It's the first day of daylight saving. It's 19:00 and the sun is just starting to set over the ranges, I love summer!
The downside...
Thanks to Bernie wanting Formula 1 to be on at a reasonable time, for Europe, the Singapore Grand Prix will start at 01:00 Monday morning...
A recent issue of NZ Today Magazine covered the wonderful, remote, Great Barrier Island. While searching for some old car photos I found one which reminded me of a memorable journey home from "The Barrier" back in the early 80's. I'd sailed out with my Dad but had to return, I think for tech, before the boat was due to come back. In addition to todays ferry or aircraft service there was another, far more exciting, option; a sea plane.
I met the "See Bee" Grumman Widgeon at Fitzroy. The takeoff from it's calm sheltered water was my first, and un-eventful, then we headed down the coast to Tryphena. It's an open bay and it was one of those "El Nino" summers with constant 20-40 knot westerly winds. I don't know what the landing speed of the plane was, probably 80 knots, but touching down with the swell running into the bay was far from smooth.
Once on the beach quite a bit of mail, freight and a few extra passengers added to the takeoff burden. The new arrivals were Japanese and began getting their SLR cameras out, metal body ones with large lenses, ready to take photos. As a "veteran" of one take-off and landing I tried to tell them it would be quite rough but the language barrier meant the message didn't really get through.
We taxied, wallowing, into the bay and as the pilot pushed the throttles forward all hell broke loose. The plane appeared to turn into a submarine as the windscreen was covered in green water. Once the nose rose we thumped across a heavy swell while the side windows were pounded by ever increasing spray plumes. My fellow passengers carefully planned take-off shots were abandoned as they battled to just hang on to their cameras, while exchanging worried glances. That was probably due to the apparent self destruction of the plane they'd just boarded as the noise & pounding were dramatic. Even with the headwind we must have been doing 40 or 50 knots across the, not smooth, water before getting airborne. It was probably just "a bit of a rough takeoff" for a sea plane but that's far from most normal flying experiences!
The flight back to Auckland was without drama but as we came up the harbour the pilot mentioned that the approach would be "a bit steep" to avoid a long taxi into the ramp. Apparently it wasn't uncommon for people to get sea sick during that part of the flight on rough days! It probably wasn't as dramatic but whenever I see film of dive bombers attacking I remember that approach. Soon after I took the photo (below) we plunged down into the harbour landing near the container wharf. After a short taxi into the Mechanics Bay ramp we were back on dry land with just a single snapshot and a head full of memories to record my first sea plane flight.
"A shower of spray and we're away" was the cry of legendary sea plane pilot Fred Ladd
Auckland looks a lot better without that bloody ugly Sky Tower dominating the skyline.
Taken from work as the sea fog lifted.
There's an advert on the radio for a shop in Southland which comes with a signed up long term lessee, and property either side, and only costs $99,000.
Every time I hear it I remember the day I got off my bike and took this photo.
The two aren't connected, except in my mind, I hope...
Finally a TV with built in Freeview (Digital) HD for New Zealand. Pity, I still need that Sky Box for Formula 1
BRAVIA TVs will feature built-in Freeview HD tuners - Sony New Zealand
Making the leap from Standard Definition to High Definition is about to become a whole lot easier for television viewers...
Auckland : 24 June, 2008 - Available from July 2008, the new Sony BRAVIA V and W series LCD televisions will enable viewers to enjoy Freeview HD(TM) broadcasts without having an additional digital receiver box…
Poor old America, they miss some great cars. This is a New Zealand’ised version of Justinsomnia’s post…
Car brands that you can’t buy in the US - Justinsomnia
Alfa Romeo – The Mi.To is coming soon
Citroën
Dacia – Not seen in New Zealand
Daihatsu
Fiat – The 500 was launched recently
Lancia – Not currently, but have in the past
Microcar – Not seen in New Zealand
Opel – We get some with “Holden” branding
Peugeot
Renault
Seat – Not currently, but have in the past
New Zealand is finally going to get the iPhone. Should I care? How does the iPhone do against my requirements;
iPhone, not myPhone.
