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WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO NZEDGE.COM THIS MONTH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Austin Texas, Bangkok, Brisbane, Brussels, Canberra, Cholburi Thailand,
Delemont Switzerland, Dublin, Egham Surrey, Englewood Colorado, Gold Coast
Queensland, Grayling Missouri, Greenville South Carolina, Guangzhou,
Hongkong, Houston Texas, Hyderabad, Johannesburg, Islamabad, Kiev Ukraine,
Lansdale Pennsylvania, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Malaysia, Manila, Melbourne,
Miami, New York, Pristina Kosovo, Reading England, Sangareddy India,
Scarsdale New York, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Valley Forge Pennsylvania, Venice
Beach California. AND FROM NEW ZEALAND: Alexandra, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin,
Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth, Nelson, North Shore City,
Pukekohe, Tauranga, Te Puke, Urenui, Waiheke Island, Wellington,
Whanganui, Whangarei.
THE BIG BLACK
SNOWBALL
"The way for New Zealand to prosper is to
be fast, innovative and celebrate our kiwiness. This website may be the
small snowflake that sets the black snowball rolling......kia kaha nzedge."
Planning
Consultant/TaeKwon Do Instructor, Hamilton, NZ
HARNESS COLLECTIVE
ENERGY
"Excellent
concept for a web-site. I'm originally from the UK, but spent 7 years in
NZ. I returned to the London with my family a year ago to see whether I,
and my family, want to settle here. We don't, and are returning to NZ in
the new year. NZ is a fantastic place to live, with amazing natural
endowments and fantastic opportunities. It's a shame that so few people
within NZ seem to be conscious of these advantages. One of the facets of
NZ that I was struck by is the continual criticism of the country from
within. Criticism is great if it leads to a plan for positive change.
Unfortunately, in NZ's case no such plan has, as yet, materialised. Which
is where this web-site comes in. It's excellent to have a forum on which
NZers can celebrate the positive aspects of NZ, and harness their
collective energy and enthusiasm for the place to forge a bright future
for NZ. I can't wait to get back and get stuck in myself."
Lawyer,
London, England
COUNTRY OF
ON-TO-IT PEOPLE
"Good
timing! I'm bloody sick of the media being a pack of whingers and whiners
saying the sky is falling. I'm an optimist and I think NZ is one of best
countries in the world. Population increase is the idiot's way out though
- keep increasing a population and you end up with a country like Japan,
which has 90 square cm of land for every person in the country. Better to
have a country of on-to-it people that look after each other."
Programmer, Wellington, NZ
THE RIGHT STUFF
“Fine
storytelling! It's great that the audience is able to mould where the
story goes too and add to the debate about our national identity. I looked
at the 'feedback' page and there are sentiments and interpretations
consonant with my own. I reckon you guys providing a really neat thing,
particularly in light of media comment recently from "a generation
lost" with its myopic focus on financial rewards as being the
defining drawcard of New Zealand. I recognise that the letter in question
was a political stunt and was pursuing a barely concealed agenda, but
where such views go unchallenged they may assume the power to shape
people's expectations and attitudes. This would be a repugnant outcome.”
Economist,
Wellington, NZ
HERE, QUEER, NOT
THERE
"Wonderful
site - nice to see that the nation’s best have left the country to find
their feet. Hence there is little wonder that myself and friends have left
and discovered what those who have left before have found that the riches
to be obtained whilst overseas far outweigh the joys that can be obtained
in a child Godzone. "We're here, we're queer and we're not there.
" There's no reason to return so soon. I enjoyed the site, it is
refreshing and well thought out, what is needed however is perhaps a page
extolling the virtues of a return to the land of milk and honey. Perhaps
then, and perhaps with a change of government, there may be the exodus
back home that is at once so exciting, but ultimately unattractive."
Commercial
Producer, Los Angeles, USA
SPIRITUAL SIDE
CONTRIBUTES
"Kevin,
just came across your speech given last Friday on the Edge. Not everyone
agrees with your view of the world, including me sometimes (!) but in your
speech you put across a remarkably positive approach to getting this
country up and running. (The only thing you've missed out mentioning is
the spiritual side, but obviously you just couldn't fit everything in!)
