Sunny Otaki

Word Hello Day! November 21  The objective is to say hello to ten people on the day. By greeting others, the message is for world leaders to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts. The event began in 1973 by Brian and Michael McCormack in response to the Yom Kippur War.

The Otaki Menzshed, which can be found near the Women's Health Centre on Mill Road, has existed now for a little over a year. It sprang from the desire of Menzshed founding member Valdis Plato's desire to create a space where people could come together, share their skills, find like minded people, and do valuable work in the community.

The Long Walk Home – day two Day two started very early for me and I was soon on the train to Mana ready to do it all again – a hot bath and a good night’s sleep had ensured that I was still raring to go.  My walking partner was not quite so raring to go as was suffering from a sore ankle but she had strapped it up and joined me at the start. The words of encouragement on the second day were from Porirua’s mayor and we were soon on our way. 

I am a relative newcomer to New Zealand (Jan 2013) and while I was aware of the risk of earthquakes before we boarded the plane at Heathrow, to be honest I hadn’t really given the reality of earthquakes and their aftermath a second thought.  That changed for me in August 2013 when I started work at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research (Massey University and GNS) as my first task was analysing interviews from Christchurch GPs about their earthquake and recovery experiences.

New Zealand Native birds are beautiful, unique and sometimes very rare.  As kiwi's we are very proud of our wildlife, the most popular and well known bird is the Kiwi, with hair-like feathers, long beak and huge feet its a National icon. Then there is the Kakapo the worlds largest parrot, or the Tomtit which only grows to 13 cm high.  The Kea is the worlds only alpine Parrot and is renowned for its intelligent and inquisitive nature. The Albatrosses are the world's largest seabirds. They normally breed on remote islands and spend at least 85 percent of their lives at sea, well away from land and human view. Learn more about our beautiful native birds.

The New Zealand Jandal, or the Flip Flop, is the most common footwear in the world. Popularity has seen it appear all over the globe, handy for hot summer days and suit just about any foot shape.  Of the four main species, Flip flop, Thong, Jandal, Chappel, the Jandal is originally found in New Zealand and plays an important part in Kiwi cultural identity.

It's Halloween, and if you come across one of those super scary Halloween Monsters you need to make sure you know your Zombies from your Mummy's and your Freddy from your Chucky.  Here's a Halloween guide on how to kill those super scary villains...Good Luck!

  Oh my god, it's a Zombie outbreak!! Halloween is fast approaching and if your worried about an impending Zombie attack, then never fear, here is the Kapiti Coast Zombie Survival guide to help you through this Halloween.  Keep ahead of the pack, the best hide-outs and how to not get bitten... Good luck!

Every country develops its own slang, which can make it difficult for overseas visitors to understand. New Zealand is no exception, often the same word, for example "True" can have three very different meanings.

Support your local Moustache During November each year, the Movember campaign created by +Movember Foundation  is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches around the world. With their “Mo’s” men raise vital funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.   As an independent global charity, the Movember Foundation’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. Read more about Movember .  At Zilchoo we think it's a fantastic cause and if you can't grow your own mo, here's an Instant Moustache to help you out!

It's the age old problem, should I eat that Pineapple Lump? Well never fear, Zilchoo is here to help you, with our scientific flowchart we'll help you take a journey of Pineapple Lump goodness.  Follow the flowchart and discover if you should eat that delicious Pineapple Lump. Pineapple  [ pahy-nap-uh l ]  noun  The edible, juicy, collective fruit of tropical bromeliaceous plant . Lump  [ luhmp ]  noun  A piece or mass of solid matter  without regular shape or of no particular shape

I Love Otaki It's a fantastic little town with so many things going on, I've put together all my favorite things about Otaki, from friendly locals, amazing sunsets, beautiful historic churches to the Otaki Gorge.  I stopped at 50, I'm sure there is more! Let me know what you think should be added to the list!

The +Edinburgh Festival Fringe  is the largest arts festival in the world and takes place every August for three weeks in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh.  My husband and I happened to be visiting Scotland and  went along to join in the celebration of arts and entertainment!

Vintage Advertising! Don't you just love Vintage advertising, it's a bit weird, slightly inappropriate and always a little funny.  We've put together 8 New Zealand Vintage Advertising posters from over the years (some are about New Zealand, some are for products) which one do you think is the most amusing? Or have you seen a better one?

Grand Final, July 26th, 2014 Location: Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North. Whi Te Ra v. Levin Wolves  “Push yourself to exhaustion and then push again. Grand final day for the green and red machine, otherwise known as Whiti Te Ra. Rugby league at its best. Kia kaha boys” 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was. 

My Favourite Place to be...   There are so many beautiful places in Otaki and Te Horo that we wanted to know where your favourite place in Otaki is! We asked some local businesses, groups and a couple of fabulous celebrities to see what their choice was.

A year at Otaki Playcentre Friday, July 4th, 2014 Playcentre for my family started out as a choice borne out of convenience - it was the nearest early learning centre to our house - but over time came to play a large part in our lives,

Our Shopping Day to sunny Otaki!  So many shops and so little time, we love a day of shopping at Otaki Outlet stores so many lovely things to buy! Dad heads to the SciFi and Geek store, Hunting and Fishing while Mum and I always make sure we visit the Bendon Store and Pumpkin patch to pick our bargains! Check out all the Otaki Shops here . Enjoy your shopping trip!

