There and Back Again

The journey to Wellington began bright and early on Sunday morning. We packed our belongings, lunches, and bodies into the vans, and headed to Picton for the ferry. Everyone got creative with keeping themselves busy during our 3-4 hour ferry ride to Wellington. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Many of us were able to see lots of new species of birds, including a white capped mollymawk (type of medium-sized albatross).

Top left: Students doing the "cool guy stretch" after our 2 hour car ride to Picton. Bottom left and right: Students and staff invented games to pass the time, including the exciting "hop on the yellow markers" game.

Upon arriving in Wellington, we were welcomed to the marae named Te Kakano o Te Aroha. We split up into two groups to attend two different church services that evening. Everyone thought the worship and sermons were great from the services they attended and were delighted to see how many young adults were in attendance. 

We had speakers come to the marae and also traveled into Wellington and around Lower Hutt to hear from individuals involved in local community development efforts. Everyone enjoyed visiting Billy Graham's boxing gym, where local boys are able to have free boxing lessons, form relationships, and build character. A few other noteworthy visits were with Ray Wallace, the mayor of Lower Hutt, to Te Papa, the national museum, and a tour of parliament, known as "The Beehive." Students also had time to explore the city of Wellington in smaller groups.

Midway through the week, students had an overnight experience with Urban Vision. They were split into smaller groups and distributed amongst various houses and flats that are part of the order. The community living experience and mission of this group left them all wanting more, and really left an impression on the students.

Top Left: Our group at Billy Graham's boxing gym in Naenae. Top Right: We visited the roastery for the fair trade coffee company named Peoples Coffee. Bottom Left: Tea time with Lower Hutt City mayor Ray Wallace. Bottom Right: While exploring Wellington, students were drawn in to the action of the Rugby World Cup sculpture.

On Thursday morning, we all headed off to Ngatiawa, the retreat center for Urban Vision. Before lunch, we all took part in various service projects in the gardens. From turning over soil, to running new irrigation lines, our small group made a big difference which was much appreciated. We also took part in community prayer, meals, and even a tea party. It was great to learn more about their community style of living and be part of it, if only for a short time.

Everyone got their hands dirty and broke a sweat helping out in the gardens at Ngatiawa .

Friday was a free day, and most students opted to travel into Wellington for the day. Despite a trip planned to spend the day on Kapiti Island for some being cancelled, 7 of us were able to see some really amazing birds at Zealandia. This mazing refuge tucked right in to the city of Wellington houses some birds extinct to the mainland. You couldn't take 5 steps without seeing a tui and we were even lucky enough to see a saddleback!

Students enjoying the sights and sounds of Zealandia. Top right: Saddleback, extinct to the mainland. Middle right: Tui. Bottom right: Takahe.

We made it back to Kaikoura just in time for the welcome home street party for the Huttons Shearwater. Kaikoura is this bird's last nesting site in the world. A large part of our group even walked in the parade. Welcome home birds!

Students and staff welcome home the Huttons Shearwater to Kaikoura.