I reclaimed the green beastie on Tuesday and found my way to the Swan valley. All the wedding stuff seemed to be under control - or would be as Dave was on the case - and it was my last opportunity to see something the area.
I had a really nice trip but I was disappointed in the Swan Valley. It was very very flat, I saw very little of the river and one field of vines looks much like another - especially when you're driving and having to reject all the invitations to taste! I had a very pleasant lunch at the Riverside vinery - though I never did see the river there. On my way back I stopped at an aboriginal art gallery and came away with a boomerang.
Got back to find that Ben's visit had started with a trip to Ikea ............. But all the shopping was done and the transport to and from the wedding - including a Rolls - was booked. Dave, Ben and I had a very quiet but very good steak dinner. Ben spent the night with his soon to be brother-in-law. I'm glad I didn't!
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Reindeers and snow men
How can you take Christmas seriously at 35 degrees - even if the shops are full of snowmen and reindeers! We had a serious shopping list for Monday - the grooms wedding ring; the bride's earrings; hat, shoes and shirt for the father of the bride to name but some of what we were to get. I couldn't be left out ........... bought another pair of shoes! Very classy black suede wedges - absolutely impractical for that dry, dusty environment and not much better for Scottish wet but irresistible!
Dave and I spent the evening making the place cards for the wedding - Blue Peter has nothing on us!
Helen (Louise's mum), Stav (Helen's partner) Ben (Louise's brother) and Freya (cousin) were all arriving around midnight. I was quite happy to leave Dave and Louise to the task of picking them all up from the airport. Ben was to be in the house with Dave and I, while the others had a separate apartment.
Dave and I spent the evening making the place cards for the wedding - Blue Peter has nothing on us!
Helen (Louise's mum), Stav (Helen's partner) Ben (Louise's brother) and Freya (cousin) were all arriving around midnight. I was quite happy to leave Dave and Louise to the task of picking them all up from the airport. Ben was to be in the house with Dave and I, while the others had a separate apartment.
Family and a fish hook
Dave made the bacon sandwiches on Sunday morning. Louise had stayed over and gone into work very early to finish up, she called to say that Craig had a fish hook in his finger and could we pick up a scalpel on the way over! To cut a long story very short Craig finally gave in to family pressure and had the hook removed by a doctor on Sunday evening!
Dave, Louise and I took another trip to the wedding location where Dave and I reinforced our earlier advice to Louise - that gold stilleto's not wise if wanting to get up and down 90 stone steps as beautiful bride! Dave also decided that wearing a suit for the wedding was above and beyond what should be expected of the father of the bride!! It reached about 37 degrees during Sunday afternoon.
Craigs Gran, aunt and cousin arrived during the day as did friends Iain and Laura who are
back-packing round the world. The day finished with a Barbeque in the garden at Craig & Louise's house - with enough food to feed the entire wedding party for a week!
Dave, Louise and I took another trip to the wedding location where Dave and I reinforced our earlier advice to Louise - that gold stilleto's not wise if wanting to get up and down 90 stone steps as beautiful bride! Dave also decided that wearing a suit for the wedding was above and beyond what should be expected of the father of the bride!! It reached about 37 degrees during Sunday afternoon.
Craigs Gran, aunt and cousin arrived during the day as did friends Iain and Laura who are
back-packing round the world. The day finished with a Barbeque in the garden at Craig & Louise's house - with enough food to feed the entire wedding party for a week!
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Saturday in Perth
The adrenaline and jet lag caught up with me on Saturday morning and it was nearly 10 when I woke up - about 4 hours later than usual. After a fantastic bacon sandwich I headed for the Swan Valley - lovely river, dozens of vineyards. Except I missed the turning and ended up in the centre of Perth. As cities go it is very attractive (small! lots of water!) and I decided to make the most of my mistake and explore. Having zig zagged through the main streets I started to climb and found myself in Kings Park. The views of the city are great and the park is beautiful.
Louise called while I was in the park and asked if I could get some place cards for the wedding dinner. She gave me the name of the shop and said it was past the shopping mall. Silly me - I didn't ask how far past the mall, or more to the point, which direction past! I found it eventually - at least 3 miles past the mall on the way into the city. And incidentally found out how and why I'd got so badly lost the night before. The shop did not have what was required but I left with all sorts that would serve a Blue Peter presenter very well.
I met Louise from work as she wanted to visit the location of the wedding and the restaurant at the same time as the real thing. This was her last day at work before starting 2 weeks leave - unpaid leave but she's not been there long and had been pleasantly surprised that her job was being kept open for her.
The location at Roleystone was beautiful and the views from the restaurant spectacular. And the visit took longer than we thought because Louise got a call from Dave to say he had landed. So instead of dropping me off at home and going to meet her dad by herself he got both of us. Which was fine as he'd hired a car - another Holden but a brand new one with LOTS of air conditioning. So I took the green beastie and left them to catch up.
We had a very pleasant evening - vague memories of crisps, sausages, peach vodka and too too much wine. Only absolutely sure that it wasn't me drinking the peach vodka!
Louise called while I was in the park and asked if I could get some place cards for the wedding dinner. She gave me the name of the shop and said it was past the shopping mall. Silly me - I didn't ask how far past the mall, or more to the point, which direction past! I found it eventually - at least 3 miles past the mall on the way into the city. And incidentally found out how and why I'd got so badly lost the night before. The shop did not have what was required but I left with all sorts that would serve a Blue Peter presenter very well.
I met Louise from work as she wanted to visit the location of the wedding and the restaurant at the same time as the real thing. This was her last day at work before starting 2 weeks leave - unpaid leave but she's not been there long and had been pleasantly surprised that her job was being kept open for her.
The location at Roleystone was beautiful and the views from the restaurant spectacular. And the visit took longer than we thought because Louise got a call from Dave to say he had landed. So instead of dropping me off at home and going to meet her dad by herself he got both of us. Which was fine as he'd hired a car - another Holden but a brand new one with LOTS of air conditioning. So I took the green beastie and left them to catch up.
We had a very pleasant evening - vague memories of crisps, sausages, peach vodka and too too much wine. Only absolutely sure that it wasn't me drinking the peach vodka!
Another classic motor.......
It was about 9.30 and I was just about ready for a second G&T when Craig and Louise arrived. It was great to see her, she looked smashing and despite being tired was excited about what the next few days would bring. So was Craig but he was also down because work - and therefore his anticipated income - had fallen through with no notice. He'd got a new job lined up but the timing of it all was c***!
Louise manages a jewellery shop and had been working until 9pm. She had driven over in their other classic car - classic in that at 26 it is as old as she is. Yet another Holden, this one a Gemini that is bright green and was to be mine for the next couple of days. Louise warned me that the plastic seats would get hot and there was no power steering. Never mind, we'd get on fine.
Friday morning was hot and I realised that I needed shorts. So I made a trial run in the small green beastie back to the shopping mall. It wasn't too bad on the way there as the car had been parked in the garage all night but getting back into it after an hour in the mall car park was torture! Plastic seats, no air conditioning and no fan!
And you're right I'm glossing over the fact that despite trying on just about every pair of shorts in the place I couldn't bring myself to buy any - I looked ridiculous!! I compromised with a couple of short skirts - mutton dressed as lamb rather than sack of potatoes tied in the middle!
I then took a couple of deep breaths and pointed the green beastie in the direction of Freemantle. No problem! Got straight there and even found a tree to park under. Coped reasonably well with only 4 gears - don't think I quite stripped the gear box - the engine agreed with my instinct to change up! Freemantle is very pretty and I enjoyed my walk around the harbour as well as the prawns from the water front cafe. I also enjoyed an exhibition of metal sculptures - fabulous things but far too big to pack in a suitcase.
I was really impressed with myself as I got back to the house without getting lost and after a quick change I headed to Louise & Craigs - Louise was taking me to Scarborough beach for fish & chips and to watch the sun go down. We had a great time - despite my new skirt and my knickers getting drenched by an unexpected wave. It was dusk when we got back to their house and Louise had confessed that there was a slight problem with the rear lights on the car - they probably didn't work....... So I headed straight off to be back before I really needed them. Except that I got thoroughly and seriously lost. Found myself in the wrong part of town and being followed - not by the police - but by young men in a couple of cars trying to frighten me. They did!! I eventually found my way back and calmed down with a glass of wine.
Louise manages a jewellery shop and had been working until 9pm. She had driven over in their other classic car - classic in that at 26 it is as old as she is. Yet another Holden, this one a Gemini that is bright green and was to be mine for the next couple of days. Louise warned me that the plastic seats would get hot and there was no power steering. Never mind, we'd get on fine.
Friday morning was hot and I realised that I needed shorts. So I made a trial run in the small green beastie back to the shopping mall. It wasn't too bad on the way there as the car had been parked in the garage all night but getting back into it after an hour in the mall car park was torture! Plastic seats, no air conditioning and no fan!
And you're right I'm glossing over the fact that despite trying on just about every pair of shorts in the place I couldn't bring myself to buy any - I looked ridiculous!! I compromised with a couple of short skirts - mutton dressed as lamb rather than sack of potatoes tied in the middle!
I then took a couple of deep breaths and pointed the green beastie in the direction of Freemantle. No problem! Got straight there and even found a tree to park under. Coped reasonably well with only 4 gears - don't think I quite stripped the gear box - the engine agreed with my instinct to change up! Freemantle is very pretty and I enjoyed my walk around the harbour as well as the prawns from the water front cafe. I also enjoyed an exhibition of metal sculptures - fabulous things but far too big to pack in a suitcase.
I was really impressed with myself as I got back to the house without getting lost and after a quick change I headed to Louise & Craigs - Louise was taking me to Scarborough beach for fish & chips and to watch the sun go down. We had a great time - despite my new skirt and my knickers getting drenched by an unexpected wave. It was dusk when we got back to their house and Louise had confessed that there was a slight problem with the rear lights on the car - they probably didn't work....... So I headed straight off to be back before I really needed them. Except that I got thoroughly and seriously lost. Found myself in the wrong part of town and being followed - not by the police - but by young men in a couple of cars trying to frighten me. They did!! I eventually found my way back and calmed down with a glass of wine.
Pohutukawa Trees
Throughout New Zealand the Pohutukawa - or New Zealand Christmas trees - were coming into flower as I left. There are more in the north and I was often told that they look absolutely stunning as they are covered in bright scarlet flowers.
As Craig was driving me to the supermarket I saw one, pointed to it and said "so you have Pohutukawa trees too". I got a blank look at first and then "yea, bottle brush tree, native to Oz". Well it might be, but there's not much poetic about bottle brushes.
Shopping with Craig was much like shopping with Mick...... "What do you want that for? That's too expensive, this one's reduced". He was right about one thing though - Australian bacon is much better than ours - and not just because the rashers are 18" long!
Despite having enough food for a small army I was too tired to eat much - I'd lost 5 hours coming from New Zealand - so I settled for a large G&T.
Arriving in Oz
The plane arrived a little early into Perth which was some compensation for the time it took me to get through immigration ............ The form asks you - amongst other things - if you are bringing in any food and if you've been on a farm in the last 30 days. I answered yes to both these questions as I had spent a great weekend on Michael & Gaye's farm in the Wairapa and I had succumbed to some Pineapple Lumps! I also had a box of wonderful chocolates that Anne had given me.
Admitting the farm visit meant that my footwear was checked. Despite turning out the case that I was sure the sweets were in they couldn't be found and it was decided that the 2nd case should be x rayed. Pleased to say that the Pineapple Lumps are fine!
Craig (my soon-to-be-nephew-in-law) was coming to meet me as Louise was still at work and after adjusting dial codes I got to speak to him and was told to look out for a big blue truck. It was about 6.30 by the time I got to the front of the airport and about 22 degrees - much better than the 45 that I had been threatened with!
The big blue truck is a classic Holden - bench seat in the front and gear stick on the steering column and plenty big enough for my suitcases. Having collected the keys and paperwork we set off to find the house that my brother Dave was renting for us. This took some time and led us to a garage, a couple of alleys and confusion.... Calls to Louise didn't help.
A beige building near the booze shop...... It was looking like we'd have to point the remote control at every building we saw then a question "Is Louise a little dyslexic?, could 916 really be 961?" She is, it could be, and it was indeed a beige building near the booze shop. It was also a very nice house - ideal for Dave, Ben and I.
Admitting the farm visit meant that my footwear was checked. Despite turning out the case that I was sure the sweets were in they couldn't be found and it was decided that the 2nd case should be x rayed. Pleased to say that the Pineapple Lumps are fine!
Craig (my soon-to-be-nephew-in-law) was coming to meet me as Louise was still at work and after adjusting dial codes I got to speak to him and was told to look out for a big blue truck. It was about 6.30 by the time I got to the front of the airport and about 22 degrees - much better than the 45 that I had been threatened with!
The big blue truck is a classic Holden - bench seat in the front and gear stick on the steering column and plenty big enough for my suitcases. Having collected the keys and paperwork we set off to find the house that my brother Dave was renting for us. This took some time and led us to a garage, a couple of alleys and confusion.... Calls to Louise didn't help.
A beige building near the booze shop...... It was looking like we'd have to point the remote control at every building we saw then a question "Is Louise a little dyslexic?, could 916 really be 961?" She is, it could be, and it was indeed a beige building near the booze shop. It was also a very nice house - ideal for Dave, Ben and I.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
The Ninety Day Rule
As I was driving back towards Christchurch there had been initial news reports that the new Government were planning to bring in a Ninety Day rule. This was not unexpected as many of those I'd met had been talking about it as a priority. It will mean that anyone working for a small employer can be sacked for any reason - other than discrimimation - within 90 days of being employed. A retrograde and worrying step for many. As I drove to the airport I listened to a number of employers welcoming the move and justifying the right to sack people without any right to appeal. I'll be following developments..........
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
24 hours in Auckland
I had already decided that I wanted to spend my last night in New Zealand overlooking Auckland Harbour so my first stop on landing was the I-Site office. It took a while but I was booked into a harbour view room at the Copthorne. I was advised that I wouldn't need a car as I could walk most places in and around the city from there. I got the super shuttle from the airport - mini bus and trailer that takes about 10 people and delivers them to whatever door they want. $30 instead of the estimated $75 for a cab. I was about the 4th person off so I got a bonus small tour of the city.
The Copthorne is just across the road from the harbour and ferry terminals and my room was on the 10th floor so I had a good view. I had come to realise that every time I arrived in a city I'd lost little time in leaving it again - and this time was no different. Within 20 minutes of checking in to the hotel I was on the ferry to Waiheke Island. Conor had told me that this was a very special and lovely place and she was right. I've got a brochure from an estate agent in my suitcase! The Auckland skyline is impressive viewed from the ferry and the island is very very pretty. I got a bus to the town and walked enjoying the beach, the views and the flowers. Lovely!
