Flight of the Kotuku

The Flight of the Kotuku


It began like this: I, the kotuku of James Street, Plimmerton NZ, was sitting on the roof of flat 3. It was on a spring morning when I noticed the person who lives in that flat was painting a triptyc, three paintings linked together by a common theme, spring colours of 3 views of Porirua, Titahi Bay, Porirua Harbour and Paramata Inlet. With all the birds in that area we know the views very well.

To begin with I often joined my family at the rocks at Titahi Bay, the right picture above. In the distance I see Mana Island, which is now a bird sanctuary where we as birds can stay without being disturbed. A place of peace for all birds. The person in flat 3 painted the picture. It is now hanging in his lounge. I saw it through the window. Do you like it? The area on the left of the rocks was once a Pa, a Maori village. The Maori people are the first people in New Zealand. Near the rocks is a street that is named after me, Kotuku Street. Nice to have a street named after birds.

The middle picture is of Porirua Harbour. In the tree with the red leaves we birds often shelter, looking towards the busy shops in the distance. Seagulls prefer that area because there is plenty to eat. The tree is called the Pohutukawa tree. It blossoms around Christmas time. The red colours fit in with festive season. Next to the tree I see a canoe. The Maoris call it a waka. Sometimes I see them rowing in the harbour. They say that with those wakas they came all the way from Hawaii or near by, many centuries ago.

The left picture is of Paramata Inlet. This part of the Porirua waters is known for its Wildlife reserve, including the largest remaining wetland of the North Island. No wonder that we Kotukus like to go there. Plenty of fish to catch. But there are other places to fly to. Near by is the St Joseph church (1878)( see picture above)
**
From the top of the belfry my ancestors saw the farmers around come to worship, for weddings and funerals. The headstones are silent witnesses of the respect people now have for their own ancestors.

Further down the road near the St Teresa’s church there is a nice paddock, my favourite pasture. At the end of James Street stands a tall tree, the home of my family of Kotukus. From our nest I love to see the school kids playing on their own paddock. These kids will be the next generation to keep the land safe from pollution. A healthy bird life depends on it. I hope to see young and old enjoying nature around.(see pictures above)

************************************************************************************
I heard from my fellow kotukus that the painter in flat 3 has travelled by plane to his family in Holland to celebrate his 80th birthday. That plane was like a big bird, much bigger than we are, made of stuff that shines like a silvery bird, and 100 times faster than we are. So we landed in my brothers town, Geldrop, where we stayed for awhile. I can see a church with twin towers.

From the peak of one of towers of the church I could see a market place, filled with people buying all sorts of things, but no birds. Just as well. I also saw a red scooter mobile. It stopped opposite the church in front of a restaurant. The driver of it looked like the brother of the painter in James Street. I’ve been told he was. He booked the restaurant for a meal for ten people. Indeed it was for his 80th birthday dinner. When they left the restaurant it was dark outside but the church opposite was lit up as if to say: "Many happy returns".(See picture above)
**
One of the painter’s nieces is very musical; she plays the flute, is a good singer and is a member of a local chamber choir. When sitting on the roof of the monastery’s chapel I could hear them sing beautiful psalms composed during the last three centuries. The painter was really blessed with the professional music sang with enthusiasm and talent.(see picture above)

***
The next day I saw some smoke rising behind a farmhouse. So went to investigate and saw that it was smoke coming from a BBQ. A lot of young (20-50) people were enjoying themselves with another celebration of the 80th birthday of the painter. I wondered how many parties this painter was going to have. But that one was the last, the day before he left again for New Zealand.

Back again in the silvery bird. I flew back to my home tree waiting for the spring, season of new life.

The above story is about the flight of me, Kotuku, who lives near the painter/priest at flat 3.
He painted many other birds, all of them friends of my family, as you see on the last picture below. Enjoy

Flying let me see the beauty of creation, as the painter would say.

Wishing you a colourful view of the future,

Kotuku

PS. Indeed. The flight of Kotuku gives a birds eye view of creation and an overview of the goodness of people. I am grateful that God lifts us up above the anxiety of daily life and holding us under the safety of his wings.

God Bless

Greetings John Heijnen