ruth and ed in nz

New years Eve

This was a lovely way to call in the new year in the absence of friends. With not a rendition of Auld lang syne in ear shot.
Having gone round the east cape we ended back up at Gizzy (Gisbourne to non residents). Our intention was to go to the Rhythm and vines festival as it was well advertised on the internet and some good kiwi bands were playing as well as a european DJ headlining (Mylo). When we arrived in Gizzy we went to the i-site to pick up some last minute tickets. Worse than there being a shortage, there was ANOTHER concert to choose from. So the seeds of indecision were sown and we spent the rest of the day deciding what to do and sunbathing/picnicing/swimming. By the time we had tossed a flip flop to choose between the two Rythm and vines had sold out. So we headed back up the cape a bit to Tolaga bay and the Ru Uawa festival.
Just to put the area in context Gizzy is the first City in the world to see the sun every day, so new years is a big event. So big in fact that the town population had doubled. This meant it was nice to get out of the relative crowds (it was like Brighton on Saturday morning or Guilford late night Christmas Shopping crowds, except most people were wearing shorts and sun glasses)
Once in Tolaga bay we found a nice campsite spot amongst the hundreds of freedom campers pitching in for the new year. So we had a few “Steinies” and some local wine whilst watching the waves come in. So once in the mood and as the sun was heading towards the sea for the last time in 2006 we made our way to the festival site.
In the queue at the gate we were the only ‘Pakeha’ (spotted by a camera man and interviewed a bimbling Ed in full public school boy speak!) We were also the only ones without wellies and an umbrella. The lady on the gate giving out the hand stamsp had the traditional Maori Lady lower lip and chin tattoo. Once inside and having negotiated various piles of haystacks we got a good spot in the crowds and watched some good bands. As the evening progressed we found out more about the “east coasty party” and how Renee Gaia is a popular country singer. It didn’t matter when the new year was called in 6 minutes late as the Maori new year is in june sometime…..