Author: Stephanie Hills

  • It takes all sorts

    It’s Māori Language Week, so let’s consider the wisdom of a traditional Māori saying, or whakataukī: E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū. The tūī squawks, the kākā chatters, the kererū coos. This whakataukī refers to the wide diversity of forest birds.  It calls on us to understand that, just […]

  • The Spirit of Manaaki

    The Spirit of Manaaki. Maata, a Living Library of Māori Wisdom & Medicine Practices                                                                                  by Stephanie Mines This newly published book is both a tribute to Maata Wharehoka, respected kuia and leader based at Parihaka, and a compendium of Māori cultural knowledge and tikanga. At first, I found the format unsettling; it’s circular rather than […]

  • The joys of getting older…

    It’s the start of a brand-new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles. * * * When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago. * * * Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.

  • The Joy of Giving

    With Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up, it’s a good time to consider how satisfying it feels when we willingly use our own strengths or resources to brighten someone’s day. Ideas on the RAK web page include things like paying for a coffee for the person behind you, donating good clothes to charity, or […]

  • Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind

    Ara. A Māori Guidebook of the Mind       By Dr Hinemoa Elder This evocative book describes a metaphorical underground journey through a series of 23 caves, each of which represents an aspect of the mind. The author’s poetic portrayal takes us on a circular downward spiral, visiting various mental chambers, each offering supportive resources as we […]

  • Life is lots of pun

    This was my first week at a bicycle store.Today they said I was ready to be the company’s spokesperson. * * * My late Dad wanted his ashes pressed into a record album. It was his vinyl wish. * * * Murphy: “My wife is driving me to drink.” Quinn: “Lucky you! My wife makes […]

  • Looking at things from all sides

    A wise teacher of mine used to challenge her students with the question, “What if the opposite were true?” This is a great way to prompt lateral thinking. It can help us to spot where our supposedly logical conclusions might be based on rather tenuous assumptions and help us to understand how someone else might […]

  • The Optimistic Child

    The Optimistic Child. A Revolutionary Approach to Raising Resilient Children                                                                      by Martin Seligman This classic book, first published in 1995, is by Martin Seligman, who is considered the founder of positive psychology. It outlines the school-based programme he developed to teach optimism and resilience in children, and the research behind it. The book goes on […]

  • Silly observations

    False teeth are like stars. They come out at night. * * * Two fish in a tank. One of them says to the other: “How do you drive this thing?” * * * A nine-year-old girl has disappeared after using moisturiser that makes you look ten years younger.

  • Going above and beyond

    As homelessness becomes more prevalent, many unemployed people find it necessary to make use of public spaces such as libraries, where they can find warmth, shelter and company during the day.  A young man living in his car became a well-known regular at one library.  Council staff helped to connect him with services and resources […]