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37
Messages
about a Maori-themed wedding in Seattle; download an audio tour of
New Zealand; dreams of competing in a cycle courier world championship; and
tributes to our Heroes.
Received January
- June 2007
E D
G E M A I L
Andrew, Marketer, Wellington
Kia ora. I have been watching the audio tour space now for well over a
year and it's great to see how this medium has taken off. Hardly
surprising when people love their MP3 players sometimes more than they
love their partner. As people who come to New Zealand are often in search
of information the idea of a download audio tour for New Zealand was
logical. It's been a labor of love getting a website up but the interest
from people in NZ and elsewhere vindicates that people want to use this
medium. So if you are feeling a little homesick and want to hear some kiwi
voices, want to recall some Maori legends or want to let others in on the
secrets of your home town, may I recommend www.guide2newzealand.co.nz for
a download (including a free Auckland track), or info on buying the
CD.
Fri Jun 29 16:27:53 2007
Martyn, Melbourne
I am a kiwi living in Melbourne. Since leaving NZ, I have never been so
proud of being a kiwi. It's funny the old saying of "you don't know
what you've got until it's gone". I wanted to share this with my
fellow kiwis; I have come across a company called ACN which is a
telecommunications company which is providing free calls to NZ for
customers on their service. Since joining I have saved up to $70 on my
bill, which is a lot over a whole year. I really see this as a way of
keeping kiwi connected. If there are any people interested in finding out
more information they can email me through contact@nzedge.com.
Wed Jun 27 18:50:28 2007
Joy, Rheinfelden, Germany
Ever recalled how difficult it can be to leave NZ in pursuit of larger
dreams and goals? In the last few months I have followed the trials and
tribulations of two young men who are trying to obtain their goal of being
New Zealand's Cycle Couriers representatives at the 15th Annual Cycle
Messenger World Championship, to be held in Dublin this year on the 3rd to
7th of August. Around 800 cycle couriers (messenger boys) from around the
globe are competing. Australia has managed to enroll 3 entrants; will New
Zealand be represented there? Auckland has two cycle couriers trying
desperately to raise funds in order to attend. So far they have booked and
paid for their own fares to Dublin (around NZ $2,500 each)...they intend
going despite having: no sponsorship or funds to provide for their basic
requirements, food, accommodation, cycle carriers; no earnings for the
period they are away; mounting debts due to tickets being purchased; the
normal costs associated with young men in flatting situations; rent while
absent. Despite these hardships they are determined NZ should be
represented. Cycle Couriers provide a much needed service to grid locked
city businesses...they are considered an annoying but necessary part of
central city life. Couriers themselves are a 'special breed' of people who
are not afraid to live on the edge, take risks and rely on their own
physical ability to earn their bread and butter…there is little jam on
the meager commissions given in return for putting their lives at risk
daily, and they are generally despised by motorists and pedestrians alike
and tolerated as an evil necessity in grid locked city traffic; why do
they do it?
Like all professional sports people it is the adrenaline
obtained through their performance which keeps them hooked and eager to
improve their personal bests. They derive satisfaction from providing a
quick efficient service to inner city businesses. While working the
central city region 5 to 6 days per week the two couriers mentioned have
beaten a track to all possible sponsors around their city and have failed
to attract any real sponsorship...so should they stay home? No way - they
say they will go even if they can't afford it.
Tue Jun 19 0:56:40 2007
Kiwi, France
I am a kiwi living in France and just spent an enjoyable hour reading your
site. It is fantastic. Thank you! I was visiting your site because I am
about to deliver a presentation to a global audience and am telling them
about me, as a kiwi. I wanted to show off about NZ and was thinking
sports, as we do, but started looking for other ideas. How clever are we
in NZ? From your site I get the feeling we must have the highest
proportion of people who have been great contributors to the world per
capital. Made me very proud and made me cry. I knew John
Britten, he was such an amazing man, and your write up on him very
much captures the spirit of the man and how he lived his life. Just great.
I am telling the audience about another clever kiwi invention (it is not
mine I just worked with it in NZ), so was looking for great things that
have come out of NZ and I discovered your wonderful site.
