4 minute read
Opinion
EDITORIAL It’s good to be back
Opinion
The tapping of keys, murmur of conversation, and a good cup of tea steaming beside my keyboard. It’s funny the things you miss.
I finished up at the Times-Age in February intending to tramp the world and have a few adventures. The adventures happened but tramping the world – not so much.
A few weeks after I left covid-19 took the world by surprise, New Zealand went through a lockdown, we beat the virus [for a while], and everyone realised that the plans we’d made might have to change a little.
Once we were released from Level 4, I tramped a few trails, and then for a month and a half roamed the hills of Gisborne with a bunch of French, Czechs, Kiwis, Fijians, and Papua New Guineans. We battled rain, blisters, and winds that can lift a man to plant trees. The work was hard, but friendships were formed. Being outside gives you time to think, and there’s something special about sitting in the back
Midweek thoughts Eli Hill
of a van with aching arms and saturated clothes, but knowing a shower and food are not far away.
I finished the planting two weeks ago, and now here I am in front of a keyboard again, telepathically talking to you through the magic of print.
It’s a very interesting time to be alive and no one can accurately predict what the future will bring. But I have a few hopes…
Hopefully, the Midweek will continue to be the little haven of good stories it’s always been.
If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that Lisa, Hayley, and Emily are all amazing writers who brought their own flavour to the tales of our community.
Hopefully, we can shine a light on the good deeds being done.
In this issue of the Midweek you’ll meet Alan Maxwell, a man who helped provide essentials such as food to the Featherston community through its time in lockdown.
Alan was nominated to receive the new car by one of the people he was helping which was brilliant.
In this community, in this country, and during this time we have so many undercover heroes just doing their bit, I think it’s important to have real people to look up to.
If you know something awesome being done in your community, or an awesome person doing awesome things flick me an email or give me a call.
I’m always on the lookout for interesting stories with a strong Wairarapa connection. So please, do get in touch.
The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must rst be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satised with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication. Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa? Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment. CUTIE OF THE WEEK
A unicorn–bulldog–pug cross helping out at the Masterton SPCA opportunity shop. PHOTO/KAREN COLTMAN
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My hero is …
Deb Lodge-Schnellenberg Locally? Wendy Mouldey. An incredible woman who held us together during lockdown. Or Jamie Ayz who overcame tragedy to be stronger than ever. Or family. Liz Kirkland who always considers everyone else above her own needs and when in the darkest of times maintains grace and dignity. Rachel Allomes My beautiful friend Jessica Louise, she’s the most amazing mother and friend.
Jean Cretney My late husband.
Jocelyn Konig Ashley Bloomÿ eld. Joe Stewart My nana.
Donna Marie Gray My dad.
Bob Pringle Brent Gare all round community minded good bugger. Deraj Ataner Jill R.
Camille Travers Watkins Me.
Brent Gare Bob Pringle. Punmaster.
PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
CONTACT US
You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
