Category Archives: Photography

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

Travis “Blind Dog” Taylor Wags his Tail Feather

Off the Top of My Head By Paul Murray What I love most about my old school mate Travis Taylor, is his blind, dogged determination to be a blues artist…He has devoted his life to the craft. Several albums, endless … Continue reading

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Posted in Adelaide, Australia, Blues, Entertainment, Funny, Hilarious, Hilarous, Humor, Humour, Interviews, Jazz, Music, Musicians, Paul Murray, Photography, Social Commentary, South Australia, Uncategorized, United States | 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

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

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

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