Oratia inspired Parrs Park Playground Concept

An artists impression of the new Parrs Park design  is on this month’s Waitakere Local  Board Agenda.  Referencing the Oratia orchards and history, the design includes fruit crate inspired seating, orchard trees, climbing towers, swings  archimedes water spirals and water pumps, and sand play.  It’s beautiful. Full item on agenda is   here on page 103 […]

Local Board Agenda includes a request for a $40,000 investment in Oratia History and Village

tem 15 (pg 47) on the Agenda for the Waitakere Ranges  Local Board meeting tomorrow  night, is a request for funding approval of $40,000  for a project that will assist with implementing Local Area Plan policies and actions relating to the enhancement of the village of Oratia’s historical  and cultural identity. The item recommendation is […]

Christmas Gift ideas in the foothills

I’m super excited about all the plums on my fruit trees. And I don’t mind sharing a few with the birds, but they always get the best ones. So  I hope Santa brings me one of these.  Fiskars Fruit Picker from Kings. Genius.

The Secret’s Out

Creative couple from Oratia, Janice and Julian Wards’ home  featured in the NZ Life and Leisure magazine.     Janice an award winning  interior designer, and Julian a furniture maker transformed the previously humble property into a enviable family home in an idyllic  spot – Oratia!  The full article is available on her website. Images […]

Good Sign

Historically the Settlers Hall was hand painted with Oratia Settlers Hall.  This traditional hand signwriting craft is showing a renaissance in recent years.  A great sign can add to a sense of place, create a gateway, and is a piece of art.  Here are some beautiful examples. Hand painted murals  in Louisville Kentucky. A true […]