What can I say.  It was fantastic!  Everyone said it was the best they had been at.  In any case, we enjoyed it and had a great time.

Lisa welcoming our guests

Tohu, our Maori minister was wonderful!

Ann was (and is!) most lovely.

We really enjoyed the ceremony

...and of course the cake....

Such a good time with 25 or so of our cruising friends and of course Janette and Alistair at Riddlesden B&B which is where everyone should stay when in Whangarei.  Fantastic place!

So now, we’re down to the final projects.  I finished installing the porthole in the head today and Ann was out “provisioning” with Blue Rodeo Anne and Lisa.  We not only have commodity foods (i.e. pasta, canned goods, etc), but are also stocking up with gifts for the islanders we meet.  Ann found some great New Zealand Rugby hats for a buck apiece. Nice giveaways.  We also have some beach balls for the kids we meet as well as school supplies.  We’re a couple weeks and counting before leaving.

Also, we have been using our (my) new paddle board each morning.  Great exercise to go up-river for an hour or so via paddleboard.  Today we went up under the bridge and back.  Nice!