Kaikohe Kia Ora

Wasteworks Kaikohe - Warning

2006-08-30T21:19:00.000+12:00

On 15th July we were asked to cater for the official opening of the new $3million Wasteworks complex, for 70 persons.
The catering was done, the food was excellent, there was plenty of it, we completed our part of the bargain, at a very cheap price -$6.50 per head plus GST.
Payment was initially promised on Tuesday 18th July - NOTHING.
A few weeks went by, a phone call to Wasteworks. Yes,says Barbara, the authorisation has been sent to head office for payment. - NOTHING
Another 2 weeks go by - yes, says Barbara, the cheques are being collated - you will have payment in a day or two - NOTHING
To-day, Barbara tells me the owner, Warwick authorises which cheques are sent out -ours is not on the list - NOTHING
So I complain - Would I like to speak to Warwick - NO - I want to get paid.
Meanwhile, we arranged a wheelie bin from Wasteworks, complete with liner. Payment of $86 is demanded (including a $50 bond) paid by us to Wasteworks, the bin will be delivered to-morrow. It arrived 3 days later, without a liner. Since then it has been emptied twice with the liner replaced only once.
WHAT A JOKE, WASTEWORKS.
Just lucky I have kept all the e-mails confirming the catering, they may come in handy in legal action.
Meanwhile, I strongly suggest that you steer well clear of this company - They have lost their credibility, they are dishonest, they are very slow payers to us little people.
Am I angry with this mob - you bet I am - What a load of rubbish!!!!

Maori Queen Dies

2006-08-21T14:03:00.000+12:00

The funeral of Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, age 75, was conducted to-day,with N Z Prime Minister Helen Clarke among tens of thousands of mourners who have attended the ceremonies over the last 5 days since Dame Te Ata died.
Dame Te Ata was taken in one of a dozen Waka (Maori War Canoes) to her final resting place at the foot of Taupiri Mountain.She was Queen for 40 years, the 6th sovereign in the Maori royal line that began in 1858.
While the role of Queen was largely ceremonial, over the years she had hui (meetings) with many national and international dignitaries, including Japan's Emperor Akihito, South African President, Nelson Mandela and US President Bill Clinton.
According to Maori protocol, N.Z. now has a new Maori king,Te Ata's eldest son, Tuheitia Paki, who was crowned before the funeral of his mother commenced.
The name Te Atairangikaahu means "The soaring bird of the dawn"
Dame Te Ata was dearly loved by her people, and her passing has seen an outpouring of national grief.

Brendan at World Champs

2006-08-20T12:56:00.000+12:00

Local sailer Brendan McCarty recently participated in the World Youth Laser Yachting Championships in Los Angeles.Only 17 years old, Brendan performed really well in a borrowed yacht,in conditions unlike those in N.Z., against the best junior yachtsmen in the world, with far more experience. While he finished the regatta mid-fleet, beating about 60 other sailors,the experience he received will benefit Brendan for future regattas, and he will be in the top echelon of sailors in his class in the future.His efforts must have made his parents and family very proud.
Well done, Brendan, you have achieved what others have failed to do.Your dedication and committment, and your ability, has been proven, and the experience you received in Los Angeles will only lead you to greater results in the future.

Our future - No Worries

2006-08-09T16:00:00.000+12:00

With the ease of international travel,more affluence and the changing world order, I have no fear for the future. Far North District Council yesterday welcomed students from Yuasa in Japan on a cultural exchange. Yuasa is a sister-city to our region, and annual exchanges have been occuring between our countries for some years.This group (pictured) was in response to a group sent from here to Yuasa. We are also hosting a student from Mexico, while other students in our district come from France, Switzerland and Argentina.Meanwhile,a work associate's son,Brendan, is competing with great distinction at the World Youth Laser Yachting Championships in Los Angeles, California.Our young people are the world's future,their opportunities and ambitions represent a ray of light in a world all but destroyed by their predecessors - us.
I stand in awe of these young people, with their aspirations and achievements.
The world is in good hands. Let us not spoil it any more for them.

Israel, Lebanon etc - who really cares !!

2006-08-03T18:18:00.000+12:00

Those events in the middle east between Israel and Lebanon started with the capture of 2 Israeli soldiers - and escalated into a full- blown armed conflict between two countries.
In N.Z., we are far away from all this conflict, we place a value on human life,while we have our own cultural differences, we do NOT resort to violence at the smallest infraction.
That part of our world will always have conflict, due to racial,cultural and religious differences that will never be resolved peacefully.I, for one, have little empathy or feeling for either country, who's leaders have so little value on their own people, that they are prepared to sacrifce them at any whim.
Whether Israel,Iraq,Lebanon,Iran or any country in that region, violence is always going to be an insidious cancer on the populations of their countries. The chances are that the armaments for both sides come from the same source anyway.
So, as abhorrent as it is to me and my social conscience, I say, let them fight, kill each other off,destroy each other if you must, so what if a few thousand from each side get killed, so what if half a million get displaced -it is YOUR leaders that have created this situation, we are not responsible, personally I say, go for it - kill each other to preserve your beliefs.I'm getting sick and tired of seeing graphic pictures of the dead and suffering in the Middle East,I don't care if you are getting bombed every day, I don't want to know how much you hate each other!!
Just remember, for every one of you getting killed by the other side, there are 1000 people throughout the world, dying daily of AIDS.

Tane Mahuta Day

2006-08-02T14:00:00.000+12:00

The Far North District Council recently celebrated Tane Mahuta Day, at a citizenship ceremony.
Tane Mahuta (pictured - click to enlarge, and see if you can see the person standing in front of it)is an enormous Kauri tree, native to N.Z., and is in the Waipoua forest, about an hour's drive west of Kaikohe.
The tree predates the Roman Empire, Christianity,and is well over 2500 years old.
In the citizenship ceremony,juvenile kauri trees were given to the new citizens to plant on their land.
In the early 1800's, New Zealand had over 2 million hectares of Kauri forest, but the felling of most, for their excellent timber and kauri gum,have left us with only a fraction of that now.
The Kauri is revered in N.Z.,an icon of our land,a truly natural treasure.

Timothy Selwyn - Dangerous Man

2006-07-31T10:24:00.000+12:00

Timothy Selwyn a very active N.Z. activist, was recently jailed for 2 months on a charge of sedition, after hurling an axe through P.M Helen Clarke's electoral office window, and leaving seditious pamphlets at the scene. This is the first sedition conviction for over 70 years in N.Z.
However that is not all Timothy Selwyn was charged with - He received a further 15 months jail for fraud, amid relevations that he used dead babies identities to obtain a passport and $11,000 in welfare payments.
He was also one of 26 persons arrested in 2004 in the N.Z. Mossad spy scandal when 2 Israeli secret service agents were caught trying to obtain N.Z. passports fraudulently.
Selwyn has also served time after forgery convictions in 1996.
Now, in jail, Selwyn is using his time writing a blog on life inside - part of his prominent blog that preaches sedition, promotes social disharmony, and sees plots and political manoeuvering in every scenario.
He is, without doubt, one of the most dangerous activists in N.Z., and I for one support the N.Z. National Party's calls for his blog to be deleted.
I believe he should be held in isolation, and denied the opportunity to continue to write his vile diatribe while being held in jail.
Alternatively, let him be exposed to the gang culture while in jail - perhaps they can sort out one of the most evil, dangerous people in New Zealand with a little "hands on" mental reprogramming to rid us of this evil.

Harry the Hedgehog

2006-07-26T14:00:00.000+12:00

I found a hedgehog yesterday. They seem to be alot scarcer now than say 50 years ago, perhaps caused by more road fatalities, cleared ground,natural attrition, whatever.
Anyway Harry was a younger hedgehog, out and about in the late afternoon, although hedgehogs are nocturnal.They are related to moles and shrews, with stiff spines which protect the animal if attacked.They will roll into a tight ball with the spines protecting them from predators.
Hedgehogs were introduced into N.Z. from England. They eat mice,worms,insects and frogs etc.
The Roman's celebrated Hedgehog Day on February 2nd each year, and on that day if it emerges from it's winter hibernation and sees it's shadow, this signifies 6 more weeks of winter.As there are no hedgehogs native to America, the early American settlers used the native groundhog instead, thereby creating "Groundhog Day", and this day is celebrated annually in America on the same day.

The best N.Z. Blog

2006-07-22T16:04:00.000+12:00

I got a response from one of my posts yesterday, which put me on to the best Kiwi blog I have ever seen.Absolutely brilliant - check out Kiwi Herald Blogspot

Kiwi Herald is centred in the small town of Moenui, where I lived as a child. Many of the yarns reported in the Kiwi Herald are old memories for me, and include a couple of events that occurred in Moenui not reported in the history annals of the Kiwi Herald.
The first of course occurred in 1953 (when Constable John Tawhai's father was the constable),and created worldwide news when local Moenui resident, Hori Edmund became the first person to conquer the 28000 foot high Mt Hokonui, just out of the township.
With his climbing companion Hone, Edmund completed the arduous climb to the rapturous applause from a passing Hot Air Balloonist.

The other great occasion in Moenui's history was some time in the late 1950's or early 1960's when that great Maori All Black Johnny (J.B.) Smith,a long-time resident of Moenui, in a local game against the Masonic Morons XV, staggered the last 25 yards to score the matchwinning try with 16 opposition players on his back.Television replays later showed that one of the opposition players was actually the referee, who had been offered free beer for a week at the Masonic Hotel if their team won.

Anyway check out the best blog ever to come out of New Zealand.

Odd Stories

2006-07-21T14:53:00.000+12:00

In Auckland, a female police officer has been allowed to keep her job despite moonlighting as a prostitute. The officer is receiving counselling.
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In the South Island, a 69 year old man was issued with a trespass order by a local hospital when he wouldn't leave after being admitted as a patient.Police removed Arthur Payne from the hospital and he is now back in his pensioner flat with his wife.
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Also in the South Island, at Wanaka, organisers are seeking 115,000 bras to be hung on a maze in the main street to make the world's longest bra chain. The current record is a chain of 114,782 bras strung together in Cyprus in April.Local bachelors are looking forward to the chain, but would prefer that their dreams (and the bras) were both fulfilled !!!
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"Retail Rage" shoppers may be given a "red" card and shown the door if the idea catches on in N.Z. This follows complaints of abusive behaviour and assaults by customers on staff. I wonder if the shopper would have the same rights for abusive, rude or poor service dished out to them by the shop assistants.
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Northland College Kapuhaka

2006-07-19T23:36:00.000+12:00

Northland College, Kaikohe, as regional finalists, performed at the N.Z. secondary schools Kapuhaka (cultural) competition in Hamilton - 5 hours drive south of Kaikohe - against other finalists from throughouut New Zealand.The group has been practising for months in preparation,and to be placed highly in this competition, is very prestigious for the school.Northland College has a roll of 450 students, 90% of whom are Maori; and Maori tradition, pride and mana are integral to the school and region.

