Mauao
I was walking around Mauao with my mate Jesus the other day, having a good old korero, when we stopped and sat down on the seat overlooking Tauranga Moana.
It was a magic Mountie day where his old man was showing off by placing a crimson korowai of pohutukawa along our path, and not one to let a magic moment fade away I thought I would share the conversation we had sitting on that seat.
"What's wrong with the world, Jesus, and how can we change it here in Tauranga?"
"In one word, mate, it's greed. Giving is the answer, with an attitude of gratitude for what you have. Giving until it hurts. Not just a couple of cans for foodbank at Christmas but all the time. Look out there in Tauranga, you have more boats per capita than any other city in the world, yet they are only used on average twice a year. If you don't need things in life or have too much, then give it to someone who does."
"What are your thoughts on atheism and the philosophical teachings of Richard Dawkins?"
"Everyone is entitled to their opinion. In Richard's case, he seems to know more about my father than me. Knowledge comes as much from the heart as the head. As does laughter, love and all the other cool tools my father gave the world to keep them in the game of life. The good news, when it comes to my opinion and Richard's, is only one of us is right."
"What about health, Jesus? What are we doing wrong and what is the answer?"
"More laughter, less kai and every home should have a juicer to kill cancer. And in your case, bro, more laps around this mountain would help keep you going for a few more summers."
"So what can we do to help you, Jesus, or are we beyond help and will never change?"
"Never give up on God, even if you don't believe in him - or her! You will find God when you walk these pathways around Mauao and around the people in need, more than you will find him sitting inside a church. Believe me, I know. If only my followers would walk their talk - to be like me."
"So where do I start?"
"A good start is random acts of kindness, wrapped up in something as simple as a smile. Finding excuses to make others happy. It does the same thing for the giver as it does the receiver, just ask Santa. You don't have to believe in him to share the joy of giving. The cool concerts at Blake Park and Bethlehem Square on Saturday night were a great example of giving. My angels had a great time, as did all the little tamariki, who got to feel safe and happy at the same time. I love the fairy lights all across Tauranga, which made carloads of smiles that can never be taken back. These are acts of kindness."
"And for Maori in Tauranga Moana post-settlement, any advice Jesus?"
"Everything that was taken and everything that has been given back belongs to future generations. The land that was lost belonged to all of the people, not families and individuals - and so should the settlements. Just like the boats I mentioned before, if you have more land than you need, give it to those who need it."
Jesus sat and stared out across the Moana of Tauranga and together we soaked up the silence, until he turned to farewell me.
"I have to go now, my mate Mandela is coming over for my birthday so I better get home and get ready - for Christmas."
And with that he rose up and walked across the water to Matakana and headed home.
"Ka kite ano, Kapai, and Mere Kirihimete, Tauranga Moana," he called back. "I'll be back sooner than later."
broblack@xtra.co.nz