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"Just found out about the
web site from the Kiwi club e-mail. I think its inspirational the hero
section, you’re right for such a small country we have an amazing bunch
of us. Having lived in NYC for the last seven years and being an
actress/producer and being in the industry it’s refreshing to read and
learn more about home apart from the rugby or sailing (hopefully I'm not
offending anyone to much with that comment. Great site! Awesome to keep
track of good current Kiwi news. Thanks! Ka Kite."
Actress, New York City, U.S.A
"Thanks guys, wonderful site indeed. Sure is a treat to read such
well written info about our wonderful country. Is even better for those of
us who are Kiwi culture starved living abroad. We can at last prove to
doubting foreigners (mainly the Yanks) that there is more to NZ than
Marmite, Steiny and the All Blacks (God bless the national religion) I
look forward to more addtions to the site."
Financial Analyst,
Newport Beach, California, USA
"Born in Invercargill, I
have lived in USA since 1968 but spend 3 months of every year in Nelson in
our old family home. How great to read about all the things NZers have
done. Would love to connect with some other old SGHS girls or even girls
from St John’s in Invercargill."
Antique Dealder, Nenxa,
Kansas, USA
"Nice concept/community
etc. I've recently started paying a lot of attention to Kiwi's doing great
things in London. We seem to pave the way wherever we are. Now it seems we
have an A to Z to help us out. Keep up the good work."
CEO, Wireless Internet
Company, London, England
"I was very fortunate to
have spent nearly three years working in NZ with Saatchi & Saatchi in
Wellington. I found the Kiwi attitude amazing, it is a truly inspirational
country, and the rugby isn't bad either! I found the whole context of this
site really interesting and would love to keep updated....after all if you
don't have attitude, you don't have anything."
Executive Creative
Director, London, England
"Wow! you certainly are touching on a lot of truths. I too believe in
the need for youth to be 'inspired', given direction, and given the tools
to succeed in this world. We all need hero's, and those who stand above
the rest. 'Ordinary' people becoming 'exceptional' people. It's time
schools provided the essential skills you have talked about. I am
Christian, and find it difficult to believe the church is no longer
standing. God is truly with us! Yes, youth need guidance, they need strong
leadership, and they need radical love. Some NZ youth ministries are
really pumping. This is truely a time that New Zealand Youth are searching
for love and guidance. Yes, we need educators and inspirational role
models to grab this nation and teach our youth, but purpose and drive
without God will undoubtedly fall to creating 'self indulgence' propelled
youth with total focus on self and self only - I am not suggesting that
what you are advocating is new age 'self as god' projects and programmes,
rather, I am taking this opportunity to express the need for God to be
involved in team and indivduals success - especially for Peak Performance.
If secondary schools are to be the catchment and medium for such wonderful
ideas, why not teach the principles to prosperity and success through (and
with) God and the Bible. Success is in God. I ask, is the church 'dead' -
or truely alive? Is it not a choice? Why can't our youth develop all the
skills and ideas you have touched on, such as leadership, self-esteem,
community worth etc through christian based education? I know of christian
youth ministries that are making real developments in all the areas of
education that you talk about. Our nation of youth need gods love and
guidance more than ever. Together we can be a successful nation for all
the reasons outlined, but God and his teachings are the life blood of this
success. Comments welcome "swratt@zfree.co.nz" God Bless"
Outdoor Instructor,
Inglewood, New Zealand
"My God!! You have no
Visual Arts HEROS!!!!! Come on Lets SEE your response!"
Art Collector, Auckland
NZ
Ed’s Reply: "Interesting challenge. My interest is in New
Zealanders who have achieved big time internationally, no matter what
their interest. We have published only 25 stories so far, but they are
definitive short studies. Getting to the other hundreds simply takes a
little time. We figure it's like making cognac. So where to start.
Certainly no New Zealand visual artist has been as definitive in an
international context as Rutherford was in physics, McLaren in motor
racing, Te Kanawa in opera or Aitken in linear mathematics. My guess is
that some day a curator at a principal museum will have the sense to do a
major major McCahon show because he is our leading creator of meaning
through image. He should be in the
new Tate Modern. I don't really know about the international careers of
19th century artists; from last century Len Lye and Brian Brake would be
at the top of my list of New Zealand's international image makers. I've
never "got" Hodgkins but am aware of her reputation internationally. Ted
Bullmore has to be on the list. Rosalie Gasgoigne and Hundterwasser we can
claim as New Zealand artists if you twist in your seat a little. Bill
Culbert. Boyd Webb. Billy Apple. Neil Dawson. Tony Stones. And then Euan
McLeod, Karl Maughan, Peter Waddell - all painters of distinction in their
own way. Peter Peryer pops up in the most surprising places like the
Beverly Hills Hotel. Phil Dadson deserves a statue. And today's young
internationalists are Dashper, Cotton, Robinson, Tan, van Hout, Kum,
Stevenson, Intra, Tweedie et al, Patrick Pound. If you want a weird turn,
the only two artists in the Bleecker St New York office of my friend, art
publisher Knight Landesman, are Gordon Walters and Tony Delatour . Of
course segmenting our hero stories by including only those with
international exposure leaves lots of people out, but this is the essence
of our show here. We do cover contemporary NZ art achievements in our
media page and if you check the archives you'll see the stories of NZ artists who have recently been covered in international online media.