I'm printing your speech out, and will send off copies to all and sundry -
if you don't mind. It was very heartening to read it - more than that it
had plenty of good sense mixed in with the positive stuff. Good on yer,
mate!"
Freelance Journalist, Dunedin, NZ
WIRELESS IDEA
"I
am working with several other kiwis on a wireless consumer communications
device which needs some exterior design work, and would like, if possible,
to use NZ talent for this. While the execution and finance of the idea is
a couple of months away, the business plan is being formulated and call me
patriotic but kiwi contacts in the various necessary outsourcing
industries would be preferred."
Telecom
Business Analyst, London
MAKING AN
ANIMATED DIFFERENCE
"Thank
you for providing us with nzedge.com. As one of many New Zealanders who
occasionally sucumb to the national depressive order called "staying
behind" it is inspirational! There are thousands like me I am sure
who want to make a difference but instead spend their days in frustrated
semi-animation, living their lives, earning their way, but not feeling
like they are making a real contribution. The frustration comes from
despair at policies like student loans, surely one of the most
short-sighted, negative initiatives ever invented - short hand for
"pay for a top education and then disappear overseas so you don't
have to pay it back!""
Lawyer, Auckland, NZ
TURNING LIVES
AROUND
"I
want to congratulate Kevin Roberts on his superb speech to the Resource
Management Law Association conference last Friday. It was truly
inspirational. Many of the themes I read about in the North & South
article with Kevin - edge themes - were resource management themes writ
large - what is our vision as resource management lawyers and consultants,
what is the strategic plan to realise that vision, is it being met through
the plans and policies put in place at huge cost. Or is it really just a
major impediment to doing business in this country. It was a gamble to go
with Kevin, but it paid off hugely, and we owe him an enormous thankyou
for his commitment to the theme of the conference. He may not realise it,
but he might just have started to turn quite a few lives around in that
audience - from Judges, Councillors, iwi to all of the people involved in
resource management. It was great. Best wishes."
Lawyer,
Auckland NZ
IDEA BUZZ
"Hi Kevin.
Congratulations! Three of our partners attended your opening speech at the
Resource Management law Association conference on Friday and I have rarely
seen them so enthused about a speaker! You knocked their socks off!! Not
an easy feat with such an audience! I've just read your speech - excellent
stuff and I can see why they're so buzzed. It's a real pleasure to see the
continuing effects of the edge ideas. Cheers."
Legal Manager,
Auckland, NZ
EDGY
"Greetings:
I think your speech was a brilliant summary of past, present and future
that’s possible for New Zealanders. I have sent a copy to Helen Clark PM
and Kim Hill Radio NZ, be interesting to see if there's any follow
up."
Peoples Advocate-coordinator, Lower Hutt, NZ
OLDER POPULATION WANTS
VISION TOO
"Please,
lets keep building up the confidence of Kiwi's young & old. It’s not
just the young ones that are in need of direction & hope, but also
NZ's older poptn. We are the best country in the world by far & we
just need to start believing in this special place again! The Govt. must
act now & for the future, but it is mainly down to each individual to
take responsibility for this country. I feel that most of our problems
stem from the fact that we are only a young country on a world scale &
with technology developing so fast we are not getting enough time to grow
& experience life the way the rest of the developed countries have
over the generations. However, we must not complain about our own &
instead support & push people forward which will help solve most of
our problems in this multi cultural society! Go the Kiwi's!!!"
Company
Director, Mt.Eden, Auckland
NEW ZEALAND’S WORLD
BANKERS
"I
very much enjoyed your inspiring speech on "At the Edge: Vision for
NZ" given in AKL today. We need more NZers talking to NZers like you,
and we need many other Kiwis to take notice. On another subject, I read
the NZ Edge web site. Depending on how "deep" the site intends
to go in identifying leading NZers, we have a few lights here. Mark Baird,
from Invercargill, was the Vice President for Strategy in the Bank and now
runs the Bank's program in Indonesia where he advises President Wahid on
almost a daily basis. There are, in fact, many kiwis here in very
prominent positions, way in disproportion to our numbers. One directs our
Treasury, one directs our Education Group, another our Heath Group, and
(on a lesser scale) I manage our corporate strategy in East Asia and have
lead the Bank's effort in rebuilding East Timor. Perhaps rather than a
piece on individuals in the Bank, a piece on the influence of NZers,
collectively, in the Bank might be interesting."