When I got back to Auckland I was hungry and I found an asian restaurant that I liked the look of and had some very good prawns in coriander and lime. Back at the hotel I spent a little time on the blog and a lot more watching the lights and movement over the harbour.
I woke the following morning with a very heavy heart knowing that I had very little time left in New Zealand and not liking it one bit! I was looking forward to my niece's wedding but I really didn't want to leave New Zealand. But it had to be done.
I was up and out really early for a last and fast walk round the harbour area and was still at reception in plenty of time for the return trip to the airport by super shuttle. I'd arranged this with the concierge the afternoon before as I left for the ferry. Except that it didn't turn up and upon enquiry I learnt that it had not been booked.
I might not have wanted to leave but I wasn't going to miss the flight. Suffice to say I was not a happy woman and the hotel were left in no doubt of this! I travelled to the airport in a taxi at the expense of the hotel.
I don't need to say that checking in, boarding, taking off happened in a haze of tears and sniffles - pathetic! I gave myself a stern talking to as the plane headed out over the ocean - I'd had a truly truly fabulous experience and the last thing I should be doing as I ended my first visit to New Zealand was snivel!! Remember, rejoice, PLAN! I'll be back.
The Copthorne is just across the road from the harbour and ferry terminals and my room was on the 10th floor so I had a good view. I had come to realise that every time I arrived in a city I'd lost little time in leaving it again - and this time was no different. Within 20 minutes of checking in to the hotel I was on the ferry to Waiheke Island. Conor had told me that this was a very special and lovely place and she was right. I've got a brochure from an estate agent in my suitcase! The Auckland skyline is impressive viewed from the ferry and the island is very very pretty. I got a bus to the town and walked enjoying the beach, the views and the flowers. Lovely!
When I got back to Auckland I was hungry and I found an asian restaurant that I liked the look of and had some very good prawns in coriander and lime. Back at the hotel I spent a little time on the blog and a lot more watching the lights and movement over the harbour.
I woke the following morning with a very heavy heart knowing that I had very little time left in New Zealand and not liking it one bit! I was looking forward to my niece's wedding but I really didn't want to leave New Zealand. But it had to be done.
I was up and out really early for a last and fast walk round the harbour area and was still at reception in plenty of time for the return trip to the airport by super shuttle. I'd arranged this with the concierge the afternoon before as I left for the ferry. Except that it didn't turn up and upon enquiry I learnt that it had not been booked.
I might not have wanted to leave but I wasn't going to miss the flight. Suffice to say I was not a happy woman and the hotel were left in no doubt of this! I travelled to the airport in a taxi at the expense of the hotel.
I don't need to say that checking in, boarding, taking off happened in a haze of tears and sniffles - pathetic! I gave myself a stern talking to as the plane headed out over the ocean - I'd had a truly truly fabulous experience and the last thing I should be doing as I ended my first visit to New Zealand was snivel!! Remember, rejoice, PLAN! I'll be back.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Flat whites and long blacks
Not to be confused with All Blacks, Black Caps or All Whites..........
A flat white is a coffee with milk. Nearest description for a long black is a double espresso - I thought I liked strong coffee but some of the long blacks I've had have taken my breath away - and the enamel off my teeth.
NB - Black Caps - cricket. All Whites - football. You can work out for yourself what the Badminton team is called.
A flat white is a coffee with milk. Nearest description for a long black is a double espresso - I thought I liked strong coffee but some of the long blacks I've had have taken my breath away - and the enamel off my teeth.
NB - Black Caps - cricket. All Whites - football. You can work out for yourself what the Badminton team is called.
Leaving the South Island
Both Sharon and Murray left the house before me on Wednesday morning so I had a little time to work on the blog though I have never yet caught up with myself. Maybe when I'm back in Scotland?
This drive to the airport went without a hitch though handing the car back took a while as I reported the dent and a mass of paperwork ensued. Should have said nothing - it was fully insured. I tried to arrange another car for Auckland but they only had an automatic and I've never driven one. I know lots of people have said they are easier than manuals but only when you know how and I wasn't planning to waste any of the precious few hours I had left in NZ fiddling with a gear stick - or whatever it is that automatics have instead of gear sticks.
I spent the entire flight looking out of the window with lots of sighs and a good few tears. And the pilot was good enough to tell me when we flew over the Waitaki river.
This drive to the airport went without a hitch though handing the car back took a while as I reported the dent and a mass of paperwork ensued. Should have said nothing - it was fully insured. I tried to arrange another car for Auckland but they only had an automatic and I've never driven one. I know lots of people have said they are easier than manuals but only when you know how and I wasn't planning to waste any of the precious few hours I had left in NZ fiddling with a gear stick - or whatever it is that automatics have instead of gear sticks.
I spent the entire flight looking out of the window with lots of sighs and a good few tears. And the pilot was good enough to tell me when we flew over the Waitaki river.
Back to Christchurch
The views of Lake Pukaki were much better today as the rain had stopped and it was much brighter. Though none of the surrounding hill tops were visible. At the foot of the lake I turned left and rejoined Highway 8 which took me past Lake Tekapo. Sharon & Murray told me later that there are no motor boats on Lake Pukaki because a kind of volcanic silt blocks the engines. I didn't see any but there are motor boats on Tekapo. What I saw was another very beautiful turquoise lake. My route took me over Burke Pass and I had wondered if this would be a steep climb but once again the road was well designed and it was just part of a pleasant drive.
I stopped at the Farm Barn Cafe for fruit juice and the sickliest cake I've ever eaten - sort of millionaires shortbread with coconut and sultana's too! Certainly did the job as an instant sugar hit. But I rejected the offer to take away the half I couldn't eat!
Shared some fond memories with the guy running the place - he had worked for some time at Loch Fyne. Realised as I left the cafe that my timing had been perfect - a coach party pulled in as I got into the car. Until then there had been only two other customers.
At Geraldine I decided to take the "inland scenic route" back to Christchurch. The hosts of lupins continued and for a long time were the only feature that told me I was in NZ rather than Scotland. In fact I was starting to wonder why I'd chosen a scenic route that required clear skies to be scenic! Especially when I got to Mt Somers - a dozen or so houses a couple of shops - but definitely no mountain!! It wasn't lost in the clouds - there isn't one - I drove round twice just to make sure.
But then I got to Rakaia Gorge and, as I hope you can see from the photo's, this really is a gorge with steep steep slopes on both sides. It made the choice of the scenic route well worth while.
At about 5.30 I rang Sharon with a progress report and was told that I was probably about 2 hours away, and that there was roast lamb for dinner. So with thoughts of that in mind I made my way back to Waikuku beach and my last night in the South Island. I suppose it had to happen - I got to the store at Waikuku beach and then couldn't find the house. Sharon's phone was off when I tried so I drove about some more and still couldn't find it. After about 20 minutes I got through to Sharon who said that Murray was out looking for me - and just at that I saw his very familiar van! Rescued and escorted home!
Murray was very disparaging of his efforts but the dinner was absolutely great - I really enjoyed both the meal and the company. Sharon told me that the total for Christmas dinner at their place had risen to 14 - I'm not surprised as they are such welcoming and comfortable hosts. Thank you both once again for looking after me so well.
I stopped at the Farm Barn Cafe for fruit juice and the sickliest cake I've ever eaten - sort of millionaires shortbread with coconut and sultana's too! Certainly did the job as an instant sugar hit. But I rejected the offer to take away the half I couldn't eat!
Shared some fond memories with the guy running the place - he had worked for some time at Loch Fyne. Realised as I left the cafe that my timing had been perfect - a coach party pulled in as I got into the car. Until then there had been only two other customers.
At Geraldine I decided to take the "inland scenic route" back to Christchurch. The hosts of lupins continued and for a long time were the only feature that told me I was in NZ rather than Scotland. In fact I was starting to wonder why I'd chosen a scenic route that required clear skies to be scenic! Especially when I got to Mt Somers - a dozen or so houses a couple of shops - but definitely no mountain!! It wasn't lost in the clouds - there isn't one - I drove round twice just to make sure.
But then I got to Rakaia Gorge and, as I hope you can see from the photo's, this really is a gorge with steep steep slopes on both sides. It made the choice of the scenic route well worth while.
At about 5.30 I rang Sharon with a progress report and was told that I was probably about 2 hours away, and that there was roast lamb for dinner. So with thoughts of that in mind I made my way back to Waikuku beach and my last night in the South Island. I suppose it had to happen - I got to the store at Waikuku beach and then couldn't find the house. Sharon's phone was off when I tried so I drove about some more and still couldn't find it. After about 20 minutes I got through to Sharon who said that Murray was out looking for me - and just at that I saw his very familiar van! Rescued and escorted home!
Murray was very disparaging of his efforts but the dinner was absolutely great - I really enjoyed both the meal and the company. Sharon told me that the total for Christmas dinner at their place had risen to 14 - I'm not surprised as they are such welcoming and comfortable hosts. Thank you both once again for looking after me so well.
Friday, 12 December 2008
And while I'm talking about cars........
Have you seen the photo's of the SFWU (Service & Food Workers) cars? "Proud to be Union" sun strips and the union logo on the side. I've always thought UNISON should badge our cars and I was real impressed with these! John Ryall the Gen Sec told me that there was some initial resistance - concern that the cars would be damaged but it has never happened. However, he has had one or two calls of the "you'll never believe where I saw one your cars" kind!
When Campbell Duignan came to meet me in Christchurch not only was the car wearing the union logo but he was wearing a union shirt. Not a campaign T shirt but a proper tailored shirt with the logo on the sleeve. Very smart, very professional. I'll await the comments from colleagues!
When Campbell Duignan came to meet me in Christchurch not only was the car wearing the union logo but he was wearing a union shirt. Not a campaign T shirt but a proper tailored shirt with the logo on the sleeve. Very smart, very professional. I'll await the comments from colleagues!
Thursday, 11 December 2008
You might be interested to know
Mentioning toilets in the last post reminded me of some things that I've been meaning to tell you about...........
- There are lots and lots of public toilets in NZ. Even some very small towns have more than one and I've been astounded to see them in some really remote areas. They are basic but clean and all have toilet paper. Who keeps them that way when they can be dozens of miles from anywhere? Anyway I'm deeply appreciative - have not had to resort to a bush once. And that's more information than you need.
- It's not like Scotland in that - apart from the occasional farm complex - I have seen few individual houses in the countryside I've travelled. I expected to see houses perched on hill sides or next to the road as I would in Scotland but it's not like that. Housing is concentrated (and that's not the right word because it suggests crowded and it's far from that) in small towns.
- There are lots of cafes providing everything from a cheese scone to a three course meal. They open early and close late - also not like Scotland!
- Road repairs are interesting...... it seems to me that several tonnes of road metal are dumped in the area to be fixed. This is spread about the full carriageway by something looking like a snow plow until its reasonably level. Temporary 30 kph speed restriction signs are put up at each end and the road is opened again. On bigger roads there will be some cones. For the next few days the traffic acts as a roller and the surface becomes progressively smoother............ I've missed seeing the final finishing stages but have choked on the dust a few times. The finished product is good - all the roads I drove on were in good condition.
Sure there will be more..........
Dreich Tuesday
I might not speak Gaelic or Maori but there's a few Kiwi's who now speak dreich! I'm still not sure I spell it right but it's now in use on parts of Highway 8.
It had stopped raining when I woke up on Tuesday and I could see the base of the mountain so I decided to spend some time over a leisurely breakfast updating the blog and waiting to see if the cloud would continue to lift so I could see the mountain - and confirm that $20 mountain view!
Having spent about an hour writing about Saturday and Sunday the whole of my text vanished as I pressed the publish button. I don’t know how or why but I do know that I came close to throwing the laptop and myself over the balcony of the Sir Edmund Hilary Café! Instead I decided to give up on Aoraki – “Cloud Piercer” wasn’t going to live up to its name this morning so I was off to find something I could see.
On the way to Mount Cook I’d passed a sign to the Tasman Valley and I’d read that there was a lake with ice bergs floating in it. You don’t get that in Scotland! I drove down a gravel road until it became a track with a sign that said that it wasn’t maintained for cars. There was a footpath suggesting that it was a 20 minute walk to the lake and off I went. The edged and gravelled footpath soon became steep but well maintained steps which gave way to giant gravel steps and then I was climbing over boulders and rocks guided only by a couple of stakes. The last 100 yards were just about vertical. I was puffing like an old horse and if I’d had any breath I’d have muttered under it about a stupid middle aged woman not considering that she’d have to climb a mountain in order to see a lake at ground level. Anyway I’d started so I’d finish – and it was a great cure for my temper. You need energy to remain in a paddy!
I chatted on the way up with an Indian family from Canada – they thought I was being sociable, I knew I was getting my breath back. But I moved on when they started telling tales of people who’d died on the glacier and helicopters that had crashed into it!
I made it to the top and it was incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it - the Tasman Lake was milky white with lots of large and small icebergs. Still lots of cloud so I couldn’t see the Tasman Glacier itself but Cloud Piercer was doing its best and I got some very brief glimpses.
After being awe inspired and just staring at it all for ages I had to get down and realised that it wasn’t going to be easier than up. Now’s the time I have to confess that I’d done the climb in a pair of crocs – fake ones at that! Could have been worse – could have been those lilac and lime sling backs I suppose. Anyway I am delighted to report that I got down without injury and on my feet – did think I might land on my bum at several points. Big advantage of travelling alone - no photo's of undignified scramble! Chatted with a retired tour bus driver from the north of North Island on the way down. He was very envious of me living in Scotland. Did think of suggesting an exchange but conscious that we really do need to improve the gender and age balance on the management team!
At the foot of the path are some toilets and a shelter. Both have chains from the roof into concrete blocks. They aren't design features - they serve the very necessary purpose of keeping the roof on when it blows. Realised that I had been very lucky as there had been no wind at all on my climb.
It had stopped raining when I woke up on Tuesday and I could see the base of the mountain so I decided to spend some time over a leisurely breakfast updating the blog and waiting to see if the cloud would continue to lift so I could see the mountain - and confirm that $20 mountain view!
Having spent about an hour writing about Saturday and Sunday the whole of my text vanished as I pressed the publish button. I don’t know how or why but I do know that I came close to throwing the laptop and myself over the balcony of the Sir Edmund Hilary Café! Instead I decided to give up on Aoraki – “Cloud Piercer” wasn’t going to live up to its name this morning so I was off to find something I could see.
