​Karen Rolleston

​Over the winter months, you cannot help but notice the breathtaking views of the snow-covered ranges and Southern Alps that we enjoy as we crest the hilly tops in Timaru and travel around our surrounding countryside. They are impossible to miss.

There are 45 named mountains in our region. The highest and the most prominent is Mt D’Archiac, which stands 2850 metres tall.

In the far distance lies the Mackenzie Country, and from Timaru we can see some of the Southern Alps, which extend for 500km down the spine of the South Island/Te Waipounamu.

The tallest mountain in the whole of the Southern Alps is Aoraki/Mt Cook, with its three summits: Low Peak, Middle Peak and High Peak. The high peak stands at 3724m tall.

These mountains are visible all year round, of course, but in winter, with their snowy covering, they stand out and seem far closer than they do over the summer months.

As spring takes hold, we know to expect some dramatic swings in weather including our infamous nor’wester winds.

Born in the heart of the mountains, this warm wind accelerates down the great valleys east of the Main Divide and roars out across the plains, signalling the beginning of the end to our winter season.

Also at this time of year, spring is in full force. Over the past few weeks, a parade of beautiful and uplifting blossom trees has been unfolding throughout the town. It is so enjoyable to see.

For a few short weeks there is also still plenty of snow to be seen on those faraway mountains. The juxtaposition of blossom and snow in the same view is worthy of appreciation.

David McBride

The November 16-22 edition of the New Zealand Listener features a beautifully illustrated review of a new book devoted to unique Maori jewellery, 600 pages in length.

The authors are named as Deidre Brown, Ngarino Ellis, and the late Jonathan Mane-Wheoki.

Upon the suggestion of forming a Civic Trust in Timaru in the 1980s Mane-Wheoki gave keen support.

Holding a senior position at the University of Canterbury, he was quick to visit Timaru and contribute his impressive knowledge of the architectural heritage on display.

He led a walking tour through the town centre, followed the next day by a similar event within the Wai-iti Rd basin devoted to residential buildings. He was a man of action; alongside his university role, he restored significant Māori buildings to their correct locations where each one truly belonged.

His untimely death was deeply mourned; softened somewhat by his lasting contribution to the arts, architecture, and music.

One could not underestimate the enthusiasm of Mane-Wheoki in forming the Timaru Civic Trust, pointing out the unique flavour of our Timaru buildings.

The review within the Listener provides several gems extracted from the book, Te Mana: An Indigenous History of Māori Art.

Included are selected artworks by Sydney Parkinson the illustrator aboard James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand.

On a visit to the exact replica of the Endeavour, one could only be amazed at the cramped conditions provided to this young artist. What skill!