The middle school was lucky enough to have Allandale author, Joseph Aldridge come and read his latest book to them.

Joseph has published a children's fantasy story that tells the history of Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupo through the eyes of an 800-year-old Kahikatea tree. Joseph works at Living Springs, where such a tree actually exists, and wanted to find a way to get kids engaged with local history. The story also has an environmental theme looking at the impact of human settlement on the land and birdlife, with an encouragement for kids to help restore the ecological balance. Illustrated beautifully by sisters Renee and Joanna Pitt, this book is a must-have for children of the harbour. $20, email Joseph to order a copy – wordsmith156@gmail.com

The book was particularly meaningful for this group of children, as they are very familiar with the tree from their school camp visits to Living Springs.