You'll find stories about Killeen in Sydney, Lye in Paris, Dadson in the
ArtBin and Hundtwasser, well, in the ground, God bless him. If you've ever
in Wellington and want an art thrill give me a call. Brian."
"Hey Brian you've written a good piece to me on NZ artists! Well
done! Now I better understand how you are choosing "Heroes."
They need to be in the archives internationally. I had been thinking that
the game would be by reference to ones 'own community view' and it is in
that context that I am concerned about the lack of recognition of NZ
visual Art Heroes. I'll keep your phone no on file for that art thrill you
offer! Regards."
"A totally excellent
concept in promoting New Zealand talent and culture... My enthusiastic
congratulations to all of you...Very well done...How can I help?"
Owner/Operator,
Invercargill, NZ
"Have just for the first
time seen the 98 tourism conference speech by Kevin. Excellent, it is
great to see New Zealand has people who are willing to expose the
direction and changes that this country needs to occur for the benefit of
a brighter future. But beware! As we all know how people at the top of
tall towers are viewed by the masses, and it is well acknowledged that if
these people are seen to be telling the rest the way it "should
be" done then it is likely that the other direction will be followed
whether right or wrong and so then diminishing those ideas. Just think of
the situation if it was Barry Crump or Billy T seen saying similiar
speeches within the back blocks of rural NZ to their neighbours and
friends (peceivably the whole population). Far more reaching and far more
acceptable to the majority that can say YES!! GO 4 IT!! The most powerful
thing that the New Zealand people can ever produce that will change the
way we see ourselves and the way we are seen, is for the collective people
of our nation to say yes or no.Not 40%-60% not 80% -20% but 100%.Only then
will be able to see who we truly are."
Informer, Hastings, NZ
“Brian and Kevin:
Have you caught up with the recent spate of letters to the Ed in the NZ
Herald about whether Pearse was the first to fly? It all started when Air
NZ ran an ad, and a web-site, saying that if the Wright Bros had had the
Internet they'd have been able to let the world know about their
achievements that much faster. Well the same is even more true for Richard
Pearse, struggling along in isolation in Upper Waitohi ("Where?"
"Exactly!") I wrote and told Air NZ so, but they haven't revised
their ads. Several others have written in support of Pearse, and others
rubbishing his efforts. I say Richard Pearse first flew on March 31st
1903, eight months before the Wright Brothers. We have less than 3 years
to persuade the world, especially the States, to put Pearse's name into
the history books, in time for the centenary of his flight. Let's get on
with it!”
Environmentalist,
North Shore, NZ
“hey brian, again,
wicked site, and wicked to see your pics of queenstown for a homesick
kiwi. in the hero's section why dont you have also some legendary kiwis
who are right now kicking it, i’m a photographer’s assistant and guys
like regan cameron who shoots big editorals for british and italian vogue,
also DP's like micheal seresin, i assisted on a job last week as we shot
sam neil, man what a patroitic kiwi he loves nz and is a very inspritional
kiwi. It’s brillant to see the old guys but i get such a kick of hearing
stories of the guys in the world now, it gave me the confidence to do what
i’m doing now. i’m in SYD and theres kiwi flags up all over after last
weeks game, its really lifted the spirit of kiwis here. and whatta game!
Sydney,
Australia
“Me again, I really
enjoyed your famous New Zealanders, great profiles. Just a bit of trivia.
My husband works at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, has been there over 25yrs. His
cousin was in USA airforce doing top secret stuff, now he is well up in
JPL where Pickering headed up the lab. I have always found it interesting
Rutherford and Pickering went to same small school in Nelson. I had a
grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandparents living in
Nelson at that time in history. My cousin showed our family all around JPL
on a private tour. The lab was closed for Thanksgiving so we and security
were the only ones there. Wow it was amazing. . . my cousin works with a
gal from New Zealand, met her once ages ago when she came wine touring
here in Napa Valley. Small world, New Zealanders everywhere.”