Apple introduces new iPhone (+pics) - Stuff.co.nz
New Zealand will be one of the first countries to offer Apple's new 3G iPhone, which will go on sale on July 11…
Scott Dixon made history with today’s win. Congratulations to him and those, especially his parents, who backed his rise to the top
Motorsport: Dixon stays out of trouble for Indy 500 win - 26 May 2008 - Motorsport news - NZ Herald
Scott Dixon stayed ahead of the trouble, got a boost from his crew and drove to his first Indianapolis 500 victory today, becoming the first Kiwi to win one of the world's biggest sporting events
UPDATE: Deserved praise from Kiwi F1 Legend Chris Amon:
Dixon No 1 in Amon's book - NZPA via Yahoo!
Scott Dixon's historic victory in the Indianapolis 500 today ranks highest on Chris Amon's hit list of magic moments in the annals of New Zealand motor racing…
This appeared on our company intranet today & is worth sharing. Paul Kettle has some lovely work on his site and is exhibiting as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography
Spirit of Place – Opens Sunday, 25 May '08 at 4pm (join us for a glass of wine) for four weeks
A selection of limited edition fine art prints capturing the spirit of place many Aucklanders associate with Auckland's west coast beaches. The exhibition is incorporated within the Auckland Festival of Photography.
Signal Gallery, 505 Highway 16 (1km before Kumeu), Kumeu, Auckland 0814, Ph 09 412 7052
Reproduced with permission from www.digitallight.co.nz
If people bother talking about service from a local body it’s usually to complain about poor service, delays etc.
I thought I’d lost, or not got, a water rate bill. Looking at my Quicken records over the years I’d previously paid it in May or June. Since I’ve been overseas I suspected it was missing in action or had been accidentally binned;
So in less than 8 hours, most of which were “out of normal office hours”, it was resolved. OK, it was going to result in them getting my money but good service is good service. Thanks Joy & Althea at Waitakere City!
* Yes, that’s after midnight, a good time for Internet banking!
For years I’ve subscribed to all three magazines published by Straight 8 Publishing:
NZ Today issues tend to focus on an area. It began when Allan Dick, Publisher/Editor, wanted to write and photograph topics beyond Drivers automotive scope. Often they’ll be related: Driver may feature a road test drive in an area while NZ Today will have the local history, characters and stories discovered on the trip.
Last week I got NZ Today Issue #25 which includes features on Central Otago and Manawatu. It was a little strange to get a new magazine, only to find I’d already read part of it. That’s because they published a short piece I wrote about cycling the Otago Rail Trail. Thanks Allan!
Kiwi Readers should find it in their magazine stores for the next couple of months, or direct from Straight 8 here
If you believe some Kiwis, and Kiwi Politicians, there is little to like about New Zealand. Thankfully it ain't true and it’s refreshing to hear someone say it, all the way from Canada!
Singing the praises of New Zealand - NZ Herald
“Canadian entrepreneurs are hearing all about how New Zealand does things better than most.
And the man hailing kiwi successes to the North American audience is a Canadian-born management consultant who spent several years in New Zealand. Ed Bernacki liked a lot of what he saw here, and he's bringing the message to fledgling Canadian entrepreneurs..”
“New Zealand's edge over Canada is easy to explain, Bernacki told the Ottawa Citizen.
"They've simply out-thought us."
Betsy Welch, a former Spanish teacher at Vail Mountain School, Colorado, is travelling in New Zealand. This edition of her travels captures some of the things she likes about the place.
What I like about New Zealand - Vail Daily Colorado
Betsy Welch's New Zealand travelogue continues…
It’s a pity more Kiwis don’t appreciate the place. As Fred Dagg (Mr John Clarke) said so many years ago “We don’t know how lucky we are”.
In New Zealand the term “Boy Racer” is associated with jerks that drive high powered road cars on public roads, badly, so I think Stuff have “stuffed up” using it in this context. Brendon Hartley is a racer, some may consider him a boy (I don’t), but he’s no “Boy Racer”.
What he’s doing and what he is capable of achieving is amazing. I hope he gets to Formula One but doubt New Zealand’s ball sport fixated media will be capable reporting it.
Boy racer chases F1 dream - Stuff.co.nz
A Palmerston North teenager is receiving millions of dollars of backing in his quest for motor racing's ultimate prize.
Brendon Hartley may as well have been born in a racing car…
Sony gave Penn Jillette a bunch of camcorders and the result is Penn Says… I miss his radio show, heard via podcast, but these gems fill some of the void. I’ve Subscribed!
