Auckland

Grafton Valley: A Hidden Green Walk in Central Auckland

2025-11-30T08:00:00.007+13:00

Surrounded by lush green trees and less than 15 mins away from the office

blocks, Grafton Valley is one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets. Tucked right in the

heart of Auckland CBD and nestled within Symonds Street Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Auckland, most people rush past it every day, on the southern motorway or bus across Grafton Bridge, unaware of the peaceful escape beneath them.

Grafton Valley Walkway

The valley can be accessed from Symonds St by the motorway ramp or from. St. Martins Lane. It is easy to reach by public transport, with plenty of buses running from Waitematā (formerly Britomart) and Newmarket, as the area is part of Auckland Transport’s Central Connector.

If you enter through the Symonds Street entrance by the motorway ramp, you will come across the grave of William Hobson, the first Governor of New Zealand. From there, the walk continues gently through the cemetery and surrounding trees, where calm is occasionally broken by the distant hum of traffic.

New Zealand National Symbol: Koru

Along the path, you may spot native Koru unfurling in the undergrowth. The area is rich in history, with highlights including Symonds Street Cemetery and the Grafton Bridge. The walk is calm, easy and family-friendly, combining both nature and heritage in a way that feels uniquely Auckland. As you wander through the Grafton valley, you can reach out and touch the historic arch of Grafton Bridge as you walk beneath it, offering a tangible connection to the city’s engineering history.

Walking past the concrete canopy of the Grafton Bridge

Grafton Valley was once the forested valley carved by the Waiparuru Stream, which divided the upper parts of Auckland, until the first walking bridge was built in 1884. The reinforced concrete arch that we see today was completed in 1910. At the time, the Grafton was the largest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world. It was a pioneering structure and a significant engineering achievement. The main arch spans 87.6 meters (320 feet). It was the largest of its kind in the world.

Looking at the complete span of the Grafton Bridge from the valley

Arthur Myers, then the Mayor of Auckland who pushed the construction of Grafton Bridge, which was built during his term. At that time, some people called it “Myers Folly” because they thought it was too costly. Myers had predicted that Auckland’s population would grow, and he was right. Sometimes the best lessons in marketing come from unexpected places. This beautiful gem shows how vision, planning and attention overlooked the details to create a lasting impact. Just as Arthur Myers looked ahead to the future of Auckland, digital marketers must anticipate trends and plan for growth. Small, overlooked opportunities like a hidden city walk can offer big returns when discovered and promoted. Staying curious, observant and forward-focused is the key to success in any field.

Today, the bridge is recognised as an important achievement, completed in 1910. This is something we should learn from the visionary leaders; people thought the bridge was too expensive, but he had big ideas. He even planned for four lanes which didn’t happen. But thinking ahead is something we can all learn from even today.

From below the bridge, looking up the curve of the Grafton Bridge

From the valley, you can look up at the elegant curves and imagine the generations of Aucklanders who have crossed it, unaware of the quiet green space below and admire the beautiful engineering marvel.

Symonds Street Cemetery and Grafton Gully are beautiful inner-city green haven and home to a variety of plants and animals. The gully is an important urban forest, featuring exotic deciduous trees and native species. Many graves are also surrounded by heritage roses.

If you need a break from the office hustle and bustle, you can catch a bus to Grafton Gully in Auckland for a short walk through peaceful greenery, historic sites, and a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.

