We travel from Queenstown to Auckland. (Bill is able to fly this time. He had to bus down from Auckland to Invercargill for our Stewart Island / Rakiura trip after having an eye operation in January, and not being allowed to fly for two weeks.) We arrive late on 9th Feb to see the sunset at Onetangi Beach. We are back in Waiheke for just the next three days.
On the 11th I run around getting ready for our next trip - we are going to be away for more than three months. I go through my belongings and lay everything out on the bed - Antarctica, hot, toiletries etc.
I go in on the ferry and return all our tramping / hiking gear. Today was a check up for Mum on a skin cancer on her head. I spend the day rest of the day with Mum. It was fun. She always remains so chirpy whatever the circumstances and is always fun to be with.
On the 12th I have a few more things to get in town, and a massage with Steve. At 4pm we farewell Ewen from NEXT. Margaret acknowledges his attention to detail, his warmness and his smartness.
Margaret acknowledged his attention to detail, his warmness and his smartness.
Bill acknowledged three things about Ewen, all beginning with a "ca" sound - Kaupapa, how Ewen lived and breathed the NEXT kaupapa, Commitment, and Caring. He also acknowledged the Dilworth Trust where Ewen is going, as his Dad went to Dilworth. I definitely had a few tears by this time. Ewen is a big loss and Bill talking about his lovely Dad always moves me. His Dad was my Language and Reading lecturer at Teachers College. He probably taught me to write as before I went to Teachers College I just played sport.
And here are some of the people that were on the rooftop farewell drinks. Ewen's wife, Penny, is in the middle. I videoed all of this and sent it to Penny, as they have two girls and I wanted their girls to hear the acknowledgement of their Dad. His work has been a big engine for NEXT.
Then Ewen is awarded the Plowman Medal - this is for services to NEXT and to philanthropy in New Zealand. And for integrity in the job and a job well done.
This from the NEXT Foundation Facebook page: "Ewen, part of the NEXT Foundation team since its inception, was awarded the medal by Neal and Annette Plowman at a function in Auckland. It is in recognition of his services to NEXT, to philanthropy, and to Neal and Annette Plowman. Presenting the award NEXT Founder Annette Plowman paid tribute to Ewen’s contribution and dedication.
“You have been involved with NEXT from the very beginning,” she said. “NEXT has come so far and you have helped shape it to become what it is today – something that has well exceeded Neal and my expectations."
“Your dedication and commitment has been above and beyond, we know you have put in long days and long nights for the benefit of our land and our people, and future generations of New Zealanders.”
“You epitomise our vision of philanthropy – strategic, diligent, and generous with our own time – and you share our passion for education and the environment. Thank-you so much for all you have done.”
The presentation was made as NEXT bid farewell to Ewen, who has a new role as inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Dilworth Trust Board."
The next day we are to the airport for our next travels - not back till early June, although we haven't yet booked our return flights yet.