Todays news of Sir Edmund Hillarys death has been reported around the world. His legendary achievements have inspired many tributes but I remember seeing, several years ago, probably the strangest imaginable.
I was in Sydney and while exploring the waterfront area stumbled into the Museum of Contemporary Arts. One exhibit was a small table sized Circus tent with beautifully made machined miniature alloy apparatus. Tiny towers linked with a high wire, a miniature cannon, a high dive board above a thimble and little dumbbells.
A video showed real living fleas performing the feats of skill and daring. The one that came to mind today featured a tiny felt covered conical mountain and seen, on the video, ascending it was none other than Sir Fleamund Hillary.
I wonder if Sir Ed ever saw it? I suspect he would have liked it.
I found a two videos of The Cardoso Flea Circus. The first is the performance I saw with the exhibit and the second shows the installation in Sydney.
ross rudesch harley - Cardoso Flea Circus Video (Featuring the sequence seen in the stills below)
Cardoso Flea Circus Video, 8 min colour video, co-directed with Maria Fernanda Cardoso, 1997
ross rudesch harley - Cardoso Flea Circus Installation at the MCA Sydney
3 min colour video, 2002; Museum of Contemporary Arts, Sydney, 2002.
UPDATE 24-01-2008: Thanks to a comment I can add these Flea Circus resources!
Fleas and Circuses Blog - fleascircuses.blogspot.com
A look into the microscopic world of educated and trained fleas.http://www.fleacircus.co.uk
Flea Circus Research Library
I never met Ed Hillary but his life, his acts and his legacy are a part of every Kiwi’s national identity. In lieu of a portrait this image seems fitting as shows Aoraki Mt Cook which he first climbed in 1948.
Goodbye, to a Kiwi Icon who died today.
On top of the world: Ed Hillary @ NZHistory.net.nz
The life of Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008)The legendary mountaineer, adventurer and philanthropist – whose familiar, craggy face beams out from the $5 note – is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived.
His 1953 ascent of Mt Everest, the planet’s highest peak, brought him worldwide fame – literally overnight. Dozens of daring adventures followed, including the Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1957–58 and a 1977 jet-boat journey up the Ganges River. International lecture tours, books and TV documentaries cemented Hillary’s status as a global celebrity.
Of greater significance, perhaps, was his humanitarian contribution to the Sherpa people of the Himalayas. For decades from the 1960s Hillary and supporters raised funds and built schools, hospitals and other facilities in the mountains.
He also enjoyed a successful spell as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India in the 1980s. Despite his remarkable achievements, and moments of personal tragedy, Ed Hillary is also remembered for his humility and generosity. The quiet Auckland beekeeper who had stood on ‘the roof of the world’, as well as the North and South Poles, seemed to be the quintessential ‘down to earth’ Kiwi…(Continues)
TUMEKE! point out that, in terms of %’age increase, we are better off than the US in regards the increase in petrol costs. That may be true but I think petrol is still very cheap.
Every time it goes up people complain about the price. Consider the effort of finding, extracting, refining, distributing it then consider it’s a limited resource and marvel that it’s only 1.70’something/litre.
I wonder why people happily pay $2 or more for a bottle of water…
TUMEKE!: The oil barrel half full: US-NZ petrol pump price comparison
$2 a litre fears: Crude oil prices hit the record level of US$100 per barrel on Wednesday, breaking through that to hit $100.09 late on Thursday and set a new record.
But that's US dollars. It's really a crisis for our American friends because it is their currency weakness that is the main problem, and using NZ as a comparison I will make the case that it is quantifiably half their problem…
The Central Otago landscape on the "Otago Traverse Cycle" reminded me of "Pat Metheny Country". The sort of images you see on his album covers appeared everywhere you look. This scene captures some that mood and reminded me of this disc cover.
Reminds me of Pat Metheny, originally uploaded by RobiNZ.
It’s flattering to see someone likes my photos enough to use them* on their own blog. Portuguese “directriz” has featured a few and it’s great to think Kiwi images are finding an audience on the other side of the world. The image below was taken from a yacht at Waiheke Island, near Auckland, looking towards Coromandel.
* Feel free to use the images if you wish, all I ask for non-commercial use is let me know and include a link back to the original as directriz does.directriz: A falácia da banalidade das coisas triviais.