Manager, Strategy and Policy, East Asia Region,
Washington DC, USA
TA MOKO AND MAORI
TATTOO
"Kia-ora
Paul, I have read through your review on ta moko
and you are right for sure in saying that Maori tattoos are hot property
right now, I get hundreds of emails from foreigners asking whether they
can receive ta moko and can we either recommend an artist or design them
an "authentic Maori Ta moko" and as you have picked up this
doesn’t go without issue from our people.
"I can speak for
my self only, I can't speak on behalf of Maori, or Iwi (Tribes) or even
hapu (sub-tribes) at this stage, but I do have some general feelings on
the issue of the fashion world exploiting the tradition of ta moko, and I
say exploiting because I do have a problem with someone else from another
people coming along and using your traditions, spirituality, art, or
whatever it may be, and selling it to the world... for their own profit
and benefit.
"For me I
am coming to understand that Ta moko and Maori Tattoo are really two
separate issues and two separate identities, Ta Moko – it is of the
living face of Mataora, it is whakapapa (genealogy), it is identity, it is
Taonga. Maori tattoo is just that, tattoo with a Maori influence... I have
told foreigners in the past straight out "No" you can't have a
design, and I think that for me this was the right thing to say to them. I
still feel I don’t hold enough knowledge of this tradition to go saying
to people, "yeah I'll make you a design" But I am warming to the
idea that Maori tattoo, maybe a viable thing for foreigners in the near
future, But ta moko, this is a different thing all together... it would be
like me coming to you and asking if I could use your grandmother's ashes
to make a mud bath for my skin... it just ain't right, right? I am no big
tohunga on this matter either, I am a Maori who loves the tradition of ta
moko, I do practice ta moko, and Maori tattoo, but I do feel there is a
difference, and that is whakapapa. All in all Paul I enjoyed your article,
very deductive, I like that. Keep up the good work."
Turumakina
Duleyz
EDGE OF WWF
"I came to this site looking for inspiration and found heaps of it. I
manage the New Zealand Wrestler who is about to enter the WWF (World
Wrestling Federation), as a Maori Warrior with full facial Moko, I believe
that Paul has the potential to become New Zealand’s biggest
International celebrity, and everything I have read on this site reaffirms
my belief. Go NZEDGE you are an inspiration."
TV Producer,
Auckland, NZ
TURNING ON
TECHIES
"Thanks
for the effort you and your cohorts have put in to these excellent
websites, I'm spreading the message to everyone I know. My challenge is to
encourage young kiwi minds to study science or engineering, these are not
'sexy' to high schoolers. Our economic growth and quality of life are
definitely affected by the poor ratio of graduates NZ has in these
disciplines although our history is littered with world renowned
scientists and engineers, many who have pioneered technological advances
in their fields of expertise. As you may deduce I'm passionate about my
role. Richest blessing, live long and prosper as you breakthrough another
frontier. Tofa soifua"
Auckland
HAMILTON JET
"In the
heroes role of honour I think Hamilton of the Hamilton Jet boat inventor
is worth a mention. The jet boat is the most well known invention of his
but he also invented a number of other things including the modern
excavator which he himself rated above the jet boat. Keep up the good
work."
Computer Student, Whangarei, NZ
"Yes, he’s on
the "to do" list, check out http://www.nzedge.com/speeches/edge.html
for our original reference to Hamilton’s innovations – Brian, Editor
PEARSE COMING
SOON
"Aren't
the Pearse brothers also considered famous NZers for their contribution to
flight, or were the American Wright brothers way before them?"
Physical Education, Englewood, Colorado, USA
PEARSE AGAIN
"So far so good. I've enjoyed and learned
from what I've read. But where is the first (aguably) aviator Richard
Pearce among the inventors. Great Stuff, Pleased to have found you.