Jorges Cantu in Kaikohe

2006-07-18T16:31:00.000+12:00

Our Mexican exchange student, Jorge, from Mexico, arrived in Kaikohe, and is staying with Pat and David for the first 3 months of his year-long stay.Jorge is a Rotary exchange student; one of approximately 3000 who are hosted at any time throughout the world. He will attend the local college (Northland College) in Kaikohe, and learn to speak English and assimilate into our families and culture while in N.Z.To-day,he travelled with a school party to Hamilton (5 1/2 hours drive south) to attend the N Z Secondary schools Kapuhaka competition (Maori cultural dancing and singing)

Cardinal Barbarin visits Kaikohe

2006-07-07T18:33:00.000+12:00

In one of those momentous events in Kaikohe, Cardinal Phillippe Barbarin ( who was in the last enclave to select the Pope), participated in a concelebrated mass in Kaikohe, along with bishops from France and New Zealand. The mass was conducted in Latin, English, French, Greek and Maori, and was followed by a lunch put on by Pat and David.To be able to cater for someone who may one day be the Pope of the Catholic Church, and a potential leader of over 1 billion Catholics throughout the world, is an honour and privelige. The mass and lunch were attended by over 100 locals, and included our mayor, Yvonne Sharpe, who welcomed Cardinal Barbarin to the area.
Cardinal Barbarin and his entourage are retracing the steps of Bishop Pompallier, who established 18 church missions throughout New Zealand (refer my post 4/6/06)
The day was profound to local Catholics, and should be recognised as one of those occasions that define our faith, and reinforce our Christian values.
Photos are of Cardinal Barbarin with our mayor, Yvonne Sharpe; and the welcome extended to Cardinal Barbarin by mayor Yvonne.( Mayor Yvonne in centre, with Cardinal Barbarin to her left and the second photo including a sample of the lunch we supplied)- click on photos to enlarge.

RMMS Aorangi

2006-07-04T22:24:00.000+12:00

Yet another photograph taken by my father in 1924 was of the Aorangi on her maiden voyage in Auckland harbour.Built by Fairfield Shipbuilding, Scotland, the Aorangi was a passenger ship of 17491 tons with a passenger capacity of 947.
During the Japanese invasion of Singapore in WW2, The Aorangi was one of 5 ships involved in the last attempts to reinforce Singapore and evacuate civilians.
The Aorangi served until 1953 when she was eventually scrapped.
Again, many thanks to my long-suffering friend, Bruce Gillies for laser printing and touching up the original photo.

Welcome for new Headmaster

2006-07-02T21:59:00.000+12:00

In a significent cultural event, Kaikohe tonight welcomed John Tapene as the new headmaster of Northland College.Attended by local members of parliament, Kaumatua and Quia (male and female elders) local dignitaries and the public,in a traditional Maori ceremony, John was farewelled by 90 persons from his former town, Taumaranui (about 10 hours drive from Kaikohe in the lower North Island), and welcomed by 100 locals.The welcome was conducted in Maori, led by orations from local Kaumatua, and responded to by the visiting group, with Waiatas (songs of greeting) between each oration.John wore a traditional Maori cloak.The ceremony concluded with the new headmaster and visiting group rubbing noses with all the locals (men) or kissing (women).Northland College has a roll of 450 students, 90% being of Maori descent. The college Kapuhaka group (Maori cultural group) performed a challenge and welcome in a memorable Maori performance, followed by a similar performance by the visitors.
(Click on photo to enlarge)

ACN Scam - the facts

2006-07-01T12:46:00.000+12:00

ACN - Australian Communications Network or American Communications Network, the name seems to change, has arrived in Kaikohe and is alive and well !!!
It is nothing more than a pyramid scheme, promoted by smooth talking operators to suck in the gullible.
Fact 1 - The plan inherently requires that more reps fail than succeed !!!
Fact 2 - Those high in a pyramid scheme thrive on the temporary enthusiasm they instil in the minions !!!
Fact 3 - In the U.S.A. 90% of investors quit ACN within the first 12 months.
Fact 4 - ACN is in the business of reselling a service - they are a middleman.
Fact 5 - ACN was found guilty in Australia of breaching the Trade Practices Act.
Fact 6 - Income is generated primarily from recruiting new members, not in the service provided.
Fact 7 - In the U.S.A., the annual renewal fee was recently increased from $99 to $149.
Fact 8 - Deductions are made from any commissions derived, to cover any bad debts incurred in the operation, and in U.S.A. an administration fee is deducted from any commission payments.
Fact 9 - Call charges offerred are only minimally cheaper than Telecom and Telstra.
Fact 10 - To attain the wealth suggested by ACN, reps would require a network of over 100,000 customers.
..... these are only the tip of the iceberg.
The reality is that in Kaikohe, with say 1500 domestic telephones and 30 locally signed up reps ( so I have been told), the mathematics just doesn't add up !!!
If 10% of those phone users switch to ACN (a generous allowance given ACN's market share in the U.S.A.) that would leave those 30 reps with an average 5 consumer customers each, not even enough commission revenue to pay their annual renewal fee.
Some Fatcats in the U.S.A. are going to get fatter, at the expense of gullible people here, and thousands of people, infected with the hype and sales pitch, will lose out big time.The saddest point is that those who have been sucked in to this pyramid scheme REALLY believe in it, and cannot see that it is NOT their retirement fund or their path to wealth.
There are sites on the internet which back up every claim made here .... and more.

5 - Masted Schooner H K Hall

2006-06-30T14:30:00.000+12:00

This photograph of the schooner H K Hall, was taken by my father in Auckland Harbour in 1924. There were only 20 odd 5 - masted schooners ever built, most of them plying the USA seaboard. The H K Hall, weighing 1237 tons was built by Hall Bros. in 1902 at Port Blakey, USA. After this photo was taken, she set sail, but hit a rock at Maldon Island, was repaired at Rarotonga, sent to Sydney where she was sold to Peru, sailing under the Peruvian flag, having been renamed "The Dante" In trying to find out what became of the HK Hall, I came across a reference to a 5 master built by Hall Bros., now used as a floating restaurant in the USA. Hall Bros. built quite a few 3, 4 & 5 masted schooners, but the description of the one used as a floating restaurant, strongly supports the thought that she may be the H.K.Hall.A biography discribed her as carrying a million and a half feet, which may be her sail area.Anybody got any research ideas ???
It would be great to get a more detailed history of this great schooner.
Again, many thanks to Bruce Gillies for laser printing and touching up of the original photo.

Proud Day for David

2006-06-27T15:35:00.000+12:00

Tomorrow is a proud day for David - At a changeover function I accept the position of President of Kaikohe Rotary Club.
In accepting the responsibility, I follow in my father's footsteps. He was a foundation member of Kaikohe Rotary Club,which was founded in 1955.
By sheer co-incidence, in 1959 when Neville Ross was president, Rotary international elected the first N.Z.'er as president of Rotary International(Harold Thomas)
This year when Neville's son assumes the same role in Kaikohe, N.Z. has a second Rotary International president in Bill Boyd.
Both my father and I are going to be the same age - 58, when elected president- another co-incidence.
Rotary is a huge organisation which has almost wiped out Polio in the world.As a world-wide community organisation with 1.2 million members, the contribution to humanity by Rotary is enormous. To be a small part of Rotary is a privelige, and the local presidency will become my focus for the next 12 months.
I have established a programme of local community works, together with a project in Vanuatu; repairing and upgrading the T.B. ward at Santo.
I guess the greatest challenge in the next year is to uphold those values and traditions of Rotary that my father lived by, and instilled in his children; and make him proud of my efforts.

Kaikohe kia ora update

2006-06-25T22:34:00.000+12:00

Gypsy Moth - remember my post on 27th May?
The Gypsy Moth was brought to N Z to be repaired after sustaining damage on Rangiroa Reef.
She has now been repaired at the Team N.Z. America's Cup facilities in Auckland, and is now sailing to Sydney.

A comment I heard to-day:- " Do it now, don't do it soon, because you never know if soon will be too late"

Another comment on marriage:-
"If 2 people are in agreement all the time, then one of them isn't thinking"

...........food for thought ??

RMS Niagara

2006-06-24T17:55:00.000+12:00

A recent story on N Z television was of the RMS (Royal Mail Service) ship, the Niagara, which had a wonderful history. The photo was taken by my father in late 1924 or 1925 in Auckland harbour, and I have it amongst a treasure trove of photos he took.
The Niagara ( commissioned in England in 1912), served the Pacific route for 1/4 century and travelled more miles than any other steamship in history, crossing the Pacific Ocean between Vancouver,Sydney,Auckland and Suva.She became known as the "Titanic of the Pacific"
Niagara was 13,415 tonnes, and carried a passenger list of 704, in addition to being a mail ship. She had a top speed of 17 knots.
In 1940, the German raider the "Orion" laid a minefield on the north eastern seaboard of N.Z.
On 19th June 1940, the Niagara set out on perhaps her most important voyage - with a cargo of 8 tonnes of gold, destined for Vancouver, to be paid to the U.S.A. for munitions for the British WW11 defence.
The Niagara hit a mine near Whangarei ( 1 hours drive from Kaikohe), and sank. All on board were saved but the Niagara sank in 120 metres of water.
In 2 expeditions, all the gold was recovered except for 5 gold bars, currently valued at $2 million.
That is what the story on TVNZ was about - the recovery of the last 5 gold bars.
My father's photo collection is quite unique, in that it included many scenes; and ships of that era, that went on to contribute to the allied war effort in WW2.One of these was the "Aorangi", which evacuated civilians from Singapore after the Japanese invasion (and will be the subject of a future blog).
The German raider, the "Orion" brought WW2 to the South Pacific, and was the first enemy action in this area which displayed that WW2 was definitely a "World" war.
As for the resting place of the Niagara - she is now a famous diving spot, and her legend will live on forever.
(Click on photo to enlarge. Touch up and laser printing kindly done by Bruce Gillies)

A Mongrel Dog of a Law

2006-06-23T09:00:00.000+12:00

In one of the silliest pieces of legislation passed by the N.Z. parliament, it is now law that dogs in N.Z. must be microchipped.
This is in response to a number of dog attacks on people and stock.
Four Green Party members crossed the floor in voting an amendment to the original legislation, exempting "working" farm dogs,police dogs and guide dogs from being microchipped.
Now the matter of enforcement has been passed over to local authorities who must determine what a working farm dog is, and deciding whether guard dogs,dogs being trained as working dogs,security dogs etc are also exempt.
So we have to define a "farm",we have to define a "working" farm dog, and we have to define any other dogs that may be exempt.
Let's face it - most of the dogs that attack people or stock are unregistered anyway, the legislation will only penalise the responsible dog owners,who's dogs are not the problem.
It might be a better idea to microchip the politicians, and while that is being done, slap muzzles on the lot of them as well.