Nearly full moon rising – Robin Capper – RobiNZ Blog
On the Adventure South cycle trips I’m often the only, or one of few, locals. It’s strange as you are travelling, and treated, as a tourist in your own land until people figure out you’re a local. Part of the fun of this is seeing the others “discover” New Zealand and re-discovering it yourself through their eyes.
The One Way New Zealand blog is being written as “The Rays” explore New Zealand (currently with help from Rob) with the possibility it may become home. In a recent post a photo (below) was titled “Stunning rolling hills down to the sea”. I see “just another farm” but that’s part of the fun of reading their site. If you live here you’ll learn to appreciate through their eyes what many Kiwis take for granted, if you don’t you see what you’re missing!
They currently have a good guide to show them New Zealand even if he isn’t a Kiwi. I worked with Rob a few years ago and it was good to catch up with him on his recent return from the UK. Since I saw him last he’s had a big prang paragliding in Africa (ouch!) and also set up his own web based business. If you’re looking for accomodation check out HelpX.
Happy travels One Way New Zealand!
One Way New Zealand - Travel, Experience, Information, Immigration, Emigration
So what's all this about then?
Hello, we are the Rays, Craig, Rachel and Myles our son. In September 2007 we are starting out on a trip / holiday of discovery to travel through New Zealand in order to find out more about the country, the people and its culture. After spending all our lives in the UK we are looking for a new place to call home and to raise our family. Could New Zealand be the right place for us to emigrate to? Let's find out…Help Exchange – HelpX
Help Exchange is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&B, inns, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation (board and lodging).
This scheme is primarily provided as a cultural exchange for working holiday makers who wish to have the opportunity during their travels abroad, of staying with local people and gaining some practical experience
Radio Live’s Graeme Hill featured Woof Woof – the amazing talking Tui:
Woof Woof Videos - Whangarei Native Bird Recovery
Watch our talking Tui, listen carefully for what he says
The Bruce McLaren Trust website has been redesigned and re-launched with loads of new content covering the Bruce McLaren Story, Heritage and Trust activities. The site was developed by Parkside Media and Convergent Online Media.
There are sections devoted to Biography, The Cars, The Trust's M8A, The Racing Team, News, Images and Merchandise. You can register to create your own profile, blogs and, coming soon, forums and become part of the Trust community.
Bruce McLaren Trust - www.bruce-mclaren.com
It's been fourteen months of effort and we're proud to launch our new website. Please take the time to explore the amazing wealth of stories about Bruce and the McLaren team, and the new features within the site…
At first it was a Bravo but then, like Aussie, it was going to be a Ritmo. Now Fiat New Zealand have announced when Fiat’s mid-size hatch arrives in September will be badged Bravo!
“With Fiat being out of the Australian market for so long, the name of the new car was fairly academic for them,” says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager for Fiat in New Zealand. “But here we were very keen to use the Bravo name as the previous model to wear this name was one of the most successful Fiat models in New Zealand and we wanted to build on the warmth already felt for the Bravo name with the new model. We were, therefore, very pleased when we were given the clearance to use the Bravo name here!”
I wonder if it’s more to do with New Zealand’s experience of the late 70’s Ritmo and it’s less than spectacular build quality. Aussie didn’t get the Ritmo so it’s not an issue there.
You have to be careful bringing back old brands. Holden recently revived “Viva” to try and give credibility to their cheap mid-range Astra replacement. The Vauxhall Viva was a common sight on Kiwi roads in the 70’s yet all I could think of was a mate’s “first car”, a clapped out Viva. It was so knackered when the time finally came to dispose of it he took it to several wreckers, arriving back at work depressed that none wanted it! Name association can be cruel.
From what I’ve read, the new Bravo has had mixed reviews. Most love the style, like the engines but packaging and handling are class average rather than leading. It will be interesting to see how it’s received in New Zealand, whatever it’s called.
Bravo! New Fiat set to arrive in September! | Fiat Bravo News
Fiat’s newest model will arrive in New Zealand in September and, unlike Australia, it will be wearing its European name, the Fiat Bravo.
I’m not a Rugby fan, I think there are two of us in New Zealand, but you can’t avoid knowing the whole thing kicks off for us tonight with:
vs 
Go Italy!
Did I blog that? 
