Auckland
We accidentally discovered a gem. Walking from Parnell toward Auckland Quay we came upon the National Library of New Zealand. Thinking it was a library we thought we would check to see if they had Internet.

The National Library of New Zealand is a resource center for teachers. A librarian, originally from Florida and now a New Zealand citizen, gave us a tour. Teachers can make requests to this national resource center and have materials shipped on loan. They inservice educators. They also offer on-line assistance to teachers and students.

On the ground floor there was a commissioned exhibit on the Haka. This Māori dance and chant, adopted by the All Blacks rugby team, was documented in photos, film, and text. Great effort was made to cite the historical and cultural meaning of the Haka. The photos and films compiled from the Natioanal Archives are available on-line.

After visiting the Quay and the Info Center we stopped at Mac’s Brewery’s Northern Steamship Co. All manner of floor and table lamps were inverted and affixed to the ceiling, their lampshades forming chandeliers.

March 1
We found the Parnell Library and free WIFI as well as an Apple Store. Following a walkabout, we cycled Tamaki Drive and points along the harbors SE of Auckland.

It became apparent that we weren’t yet back in Iowa when the weather forecast included phrases such as: “weather bomb”, “destructive gale force winds” & “Tie things down, stay away from estuaries at high tide”. Sounds as if Saturday will be interesting.