Atawhai Man's Kite Not UFO, Just Very Intense Flying
The kite has dangly bits. The wristwatch cost more than the kite. The wind does not care.
A man on the hills above Atawhai was observed flying a red kite on Sunday afternoon with what one neighbour called "a level of commitment you don't normally see outside a courtroom".
The man, identified as Lionel Beavis, 58, was on the slope for over four hours, consulting a wristwatch between gusts and adjusting the spool with both hands. A passing walker said Beavis had "the face of a bloke landing a plane".
"He's been at it since Saturday," said neighbour Cheryl Goodwin, 61. "Tasman Bay's right there. Lovely view. He's looking at the kite. Just the kite."
This reporter attended the scene following a welfare query from a member of the public who thought Beavis was "signalling someone". He was not. He was, per his own statement, "in the zone".
"It's a competition Delta," Beavis told The Daily Yarn, without looking down. "The watch tracks wind direction, pressure and line tension. People laugh. People who don't fly kites."
A MetService spokesperson confirmed Sunday's breeze was "average to mildly notable". Beavis remains on the hill. The kite, last sighted, was still up.
The man, identified as Lionel Beavis, 58, was on the slope for over four hours, consulting a wristwatch between gusts and adjusting the spool with both hands. A passing walker said Beavis had "the face of a bloke landing a plane".
"He's been at it since Saturday," said neighbour Cheryl Goodwin, 61. "Tasman Bay's right there. Lovely view. He's looking at the kite. Just the kite."
This reporter attended the scene following a welfare query from a member of the public who thought Beavis was "signalling someone". He was not. He was, per his own statement, "in the zone".
"It's a competition Delta," Beavis told The Daily Yarn, without looking down. "The watch tracks wind direction, pressure and line tension. People laugh. People who don't fly kites."
A MetService spokesperson confirmed Sunday's breeze was "average to mildly notable". Beavis remains on the hill. The kite, last sighted, was still up.
Reader Letters
Wayne Patterson
I reckon Lionel's found himself a hobby that keeps him fit and happy. Who are we to judge? Better than being glued to a screen all day.
Sharon Ngatai
Oh come on, this is a bit intense for kite flying, don't you think? I'm all for hobbies but maybe a cup of tea and a sit-down after two hours, eh?
Linda Chen
Lionel's dedication reminds me of when Dad used to fish for days on end — but at least you could eat what he caught! Hope Lionel doesn't forget to eat.
Janice Walsh
I think it's charming! Lionel's showing us there's joy in the simple things. I might try my hand at kite flying now, minus the competition wristwatch, of course.