New year is traditionally a time of reflection; as the old year disappears from view, it's a time to think about what we remember. The successes we celebrated, transitions and change...
[fade in] "I, Patricia Lee Reddy, solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that as Governor-General..." [fade out]
...and the poignant farewells for those who left us.
In 2016, New Zealanders were reminded again of the impermanence of the ground beneath our feet. The Kaikoura earthquakes, and the devastation that followed, show how the world around us can change in mere seconds, and that we all need to be prepared.
Events like this remind us that what really matters are friends, family, and our connections with our communities.
Wherever you are, and whoever you're with, I hope you're looking forward to the new year, and the promise it brings.
I hope you can take time for yourselves, and take time to be with the people who're precious to you.
The Air Tattoo is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the RNZAF.
Personnel and contemporary military aircraft from Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, China, Singapore, Japan and France were on hand, plus some wonderful vintage aircraft. The F16s proved to be too fast to catch on film - but you can see them in action tomorrow at Ohakea for the 2nd day of the Tattoo