On the way to Mount Cook I’d passed a sign to the Tasman Valley and I’d read that there was a lake with ice bergs floating in it. You don’t get that in Scotland! I drove down a gravel road until it became a track with a sign that said that it wasn’t maintained for cars. There was a footpath suggesting that it was a 20 minute walk to the lake and off I went. The edged and gravelled footpath soon became steep but well maintained steps which gave way to giant gravel steps and then I was climbing over boulders and rocks guided only by a couple of stakes. The last 100 yards were just about vertical. I was puffing like an old horse and if I’d had any breath I’d have muttered under it about a stupid middle aged woman not considering that she’d have to climb a mountain in order to see a lake at ground level. Anyway I’d started so I’d finish – and it was a great cure for my temper. You need energy to remain in a paddy!
I chatted on the way up with an Indian family from Canada – they thought I was being sociable, I knew I was getting my breath back. But I moved on when they started telling tales of people who’d died on the glacier and helicopters that had crashed into it!
I made it to the top and it was incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it - the Tasman Lake was milky white with lots of large and small icebergs. Still lots of cloud so I couldn’t see the Tasman Glacier itself but Cloud Piercer was doing its best and I got some very brief glimpses.
After being awe inspired and just staring at it all for ages I had to get down and realised that it wasn’t going to be easier than up. Now’s the time I have to confess that I’d done the climb in a pair of crocs – fake ones at that! Could have been worse – could have been those lilac and lime sling backs I suppose. Anyway I am delighted to report that I got down without injury and on my feet – did think I might land on my bum at several points. Big advantage of travelling alone - no photo's of undignified scramble! Chatted with a retired tour bus driver from the north of North Island on the way down. He was very envious of me living in Scotland. Did think of suggesting an exchange but conscious that we really do need to improve the gender and age balance on the management team!
At the foot of the path are some toilets and a shelter. Both have chains from the roof into concrete blocks. They aren't design features - they serve the very necessary purpose of keeping the roof on when it blows. Realised that I had been very lucky as there had been no wind at all on my climb.
Monday in the rain
I had planned to start my day with another walk round the bay and some photo’s but the mountains had disappeared so I decided to hit the road – confident that it would soon dry up and I would have plenty to see. How wrong was that! It did not stop raining all day and the cloud didn’t lift above the roof of the car.
From Queenstown I went to Wanaka – I’d been told that this was a smaller and perhaps prettier version of Queenstown. The lakeside walkway was very good but it was raining heavily so I didn’t stay long. On leaving Wanaka I had a slight tussle with myself about whether to change my route and head for the west coast – the Southern Alps and the Franz Joseph Glazier and twice as far as I had planned. Common sense prevailed and I stayed on the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
There was little traffic on the roads which were well maintained and easy to drive. I’d expected more climbs and hair pins with those hills but the glacial valleys were long and wide and most of the driving was on long straight roads. It still felt a long way and I was beginning to feel that I’d seen it all before! One foggy hillside is much like another even if it’s the other side of the world.
It was late afternoon when I stopped at Twizel having remembered I’d nowhere to stay that night and little idea of what was available at Aoraki. Within a few minutes of visiting the I-Site office (tourist info) I was booked into "the most famous hotel in New Zealand" – the Hermitage. Or so said the Lonely Planet guide. I got a very good rate. Partly because it was afternoon but also - I realised from the conversation with the hotel - because I appeared to be a respectable mature lady. Really not sure I felt happy about that – so solaced injury to feelings with more cherries over my ears!
Weather report at Twizel was that the day was a write off as far as seeing anything at all but tomorrow would be much better! I think they say that to all the tourists – especially the respectable women.
While misty mountains and rain are very familiar the miles and miles of mountain lupins were not. I can’t remember exactly when they started but at first there were a few on the road side and then there were dense clusters and often there were whole fields with mauve, lavender, pink, cream and even yellow lupins. I’ve taken a couple of pictures but the light was so poor I don’t think they’ll show well – had to resort to a postcard!
To get to Mount Cook you turn off the main road and drive alongside Lake Pukahi – despite the rotten weather still very turquoise and I was really hoping I’d be able to see more of its' backdrop on my way back. It was raining heavily when I got to the hotel and while it wasn’t cold it was really good to smell the log fire burning in the entrance hall.
The Hermitage is a very big hotel which is also home to the Edmund Hilary Exhibition Centre and it took me a while to find my way round. Ever the optimist I’d asked for a room overlooking the mountain and that’s what I had – with its own balcony too. It would have been lovely the day before! You’ll be pleased to know that I had removed the cherries before checking in and was back to being a respectable mature lady again – one of dozens though most of the others were Japanese.
I’d booked dinner in the Panorama restaurant – the a la carte rather than the self service buffet and was feeling a little extravagant until I went to find it. The route is through the buffet restaurant which seats about 400 and was heaving - all the coach parties appeared to have been booked in at the same time – and there was nothing respectable about some of the tactics being used to get first servings!
The Panorama was an oasis of calm and I was very pleased to be shown to a window table – unusual for a woman alone. Just a pity that I could see nothing at all from it. Really haven’t seen the cloud base at ground level before!! Dinner was very very good – a six course taster menu. I know gluttony is a vice but it was ‘tasters’ and I couldn’t get beyond a mouthful of the dessert!! I don’t think I will have lost any weight on this trip though.
I slept well despite calls from OZ and the UK checking that I was ok - others might think I’m a mature respectable woman but to my mum and dad I am still their little girl on her own on the other side of the world! Think I reassured them that I’m absolutely fine and having a ball!!
From Queenstown I went to Wanaka – I’d been told that this was a smaller and perhaps prettier version of Queenstown. The lakeside walkway was very good but it was raining heavily so I didn’t stay long. On leaving Wanaka I had a slight tussle with myself about whether to change my route and head for the west coast – the Southern Alps and the Franz Joseph Glazier and twice as far as I had planned. Common sense prevailed and I stayed on the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
There was little traffic on the roads which were well maintained and easy to drive. I’d expected more climbs and hair pins with those hills but the glacial valleys were long and wide and most of the driving was on long straight roads. It still felt a long way and I was beginning to feel that I’d seen it all before! One foggy hillside is much like another even if it’s the other side of the world.
It was late afternoon when I stopped at Twizel having remembered I’d nowhere to stay that night and little idea of what was available at Aoraki. Within a few minutes of visiting the I-Site office (tourist info) I was booked into "the most famous hotel in New Zealand" – the Hermitage. Or so said the Lonely Planet guide. I got a very good rate. Partly because it was afternoon but also - I realised from the conversation with the hotel - because I appeared to be a respectable mature lady. Really not sure I felt happy about that – so solaced injury to feelings with more cherries over my ears!
Weather report at Twizel was that the day was a write off as far as seeing anything at all but tomorrow would be much better! I think they say that to all the tourists – especially the respectable women.
While misty mountains and rain are very familiar the miles and miles of mountain lupins were not. I can’t remember exactly when they started but at first there were a few on the road side and then there were dense clusters and often there were whole fields with mauve, lavender, pink, cream and even yellow lupins. I’ve taken a couple of pictures but the light was so poor I don’t think they’ll show well – had to resort to a postcard!
To get to Mount Cook you turn off the main road and drive alongside Lake Pukahi – despite the rotten weather still very turquoise and I was really hoping I’d be able to see more of its' backdrop on my way back. It was raining heavily when I got to the hotel and while it wasn’t cold it was really good to smell the log fire burning in the entrance hall.
The Hermitage is a very big hotel which is also home to the Edmund Hilary Exhibition Centre and it took me a while to find my way round. Ever the optimist I’d asked for a room overlooking the mountain and that’s what I had – with its own balcony too. It would have been lovely the day before! You’ll be pleased to know that I had removed the cherries before checking in and was back to being a respectable mature lady again – one of dozens though most of the others were Japanese.
I’d booked dinner in the Panorama restaurant – the a la carte rather than the self service buffet and was feeling a little extravagant until I went to find it. The route is through the buffet restaurant which seats about 400 and was heaving - all the coach parties appeared to have been booked in at the same time – and there was nothing respectable about some of the tactics being used to get first servings!
The Panorama was an oasis of calm and I was very pleased to be shown to a window table – unusual for a woman alone. Just a pity that I could see nothing at all from it. Really haven’t seen the cloud base at ground level before!! Dinner was very very good – a six course taster menu. I know gluttony is a vice but it was ‘tasters’ and I couldn’t get beyond a mouthful of the dessert!! I don’t think I will have lost any weight on this trip though.
I slept well despite calls from OZ and the UK checking that I was ok - others might think I’m a mature respectable woman but to my mum and dad I am still their little girl on her own on the other side of the world! Think I reassured them that I’m absolutely fine and having a ball!!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
From Alexandra to Queenstown
The road from Alexandra runs alongside the river Clyde - this one a beautiful deep turquoise with a dramatic dam where I stopped for some photo's. There were lots of vineyards all along the route to Queenstown and whilst I stopped and admired I tasted not a drop - had the distinct feeling that if I'd started I'd still be there now!
Which reminds me - I was offered a job picking grapes at Gladstones in the Wairarapa. That's where Michael and I had lunch and a bottle of "12,000 miles Sauvingnon Blanc" - named for the distance that the producers travelled from Scotland to make it.
The terrain was getting more rugged now - Glencoe rather than Campsie Fells - but very beautiful and very easy to drive - there's a lot to be said for glacial valleys. For the last stage of the journey to Queenstown the road ran parallel to Lake Wakatipu - fantastic. I was travel weary by the time I got to Queenstown but it was worth it. The town sits on a bay in the lake and is framed by hills and mountains. The breeze was picking up but it was still hot and I wanted to make the most of the rest of the day - it was about 6. There's a hotel overlooking the lake and I got myself a discount for a lake view room (and a recommendation to go elsewhere for a better value/quality breakfast which is why I haven't named it but UNISON folk will be familiar with the one across the road from the London office).
Queenstown is commercial in that there are a lot of shops, restaurants and tour offices but I enjoyed wandering around and some of the shops were wonderful - wonderful prices too! I nearly bought a hat trimmed with shocking pink possum fur - I think it might even have suited me but I'm so used to looking ridiculous in hats that I doubted my own judgement! Anyway it would definitely have clashed with the lilac and lime shoes!!
By the time I'd completed my walk round the bay and trawl of the shops I had gathered 2 recommendations for the same restaurant and an appetite. So I took myself of to Wai (Maori for water) for dinner. It was a great meal. As one of the staff said to me - "we charge you an arm and a leg but we do it with quality and a smile". I think that was the scouser but it could have been the lad from Ayr and it was quite true.
The combination of a hot days driving, good food and good wine meant that my plan to update the blog after dinner came to nothing - I slept instead. And woke up to an all too typical Scottish summer morning. It was raining and the mist was rolling down the hills.
Which reminds me - I was offered a job picking grapes at Gladstones in the Wairarapa. That's where Michael and I had lunch and a bottle of "12,000 miles Sauvingnon Blanc" - named for the distance that the producers travelled from Scotland to make it.
The terrain was getting more rugged now - Glencoe rather than Campsie Fells - but very beautiful and very easy to drive - there's a lot to be said for glacial valleys. For the last stage of the journey to Queenstown the road ran parallel to Lake Wakatipu - fantastic. I was travel weary by the time I got to Queenstown but it was worth it. The town sits on a bay in the lake and is framed by hills and mountains. The breeze was picking up but it was still hot and I wanted to make the most of the rest of the day - it was about 6. There's a hotel overlooking the lake and I got myself a discount for a lake view room (and a recommendation to go elsewhere for a better value/quality breakfast which is why I haven't named it but UNISON folk will be familiar with the one across the road from the London office).
Queenstown is commercial in that there are a lot of shops, restaurants and tour offices but I enjoyed wandering around and some of the shops were wonderful - wonderful prices too! I nearly bought a hat trimmed with shocking pink possum fur - I think it might even have suited me but I'm so used to looking ridiculous in hats that I doubted my own judgement! Anyway it would definitely have clashed with the lilac and lime shoes!!
By the time I'd completed my walk round the bay and trawl of the shops I had gathered 2 recommendations for the same restaurant and an appetite. So I took myself of to Wai (Maori for water) for dinner. It was a great meal. As one of the staff said to me - "we charge you an arm and a leg but we do it with quality and a smile". I think that was the scouser but it could have been the lad from Ayr and it was quite true.
The combination of a hot days driving, good food and good wine meant that my plan to update the blog after dinner came to nothing - I slept instead. And woke up to an all too typical Scottish summer morning. It was raining and the mist was rolling down the hills.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Sunday and those cherries
I headed south out of Dunedin towards Milton to join Highway 8 which would take me north and most of the way to Queenstown. It was a beautiful day and getting hot. It was like driving to the Highlands on the best summer day imaginable. Except that the rolling hills and trees and gorse went on and on...... I stopped in Lawrence for lunch - a sandwich and cold drink in the very pretty garden of a cafe. The temperature was showing as 28 degrees by then and the air conditioning was on in the car.
Soon after leaving Lawrence I got to fruit country - miles and miles of cherry trees and road side stalls. The one I stopped at operated an honesty box and on leaving $6 dollars I made off with half a kilo of large ripe cherries, scattering stones and stalks up the highway towards Alexandra. Of course, I'd also found several pairs of cherries and had hung a set over each ear as I drove along hopping from one fading radio station to another for news and reasonable music.
By the time I got to Alexandra I was ready for more fluids, some jandals (flip flops to me) and some CD's.
I'm not sure that Alexandra was ready for me - I'd forgotten to remove my ear decorations and created near hysteria in the grocers when I went to pay for my water. I thought they were very fetching myself! Having consumed the cause of hilarity I moved on to look for music. Not hilarity this time but confusion....... I asked some advice about good contemporary Maori music. Asking a spotty 16 year old about contemporary in any country is probably silly and it took a while for me to make clear what I wanted. However, my fundamental flaw was to ask a 16 year old for his recommendation on anything. I should have asked him what he would buy for his great aunt Flossie! Anyway the CD cover had a very good looking Maori with tattoos on his face and hands and I bought it. I suppose I should not have been surprised that young Kiwi's like rap music but it's taken a while to come to like the CD.
Anyway I hadn't heard the CD when I found the shoe shop. After trying on all manner of sensible, soft leather sandals and jandals.......... I bought a pair of lilac and lime green sling backs! Strange that I never realised I needed them until I got to Alexandra. I just need a new wardrobe now to go with them.
More later........ another plane to catch
Soon after leaving Lawrence I got to fruit country - miles and miles of cherry trees and road side stalls. The one I stopped at operated an honesty box and on leaving $6 dollars I made off with half a kilo of large ripe cherries, scattering stones and stalks up the highway towards Alexandra. Of course, I'd also found several pairs of cherries and had hung a set over each ear as I drove along hopping from one fading radio station to another for news and reasonable music.
By the time I got to Alexandra I was ready for more fluids, some jandals (flip flops to me) and some CD's.