References:

Karangahape Road. (n.d.). Grafton Bridge. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://www.karangahaperoad.com/grafton-bridge
Stqry. (n.d.). Grafton Bridge history list. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://ssc.stqry.app/en/list/2989
Stqry. (n.d.). Another Grafton site list. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://ssc.stqry.app/en/1/list/2987
Te Ara. (1966). Hobson, William. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/hobson-william
Village Square. (n.d.). Grafton history. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://villagesquare.org.nz/hw-grafton

10 Things I Love about New Zealand

2019-02-18T02:13:00.002+13:00

1. NZ Pies, especially Columbus Cafe's Pot Pie

2. Cafe Latte

3. L&P, NZ's beverage made by The Coca-Cola Company

4. Bush Walk close to city centre (Lover's Walk at Auckland Domain)

5. Strawberry Pickings

6. Hangi Traditional Maori food

7. Meeting people from around the world

8. Blue Sky, Blue Waters and Greenery Everywhere

9. Hitchhiking is safe in New Zealand

10. KiwiYo

Things I love about Auckland

2019-02-16T00:46:00.000+13:00

Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. One of the best cities in the world to dwell. But sad to say, Auckland does get a tough rap from tourists. In the past ten years, I have seen many travellers and even some of my friends avoid Auckland or see only has a gateway to enter New Zealand or stay for a night before heading to beautiful Kiwi pastures -- Rotorua for thermal pools and the smell of Sulphur, the beaches of Bay of Island, wine and dine at Marlborough and sky diving and mesmerising landscape at Queenstown.

As some of the travel bloggers have mentioned, Auckland is heartless and soulless. Let me tell you Auckland is not that bad

Here is the list of best things I love about Auckland.

1. Walkable CBD

If you are living in Auckland, you don't need your own car to get around the city centre and nearby suburbs of Ponsonby, Parnell, Newmarket, Mt. Eden, One Tree Hill and Remuera. These localities are well-connected to CBD by public transport. If you want to go from one end of the city (Britomart) to another end of the city (K'rd) you can simply take a ride on Citylink the big red bus. It's free if you are transferring from the train, ferry or any bus coming to CBD or just pay $1. And if you don't want to use CityLink you can simply WALK!

2. There are plenty of activities you can do in CBD
If you think Auckland CBD is the boring business district, YOU ARE WRONG!
You will be surprised by the different activities you can do in CBD itself.

Eat and Drink, there are plenty of cafes, ethnic restaurants, takeaways, quick service, eateries. I am sure you will never go hungry in Auckland

Some of the food places you can visit:

North Wharf, the far end of the CBD
Viaduct Harbour
Chancery Street
O'Connell Street
Corner of Lorne Street and Wellesley Street.
350 Queen Street
Aotea Square 291-297 Queen St - movies, arcade games and food court
A walk towards toward Upward Queen Street

CBD's close proximity to the coast. Auckland CBD is truly blessed to be next to the sea coast. According to health experts, living close proximity to the ocean can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. From my own experience of living by the coast for most of my life, it is one of the best feelings, evening near the coast does have a positive impact on your work and in your studies if you are a student.

Garden BackyardYes, CBD has its own backyard, Albert Park and if you are looking for a bigger walk, Auckland Domain is just a few minutes away from the city centre. Longing for an even bigger walk, head to Mt. Eden Domain, it is the tallest natural mountain in Auckland and has the most impressive crater and great views of the city, and if you are sunset lover, go in the evening you will see the beautiful sunset and the golden glow over the city.
Clubs/DJ'sDo I really need to mention this?
CBD is full of clubs and DJs. Weekend nights are full on.

3. A quick getaway from urban life. Long weekend?
Low on Budget?
You don't need to go far away
There are plentiful getaway spots around Auckland.

One Tree Hill, and yes that is the name of the place. It's worth a visit for a walk or a picnic with friends. There are coin-operated public BBQs. This is the closest place in Auckland where you can see sheep-filled paddocks and cows. Please do not disturb the cattle.
The wild west coast, the Waitakere Ranges for walking in the bush or spend time on the fine black sand beaches.
Warning: For your own safety swim only between the orange flags to be in the visibility of lifeguards.
North Shore for white sandy beachfront.
Ferry to Rangitoto (the youngest volcano) Motutapu or Waiheke Island.

4. Volcanic City

Auckland city is built on an active volcano field. Though most of the volcanos in Auckland are dormant and will not erupt in the future there are chances of the new volcano to erupt somewhere in the city. But you don't need to panic, Auckland as has advance early warning system installed and geologist and closing studying the seismic activity in the region.

