Communication Hero
Keith Te Momo in his Connectics work truck.
Being connected one thinks of being “on line ” .. internet, either by the PC or cell-phone an instant global reach of communication.
The reliance of this type of connection/communication has reached into all corners of the world.
The business world, the world of professionals, the world of domestic and financial information or help the environmental impact is such to “save paper ” “save the trees ” is to go on line as directed by many banks and organizations.
Communication as in the art of conversation , in the technological advanced world has taken on a new meaning.
In the environment of ” being connected ” one seems to have to become ones own lawyer, administrator, banker and the list goes on. It is like desiring to purchase a car so one is required to go to University, gain a degree in mechanics then buy the car. One then wonders why we have ” professionals” who never speak, or sustain an informative conversation. The “go on line” attitude, that is ever increasing, may well save paper but not human beings in the aftermath of a crisis or disaster.
In Christchurch after the 22nd February 2011 Earthquake and the following earthquakes, communication was confusing, messy and most was “go on line ” very difficult with no power. Or ones PC is under a ton of masonry. Cell Phone towers out of order. Disrupted cables.
But wait…. there is more !! Hard mail, the postman. New Zealand Post at its best keeping communication open and delivering through snow storms, earthquakes, and after shocks.
However the real hero, a gentleman named Keith Te Momo, the man at the coal face of Connetics New Zealand, who stood in a hole knee deep in freezing water repairing shattered cables.
Keith Te Momo in freezing conditions and a work mate took time out in their lunch break to reset, re-secure, with duck tape a letter box, now the mail man can deliver …. that’s real connection. The human hands on kind, all by a simple request for help a fine example of communication.
One did not have to “go on line ” make an application, fill out forms, wait for months in hope of any interview.
Demolished after the earthquake, the workman left standing a book case. now remaining as a community free library, books are borrowed and returned freely, even to new ones being installed. That demonstrates a stunning portrayal of staying connected by physical human effort. A small park bench sits near-by where people gather, sit in the Canterbury sun and have a conversation.
Communication is essential in a time of a disaster such as experienced in Christchurch from the 22nd February 2011 earthquake. Communication by the art of conversation, is even more important in the aftermath of such a disaster, because one does not become a lawyer overnight, or a medic, or a banker, or insurance broker, is that not why one has “professionals” ?
Books anyone ?
Open 24 hours,7 days a week, open air, park bench and picnic table available. Quiet Street, slow traffic.
