Story: Beachcombing

Give and take

Give and take

Easy the dog, at Ōwhiro Bay, with Jane Poata Lummis’ son Clarence. Jane found more than nature’s wealth on this beach.

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Contributed by Jane Poata Lummis of Wellington.

My partner and I, my three children and our puppy, Easy, swim as often as possible at Ōwhiro Bay on the south coast of Wellington. One beautiful day during the summer of 2005 I was inspired to give something back to Tangaroa [the god of the sea] in return for all the pleasure and beauty he grants me, and especially in exchange for all the taonga in the form of shells and stones that I have collected so happily in my lifetime.

So, I collected bags and bags of plastic and glass rubbish. I was just finishing up when another couple of beer cans and a plastic drink bottle caught my eye. As I picked them up I noticed a well washed but perfectly crisp $10 note nestled in the seaweed. I was delighted! And I had no doubt that I had been guided to find that money to let me know that my efforts were appreciated. My children were very impressed. One of them instantly asked me for a loan!

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Beachcombing - The human factor', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/community-contribution/7203/give-and-take (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006