Category Archives: New Zealand

Halley’s Trash Lights up Karamea Night Sky

Prepare for the invasion of the Orionids! Off the Top of My Head By Paul Murray There are many reasons to get out of bed at four in the morning, although most of them involve livestock, small children or a … Continue reading →

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Posted in astronomy, Environment, Historical, Humor, Humour, Karamea, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Science, South Island, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two Recent ArtofNature Montage Sets

I’m interested in the concept of “Photography as Art.” Based In Sunny Karamea at the top of the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, I create montages from my abstract photographs by mirroring, flipping and inverting the images to showcase the beauty of nature.
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Posted in Art, Artist, Nature, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Uncategorized, West Coast | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Labour’s CGTax: Savvy Politics or Political Suicide?

Off the Top of My Head By Paul Murray There is an old political adage: Never stand between hard-working Kiwis and the future they have spent decades trying to build. Labour may be about to test that sentiment. The NZ … Continue reading →

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Posted in Banking, Bureaucracy, Capital Gains Tax, Capitsl Gains Tax, Economics, Money, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Politics, Property, Real Estate, Social Commentary, Social Equity, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

KaraWearable 2026: WHOOPS…They Did it AGAIN!

Off the Top of My Head By Paul Murray “Teamwork makes the dream work,” as our kids often say, and the KaraWearable Team, together with a diversely talented team of local volunteers, created a dream on Saturday May 30, 2026, … Continue reading →

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Posted in Art, Artist, Children, Community, Community-Led Development, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Fashion, Food, Funny, Humor, Humour, Karamea, Karamea Area School, LED Lighting, Music, New Zealand, Paul Murray, Photography, Social Commentary, Uncategorized, Wearable Art, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 Transcends 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