Napa,
California
“Brian: You know! -
we all strive in our own little way to make our place on earth a little
bit of heaven. While you have focused on the outstanding achievements of
many great NZ'ers, there are potentially more heart wrenching stories from
the average Joe who's contribution is no so much in the public domain. In
other words - stories from the edge are just that. If you focus too much
on "the great ones", those that are struggling and winning at
their own levels go unrecognized and over-shadowed - when in reality,
their small success's may make even a bigger story. I'm sure there are
some great "average" stories out there. I was reminded of a
story about a New York taxi driver who was struggling to make ends meet
living in the USA. However, he committed to sending a small percentage of
what he earned back to his school in India. His contribution enable the
school to grow and prosper to where they named the school after him - and
he received a hero's welcome on a return visit -- because he enabled this
small village school to teach. For me, he really is a hero. But for him,
his small piece of the pie was a whole pie - and a lot more, to his
hometown. So for an average Joe -- like me, it would be like a class
reunion to see and hear where we came from, where are we now, and where to
we want to be tomorrow. How many of us will return some day -- other than
to visit. Do we have desires to reclaim our piece of heaven on earth --
and if not, why not. PS: Us Kiwi's, as you have so eloquently stated, are
out there, beyond the shore line of NZ, doing great things in small and
large ways -- but keeping the spirit alive. I'm sure there are some
interesting "small" stories to tell. Keep up the effort -- it is
most appreciated. There is quite a large Kiwi contingent here in the
Washington area. I will spread your site to them - I'm sure they will join
in. Thanks for your ear.”
Vice President,
Sales, Washington DC, USA
"Hi Paul (or g'day as the phrase used to go 32 years ago when I
left those shores), Great website...I am going to forcefeed my wife (who
is American) the "heroes" section! I've always been struck by
the fact that Kiwis seem to excel in extreme solo situations
(mountaineering, round the world yachting etc). You make an important
point...few in numbers but great in achievement. Course there are a few
like me who fail to qualify!! I've forwarded your e-mail to our directors
and will be more than happy to put a link direct to you when I get our web
designers to make the next change.
Have you hit up the New York
site?? The guy who runs it does a "friends of NZ" e-mailing
which I think is pretty extensive. There's a link to them through www.atlantanz.com.
Since in a previous life I was a journalist and still think in that
twisted way, what do you think would be the chances of getting
newspaper/TV station in conjunction with AirNZ and perhaps even the NZ
Government to sponsor a "High Flying Kiwis" re-union back home??
Pick all the current top New Zealanders from round the world to come back,
perhaps under the guise of preparing a blueprint to lead to greater
success for the country??"
Realtor, Atlanta Georgia, USA
"Hi Kevin, I saw you speak
today at the lunch at the North Harbour Stadium. You have what is lacking
in this country and I was inspired. Thanks. Your stats were interesting
too. I can see why we are getting left behind. I don't want to run away
bleeting that NZ is a dead place. I will try further to make a go of it
here. At present I'm working on a little cosmetic company called The House
of Ari Rose. We manufacture a skincare range from a lab I built in the
garage. Looks good, smells good, all natural and great for the skin. After
hearing you today I'll focus on how to export it all. Thanks. Keep in
touch. "
Small Time Entrepeneur,
Auckland, NZ
"I heard Kevin Roberts
speech at the North Harbour Stadium on July 14. I wholeheartedly agree
with his view point on New Zealand's standing in the world and share in
his concerns about NZ's future in both, social and economic terms. Good
luck with your endeavours!"
Retired, Auckland, New
Zealand
"I am a student in
Auckland college and I am doing a research assignment on Ernest Rutherford
at the moment and I really found your article very good. I came up with
couple of questions I would like to know about Rutherford. 1. Why
Rutherford did not stay in New Zealand to research? Why did he go overseas
to research? What were his reasons to go overseas? 2. How is his success
and himself shown right now to be remembered by the people? What are the
reasons he is on the $100 note now."
Student, Auckland, NZ
Ed’s reply: "Thanks
for writing.
Rutherford's reasons for going overseas would have simply related to the
fact that the international scientific community was there, not here.
Science is both a creative and collaborative field, and the community of
scientists he was to be a part of (including Einstein) and eventually to
lead, were all overseas. In particular, the Cavendish Lab at Cambridge had
a legacy of science (and physics) breakthroughs. The infrastructure for
his research was in place at Cambridge and also at McGill University where
he also studied. There is pretty strong awareness, I believe, of
Rutherford being one of our greatest achievers (he's usually paired with
Edmund Hillary). Time magazine led with him on the cover of their
millennium issue (South Pacific); there was the play at Circa last year, a
new biography, a touring exhibition which has just opened at the
Canterbury Museum, and of course the bank note, which I believe was
influenced by public vote. I think Hillary is on the $5 note because it is
among the most popular notes and Rutherford was on the "highest
value" because of his Nobel achievement. Brian."