I'm not sure that Alexandra was ready for me - I'd forgotten to remove my ear decorations and created near hysteria in the grocers when I went to pay for my water. I thought they were very fetching myself! Having consumed the cause of hilarity I moved on to look for music. Not hilarity this time but confusion....... I asked some advice about good contemporary Maori music. Asking a spotty 16 year old about contemporary in any country is probably silly and it took a while for me to make clear what I wanted. However, my fundamental flaw was to ask a 16 year old for his recommendation on anything. I should have asked him what he would buy for his great aunt Flossie! Anyway the CD cover had a very good looking Maori with tattoos on his face and hands and I bought it. I suppose I should not have been surprised that young Kiwi's like rap music but it's taken a while to come to like the CD.
Anyway I hadn't heard the CD when I found the shoe shop. After trying on all manner of sensible, soft leather sandals and jandals.......... I bought a pair of lilac and lime green sling backs! Strange that I never realised I needed them until I got to Alexandra. I just need a new wardrobe now to go with them.
More later........ another plane to catch
Sunday - cherries, shoes, music and much else...
I woke on Sunday morning to rain, mist rolling down the hills and an understanding of why there was an electric blanket on the bed! However, as I drove back towards Dunedin (missed the turning for the one castle in New Zealand - Larnach) it got brighter and brighter and it was warm by the time I parked for a walk round.
There are some fabulous buildings - especially the railway station and I laughed out loud when I saw the council logo - it's a highlander and a Maori either side of a crest. I hope the photo is clear.
On my wander I found a car charger for the bb and the holiday people had found me an adpator so communication was once again possible. When I was planning my trip there had been a lot of controversy about whether I should go to Queenstown - beautiful but commercial. Majority view was that it was worth it so that's where I was headed. You'll have to wait a while to hear about the cherries etc...........
There are some fabulous buildings - especially the railway station and I laughed out loud when I saw the council logo - it's a highlander and a Maori either side of a crest. I hope the photo is clear.
On my wander I found a car charger for the bb and the holiday people had found me an adpator so communication was once again possible. When I was planning my trip there had been a lot of controversy about whether I should go to Queenstown - beautiful but commercial. Majority view was that it was worth it so that's where I was headed. You'll have to wait a while to hear about the cherries etc...........
Ancient Edinburgh
From Moreaki I was back on the highway to Dunedin, centre of all things Scots in NZ. Though I did think that the snow gates were going a bit far in making me feel at home!
I had been told that I would have no problem with accommodation as it was not yet fully summer. What no-one realised was that it was graduation weekend in Dunedin where the University of Otago is based. What with gawking at the street signs for Moray Place, St Andrews Street, Princes Street and staring at lots of beautifully gowned and grinning students I'm surprised I didn't hit anything! But I made it to tourist information and much appreciated the 30 minutes spend trying to find me a room with a view! The harbour at Dunedin is smashing..... There was nothing in Dunedin so I was soon back on the road towards the Otago Peninsula and a holiday complex at Portobello. The road runs right along the water, there are no crash barriers and water regularly splashed over the road - it was absolutely spectacular but I needed to concentrate! Well aware though that there are some who would have relished such a drive!
Portobello very pretty though the beach is much much smaller than the one I'm used to. My accommodation for the night looked like a cross between an aluminium shed and a bus stop - it was very cute. Very new, very modern - double bed, kitchenette, shower room but not a hanger or a hook.
A walk to the end of the road took me to the beach, the unlicensed grocers, the pub and the fish & chip shop and I was soon settled in with rolls for breakfast, a bottle of wine from the pub (dozens to choose from, all chilled) and some blue cod for supper. That's when I discovered that I'd left the blackberry charger and adaptor in Christchurch and my grand plan to finally up date the blog lasted as long as the battery in the laptop - not very long. There's much to be said for watching the sun go down over the hills drinking chilled New Zealand fizz!
I had been told that I would have no problem with accommodation as it was not yet fully summer. What no-one realised was that it was graduation weekend in Dunedin where the University of Otago is based. What with gawking at the street signs for Moray Place, St Andrews Street, Princes Street and staring at lots of beautifully gowned and grinning students I'm surprised I didn't hit anything! But I made it to tourist information and much appreciated the 30 minutes spend trying to find me a room with a view! The harbour at Dunedin is smashing..... There was nothing in Dunedin so I was soon back on the road towards the Otago Peninsula and a holiday complex at Portobello. The road runs right along the water, there are no crash barriers and water regularly splashed over the road - it was absolutely spectacular but I needed to concentrate! Well aware though that there are some who would have relished such a drive!
Portobello very pretty though the beach is much much smaller than the one I'm used to. My accommodation for the night looked like a cross between an aluminium shed and a bus stop - it was very cute. Very new, very modern - double bed, kitchenette, shower room but not a hanger or a hook.
A walk to the end of the road took me to the beach, the unlicensed grocers, the pub and the fish & chip shop and I was soon settled in with rolls for breakfast, a bottle of wine from the pub (dozens to choose from, all chilled) and some blue cod for supper. That's when I discovered that I'd left the blackberry charger and adaptor in Christchurch and my grand plan to finally up date the blog lasted as long as the battery in the laptop - not very long. There's much to be said for watching the sun go down over the hills drinking chilled New Zealand fizz!
Heading south in South Island - in bite size chunks
I'm going to re-write this in bits so I lessen the risk of losing it all again..........
By Saturday morning Muggsy had decided to be friends and I left Sharon and Murray's with the familiar feel of cat fur on my lap. Murray works on Saturdays and very kindly bundled me and my baggage into his van and off loaded us at the car hire place. "Turn right, turn right and keep going until you've had enough" got me out of Christchurch and I was soon cruising down State Highway 1 at 100 (120 really but the limit is 100) listening to classic rock songs. So, I admit it - it was km's and a Ford Focus but it was a great drive and I knew exactly where I was going.
Just about everyone I spoke to since I arrived had told me that if I were heading south I must go to Fleurs Place at Moeraki. I could miss the boulders but the restaurant was an essential - the best fish place in NZ. So that's where I went. Blue skies, blue sea, small boats, houses perched high above the bay. If Fleur had offered me a job washing dishes I would have been sorely tempted! I even saw the perfect house - and took a photo from its helipad!
My baked sole with lime and caper sauce was superb but I left some of the dessert - strawberry rissotto - which prompted a visit from Fleur (wearing gorgeous lavender specs) who asked if I'd liked it. When I said it was too sweet she summoned another member of staff and spoons. Having tasted it she pronounced it baby food! Took it off my bill, off the menu and gave the chef a telling off! I wasn't really surprised to find that Rick Stein had been there before me.
During my post lunch tramp round the bay I spotted a beautiful blue crab shell and bent to pick it up. Not sure who was the most surprised when I discovered that it was firmly attached to a living crab. Do know that the crab came off best - it nipped me before I could put it down!
By Saturday morning Muggsy had decided to be friends and I left Sharon and Murray's with the familiar feel of cat fur on my lap. Murray works on Saturdays and very kindly bundled me and my baggage into his van and off loaded us at the car hire place. "Turn right, turn right and keep going until you've had enough" got me out of Christchurch and I was soon cruising down State Highway 1 at 100 (120 really but the limit is 100) listening to classic rock songs. So, I admit it - it was km's and a Ford Focus but it was a great drive and I knew exactly where I was going.
Just about everyone I spoke to since I arrived had told me that if I were heading south I must go to Fleurs Place at Moeraki. I could miss the boulders but the restaurant was an essential - the best fish place in NZ. So that's where I went. Blue skies, blue sea, small boats, houses perched high above the bay. If Fleur had offered me a job washing dishes I would have been sorely tempted! I even saw the perfect house - and took a photo from its helipad!
My baked sole with lime and caper sauce was superb but I left some of the dessert - strawberry rissotto - which prompted a visit from Fleur (wearing gorgeous lavender specs) who asked if I'd liked it. When I said it was too sweet she summoned another member of staff and spoons. Having tasted it she pronounced it baby food! Took it off my bill, off the menu and gave the chef a telling off! I wasn't really surprised to find that Rick Stein had been there before me.
During my post lunch tramp round the bay I spotted a beautiful blue crab shell and bent to pick it up. Not sure who was the most surprised when I discovered that it was firmly attached to a living crab. Do know that the crab came off best - it nipped me before I could put it down!
When the PC nearly ended its days in NZ....
I spent some time on Tuesday morning describing my travels on Saturday and Sunday while I waited and hoped that the cloud would lift and let me see Aoraki/Mount Cook. I'd just given up on that and was finishing my very lengthy post when it vanished, never to be seen again.
I was sorely tempted to throw both the pc and myself of the balcony but resisted............
I will write it again........
I was sorely tempted to throw both the pc and myself of the balcony but resisted............
I will write it again........
Monday, 8 December 2008
Equilibrium restored
There's nothing like a drive through the Highlands in the rain for regaining a sense of perspective............. I will meet up with Conor again, Scotland is only 13,000 miles from New Zealand.............
I'm ahead of myself again. As far as the blog is aware I haven't finished in Christchurch yet.
I'm ahead of myself again. As far as the blog is aware I haven't finished in Christchurch yet.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Te Runaka ki Otautahi o kai Tahu
Sharon told me that the Christmas meeting of the Runaka would be a very good antidote to my farewell blues and she was absolutely right. When we arrived we were handed a standard minutes/matters arising/any other business agenda of the kind I have seen a thousand times before.
The Runaka is open to Maori in Christchurch and deals with any and all issues of relevance. The guest at the previous meeting had been the then Prime Minister, Helen Clark. Sharon and her colleagues are welcome at the meetings as she has proved her active support. Today people were congratulating her on the legal case - many Maori live in the housing affected.
Sharon and I were warmly greeted by Louise - the organising powerhouse behind it all. She is a blond lovely with a traditional Maori facial tattoo. It is patterned on that of her grandmother and denotes her status and authority within the community. Sharon told me that it was not an easy decision for Louise - who otherwise looks entirely pakeha - to make but that the elders had asked her to have the tattoo to show her importance.
Maurice, a Minister, is the leader of the Runaka. He was running late as his son was ill so Louise got the meeting and the party off to a good start with some singing. I have no idea about the words but many of the tunes reminded me of the sing songs we had at family Christmasses when I was a kid. There were some very good voices and guitar players.
When Maurice arrived he started the meeting with a formal welcome and blessing and the next hour was spent dealing with the business - largely matters arising from 4 pages of minutes.
You've all been there and met the one who
The Runaka is open to Maori in Christchurch and deals with any and all issues of relevance. The guest at the previous meeting had been the then Prime Minister, Helen Clark. Sharon and her colleagues are welcome at the meetings as she has proved her active support. Today people were congratulating her on the legal case - many Maori live in the housing affected.
Sharon and I were warmly greeted by Louise - the organising powerhouse behind it all. She is a blond lovely with a traditional Maori facial tattoo. It is patterned on that of her grandmother and denotes her status and authority within the community. Sharon told me that it was not an easy decision for Louise - who otherwise looks entirely pakeha - to make but that the elders had asked her to have the tattoo to show her importance.
Maurice, a Minister, is the leader of the Runaka. He was running late as his son was ill so Louise got the meeting and the party off to a good start with some singing. I have no idea about the words but many of the tunes reminded me of the sing songs we had at family Christmasses when I was a kid. There were some very good voices and guitar players.
When Maurice arrived he started the meeting with a formal welcome and blessing and the next hour was spent dealing with the business - largely matters arising from 4 pages of minutes.
You've all been there and met the one who
- is 2 pages behind everyone else
- has their own agenda that's never committed to paper
- just thought of something interesting that everyone should know
- is more interested in talking to their neighbour
Despite lots of exhortations for progress so that the party could start the meeting lasted 30 minutes longer than planned - just as well because lunch was delayed. But the meeting was interesting and very good humoured. Wally my Koumatua from yesterday was part of the kitchen team today so I didn't see much of him.
Traditionally Maori cook in underground pits called hangi but the health authorities have something to say about that these days so a steel version is used. Lunch was great - honey roast chicken and beef with all sorts of veg. Followed by some fabulous pavlova. I passed on the trifle and Christmas cake! No alcohol - all sorts of soft drinks.
Just before the singing started again I got to make a presentation to Maurice and the Runaka. I had taken some Quaich's with me engraved with UNISON Scotland as gifts and wanted to leave one with the Runaka. Most Maori know and can recite their lineage back to the first settlers in NZ. I wasn't expected to do that but explaining that I am an English woman with a Welsh name living and working in Scotland generated several comments about rugby - only my Welsh ancestry got any accolades here!
After a hug and a hongi - touching noses and foreheads with Maurice - the quaich was passed round and much appreciated though the general view was that it would have been better if I'd brought the whiskey too!
Sharon and I returned to her office so she could catch up and I could arrange to meet Campbell from the Service & Food Workers union. I also arranged a hire car for the next 4 days.
Campbell collected me from the office and took me to the CTU offices - with a brief detour to visit the memorial to the suffragettes and Kate Shepherd. NZ is justly proud that they were the first country where women achieved the vote and Kate is acknowledged as leader of the campaign.
Campbell is the southern Regional Secretary of the SFWU and was keen to know about UNISON and it's similarities/differences. We had a too brief discussion before joining colleagues from other TU's based in the building for Christmas drinks. Sharon and her sister Fiona came to join us and a great networking session was had by all. Understandably the unions are very supportive of the action taken by ChchCOSS on housing costs. I also got to meet my 2nd Labour MP - a Cabinet Minister until three weeks before. Campbell also provided me with a practical itinerary for my tour of south island that would take me to some fabulous places and ensure I got time to appreciate them.
My day ended with a brief visit to Sharon and Murray's local followed by an indian takeaway with the family - now enhanced by a visit from Fiona's son Phil. It was a very comfortable and relaxing end to a really great but busy working week. Many many thanks to Sharon and Murray for making me so welcome.
Saying goodbye to Conor
Friday's activities started with a drive to the airport as Conor was flying back to Wellington and to home. Very selfish when she was still not well and missing her boys but I wasn't wanting to say goodbye. Don't need to tell you that I shed tears - and am doing so again as I write this, so I'll move on.
A really special gift
First stop on Thursday was the Christchurch office of the New Zealand Council of Social Services to meet Sharon and for Conor to generate even more paper for the Seminar. I went to the pharmacy for more lemsips - both Conor and I still not right! Sharon was up to her eyes in press calls. The council had increased rents on their social housing by 24%. ChchCOSS had taken them to court claiming that they had not followed due process. The court had agreed, and the high profile mayor was loudly and publicly throwing his toys out of the pram.
The final seminar was held in a very beautiful community house that in one incarnation had been a youth hostel. It was also a beautiful day so we made the most of the garden too.
Q - Why do Kiwi's always take their shoes off?
A - Because they can!
