Through the eyes of a travelling photographer
Today marked the first round of the new series “Drift Revolution” run by Rian Herrick and his partner Kylee (Project Bengal Drift)
Round Winner, Carl Ruiterman from Pukekohe
Greg Munt was kind enough to give me some hot laps after the competition.
CEO of Westpac NZ, Ann Sherry was there to commemorate the unveiling. 
3:30am…. Time to leave. What?! Quite an unruly time it sure was. We arrived back at Nadi just after 5am, still sleep walking. Managed to check in before the crowd, and request our window seats on our Air NZ 767.
Ni sa moce.
Our 5th and final full day at Fiji on 2nd January was a quick, but very good one.
An early rise, for Marianna and Kevin, saw them treated to a champagne breakfast on the beach.
Glass bottomed boat
Kirst and I took a taxi to Eco-Park:
Kirst
The Warwick staff going the extra mile with frangipani’s
Down the board-walk
Marianna & Kevin – First sunset of 2007
Dusk at the buree
Recovering from burns over the body, it’s a quiet day in Fiji.
A peaceful sunrise over the calm waters.
Kirst and I took a taxi to the sister resort, the Naviti, just a few kilometres away. A quick cheap feed, and we were back, as that resort didn’t have much to offer, and all the main restaurants were closed in preparation for the big New Years eve celebrations.
Kirst overlooking the pool after another heavy rain shower.
The evening was filled of buffet dinners, music and entertainment.
Marianna and Kev with the final sun of 2006 setting behind.
And what other way to finish off 2006, with a strong rainbow, over the dramatic dusk sky.
The goal of our second day in Fiji, was to climatise to the weather.
Firstly I set my alarm for the sunrise, however somehow slept through it, and the first thing I saw was this:
As you can see, I was well over an hour late!
The rest of the morning was spent in one of the swimming pools, before deciding to try a tandem paddle craft. Bad idea Warren. Bad idea! This resulted in Kirst and myself getting nice and burnt, basically all over.
This led to a quiet afternoon, and round 2 of the Club Room lounge bar and balcony. It was also rainy heavily at this time, and managed to take a few quick snaps of the birds overlooking the drinks and complimentary finger food from the hotel.
Bula, from Fiji.
The start of a 5 night holiday (and some work) to The Warwick resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast.
Kevin and Marianna Billington are to be wed at sunset, New Years day, 2007. I couldn’t possibly think of a better place for a wedding. I travelled with Kirst (www.ikirst.com), and the Billington family to the resort.
Our Air New Zealand flight touches down soon after 8am, and the temperature is already cracking 30°C.
Our shuttle whisked us out of the airport, and through Nadi, stopping at a few local idyllic resorts on the waters’ edge.
It was upon leaving Nadi, that the first (and only signs of the coup) was being staged by Bainimarama.
Despite the intense heat, the rolling hills and pasture are saturated in green. It’s in fact the wet season, where the most rain falls in January – something I wasn’t quite looking forward to!
We continued via the bumpy main highway South-East, where the max national limit is 80km/h. – Any faster, and the potholes would blow your tyres, and break your shocks. 😉
Two hours after leaving Nadi, we arrived at The Warwick, with only one thing on mind – going for a swim.
That idea lasted all of two minutes, before I saw my first of many sea snakes…
The kayak however, seemed a much better option.
The rest of the day, was spent in the air-conditioned rooms, and also made our way to the Club Lounge bar, where for the next 5 days, we had our fair share of free cocktails. Kirst and I also met many great guests, travelling mostly from Australia and New Zealand. (please drop a comment by, and say hello).
With lost appetites due to the heat, it was time for our first Fijian tropical sunset…it was to die for.
Piha, located 40min West of Auckland City is my favourite place to visit. The predominant South-Westerly has shaped Auckland’s West coast over thousands of years, into a rugged but beautiful place.
Here’s just a few from my latest visit there.
My friend, Kirst (www.iKirst.com) bought us a Friends of the Zoo pass earlier in the year, and been using it every few weeks – Highly recommended, for the cost of only 3-4 entries, and you can use it as often as you like. 🙂
Click for larger image
A beautiful warm day on 2nd December emerged, just in time for the marriage of Tomisi and Kristina. Wedding was in the rotunda at the Auckland Domain, with some photos at Albert Park, before the reception at Shadows Bar, Auckland University.
I was assisting my friend Dave Wheeler, from Eraser.net.nz, to give a different view, and cover the reception, cake shots and cultural celebrations.
The full gallery can be viewed here
Attended the final battle, of Auto Salon 2006, courtesy of Ben from IgnitionMagazine.co.nz and managed to take a few pics along the way, including the overall winner in the 400kW+ Wild R Honda Civic.
November 19. A day the new Drift King 2006 title was contested to the bitter end. Up for grabs were the honours of being regarded the best of the year, where consistency and reliability played a large factor.
Adam Richards, champion of 2005, in his HKS / Dodson’s S15, was a bit slow to get going, and as a result was never really challenging again for a back to back title.
The real title contenders in 2006, were Drift Corp team mates, Gaz Whiter, and Dan “Fanga” Woolhouse.
The final result saw Justin Rood, beat Gaz Whiter for the round win, and Fanga Dan finished 7th… The points were drawn at 90-all, however upon points countback, Dan took the 2006 title.
The final battle, also made host to the Drift Queen search for 2007. This event was tightly contested also, with an online vote, text vote, and lunchtime demonstration at Pukekohe racetrack. In the evening, the ladies were dressed up to host at the after party in Auckland City. Amy Moulder won the event, and will host some events during 2007.
Look for big things to come in the NZ drifting scene in 2007, including International appearances at Irwindale, and MVPMagazine show on 13th/14th January 2007, in Auckland’s first official carpark drift battle.
 
 
 
For full coverage of Round 6, Pukekohe, visit www.ignitionmagazine.co.nz
I was priviledged to be at the right place, at the right time, to see Valentino Rossi – Multiple MOTO GP World champion.
The scene was uncomfortably cold, and damp… However, Valentino was willing to sign autographs and pose for photos for the handful of fortunate spectators to undampen the spirits of the folk, both young and old.
For all who don’t know, D1NZ championship deciding round is this coming Sunday at Pukekohe racepark.
Tickets cost $17 from Ticketek: Click here
It’ll be a tight contest between Drift Corp team mates, Fanga Dan and Gaz Whiter.
The fight for 3rd place is really hotting up, with Sean Falconer, Dayna Jury, Reece McBreen, Jairus Wharerau, Justin Rood and Adam Richards, all capable of taking the 3rd position slot.
Be there, or be smoked. . .
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