We had six days away on a classic car rally in Gisborne. I had never been there before and now I know why – it’s on the way to no where and there is little there when you arrive, apart from glorious sandy, surf beaches. Over the six days are three half day rallies to different destinations and free time at other stages to explore on our own. Rally one went north west, past Rere Falls and rock water slide (one of 101 things NZers must do – 60 foot of rock/water cover moss, slide down on a lilo to a pond at the bottom - hilarious), and finished at the Eastwoodhill Aboretum which has the largest collection of ‘northern’ hemisphere trees, in the southern hemisphere. Magnificent specimens.
Day two went initially south from Gisborne to then turn up the east coast to Tologa Bay. We visited this longest wharf in the southern hemisphere (no longer in use), and then backtracked to visit and have a Maori welcome followed by lunch at the marae where whale rider was filmed. 175 of us. It was an eye opener for some. Although I would say after experiencing UoA Maori involvement, this welcome was very low key and relaxed. Day three headed south through the back route to Wairoa and then out east to Mahia Peninsula for lunch and back to Gisborne – a very long day but interesting scenery. Friday night we had a prize giving dinner in a function centre out of town for 185. Brian one the prize for the concours cars 1971 and newer – he was surprised as he no longer runs a classic car, just his daily driver that he keeps so clean which is a 1999 SLK 2 seater Mercedes-Benz Sports car. He was a happy boy. Saturday we put on a car display and car gymkhana to fund raise for a local charity, before heading home at lunchtime to arrive in at 7pm that night – ever so tired.
Sunday was catch up day, Monday back to work, and Tues and Wed we had a Research Office two day retreat at Leigh Marine Laboratory. Some of us stayed at the Sawmill Café in bunk rooms. A good chance to great to know some of our work colleagues better
