Kia Ora and Welcome to my Blog! 
I’m a Kiwi born and raised in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Dad came from Piu Piu Makefu, Niue Island in 1954, and met Mum in Wellington. Mum came from Ngati Tuwharetoa in Taupo.
They moved up to Auckland and lived in Dacre Street, Newton, before eventually moving to Haslett Street in Eden Terrace, Newton.
At that time the North Western Motorway had not been built, and roads still connected in the Newton Gully. For example King Street! I remember riding my bicycle down this steep hill connecting Kingsland to Arch Hill.
Haslett Street is steep. It was great to go flying down the hill in a trolley we had just built using bits of wood, metal wheels, and rope to steer it. Or a bicycle, skate board; whatever was available at the time. Going outside to play, until the street lights came on, was generally the norm in those days.
There was a greater sense of community, because we were out and about with our neighbours, and it seemed everyone was more collaborative then. Things were easier or simpler.
Doreen Taylor was our next door neighbour. She was very good friends with mum, and I had a job mowing her lawns. Sometimes we would get to sleep over and keep her company. That’s where I discovered books. My first ever book that I read from start to finish – was ‘Chariots of the Gods’ by Erich Von Daniken. It was so interesting. Doreen was an excellent conversationalist as well, and we would often have discussions around our world view. The other great thing, was that she owned a colour television. It was a luxury in those days. At home we had a tv; but it was black and white. Looking with wonderment at the colours presented on the tv, left me in awe. It was truly amazing.
In the morning Doreen would make a healthy breakfast and we would sit and share this meal together before I headed back next door to home. Weetbix, and a couple of pieces of toast with a hot drink was the norm. Thanks Doreen for such wonderful memories; bless your heart!