The Pohutakawa Tree

The Mistress tells me that this tree is protected in New Zealand. No one can cut them down without permission from the council, and even then, it's likely they'll say 'No'. This is because they are in decline from the dreaded Possum. An Australian critter that was brought over here for hunting purposes, but had no natural predators and are now chomping their way through NZ forests!

You can see the lengths the councils go to protect this tree clearly in this photograph. The beautiful tree has overgrown the footpath, so much so, you have to (according to the Mistress) contort yourself underneath the boughs to walk through.

Although it's rather beautiful.

To protect the branches, 'rests' have been built to keep them off the pavement, which would keep the branches dry.

This was taken in Auckland City this morning, after having breakfast with a friend. Afterwards the Mistress and her daughter walked to the university where her daughter got her postgrad diploma and her Masters degree (from 4 years ago).

A short wander around town and then we flew home.

The Mistress dropped me today. I'm okay - I still work, but my cheap kit lens is a bit iffy. The words that came out when it happened, would have made me blush, but I was too busy groaning in pain!

The Mistress has also picked up the CAT from the cattery. It won't stop moaning either!