The Motu Challenge is a premier multi-sport event that is happening on the 13th of October.
Road cycle, mountain cycle, run, kayak events for both adults and kids set amongst stunning scenery in Heartland New Zealand.
See www.motuchallenge.co.nz/ for more information.

Just an hour from Ohiwa, Kawerau Woodfest 2018 is being held Saturday 29th to 30th where Kawerau celebrates it's iconic Forestry Industry. There will be pro logger chainsaw and pole climbing races, wood chip shovelling races for the kids, Wood carving symposiums, trick dog teams, Bike trials, vintage cars and the usual food vendors and Entertainment rides and games.
See www.kaweraunz.com/events/major-events/woodfestt for further details.

​We are fortunate to have a number of birds in our backyard here in Ohiwa:  Tuis, NZ Wood Pigeon (Kereru), Kingfisher (Kotare), Dotterels (Turituriwhatu),  North Island Weka, Pukeko and Variable Oystercatchers (Torea) to name just a few.

The 17th Birds-a-Plenty Festival is an annual celebration of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s migratory and native birdlife, that takes place over September and October.

There are a number of events during the festival, from photography competitions, Native Plant Sales to learning more about local conservation groups taking care of our Kiwi and other flora and fauna.

For more details see:
https://www.whakatane.com/events/festivals-and-shows/birdsaplenty-festival

This week has been Maori Language week (Te Wiki o te Reo Maori).
It has now been 31 years since the Maori language Act was introduced, making te reo Maori an official language of New Zealand (alongside English and New Zealand sign language).
Just over 50% of the Opotiki population identify as Maori. Travelling further afield, there are many settlements with the central focus of the Marae to be seen.
We are lucky to have two stores that sell Maori artworks and other items of interest - He Tohu Aroha (a sign of love) and Tangata Whenua, both on the main street (Church Street).
Pop in with a kia ora or tena koe.
It would be great if we all made the effort to celebrate this official language of New Zealand all year round. 

​He reo e korerotia ana, he reo e ora ana - A spoken language is a living language.