Japanese Whaling Furore

2006-06-22T14:36:00.000+12:00

I see that Japan has failed in it's bid with the International Whaling Commission,to allow mass whale hunting. The approval was narrowly avoided in several votes at the meeting recently.However, Japan is still retaining the right to kill 1000 whales annually for "scientific" purposes. 77% of Japanese are against whale hunting.Australia and New Zealand have been bitterly opposed to any Japanese killing of whales, and have led the fight to ban the practice.
However, both countries should look at their own practices,before condemning other countries.A major fishing industry in both countries is fishing for gamefish - marlin,swordfish broadbill etc. The slaughter of these beautiful fish is equally abhorrent, when the fish are killed purely for their trophy value.These gamefish are inedible, containing high mercury levels,they are caught,brought back to port to be hung upside down,weighed,photographed with their "killer angler", then invariably dumped out at sea again.
Both the killing of whales, and the killing of swordfish etc,are practices which should be totally banned, and the sooner the better !!!

Kia Ora phone card trap

2006-06-18T10:32:00.000+12:00

Throughout New Zealand a phone card company has established a cheap phone card for national and international phone calls.Kia Ora phone cards website advises there are no connection fee charges.Recently, a phone card purchaser used our landline to access the Kia Ora phone card, and we received an account from Telecom which charged us for connection fees.
The instructions on the card gave phone numbers for regions throughout New Zealand,and our card user, used the number supplied on the card.However, that number was a toll call from our area, which incurred the charges to us.
Compass, the company which produces the Kia Ora card advises that each area has it's own access number which would not incur connection charges, and it is the responsibility of the retailer who sells the card to advise the customer of this number.
Nevertheless,there are no instructions on the card that there are numbers (other than those shown on the card) which should be used in regional areas.
Compass have advised that they are changing their cards to show this information,and they gave us a credit for costs we incurred in this matter.
How many New Zealand Kia Ora card users have been financially penalised by this is unknown,but I suggest it could be substantial.
In changing the format on the card, Compass is acknowledging some responsibility.
In the meantime, any Kia Ora phone card users beware - do NOT use the number printed on the card, if you are not calling from that zone.

When I'm 64

2006-06-17T13:25:00.000+12:00

That famous Liverpudlian who wrote the song "when I'm 64", himself turned 64 to-day.As a teenager,Paul McCartney wrote the song, which was to become one of hundreds of songs recorded by The Beatles in the 1960's and 1970's.The Beatles hit the big time from a nightclub called "The Cavern", in Liverpool,and went on to dominate pop music during that era,and at the same time, made a fashion statement with their hairstyles.After the Beatles broke up, Paul set up another band called "Wings".Paul's marriage of 4 years with Heather Mills is currently on the rocks, so the words of his song perhaps do not reflect his present life.
Anyway, happy birthday,Paul - you were a teenage idol of mine, longer ago than I care to remember.

Christmas Cancelled

2006-06-16T11:44:00.000+12:00

Sorry about that, folks....

Kake te ano Wana

2006-06-15T17:29:00.000+12:00

This week, we farewelled an old friend, Wana Makiha, who we have known since we returned to New Zealand, who died suddenly last weekend.
Wana was a Maori. His wife, Bernie, worked for us for some years in our cafe.
In the Maori tradition, Wana was laid out in an open coffin at his marae (tribal meeting house) surrounded by his widow,children and whanau (extended family)
Maori tradition is that family remain with the departed throughout 3 days of mourning.
In this case, Bernie was beside Wana throughout, except for brief moments.
In paying our respects, and sharing in the grief of the Makiha family, we attended the marae, to be ushered in (minus shoes), by a quia (female elder) to pay our respects,firstly to Wana, then to his wife, immediate family, then whanau.
The entrance is accompanied by songs of lament.In paying our respects, males enter first, with females following.
Tradition allows for a tribute to Wana, a hand or a kiss placed on his forehead,a moment of remembrance, followed by tributes to his widow and family.
Then, with family laying around the marae on mattresses, visitors are invited to pay tribute to their memories of the recently departed,mostly in Maori.
After the tribute, family groups attending, sing a "waiata" - a song in Maori which reflects the moment.
The occasion is very meaningful, charged with emotion, and part of that Maori tradition which exemplifies the way Maori deal with their loss - a tradition unique to Maori, but which is an example to us all.
After the ceremony, we were invited to have a korero ( talk) with others present.
The sharing of the grief with the widow and whanau is accompanied by kissing the women, and a hongi (rubbing of noses, sharing the nasal breath) with the males.
At times like these, we are truly, one race, one people.
Kake te ano, Wana, our good friend,to Bernie and family - we share your grief.

N.Z. Celebrates Queen's Birthday.

2006-06-05T09:40:00.000+12:00

In one of those anomolies of timing, N.Z. has a public holiday to-day for the Queen's birthday.In actual fact, Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21 1926, and her accession to the throne occurred on 2nd June 1953.Her official birthday is celebrated on the first Monday in June, coinciding not with her birthday, but with her coronation.
Pat recalls the street party held in her street in Bristol at the time of the coronation, while David recalls the visit to Kaikohe (where the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh stayed overnight) later in the same year on their Coronation Tour.
We still have mementoes of the tour - a coach, framed photo of the Queen taken in 1953, newspaper clippings and a fold-out card of the coronation - above. (Click to enlarge)
The Royal visit to Kaikohe was a huge event, with bunting throughout the town, the Kaikohe hotel where they stayed spruced up, and the street lined with people all waving flags. I remember the royal entourage standing on the balcony at the Kaikohe hotel, waving to the crowds, an occasion of grandeur and pomp, with the day being hot and sunny.
To-day, Queen Elizabeth is actually 80 years and 45 days old.

French Cardinal to visit Kaikohe

2006-06-04T16:33:00.000+12:00

French cardinal, Phillippe Cardinal Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyons,France, is to visit Kaikohe on 7th July,conduct a mass here, and have a lunch.
Cardinal Barbarin and his entourage of approximately 30 are retracing the steps of Bishop Pompallier who was ordained and worked as a priest in Lyons before coming to N Z in 1838.
Cardinal Barbarin participated in the 2005 Papal Enclave to select the current Pope, Benedict XV1.
Bishop Pompallier arrived in the Hokianga (about 45 minutes drive west of Kaikohe),and over the next 20 years, established 16 mission stations throughout N.Z.
He returned to France where he died in 1871, and in 2001 his remains were returned to N.Z. and re-interred at Motuti, in the Hokianga, at the site of his first Mission Station.
Pompallier attended the Treaty of Waitangi on 6th February 1840, together with my Great Great Grandfather, George Clarke,and insisted that the treaty included a clause which would "guarantee the right of religious freedom for all"
Legacies of Bishop Pompallier survive, including Pompallier House at Russell (45 minutes drive east of Kaikohe).
It will be a great privelige to cater for this ecclesiastical group, during their pilgrimage.

Handbag Sells for $22,800

2006-06-03T19:01:00.000+12:00

Remember that post on 30th May when, after an altercation with a patron at Poacher's Bar Christchurch, former All Black captain Tana Umaga hit fellow Wellington player Chris Masoe over the head with a lady's handbag reducing him to tears.
The handbag was placed for sale on N.Z. internet auction site, Trade Me, and sold for $22,800.
What a joke - the last player in any code I can remember being reduced to tears was Australian cricket captain, Kim Hughes, when he resigned from the captaincy on Aussie TV.
It has now been suggested that the next Haka at any All Black match should include the players holding lady's handbags, such is the effect it has had.
Rugby Union throughout the world must be laughing with derision at the episode which has left Masoe humiliated, Umaga exonerated, but N. Z. Rugby, the laughing stock.
Chris Masoe should be crying into his beer over this one, and no doubt will give him an excuse to carry on the binge broken up when a female bouncer at Poacher's Bar escorted both Masoe and Umaga out last Sunday morning !!!

Penguin - Best Wholesalers in North

2006-06-01T15:38:00.000+12:00

In the catering business in a rural area, we are reliant on having our bulk stock delivered.Essentially, the stock should be competitive in price,be delivered at least 3 times per week, be complete orders (ie - no out of stocks)be supplied by friendly, courteous staff, and be on time.
We have dealt with Penguin Wholesalers for almost 10 years, and they fulfill ALL of the above criteria.
To-day they went one step further - by being transparent, and writing to us advising of increased fuel and distribution costs. This is something you would not receive from one of the International food conglomerates, and is the difference between dealing with Penguin, and dealing with the others.
We deal 100% with Penguin Wholesale, and even if they have to put their prices up marginally,we would still deal with them exclusively.
The other factor is that Penguin is locally owned and operated - a big plus.
Perhaps the only area that annoys me is in pricing - occasionally equivalent products are available from supermarket chains at cheaper prices. This,however is not the fault of Penguin - Supermarkets are part of a chain that operate through central warehouse practices,buying in bulk and pretty much determining what they pay from the manufacturer who must sell to them at very marginal profit margins,and the end result is that to show a return, they have to charge other outlets more - in effect,we subsidise supermarket chains.
Notwithstanding this, a factor out of the control of Penguin Wholesalers,I would not hesitate to recommend them to any retail outlet,and if prompt,courteous individual attention are any criteria, then Penguin wins hands down !!!
Keep up the good service Penguin.

ACN comes to Kaikohe

2006-05-31T20:33:00.000+12:00

An American communications company called ACN is being established in Kaikohe by local residents who have become involved.
Detailed investigation on many internet sites indicate that ACN is actually an abbreviation for Adventist Communications Network, although local promoters are saying it is Australian (or American) Communications Network.
To join, new members have to pay over $250, and this will give them access to cheaper phone calls etc. However, the biggest thrust is to get others to join, for which those involved get a commission from the joining fee.
Comment sites I have sourced in America on ACN show tremendous dissatisfaction with ACN there, with a high attrition rate,and overall view that it is nothing more than a pyramid scheme.There appears to be an annual renewal fee applicable, with those failing to pay the fee being disenfranchised.
The N.Z. govt is forcing local network Telecom to "unbundle", giving other communication companies access to customers which telecom has had by monopoly.
The end result is that I anticipate we will get many,many calls from all communication companies offering deals, and those budding entrepeneurs who have invested their hard-earned money in ACN, will get their fingers badly burned.
I rather think those locals have invested in a pyramid scheme without looking at the pages and pages of contractual clauses which apply to their investment.
Remember the hype over Amway - that American system of sales that was going to take the retail market over.All those promises,those sales pitches, future riches, where do YOU want to be in 5 or 10 years. - Where are they NOW !!!
This is just another American rip-off.