I was going to head to the Waikato chasing WRC Rally New Zealand but spending most of yesterday sorting out some other travel meant today was the only option. At best I would only see one or two stages and the Super Special at Hamilton. It’s a long haul and the “supers” are usually a bit boring, more publicity events than real rallying, so decided to stick to the TV coverage.
Well, wasn’t that a bad decision! It’s totally amazing that after 3 days of full on competition Marcus Gronholm and Sebastien Loeb entered the Super separated by just 0.7 seconds. At the end of that Gronholm emerged the victor just 0.3 seconds ahead!
Rally New Zealand is the best, biggest, and most important international sporting event held in this country in terms of local spectator and international media interest. Yes, I’d include the America’s Cup and Rugby World Cup because Rally New Zealand is annual, soon every two years, event.
So why does it struggle for sponsorship? Does the myopic “Rugby is the only sport” mentality extend to the boardroom of New Zealand’s major companies? In the commentary they mentioned it requires about three or four million to run and relies on three thousand, yes thousand, volunteers to stage. If the America’s Cup is worth thirty million, surely four million for the rally is a bargain.
Gronholm squeeks in to sets new standard - Stuff
Gronholm's tidy negotiation of the final 3.14km super special stage – the 18th and final stage of the 353km, three-day event through the Waikato – also gave the Finn an unprecedented fifth victory on New Zealand gravel…
Dave Moore asks if Kiwi roads or drivers can be blamed for accidents.
Killer roads or killer drivers? Dave Moore in Drivetalk - Stuff.co.nz
I always get my dander up when people say that our ‘crap roads’ are responsible for a lot of our road toll, and I won’t apologise for comparing our roads with Britain’s.
While the UK has more motorways than we do, its A and B roads are vastly inferior, both in terms of surface makeup and especially in terms of width…
I’ve never seen, let alone driven on, a U.K. road but agree with his point. So often accidents are blamed on the road, speed, weather or the car when the real cause is plain bad driving for the prevailing conditions. I’ve had one collision in a car, a few incidents where it was pure luck there wasn’t a collision, and a few prangs on a bicycle. In every case it was attributable to driver error but not always me!
While many criticise the roads I’ve been more impressed with their quality given the population served. I think the South Island has had a better deal, in-spite of their complaining, as the highway’s are good AND empty!
I think the worst road is State Highway One and it’s only recently shown much evidence of improvement. Ideally it should be like the US Interstate with split twin lane roads from Whangarei to Invercargill. They’ve nearly managed this between Auckland & Hamilton but the rest is far from world class. There are sections of the existing route where it isn’t possible due to geography but I’d make sorting that project a high priority project.
So why do I hate the boring drag to Hamilton and invariably head over the bridge at Rangiriri in search of more interesting roads. Because, unfashionable as it is, I just enjoy driving for more than just the destination. I don’t enjoy traffic but away from peak times, rush hour or holidays, we don’t really have traffic problems. The thought of getting in the car to drive the length of the country would fill some with dread, or boredom, but I just love it.
It’s interesting that most the cycle tourists I’ve met travelling in New Zealand comment on the driving, it’s not great, but are shocked there’s no compulsory insurance component. Medical is covered by the Accident Compensation, which is far from perfect, but there’s no other cover.
Just a few hours from possibly the last America’s Cup race for 2007 the news reports are using words like “battle” and “fight” as if they are reporting a war.
While the odds are against Emirates Team New Zealand winning the next three in a row there is a chance. I was thinking what would be the perfect result?
I hope the nine race series goes to 5 – 4, then the best team wins the final race. It doesn’t matter so much which team that is. While rivalry is good I’ve never understood the need to hate the opposition as seems common in so many sports supporters. I can admire and support Emirates Team New Zealand without hating Alinghi or being devastated by them winning. It seems this isn't common as New Zealand usually descends into deep nationwide depression after a sporting loss.
So, whatever happens tonight, may the best team win. I think it’s remarkable given our tiny population and resources that it’s certain to be a Kiwi Skipper.