5. Flavours of Pacific Auckland is the largest Pacific city in the world. For the taste of the Pacific island cultures, head to Otara Flea Market in South Auckland on a Saturday morning to soak up to the island music, exotic fruits and vegetables. You can also buy colourful authentic pacific style clothes (sarongs), shirts and crafts including bright colourful mats and huge tapa cloths.

Benefits of being organised

2017-01-11T13:13:00.000+13:00

Less Stress means you can Relax more

“Organised people are just too lazy to search for stuff.” That’s cute, but I’d rather be the “lazy” one mentioned in the punchline. Less time spent running around means more time. Just, more time to do what I want to do, like, spending time with your friends and family.

Less Stress also means Improved health. The stress I mentioned earlier, which I feel when things start to get out of control, does not promote good health.

And if you are a parent, you are setting a good example for the kids. There was a time when I spent most of my time behind my computer, working on this or that. I felt productive, sure, but I also worried about the message I was sending to the kids. Adults work all the time? My job is more important than them? I want my kids to become productive, contributing adults, of course, but I want them to enjoy life, too, and that absolutely includes time spent not working.

Greater productivity. When you know where things are, what your goals are, and take care of the spontaneous work as it appears, you’ve got significantly more time and energy for the big goals in life.

An organised life takes some doing, and you’re going to slip up. No one is clean and clear all day, every day! But when you strive to do the best you can, and this is the start (hold organiser in the right hand)

Diversity

2017-01-11T13:09:00.000+13:00

Every year at AUT University in collaboration with AuSM organised a diversity week to celebrate diversity in action in our everyday life. We live in a diverse society. Every person you meet at university or in the workplace is different. Since the day I came to New Zealand, this great diversity has impacted the way I communicate and interact with people. I find myself lucky to live in this beautiful city where people from different parts of the world come and live together in peace and harmony.

Many migrants who are living in Auckland today come from a country faced with conflicts, both internal and external. According to Statistics New Zealand, in 2013, there were almost 1 in 4 people that are 23.1 percent people living in Auckland region identified with one or more Asian ethnic groups, compared with 1 in 5 people that is 18.9 percent, in 2006. We have all heard from media sources, the majority of conflict today is happening in Asia. Every nation is plagued with numerous problems. I am migrant myself coming from India. I know the political problems faced by the country with its neighbours. But here in New Zealand, although our homelands are at war with their neighbours, we live in peace and harmony. I have not just friends, but good friends, the friends that I can call them my best friends are from Asian countries. Even I don’t have any problems to interact with people from Pakistan. I could see true diversity here in New Zealand in regards everyday lifestyle and occupational pursuits.

Today when I look at my photo album, hard or soft version, I see great diversity, a beautiful bond and unconditional love among all the friends from around the world. While the political leaders will take a long time to solve the problems. We citizens of the nations have already overcome the problem through social equality and are living with peace together in New Zealand, far away from our homeland. I hope the world leaders can learn from the citizens of the nations and how we live our daily lives when making policies.

What attracted me to join Toastmasters Club in Auckland?

2017-01-11T12:57:00.000+13:00

For me giving presentations and going for the interview would always give me a fright. However, I am part of a drama team and I love performing in front of an audience. When it comes to giving presentations or interviews, I am not able to get the right words at the right time. I love acting, especially in dramas. I came to know about toastmasters when Steve and Maxine visited my class of hospitality career development. They brought with them the range of table topics, which we can choose from the pool of topics and speak about it for 90 seconds and they evaluate us by providing us commendations and recommendations. I saw that it was really a good way to help us to improve our communication skills. Because whenever I tried to speak in public and ask people for feedback, it does not help you. In short, the feedback given in toastmasters is more like an educational series. I still remember the time in India, in college or universities when seniors will come to freshman and tell us to introduce our self and many times I would feel threaten by them.