The Christening of Maddison & Lilly Kiriona Sunday, June 1st, 2014 On a bright autumn morning, at a little after 11.00am, the parents, godparents, family and friends of Maddison and Lilly Kiriona entered Rangiatea Church in Otaki for their baptism. Kahira Rau, minister of the church, and relation to the children, carried out the service.

What is your Essential Otaki? Zilchoo have picked out some of our favorites, but we want to know what your's are! Sunsets at the beach, a local community group, the Tararuas? What to you think is the best place for visitors to see?

Zilchoo is your guide to seeing Otaki and Te Horo for Free! We are dedicated to finding the best, which is either, free for everyone, free for children or a donation.  Here is our quick A-Z Guide...from walking tracks, shopping, green parks and reserves, historic sites and street art, you'll find a letter that suits you to a T, or perhaps B, or N, or P....

Otaki Forks is the main western entrance to the Tararua Forest Park. Two tributaries, the Waiotauru River and Waitatapia Stream, meet the Otaki River here.  Otaki Forks has been developed for a wide range of activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, from Historic sites, swing bridges, camping, fishing, swiming, tramping and hiking!

Did you know? Otaki has some great places to visit, from the Kate Sheppard centennial Gardens representing women, for the adventurous there's Otaki Forks, sporting grounds and plenty more. What's your favorite did you Know fact about Otaki?

Do you love the beach?   Spend all day there? Why not, Otaki Beach is fantastic, and Zilchoo have put together 25 signs you love Otaki Beach, do any of these look familiar? We'd like to know if any of these signs match your beach going activities...or if you'd like to any any more to the list!  Don't forget, Slip, Slop, Slap!

In Celebration of World Photography Day on 19th August 2014, I've put together a selection of my favorite snaps taken around Otaki.  Each time you visit Otaki you are greeted by totally beautiful scenes that it never ever disappoint. It’s a sunny and warm place to visit.  It was this sense of beauty that I found so inspiring and made me stop and take a snap.  What are you favourite photographs of Otaki? Do you have that perfect place for the best photograph? Share your secrets with us.

The Sand Dunes at Otaki beach are amazing, rolling sand hills, wild grasses, drift wood of many shapes and sizes, an abundance of sea shells and of course all the wildlife. 

The Great Chocolate Debate!   10.00am Sunday 13th - Midnight Tuesday 22nd 2014  Do you prefer white Chocolate, more of a Milk Lover or do you go to the Dark Side? This Easter it's your chance to vote for your favorite Chocolate.  Let the chocolately Battle Commence !

Our Weekend to sunny Otaki!  it's a fantastic weekend trip, and one we always enjoy the family, from the yummy ice cream, beautiful sunsets and building sandcasltes!

#OtakiSunset You can't go to Otaki without seeing the Sunset over Kapiti Island, it's beautiful, always different and not to be missed!

Phileas Fogg of London and his French Valet attempted to Circumnavigate the world in 80 days on a wager set by his friends. But what he should have done was head to Otaki and Te Horo! We have some beautiful landscapes, varying wildly from Graffiti Street Art, Stone walls, beaches and mountains. You may want to have your own adventure like Phileas Fogg, but in the mean time you can visit some of the most famous locations around the globe right on your door-step!

If you missed the recent Movie Quiz posts on Zilchoo....here's a quick recap to get you in the Film Festival Mood MOVIE MADNESS!  It's a Film Quiz with a Twist! Can you name the film from just one quote, but there's a twist, one word from the quote has been transposed to Otaki! Look out for the first day of the month on Zilchoo's Facebook page for the next movie quote!

Have you ever taken a gastronomic tour of Otaki and Te Horo Food outlets? Well you are in for a tasty treat.  In the morning, you will be assailed by the warm aroma of a cooked breakfast or delicious pastries; at noon, you will not be able to resist the craving for a long lazy lunch at one of the many gorgeous cafes.

If your celebrating with the one you love this year, take a look at Zilchoo's 5 Romantic things you can do for free, around Otaki and Te Horo this Valentines Day.

In 5 days I will be meeting members of the community who are interested in being involved in Reflection. I will be creating a 20 minute site specific work using all those who want to be involved. 

Be part of an amazing and beautiful cultural experience, learn about Otaki’s rich history and explore the historic sites of Otaki with Zilchoo's 10 ways to discover Otaki's Rich History... 

The Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary rehabilitates and re-homes abused, injured, and neglected non-human animals.  We support animal rights and animal protection, and our main aim is to provide a safe haven for animals. 

Over the years, we've had our fare share of visitors from overseas; United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and even Switzerland and like any good ambassador of Otaki,  one of our first stops is Otaki Beach, visitors are always amazed by the rugged wild beauty of the beach and to have this on our door step is a rare treat.

Nothing beats a day at the beach. An inexpensive, fun day for the family, a great place for friends to hang out, or someplace to go by yourself, enjoy the sun and read a good book.  Like many beaches on the magnificent Kapiti Coast, Otaki Beach is wide, long and gently sloping into the sea.