Cheers!"
Electrician (Appliance Service), New Plymouth, NZ
"Agree,
Richard Pearce is in the next seven, we should have published it prior but
his story needs to be done justice -- to his work and to all the people
who have written about him prior." – Brian, Editor
JOHN BRITTEN
"Hi, I love the Edge website! I especially enjoyed the article about
Bruce McLaren,a fitting tribute. I was wondering if you have ever
considered covering John Britten,the innovative motorcycle
engineer/inventor from Christchurch? I'm sure he fits the bill of being an
extraordinary New Zealander who has achieved on the international stage. I
would love to see him in your heroes section of the site. Can you please
let me know if this has ever been considered. Thanks and
regards"
Aircraft Engineer, Auckland, New Zealand
"Yes, John Britten is among our next seven stories to be done,
thanks." – Brian, Editor
RIGHT ON!
"What
I have thought about setting up is an interactive discussion site where
challenges to NZ are tabled, and web folks can propose solution-orientated
suggestions. By challenges, I mean things like the emerging NZ underclass
(that's my main concern, working in a public hospital), the question of
pushing national identity, the "flee- the-sinking-ship"
mentality, developing a knowledge-orientated economy, and so on. Questions
would have to be quite specific, and they should avoid the issue-attention
cycle trap (like child abuse at the moment) in order to be more refreshing
and stimulating. Positivity, of course, is the name of the game.
Feasibility and applicability to NZ also important. No copyright or
ownership issues, so any suggestions can swim right into the political
arena and into public debate. Emphasis on corporate support of creative
ideas from the thinking public to improve quality of life for all NZers,
with govt-level endorsement and web-based trumpeting to the rest of the
world. Results could be emailed to relevant govt.co.nz sites monthly, and
debate could be encouraged form commentators or academics in the area.
Eventually with a media link, eg really perceptive and creative
suggestions sound-bited to media with a wider spectrum of viewers, eg
Holmes show, Herald, Listener etc. To start the ball rolling, I have
always thought that we reward individual spending too much with loyalty
cards and airpoints, and that triple or quadruple airpoints should be
awarded for all donations to registered charities, to encourage a bit of
philthanotropic spending. NZedge is a possible forum for this type of
debate-orientated interactive envy, as you obviously are well resourced,
have staff with the necessary capabilities, and are able to promote the
site. Just a thought." Research
Fellow Department of Medicine
"Great idea,
we'll do it before Christmas." – Brian, Editor
AUSTRIAN MAP
STORY
"Good show! to use a dated expression. As a first comment, I should
point out that on nearly every map of the world in Europe, New Zealand
indeed appears at the very edge - bottom right hand corner - and, in the
interests of saving paper, frequently disappears over the edge. When I
first arrived in Vienna in the 70's I made a courtesy call on Rudolf
Sallinger, at that time an important figure on Austria's economic stage.
When I entered the hall of his representative office on the Ring, I was
faced with a relief map of the world covering a whole wall. Austria was in
the middle, lesser nations strewn around it. As a New Zealander I at once
noticed that something was missing. I was conducted up to Sallinger's
office and received in a most friendly manner, as New Zealand's first
resident ambassador. The conversation centred on New Zealand. Sallinger
had briefed himself well in advance. Indeed some of his best friends were
New Zealanders! As I was about to leave I noted, "Mr. President, I
believe there is something missing on the world map downstairs in the
hall." He had no idea what I was talking about but nodded and smiled
politely. However, he must have given some thought to my remark. When I
made my next call some months later, I at once saw that the whole wall had
been taken down and replaced with a new map of the world. Austria was
still in the middle surrounded by other Herrenländer but there was New
Zealand too. On the edge! I might add that I have had similar world map
experiences in many countries including Holland, one of whose citizens was
the first European to see our shores. I believe he called it Van
Stadtenland but on his return home long afterwards, discovered that
another Dutch explorer had given another land the same name. We then
received our present title, that of a Dutch province plus Nieuw. Which
leads to another story and so ad infinitum. For my part, I should be
pleased if you would register me amongst your participants - even though I
belong to a generation which was alive and kicking long before Internet
had been thought of."