Steve and Maxine also invited us to join us for one of their meetings. In the beginning, I was a bit scared to come for the meetings. But then I thought why not go to the first meeting and check it out. After coming to toastmasters meeting subsequent times, I was surprised it was not just about giving speeches and presentations, but also about leadership development through different leadership roles, such as Grammarian, Time Keeper and Evaluators.

For Me, Toastmasters is much more than about public speaking. The skills you learn do improve your ability to share your message with style, and these skills can be used in everyday situations, such as social interactions with friends and not just interviews or executive presentations.

Helping The Society

2015-10-13T21:15:00.004+13:00

Last night while walking back home I saw homeless man lying in the middle of the footpath. I stopped for 5 mins, thinking should I call the police or wait for the passing police car and than approach them, while I was waiting for the police car many people pass through him but nobody cared to call the police or the paramedics. After five mins wait, the man didn't moved a bit, I decided to call 111, and informed the police about the man lying in the middle of the footpath and gave description of the man, and dispatcher said to me, police are on their way.

After 10 mins, I saw a small bottle of whisky lying just few meters away from him. Than I saw him moving, I approached him but I couldn't understand a single word he was trying to speak, I called 111 again to keep them up to date, as I was speaking to 111 I told them He is very drank, they immediately dispatched an Ambulance, paramedics arrived while I was still talking on phone. And after few mins police arrived as well.

I am glad that I am able to help the society in whatever way I could. Be alert, Be on guard dear brothers and sisters, don't be the mute spectator or ignorant passer-by.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:17 (ESV)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

In those days, there were no cars, just a donkey was their main transportation, no cellphone or internet to call for help. Today we have cellphones, reliable mode of transportation, free medical services and free to call emergency number 111 in New Zealand. And thanks to the internet information is all around the place but we are still so faraway from the people and God.

I am so thankful that He adopted me into His family.
Praise The Lord!

The Fastest Police Response in Auckland

2013-08-25T02:51:00.000+12:00

On the night of 24th August 2013 when I was walking with my friend Calvin on Anzac Avenue. We saw two people arguing & swearing at each other. As we approach them, we decided to cross the road to avoid any trouble. But then I saw two people actually fighting on the middle of the streets. Immediately I reach out to my cellphone and call the cops - 111. I was talking very furiously with the police caller. Surprisingly, the conversation lasted less than a minute, usually it takes around 20 mins.

Operator: Where do you want to get connect to, Police, Ambu....(Interrupted)
(Speaking furiously to the operator)

Me: Police Please!

Operator: You are connecting to the #police now.

(Few milliseconds later...)

Police Caller: Where is the emergency?

Me: 72 Anzac Avenue, Auckland

Police Caller: What is the emergency?

Me: Two people fighting on streets

Police Caller: What is your name?

Me: Ashish Bijwe

Police Caller: Can you please spell it?

Me: A S H I S H B I J W E

Police Caller: Police are on their way.

And police arrived in less than five minutes. This was the fastest police response and the shortest conversation

I have seen so far by the NZ Police.

Thank you NZPolice for keeping us safe

Photo: Four police cars arrived at the crime scene and arrested one person for the assault.

My History of Hospitality

2013-05-21T02:04:00.004+12:00

My most memorable hospitality experience was when I first started to serve the guests in our church, the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, in 2009. Before that, I was not really a hospitable person, even though I am from India, a very hospitable country. In India, as soon as the guest arrives, the host serves that person water and then asks for their food or drink preferences. This hospitality is based on the principle “Atithi Devo Bhava”, meaning “the guest is God”. Indian people treat their guests with proper warm hospitality, which certainly requires extreme care and attention. In fact, we are even friendly and hospitable to strangers on the road. If anyone asks us for directions, we will likely not only tell them where to go, but also accompany them to their destination, especially when the place is nearby Yet, despite these good hospitable qualities, I never fully understood the relationship between the host and the guest.
I was not really a people person until I arrived in New Zealand.