Quote of the race:
Peter Montgomery: “It’s match point, Alinghi”
Alinghi sail past Emirates Team New Zealand to win race 6. It’s 4 – 2 to the Swiss.PS: Not a good night for Kiwi sport: Wallabies stun All Blacks in Melbourne
Quote of the race:
Peter Montgomery: “We’ve never seen kites flying like that before”
Team New Zealand hoist 3 Spinnakers/Gennakers while Alinghi sail past to win race 5. It’s 3 – 2 to the Swiss.PS: Was the sail tear just bad luck or maybe the result of a really fast hoist. PM commented on the slowness of the Alinghi hoist on the first leg, they were similar on the second but didn’t have any of the problems Team New Zealand struck.
Quote of the race:*
Peter Montgomery: “It’s a maritime game of chess”
Alinghi win race 4 so it’s 2 – 2, subject to protest!* Ok, I’ll admit he says that every race, but had to use it!
Quote of the most amazing race:
Peter Montgomery: “Amazing, the pendulum is now swinging Team New Zealand's way”
Russell Coutts: “The pendulum has swung Team New Zealand's way”
Russell Coutts as Team NZ pass Alinghi on the final leg, going on to win race 3 and go 2 – 1 up!PS: It’s been brilliant having Russell Coutts commentary, especially his tactical analysis. Credit to TVNZ!
Quote of the race:
“They’ll be kicking themselves for that mistake”
Russell Coutts on Alinghi’s poor lee bow tack that lost them race 2
A few minutes to go, time to watch a boat race. Will Kiwi A beat Kiwi B?
UPDATE 24–06–2007 02:47:58
Quote of the race:
“Righty Oh, let’s go in for a beer”
Brad Butterworth, Skipper Alinghi, just after crossing the line to win Race 1
Earl is coming back to live in New Zealand. That means organising all manner of things, including a mobile phone. His experience with Vodaphone is not encouraging…
A Networked World: A Broken System
There are days when I really believe that businesses really don't want my money. This beggars belief…[Vodaphone] You have to tell me what kind of prepay
I DON'T KNOW, your branding is of NO INTEREST TO ME.
[Vodaphone] When does your wife get home?
Not till AFTER you have closed up for the day, there's a 2 hour time difference between here and there.
[Vodaphone] Well then you need to call 777 and navigate through the menu to find out what kind of account you have then call me back and tell me.
BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT
[Vodaphone] Yes but its a SECURITY question
YES, BUT YOU JUST TOLD ME HOW TO HACK YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM!!!!!!! So its not REALLY a security system IS IT?
[Vodaphone] Yes but I need you answer 2 SECURITY questions before I can tell you anything.
Reminds me of Brazil, a favourite film:
Welcome back Earl!
Valencia Sailing pull no punches but… they did!
Valencia Sailing: Louis Vuitton Cup - Finals - Day 3: Emirates Team NZ thrash Luna Rossa
In this morning preview we asked who was to blame for Luna Rossa's weak performance in the first two races. The same question is now begging for an answer after their humiliating defeat by Emirates Team NZ, the third in a row…
It was a shock to discover that a respected Kiwi Blogger died suddenly last Wednesday. I first found Dodderyoldfart’s blog – Rest Area 300m – via another and enjoyed seeing his posts pop up my feed-reader. It was gentle blog which revealed a wonderful sense of humour.
He worked on the roads in a beautiful part of the world, making all our lives safer, and entertained many with his blog as the comments on his final post “Dig This” reveal. As a tribute I’ll share a few photos from a drive to New Plymouth, through what I’ll forever refer to as “Dodderyoldfart country”.
Thanks Doddery, you’ll be missed.
I’ll quote Oswalds post in full, it’s how I heard the news & is a wonderful tribute:
Oswald Bastable's Ranting: RIP
A well known NZ blogger died suddenly this morning.
Dodderyoldfart had a unique blog. By all accounts he was the only known road worker blogger (I had tried to verify this and was unable to find any other!)
His blog was also unique in being always good humoured and devoid of any politics!
I would visit every weekday to see what the latest amusing picture would be.
Most blogs vanish by the wayside, but this one will truly be missed.
Farewell...
UPDATE 02–06–2007: Oswald has set up “New Zealand Back Country – A collection of NZ images from the Back Country” as a Memorial to Dodderyoldfart & his Rest Area 300M Blog.
I’m in the USA today so there will be no local ANZAC Day commemoration but they will be remembered;
I think it’s known as “Barn Dance crossing” due to the sometimes weird interactions of everyone meeting in the middle:
Maybe it’s just a Kiwi thing?
