The learnings from...

Hikoi of Discovery

Father's Maternal Ascendants Emerge

Hokianga 1800s - 1930s and his relocation to the King Country 1930s-1950s

Leaf, Maning (Manene) Diamond (Taimona)

Author 

Viti Kay Simmons (nee Diamond) 

There have been many while writing over the last three years (p/t). Just the other day, a light bulb moment. I found myself vocalising a musing while standing at the kitchen bench. 

Father's Maternal Ascendants have reconnected their descendants.

I have met new members of our extended Whanau (family) from across Australia and New Zealand over the last six months and recently with my promotion of, Hikoi of Discovery. My messaging app has been a  'busy bee', as has my Facebook page messaging. 

New friendships have emerged, and those close at hand I have arranged to have a coffee with. Reconnections to my first cousins next generation. Keen to learn about the contents of my book. A few attending my Book Launch at the WA Museum Boola Bar dip in Perth. Something I had not anticipated.

Technology has been at the heart of this reconnection with the broader Whanau who live in Diaspora communities, generally speaking. This means,

"Any community of people from the same country or region living in another country (or countries). They are considered a community if they consciously collaborate based on their belongings to the same country or region of origin. Collaborations could be through meetings And social events that are or are not linked to life in the country of origin." Sourced 26/06/2021 online

The research process for the Whakapapa (Family Tree) included many hours of what I have referred to as working with a rubric cube and the importance of working with colours. Otherwise, it was not difficult to be overwhelmed by names, places, and sorting through information provided online, which often has contradictory information. Worth the toil of arriving at an understanding of one's interpretation of data in all its forms. 

Take care in the interim.

Viti Simmons

Founder of

From 2008.

A Pikoura Maori Carving Design

Apologies if you have already received this one...                                                                         

Bev Ryan Publishing recommended the above-carved symbol so symbolic as part of my forthcoming book design @  https://www.facebook.com/BevRyanPublishing.

“The Pikoura represents an eternal bond between people and cultures. ... This carved symbol is often gifted to close friends, family, or new cultures to signify a binding between two entities. It is the perfect gift for friendship, love and family to signify eternity and togetherness.” (Source unknown)

 It is a gift that our five grandchildren have or will receive when they turn 10 years old. Their paternal Grandfather Paul Simmons has re-introduced this symbol design for one of his granddaughters when she turns 10 years of age. Each grandchild is gifted with a symbol with consideration.

We are now in the design and layout phase of Book 3 and moving forward to my Perth Book launch date has been set for the 15^{th of} August 2021 at the Perth Museum. RSVP 26^th July 2021 viti@bearfruit.com.au

The ‘learnings’ have been numerous while researching and writing this book. Just how crucial social media platforms have been and realising that they are a preference for the majority I have communicated with. Communication through emails is not as productive so I needed to adjust my strategy to one of messaging through Facebook. This has proven to be highly beneficial.

Another useful approach when self-publishing has been to have a Book Launch date in collaboration with your publisher. This approach has worked for me as it keeps one’s, ‘foot on the pedal’ to ensure I reached my desired timeframe.  

I am in the process of populating new content for my Bear Fruit website (offline) in the next couple of months with new services. It is exciting to be back under my business umbrella and an opportunity to make resources available. I will keep you updated on when that will be. 

Viti Simmons

Founder of Bear Fruit 2008.