{"id":16567,"date":"2022-07-19T10:00:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T14:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/capitalcitiesusa.org\/?p=16567"},"modified":"2024-11-19T13:40:04","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T18:40:04","slug":"kia-ora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/capitalcitiesusa.org\/?p=16567","title":{"rendered":"Kia ora"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally Published July 22, 2020 by Linda Lou Burton posting about Wellington, New Zealand from Little Rock, Arkansas \u2013 <\/em>Ha! It is raining in Little Rock this morning, a soft, gentle rain, no thunder, no downpour. Only 79 degrees, here in July! I take credit for such a gentle day, because I am mentally in \"\"<\/a>Wellington today (where I had PLANNED to be before COVID-19 struck the world and shut down travel anywhere<\/em>). Mentally, I\u2019m taking note of differences, and similarities, between Little Rock and Wellington. I\u2019ve already mentioned they are about the same in number of people, but with different seasons in effect, time to be out and about today differs by nearly five hours. Little Rock\u2019s summer daylight will last 14 hours. Wellington\u2019s winter sunrise happens just before 8 this morning; sunset occurs just after 5.<\/p>\n

So, with not a minute to waste, I (would have<\/em>) scheduled two tours in Wellington yesterday. A morning bus tour to get the highlights of the city up close. And an afternoon helicopter ride for a bird\u2019s eye view of everything. That would mean that today I\u2019m in the know about where I\u2019d want to spend more time, and, a bonus, by listening to my guides, I\u2019d have learned a very important word.<\/p>\n

And that important word is Kia ora.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \"\"<\/a>Kia ora<\/em> is generally pronounced KEE-au-ra but however it sounds<\/em> the point is Hi! or G\u2019day! Interchangeable as a salutation, or farewell, or even an expression of thanks, the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage website lists it as one of 100 M\u0101ori words every New Zealander should know. Yes, it is from the M\u0101ori language; the word \u201cora\u201d as a noun means \u201clife, health, vitality.\u201d It\u2019s an attitude; a way of life. It\u2019s an inclusive, uplifting expression, kind of an \u201cair hug,\u201d a verbal smile.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Kia ora, a beautiful word. You\u2019ll hear it everywhere, and you\u2019ll see it printed on everything from jewelry to doormats. It\u2019s the name of Air New Zealand\u2019s inflight magazine; and the greeting they sent me when they confirmed my reservation. And, when they had to cancel it.<\/p>\n

So I\u2019m really in Little Rock today. But here\u2019s what I would have<\/em> done yesterday, if I could have<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Morning By Land<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hammonds Wellington Sightseeing Tours, https:\/\/wellingtonsightseeingtours.co.nz\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Just my style, friendly and down-to-earth tour guides for back and forth chats. A tour bus with focus on accessibility so I can get off and on with ease. Stops at places of great interest to me: New Zealand\u2019s Parliament Buildings and Beehive. Old Saint Paul\u2019s Cathedral. Wellington Botanic Gardens . Wellington Cable Car. Mount Victoria.<\/p>\n

Afternoon By Air<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wellington Helicopters, GCH Aviation, https:\/\/gchaviation.com\/wellington-city-scenic\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A daring do in a windy city, but what could be better that flying over downtown Wellington and the harbour from the luxury of an EC130 helicopter? Nine minutes and a birds-eye view of iconic buildings such as Te Papa, the Beehive and the Cake Tin. Magnificent!<\/p>\n

A nap after that, a fabulous dinner, a good night\u2019s sleep. And then a day of focus, first stop, the Capital City stuff, like \u2013 the Beehive. That\u2019s my next post, stay tuned.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, wherever you are and whatever your weather today, go to these websites that surely are the pride of New Zealand, so rich in information you won\u2019t know where to stop.<\/p>\n

Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Wellington<\/strong> https:\/\/mch.govt.nz\/<\/a><\/p>\n