The seminar was opened by Wally, a Kaumatua in training. While I don't understand Maori the words of welcome and blessing are melodic and I had kicked off my shoes, sat on the window seat enjoying both the breeze and Wally's words. I came back to earth - but not my shoes - when I was asked to join Wally for a presentation. Conor and Jane had arranged a truly beautiful pounamu (greenstone) for me and had had it delivered to Sharon so that it could be blessed and presented. It is a Koru - an unfurling fern that denotes new beginnings, growth and harmony. After blessing the pendant Wally put it over my head and I shed some tears. Jane and Conor - it is a truly wonderful gift and absolutely a treasure. Thank you so much.
The final seminar was held in a very beautiful community house that in one incarnation had been a youth hostel. It was also a beautiful day so we made the most of the garden too.
Q - Why do Kiwi's always take their shoes off?
A - Because they can!
The seminar was opened by Wally, a Kaumatua in training. While I don't understand Maori the words of welcome and blessing are melodic and I had kicked off my shoes, sat on the window seat enjoying both the breeze and Wally's words. I came back to earth - but not my shoes - when I was asked to join Wally for a presentation. Conor and Jane had arranged a truly beautiful pounamu (greenstone) for me and had had it delivered to Sharon so that it could be blessed and presented. It is a Koru - an unfurling fern that denotes new beginnings, growth and harmony. After blessing the pendant Wally put it over my head and I shed some tears. Jane and Conor - it is a truly wonderful gift and absolutely a treasure. Thank you so much.
The Seminar was another success - though this one generated the first comment that my contribution wasn't relevant to what was important in the sector in NZ. Not a bad response from about 100 participants across the conference and the three seminars. Generally all of the feedback has been positive providing a great basis for Workplace Wellbeing to develop and expand on the issues that have been covered. It's great for me that I have had the opportunity to be part of it all.
From the seminar we adjourned to the Oasis Hotel, officially to debrief and meet up with Sharon's sister Fiona but actually for long, cold G&T's - well deserved! From the hotel we went back to the motel to collect my and Conor's luggage and to drop off Anne who was staying another night before flying home to Sydney the next morning. Hugs and astonishment - Anne will be 67 in a couple of months! She's planning to retire in a year or so. Hope I look that good at 66!
Sharon then took Conor and I to her house at Waikuku beach where Murray, her husband, was organising the BBQ. After a great meal we went for a walk on the beach and I got some pictures of a spectacular sunset. Caught a glimpse of Muggsy the cat but she was in the huff - doesn't take quickly to strangers!
Yet another night when I was asleep as my head hit the pillow.........
From the seminar we adjourned to the Oasis Hotel, officially to debrief and meet up with Sharon's sister Fiona but actually for long, cold G&T's - well deserved! From the hotel we went back to the motel to collect my and Conor's luggage and to drop off Anne who was staying another night before flying home to Sydney the next morning. Hugs and astonishment - Anne will be 67 in a couple of months! She's planning to retire in a year or so. Hope I look that good at 66!
Sharon then took Conor and I to her house at Waikuku beach where Murray, her husband, was organising the BBQ. After a great meal we went for a walk on the beach and I got some pictures of a spectacular sunset. Caught a glimpse of Muggsy the cat but she was in the huff - doesn't take quickly to strangers!
Yet another night when I was asleep as my head hit the pillow.........
Reunions and headaches
The second Workplace Wellbeing Seminar took place in a Wellington Council building overlooking the harbour. But then most of the city overlooks the harbour as it is built on very steep slopes that run down to the water - it's a very beautiful place but hard work getting uphill! Some of the houses at the top are on struts and seem to be suspended in space.
Conor and I met up again with Anne Junor back from having a great time at a Bosnian wedding. Before we arrived Anne had met Roger who had not been in time to prevent a projector screen from falling on her head so she was feeling a little sore - in more ways than one. Other 'old friends' Michael from the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Kerry from the PSA (Public Services Association) were also part the team presenting at the seminar which, like the one in Hamilton, was over subscribed.
Those attending were largely the combination of Community & Voluntary Sector managers and governance reps that were invited to attend in pairs. For people not known to be positive about trade unions they were very polite - and for the most part interested in what I had to say. The event went really well - ending with Michael making a brief but passionate exhortation for people to join and engage with their unions. I hope that they do.
From there Conor, Anne and I made our way to the airport in a specially arranged taxi big enough to take enormous quantities of baggage! Not much of it clothes but lots of lap tops, work books, employment resource packs, handouts and other necessities for the third and final Seminar in Christchurch. After some reallocation of stuff between us we got checked in without paying excess baggage - I was amazed!
After a glass of Sav and some surprisingly good curry - and another sav on the plane - we arrived in the south island at Christchurch and after another taxi ride found ourselves at the Avalon Motel our accommodation for the night. The journey from the airport took us down some of the longest, straightest streets that I have ever seen. Christchurch is a very attractive City.
The unit that Conor and I shared at the motel came with a tartan sofa so I felt completely at home. The continental breakfast - juice, 4 slices of bread, cereal, choice of tinned pears, peaches or apricots - came that evening for completion (bread in the toaster) and consumption the following morning. I'm still wondering what would have happened if I had asked for pears and peaches? We cheated and had the orange juice for supper!
The motel owner was really helpful and I left the office with a huge pile of maps and leaflets about the south island. In fact, I woke up the following morning buried under most of them having had one of those dreams where you never arrive at where you want to be............
Conor and I met up again with Anne Junor back from having a great time at a Bosnian wedding. Before we arrived Anne had met Roger who had not been in time to prevent a projector screen from falling on her head so she was feeling a little sore - in more ways than one. Other 'old friends' Michael from the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and Kerry from the PSA (Public Services Association) were also part the team presenting at the seminar which, like the one in Hamilton, was over subscribed.
Those attending were largely the combination of Community & Voluntary Sector managers and governance reps that were invited to attend in pairs. For people not known to be positive about trade unions they were very polite - and for the most part interested in what I had to say. The event went really well - ending with Michael making a brief but passionate exhortation for people to join and engage with their unions. I hope that they do.
From there Conor, Anne and I made our way to the airport in a specially arranged taxi big enough to take enormous quantities of baggage! Not much of it clothes but lots of lap tops, work books, employment resource packs, handouts and other necessities for the third and final Seminar in Christchurch. After some reallocation of stuff between us we got checked in without paying excess baggage - I was amazed!
After a glass of Sav and some surprisingly good curry - and another sav on the plane - we arrived in the south island at Christchurch and after another taxi ride found ourselves at the Avalon Motel our accommodation for the night. The journey from the airport took us down some of the longest, straightest streets that I have ever seen. Christchurch is a very attractive City.
The unit that Conor and I shared at the motel came with a tartan sofa so I felt completely at home. The continental breakfast - juice, 4 slices of bread, cereal, choice of tinned pears, peaches or apricots - came that evening for completion (bread in the toaster) and consumption the following morning. I'm still wondering what would have happened if I had asked for pears and peaches? We cheated and had the orange juice for supper!
The motel owner was really helpful and I left the office with a huge pile of maps and leaflets about the south island. In fact, I woke up the following morning buried under most of them having had one of those dreams where you never arrive at where you want to be............
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Tuesday continued..........
The meeting in Backbenchers was arranged for me to meet Ros the senior officer of the New Zealand Council for Social Services - another partner in the Workplace Wellbeing Project and a long standing friend and colleague of Conor. Also Roger who works with Wellington Council, he claims to change his title almost weekly but most importantly he's the man responsible for providing the venue and lunch for the Seminar taking place the following day. Great people both of them and we had a very very pleasant hour together.
Backbenchers is a haunt of MP's and Parliamentary staff but you'd wonder why when you look at some of the decor. There are some truly wonderful 'spittin image' type figures on the walls - including on the outgoing and incoming PM's. I hope the photo's have come out ok. From there Conor and I went to the offices of the CTU (council of trade unions) in Wellington for the long heralded 'think and drink' session on equal pay. It was very very good - once again lots of interest and some sharp questions - including the one about how the New Zealanders avoid what we have! I have always liked Sauvignon Blanc - I've not had a bad one since I've been here and having had quite a lot of practice I'm even learning to call it 'Sav' like a kiwi.
After the think and drink Cheryl the Regional Secretary of the NDU (National Distribution Union) collected me and my baggage for the journey to Conor's.
And I've just lost an entire paragraph of beautiful prose on this d*** laptop! It keeps happening and I don't know why! I'll try again............
We stopped at Cheryl's house to feed the dog, the cat and the chicken and to detour on to the beach that she walks on each morning. When we resumed our journey I had the very serious task of holding the 'pav' that she'd made for dessert. The Aussies claim to have invented pavlova. The Kiwi's know that it is a NZ creation. It was wonderful - but I'm getting ahead of myself......
Conor and her husband Dennis were hosting dinner for Cheryl and her colleague Annabel from NDU, Pat - the 3rd member of the conference debating team and the one who wore the pith helmet. His partner Moira and I. They live at Pokerua Bay on the coast and I'd been told by Graham Cuffley to admire Kapiti island from the bay. Except like Edinburgh castle when the haar moves in - it was invisible.
Dinner and the company were absolutely great but the best part of the visit for me was that I got to meet Paddy and Joey - Patrick and Joseph - the three year old twins who are gorgeous and great fun. Fortunately definite preferences for green and red were identified so the tartan bonnetted teddies were acceptable! I slept that night in Conor's studio - fear not it has a bed and an ensuite! Aswell as everything else Conor is a very talented artist and I enjoyed seeing several of her works in the house.
On Wednesday morning Dennis drove us, with the boys, into Wellington for the seminar there. Conor travelled on the back seat in the space between the boys car seats - watching her getting in and out was a joy! Problem is the boys thought it was great to have mummy so close and she may have to continue what she started.........
I'll need to continue this an other time as I have stupidly left the adpator and the blackberry charger in Christchurch. Its annoying because I had planned to bring the blog up to date this evening. I'm actually in Portobello on Saturday evening but as far as you know I'm still in Wellington on Wednesday morning!
Backbenchers is a haunt of MP's and Parliamentary staff but you'd wonder why when you look at some of the decor. There are some truly wonderful 'spittin image' type figures on the walls - including on the outgoing and incoming PM's. I hope the photo's have come out ok. From there Conor and I went to the offices of the CTU (council of trade unions) in Wellington for the long heralded 'think and drink' session on equal pay. It was very very good - once again lots of interest and some sharp questions - including the one about how the New Zealanders avoid what we have! I have always liked Sauvignon Blanc - I've not had a bad one since I've been here and having had quite a lot of practice I'm even learning to call it 'Sav' like a kiwi.
After the think and drink Cheryl the Regional Secretary of the NDU (National Distribution Union) collected me and my baggage for the journey to Conor's.
And I've just lost an entire paragraph of beautiful prose on this d*** laptop! It keeps happening and I don't know why! I'll try again............
We stopped at Cheryl's house to feed the dog, the cat and the chicken and to detour on to the beach that she walks on each morning. When we resumed our journey I had the very serious task of holding the 'pav' that she'd made for dessert. The Aussies claim to have invented pavlova. The Kiwi's know that it is a NZ creation. It was wonderful - but I'm getting ahead of myself......
Conor and her husband Dennis were hosting dinner for Cheryl and her colleague Annabel from NDU, Pat - the 3rd member of the conference debating team and the one who wore the pith helmet. His partner Moira and I. They live at Pokerua Bay on the coast and I'd been told by Graham Cuffley to admire Kapiti island from the bay. Except like Edinburgh castle when the haar moves in - it was invisible.
Dinner and the company were absolutely great but the best part of the visit for me was that I got to meet Paddy and Joey - Patrick and Joseph - the three year old twins who are gorgeous and great fun. Fortunately definite preferences for green and red were identified so the tartan bonnetted teddies were acceptable! I slept that night in Conor's studio - fear not it has a bed and an ensuite! Aswell as everything else Conor is a very talented artist and I enjoyed seeing several of her works in the house.
On Wednesday morning Dennis drove us, with the boys, into Wellington for the seminar there. Conor travelled on the back seat in the space between the boys car seats - watching her getting in and out was a joy! Problem is the boys thought it was great to have mummy so close and she may have to continue what she started.........
I'll need to continue this an other time as I have stupidly left the adpator and the blackberry charger in Christchurch. Its annoying because I had planned to bring the blog up to date this evening. I'm actually in Portobello on Saturday evening but as far as you know I'm still in Wellington on Wednesday morning!
Friday, 5 December 2008
Still busy
Tuesday was another long but very productive and enjoyable day. It started at the Department of Labour, Pay and Employment Equity Unit with a briefing and discussion with about 15 staff on what's happening with equal pay in Scotland. This was an audience full of experts in pay equity issues and as I expected the questions and debate were thorough. A very pleasant lunch in an Asian restaurant was followed by a couple of hours off which I used for a whistle stop tour of Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. It's huge and wonderful and I could have spent a week there and not seen it all. I concentrated my time on the area dedicated to Maori history - which includes a very beautiful Marae. I also managed to fit in an exhibition of New Zealand art.
From the museum I went to a pub called Backbenchers. No prizes for working out that it's next to the Parliament Buildings. But you'll have to wait to hear more about that as I need to go to my next meeting now. And there was a lot more to Tuesday...................
From the museum I went to a pub called Backbenchers. No prizes for working out that it's next to the Parliament Buildings. But you'll have to wait to hear more about that as I need to go to my next meeting now. And there was a lot more to Tuesday...................
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Working hard in Wellington
Its been a busy few days since I last updated the blog - I've been too been too busy doing to be writing. I got to meet Frank the eel on Sunday evening - though I left it to Michael to make the physical contact and give out supper - Frank's huge and he's not alone in that stream! I saw at least 6 others of at least 18 inches long.
My visit to the Wairapa finshed early on Monday morning when Michael drove us back into the city for the day's activities. For me that was introductions to more of his colleagues, the chance to spend a little more time with Tina, who is the manager and who I had met at the Conference last week.
Michael then interviewed me for an Access Radio programme called Collaborative Radio - I was given a copy of the interview which will be broadcast in January.
Michael and I had lunch in Ernesto's which is in the Cuba district of the town - but you may have realised that! I had a cheese scone - fantastic things! I have had the best cheese scones ever since I arrived in New Zealand! Still haven't found out what New Zealand cuisine is but their scones are brilliant.
After spending some time working through dozens of emails I made my way to the PSA - Public Services Association and UNISON's sister organisation in NZ. I was met by someone very familiar to many in UNISON - a former member of the NEC. Graham Cuffley is now working as a PSA organiser in Wellington. He asked to be remembered to everyone and I have one or two personal messages to deliver when I return.
I made a presentation on equal pay in Scotland to an audience of trade unionists and government reps from the Pay and Employment Equity Unit. There were a few dropped jaws when I'd finished and understandably most of the questions were of the kind that would help them with how not to end up where we are!