I always enjoy Dodderyoldfart’s blog but had to link to this post to highlight the fine work of Highway Refurbishers and steal perhaps the finest ever line written about Piopio.
In time honoured Kiwi tradition we try and rip through our work so we can knock off early.
I planned to visit the fleshpots of Piopio, there to sup ale…
In a world of iThis & Download that it seems strange that a “Record Shop” can be part of your life…
The news that the Marbeck family have sold their “Record Store” (first opened in 1934) made me think about how it, and media, have evolved in a relatively short time.
I remember in the days before interweb shopping and download, when many NZ records were stamped locally, if you couldn’t get something the standard response was “try Marbecks!”. They were legendary for stocking, importing if they didn’t, virtually any title you’d want. The business has evolved changed premises, expanded and contracted, even embraced the Internet. They always led in promoting new media & technology; especially in the early days of CD when they were the place to go. Venturing into that store in downtown Auckland was certain to result in another title, at least, being added to my collection.
I work for The Warehouse (TWL), who have claimed a huge portion of retail music sales, but am still a customer at Marbecks. Large chains cater to mass markets and my, I’ll admit strange, musical tastes are not often satisfied by their range. That means turning to specialists like Marbecks, or nowadays on-line, to find titles that will never be seen in NZ. However I always check Marbecks, and other local sites, before ordering overseas as they generally offer better prices if they have the title (freight is a killer to NZ).
Although TWL have made life hard for retailers all struggle to compete with downloads. That has been hampered by the pain that is Digital Rights but the end of that means the real competition is just starting.
Still nothing on-line compares to the experience of wandering thru a big store browsing and discovering new titles/artists you’ve never heard of before. It appears the new owners are going to stick to the Marbecks formula:
"They have kept something special in music retailing and we want to continue with that," said Roger Harper, managing director of [new owners] The CD and DVD Store, which has 30 outlets.
That’s good to hear and also that Roger is still in the music business, as owner of Ode Records who have a catalogue of New Zealand, Pacific, World, Classics and Jazz recordings.
Change of tune but Marbecks name stays - 11 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand Business and Personal Finance News
The departure of the Marbeck family from Queen St marks the end of an era for Auckland retailing.
But the new owners of Marbecks Record Shop, The CD and DVD Store, say they will keep the family brand name that has been a part of what was called "The Golden Mile" for more than seven decades…
Part of a recent cycle tour involved an overnight stay at Otematata and lap of Lake Aviemore (over Benmore Dam). Most on the trip, even me the “token Kiwi”, were puzzled why there’s a 60 room hotel and little else at Otematata. Then it clicked that this was the project town for the Benmore Dam construction. Today apart from the impressive dams, lakes and that hotel there is little evidence that about 40 years ago over 4,500, including some of my relatives*, lived and worked there. As you can see from the photos what remains is beautiful.
On returning home I was looking at the recently launched TVNZ ondemand. This is TVNZ’s Internet based channel with shows for download. Some require subscription but there is lots of free content including content from the NZBC/TVNZ archives. The site is nicely done and with a reasonable broadband connection you get good quality video.
In the “Classic” section I spied a feature about Benmore from the series “These New Zealanders” . It was filmed in 1964 and shows Otematata in the middle of the construction period. Having just been there I was interested to see the footage of the valley before construction, the work that was done and how Otematata looked in very different times. Even without the local interest it’s worth a look to see how much both New Zealand and TV has changed;
View “These New Zealanders” Benmore at TVNZ ondemand (* look for a brief appearance by “Mrs Muirhead” at about 08:30)
UPDATE 27–03–2007: Only after reading the fine print did I find that these videos will only work within New Zealand. Pity as know many OE Kiwi’s who’d like to see them including “Mrs Muirhead”!
Cool, just noticed I can keep up to date with news on Fiat in New Zealand with their RSS news feed. Subscribed!
Official Fiat New Zealand website - http://www.fiat.co.nz/
Official Fiat New Zealand RSS News Feed - http://www.fiat.co.nz/NewsFeed.aspx?cid=1618
RobiNZ CAD Blog: Shutdown Week ends, back from "the Maniototo"
Shutdown week is over. It was a brilliant week of cycling in the South Island, mainly an area known as “the Maniototo". It’s a remote part of Central Otago which is hardly crowded itself…
