and Graham, the Best Dressed Lady was Jeanette, and Jim took the prize as the Best Dressed Gentleman.  Congratulations to all.

Val and Bill, and us, Jenny and Robin

All in our finery

Some rain fell on our last evening in Napier, quite heavy for a while so it is sure to be welcomed by the region.  It didn’t stop us sitting outside under the awning though,  and the cooler temperatures were a relief. 

God’s Own Brewery

If that name sounds familiar, it is.  We visited this place about a month ago on another trip.  And here we are again, the first stop on Bill and Val’s three week long “ICA Art Deco to the Capital Rally”.  God’s Own Brewery is run by Godfrey and Rachael and is a fully licensed Brew Pub in rural Maraekakaho, south of Hastings.  Godfrey’s motto is “Everyone has to believe in something, I believe that I will have another beer”.

The paddock accommodated 17 motorhomes and 2 caravans.  Robin and Martin did a great job of getting these vehicles parked up. 

After a great deal of meeting and greeting, we all gathered in the safari dining tent, or outside at the picnic tables for Happy Hour.  This gave everyone a chance to try some of Godfrey’s beer – or if beer was not to your taste, locally made cider or wine was available, along with soft drinks or coffee.  Bill and Robin decided to tackle the Tasting Ark, a selection of six different beers.

Robin, Val and Bill in the Safari Tent

Pizza was on the menu for dinner, and Rachael was kept busy cooking and serving a variety of pizzas for us to try.  The trays with pizzas just kept coming and coming, there was plenty for everyone.

Pizza ovens

“Look outside” someone exclaimed, and what a sight it was.  There was a rainbow hovering over our vans – we took this to be a sign of good luck for our rally, with exciting times to happen.  Out came the cameras and phones, clicking away madly.

Our lucky rainbow

It had been another scorching Hawkes Bay day, so we sat outside in the cool of the evening.  As the sky darkened there was a glorious sunset, just beautiful.

Sunset at God’s Own

Morning Tea the next day was in the shade of a handy group of large trees.  Followed by a boomerang throwing contest by a few keen blokes – it was too hot for most of us to be running about in these sort of temperatures.

Morning Tea in the shade

We enjoyed a selection on nibbles at the next Happy Hour, provided by our hosts, and giving us a taste of South African cured meat.  Later on Godfrey took several  groups through his brewery, and explained how his beer is made.

Godfrey and his Brew House

We had a lovely time here, it was great to be back again with our friendly hosts.  Tomorrow we head back to Napier it experience the Art Deco celebrations, which will be a first for us, and something we are looking forward to.

A few Days on our Own

Currently we are staying at the NZMCA Park, Ericson Road, Napier, for a few days on our own while we wait for the ICA Rally to commence.

We certainly wonder what it is with campers and watering cans lately?  There seemed to be a stream of people wandering down to the tap with a watering can to top up their water supply.  Surely it would be more sensible to hook up the caravan, drive down to the tap, and do the job properly?

Here they go topping up the water

After blobbing out in the fierce Hawkes Bay heat yesterday, we spent the cool of the evening chatting to our neighbours.  And had a recommendation to call in to the Art Deco Masonic Hotel for a coffee and to check out the historic photos on display.  That sounded good to us, so off we went this morning.

It was lovely and cool inside, with the decorating style heavily slanted to “vintage”.  Toys and old suitcases were elegantly displayed, and there were cabinets full of the sort of things that Grandmother would have in her home.  I spent some time checking out the historic photos, thanks to our neighbours for the tip to visit, not somewhere we would have thought to visit.

Masonic Hotel

After enjoying our coffee we drove on to Havelock North, a very pretty and affluent village, especially to go to the Birdwood's Sweet Shop.  Set is a cute little cottage, stepping inside is like a sweet lovers wonderland.  Filled to the brim with jars and jars of sweets – you are invited to take a bowl or two, a plastic glove, and select the sweets you were drooling after.  I chose Acid Drops and Robin was after Blackballs – we keep these in the car to perk us up on long drives.