"The site looks great but
a question what is the value of it for subscribers. Is that they can
communicate with others? Build a network? I can not see how much of the
content would change. However in saying that there are some great elements
to the site including the many celebrated Kiwis featured and the different
places we are making news."
Editor, London, United
Kingdom
"This is fantastic. It's
great to have a site dedicated to "us Kiwi's" that's so positive
and focused on celebrating our uniqueness as well as the acheivements of
fellow country men & women. I will definitely be checking out the site
regularly - even though I'm in NZ it's still wonderful to hook into such
positivity, especially during a break on a frustrating day. Great stuff -
keep it up!"
Advertising Sales Executive, Auckland, NZ
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"Great site! Stirs the expat heart and kindles fond memories
associated with departed youth."
Realtor, Atlanta
Georgia, USA
"Inspiring site, looking
forward to future visits."
Marketing Manager,
Wellington, NZ
"Great site. I've passed
it on to all the Kiwi's in London I know. I'll definitely be a frequent
visitor."
Senior Account Manager,
London, UK
"Great concept, felt
bloody good to be able to sit at my laptop in downtown Sydney and get a
dose of posiitive NZ stories, considering most of NZ press coverage we get
here is rather negative. You should consider doing a story on achieving
Kiwis living in Oz considering we are now the biggest immigrant population
living in NSW. Where do you intend to take this, will it
compete/complement with the NZ Pure brand?"
Senior Consultant,
Sydney, Australia
"I'd like to register.
This is a great idea."
Volunteer, New York, USA
"Having just recently
moved across the ditch...this is one way to stay connected ... I love being
"edge""
Multimedia Artist,
Sydney, Australia
"Great site! I'm looking
forward to see more of your "imagination"."
Information Manager,
Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands
"New Zealander living
abroad for 9 years. Passionate about the country and our place in the
world. Spreading the good word."
Tourism, Frankfurt,
Germany
" I have enjoyed reading
your site and will promote it to the 3,000 plus Kiwis living in
Utah."
NZ Consul, Salt Lake
City, Utah, USA
"Looks good. Eye opening.
Inspirational"
Operations Manager,
Auckland, NZ
"This is fantastic - I'm a
Kiwi living in Australia and this is a great site. Can't wait for the
updates. What a great job!"
Marketing Executive, Sydney, Australia
“Thanks
so much for your email updates! This website is BRILLIANT.”
Actress, New
York, USA
"Great idea. Look forward
to on-going information. Will try to spread the word in Ottawa and my
friends at Kiwis in Montréal will do likewise there, I am sure. My wife
Sally is from Christchurch."
Retired, Ottawa, Canada
"Awesome site!!!"
Vice President Human
Resources, Palo Alto, United States
"Interested in gaining
some insight into what is happening"
Commerce student,
Wellington, NZ
“Dear editor, here
is the link to my favorite New Zealander on US TV. He's been on the E!
channel for the past decade and makes us kiwis proud. http://www.eonline.com/On
/People/gagnew.html
Sincerely.”
United States
[About Arthur Lydiard
pioneering jogging] “Finally, something NOT invented by the Chinese.”
United States
"Hi, this is Peter from
Austria. I´m fellow of the Austrian-New Zealand Society here in Vienna.
You´ve sent me your web-address and I liked it. Cheers."
MD, Klosterneuburg,
Austria
"Inspiring address at the
Albany Stadium, Kevin!"
Contracts Manager,
Auckland, NZ
"I have just joined the
internet and my daughter recomended this site to me."
Landlord, Wellsford, NZ
"LOVE the site, shows our
New Zealand has really made its MARK in the world. Keep up the good
work."
Student, Hamilton, NZ
"NZEdge is a fantastic site! A great reminder that as Kiwis we've
always had our own unique heroes to celebrate. Hopefully the more Kiwis
who see the site, the more we will feel comfortable celebrating our own
heroes and heritage."
University Student,
Hamilton, NZ
“If I walk into a
bar and see a lady with a NZ Edge T shirt, I will certainly be well
positioned. Publish a book on great NZ screenplays. Have a yearly short
story competition for the New Zealanders on the edge. Use select
member-designs for the T shirts.”
Writer, Bal
Harbour, USA
"Super site, good to see
an attempt for NZ to become a 'lovemark', very impressed!!!!!!"
Management Student,
Hamilton, NZ
"20 minutes ago I was
watching Kevin Roberts speak at Waikato University, he is inspiring and
the perfect patriot for New Zealand. Leading the world from the edge by
being fast and a generator of ideas is the encouragement students like
myself need. I hope to emulate Kevin's vision and strive to be a leader,
not a follower, and promote the Kiwi attitude along the way."
Student, Hamilton, NZ
"I applaud your positive
approach, I read somewhere recently that life is 10% events and 90% is our
reaction to those events = Attitude"
Sales & Marketing,
Rotorua, NZ
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