It’s hard to believe that it’s 40 years since the last one. But here we are in New Zealand, reliving the moment with a new generation joining the family reunion.
We have traveled to New Zealand for the occasion. Having spent the last two weeks exploring Auckland and the Bay of Islands, we arrived on the family farm earlier in the week. Last night we celebrated my Aunty Carol’s 80th birthday, along with Uncle James’s 70th and this morning is filled with the anticipation of a family reunion and picnic.
Setting Out
Inspired by fond memories of riding nikau palm leaves pulled by a truck, we once again pack the family onto the back of the farm Utes. Making our way up the to the ‘back’ paddock, the road is well worn by time. Down the steep drive of Nana’s hill which now also boasts the ‘new’ house and a sealed road. Around the corner and past the old farmhouse, sitting abandoned yet still so full of memories.
Along and around the cow shed, scattering the chickens that forage amongst the old crates and farm equipment, we begin the ascent up the hill. Navigating around Devil’s Elbow, the loose watermelon crates that we perch on slide around. I hold myself in place, with the kids laughing at me as I remind them for the umpteenth time to hold on themselves. They’re having way too much fun.
Eventually we pass the quarry and head up into the forest, finally arriving, full of anticipation at the paddock.
The Careful Selection
Before we can start the rides, we need to source the right vehicle. Our family weave through a preserved area of native forest. Here we discover the perfectly shaped nikau palm that will be our source of entertainment for the afternoon.
The forest is lush and green. Being on private property and having been spared from the cows that graze nearby, it is virtually untouched. Native Kauri and Nikau Palm trees grow unchecked amongst the other flora. Birds, cicadas and the occasional spider make themselves known primarily from their sounds and webs, rather than being overtly visible.
The axes come out and there is a buzz amongst the children who all want a turn. My cousin, Sheldon, helps the little ones to position their hands and legs properly. He should know, he learned the hard way as a child, cutting his leg chopping wood. Nevertheless the enthusiasm of the little one’s passion is unbridled. They give it all they have. Still, it takes a while. The big axe for the big kids and then a smaller axe more appropriate for the little ones.
In the meantime, some of the other children (and the young at heart, Uncle Robert), climb the trees. My nephew, Dash, is fascinated by some cow bones he finds. Finally, the big axe comes back out and, wielded by the men, it only takes a bit longer to fell the tree.
There’s a bit more of a delay as the tree gets caught in the dense forest foliage of tangled vines, branches and tangled trees. Eventually Sheldon, Reuben & Uncle Robert wrangle it free and drag it the short distance up the hill to the clearing.
The Peeling of the Palm
The next phase is more delicate. It involves splicing the leaves and peeling them carefully away from the palm, one by one.
After all the fronds have been removed, the heart of the palm is edible. It’s a bit like artichoke and, while tender and crunchy, could be much improved with a nice tangy dressing. Pieces are dissected and distributed so that all can have a try. The kids are fascinated by the flowers and spend time fanning them apart.
Setting Up
Meanwhile, a reconnaissance trip heads down the hill to find a steep part to try sliding down on the palm leaves. I take a moment to enjoy the views before they’re back. The sliding idea hasn’t worked and we’re back to the original plan of trucks in the paddock.
By the time I walk the short distance back, preparations in the field have begun. Uncle Robert ties the palm leaves up while the kids look on, prepped for the ride. There’s activity all round with two utes and the Kioti, but eventually, the leaves are deemed secure and it’s time to take off.
And They’re Off
The kids all get in for the first few rounds but after that, it’s truly a family affair with Sheldon, Kate and their boys taking to the palms. Unfortunately Reuben seems intent to get them off and Peter takes a tumble around the first corner. He’s not giving up though and chases his brother down, fighting to get back on. In the end, he comes round the side leaping onto mum & dad’s laps, seeking a sure thing to reach the finish line!
Rough rides aside, not everyone is happy to take their chances at the corners, or with Rueben’s driving. A more robust vehicle is tied up behind the Kioti and with a cushion for extra padding, Grandad deems it suitable to try with Dash leading the way.
Dash has clearly gotten a handle on the whole thing now and heads back to the palms for a round with Aunty Winnie. It’s unclear who’s taking the tips from whom now, however, there are no tumbles taken on this round.
Everyone’s in on the action. Even Uncle Robert & Uncle James get a turn although somehow Dash shows up for this one as well.
A Pause in the Action
Some of the more sensible among us deem it more suitable to watch from a safe distance. Who can blame them, as, after a while, Sheldon brings the watermelons out for mid fun refreshments.
Somehow Dash is at it again, claiming the ‘heart’ of the watermelon. Luckily there’s plenty to go around.
More Spirited Adventures
Back for more fun and now the daredevils come out. Harley, Peter, Luke & Sheldon aren’t satisfied with the thrill of a seated ride and take their chances at surfing the field.
The grass looks long and pleasantly springy but I speak the truth when I say that there hasn’t been much rain this summer. A few rounds with just a palm leaf and some grass padding the ground between us left me with a bruise or two. Needless to say I left the riskier business to those with more resilience. Here Blake, Jasper & Elizabeth have the springiness of youth on their side.
Others, like Greg, still identify as young whilst Jai watches on, acting as spotter, just in case.
Thankfully, all the bumps and bruises from the field merely remain a symbol of the fun for the day, even as Reuben and Sheldon let some of the older kids try driving for a bit.
Winding Down
As the afternoon unfolds, Uncle James pulls out the guitar and a more relaxed vibe for the family reunion takes form. There’s some singing from not just the birds as the utes continue their rounds trying to wear out the kids.
Eventually it’s time to leave the palm leaves behind and load back into the ute for the ride back from the family reunion where a picnic awaits to top off the celebrations.
Unfortunately we never thought to try to reproduce the original photo but nothing will take away from the wonderful reunion of today.
This is something our kids will now remember. I hope I’m still around for the next one, hopefully we won’t need to wait another 40 years.
Good To Know
I almost didn’t go. New Zealand is a long way from my current home. Expense as well as considerations like leave for me and time off school for the boys were factors. However, I’m eternally grateful that my husband, Jason, encouraged the trip, even though he couldn’t attend. It was, if not a once in a lifetime experience, a family reunion that delivered rare and precious time and experiences.
Would I Return?
Yes. Despite having lived elsewhere my whole life, there is an undeniable connection to this land and its people, my family.
