Category Archives: New Zealand

Antique Antique Shop Owners of Japan

Off The Top of My Head By Paul Murray A few years ago, I was exploring the back streets of the old Japanese city of Kamakura, which was the de facto capital of Japan during the Kamakura Period (1185–1333). The … Continue reading

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Posted in Antiques, Art, Business, Economics, Funny, Gifts, Hilarous, Historical, Humor, Japan, Marriage, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Social Commentary, Tokyo, Tourism, Travel, Uncategorized, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aotearoa AWOL at Osaka World EXPO

Murray Family’s Quest to Locate MIA New Zealand at Expo 2025 Off The Top of My Head By Paul Murray My family and I recently flew to Tokyo on our annual pilgrimage to visit my wife Sanae’s parents. This year. … Continue reading

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Posted in Adventure, Australia, Bureaucracy, Children, Economics, Education, Entertainment, Hilarious, Hilarous, Humor, Humour, Japan, Karamea, Media, Money, New Zealand, Parenting, Paul Murray, Photography, Politics, Product review, Social Commentary, Tourism, Travel, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Little Shop of Horrors

A Karamea Area School Production August 30, 2025 Off the Top of My Head Photographs by Paul Murray

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Posted in Art, Children, Community, Education, Entertainment, Karamea, Karamea Area School, Little Shop of Horrors, Music, New Zealand, Parenting, Paul Murray, Photography, Social Commentary, Theatre, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Karamea Ministry of Red Tape #28

Ole! Karamea Ministry of Red Tape! Ole!  A subtly rhetorical, covertly ambiguous, ridiculously sinister Propaganda Unit of the Mexican Tequila Cartel! Authorised by Amigo Gaucamole Zappata to receive Official Complaints on behalf of the New Zealand Government!   Market Cross, Karamea, 0900 hrs Monday … Continue reading

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Posted in AI, Bureaucracy, Business, Donald Trump, Funny, Hilarious, Hilarous, Humor, Humour, Karamea, Karamea Radio, Karamea Radio 107.5 FM, Media, Mexico, New Zealand, Parody, Paul Murray, Radio, Radio Karamea, Russia, Satire, Social Commentary, SuperMoo the KarameaWonderDog, Uncategorized, United States, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

KaraWearable 2025 Trancends All Expectations

Off the Top of My Head By Paul Murray In a small rural community like Karamea, people have different skill sets. When given an opportunity, a reason or a chance to share and contribute to a meaningful pursuit, the Karamea … Continue reading

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Posted in Art, Artist, Community, Community-Led Development, Education, Environment, Environmentally Responsible Business, Fashion, Funny, Hilarious, Historical, Humor, Humour, Karamea, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Uncategorized, Wearable Art, West Coast | Leave a comment

The King & THE NOMAD Groove Karamea

Daimon “THE NOMAD” Schwalger successfully organized a musical event in Karamea, despite numerous challenges. Featuring King Kapisi and other artists, the sell-out show united local supporters and visitors. The event culminated in a vibrant celebration, highlighting Daimon’s dedication to the community and the region’s musical talent. Plans for a 2026 event are underway. Continue reading

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Posted in Art, Artist, Business, Community, Community-Led Development, Culture, DJ Crap, Entertainment, Karamea, Media, Music, Musicians, Nature, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Social Commentary, Uncategorized, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hess Mess: Rudolph the Red-Faced Reichdear

A slightly humorous essay on Rudolph Hess’s failed peace mission to the United Kingdon in 1941. Continue reading

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Posted in Bureaucracy, Economics, Entertainment, Germany, Hilarious, Hilarous, Historical, Humor, Humour, Karamea, Karamea Ministry of Red Tape, LivinginPeace Project, Media, Nazis, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Politics, Power, Rudolph Hess, Satire, Social Commentary, Tragedy, War, Weird | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Karamea Minstry of Red Tape #27

An extremely covert, ambiguously surreptitious, diametrically existentialist New Zealand Government Department Fonzy Scheme authorised by His Royal Highness King Right Charlie II to receive Official Complaints! By Rongolian Star Raving Reporter Lewis Arthur Gordon Jackson 0800 hrs Karamea Ministry of … Continue reading

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Posted in 107.5 FM, Art, Australia, Bureaucracy, Crime, Donald Trump, Drugs, Entertainment, Funny, Hilarious, Hilarous, Humor, Humour, Karamea, Karamea Ministry of Red Tape, Karamea Radio, Karamea Radio 107.5 FM, LivinginPeace Project, Media, New Zealand, New Zealand Police, Paul Murray, Radio, Radio Karamea, Radio Shows, Religion, Social Commentary, South Island, SuperMoo the KarameaWonderDog, Weird, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

2024 KaraWearable Show Delights All-Concerned

Off The Top of My Head By Paul Murray On the evening of June 1, 2024, the Karamea Pulse Energy Centre came alive with creative ferment, glamour and style. The second KaraWearable Arts Show by the Karamea Pop-Up Gallery team … Continue reading

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Posted in Art, Buller District Council, Community-Led Development, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Fashion, Karamea, Nature, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Sustainability, Sustainablity, Uncategorized, Wearable Art, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Settlement: Battle for the Bluff by Bruce Cole

Off the Top of My Head Book Review By Paul Murray Imagine a dystopian scenario in which all the systems and services of contemporary life, the comforts and conveniences we currently take for granted, no longer exist. Good people are … Continue reading

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Posted in Art, Book Review, Community, Crime, DIY, Entertainment, Environment, Hilarious, Hilarous, Historical, Humor, Humour, Kahurangi National Park, Karamea, Little Wanganui, Nature, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Peace, Photography, Politics, Power, Property, Real Estate, Seddonville, Social Commentary, South Island, Sustainability, Sustainablity, Tragedy, Uncategorized, War, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment