Farewell 2012

After a year of many events it's time to wind down to a merry Christmas and a brilliant 2013. Hopefully we'll meet again at gatherings and you'll once again indulge me by engaging with me and my camera.

Goodie

Saturday night in Latimer Square:

Diwali in Christchurch

Images from the Diwali celebrations at CBS Canterbury Arena.

National list MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.

Labour list MP Dr Rajen Prasad.

Christchurch Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button lights the ceremonial lamp.

A rich variety of dancers and performers from Christchurch's Indian community:

Tabla performer Joshua Devanbu.

The saree stall.

Block printing workshop.

Mehndi body painting - temporary designs made with henna paste.

Spring is Come

Images from Spring Show 2012, a combined event by the NZ Alpine Garden Society, the Christchurch Daffodil Circle, and the Canterbury Rhododendron Society.

Save Our Schools Rally

Images from Saturday's 3500 strong gathering to protest the Government's disastrous plans to close or merge Christchurch schools.

Wayne Hawker and Mike Coleman.

Signing the petition banner.

Yaldhurst Model School pupils.

Organiser Wayne Hawker interviewed.

Activist and academic Bronwyn Hayward.

A Yaldhurst School pupil addresses the crowd.

An emotional moment as a Greenpark School pupil describes the effect of the threatened closure.

Wigram MP Megan Woods.

Eugenie Sage of the Green Party.

Te Tai Tonga MP Rino Tirikatene.

MC Mike Coleman with Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson.

Yalhurst pupils signing for a deaf classmate.

Contemplating a spell? The Wizard of Christchurch.

Organiser Wayne Hawker among the crowd.

A rousing finale with a vow to continue the fight.