Sun Jun 3 10:20:37 2007
Phil, Flight Lieutenant, Fording Bridge, Hampshire
I am trying to trace the surviving next of kin of Sir
Keith Park to inform him/her that my Air Cadet unit is naming a new
IT/Computer Flight Suite in Sir Keith's honor which will serve up to 20
Air Cadets aged 13-20 as they learn about aviation from computer
simulation. I believe that Sir Keith is one of the unsung heroes of the
Royal Air Force and we are proud to be honoring his memory in this way. My
father also served at 11 Group - RAF Uxbridge during WWII. Any assistance
would be much appreciated. contact@nzedge.com
Wed May 30 5:04:24 2007
Trevor, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex
Many thanks for such a well written article on Nancy Wake. Our family will
never forget her outstanding courage and the great service she did during
the war for all freedom loving peoples. We salute her and thank her most
sincerely.
Sat May 26 05:11:00 2007
Brechon, Exercise Scientist/Personal Trainer, Dunedin
Heya! What a fabulous site and a wonderful way for kiwis everywhere to
create a network. I'm just coming to the end of my Uni degree in exercise
science and found this site while looking for New Zealanders living in
Dubai. I am currently on the lookout for Jobs in Dubai in the fitness and
sport and recreation industries. Have always wanted to live and work in
Dubai for a couple of years and would seriously appreciate any news, info,
contacts, or advice anyone may have for me. Cheers!! contact@nzedge.com
Fri May 18 16:43:25 2007
Cathy, Senior Research Professor
Response for Kim, Researcher (24 April) on Latest Edge Mail: You say your
research is about NZ and what is unique about it in the modern world, and
refer to what we are supposedly known for - natural life, sheep, bungy
jumping and rugby, and wonder whether innovations in film, fashion,
technology etc are creating a new image for NZ globally.
I would suggest you are taking a limited perspective on
what defines a New Zealander and New Zealand globally in two senses.
First, I am a New Zealander who lives and works in the US, and here where
anything is known about New Zealanders at all its very vague and American
football means that most Americans don't even know what rugby is, don't
know that bungy jumping is a New Zealand export, don't even know where New
Zealand is geographically located; may have seen Lord of the Rings and
some reference to it being filmed in NZ. An aging and decreasing Second
World War generation remembers New Zealand fondly as the staging point of
the Southern hemisphere for island hoping operations through to Japan. So
the things you note that we are known for, it's not necessarily that we
are known everywhere for these things.
Second, I would suggest that New Zealanders are more
known for a set of qualities than for a set of things (sheep, bungy
jumping rugby). Many of these results reflect the qualities. I would
suggest that New Zealanders are viewed as the "little country that
doesn't know it" - how do we win at rugby - not because we have the
biggest, brawniest, muscle-bound two-hundred-fifity-pound giants on the
field, but because our rugby players and coaches are fast, fleet, able to
think of their feet, innovate continuously, so that every time our tactics
are perfected by another team, we don't those tactics and move to
something new that no-one has thought of. Whether it is film, fashion,
technology, rugby, bungy jumping there is a constant theme of novelness,
innovation, of being small enough not to be bound by the inertia of
bigger, larger, organizations and countries.
And yet, this is a country with nearly a sixth of its
population not living in New Zealand. How much of New Zealand's image in
the world is influenced by these Kiwis, or the Kiwis who work and live at
home? If you ask a lot of ex-pats why they left, its because they felt
their creativity, innovation, get-up-and-go, can-do,
want-to-make-things-happen, stop-standing-in-my-way passion was
frustrated, damped-down, locked into mediocre-levelling,
chop-the-tall-poppy, can't-do-anything-but-the -status-quo, type
individuals who hold onto many leadership positions and are allowed to do
so. Clearly, my own prejudices creep in here, but just some observations
and opinions for you.
Fri May 11 23:31:00 2007
Adrienne, Language Teacher/Writer, Morocco
While I will always be immensely proud of being a New Zealander, I have
found "mon paradis" here in Morocco. I adore the robustness, the
colour, the adventure, the people, the spontaneity of the moment in this
amazing country, Morocco. And talk about "edge", Maroc is on the
cusp of enormous change right now. The economy has been kick-started by a
building frenzy, Europe has suddenly decided we are only a 15 km boat ride
away, we have cheap labour and plenty of it. Unlike European countries,
the mean age of population is 19 years. Congratulations on this new
venture. It looks incredible and I'm loving it. Thank you.
