It's a fun day, the rugby is scrappy, typical pre-season fare but entertaining, and the Blues beat the Hurricanes.
We leave early though, as the Black Caps are signing autographs at Kensington Park. We get there early, and chat to a few fans, including a grandad who is there on behalf of two grandkids who have a birthday to go to.
Five Black Caps arrive, including an incredibly young-looking Tom Latham who a friend later mistakes for one of the kids who won a prize to hang out in the team dressing room.
We get our autographs, and leave happy, and tired after a long day that started with three hours of junior cricket.
Sunday, February 5.
Supposed to be a day of rest but I'm working. Fantastic photos from Waitangi from our chief photographer John Stone. There's been the general politicking and grandstanding from politicians and protesters, and a bit of physical argy bargy. Apparently someone reckons they could see fear in John Key's eyes but the PM reckons "nah, I wasn't scared".
I finish work in time to swing home and pick up three kids and one mother for the trip to Tutukaka for the winery tour.
We get there in time to grab a decent car-park and find our way easily into the sold-out venue. About 2000 people had a great time - some more than others judging by some of the drunken punters - but no one gets hurt, and Gin Wigmore educates the kids and probably shocks more than one set of parents with her R18 between-song-banter.
She rocks though. Earlier, Avalanche City had a few people going, "oh, these are the guys that sing that song", and the Mutton Birds remind me why I own most of their albums.
Monday, February 6.
Up early, and off to the cricket.
The Northern Advocate had a big hand in the pre-game publicity for the first One Day International at Cobham Oval, we were determined to help make it a success.
We're not disappointed - 5000 people turn up to see Zimbabwe crushed, and everyone has a great time, even the Zim fans who good naturedly take over the Advocate tent after we invite them in to shelter their wee babies from the brief rain. They dance, sing, and generally have a great time.
The cricket is elongated by the Black Caps batting first, and the ground looks fantastic. Even better, the fan embankments are close to full, and it looks great on television. Way to go Northland! Let's do it again next year, and I make a mental diary note to make it to Waitangi next year.