It was here in New Zealand that I learnt the meaning of hospitality and its key characteristic of service. I learned that friendships happen naturally as people sit and talk, cook, and share food. I learned from the Bible the high value of hospitality. In my church’s international service, the main attendees are international students and visitors coming to Auckland. Welcoming them with an open heart is one of the key aspects of showing hospitality. This is most evident in giving them a gift pack and introducing them to the leaders. Most of them have never been to church before. After the service, there is a shared lunch for everyone. This is the time when we really get to know each other.

This was a whole new experience for me when I first came to this church. The food is mostly cooked by volunteers who come to the church regularly and is supported by donations given by regular church members.

As time passed, I became a part of the church community and got involved in helping the church run their service and show hospitality to people in many different ways: from making
gift-packs and welcoming people to food preparation. Being multi-ethnic, our church helped me to mingle and serve people from different backgrounds and cultures. Every morning when
I come to church, I make sure that the round tables are cleaned, neatly arranged and set up for the 10:30 am service, and then I go to the kitchen and look around to see if anyone needs any extra help with food preparation. For me, hospitality means serving others before yourself, showing respect to guests, and providing their needs and looking after them.

The Beautiful Moment

2013-05-21T01:38:00.001+12:00

Community Get-together: One social event like birthday party can help you to forget all the differences you have with your neighbours. It’s a real magic, a miracle. The one beautiful moment changes bitter thoughts in our minds into wonderful evening.

It’s a miracle in 21^st Century. But who believes in miracles these days?

Well, I do.

This one beautiful miracle happened with me on the night 10^th May 2013.

After my exam, when I went back to my hostel, Vadim the Russian boy one of my hostel mate was cooking in the kitchen. He approach me and said, “Ashish, I forgot to tell you but today is my birthday…..and I want to give small party, I will be cooking delicious Russian food in the evening at 7pm.” I said, Ok I will join and went to my room for relax.

At 7pm, the most memorable event took place, after a long gap I was having a dinner with my hostel mates. Something I had given up cause of differences between me and other people. It was wonderful time, sitting, talking and eating together under one roof with people from different parts of the world.

Praise the Lord!

Cars & Hanging out with friends in Auckland

2013-05-20T17:46:00.000+12:00

Owning a car is matter of necessity and convenience. But convenience comes at a price. Even though the parking is free, it's only for limited time. So even if we want to spend more time talking or playing social games in a coffee shop or restaurant with friends, we can't extend the time limit unless we are willing to order more.

Last night after evening church service, some of us decided to go to Denny's for extended fellowship. As some of us owns a car, we decided to go back cars instead of walking 3 km . We knew there is a car park at Denny's but didn't knew the fact that we are only allowed for one and half hours. The parking voucher is available with the manager of Denny's.

Just before the time limit was about to expired I went to the manager to check if we are allowed to extend the time limit, so that we could spend more time talking or playing games with friends. Even though I don't own a car, spending time with friends is a magic of the moments.

The manager did said, yes we can extend the time limit on the car park, but there was a condition. As our group was bigger and we were using more than one car park. We need to place more order for the food. Well, their request was reasonable as they doing business and there is only limited car park spaces available. We just want to chitchat and have a good time with friends. We decided not to extend the time limit and leave the place other hungry customers with cars.

So owning a car is just the matter of necessity. As with cars we need to find a place to park the car for long hours so that we can spend more time with friends. Without worrying for the tow companies to tow away our cars. And if you really want to hangout for long hours with friends its best to find a place where ample car park space is available.

Spring In Auckland

2012-10-10T00:46:00.003+13:00

Cherry Blossom...

...And Sun Shines In Auckland

Auckland From Above

2012-10-10T00:35:00.004+13:00

Huaraki Gulf, Tamaki Drive, Devonport

Motuihi Island

East Auckland

Approaching Auckland International Airport

Churros In Auckland

2012-10-10T00:26:00.001+13:00

Toro Churro’s Spanish doughnuts are golden-fried fresh, you can enjoy them with a pot of delicious dipping chocolate, or drizzled with chocolate and caramel.