It was a good session, lots of positive feedback and thoughtful questions. Also very positive in that I even managed to make Peter's 'Bainbridge' diagram clear and understandable!!
Dinner at a Turkish restaurant followed, Conor came to join us and I had a really great evening in the company of a smashing bunch of bright, smart women absolutely committed to achieving pay parity - and to ensuring that I continue to have a fabulous time in New Zealand. I have so many suggestions for what to do and see when I'm in the south Island. I'll have some tough choices to make.
I spent Monday night in a hotel with a double bed and all the things that I'd usually take for granted in a hotel - it felt pretty tame!
My visit to the Wairapa finshed early on Monday morning when Michael drove us back into the city for the day's activities. For me that was introductions to more of his colleagues, the chance to spend a little more time with Tina, who is the manager and who I had met at the Conference last week.
Michael then interviewed me for an Access Radio programme called Collaborative Radio - I was given a copy of the interview which will be broadcast in January.
Michael and I had lunch in Ernesto's which is in the Cuba district of the town - but you may have realised that! I had a cheese scone - fantastic things! I have had the best cheese scones ever since I arrived in New Zealand! Still haven't found out what New Zealand cuisine is but their scones are brilliant.
After spending some time working through dozens of emails I made my way to the PSA - Public Services Association and UNISON's sister organisation in NZ. I was met by someone very familiar to many in UNISON - a former member of the NEC. Graham Cuffley is now working as a PSA organiser in Wellington. He asked to be remembered to everyone and I have one or two personal messages to deliver when I return.
I made a presentation on equal pay in Scotland to an audience of trade unionists and government reps from the Pay and Employment Equity Unit. There were a few dropped jaws when I'd finished and understandably most of the questions were of the kind that would help them with how not to end up where we are!
It was a good session, lots of positive feedback and thoughtful questions. Also very positive in that I even managed to make Peter's 'Bainbridge' diagram clear and understandable!!
Dinner at a Turkish restaurant followed, Conor came to join us and I had a really great evening in the company of a smashing bunch of bright, smart women absolutely committed to achieving pay parity - and to ensuring that I continue to have a fabulous time in New Zealand. I have so many suggestions for what to do and see when I'm in the south Island. I'll have some tough choices to make.
I spent Monday night in a hotel with a double bed and all the things that I'd usually take for granted in a hotel - it felt pretty tame!
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Weekend in the Wairarapa
It takes about an hour to get to the Wairarapa from Wellington and there are some high hills to drive over on the way. Once there it's a green and lush valley - though it will become yellow and brown as summer progresses. It is very very lovely - truly Scotland with sunshine! Michael and Gaye have a beautiful home and farm the 27 acres that surround it. They have olive trees - and had their first harvest of oil this year. They also have cattle - including two bulls - chickens, lots of goats and an eel called Frank which lives in the stream under the bridge. Precious the cat seems to have left home since I arrived. It has been very hot since I arrived and I have really enkoyed sitting on the verandah in the shade listening to the wide variety of birds that populate the oak, eucalyptus and poplar trees that they have planted since they have been here. Michael gave me a tour of the farm and guess who couldn't keep her bum off the electric fence!
It's now Sunday and we have been busy. Michael took me to two wineries for tastings and we had lunch at the Gladstone Winery - owned by two Glaswegians. I was and am sober! After that he took me to Greytown which has lots of attractive shops and is a very popular weekend haunt for Wellingtonians. Crossing those hills is considered a major expedition - bit like Glaswegians braving the M8 for Edinburgh!
Michael's nearest neighbours are Penny & Jeremy and we stopped to see them on the way home. They are English and Jeremy makes very beautiful furniture from a wide range of native woods. Sadly, I already have far too much to carry so had to leave the chair I really liked behind! Penny was kind enough to give me a signed copy of the book she wrote about their early days in New Zealand.
Michael works for the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and is part of the team behind my trip. He's also a fabulous photographer. He was also a candidate for the Green Party in the recent General Election. He didn't win but the Greens did well overall and he is very pleased with how it went. Though he's still coming down from the high that goes with intensive campaigning. Michael is also a doting grandad and is the process of building a tree house for his grandaughter who - he freely admits - has him wrapped round her little finger!
More soon........
It's now Sunday and we have been busy. Michael took me to two wineries for tastings and we had lunch at the Gladstone Winery - owned by two Glaswegians. I was and am sober! After that he took me to Greytown which has lots of attractive shops and is a very popular weekend haunt for Wellingtonians. Crossing those hills is considered a major expedition - bit like Glaswegians braving the M8 for Edinburgh!
Michael's nearest neighbours are Penny & Jeremy and we stopped to see them on the way home. They are English and Jeremy makes very beautiful furniture from a wide range of native woods. Sadly, I already have far too much to carry so had to leave the chair I really liked behind! Penny was kind enough to give me a signed copy of the book she wrote about their early days in New Zealand.
Michael works for the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations and is part of the team behind my trip. He's also a fabulous photographer. He was also a candidate for the Green Party in the recent General Election. He didn't win but the Greens did well overall and he is very pleased with how it went. Though he's still coming down from the high that goes with intensive campaigning. Michael is also a doting grandad and is the process of building a tree house for his grandaughter who - he freely admits - has him wrapped round her little finger!
More soon........
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Its Saturday, it must be Wellington
After my success with the car on Friday I suppose it was inevitable that I got lost on the way to the airport. Many thanks owed to the people I accosted who put me back on track and enabled me to get to the airport with 10 minutes to spare. The adrenaline rush took rather longer to subside.....
It was a small prop plane that flew low enough to see some spectacular scenery below - including Mount Doom. Having problems sending photo's but there are some wonderful sights.
I was met at Wellington airport by John Ryall the National Secretary of the Service & Food Workers Union which organises within the community & voluntary sector. John has been a very active supporter of the workplace wellbeing project and had been at the conference. Over lunch at a great Italian restaurant and deli we talked about the differences and similarities between UNISON and SFWU and I learnt a lot more about the trade union and political environment in New Zealand.
Michael, my host for the rest of the weekend arrived and John took us to see a local health centre that had been established with trade union involvement. It's a wonderful facility, a bright new building that provides very local access to primary care for a poor community who previously had to pay both to see a doctor and to get there. All primary care provision is private.
My luggage then got moved from Johns car to Michaels and we set off on the hour long drive to his home in the Wairarapa. Lots to say about the journey and the place and the people so more later.................
It was a small prop plane that flew low enough to see some spectacular scenery below - including Mount Doom. Having problems sending photo's but there are some wonderful sights.
I was met at Wellington airport by John Ryall the National Secretary of the Service & Food Workers Union which organises within the community & voluntary sector. John has been a very active supporter of the workplace wellbeing project and had been at the conference. Over lunch at a great Italian restaurant and deli we talked about the differences and similarities between UNISON and SFWU and I learnt a lot more about the trade union and political environment in New Zealand.
Michael, my host for the rest of the weekend arrived and John took us to see a local health centre that had been established with trade union involvement. It's a wonderful facility, a bright new building that provides very local access to primary care for a poor community who previously had to pay both to see a doctor and to get there. All primary care provision is private.
My luggage then got moved from Johns car to Michaels and we set off on the hour long drive to his home in the Wairarapa. Lots to say about the journey and the place and the people so more later.................
Friday!!!!!!! A day off but not a day of rest.........
Wow! What a day!!! Friday was a day off and I knew that I was going to Rotorua. I collected a hire car at about 8 and drove the 110 or so kilometers to my destination. I had a list of things to see and do and - with some minor alterations achieved them all.
So, I found Lake Rotorua and walked taking in the supherous smells, the different colours in the water and the vast numbers of gannets, teal and other birds. I then found the office of volcanic tours and saw the only mercedes that has ever appealed to me - a large, choclolate brown dog that looks more like a teddy bear. Did I say large? She's enormous! Anyway I was there to book a helicopter flight and was devastated to find they were all full. I booked a seat on the 2 pm float plane instead and it wasn't 2nd best! I then headed to Te Puia for Maori history, geysers and mud pools. It was spectacular - hope the photo's do it justice. I can understand why the area has such a spiritual significance.
The plane trip was incredible, it took off from the lake and 'cruised' at about 3500' over the lakes which are volcanic craters. Each one full of different coloured water - from mop bucket murk through to brilliant turquiose. As promised it was bumpy over the volcano's but it was too spectacular for me to have time to be either terrified or sick. The plane then headed out to sea and to White Island which is an active volcano. I'm beginning to run out of superlatives but it was a truly brilliant experience as the pilot brought the plane as low as possible in first clockwise and then anti clockwise circles so that we could see and take photo's.
The return trip was via Mount Tarawera an extinct volcano that last erupted in 1886 with a devastating effect on a huge area. It is a holy mountain of great significance to Maori. The pilot took us along the route of the eruption which is about 15km long.
After such a experiences there was only one way to end my visit to Rotorua ...... so I spent the next couple of hours floating about the hot pools of the Polynesian Spa before driving back and saying farewell to Jane. I hope I'll see her again before I leave New Zealand. Caught up with Conor who had been enjoying her birthday and finalising my itinerary for the weekend....... more to follow
So, I found Lake Rotorua and walked taking in the supherous smells, the different colours in the water and the vast numbers of gannets, teal and other birds. I then found the office of volcanic tours and saw the only mercedes that has ever appealed to me - a large, choclolate brown dog that looks more like a teddy bear. Did I say large? She's enormous! Anyway I was there to book a helicopter flight and was devastated to find they were all full. I booked a seat on the 2 pm float plane instead and it wasn't 2nd best! I then headed to Te Puia for Maori history, geysers and mud pools. It was spectacular - hope the photo's do it justice. I can understand why the area has such a spiritual significance.
The plane trip was incredible, it took off from the lake and 'cruised' at about 3500' over the lakes which are volcanic craters. Each one full of different coloured water - from mop bucket murk through to brilliant turquiose. As promised it was bumpy over the volcano's but it was too spectacular for me to have time to be either terrified or sick. The plane then headed out to sea and to White Island which is an active volcano. I'm beginning to run out of superlatives but it was a truly brilliant experience as the pilot brought the plane as low as possible in first clockwise and then anti clockwise circles so that we could see and take photo's.
The return trip was via Mount Tarawera an extinct volcano that last erupted in 1886 with a devastating effect on a huge area. It is a holy mountain of great significance to Maori. The pilot took us along the route of the eruption which is about 15km long.
After such a experiences there was only one way to end my visit to Rotorua ...... so I spent the next couple of hours floating about the hot pools of the Polynesian Spa before driving back and saying farewell to Jane. I hope I'll see her again before I leave New Zealand. Caught up with Conor who had been enjoying her birthday and finalising my itinerary for the weekend....... more to follow
Before I tell you about Friday......
Supermarket trolleys are trundlers here and you don't have to pay for them. So the UNISON key rings/tokens are popular as a useless novelty.........
Hamilton and the Seminar
There was a lot of anticipation in the run up to the Hamilton Seminar. It was to be the first of three following the ANZTSR conference and aimed to pull together a number of the strands that were demonstrated there; the resource pack was to be launched and it was to be the first test of brand new video conferencing equipment. The latter worked well - far better than the UNISON set up - despite lots of noise and movement the images and sound stayed solid.
In fact all of it went really really well. There are some photo's showing me with Conor (the brunette) and Jane (the blonde). The numbers were higher than expected and the feedback was great. There are also photo's that include Buddy who is a very special person to the project. He is a Maori Methodist Minister but more importantly he is a Maori elder held in enormous respect and affection. It's a postition to be earnt not granted making it all the more special. Buddy is unwell and there was some doubt about whether he would get there. There was great pleasure that he did but also sadness about the state of his health. I was privileged to meet him and to hear him speak.
After the seminar we went to the CTU (Council of Trade Unions - equivalent of STUC) for drinks. Amongst those I met was the Labour Party shadow spokesperson for women who was keen to hear about equal pay in Scotland - and what not to do!
Conor and Anne left us for the weekend. Anne for a wedding and Conor to see her sons and husband and to celebrate her birthday with them.
Jane got the short straw - she fed me again and did my washing and helped me plan for Friday.........
In fact all of it went really really well. There are some photo's showing me with Conor (the brunette) and Jane (the blonde). The numbers were higher than expected and the feedback was great. There are also photo's that include Buddy who is a very special person to the project. He is a Maori Methodist Minister but more importantly he is a Maori elder held in enormous respect and affection. It's a postition to be earnt not granted making it all the more special. Buddy is unwell and there was some doubt about whether he would get there. There was great pleasure that he did but also sadness about the state of his health. I was privileged to meet him and to hear him speak.
After the seminar we went to the CTU (Council of Trade Unions - equivalent of STUC) for drinks. Amongst those I met was the Labour Party shadow spokesperson for women who was keen to hear about equal pay in Scotland - and what not to do!
Conor and Anne left us for the weekend. Anne for a wedding and Conor to see her sons and husband and to celebrate her birthday with them.
Jane got the short straw - she fed me again and did my washing and helped me plan for Friday.........
Thursday, 27 November 2008
The last day of the conference
And also the day that Conor and I were to make our joint presentation. We resisted the temptation to get dressed up again - that royal blue feather boa was something else - though for some of the time I wore it I was literally spitting feathers as it moulted a bit! So to a small but very interested audience we talked about the project that Conor works for and the genesis of my visit. I described UNISON and my role in Scotland. The challenges faced for us in organising and supporting members within the Community & Voluntary Sector, the similarities and the differences in these for New Zealand (just about the same) and UNISON's strategies for tackling these.
It was a really good session with some thoughtful questions after - one from a real Scot, one of several that I have met since I've been here.
After a brief break to get our luggage (tons of it) into Jane's truck (more on this later) I was interviewed by a journalist from Reuters working on behalf of "Employer Today" magazine. There should be an article featuring my visit and looking at differences in TU organisation in the January edition.
The conference closed at lunch time with another formal Maori ceremony but I missed that as I was whisked off to a meeting of PSA National Organisers in the centre of Auckland. Over a working lunch I made a briefer and more TU focussed presentation to about a dozen of their staff from across New Zealand - they had also invited 2 organisers from the SFWU. Again there were some great questions and it was fascinating to see that not only are the problems similar but the strategies for tackling organisational issues are similar too.
Some knew as much about Agenda for Change as I do because Mike Jackson was there not so long ago. Well done Mike! One had been to Glasgow and remembered a UNISON official who had something to do with health but had taken him to a football match.......................
After this Jane arrived in her truck to collect Conor, Anne and myself and drove us to Hamilton. Jane works for Community Waikato, one of the projects that is part of Workplace Wellbeing and is Conor's boss. She is part Scots and part Maori and a truly beautiful woman in many ways.