From one extreme to Another

2006-05-30T20:57:00.000+12:00

Yesterday, I posted a story on Eric Rush, an All Black and Rugby 7's star who has conducted himself impeccably, both on the field and off.
To-day, we have the other extreme, where Wellington Hurricanes player Chris Masoe got into an altercation with a patron at Poacher's Bar, Christchurch, after Wellington lost the Super 14 final to the Canterbury Crusaders.
Former All Black captain, Tana Umaga, intervened, and hit Masoe over the head with a lady's handbag, breaking the cellphone inside.
Masoe was escorted out of the bar CRYING !!!
These players are role models to our young people. Where Eric Rush is seen as the perfect role model, the same cannot be said for others.I appreciate that players see winning as everything, they get hyped up for any game, they are only human after all,but they are still responsible for their actions, and accountable to the general public for their behaviour, whether on the field or off.
Eric Rush, hold your head high, Chris Masoe and Tana Umaga, hang yours in shame.I am glad Eric is in our neck of the woods, while the others are not !!
We need heroes, whether they win or lose, we do not need crybaby pretenders who denigrate our Rugby by their irresponsibility.

Gold " Rush" in Kaikohe

2006-05-29T15:36:00.000+12:00

Over the years, I have been priveliged to meet many famous and infamous people.
Some of these are Keith Murdoch (All Black sent home from an English tour), Michael Chamberlain ( father to Azaria Chamberlain, killed by a dingo at Ayer's Rock), Ted Egan (Australian Country & Western star),writer Colleen McCullough,premier Joh Bjelke Petersen, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
To-day was another one of those occasions.
Eric Rush, that legendry All Black and Rugby 7's star who, alongside Serevi of Fiji, put Rugby 7's on the international map,to-day attended a mayoral reception to welcome home Commonwealth Games athletes from Melbourne.
Eric is one of those people who radiate charm,confidence and strength of character, yet is courteous,thoughtful,friendly and humble.
Pat and I were priveliged to cater for the reception, hosted by our mayor, Yvonne Sharp of the Far North District Council, and Eric gave a speech full of anecdotes and humour.
Eric has purchased a camping ground in Far North N.Z., near where he was raised, and will, by his presence here,enhance and complement this area.
When asked if he had brought his gold medal won at the Commonwealth Games, Eric replied - "I gave it to Gordon Titjins" (his coach)
It is from people like Eric Rush that we draw inspiration and pride, and to have this recognised by the Far North District Council,is also an honour to the residents.

New Zealand Oddstuff

2006-05-28T09:52:00.000+12:00

Allan Dow,83, was surprised to find his name on a Returned Services Roll of Honour when he attended a recent Anzac Day service. The very much alive Dow says it's great to come back from the dead. His name will be removed by the RSA in the meantime.

A man suffered minor burns in an operating theatre fire in Invercargill while having haemmorhoids removed. It was revealed that the fire was caused by the patient's flatulence !!!

Meanwhile, in Tauranga, an armless man has been charged with speeding and dangerous driving, after he was caught doing 121 kph in a 100 kph zone and driving with his feet. He apparently used one foot to steer and the other to control the brake and accelerator.

A former doctor's surgery in far north's Mongonui which has been converted by the doctor into a brothel, has been named "Whalers" by the owner,in reference to the town being a former site of a whaling station.Local residents are affectionately calling it "sperm whalers"

Gipsy Moth 1V Returns to N.Z.

2006-05-27T10:36:00.000+12:00

Gipsy Moth, that 53 foot yacht that Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world in 1966/67 is back in N.Z. undergoing repairs after running aground at Rangiroa Atoll in French Polynesia, and sustaining extensive damage.
She is being repaired at facilities of the America's Cup Team N.Z. in Auckland.
Gipsy Moth was built to enable Sir Francis Chichester to beat the sailing times set by clippers ( such as the Cutty Sark) in voyages from England to Australia, and during that voyage,Chichester achieved the record for fastest voyage around the world by a small vessel with the longest non-stop passage of 15,000 miles.
Chichester left England in 1919 at age 18, for N.Z., building up businesses in forestry and air transport in the next 10 years, ventures which financed his adventures in aviation and sailing.
After that epic 220 day voyage,(which he commenced at age 64), Chichester was knighted by the Queen at Greenwich with the sword formerly owned by his namesake,Sir Francis Drake, and the Gipsy Moth went on display at Greenwich,alongside the Cutty Sark, for many years.
Age took it's toll on Gipsy Moth, and a restoration campaign was mounted to restore the yacht,a task completed in June 2005.
On 20th June 2005, Gipsy Moth 1V embarked on her second navigation, crewed with assistance from young UK adults from disadvantaged backgrounds,together with a skipper, 1st and 2nd mates,and it was during this 22 month voyage that Gipsy Moth ran aground.
When repaired,Gipsy Moth will sail to Sydney, with one of her crew being James Blake, son of N.Z.'s most revered sailor,Sir Peter Blake.
Sir Francis Chichester and Gipsy Moth 1V command a symbol of adventure and achievement in N.Z.,and the affiliation by Sir Francis with N.Z. has been one of those moments in time which have sealed the friendship between N.Z. and England.

Baked Beans Emission Tax??

2006-05-26T17:23:00.000+12:00

Heinz recently announced a new product being trialled in N.Z. - Baked Beans in bread, to be toasted out of the packet. This is a new value added product for a very popular dish here. In a population of 4 million, 27 million cans of baked beans are sold annually.
The main effect of baked beans is the gas emission level produced. Several years ago, in a bid to comply with the Kyoto Treaty on gas emissions into the atmosphere, the N.Z. Government tried to introduce a flatulence tax on cattle - after an incredible uproar from the rural sector, this was scrapped.
However, watch this space - you never know, some smart bureaucrat may well attempt to impose a similar tax on baked beans, such is the thinking of those with little else to do, and an equal level of judgement.

Kiwi Amputee Conquers Everest

2006-05-16T17:43:00.000+12:00

NZ climber Mark Inglis has become the first double-amputee to climb Mt Everest. This follows another amputee,Tony Christiansen who climbed Mt Killamanjaro several years ago, and is another example of Kiwi determination and courage.
Mark completed the climb on 2 carbon-fibre artificial legs,and although one snapped during the climb,he was able to repair it. Mark lost both legs when trapped for 14 days on New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt. Cook, in 1982.
Mark's successful climb follows in the footsteps of another Kiwi, Sir Edmund Hillary who, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, first conquered Mt Everest on May 29 1953.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has praised Mark's achievement and described him as an inspirational Kiwi.

Kiwis - Please come home

2006-05-12T18:11:00.000+12:00

In the last year, 20,000 New Zealanders have emigrated, mostly to Australia.This represents 20 people from our little town, or almost 8000 from Auckland.Now, the N.Z. authorities have set up a $400,000 promotional campaign to entice expatriate Kiwis home,tugging on their emotional allegiance to N.Z. and extolling the healthy N.Z. economy.
Only trouble is the Kiwi's with the get up and go have "got up and gone" to a better lifestyle, with a better climate, better health services,better opportunities and better quality of life.
This scenario has been practised by Kiwis for the last 40 years, with them leaving in droves to seek a better life overseas, mostly to stay in their new country.
Kiwis are a proud people, but that pride is irrespective of where they live in the world.
The $400,000 campaign is a waste of money - more will continue to leave, a few ( like myself) will return for 1 reason or another.
Meanwhile, a budding entrepeneur has sought to sell New Zealand on E-Bay, and attracted a bid of $3,000 W.I.W.O, before it was withdrawn from sale.
So, expat Kiwis, if you want to pay higher taxes from lower wages, have an inferior health system, pay more for a poor Telecom network, put up with gridlock on our roads,put up with severe climate changes,earthquakes and the like,and generally, revert to survival of the fittest, catch the first plane home, but not Air N.Z. - too dear.
What are you all waiting for ..........

UK Lotto Rapist not coming to NZ

2006-05-09T11:37:00.000+12:00

In March, London newspaper "News of the World" reported that rapist Iorworth Hoare had been given approval by the British Home Office AND "authorities in N.Z." to emigrate to New Zealand.
The story was taken up by N.Z. print and radio media.
Hon. David Cunliffe, N.Z. Minister for Immigration , in a press release on 27th March 2006, advised that Hoare had not applied to immigrate, and if he did apply he would be declined, and "we will put a red flag up against his name".
Hoare's criminal record includes rape,attempted rapes and indecent assault.He is known as the "Lotto Rapist" after he won 7 million pounds sterling from a lotto ticket he purchased while on day release.
That the original story was printed was bad enough. That local NZ media took it at face value, when a simple check to verify the story was not done, is shoddy and unprofessional.
The consternation raised in N.Z. when the story was first published could have been avoided had the media been more proficient.
We don't need other country's criminals - we have enough of our own, and the rebuttal by David Cunliffe is reassuring.

Skeletons in the Closet

2006-05-07T18:43:00.000+12:00

It seems that skeletons are not allowed to go away.
A local regional newspaper front page report discussed victim's family's rights, which included a member of my family who was convicted of murder.
While the victim was killed, and my nephew sent to jail (17 years non-parole),the crime remains with the victim's family,while we have to live with the fact that a member of my family committed murder.
We cannot undo what a member of our family did. We grieve with the victim's family.Nothing we, or the victim's family does, will bring Bob back. Our family member will have at least 17 years to consider what he did, he will not see many of his family alive again, he will be imprisoned until he is at least 48 years old, he will probably never see his children again.
Our families grew up together, played sport together,attended each other's weddings etc, we even catered for Bob's father's 80th birthday.
A terrible crime was committed, the criminal is being punished, we share the grief with Bob's family, we are in a way, victims also,for we not only lost a family friend, a member of my family caused it.
Newspaper reports such as that printed in the Northern Advocate,do not help the healing for either family.The effect on my family has also been traumatic, and, like Bob's family, we carry a daily burden.

Champion Mum - Judy Cornwall

2006-05-02T13:15:00.000+12:00

Our friend, Judy Cornwall from Townsville,Australia has been awarded the title of Barnado's Queensland Mother of the Year.Judy raised her 5 siblings from the age of 14 when her mother died, and acted as "Mum" and "Dad" to them when her father was killed a few years later.
Judy is one of those Aussie battlers who has seen her share of suffering over the years, but has that amazing ability to bounce back from adversity and inspire others.
Judy goes to Sydney next week to appear in the finals to select the Barnado's Australian Mother of the Year for 2006, and, win or not, she has achieved alot in her life of giving to others.
Good on you Judy, good luck in Sydney, and thanks to Barnados for this promotion.

i'm_my_own_grandpa

2006-05-01T13:06:00.000+12:00

Dailymotion blogged video
i'm_my_own_grandpa
Video sent by kai-12

Song with graphics sung by Ray Stephens - a very confusing family arrangement.

