Aramoana

'Aromoana is more than a place it's a feeling' - Peter Johnston Munro

A town like no other. A place I cannot describe. A wee town. A place that has taught me a lot.

Over the last few days living with Wig (Paul), a comical guy and his wife Rainbow, a beautiful lady from Hong Kong I have been fortunate enough to learn the history of the town, the healing that is still present and the tragedy that occurred on 13 November 1990.

It was an event that would become a sad day as part of New Zealand's history. David Gray went mad with an automatic rifle that day. A town massacre. An event that took the lives of 13 beautiful people.

Today I walked down the road, only meters from my accomodation, where David Gray once lived. Today I was reminded how quickly life can change and how important it is to present in the moment.

Walking down the beach this morning, in the beautiful town of Aramoana I smiled at locals that were shot that day but survived. I have learnt a lot from these individuals. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shaken, but a gentle reminder to be appreciative of every moment and tell your friends and family you love them.

I am grateful to be travelling and I am grateful for the people I have met.

If anyone is interested in watching the movie/documentary created on this you can't watch it via: https://archive.org/details/OutOfTheBlue2006