Anne is a professor at the University of New South Wales and leads a team that has been developing an assessment tool to enable workers within the sector to identify their skills and skill levels. A stage before job evaluation. I hear several ears pricking and eyes widening! I'll be bringing copies back. Anne was also one of the 'famous 5' in the student accommodation.
Jane lives in a small town close to Hamilton and she took us the scenic route to the motel we were staying at. Photo's and commentary to follow - need to make sure I get the spellings right.
The motel is great, straight out of the 70's - surrounded by trees and flowers and so many birds - they make a fabulous racket!
We had dinner in the garden at Jane's with her family (sorry I know the weather is c*** in Scotland right now) which was fabulous. Cooking is another of her many talents.
After dinner we adjourned to her work shop and spent the next hours compiling 50 copies of Mana Mahi - an employment resource for the sector. This comprises 6 booklets, 17 sets of guidance notes, an introduction and a CD all in a cardboard wallet. To save costs we were to fold and glue the wallets and then fill them. The pack is a very beautiful purple which fortunately matches perfectly with a jacket I have and am wearing today as it also matches my finger tips! There are another 950 to put together.
Today has been the first of the travelling seminars that link all of the strands together and the first official launch of the pack. I'll say more about it later but it's coming to a close and I need to be part of the final session.
Glyn
NZ, Thursday afternoon.
It was a really good session with some thoughtful questions after - one from a real Scot, one of several that I have met since I've been here.
After a brief break to get our luggage (tons of it) into Jane's truck (more on this later) I was interviewed by a journalist from Reuters working on behalf of "Employer Today" magazine. There should be an article featuring my visit and looking at differences in TU organisation in the January edition.
The conference closed at lunch time with another formal Maori ceremony but I missed that as I was whisked off to a meeting of PSA National Organisers in the centre of Auckland. Over a working lunch I made a briefer and more TU focussed presentation to about a dozen of their staff from across New Zealand - they had also invited 2 organisers from the SFWU. Again there were some great questions and it was fascinating to see that not only are the problems similar but the strategies for tackling organisational issues are similar too.
Some knew as much about Agenda for Change as I do because Mike Jackson was there not so long ago. Well done Mike! One had been to Glasgow and remembered a UNISON official who had something to do with health but had taken him to a football match.......................
After this Jane arrived in her truck to collect Conor, Anne and myself and drove us to Hamilton. Jane works for Community Waikato, one of the projects that is part of Workplace Wellbeing and is Conor's boss. She is part Scots and part Maori and a truly beautiful woman in many ways.
Anne is a professor at the University of New South Wales and leads a team that has been developing an assessment tool to enable workers within the sector to identify their skills and skill levels. A stage before job evaluation. I hear several ears pricking and eyes widening! I'll be bringing copies back. Anne was also one of the 'famous 5' in the student accommodation.
Jane lives in a small town close to Hamilton and she took us the scenic route to the motel we were staying at. Photo's and commentary to follow - need to make sure I get the spellings right.
The motel is great, straight out of the 70's - surrounded by trees and flowers and so many birds - they make a fabulous racket!
We had dinner in the garden at Jane's with her family (sorry I know the weather is c*** in Scotland right now) which was fabulous. Cooking is another of her many talents.
After dinner we adjourned to her work shop and spent the next hours compiling 50 copies of Mana Mahi - an employment resource for the sector. This comprises 6 booklets, 17 sets of guidance notes, an introduction and a CD all in a cardboard wallet. To save costs we were to fold and glue the wallets and then fill them. The pack is a very beautiful purple which fortunately matches perfectly with a jacket I have and am wearing today as it also matches my finger tips! There are another 950 to put together.
Today has been the first of the travelling seminars that link all of the strands together and the first official launch of the pack. I'll say more about it later but it's coming to a close and I need to be part of the final session.
Glyn
NZ, Thursday afternoon.
Where have the days gone?
It's Thursday afternoon and I can't believe that I haven't updated this since very early on Monday.
Ít's been a really busy time with all sorts happening. The conference opened on Monday with a Powhiri at the university Marae. This is a formal welcoming ceremony that includes speeches in the Maori language on behalf of the hosts and the visitors, singing and being fed. It was a very special event and it was also when I first met Conors. Fortunately both of us were pleased with what we saw and continue with the mutual admiration!
I hope that my photo's of the carvings and the Marae are ok, it is an incredibly beautiful building and I'd like you to admire it as much as I did.
The first formal sessions of the conference was interesting mainly because it reminded me how long it has been since I've had anything to do with academic research and events of this kind. I enjoyed it all but much of what I heard on Monday left me thinking 'tell me something I didn't know' and 'so what?'
Quite prepared to acknowledge that I had been feeling doubtful that I was up to the task - that there would be a realisation that bringing me 13,000 miles as a "keynote, international speaker" had been a waste of lots of money as well as lots of time and effort. Crisis of confidence? You bet! Anyway, that first afternoon helped me put things back into perspective............... in that, I'm here and it's far far too late to change my mind.
Getting back to the apartment and discovering that the shower had been fixed was yet another boost to my spirits - we now had 4 showers between 5 of us!
Conor had organised dinner for those involved in the work linked to Workplace Wellbeing and we went to the Mexican Cafe. Having had Chinese on Saturday and Malaysian on Sunday I was wondering whether there is a New Zealand cuisine - other than pies. Reassured that there is and that I will experience it.
Dinner was great, there were about 12 of us and I met even more new people. From the Community & Voluntary sector and also from the PSA - Public Services Association - UNISON's sister organisation in New Zealand and the SFWU - Service and Food Workers Union - which represents a lot of members in the sector and works closely with the PSA.
We finished the evening with coffee in the casino next to the tower that features in a couple of my photo's. The coffee was rotten but the casino was impressive. Though I'm not sure they were overly keen on a bunch of people staying long enough for 1 drink while they planned a round table discussion! Not a dollar was spent in the casino proper.
I was asked to join the round table discussion which was set up to begin to paint a picture of what successful employment in the sector would look like. The panelists were a mixture of managers, trade unionists, researchers and it was a very positive session with plenty of engagement with the audience. A great start to the day.
Tuesday afternoon was largely spent preparing with Conor for the great debate on Tuesday evening and for the presentation on Wednesday morning.
The Tiara and the Feather Boa
A couple of weeks before I was due to travel Conor had asked me if I take part in a debate at the conference on Tuesday evening. She told me that it would be light hearted and most of all brief. There would be an Aussie team and a Kiwi team and that I would be joining the Kiwi team as a Londoner living in Scotland with Pat (Canadian) and herself (Kiwi but lived mainly in Oz). At 2 weeks and 13,000 miles it sounded fine and I agreed. On Tuesday afternoon knowing that our side were defending the argument that ''the third sector is the handmaiden to the empire" seemed to be the craziest thing I'd ever agreed to. Conor - as ever- was well prepared with a draft script, a medieval gown, doc martins, pith hemit, khaki shirt, feather boa, bone china cup and saucer, anzac biscuits, a phone book and two tiara's. The doc martins date from her biker days but most of the rest was courtesy of a hire shop. Anyway it all took place during the conference dinner was great fun and the Kiwi team clearly won. The MC announced a draw but he was only being polite to the visiting Aussies! There should be photo's coming in from vartious parts of the world.
Having got that over with I knew I could do anything and I'm back to being my usual cool, calm an collected self. Except I lie.......... I have a rotten cold and am feeling pathetically sorry for myself.
Time for a brief break........
Ít's been a really busy time with all sorts happening. The conference opened on Monday with a Powhiri at the university Marae. This is a formal welcoming ceremony that includes speeches in the Maori language on behalf of the hosts and the visitors, singing and being fed. It was a very special event and it was also when I first met Conors. Fortunately both of us were pleased with what we saw and continue with the mutual admiration!
I hope that my photo's of the carvings and the Marae are ok, it is an incredibly beautiful building and I'd like you to admire it as much as I did.
The first formal sessions of the conference was interesting mainly because it reminded me how long it has been since I've had anything to do with academic research and events of this kind. I enjoyed it all but much of what I heard on Monday left me thinking 'tell me something I didn't know' and 'so what?'
Quite prepared to acknowledge that I had been feeling doubtful that I was up to the task - that there would be a realisation that bringing me 13,000 miles as a "keynote, international speaker" had been a waste of lots of money as well as lots of time and effort. Crisis of confidence? You bet! Anyway, that first afternoon helped me put things back into perspective............... in that, I'm here and it's far far too late to change my mind.
Getting back to the apartment and discovering that the shower had been fixed was yet another boost to my spirits - we now had 4 showers between 5 of us!
Conor had organised dinner for those involved in the work linked to Workplace Wellbeing and we went to the Mexican Cafe. Having had Chinese on Saturday and Malaysian on Sunday I was wondering whether there is a New Zealand cuisine - other than pies. Reassured that there is and that I will experience it.
Dinner was great, there were about 12 of us and I met even more new people. From the Community & Voluntary sector and also from the PSA - Public Services Association - UNISON's sister organisation in New Zealand and the SFWU - Service and Food Workers Union - which represents a lot of members in the sector and works closely with the PSA.
We finished the evening with coffee in the casino next to the tower that features in a couple of my photo's. The coffee was rotten but the casino was impressive. Though I'm not sure they were overly keen on a bunch of people staying long enough for 1 drink while they planned a round table discussion! Not a dollar was spent in the casino proper.
I was asked to join the round table discussion which was set up to begin to paint a picture of what successful employment in the sector would look like. The panelists were a mixture of managers, trade unionists, researchers and it was a very positive session with plenty of engagement with the audience. A great start to the day.
Tuesday afternoon was largely spent preparing with Conor for the great debate on Tuesday evening and for the presentation on Wednesday morning.
The Tiara and the Feather Boa
A couple of weeks before I was due to travel Conor had asked me if I take part in a debate at the conference on Tuesday evening. She told me that it would be light hearted and most of all brief. There would be an Aussie team and a Kiwi team and that I would be joining the Kiwi team as a Londoner living in Scotland with Pat (Canadian) and herself (Kiwi but lived mainly in Oz). At 2 weeks and 13,000 miles it sounded fine and I agreed. On Tuesday afternoon knowing that our side were defending the argument that ''the third sector is the handmaiden to the empire" seemed to be the craziest thing I'd ever agreed to. Conor - as ever- was well prepared with a draft script, a medieval gown, doc martins, pith hemit, khaki shirt, feather boa, bone china cup and saucer, anzac biscuits, a phone book and two tiara's. The doc martins date from her biker days but most of the rest was courtesy of a hire shop. Anyway it all took place during the conference dinner was great fun and the Kiwi team clearly won. The MC announced a draw but he was only being polite to the visiting Aussies! There should be photo's coming in from vartious parts of the world.
Having got that over with I knew I could do anything and I'm back to being my usual cool, calm an collected self. Except I lie.......... I have a rotten cold and am feeling pathetically sorry for myself.
Time for a brief break........
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Work starts today
It's Monday morning here and the ANZTSRC (Australia/New Zealand Third Sector Research Conference) starts today - the event that sparked my visit. It's raining and has been since yesterday afternoon. It might be because the accommodation is on the 14th floor but the rain was horizontal half an hour ago.
All five occupants of the flat are now in residence. Brenda from Toronto, Stina from Sweden, Barbara the 'local' from Hamilton, and Anne from Australia. All are professors or Phd students and I was feeling overwhelmed by so many intellectuals. Then I remembered that it was me that got the new kettle, the extra pillow, the iron, access to working showers - and hunted down the 'liquor store' for the bottle of wine. The comforts of life are now complete as Anne (who has a waterproof) has just returned from an expedition with more toilet rolls and umbrellas for us both! And Brenda has just looked in to say she's off to find the liquor store.
Brains are all very well but organisers have their place!
I went for a walk to 'midtown' yesterday. Odd mixture of shops from designer labels to tourist tat and sex shops. Found a good book shop and fnally got a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to NZ - shocked at the price - almost £30. I thought it was a mistake but looked at lots of others and all books are really expensive. Will have to find out why.
More later............
All five occupants of the flat are now in residence. Brenda from Toronto, Stina from Sweden, Barbara the 'local' from Hamilton, and Anne from Australia. All are professors or Phd students and I was feeling overwhelmed by so many intellectuals. Then I remembered that it was me that got the new kettle, the extra pillow, the iron, access to working showers - and hunted down the 'liquor store' for the bottle of wine. The comforts of life are now complete as Anne (who has a waterproof) has just returned from an expedition with more toilet rolls and umbrellas for us both! And Brenda has just looked in to say she's off to find the liquor store.
Brains are all very well but organisers have their place!
I went for a walk to 'midtown' yesterday. Odd mixture of shops from designer labels to tourist tat and sex shops. Found a good book shop and fnally got a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide to NZ - shocked at the price - almost £30. I thought it was a mistake but looked at lots of others and all books are really expensive. Will have to find out why.
More later............
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Auckland, Sunday morning
I'm beginning to feel human again - lots to be said for a night spent in a king size single bed! My blackberry seems to have gone the way of others back in the UK and I can't send or receive UNISON emails - though it's ok for photo's, texts and phone calls. So the decision to bring the lap top was the right one even though the connection is really slow - some things don't change.
Next task is to send photo's from my camera to Tracey for the album. None of them are very good as it was hazy in LA and here too, but they should give some sense of the places I've been so far. Assuming I can do what I've been told!
Yesterday's trip to the volcano was a great introduction to the city but it also made me smile - the first day I came to Edinburgh to start work for NUPE, Bob Thompson took me to the top of another volcano (Arthurs Seat) for a similar look around. How many other cities have extinct volcano's as viewing points?
It's time to go in search of breakfast - a cafe I think - I need the frying pan for coffee making and the vending machines here don't seem to stock bacon rolls!
Glyn
Sunday, 23 November, 9 am
Next task is to send photo's from my camera to Tracey for the album. None of them are very good as it was hazy in LA and here too, but they should give some sense of the places I've been so far. Assuming I can do what I've been told!
Yesterday's trip to the volcano was a great introduction to the city but it also made me smile - the first day I came to Edinburgh to start work for NUPE, Bob Thompson took me to the top of another volcano (Arthurs Seat) for a similar look around. How many other cities have extinct volcano's as viewing points?
It's time to go in search of breakfast - a cafe I think - I need the frying pan for coffee making and the vending machines here don't seem to stock bacon rolls!
Glyn
Sunday, 23 November, 9 am
Boiling water in a frying pan
I never thought that I would end my first day in New Zealand boiling water in a frying pan to make a cup of coffee. You might be forgiven for thinking that I'm in front of a camp fire - I'm actually in down town Auckland at the halls of residence of the University of Technology. I didn't know that there is such a thing as a king size single bed - but I have one for the next 4 nights.