Bird Flu Panic vs Aids Epidemic

2006-04-30T17:48:00.000+12:00

It seems that the potential for a bird flu epidemic with it's 90 deaths worldwide, has become flavour of the decade over the AIDS Epidemic which has been with us for 25 odd years.
So what has happened to AIDS - has it gone away, or been reduced?
Not on your life.The continued spread of AIDS worldwide is staggering!!
Where claims that the Bird Flu Epidemic could claim 25 million deaths worldwide, that IS the death toll from Aids in the last 25 years. Other statistics supplied by UNAIDS/WHO show the following statistics:
Africa - 12 Million AIDS orphans
- 6000 young people (15 -24) infected with AIDS daily
In 2004 - 5 million became infected with HIV, while 3 million died worldwide.
In 2005 - Worldwide, 40.3 million affected with AIDS altogether.
Botswana/Swaziland - 40% of entire populations have HIV or AIDS
Asia - 1.1 million people acquired HIV in Asia during 2005.
Russia Federation - 1 million people living with AIDS

...and the statistics go on and on.So just in adding those who have died from AIDS, and those now infected, we have over 65 million (and increasing) AIDS victims.

The main difference between AIDS and Bird Flu is that while the AIDS epidemic seems to have devastated Africa more than the Western countries,Bird Flu is indiscriminate,and could affect our part of the world as much, or more so, than has AIDS.
Statistics can be misleading, but think that the entire population of the U.K and N.Z. has died or is infected from AIDS/HIV, and it is a sobering thought.
What the final death toll from AIDS will be,is anybody's guess - 100 Million,200 Million .........

Aboriginal Protest Update

2006-04-29T13:19:00.000+12:00

Remember my recent post on the Domain Park, Melbourne Aboriginal protest?
Aboriginals had set up camp in Domain Park, and lit a "sacred" fire, in protest that their land had been purchased by Europeans for "flour, sugar & tea", a term used in a song written and sung by Ted Egan, called Gurindji Blues in the 1970's.
The song was actually written for a group of stockmen who had walked off a property at Wave Hill,N.T. operated by Vesty's (a large pastoral company),in the 1970's, claiming they were paid for their labour by Vesty's not in cash wages, but in "flour,sugar & tea".
Now the Aborigines in Melbourne are claiming their land was purchased in an identical manner.
While the "sacred" fire was allowed to stay, their tents and equipment were ordered removed by a court order.
Now, the Victorian Government is looking at the legitimacy of the "sacred" fire, a point I made in the last post, and it seems that the heritage listing that allowed the "sacred" fire to remain, will not be renewed when the listing expires on May 11.
In the meantime, one of the camp organisers,Robbie Thorpe, cannot attend the fire due to the fact that there is a warrant for his arrest on other matters.
(photo inserts - Aboriginal stockman and scene at Wave Hill in 1970's)

Zimbabwe Meltdown Continues

2006-04-28T09:02:00.000+12:00

Further to my post on 24/3, the situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate.Official inflation is expected to reach 1000% by the end of April, unofficially, it is much higher.This must lead to residents spending any money they have NOW, before it devalues further. This must also impact on banking and the entire financial sector, and there seems to be no solution.
Unemployment has reached 80%, residents are fleeing Zimbabwe in droves, there are major food shortages, life expectancy for women has dropped to 34 years, the Mugabe government appears to be accelerating attacks on opponents of it's regime, most foreign journalists have been expelled from the country and the entire country is in a major meltdown from which there appears to be no solution.
The recipe is there now, for a huge catastrophe to the residents. Surely,intercession is urgently required now, rather than prolonging the distress of the country's residents,and having to clean up an even greater problem in the near future.

ANZAC DAY - 25th April

2006-04-25T08:06:00.000+12:00

"Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives
You are now lying in the soil of
a friendly country
Therefore,rest in peace
There is no difference between
the Johnnies
And the Mehmets to us where
they lie side by side
Here in this country of ours
You, the mothers
Who sent their sons from
far away countries
Wipe away your tears
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are in peace
After having lost their lives on this land
they have
Become our sons as well"

M. Kemal Ataturk, 1934
(The founder of Turkish Republic)

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
....................We will remember them.

Tony Christiansen - Inspirational Speaker

2006-04-24T15:51:00.000+12:00

At a recent conference I attended, I was priveliged to listen to Tony Christiansen. Tony lost both legs at the hips in an accident at age 9, yet went on to achieve more than most able-bodied people.He saw his "disability" as an opportunity to achieve from 8000 options instead of 10,000 in full-bodied people, and early in life set up his own Signwriting business, which became one of the biggest in the area.Instead of sitting around thinking about what he couldn't do,he was much more interested in doing all he could. Tony became a qualified surf lifeguard,champion swimmer,Tae Kwan Do black belt,speedway and motor racing champion, represented N.Z. at "disabled" games,qualified pilot,and now a star on Korean TV. So how did he become a TV star? - He climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro (approx 20,000 feet) Tony is now highly sought after as a motivational speaker, is married with 3 children, and with his positive attitude that rubs off on anyone who listens to him, is an inspirational Kiwi.

Poor Bugger Me, Gurundji

2006-04-12T12:28:00.000+12:00

This is an oft repeated line in a song, Gurindji Blues, written and sung by Australian singer,Ted Egan some time in the 1970's,and that song relates to a situation in Melbourne to-day, where an Aboriginal group making land claims, has been camping in Melbourne's King Domain.The protesters are claiming that their ancestral land was purchased by Europeans for "flour, sugar and tea" - these words were used in that song , with the words (as I remember them):
"Poor bugger me, Gurundji,
Peter Nixon talk long we,
Might be flour, sugar and tea,
For Gurundji, for Gurundji"
(Peter Nixon was a member of parliament in the 1950's and 1960's)
While Aboriginal groups were regional, they were nomadic within a region, did not cultivate ,crop or manage the land, but were sustained by wild roots and vegetables, and the wild animals.Based on 50,000 years of occupation in Australia, there is no doubt they were the first occupiers of Australia.
The protesters have been camped in King's Domain for a month, and have a "sacred" fire burning there.I would have thought the defining of the fire to be "sacred", an insult to their legitimate sacred icons. - It reminds me of a case in the 1990's where Aboriginals, in objecting to development on Hindmarsh Island, used the reasoning that the island had been used to teach the young women of the tribe "secret women's business"., but couldn't explain to the courts,politicians or anyone else what secret women's business was, because it was "secret woman's business" This issue went on for over a year, until a local Aboriginal woman revealed the whole story was "created"., but in the meantime, made the politicians look quite foolish, because this time they REALLY didn't know what they were talking about.
In a decision in the Victorian Supreme Court to-day,Justice Betty King ruled that "the caravans,tents,chairs and creature comforts" had to be removed, but the "sacred" fire could stay.
Getting back to Ted Egan - well, he's a story in himself, which will be posted shortly.

Deja Vu, Mr Bush

2006-04-10T08:58:00.000+12:00

(click on photo to enlarge)

Australia Cricket tour 1928

2006-04-09T00:42:00.000+12:00

Dailymotion blogged video
Australia Cricket tour 1928
Video sent by kai-12

Aussie Cricket tour to N Z (take 3) - a big improvement,with music etc Please leave a comment on any other improvements needed to help me.

Maori TV Denied Access

2006-04-05T19:57:00.000+12:00

Television crews from TVNZ's Maori programmes have been banned from covering a story at a special ceremony at Waitangi to-day.Waitangi, 1/2 hour's drive from Kaikohe, is the site where the original signings of the Treaty between the Crown and Maori took place in 1840.Several Taonga (treasures) were being returned to the district after appearing in displays in Wellington and Australia.
Ngapuhi "spokesman", David Rankin says he has had previous experiences where TVNZ journalists have not followed protocol.Rankin has previously described himself as a "leader", and a "spokesman" for Ngapuhi, the local Maori tribe.
Over the years, David Rankin from Kaikohe has been involved in several issues which do not appear to have been accepted by recognised Ngapuhi leaders, spokespersons , Kamautua or Quia's (male and female elders)
While he is Chairman of the Hone Heke Foundation, funding seems to be sourced from other institutions.Little can be gleaned from investigation into this foundation.
He has stated that the Ngapuhi Runanga is heading for a financial crisis over what to do with a $66million fisheries settlement - The Runanga has handled this impeccably, with smart investment and economic planning.
He has had a falling out with Auckland Museum and demanded the return of all Hone Heke artefacts, without success.
He stood as a candidate at the Far North Local Government elections in 2004, and polled second last.
He apparently has no dealings with the Ngapuhi Runanga, according to a spokesperson for that organisation.
In 2003, David Rankin sought to build a "marae" in Kaikohe as a tourist attraction - this has never eventuated nor will it, judging by the response from elected Ngapuhi leaders.
What right David Rankin had in banning TV crews from Waitangi seems to be very dubious given his titles of "leader" and "spokesman", which appear to be self-appointed. He certainly does not have the support of Ngapuhi in general, and it must be pointed out the titles such as "leader" or "kamautua" are earned, not inherited.

N Z Economy Turning to Custard???

2006-04-04T12:02:00.000+12:00

While struggling to understand the intricacies of a N Z economy,it appears that in economic world relativity, the N Z dollar is worth about 15% less than a month or so ago.I ask, what event brought this about, when economic fine tuning allows for marginal daily fluctuations against other currencies.
I appreciate that our domestic economy has been overheated resulting in substantially increasing land and housing prices, so to compensate, our Treasury raised the lending rate to make the demand for investment less attractive.(We currently pay 9.5% interest on our mortgage)While this effect may reduce demand because it becomes less economically viable, the effect on tens of thousands of existing floating mortgage holders is that they are being penalised with increased interest charges by their lending institutions.
Who,or what forces, determine the value of the N Z dollar against other currencies is a mystery to me, but these days where banks and financial institutions are multi national,it could well be that their currency activities may help to determine domestic treasury policy,and subsequent increased interest rates, giving them a win-win result.
All I know is, our imported goods will rise in price,our exports will be worth less in the global economy,and it will cost us an extra $3000 to travel to England this year for a holiday.
While our currency is not yet heading towards the Zimbabwe shambles, that 15% decline in value of the N Z dollar is a worry.