Toro Churros are made to a traditional recipe, using only natural ingredients,

no preservatives and no additives.

Come & Enjoy Churros

MOBILE LOCATIONS:

Thursdays 10 am – 5 pm at the University of Auckland’s student quadrant

Sundays 6 pm - 10 pm Glenfield Westfield Night Market

Saturdays 6 am – 12 pm at the Otara Market

Saturdays 6 pm - 12 am Pakuranga Westfield Night Market

Sundays 7 am – 12 pm at the Takapuna Market

Website: http://www.torochurro.co.nz/

St. Paul Street in Auckland CBD

2012-08-03T16:56:00.002+12:00

28^th February 2012 10:30PM

Tonight my friend Calvin and Reshmi and I were on our way to Hulucat Teahouse when we witnessed an act of robbery.

We were walking along St. Paul Street. I was just talking to Reshmi about how dangerous St. Paul Street is during the night time. I told her about the events happened on that street. The next moment we heard some screaming for HELP!

I turned back and started walking to check what was going on, and then suddenly a girl who was running away with a bag bumped into my friend Calvin. The bag fell onto the footpath. Another girl who was the victim came running behind her she picked up her bag. I grabbed robber's jacket with one hand and with other hand I got my cellphone to call the cops. In meantime we were joined by other people who also heard the scream.

The thief took her Jacket off that I was holding and tried to run away. We saw a car passing by, people inside the car opened the passenger door for her. But the other people nearby wouldn’t let her run away and caught her. The car went away but came back again after one minute and once again the girl tried to run away but again people didn't let her go. I was still talking on the phone with the police. Police wanted me to describe the appearance of the girl. I gave the phone to another witness and I saw the thief running to AUT Campus. But she couldn't go any further as the gates were locked and so came back. By this time we had the AUT Security with us. At that time I gave the Jacket back to her. She was crying. She told my friend Calvin, those guys in the car made her take the bag. She also said they would make her kill herself. Calvin said to her, if what you have said to us is true then police will help you. Running away will not help you. When I looked at her she was scared and crying. Calvin told her, “You will be fine, if everything you told us is true tell the police, they will help you, and protect you. You will be safe.

The police also wanted to talk to the thief on the phone. After she finishes talking to the police, I asked her, Do you need water? She didn't reply. But I still went and bought water for her from a convenience store. When I was returned most of the people were going back home, some of them even saw me carrying a bottle and I told them I was taking this water for her.

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27”

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Mathew 1o:42

Calvin & I along with AUT security guards were waiting for the police to arrive. I talked to the victim and told her and her friend how dangerous St. Paul Street is at night time. They are not many people on the street to help you. And you were lucky to get your things back; actually I wanted to tell her how God helped her in this situation. But I didn't know how to!

At the same time Calvin was talking to the thief and she said, look at them (the victim & her friend) they have everything, iPhone, money, etc., I don't have anything. Even you (Calvin) have a nice leather jacket. (He was wearing a new leather jacket that night) from that point; Calvin understood another thing about her intention when she attempted the robbery. She did need money. He asked her, “Are you a Kiwi?” She nodded. He said, “Then you should have better treatment then us!” Calvin told her, “We are Asians, immigrants, or international student; we work hard to earn every single coin for all these things” Of course not every single Asian is as hard working as that, but his point was actually to tell her that even if you got nothing, you still shouldn’t steal. She ranted, “I can’t even get a job! Every time I get anything, people just take it away from Me.”, Calvin asked. “Even your family?”

She sat silently on the edge of the AUT Art & Design building. But from that conversation we understood the complex background of that thief. Calvin told the victim But if you steal from her, she will not able to communicate with her family back in her country, and most of us young Asians are here for study, we are alone here. If you steal her phone, you might steal her only possession. And if you continue stealing from anyone, what will they have left? What would they have? Do you want everyone to be like you? I’m sure you don’t want that right?” She didn’t answer but her expression showed she agreed. Calvin told her that nice his leather jacket is Fake. She burst out a giggle, which was beautiful, it’s a beautiful scene when you see people burst out with a smile or giggle after a long time of crying.

