My Favourite Critter – Seahorses

Every diver has a favourite critter or ocean giant they like to find during their travels and dives. Sharks, nudibranchs, whales and dolphins are often listed as popular but what about seahorses?Learn more about these fascinating creatures and the well-named Large-Bellied seahorses of New Zealand in my latest article for The Scuba News NewZealand. http://nz.thescubanews.com/2016/10/17/my-favourite-critter-seahorses Large-bellied seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). Image courtesy of Te Ara. Photographer: Melanie Lovell-Smith. 

Wanted: Scuba Diver Contributors

I have recently been appointed as the Managing Editor of a new online scuba diving magazine, The Scuba News New Zealand. I am thrilled to be joining the team and launching this regional edition of The Scuba News.Do you have any press releases, offers, articles or blog posts from your dive business or club that you would like me to publish at The Scuba News?Or perhaps you know a keen diver/marine conservationist in New Zealand who would like to become a contributor?This is completely free of charge and every article will be added with links back to your own website.The Scuba News is also seeking contributors outside of New Zealand for editions in the UK, Egypt, Canada and the US. Get in touch if you would like to be a part of this awesome online space for divers around the globe.Happy diving all!KathrynKathryn@thescubanews.comThe Scuba News New Zealand

Hello February

February is one of my favourite months of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, where I used to live, the promise of spring is just around the corner and in the Southern Hemisphere, where I now live, it is summertime and life is in full bloom. Add to that the prospect of Valentine's Day and Shrove Tuesday (everybody loves a pancake) and what's not to love?January is the month when we're all high on the promise of New Year resolutions, we're tired and broke post-Christmas and slumping when we realise that maybe those resolutions haven't made their way to the fore yet. January kinda sucks let's face it.February though is far enough away from Christmas that it brings hope and more realistic new beginnings. It is a month of opportunity to choose the resolutions you want to stick with guilt-free and a chance to create new adventures.This month I will be focussing on wellness in my life. Here are some of the things I will be doing to keep my mind, spirit, body and soul ticking over:*Continuing my mindfulness meditation journey with HeadSpace. By dedicating just 10 minutes every other day to meditation I am already seeing an improvement in my emotional and mental wellbeing, which of course translates to physical health as well. The mind is where our entire experience of life occurs.*Getting to grips with Pilates for better spinal health, which I thoroughly recommend to anyone interested in improving their flexibility and core strength. Just 30 minutes twice a week is plenty.*Walking and breathing in nature for an hour every day. Not only is walking great for fitness but it also energises our minds as well and is a great way to process the day, reconnect with nature and unwind.*Getting creative! After a long break from writing and creativity whilst emigrating to New Zealand, it's time to step up the pace and focus on my true passion; writing. Creativity is pure soul food.*Reading. It allowa our minds the freedom to dream and rest, it gets the imagination fired up. Is there anything nicer than reading a book with a cuppa?Have a great month and remember to take time for your own journey.What will you do to for wellness this February?

Diving the Poor Knights

I had no idea the marine life of New Zealand could be so diverse and colourful until I saw these photographs from Nicholas's recent day of diving the Poor Knights marine reserve. They left me speechless! This is one of the world's top dive sites and Nicholas's experiences there with Dive! Tutukaka certainly did that title justice. This site is one for the bucket list and it also demonstrates the importance of marine reserves for the health of our oceans and fish stocks. Read on to find out more:http://www.friendsforsharks.com/02/09/2015/blog/diving-the-poor-knights/

To the top of New Zealand

We made it to the top of New Zealand! After almost six months of travel in our Wendekreisen Travel Ltd campervan and 66 shark conservation events we reached the very top of the North Island. It was an epic moment when we realised just how far we have come; both literally and with Friends for Sharks. I hope you enjoy the stunning photography of Nicholas's, which really demonstrates how beautiful the sub-tropical Northlands are. Onwards we go into our final week in Auckland and then Australia.http://www.friendsforsharks.com/01/09/2015/blog/hello-from-the-top-of-new-zealand/

West Coast Wanderings

Back online after a busy and fun-filled few weeks traveling the West Coast and Northland of New Zealand whilst providing our Friends for Sharks conservation events. It was wonderful exploring the rugged scenery of surf hotspot Raglan and we stayed at an eco-retreat called Solscape. It was a unique and inspiring place to recharge our batteries and that of our campervan home! We have been traveling New Zealand for almost six months now with our marine conservation cause and trusty Wendekreisen Travel Ltd campervan Bertha. We also took time out to visit Hamilton Gardens and Nicholas's photography of the themed gardens in this blog are stunning:http://www.friendsforsharks.com/31/08/2015/blog/west-coast-wanderings      

Top 15 Alternative Places to Shout 'View!' in New Zealand

My third guest article recently has been for Not Australia with my article Top 15 Alternative Places to Shout 'View!' in New Zealand. I really enjoyed revisiting our highlights of Aotearoa and it certainly reminded Nicholas and I of why we have applied for residency in New Zealand.http://www.not-australia.co.nz/top-15-alternative-places-to-shout-view-in-new-zealand/

places-to-shout-view-in-new-zealand/

Highs, Lows and Campervan Laughter

I have been featured in nzmotorhol.com with my article Highs, Lows and Campervan Laughter. I hope you enjoy this insight into our six month tour of New Zealand with Wendekreisen Travel Ltd.http://nzmotorhol.com/highs-lows-and-campervan-laughter.php 

Poms Away!

I have been featured in 'Poms Away! A British Immigrant's View of New Zealand' this week, with a guest blog post. Read on to find out what it is about living in New Zealand that has left a lasting impression with me. It won't be the things you'd expect!

~https://pomsawaydownunder.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/another-british-immigrants-view-of-new-zealand-a-guest-post-by-kathryn-hodgson/

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Little Local Library

Whilst out walking at Lower Hutt, Wellington recently I came upon this community library on Hill Road. Isn’t it fantastic?! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw these two fridges and the sign ‘Little Local Library’ at the road-side. They were absolutely packed with books and it just goes to show what can be achieved for a community with a little creativity.

It was a real reminder what we can each make a difference to those around us.

Hill Road Community Group

I was also smitten with these thick, hairy tree fern fronds that were waiting to unfurl and their smaller counterparts. They were curled tightly, packed with potential and ready to greet the world.The ‘koru’ is a spiral shape based on the shape of those new unfurling silver fern fronds and it symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace. What a beautiful symbol for the day.