Birdwood's Sweet Shop Cottage

And we couldn't leave without indulging in a “real fruit ice-cream”.  Coffees and ice-creams are served in the spacious sculpture park at the back of the café and gallery.  This really is a rather delightful property.

Waiting for our ice-creams

Then with the car refueled, and a couple of other items crossed off the list, we returned back to camp.  We are booked in to the local RSA (Returned Services Club) for a meal out tonight, so that should be nice.  Then tomorrow our long anticipated ICA Rally organised by Bill and Val kicks off.  Three weeks of travel, fun and friendship, lots to see and do – and we will be returning to Napier for the Art Deco weekend, this will be a first for us.  

Saddle Road to Anzac Park

We are off on another adventure, meeting up with the ICA people for several weeks, starting in the Hawkes Bay.   Why not leave a few days early, we decided, so we did.  With the Manawatu Gorge Road closed forever, we took the alternative Saddle Road from Ashhust to Woodville.  It’s been a while since we traveled this road, and just like the Pahiatua Track Road which we use frequently, was rather busy with cars and the inevitable big trucks.

Saddle Road, Manawatu

The hypnotic turning windmills soon appeared as we reached the summit, it’s always interesting to note that some turn faster than others.  Just the way the wind flows past, I expect.  The $100 million wind farm consists of 55 separate turbines capable of generating 1.65 MW each, representing a total capacity of 90.75 MW. Each turbine is atop a 70-metre-high (230 ft) tower. It is fitted with 3 blades each 35 metres in length.

Wind turbines at Te Apiti Windfarm

Lunch stop was at the very pretty Anzac Park, north of Norsewood  According to the info board “A 500 year bush remnant untouched by fire or axe.  An unique examples of conditions encountered by the 1872-75 settlers.”  The last remaining 16 acres were preserved in 1912, renamed Anzac Park in 1916, and approved as a “Motorists Camping Ground” in 1929.  A really beautiful place with bush walks aplenty, and a bargain at $2 each per night.  No facilities, with the water tap and toilet block locked up tight, but most of us are self sufficient these days.  No dogs allowed – so how come one was running around loose with a group of campers, I wonder?

Anzac Park

Lunch stop over, it was time to get on our way.  Next stop, Ericson Road NZMCA park for three nights, before meeting up with the ICA rally.

Further Fun at Pohangina

Our long Waitangi Weekend has come to a close, and what a great weekend we had.   We were kept amused as Don used his “ever so clever” caravan mover to direct his caravan into the correct spot, no trouble at all, this device works effortlessly.

“Come this way, little caravan”

Two rather special awards were presented at 4zees, while we sheltered under the large shady trees.  First was for Geoff and Eileen, who were presented with their 300 rally badges by President Barry.  Then Barry presented Dot with her 200 rally badge.   Many congratulations to you all, that’s an awful lot of rally weekends away with the club.

Rally Awards to Geoff and Eileen, and Dot

Later in the evening we played the Hat Game, rather like Musical Chairs for oldies, but instead of racing around we stayed seated in a circle.  Everyone except one person was given a hat to wear, and as the music played the idea was to remove the hat from the head in front and place it on your head, over and over again.  Once the music stopped the person without a hat left the circle, until it was a fight to the death with the last two players, who were now facing each other.  The ladies went first, with Cath being the eventual winner.

Reaching for those hats

The final, between myself and Cath

Then it was the men’s turn.  Helen had collected all these hats but there were not enough manly hats to go around.  Never mind, the blokes looked rather fetching wearing ladies hats.  Pat was the winner of the men’s section.

Waiting for the music to start

The next morning kicked off with a Champagne Breakfast.  Everyone was up bright and early to fire up the BBQs for bacon, eggs, sausages, whatever took their fancy.  Barry and Dianne arrived with pancakes, blueberries, and cream, which looked  rather tasty alternative.