The police now arrived at the incident some 15-20 minutes after the phone call. The lady officer went to the thief and talked to her for a while. She took her inside the car and we waited for another police car to arrive to take the victim & her friend safely back home.

Later at Hulucat, Calvin told me he remembered the song "People need the Lord" by Steve Green

Every day they pass me by,
I can see it in their eye.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize --people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What would be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord.

Bush Walk @ Cascade Falls

2012-02-08T15:36:00.000+13:00

It's Summer Time! Enjoy the cool breeze out in Waitakere's as

you walk into the bushes into the largest Kauri forest in Auckland Region

Cascade Kauri is located in the northern part of the Waitakere Ranges and offer great places to explore, See beautiful great kauri trees

These photos are from the Montana Heritage Trail - an 8 km track that provides access to the largest remaining stand of great kauri in Auckland region.

Remember to clean your shoes as you enter the walking tracks to protect giant kauri trees from dying

Tramline track used by Watercare services for the maintenance of the Waitakere Reservoir

Cascade Falls: You won't be able to view or see the falls. This is the closet you can get to the falls

The Track is 15 mins long. It is just before the second bridge on the Auckland City Trail, you will see the short side track directing you to Cascade falls

Do remember to bring your swim gears if you want to swim.

A gum from the Koru

Looking down the Waitakere dam

Waitakere Dam, Auckland City's main water supply

A Face on the tree

REMEMBER TO GET THE MAP FROM THE ARATAKI VISITOR CENTRE

BEFORE YOU WALK ON THIS TRACK

This track is also the part of the 3 Day Hillary Trail

Helping Hand

2012-01-19T14:00:00.000+13:00

On the 10th January 2012, I was waiting for almost twenty minutes at the bus stop at Botany Town Centre to transfer to a bus that went to East Tamaki Heights. There was no sign of a bus. I was bored and kept looking at my phone for the bus timetable. Suddenly a dear old Chinese lady aged 75-80 years old came to me with a paper that had some telephone number written on it. At first I didn't understand what she was saying to me because she was speaking in Mandarin or Cantonese. But then I tried to listen more clearly, and I heard the English word 'Taxi'. I understood she wanted me to call the taxi. I called the number. Just as the phone was ringing, I saw my bus arriving at the bus stop. However, the time was 12:55PM and I was worried that I might be late for my 2:00PM appointment. And if I missed this bus I would have to wait for another 15-20 minutes as the bus frequency in East Auckland is very low.

But still I thought I should help her first and then take the bus. I had to wait a few minutes before the operator answered my call.

The operator on the other end told me that there were no taxis available in the area. In the meantime the bus left, and I thought to myself that it’s ok; I can just get another bus. I told the lady that there are no taxis available.

She went back to her seat. I looked around for any convenience stores or NZ Post shops from where I could help her to get a taxi. After a while I went to back to her and told her that we can go to the bank and ask for help.

In the bank, the lady told me that there was a taxi stand right across the street in front of the Starbucks cafe. I took the lady to the stand. I saw the 0800 number for the Taxi service. I called that number and again I had a negative reply from the operator. But she gave me the number of another taxi operator. I called them and they said they will send the taxi in 5 minutes. I told the lady that I will wait until the taxi picks her up, but by then it was almost 1:10 PM.

Eventually a taxi arrived but it was not the one I called, and she decided to take that taxi instead. I helped her with the bags. As I was walking back to the bus stop I saw the taxi I called. I immediately went to the taxi driver and told him that I was sorry but the old lady took another cab and went, and that I was just helping her. He said its ok.

I went back to my bus stop and I finally got my bus. I reached East Tamaki in 10 minutes which was 30 minutes before the actual appointment time.

