There's no place like home
This is the first summer break that I have had in Botany after moving into the electorate in August last year, so I decided to stick around our patch and explore Botany's home turf.
Spending Christmas and New Year's at home has been a delightful experience as I have gotten out and taken in some of the breathtaking natural wonders that our patch has on offer.
Over the past few weeks, I have met many wonderful people and have discovered many wonderful things about Botany.
Hark now hear the Angels sing ...
Christmas spirit and carols were ringing in everyone's ears for three nights in a row in the lead up to Christmas Eve at the Elim Christian Centre.
The sweet sounds of the carollers were part of the Centre's fundraising efforts to present parcels to neighbours in the area.
The atmosphere was definitely moving and uplifting as people from throughout our community came together in a show of Xmas spirit to support the worthy cause and ensure that families in our patch were able to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Major John sings for our supper
The next day, after witnessing the outpour of community and Christmas spirit at the Elim Christian Centre, I popped into the Salvation Army at Howick to check on their supplies before their annual Christmas Day lunch - where I had volunteered to serve.
Not only was there plenty of food for the day, there was also a local Christmas miracle happening as a number of volunteers wrapped up gift parcels - convincing me of the generosity of people from within our patch.
The Christmas Day lunch was a success, with there being plenty of food and plenty of good company coming together to celebrate the joys of Xmas. The guitar and singing talents of Major John ensured that everybody got into the swing of Christmas and provided for a Christmas lunch enjoyed by all.
Botany's brilliant natural wonders
BEAUTIFUL BOTANY: A photo of me out exploring the Mangemangeroa Reserve
What better way to work off the endless eating routine than by exploring the many walkways and reserves in the area?
The latest edition of East magazine features the top ten spots in East Auckland, starting with the Barry Curtis Park. I visit this remarkable park often, going there to attend various events because of its huge popularity as a popular pubic space and am always impressed.
I decided to visit the Mangemangeroa Reserve in Cockle Bay - which turned out to be an hour of sheer delight. While the steps were testing, the vegetation and outlook were fantastic, showcasing the wonderful landscape on offer in our patch.
After hearing and reading about the Clevedon Farmer's produce market so much, I decided to take a trip out there in the New Year, but unfortunately it was not on.
All was not lost, however, because the beautiful Omanu Regional Park is not far away so I decided to check it out.
The number of families out there catching snapper along the coastline and camping at the park was a picture of the idyllic Kiwi summer holiday.
There is simply so much to explore and enjoy in our patch and the two week Christmas break simply flew by, but I am charged up and eager to get back to work.
I have been kept especially busy over the past two days, acting as Duty Minister, which has seen the days go by even faster as I deal with countless media queries and urgent requests.
The next edition of Pansy Speak will be on the first Friday of February.
Have a great New Year.
