Kiwi Voting, or, My Vote Finally Counted!

What adventures I have had over the past few days! First, as you may have guessed from the title, I voted in the New Zealand parliamentary elections. And, as you probably also gathered, for the first time I felt like my vote actually mattered. You see, in NZ you vote for both a local MP and a party to be represented in parliament, so you get represented twice in the parliament (sort of like Congress). And sure, the more conservative of the two parties won the majority which isn't great, but the Green party did the best they have ever done! Which is exciting (No prizes for guessing which I voted for, sorry)!

It being spring, and voting occuring on a beautiful albeit windy day, we took a hour and a half hike after voting. Luckily, the couple that own the land with access to the path were also running our local voting location. Hearing that we were headed for White Rock, we were told that their dog would lead us to the trail, and indeed, we were met by a friendly black lab who accompanied us all the way to the White Rock itself. When we arrived, somewhat battered by long grass and thistles on the way, we were greeted by fantastic views over our local area. On the way home, quite warm from hiking, we stopped at the river. It was a little high, and a little fast, and very, very cold, but that didn't stop me from jumping in. This was a foolish, foolish idea. My head felt like it was being squeezed, my chest was pumping and I swear my skin cells were screaming in anguish. But what better time to be foolish than when one is young! After valiantly fighting the current I made it out, and promptly concluded that it is not quite river weather yet; especially a river full of snow melt. Still, a day to be celebrated!