Barry and Dianne with pancakes

Most of us had bacon and eggs

Then we jumped in the cars and drove to check out Totara Reserve – two motor camps here to see.  One is rather rustic in the style of earlier years with campers parked up wherever – no sites marked out here.  We stopped here for a cuppa and I had a quick look at the Pohangina River, a tributary of the Manawatu River.   Quite a dangerous place with the cliff face being unstable.  Several years ago a large chunk of the cliff fell down onto a group of children resulting in a couple of fatalities.  The river was blocked and the motor camp flooded and closed for quite some time.

Pohangina River

Driving to the adjacent camp we stopped for a photo opportunity, with the cars all lined up in a row.  It was nice to see a large group of picnickers out for the day enjoying themselves, a family or church group perhaps, all having fun in the sunshine.

Here we all are

We weren’t back at camp very long before we had to lave for another social occasion, Devonshire Tea at the local café, Country Fayre,  just a short walk from where we were camped.  The building was the former Pohangina County Council, and we were seated at the rather impressive boardroom table.

Devonshire Tea at Country Fayre Café

There was a quiz and games on our final night of the rally.  Many thanks to Owen and Helen for organising a great weekend.

Waitangi Weekend in Pohangina Valley

Yesterday (Thursday) was our national day here in New Zealand, Waitangi Day.  While the Prime Minister and other assorted government officials were celebrating at Waitangi, we joined the caravan club for a long weekend at the pretty Pohangina School Reserve.  Sited in the old school grounds, and surrounded by lovely old trees, this is a favourite place of ours to stay.

We had a stop on the drive up at Ashurst – and I just had to walk up to the Viewing Platform, to get a good view of the power generating windmills on the Tararua Ranges.  With an altitude of over 1500 mts above sea level, and lying perpendicular to the prevailing winds, this range of hills has long been known for its wind.  The resulting flow produces some of the biggest wind speeds in the country.

Just a small part of the Tararua Wind Farm

Walking up the track to the viewing platform through the bush  I came across these two kereru sitting on top of the fence.  And managed to snap a photo before they realised I was there and flew away.  The kereru or New Zealand pigeon is the only pigeon endemic to the New Zealand mainland.

From here it wasn’t too far to our destination, Pohangina School Reserve.  We arrived in time for lunch, and during the afternoon the others soon rolled in.

All lined up

The day was hot and sunny so we all gathered under the shady trees for 4zees.  What could be nicer than that?

4zees under the shady trees

Some of us decided to fire up the BBQs for our evening meal, it was pork chops for us, and salad.  Then in the early evening we all gathered outside again.  Owen and Helen are the rally family in charge this weekend, and had the idea that perhaps some of us might like to give a short 5 minute talk about aspects of our lives, which others may not necessarily know.  Geoff talked about how he and his parents happened to make the decision to emigrate to New Zealand, they were advised that New Zealand was a tropical country and they would not need winter clothes of coats – not true, of course, while others talked about their early working lives.  I spoke about my life when I ran a dairy (corner shop) with my former husband and two young children.  Getting up at 5.00am, and closing the shop doors at 9.00pm, it was a very busy and rather stressful time in my life.

Owen and Helen have plenty of plans for us, so we are assured of an interesting weekend away.  Hope the weather stays nice and sunny, but of course, we will just have to take what we get.

These things take time

Finally, another little job done on our new caravan, purchased a couple of months ago.  Sign writing – just in case we forget who we are.  (If we forget where we are, that’s a whole different problem).  Local company Parsons Signs did the work for us.  We were pleased that they had kept the design work from our previous van on file, so it was just a matter of deciding on the size, and printing them off again.  Up the ladder he went, and got to work smoothing the vinyl lettering in place.

The job didn’t take too long at all and before we knew it, all the signs were in place.  Romany Rambler went on the front and the back of the van.

Signs on front and back

And just so we don’t enter the wrong van by mistake, we now have our names by the door.

And by the door

It was great that the company does “home visits” to complete the job, meaning we didn’t have to hook the van up and drive it through town.  We were very pleased with the prompt and efficient service, much appreciated.