Fri May 11 21:08:22 2007
Richard, Film Editor, Masterton
So, here I am, a stranger in a strange land, reconnecting. My turf is the
East Coast of the North Island, Palliser to East Cape, filming,
interviewing, photographing, reconnecting to Maori, and reconnecting to
myself. Powerful forces are at work in New Zealand and if not careful
Pakeha will be left behind. I see great things happening with the
traditional owners, I sort of envy their connection to the Spirit that is
Mama and Papa. I have a similar but different connection that I found in
the American West. There are great similarities; great people pulled down
and now lifting themselves up. I would love to see Aotearoa, New Zealand
become some sort of republic, letting go of "Mother" England, we
have fed from that nipple far too long. The Maori King needs to be King of
all Aotearoa New Zealand, all New Zealanders. Until that time there will
be continued separation, division, them and us. We are all one people
united. The indigenous language needs to be taught alongside English. We
need a totally new system of justice. We need a constitution, desperately.
We need to be honest, prepared for and embrace change. It is the one truly
guaranteed thing in life. Unity.
Fri May 11 20:28:47 2007
Anna, Actress/Producer, USA
Kia Ora. I have only now learned of Don Selwyn's passing. I wish to convey
my sincere condolences to his whanau, his staff at He Taonga Films Ltd and
to all that came to know Don. I hope that those projects he believed in
breathe and give life. Having been but one of many who had occasion to
work closely with him, as recently as two-three years ago, I am truly
sorry to learn of his passing. His soul has passed on. Kia kaha.
Fri May 11 18:07:00 2007
Sarah, Phd Candidate, Chicago
Wow, an international community of kiwis, this rocks! As much as I know I
am not going to be going home for a long long time, I miss NZ so much ...
the sun glinting off Wellington Harbour, fish and chips snagged on the way
home, rugby, fresh bluff oysters, the smell of the Pacific ...
Tue Feb 27 12:25:54 2007
Philip, Business Manager, Singapore
I am a New Zealander who has lived and worked outside the country for the
last 20 years. I have 20 years experience in the Oil & Gas industry
having worked for Schlumberger for many years.
Tue Feb 27 1:45:58 2007
Paula, Child Carer, Hamilton
I am seeking funding for my new poetry project? I want to produce a CD and
DVD and slide show of New Zealand scenery, a different scene for each poem
set to back ground music. All my poems are original, and I have never had
any funding before. I paid for my first poetry book, to be published in
Hamilton by myself. Is there someone who can help me launch my project
that would be great. contact@nzedge.com
Fri Feb 23 11:09:52 2007
Grant, Operations Manager, Bangkok
The more countries I live and work in, the more I realize that as a nation
we are some of the most adept and adaptable people around. The Lonestar
Café t-shirt I wear says it all: Be Staunch - Stand Tall - New
Zealand.
Wed Jan 31 18:01:18 2007
Simon, Director, Auckland
New Zealand is a nation of immigrants for whom living at or near the
margin has always been a defining presence. Great job "edgies",
nzedge.com captures this very well. I agree with absolute confidence that
such qualities can be applied very usefully in the international arena.
More power to your intentions.
Wed Jan 17 9:46:32 2007
Kathy, Steilacoom, USA
I have a friend who has terminal cancer, with a dream of visiting some
relatives in New Zealand which due to health reasons is unattainable. A
few of us thought we would bring New Zealand to him for a couple of hours
and I am looking for someone who can spend an hour or two with him sharing
their knowledge of New Zealand. Hopefully, they could do this for little
or no compensation. If you are in the Tacoma, Washington area and might be
able to help you can e-mail me. contact@nzedge.com
Wed Jan 17 7:02:34 2007
Rachel, Mum, Christchurch
All these rich people in New Zealand and there are families like mine
struggling with ill children. We don't want handouts, we need people to
hold our jobs open and pay coming in to make ends meet while away from our
families and cities. My daughter is 6 and has had 15 heart operations
because of a condition called tetralogy of fallott. Makes me wonder why
people buy league teams, while families suffer and loose their
independence and rely on welfare. Take care, may your money grow and try
to think of the less fortunate.