Anyway, having made up my own bed, bought soap & coffee, accepted that the kettle is broken, borrowed an iron from a student, got stuck in the lift (forgot that you need a fob to make it work - even to open the doors) and got soaked by a sellotaped shower hose that leaks more water than the shower head, I settled down to get to know Professor Brenda Gainer from York University in Toronto who is the first of my room mates in this student flat and also a speaker at the conference that I am here for. As 50 something survivors of the womens movement - and a range of student accommodation - we have much in common and enjoyed a great evening together.
Arriving this morning was every bit as wonderful as I had hoped. The first sights from the plane were spectaular - photo's to follow. Coming through immigration and customs took longer than in LA but only because two full flights arrived at the same time. I was met at the airport by Andrew Beyer from the New Zealand Council of Social Services who took me to the top of a volcano for a panoramic view of Auckland and its surroundings. Andrew is one of those who were active in the recent General Election campaign that saw Labour lose to the National party, two weeks on the exhaustion has worn off and now they are waiting to see exactly what will change. Thanks Andrew, it was great to see a friendly face as soon as I arrived and I enjoyed hearing all you told me.
I had a short walk this afternoon - round the university area. Sunshine, market stalls and internet cafes. Keep needing to sleep - creeping up on me now, so more soon.
Glyn
11.45 pm Saturday 22 November 2008
PS - just seen message from Conor saying she has bought me a tiara and a feather boa - just what have I come to???
Anyway, having made up my own bed, bought soap & coffee, accepted that the kettle is broken, borrowed an iron from a student, got stuck in the lift (forgot that you need a fob to make it work - even to open the doors) and got soaked by a sellotaped shower hose that leaks more water than the shower head, I settled down to get to know Professor Brenda Gainer from York University in Toronto who is the first of my room mates in this student flat and also a speaker at the conference that I am here for. As 50 something survivors of the womens movement - and a range of student accommodation - we have much in common and enjoyed a great evening together.
Arriving this morning was every bit as wonderful as I had hoped. The first sights from the plane were spectaular - photo's to follow. Coming through immigration and customs took longer than in LA but only because two full flights arrived at the same time. I was met at the airport by Andrew Beyer from the New Zealand Council of Social Services who took me to the top of a volcano for a panoramic view of Auckland and its surroundings. Andrew is one of those who were active in the recent General Election campaign that saw Labour lose to the National party, two weeks on the exhaustion has worn off and now they are waiting to see exactly what will change. Thanks Andrew, it was great to see a friendly face as soon as I arrived and I enjoyed hearing all you told me.
I had a short walk this afternoon - round the university area. Sunshine, market stalls and internet cafes. Keep needing to sleep - creeping up on me now, so more soon.
Glyn
11.45 pm Saturday 22 November 2008
PS - just seen message from Conor saying she has bought me a tiara and a feather boa - just what have I come to???
Friday, 21 November 2008
A day in LA
I'm at LAX - far too early for a plane that will be leaving at least 30 minutes late. It's time for the early evening news though my body thinks I am too old to be awake at 2 am!
As I said on earlier post, lots of new experiences today..........
As I said on earlier post, lots of new experiences today..........
- Biscuits and gravy - salty bread roll and something that looked like mayonnaise and I still don't know what it's made of! I passed on the pancakes and syrup!
- A country where anyone can carry a gun but there's a big notice at the restaurant desk telling you that alcohol can harm you - and they didn't just mean that it cost 9 dollars for a glass of wine!
- American news - cars, sport, sex and murder, in that order and very insular. Nothing beyond the USA.
- Being a tourist in LA - took a bus tour of the city - beaches, Hollywood, homes of the stars and Rodeo Drive. Glad I have seen it but it's a long way from home and not just in miles. Not one sheep to be seen!
- There were two English people on the bus happy to meet a Scottish union official - dad and brother have long been T&G activists and branch sec of London Underground branch.
- But best of the lot was my conversation with the hotel concierge. On hearing where I was heading for and what for, he told me that there have been attempts over several years to get recognition with the hotel. There was a ballot of staff in 1998 which failed. For the last 3 years the union has been trying to build membership to achieve recognition by way of individual sign up but it's been hard as staff turn over is high - as it always is in hotels. There is usually a TU demonstration outside the hotel each Thursday but they called it off today to prepare for Thanksgiving! The hotel is actually privately owned - Hilton is a kind of franchise - so tu recognition is for local determination and this management is hostile. It was a great conversation for being unexpected.
And I've realised that I do 'lose' a day on my way to New Zealand. I'm leaving LA at about 10pm on Thursday on a flight that takes 13 hours. I arrive in Auckland at about 8.30 am on Saturday. which will be 7.30 pm Friday UK time. Confused? I am!!
More soon..................
Thursday, 20 November 2008
It's foggy here
But hot, allsorts of first experiences - notably American air conditioning. About to go on a bus tour of LA - more later................... Credit about to expire on hotel pc!
Glasgow at 30,000 feet
I'm half way there... landed in LA at 4am UK time and luckily the US Immigration service decided I wasn't a miscreant and let me through.
I took this from the window of the plane.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
By this time tomorrow........
I will be on the first of several planes that will get me to New Zealand by Saturday morning. I'm feeling really excited now and trying not to panic about what I may have forgotten to do or to pack.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Think and Drink?!?
You may have noticed in a previous comment that a certain smart alec was intrigued about the Think and Drink session.
Just in case there's any doubt about how much thinking and how much drinking will be taking place here's what I'll be up to -
Tuesday December 2: CTU Think ‘n’ Drink
Where: CTU Meeting Room, 7th floor, Education House
(Back Building), 178-182 Willis Street
Time: 4:30pm – 6:00pm
A teacher and community development worker by trade, Glyn has been an Organiser with UNISON Scotland since 1994 and a union organiser since 1992 when she first came to work for NUPE, one of UNISON’s three founding unions. Glyn is now a member of the Scottish Management Team which has responsibility for implementing UK policy and practice as well as for overseeing the development and implementation of policies that are unique to Scotland because of the Scottish Government. Glyn will discuss her current work with UNISON and some of the challenges currently facing public sector unions in Britain.
By coincidence this takes place on 2 December, so while I'm thinking and not drinking that same smart alec is likely to be drinking and not thinking as it's her 40th birthday!
Just in case there's any doubt about how much thinking and how much drinking will be taking place here's what I'll be up to -
Tuesday December 2: CTU Think ‘n’ Drink
Where: CTU Meeting Room, 7th floor, Education House
(Back Building), 178-182 Willis Street
Time: 4:30pm – 6:00pm
A teacher and community development worker by trade, Glyn has been an Organiser with UNISON Scotland since 1994 and a union organiser since 1992 when she first came to work for NUPE, one of UNISON’s three founding unions. Glyn is now a member of the Scottish Management Team which has responsibility for implementing UK policy and practice as well as for overseeing the development and implementation of policies that are unique to Scotland because of the Scottish Government. Glyn will discuss her current work with UNISON and some of the challenges currently facing public sector unions in Britain.
By coincidence this takes place on 2 December, so while I'm thinking and not drinking that same smart alec is likely to be drinking and not thinking as it's her 40th birthday!
On Tour!!
Part of my engagements will be as a key note speaker in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin where I will meet with union colleagues and address a number of seminars on community sector employment. It's a fabulous chance to see the country and meet board members, trustees and managers of community-based organisations as well as grass roots trade unionists from all over New Zealand.
Here's the section from the 'advert'!
Key Note: Reflections on Sector Employment in Scotland and New Zealand
Building a more sustainable employment environment is a critical challenge for sector organisations both here and in Scotland. In both countries, a range of competing pressures on voluntary organisations have serious implications for workforce sustainability. Yet there are ways forward for both countries that could allow us to retain our skilled, experienced workforce. Glyn Hawker, UNISON Scotland’s Organiser of Bargaining and Equal Pay, and a community development worker by trade, and Conor Twyford, from the New Zealand Workplace Wellbeing Project, will discuss research and work being done in each country on sector workforce issues – such as the impact of contracting on sector workforces in the UK; collaborative work being done in the Scottish community and voluntary sector to progress employment issues – and some new findings from New Zealand on staff wellbeing and motivation in our sector.
Here's the section from the 'advert'!
Key Note: Reflections on Sector Employment in Scotland and New Zealand
Building a more sustainable employment environment is a critical challenge for sector organisations both here and in Scotland. In both countries, a range of competing pressures on voluntary organisations have serious implications for workforce sustainability. Yet there are ways forward for both countries that could allow us to retain our skilled, experienced workforce. Glyn Hawker, UNISON Scotland’s Organiser of Bargaining and Equal Pay, and a community development worker by trade, and Conor Twyford, from the New Zealand Workplace Wellbeing Project, will discuss research and work being done in each country on sector workforce issues – such as the impact of contracting on sector workforces in the UK; collaborative work being done in the Scottish community and voluntary sector to progress employment issues – and some new findings from New Zealand on staff wellbeing and motivation in our sector.
ANZTSR DEMONSTRATE!
The Conference I'll be attending is just days away. The agenda has been published and it's going to be a packed few days with discussion and debate around scores of subjects.
Things like
During and after the conference I'll report on some of the activities I've taken part in. It'll be great.
Things like
- It’s more than talk:A status report from the Building Better Government Engagement
- Reference Group: Options for building knowledge, skills and values in the public service to support effective community engagement
- Changing Relationships: how government funding models impact relationships between organisations
- Love Doesn’t Pay the Bills! - Critical Knowledge in Negotiating Remuneration Contracts
- Shall we dance? - High performance work systems and employment relationships in Social Services NGOs in New Zealand
There are too many to list on the blog so here's the link to the web site http://www.anztsr.org.au/
During and after the conference I'll report on some of the activities I've taken part in. It'll be great.
Saturday, 25 October 2008
So what will I be up to?
Here's my itinerary. It's still in draft and there will be other things to see and do while I'm there. So I can share my experiences I'm going to try and update everyone through the blog after each event.
ITINERARY
Saturday/Sunday 22/23 Nov - Auckland
Arrive Auckland ex Glasgow Saturday 7.25am. Rest and recreation/recovery
Monday 24 Nov- 11am- 2pm
Attend Australia NZ Third Sector Research Conference powhiri/welcome/opening address.
Tuesday 25 Nov
Attend/address ANZTSR Conference – plenary and presentation - full day
Wednesday 26 Nov
PSA/SFWU NGO Organisers/senior delegates seminar
Other meetings with union colleagues
Thursday 27 Nov - Hamilton (No, not in South Lanarkshire!)
Hamilton Sector Employment Seminar
Friday 28 Nov - Rotorua
Rest day.
Saturday/Sunday 29/30Nov -Wellington
Fly Hamilton/Wellington. Meet John Ryall for lunch in Petone on Saturday en route to the Wairarapa. Weekend in Wairarapa. Interview with Chris Laidlaw Sunday morning.
Monday 1 Dec
Social gathering (Think and Drink) Monday evening
Tuesday 2 Dec
Tuesday free for engagements in Wellington
Other meetings with union colleagues/dinner
Wednesday 3 Dec
Wellington Sector Employment Seminar
Thursday 4 Dec - Christchurch
Christchurch Sector Employment Seminar
Other meetings with union colleagues
Busy, busy but i will be great to do and see so much while I'm there.
ITINERARY
Saturday/Sunday 22/23 Nov - Auckland
Arrive Auckland ex Glasgow Saturday 7.25am. Rest and recreation/recovery
Monday 24 Nov- 11am- 2pm
Attend Australia NZ Third Sector Research Conference powhiri/welcome/opening address.
Tuesday 25 Nov
Attend/address ANZTSR Conference – plenary and presentation - full day
Wednesday 26 Nov
PSA/SFWU NGO Organisers/senior delegates seminar
Other meetings with union colleagues
Thursday 27 Nov - Hamilton (No, not in South Lanarkshire!)
Hamilton Sector Employment Seminar
Friday 28 Nov - Rotorua
Rest day.
Saturday/Sunday 29/30Nov -Wellington
Fly Hamilton/Wellington. Meet John Ryall for lunch in Petone on Saturday en route to the Wairarapa. Weekend in Wairarapa. Interview with Chris Laidlaw Sunday morning.
Monday 1 Dec
Social gathering (Think and Drink) Monday evening
Tuesday 2 Dec
Tuesday free for engagements in Wellington
Other meetings with union colleagues/dinner
Wednesday 3 Dec
Wellington Sector Employment Seminar
Thursday 4 Dec - Christchurch
Christchurch Sector Employment Seminar
Other meetings with union colleagues
Busy, busy but i will be great to do and see so much while I'm there.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Getting there.....
The journey begins on 19 November when I leave Glasgow and head for Heathrow to catch an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland. I'm stopping off in Los Angeles and touch down in the evening of the 19th. I'll have most of the next day for a look see around LAX.
The following day I set off for the last leg and leave on the evening of the 20th for New Zealand. Remarkably I don't actually arrive until the morning of 22 November. That's what they mean by long haul!
Apparently this is my pilot helping out with the ad campaign before he starts the engines for my flight....
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bh44yOZdPZo
The following day I set off for the last leg and leave on the evening of the 20th for New Zealand. Remarkably I don't actually arrive until the morning of 22 November. That's what they mean by long haul!
Apparently this is my pilot helping out with the ad campaign before he starts the engines for my flight....
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bh44yOZdPZo
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Why am I going to New Zealand?
Well, why not..... this is an opportunity of a lifetime.
I've been invited and accepted an invitation to ANZTSR Ninth Biennial Conference from 24 – 26 November 2008 in Auckland University of Technology - that's Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research.
I'm UNISON Scotland’s Organiser for Bargaining and Equal Pay, and a community development worker by trade. I've been invited to discuss research and work being done in each country on sector workforce issues – such as the impact of contracting on sector workforces in the UK; collaborative work being done in the Scottish community and voluntary sector to progress employment issues.
I'll also be able to discuss with colleagues from the other side of the world some new findings from New Zealand on what motivates their own tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector staff to stay in the sector.
This will be a dynamic discussion that explores what we can learn from each others’ experiences.
And I can't wait!
I've been invited and accepted an invitation to ANZTSR Ninth Biennial Conference from 24 – 26 November 2008 in Auckland University of Technology - that's Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research.
I'm UNISON Scotland’s Organiser for Bargaining and Equal Pay, and a community development worker by trade. I've been invited to discuss research and work being done in each country on sector workforce issues – such as the impact of contracting on sector workforces in the UK; collaborative work being done in the Scottish community and voluntary sector to progress employment issues.
I'll also be able to discuss with colleagues from the other side of the world some new findings from New Zealand on what motivates their own tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector staff to stay in the sector.
This will be a dynamic discussion that explores what we can learn from each others’ experiences.
And I can't wait!
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
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