I was so glad that I helped the lady and didn't leave her all alone at the bus stop and also able to help the old lady despite of the language problem.

Thank You Lord so much for giving me servant heart to help people in need and helping me to understand people even though there have been language barriers.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T03:01:00.000+13:00

Aucklanders braved the miserable weather and watch cloudy display of over 700 kilos of Fireworks which set off from Auckland's Sky Tower at midnight

The cloudy weather made the fireworks display look like plane exploded on the Sky Tower

Auckland @ Night (Mobile Camera Photography)

2011-12-29T01:18:00.001+13:00

Trying my hands on mobile blogging, really didn't like it much as don't have much control over the size of the image, by default the size adjusted to large, invading the side bar of the blog and also we can't even select the font on blogging application of smart phones

This photos were taken during my night walk on the streets on Auckland on Wednesday,

the last week of the year 2011.

Scary Looking St. James Theatre

Christmas Decoration @ Durham St. East

Māori gate at Aoteo Square Night

Daily cleaning of streets by Green Machines of Auckland Council

There were unusually low number of people on streets on Wednesday the last week of the year 2011

Beautiful Night @ Auckland Harbour

2011-12-20T13:20:00.000+13:00

Silo Park @ Wynyard Quarter

"The Gantry" reminds me of Jurassic Park ;)

The Beautiful view of Auckland City from Wynyard Quarter. Those cranes are

constructing the new ASB Building

North Wharf the new hotspot to hang out with friends

The "Karanga" means Welcome in Maori language is the main entrance of

Wynyard Quarter from Viaduct Harbour

Wynyard Crossing & Beautiful Auckland City dressed in Christmas Lights

Queen's Wharf & Cloud after Rugby World Cup looks so deserted.

I hope they don't take it down

View of Viaduct Harbour from Queen's Wharf

Mysterious Cloudy Sky In Auckland

2011-12-20T04:07:00.001+13:00

The Cloudy Sky with moon looks like giant Eyeball watching over the Auckland City

Lorne St. Shared Space In Auckland

2011-12-20T04:02:00.000+13:00

St. James Theatre Closed Since 2005 due to fire safely issue :(

Now its looks like the scary prison of Auckland

Auckland Central Library

Auckland Central Library provides Free Internet

Christmas Decoration at Auckland Harbour

2011-12-20T03:56:00.000+13:00

“The Gantry” at the Wynyard Quarter.

It is fun to walk along and up and down and there good views and photo opportunities of the Auckland Harbour and Auckland City

Paper Angels on Gantry at Wynyard Quarter Decorated for the Christmas

The Telecom Tree at Te Wero Island

Inside of Telecom Tee

Sky Tower, Telecom Tree & Xmas Tree on the Yacht

Visit to MOTAT

2011-12-19T15:58:00.000+13:00

MOTAT (Musuem of Tranpsort & Technology)

http://www.motat.org.nz

The Tram Stop, the old tram of Auckland will take you to MOTAT 2 where

you can see the history of airplanes and Royal NZ Airforce

Old Winding Clock at MOTAT Tram Stop

Main Entrance of MOTAT

Western Springs Pumping Station was once used to supply drinking water to

Auckland from the springs near by.

This are oldest working steam driven electricity generator to operate the pump

Edward Hillary's Antarctic Vehicle

Old Printing Shop

Old British Petroleum Gas Station

Weird steering of mobile milk and bread truck

Wheels of Creativity ;)

Foursquare Convenience Store

Victorian Village

The Last Tram of Auckland before it was reintroduced in MOTAT & newly developed

waterfront Wynyard Quarter in 2011

Carol Singing with Glow Stick

2011-12-18T23:43:00.001+13:00

Christmas Is Here and everyone loves Christmas Carols

Carol singing by Glow Stick...hmm

We have heard the carol singing by candles but Glow Stick, unusual but very unique

It was beautiful, love the every moment of it

The Christmas Story presented by kids of St. Paul's is indescribable

Glow 2011 was the third Glow stick event organised by St. Paul's