The sun, the music and other things

 

What began as a ‘his and hers’ combination of espresso coffee, and health and beauty has progressed to a community get-together culminating in a musical and picnic event beside Waihoihoi Stream in Waipu.

Riki Taiaroa and Nina Quan have taken their time in developing their respective businesses – Feoh Espresso and Skin Image – so the land around the Blue Cottage has also taken time to develop to get a better perspective of their one hectare holding beside the Waihoihoi Bridge on the southern entry to Waipu. As last summer progressed a barbecue spot was found beside the river and as debris was cleared shady trees emerged, friends gathered around the barby, musical instruments appeared and Nina said to Riki.

“We can’t not share this” and so became last weekend’s ‘Rollin’ on the River’, an afternoon of fellowship, food, laughter and lots of local muso’s doing their thing in pleasant summer sunshine and a semi-rural atmosphere. Numbers were limited to a safe level with entry by Koha. “We just want people to come and enjoy what we have and are happy to share,” said Nina who busied herself socialising with daughter Jade and cooking satay skewers, while Riki and barista son Benji ran the coffee train.

A more pleasant Saturday afternoon would be hard to find so keep an eye open for more of these dates as the summer progresses.