Pohutukawa

 

I think the whole of New Zealand finally has a taste of Summer. There has been a rumour here that if the red Pohutukawa flowers come out befere Christmas then that means we will have a good Summer season. This tree is known as the country's official iconic Christmas tree.

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Free library anyone?

I have so many photos from our day in Paihia last week so herewith 2 in particular that interested me. Apart from the information centre which is the white building above the little old fashioned red telephone box caught my eye. Apparently it's a free book libary - I don't know about you but I think every town needs one of these. See that red tree in the background? That's our Pohutukawa tree also known as New Zealand's Christmas tree because of the colour of the flowers. The saying here is that if the tree blooms before December we will get a good Summer.

 You don't see many of these old phone boxes around but I remember when I was growing up these were everywhere. What impressed me the most though about being here was wherever we went people kept their distance. Unfortunately in the town we live in people aren't so careful, in fact over the weekend I was in one of our local cafes buying an iced coffee and although there were signs on the floor telling people where to stand no one seemed to care - I gave a backward glance at the person who was next in line very close to be and everyone else behind her was the same. Along with that (excuse my griping) hardly anyone seems to scan their QR codes from their phones or write their details on the notepad that all shops provide. I don't get it - we may not have any community cases  now but with people travelling around the country who knows when Covid may crop up again?

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New Zealand's Christmas Tree

Every year between November and December these flowers start to bloom. Named the Pohutukawa Tree, they line most coastal roads and beaches, loving the sunshine and sandy conditions. They are aptly named New Zealand's Christmas tree and the vibrant red flowers are reminiscent of the time of the season. The myth is that if they flower before Christmas day then we are in for a good Summer - so far that seems to have come true.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday :-)

Pohutukawa trees are flowering at Tauranga Marina

Yet another photo opportunity stopover for me today, this time on the way home from work. I drive past this place every day and yet this is the first chance I've had to pull in there and explore. This is the Tauranga Bridge Marina, just off the motorway - the Pohutukawa trees planted along the water's edge are just starting to come into flower and there is a myth here in NZ that if you see the flowers before Christmas it means we're going to have a perfect Summer :-)

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