The week that Was

2006-04-03T17:41:00.000+12:00

What a funny week.Ups and downs, but overall,a positive week - Tony Blair and his wife have come and gone, our friend Judy in Townsville, Queensland, Australia was selected as " Barnado's mother of the year" in Queensland, we attended seminars in Auckland over the weekend for Rotary,learning of the positive contribution Rotary has made throughout the world, Sky Television had a hiccup so we didn't have it for a day or so, and it also affected our e-mails ( must have been through the same satellite),I ended up with 17 emails on our secondary e-mail provider, and a highlight was reading a blog called " Baghdad Burning" which I sourced off Sheptess Blog.It makes you realise that the dramas we experience from day-to day are insignificent, compared to what those residents of Iraq are living through on a daily basis.
Judy from Townsville is one of those special people - She has no pretensions, she does not seek recognition or appreciation. - she just did what had to be done when her Dad died, in bringing up her siblings.
Deputy commissioner Steve Rickards and 2 other members of the N Z police were found NOT guilty of historic rape and sexual charges, although how Rickards can escape any form of redress as an active policeman at the time,admitting to have had sex with the complainant,seems to have brought the Police Service into disrepute.
I personally hope he is "retired" from active police service.
Our niece, Katie has worked for Barnardo's in England for some years, and she reflects the care and goodwill Barnardo's represents. Good on you Katie,and congratulations Judy.

Telemarketing - who benefits ???

2006-03-30T19:20:00.000+12:00

As a follow up to yesterday's story about the Blair's, and Cherie Blair's fees for attending fundraising functions, perhaps the fact that really gets up my nose is how little of any donation we make actually gets to the organisation seeking the funds.It seems that every week we get phone calls (using our line for which we pay a rental) soliciting funds for some organisation or another. I have no problem donating to such worthy organisations as Starship Hospital, Children's Cancer Research, the Blind,etc., but when I find out that only $3.00 or less of my $20.00 donation goes to the recipient, with the rest swallowed up in telemarketing and administrative fees, I baulk at ANY donation. I have established a principle when a telemarketer phones me - I ask that person how much of my donation will the organisation actually receive. None have yet been able to give me an amount. Instead, I choose to donate to such community organisations as Rotary and Lions, where I am confident 100% of my donation goes to where it's supposed to.I think all organisations should, as part of their fundraising strategy, advise potential donors of the amount going to the organisation.Any fundraising has it's overheads, but not to the extent of 85% to 90% of the donation.Fund raising organisations and charities are, like the rest of society, accountable to the public, so stop the glib professional telemarketing tactics, and put your mouth where you want our money to be.The rich (like the Blair's)become rich at the expense of the gullible but generous poor public, through a blatant form of fiscal deception.

British P.M. Visits New Zealand

2006-03-29T14:00:00.000+12:00

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie arrived in N.Z. for a flying visit yesterday.Mr Blair is only the third British Prime Minister ever to visit N.Z., although his wife was here last year.
P.M. Blair is under intense pressure in England over the British/U.S. invasion, and subsequent occupation of Iraq, over loans made by prominent English business people (some 14 million pounds sterling)to the Labour election fund, and raising the retirement age in England.
Cherie Blair, who earns 250,000 pounds per year as a top Human Rights barrister has also been subject to criticism over various fundraising activities. In a recent tour to America, she received an estimated 150,000 pounds "appearance" money, while the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia is facing deregistration when it was revealed that of 106382 pounds raised, only 6690 pounds went to cancer research with the balance going to Mrs Blair (who was a guest speaker)and the event organiser. When in N.Z. last year Cherie Blair received a substantial, undisclosed fee for being a guest speaker at a Starship Foundation charity event.The Blairs apparently have mortgages in the British Isles of over 4 million pounds. Mrs Blair has also been criticised for her dealings with Australian conman Peter Foster and comments about suicide bombers.

Russell Garcia - 90 th Birthday

2006-03-28T14:28:00.000+12:00

Half an hour's drive to the east of Kaikohe is a town called Kerikeri, where Russell Garcia has lived for the last 20 odd years. Russell, born on April 12 1916 at Oakland, California will celebrate his 90th birthday next month.
So who is Russell Garcia? Russell was a musical child prodigy, who went on to become a composer,arranger,bandleader and trumpeter.During his illustrious career,Russell worked in motion pictures and TV, arranging musical scores. Henry Mancini got him work at Universal Studios where he produced soundtracks for the Glen Miller Story, and has arranged scores or backed such renowned artists as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Chaplin (in the film Limelight, for which Charlie was awarded a posthumous Academy Award), Jane Mansfield and Quincy Jones, and been an arranger on TV for the Dinah Shore and Andy Williams Shows.Russell produced soundtracks for the films "The Time Machine" and "Atlantis, the Lost Continent"
Even now, Russell continues his love, teaching children music at the nearby Ti Tii school.
Russell Garcia, we salute you, we are proud you are amongst us, you are an inspiration to us all.Have a happy birthday.

Unique Australian Cricketers' Autographs

2006-03-27T15:10:00.000+12:00

Kaikohe Kia Ora is priveliged to display a photo of an original set of autographs of 11 Australian cricketers who toured N.Z. in 1928. This set may be the only surviving autographs from that tour. I am preparing a video slideshow profiling the cricketers, several of whom became legends in the game, which can be viewed on our video site kia-12 in the next few days.Will try to get a better photo for that post.Many thanks to Graeme, who owns the autograph book, for allowing us to view and photograph this priceless piece of cricket memorabilia.

Animal Humour

2006-03-26T20:47:00.000+12:00

Kaikohe Graffiti Art Wall Project

2006-03-25T16:14:00.000+12:00

Kaikohe, like most towns, has a problem with graffiti vandalism. Some of it is actually quite good and some of the taggers are potentially good artists. Some of the graffiti I have seen, particularly in Australia, is excellent.
The Kaikohe Rotary Club is starting a project in July to create a Graffiti Art Wall around the town's skateboard park. The project will be co-ordinated through the local schools, Police Community Services,community and youth groups, and the Ngapuhi Runanga, and will be conducted by the DARE organisation, an anti drugs in schools programme.It has already been fully funded, and resource consent and approval have been sought from the Far North District Council.
The idea is to bring the young "vandals" out and encourage them to graffiti a wall panel,and give them something to be proud of.Once we have achieved this, we would then encourage them to "join a gang" - the Air Training Corp, Junior Red Cross, Ratana Brass Band, Maori Wardens, Junior Fire Brigade etc.
Monthly graffiti painting days will be held, with a judging of the best panels, and monthly themes will be incorporated.The project will last 12 months.
The project is seen as an opportunity to bring all community groups, schools, etc together in one town project which hopefully will help and support our young people,beautify that part of Kaikohe and reduce the vandalism in town.

Multi-Millionaire Hell -Zimbabwe Style

2006-03-24T12:18:00.000+12:00

It seems that Zimbabwe is suffering from the worst inflation in the world - In January 2006,it was 613%, and in February had climbed to 782%. This has created thousands of instant multi millionaires. The problem is, by the time they get it to a bank, it's immediately worth far less.Unofficially,private sector accountants in Zimbabwe say the inflation rate is over 1000% and climbing.
In February 2006, a small engineering firm's salary cheque was Z$1,375,426,618 - Z$1.3 Billion ( Or 4705 pounds sterling)
The problem is, cheque books don't have enough room to write in these inflated amounts of billions.
A news reporter in Zimbabwe said her phone bill was Z$32 million (188 Sterling)
Again a problem - the billing system for the phone company cannot calculate individual phone calls over Z$100,000.
Petrol currently costs Z$120,000 per litre.
And, as the manager of that small engineering firm said " They should be printing cheque books with space for trillions, because billions will be exceeded next month.
Generally, in cash transactions,change of less than Z$5,000 is written off.
The Zimbabwean government has a shortage of banknotes due to the high inflation, but hasn't got the funding to print any more !!
So, with Zimbabwe in such a severe financial meltdown, who would want to lay claim to being a multi-millionaire.
Not that many years ago, Zimbabwe was regarded as the fruit and vegetable bowl of Africa, with the trappings of a wealthy and stable economy.The decline of Zimbabwe can only be attributed to the " Mugabe" factor. How much longer it can survive is going to be very interesting.

Geriatric-ally Funny Kaikohe Story

2006-03-23T13:43:00.000+12:00

I post this blog with some apprehension, because you never know, one day it might be me,(or my brother in law).
"The police were called to the Aged Care Centre in Kaikohe because a fight had broken out", Senior Sergeant Maurice Loveridge told a New Zealand court, "and when they arrived,they could see that the two elderly accused men had just been involved in an almighty punch-up".
Both were covered in blood,their clothes were torn,one had a broken nose and half his hair ripped out, and the other had a broken arm and a hypodermic needle stuck into his penis.Furniture and equipment had been smashed flat,beds had been overturned,and the other patients in the ward were all terrified.
"However, the fight took place in a ward full of elderly Alzheimer patients, and it has gradually become clear that nobody can remember what happened, or who was responsible. One patient keeps repeating the phrase - we ought to have more manure -,but frankly that gives us no clue.The two accused men do not recognise each other,nor do the other patients,and the ones who initially reported the incident to us had forgotten that there was even a fight by the time we tried to question them. Therefore,because nobody can now recall the incident, the Police Prosecution Department has reluctantly decided to withdraw the case against both men"

Beware the Fruit & Vegetable Threat

2006-03-22T15:06:00.000+12:00

N.Z. has just advised that it has produced an apple with a red skin, and red flesh (instead of the usual white). Over the years with hybrids and cross-fertilisation techniques, and latterly, genetically modified seeds,the original product (such as the tomato), has changed significently in appearance and flavour.These days, produce is grown for presentation and appearance for the retail market,generally at the expense of the nutritional value of the product. Seed producers such as Du Pont and Yates have been selling seeds for years that when the seeds from the produce are planted, few,if any,germinate, and may differ significently to the vegetable from which it came.It has for some decades, left me most uncomfortable in the knowledge that seed suppliers are playing with, altering, and modifying produce so that they not only create a monopoly situation with seed supply,but they may also inadverdently be introducing a virus or product defect that will ultimately destroy the item that they have chosen to modify.
At that point the damage will be irreversible, our crops could be inedible. And now with genetically modified crops, the potential for disaster is even more graphic.
The crops of the world have survived for thousands of years without genetic tampering. - Surely, there is no relativity between the short term profit and the long term potential permanent damage, that justifies the continued practices of such companies as Du Pont and Yates.
I am not a "greenie", nor am I against progress, but to tamper with nature is, I believe, highly dangerous.
Check it out for yourself.- Du Pont - item 2.3.2 Genetically modified (G.M.) Crops

