A Glass Full of Water

The theme song to the Australian TV show Neighbours has pertinent lyrics to this blog story. In part the lyrics say, ‘Should be there for one another, that’s when neighbours become good friends’.  My younger brother Mike and his wife Sheryl were neighbours and good friends with Pete. He had been a kiwi dentist in London for over 40 years and retired next door to them. A great sense of humour was an important part of their relationship.  The New Zealand flag referendums in 2015/2016 were held to determine our nation’s flag. Voters were able to choose their favourite design. Pete was a staunch believer in retaining the existing flag and keeping the Union Jack in the corner. Mike and Sheryl loved to tease Pete about his flag views, so in a light hearted, funny way, they hatched and executed a cunning plan… Mike purchased an alternative silver fern flag and attached it to a drone. As it zipped past Pete, who was sitting at his outdoor table, he yelled to his son, “Get the gun! Put...

The WSL (World Surf League) Corona Cero New Zealand Pro 2026 surfing championships for men and women, held at Manu Bay, Raglan finished a few days ago. Pre competition, my daughter Ruth and I had a lovely conversation with Carissa Moore, a Hawaiian competitor. She came across as an authentic and humble person and the eventual winner of the women’s championship. On the first day of the scheduled 10 day event, I was watching the heats with Ruth, her husband Jake, their kids and some of their friends from Mount Maunganui - they sure know how to laugh and enjoy themselves! The happy crowd of thousands around us helped to set the scene for the rest of the day as the ‘Raglan vibe’ was appreciated in town and beach alike. Reflecting on the whole event with Val, we noted that groms (young surfers) had plenty of opportunities to talk with and get autographs from many world famous surfers. Annie, a checkout operator from the local 4 Square Supermarket remarked to me that Gabriel Medina represent...

“Can of coke” the customer said to the owner of the Patangata Tavern (Situated many kilometres up the Tukituki River in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand). The owner replied, “sure. $10.00.” The customer looked somewhat shocked at the price. “That’s a rip off price,” to which the owner replied, $10.00 or $3.50 if you use your manners.” The customer changed his attitude and then asked, “A can of coke please. Thanks.” “$3.50. Thank you.” The owner told us this amusing, yet serious story to Val and me when we visited the tavern for lunch. He was ‘old school’ but he had a fair point.  Speaking of school… in the classes I teach, ranging in ages from 5 to 13, I insist on and role model good manners. For example, if I give a student something, they have to say “thank you” and I have to say, “you’re welcome.” I know from experience that good manners from all of us, helps to build a positive class culture, mutual respect and cooperation. The ‘greater good’ should also encourage us to us...

The whole school students and teachers photo at Auckland Grammar School in the early 1940’s was about to be taken. Unbeknown to the teachers, Peter Horne (my dad) had arranged with a few mates to do a ‘special photo’.  In those days, to get the school in the photo, the camera was moved slowly from right to left and the shutter was open for a short time. Everyone had to sit perfectly still.  Dad, sitting in the stands could see where the camera was slowly pointing to. Judging the right time, he left his place (after the camera had finished that section) and rushed to his new space before the camera got there. By doing this one more time he appeared 3 times in the school photo. Dad became a triplet. Hilarious!  My wife Val adds smiles to group photos too. In our travels and around Raglan she often sees families and friends getting ready for their group photos. The camera person always misses out. Not if Val can help it. She readily offers to take the photo and no-one over t...

Last Sunday, I met with Suzanne, Kevin and June (their dog) at The Hut Cafe, Rangitahi, Raglan. The weather was glorious with the local community of adults, children and a few dogs enjoying each other’s company.  Sitting together I asked Suzanne about why she took their dog (a bearded Collie/working farm dog) into Waikeria Prison. She replied, “I believe in the power of kindness.” Suzanne had previously worked with her dogs in Hospices in Auckland and the Auckland Cancer Society. When they moved to Raglan, she volunteered at The Community House, Raglan Rest Home and Hospital and at Waikato University, Hamilton. At all these sites her dog and other dogs brought healing, empathy, compassion and a calming presence.  Currently, with her prison work June has to follow the rule of not wearing gang coloured scarves. Suzanne posed the question, “How can these men experience change if they never see a different perspective on things?”  In a grassed area they throw a ball to each o...

Last week I enjoyed an insightful conversation with Mike, a chocolate maker from Raglan.  Have you heard of Bean to Bar chocolate? This is something that he is really into. The concept and practice is about bringing the beans, the growers and the chocolate maker into a loop. The beans are ethically sourced from growers and their communities in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Mike visits the growers and they actively work on a high trust relationship model. He knows and values the local stories of their beans and Mike believes that by putting people first, the commercial side of his business will look after itself.  He has seen the best and the worst of the food industry as a chef and food technologist and he described escaping the corporate food world and finding satisfaction and hope in his present job. Mike explained further that his chocolate only uses natural pure ingredients, so it’s good food and not masquerading as good.  Mike and his partner Simone work toget...