Day #6 Napier

This morning we went on a paddle down the river Mohatu, which was wonderful. No photos though as I left my camera back in the dry. This was a good idea as we got thoroughly drenched even though it was just a gentle float down the river.  On the way back we passed the airport which apparently used to be a lagoon, and on the other side of the road it looked like the estuary of a river, or even just some wetlands where there were tons of birds. I would have loved to get out and have a good look, but it wasn't possible this time. Looked fab though...
In the afternoon we had a little wander around Napier town. We have been here before, so really it was just to stretch our legs a bit. 
My blip today is the bronze statue that has been in Emerson Street since 2010. The original statue of Sheila Williams, who led the New Napier Week Carnival parade in 1933 to celebrate the city's recovery from the earthquake, was created by Lyttelton sculptor Mark Whyte and has become a focal point for locals and visitors to admire. The mayor came up with the idea that the walking lady should be waving at someone - and a little boy scrambling up a pole seemed the perfect answer - he is in extras if you want to see him.  
Napier is known for it's art deco style buildings that were erected after the earthquake in 1931.  Each February they hold a celebration where loads of people with old cars come to parade along the waterfront. We saw quite a few of them that had obviously come in advance of the parade.