Memories of Cyclone Ted

2006-03-21T16:02:00.000+12:00

Cyclone Ted hit Burketown, in Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria, on 19th December 1976.Cyclone Ted was more severe than Cyclone Tracy that destroyed Darwin 2 years earlier, and also worse than Cyclone Larry that devastated Innisfail yesterday (see previous post)David was living in Burketown at the time, and recalls memories of that day.
The cyclone lasted 11 hours, with the cloudy sky preceeding it, a jaundiced yellow,an ominous sky.All residents were placed in the Albert Hotel, which lost it's roof during the storm, and we had to stand in water up to a foot deep throughout.During the 1 1/2 hours that we were in the cyclone's eye,several of us were able to leave the hotel and inspect damage - it was apparent that every building in town was damaged,with some gone altogether.
The return of the cyclonic winds were more severe after the eye, and it was impossible to be heard above the roar of the wind - it howled incessantly, accompanied by wind surges every minute or so which did most of the damage.
After the cyclone passed we were able to leave the badly damaged hotel, which now displayed large cracks in the thick walls.
Our house was, like the rest, badly damaged with windows smashed,pieces of the eaves and walls missing, and a 100lb gas bottle (which had been lying on the ground outside),picked up and thrown in to our lounge.A piece of 100ml x 100ml timber had been impaled through our galvanised water tank, so that about 10cm of it was protruding from each side of the tank.
We had lashed down our caravan, both around the axles, and with straps over the 'van.
- An adjacent caravan had been picked up and dumped on top of ours, destroying it. Our car was pierced by a piece of debris,which completely destroyed the interior. Every vehicle in Burketown lost it's paintwork, as if by sandblasting.
Only one person died in Cyclone Ted - I believe the walls of the Albert Hotel were close to collapsing, and had that occurred, the toll could have been the entire population.
We were all very lucky - lucky that the hotel's walls didn't collapse, lucky that we didn't suffer a storm surge at the time, lucky to survive it. Other cyclones I experienced after Cyclone Ted were , in comparison, nothing more than big gales.

Cyclone Larry hits Queensland

2006-03-20T16:46:00.000+12:00

Cyclone Larry, one of the most severe cyclones in Queensland, hit Innisfail in North Queensland to-day, causing severe damage in the region estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars , but few casualties.Cyclone Larry was as powerful as Hurricane Katrina which devastated New Orleans. Pat and I, between us have been through 5 cyclones, including Cyclone Tracy which destroyed Darwin, and Cyclone Ted which hit the Gulf of Carpentaria. Both of these caused loss of lives, and were more severe than Larry.Perhaps the only natural phenomenon more terrifying is the earthquake which I lived through in Napier, New Zealand in approx 1971.

Amazing piece of History

2006-03-17T11:58:00.000+13:00

While sorting out some old papers in our store room, I came across an original of The Auckland Weekly News,dated 28th March 1912.The centrefold pictures had me quite astounded - they were of the Amundsen expedition who reached the South Pole on December 4 1911, and the photos were taken on their return to Tasmania, Australia.
In a race to the South Pole, Amundsen beat the expedition led by Robert Scott, by a month. Read more about Roald Amundsen here.
The entire paper has been put away for safekeeping until I find a way to permanently preserve it.
(Click on photo to enlarge)

From out of the Blue - Chaos Theory

2006-03-15T21:03:00.000+13:00

I was browsing through blogs at random the other day, most getting, at best, long enough to click over to the next one.One, though did catch my eye - Chaos Theory I became quite captivated with the style,candour,honesty and insight of Chaos Theory.She is obviously a refreshingly honest,intelligent person.I note one of her favourite books was Harry Potter, so for Ruth of Chaos Theory, a photo we took in Scotland recently - the viaduct was in a Harry Potter film,near the Glen Finnan Monument.Enjoy .....

English Rugby Union - a Scottish viewpoint

2006-03-14T15:11:00.000+13:00

Rugby Union ( unlike the game with that round ball), is almost a religion in New Zealand.The greatest accolades bestowed on our All Blacks, is when we beat England, the home of Rugby Union.An associate gave me this poem, written by an anonymous Scottish author. Being a family-oriented blog, which has it's own censorship standards, the poem has been altered slightly, but you'll get the drift...

"Ye come up here tae paradise, tae beat us at yer game,
Aw wind and piss and full of "it, yer aw the bloody same,
Ye caw yersels the champions, the nation most elite,
Scotland are the champions, Yuv just been flipping beat!
A game that wis invented fur English gentlemen,
No Highland Jocks wi" tartan frocks, well bliddy think again,
A baw that's shapit like an egg,it's just a stupid farce,
A suppose it makes it easier, tae ram right where the sun don shine.
So git back home an' lick yer wounds, yer a bunch o' stupit fools,
It's time fur you tae cheat again, change the flipping rules,
Rugby, fitba,cricket tae, yer just a shower of chancers,
Stick tae whit ye dae best, you Morris Flipping dancers"

OPO - The friendly Dolphin

2006-03-11T17:51:00.000+13:00

50 years ago, in the Hokianga Harbour, about an hour's drive west of Kaikohe, a lone bottle nosed dolphin swam in, and made the township of Opononi her home for the summer.Opo, as she became known, loved children, loved the attention, and allowed children to ride on her back. She performed such tricks as bouncing a ball or beer bottle on her nose, would jump through the chain of hands formed by groups of children, and attracted thousands of visitors to this then remote town.Local Maori regarded Opo as a sacred visitor, who was teaching us to love life and be caring and gentle towards others.
Tragically, towards the end of that summer, Opo was found dead, blown up by a blast of gelignite by a local fisherman who blamed Opo for poor fish catches.
The community, and, indeed the entire New Zealand nation was devastated, and a statue was erected in remembrance of her loving spirit.

Short Horse

2006-03-10T20:27:00.000+13:00

Funny Pictures at FunnyJunk.com

Tragic death or Manslaughter ??

2006-03-09T18:12:00.000+13:00

In a court case, Taranaki, N.Z. farmer, Gavin Vanner was found NOT guilty to-day of the manslaughter of his 4 year old daughter, Molly, who he allowed to ride a farm Quad bike, which rolled over and crushed her causing her death.There are no laws in N.Z. restricting the age any child can use a Quad bike on private property.Mr. Vanner will, no doubt,have to accept his actions for the rest of his life, a self-imposed sentence that will be far harsher than any a court or judge could impose.Approximately 50 children under 15 years old, are subject to injuries from quad bike accidents in N.Z. each year.
It should be a priority for legislation to be passed to restrict children under a certain age from being allowed to operate these machines.

Maori Appointed N.Z. Defence Chief

2006-03-08T13:36:00.000+13:00

Major General Jerry Mateparae, 51, becomes the first Maori to be appointed Defence Chief of New Zealand's armed forces. The promotion was announced by N.Z. Prime Minister, Helen Clarke.
The posting is seen as a tribute to a race that has contributed significently to the N.Z. army's reputation for valour among both historical allies and enemies. Maori soldiers make up 26% of the N.Z. Army, while Maori are only 15% of the total population.
Major General Mateparae held commands at Bougainville during it's attempted breakaway from Papua New Guinea, and East Timor at the time of it's secession from Indonesia.
Read more about Major General Mateparae's background here

Tunnel Vision

2006-03-07T13:53:00.000+13:00

Remember the post on Sheptess Blog, we found the tunnel, and have lived to tell the story.

More Academy Awards for N.Z.

2006-03-06T19:42:00.000+13:00

Photo taken outside a picture theatre in Silkeborg, Denmark in January, with the two feature films being Narnia and King Kong, both produced in New Zealand, and both recipients of Oscars at this year's Academy Awards held to-day. The handsome young man in the photo was Mikkel, our exchange student in N.Z. in 2005, who works part time at the cinema.We stayed with Mikkel and his parents, Jan and Eleanor, while on a flying trip to Denmark at Mikkel's invitation, and had a great time in the 2 nights and 1 day we were there.(Click on photo to enlarge)

Grate Duckling Story

2006-03-05T14:36:00.000+13:00

This really appealed to my twisted sense of humour!!!

Top Kiwi Caddy

2006-03-05T10:36:00.000+13:00

Steve Williams is perhaps N.Z.'s best known sportsman, without playing the game.Although a golfer with a handicap of 2 at age 13, Steve went on to become the best known golf caddy in the world.He caddied for Australian Jack Thompson in 1976, has caddied on the Australian, Asian, European and American circuits for the last 30 years, and has caddied for golfing greats Greg Norman and Ray Floyd.For the last 7 years, Steve has carried the clubs of world No. 1 golfer, Tiger Woods.Steve has his own foundation in N.Z. to assist young golfers, and has a sideline sport of Saloon Racing.At 43 years old, Steve is right up there in the golfing fraternity,being seen by millions every week, while not actually playing a shot.

Lazyboy Takeover

2006-03-04T19:31:00.000+13:00

Nothing on the Telly.May as well take a nap.

Famous Maori Chief - Hongi Hika

2006-03-03T13:02:00.000+13:00

Hongi Hika, born in Kaikohe approx 1772, was a man ahead of his time.Born at the time of early European settlement, he went on to become a feared warrior and chief of the Ngapuhi Tribe.Hongi early on recognised that muskets would give his tribe victory over other tribes, and his reputation and mana in New Zealand was due to his many victories in battle .While very warlike, Hongi also foresaw the need to apply the Maori language in written form.He accepted European settlement and worked with early missionaries.In 1820 Hongi travelled to England where he met King George 4th who presented him with a suit of armour. He also attended Cambridge University for the purpose of putting the Maori language down in written form. Hongi became a celebrity in England - a savage man who wore his traditional chief's clothing, yet spoke fluent English, and had excellent skills socially. He was also a guest of the Duke of Norfolk, and although he sought muskets while in England, was given other gifts instead.
Returning to N.Z., he stopped off in Sydney where he sold all the gifts ( except the suit of armour and a mirror), and purchased muskets with the proceeds.
Arriving back in N.Z., he went back to his warlike days, until being injured in a battle at Whangaroa.An astute man, he would display his suit of armour as his supreme warrior, and hold up the mirror to his enemy chiefs.- when they saw their reflection in the mirror, Hongi would claim to own their mana, and this gave him superiority over other chiefs.Hongi died of his wounds in 1828.

Sounds like alot of Bull

2006-03-01T21:38:00.000+13:00

A bull escaped through a gate left open by an employee at a meat works near Palmerston North, N.Z., ran out onto the road, and a car crashed into it, causing severe injuries to the driver.The police constable who attended the scene of the accident reported it as an "Act of God", and the meat works was effectively exonerated from any responsibility.The abbatoir did, however, offer the injured driver a meat pack in compensation, estimated value $NZ30.A subsequent offer of a $NZ1500 holiday was rejected by the injured party, who claims the accident has cost their family $NZ30,000 to date in lost income and medical expenses.It turns out that the police constable had cattle which she grazed at no charge on the abbatoir's land.
Sounds like alot of bull to me. The fate of the bull was not disclosed.

