Life’s a beach for some
Manawatu¯ and Horowhenua’s beach towns attract all types of people in the summer, from extended families to groups of mates, all celebrating the new year.
For Lynda Eves, New Year’s Day at Foxton Beach is a family affair. She has four children, who have 13 children between them.
The entire family, whose members are based in Wellington and Dunedin, are spending the new year break at Eves’ bach, after getting together for Christmas Day in Wellington.
She is glad her grandchildren, who range in age from 8 months to 11 years, have all been able to build close friendships at the gathering.
‘‘The kids get on well most of the time, but you can imagine they have their moments... It’s amazing for them to spend time together,’’ she said.
Each branch of the family pitches a tent at the bach, but Eves said the cousins often ‘‘mix it up’’ and have sleepovers in each other’s tents. The annual getaway has become a family tradition, as they have been coming to the beach for the past nine years.
A little way down the road at Waitarere Beach, a group of students and workers from Wellington brought in the new year in a relaxed atmosphere.
While staying in a quiet beach town for arguably the biggest party night of the year may not appeal to all young people, Katie Deane-jackson is enjoying the change of pace.
The 21-year-old went to Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne last year, but prefers this kind of celebration to the music festival.
‘‘It has a different vibe, everything is slower. Rhythm and Vines is hectic and sweaty and gross.
‘‘Here is actually refreshing and actually a holiday.’’
Deane-jackson is confident the bach will be used again for New Year’s Eve celebrations, ‘‘if the owners allow it’’. The atmosphere at the bach has given the group a chance to reflect on their year, she said. ‘‘I think there’s a space here where we can think about the year to come and think about everything.’’