Tue Jan 16 23:34:01 2007
David, Retired, Paeroa
The beginning of 2007 has been a period of elation for me. I believe that
I can take the credit at long last for the recently proven fact that
planets cannot form and survive in the 'rough' environment of a collapsing
nebula. I have no credentials, am useless at maths, have only stepped into
one university and that was its library. For more, see http://homepages.xnet.co.nz/~hardy/rough.html
Fri Jan 12 9:06:38 2007
Ric, Outdoor Recreation Consultant, Oregon
Making the big move home in 2007 after nearly 20 years in the USA. Looking
for any tips on surviving re-entry with family in tow. contact@nzedge.com
Tue Jan 9 19:50:19 2007
Kelly, Onewhero, Tuakau
I love getting your email updates. Thank you so much for producing such a
passionate, professional and invigorating site. I am extremely proud to be
a Kiwi and your site continually reminds me of the many reasons I have for
being so proud. I am Pakeha and gladly embrace the Maori heritage of this
country - that is what makes this country uniquely what it is. Thank you
for your efforts to promote many views of New Zealand, Aotearoa, for
encouraging understanding, for celebrating our successes and struggles,
and for keeping Kiwi's connected. Kia kaha!
Tue Jan 9 10:07:49 2007
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We welcome new friends to the
New Zealand Edge who have
registered these past few months
from around the world:
Bangkok
Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex
Brisbane
Chicago
Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Forest Grove, Oregon
France
Germany
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Ireland
London
Melbourne
Morocco
Oregon
Salt Lake City
Seattle, Washington
Singapore
Steilacoom, Washington
Tustin, California
And from The Edge:
Auckland
Christchurch
Dunedin
Hamilton
Masterton
Paeroa
Tuakau, Waikato
Wellington
David, New Zealand
I need to contact a relation last known address Cambridge, South Island,
New Zealand. His last known occupation was painter and decorator. His name
is Tommy Reading and he used to live in Cheltenham, UK. contact@nzedge.com
Sun Jul 15
2:28:01 2007
Derrek, Project
Manager, Guayaquil, Ecuador
For the next year and half I am living in Ecuador setting up a branch of
the Company that I work for here in Guayaquil.
Wed Jun 13
9:21:22 2007
Gavin, Contractor, Brisbane
NZ is still one of the low key relaxing places left globally. Thank goodness
we are relatively isolated.
Thu May 31 8:04:46 2007
Bethany, Melbourne
Hey guys I just moved to Melbourne from Wellington two months ago, and I'm
missing home like crazy! It's so hard to get news about NZ over here, so you
guys are great!
Tue May 22 11:26:32 2007
Garry, Accountant/Company Secretary, Tustin, California
Glad to get on board with fellow Kiwis.
Sun May 13 13:18:37 2007
Peter, Retired, Wellington
I would love to contact ex-kiwi Patrick Winston Lindsay or any member of his
family. Originally from Palmerston, he took off to North America in the '60's,
I met up with him in Canada in '63 and have lost touch since.
Thu May 10 22:14:12 2007
Ric, Recreation Consultant, Forest Grove, USA
Planning the move back to the place I know is home...
Mon Feb 26 7:36:42 2007
Paul, Designer/Creative, Auckland
Keen to talk to/meet people who are as passionate about New Zealand design as
I am. contact@nzedge.com
Wed Feb 7 15:51:36 2007
Kevin, Self Funded Retiree, Australia
I would like to purchase a video/DVD/CD of Tex
Morton that includes the "Gundawindi Grey". contact@nzedge.com
Tue Feb 6 0:32:05 2007
Warwick, Australia
Looking for my brother, Stephen Smith who left for Australia years ago,
please if you see this contact me. contact@nzedge.com
Sun Feb 4 15:28:17 2007
Sandra, Salt Lake City
Are there any Kiwi clubs or social organizations in Salt Lake City? I was born
in Christchurch then moved to Auckland as a teenager now in US. contact@nzedge.com
Sat Jan 27 15:49:54 2007
Ric, Outdoor Recreation Consultant, Oregon
Making the big move home in 2007 after nearly 20 years in the USA. Looking for
any tips on surviving re-entry with family in tow. contact@nzedge.com
Tue Jan 9 19:50:19 2007
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