Beware the Spitting Stone

2006-02-28T09:37:00.000+13:00

While walking the Royal Mile footpath near St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, we were detoured around the "Heart of the Midlothian", a stone known as the Spitting Stone, which is shaped as a heart.Ancient records show this to be the former site of a tolbooth and prison, where atrocities occurred and hangings took place, with the heads of those hanged being displayed on spikes at the prison.It is thought the practice of spitting on the stone started as a form of contempt for the prison authorities and their harsh punishments on those incarcerated. The practice continues to-day, hence the detour around the stone. Edinburgh also has a football club called Heart of Midlothian ( Hearts), which presumably, was named after the spitting stone.

Headless Japanese girl - great clip

2006-02-26T09:23:00.000+13:00

So, What price petrol ???

2006-02-25T13:34:00.000+13:00

Had to go to the local store to-day, and on the way , stopped off to fuel up the car.
Like everybody else, I cringed at the cost of fuel - $1.48 per litre.
Then I bought the milk at the local shop, and that got me thinking, ( which is quite difficult for me at 8.00 am on a Saturday morning)
How does the cost of petrol stack up against other liquid products.
In a highly unscientific comparison, these were the results:
Petrol $1.48 per litre
Lion Red Beer $4.00
Wine (cheapest) $7.92
Milk $1.80
Orange Juice $2.49
Bottled water $1.95
Vinegar $2.88
Soya bean oil $2.33
When you think that oil is a finite product, that requires royalty payments,extracting,refining,shipping,more refining,transporting to the retail outlet,storing, and then pumping into a motor vehicle,the price, when compared to other liquid products, seems quite cheap.
So, we already have a petrol pricing watchdog. Maybe we should also have a watchdog for all the other products too!!

Kaikohe - Profile of our Town

2006-02-24T14:27:00.000+13:00

Originally called Te Wheke (the octopus) by early Maori settlers,Kaikohe has remained the "Hub" of the north, with the body of the octopus being Kaikohe, and the tentacles being the surrounding area which is serviced by the town.
Kaikohe is the administrative centre for the Far North District Council, Ngapuhi Runanga, it has a District Court, a prison with 350 inmates just out of town,an employment centre, is a police district, and has the infrastructure to service the surrounding district.
Population - approx. 4,000 ; with 70% Maori.
Neither affluent or "showy",Kaikohe has one main attribute - it's residents.Maori and European live, work, attend church and participate in local events together, without racial differences. Residents are proud of the Maori history,observe Maori protocol,and all are treated as one.
Kaikohe has 4 annual events - the A & P Show, a Polynesian Day, an Everybody Expo and a Ngapuhi Festival, all of which are hugely popular events.
A few miles out of town is Ngawha Springs, a thermal area with hot pools which have renowned properties for rheumatism,arthritis and skin complaints,sufferers.
Pioneer Village in Kaikohe is a heritage village with thousands of exhibits from the early settlement days in the district. It also has a Begonia House which (from Nov. to March) has a magnificent display of hundreds of Begonia blooms.

Picture Postcard Stuff

2006-02-23T16:57:00.000+13:00

Watching all that beautiful snow at the Winter Olympics in Torrino, Italy, reminded me of a couple of photos we took in England and Scotland recently. - Inspiring beauty.The first photo is "The Cottage", a Bed and Breakfast we stayed in at Bunwell,Norfolk,U.K., while the second was taken at the Lim of Dee, Scotland. Both got 5 star ratings from us for the picturesque beauty .

Beam me up Scotty

2006-02-22T21:11:00.000+13:00

James Doohan, the actor who played Scotty will make his last space voyage soon. As an integral member of the space ship Enterprise, along with Captain Kirk,Spock,Bones and others, Scotty was a cult figure for several generations.Scotty's ashes will be transported into space on the Explorers Flight, leaving from Vandenberg Air Force base, California in May this year.Star Trek was, and remains,a science fiction series which opened new frontiers in space exploration and was compulsive viewing.

Is it still New Zealand Lamb?

2006-02-20T16:32:00.000+13:00

British retailer, Marks & Spencer have signed a deal with the N.Z. Meat Board, to sell fresh N Z lamb all year round.The only trouble is, that the N Z lambing season is only 6 months each year.To overcome this, lamb embryos will be sent to the U K , implanted into ewes there, and the offspring will then be processed in British abbatoirs after being raised by sheep on British soil eating British fodder.
The lamb will be promoted and sold as N.Z. lamb.In the meantime, British consumers will be unaware whether their N Z lamb purchase was actually grown in N Z or England.
The methodology may be great, but begs the question - when is N Z lamb NOT N Z lamb, and will the British consumer be told the " N Z lamb " they have just purchased was actually reared in England?

Ancestry Discovered

2006-02-19T19:24:00.000+13:00

On a recent trip to England, we located the grave of David's Great great great grandparents, William and Mary Clarke.The grave was discovered in The Abbey Church of St. Mary & St Thomas of Canterbury at Wymondham in Norfolk. The abbey was founded by Thomas a' Beckett.William Clarke was born in 1766, with one of his sons, George Clarke ( Davids GG Grandfather), becoming a missionary and very influential person in the early European settlement of N.Z.Finding the grave was a very exciting time,fulfilling the hopes we had in tracing that part of our family tree.

Come on Aussie, come on,come on.

2006-02-18T12:25:00.000+13:00

While watching the sky sports channels last night, I got immersed in an under 19 cricket match between Australia and Pakistan. After a shaky start by Pakistan, they went on to score 287 runs,giving Australia a very formidable 288 to win.
Australia were bundled out for 124 runs. They were thrashed,humiliated,anihilated,flogged,crushed and totally destroyed. It was compulsive viewing and I was glued to the sorry spectacle until 4.00 a.m.
It was glorious !!!

Are we self-destructing??

2006-02-17T19:10:00.000+13:00

New photos have emerged of prisoner abuse in Iraq. -following on from previous news releases involving American and English service personnel. Add this to the appalling situation at Guantanamo Bay where prisoners have been held in inhumane conditions without trial for 4 years.Prisoner abuse equal to the Japanese in WW2.These are just the tip of the iceberg, and more will emerge. And then, of course, we have those unfunny cartoons, designed for 1 reason only- to divide the world in half, to maintain and promote racial and religious hostility in our world.Who can blame the Muslim community for seeing us as something little better than animals. - our behaviour is, at best, atrocious.
At one stage, I felt the actions taken by our "allies" was justified - not now !!!
I contemplate that we , as ordinary people, whether Muslims or non-Muslims are just pawns in some political/social/cultural scenario orchestrated by a few Dictatorial individuals who have their own concept of the future of the world.
It should end, and it should end NOW.

It's a cow of a world !!!!

2006-02-16T17:37:00.000+13:00

Maori Tradition #3 - The Hongi

2006-02-16T16:41:00.000+13:00

The HONGI is a form of embrace unique to the New Zealand Maori.It is commonly known as "rubbing noses" but it's history shows it to be a form of greeting where the person greeted is at one with the Tangata Whenua (People of the Land) It is indeed an honour to be invited to perform this ritual, for such a tradition is offerred from the heart of the giver.
To find out more about this tradition click here

Valentine's Day 2006

2006-02-14T15:59:00.000+13:00

No posts to-day - busy

Mexican Standoff at the Alamo

2006-02-13T16:40:00.000+13:00

While in England recently, we hired a car
from Alamo Car Rentals after receiving a
quote and booking with them online.

The online quote was 274 pounds.
On collection at Dartford, they wanted to
charge us 501 pounds.
This reverted to the 274 pounds when we
showed them the original printout.
On dehiring at Heathrow, they charged us
328 pounds, but gave us a subsequent credit
of 30 pounds for the overcharge.
The credit card charge to us was 328 pounds -
the 30 pound credit was not deducted.
Alamo Car Rentals has failed to respond
to our enquiries about the overcharge.
Otherwise their service was excellent, but
a contract is a contract. -watch this space.

Happy Valentine's Day Pat

2006-02-13T15:23:00.000+13:00

I searched the world for a Valentine's Day card for you, and found this one:-
Your gift wrapped present is waiting for you in our bedroom. xxxx

My Hero - Crazy Frog

2006-02-13T11:24:00.000+13:00

This photo was sent to me by an anonymous person.
I love Crazy Frog. He is my hero!!
So I have only 1 response to the sender:
Old Ara. (oops) Kiwi proverb:
"May a thousand fleas infest your armpits"!!!

Funny Transport

2006-02-12T11:22:00.000+13:00

Dailymotion blogged video
Funny Transport
Video sent by kai-12

Stretched limo - N.Z. Style ???

2006-02-11T21:23:00.000+13:00

Doctor to open Brothel

2006-02-11T09:52:00.000+13:00

Dr. Neil Benson has closed his medical surgery
at Coopers Beach in far north New Zealand and
is converting it to a high-class brothel,which
he will own ,manage and operate himself.
Read full story here.

thought of the day:
In these days of political correctness, if you
were writing him a letter, would you address it
to "Dear Doctor", "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" ???

Incredible Survival Story

2006-02-10T15:43:00.000+13:00

38 year old Robert Hewitt was rescued by
Navy searchers after spending 72 hours in
the ocean near Wellington N.Z.
Mr Hewitt was found badly sunburned and
dehydrated, but was released from hospital
after overnight observation.
Mr Hewitt had failed to surface after a dive,
and search efforts at the time and for the
next 3 days failed to find him until he was
sighted on what was to have been the last
search before it was called off.
Despite being an experienced Naval diver,
his survival is quite incredible.
Robert Hewitt is the brother of former
All Black, Norm Hewitt.

Read full story here.

Let's put things in perspective.

2006-02-09T15:09:00.000+13:00

" You are allowed to kill non-Muslims"
"Shoplifting and theft by Muslims from
non-believers is permitted"
"Killing a Kuffar (unbeliever) for any
reason, you can say it is ok."
"Kill the person who supplied the licence
for the wine shop"
"The Nazi holocaust is a punishment from
God"
"This is a Jew dealing in usury, so come
and kill him"

Statements made by Muslim Cleric Abu Hamza
Al-Masri in Finsbury Park Mosque, London, (in
addition to him possessing a terrorist manual.)

World Trade Centre bombed, 9/11, Madrid
bombings, London Underground and bus bombings,
Bali bombings, terrorist cells arrested in
Australia, direct threats against Denmark,
U.S.A., England and Australia aired on
El-Jezira Television,just some of the actions
perpetrated on Western society.

People live in fear daily. In London,under-
ground commuters have that constant reminder
that next time it could be THIS train.

The cost in innocent lives,the daily fear,the
security costs - all up - INCALCULABLE
The cost of cartoons - no killing, no bombing
no threats, no fear. - INSIGNIFICENT

Our Favourite Airline

2006-02-07T21:44:00.000+13:00

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