Consul General of New Zealand, Austria
GLOBAL FINANCIAL
SYSTEM REDESIGN NEEDED
"Have just been copied with your address to the RMLA conference which
raises some interesting and timely challenges. Obviously only a fool would
agree with all that you propose but it is certainly food for thought in a
somewhat barren ideological landscape.
"The problem with NZ is
a microcosm of what the rest of the world is suffering from, a 21st
century productive capacity that is stiffled from reaching anything like
it's full potential due to having to accommodate a financial structure
that prevents potential consumers from accessing what is produced.
"Consider
production as a 24 lane motorway with no speed limits that comes up
against a financial system that is the equivalent of a creaky old single
lane bridge with a set of traffic lights operated by Messrs Brash and
Cullen.
"There seems to
me to be little point in expanding productive capacity when at the same
time we are accepting a 300 year old (basically) financial structure that
predates the industrial revolution let alone the hi-tech era we are now
in.
"Unless the
system puts the power to purchase in the hands of potential consumers then
the purpose of production, eg consumption, is negated. The present system
of income distribution through wages and salaries does not do that hence
the rapidly rising tide of debt as consumers resort to credit as a means
of purchase.
"I am a
firm believer in the unlimited capacity of the new technology and as a
relatively old bugger have embraced it wholeheartedly, however, the world’s
population cannot feed itself on either potential or capacity when the
existing financial system dictates that an increasing proportion of people
will be denied access. Therein lies the nub of the problem that the next
decade or three will have to grapple with. The solution to future problems
lie within the mistakes that have been made in the past. Good
luck with it!"
Hamilton,
NZ
MEDIOCRITY NEVER
PIONEERED A NATION
"Dear
Kevin, You don't know me. No bother, I felt the urge to write. I have read
your speech transcript carefully and find much to agree with.
"I am 58, I have
travelled extensively and worked in the United Kingdom, Australia, the
United States and the Far East, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.
I like to think I have a global perspective on international affairs. I am
very proud to be a New Zealander and have used my birthright to lever an
advantage on any number of occasions when offshore. Now that is the
prerogative of my two children, both in their 20's. Both University
educated, at no small cost to their parents, despite their outstanding
student loans. One has a doctorate in her chosen field and is off to work
in Australia. My son has a corporate role in Wellington and is likely to
be living and working overseas within the next 6 months.
"Both of them are
driven achievers and cannot find security in this country. I believe that
if you questioned them closely you might just find that it isn't the lack
of opportunity so much as the culture of dependence and selfishness that
seems to pervade so much of life in New Zealand. We seem to want it all,
but at no cost. We are all about rights but not about accepting
responsibility. We are preoccupied, our media totally, with the plight of
the disadvantaged, the less well off, the disenfranchised, the perceived
victims of injustice, and so it goes on. Compare the lead pages of the
Straits Times or the South China Morning Post with the New Zealand Herald
or the Press. Compare the content. Consider the content of our prime time
TV news and current affairs. The message is clear and the writing is on
the wall and has been for some time. As my son puts. 'Dad. If you live
with them long enough you will become one of them. I don't want that. I've
heard enough talkback radio to do me a lifetime."
"Kevin, I think
this whole closing the gaps thing, before it became a cliche of the
present government, is being stretched beyond political correctness to the
point of absurdity. The treaty police and the tall poppy bashing brigade
have prevailed. Simply put, this is not a healthy environment for winners
and those who harboring aspirations of personal success in business. So
they are off, and they will go with my blessing. It breaks my heart to
have to say goodbye because I know we may never see much more of them in
New Zealand.
"Personally my
concern is that we are eroding our future tax base. The media and the
politicians can play around with the figures to their hearts content but
someone needs to point out the real truth. What is much more important is
that we are trading our young achievers, professional, academic, and
skilled trades-people in exchange for a large number of immigrants, both
Pacific Islanders, South Africans and others, various over stress, (yes
they will be included in next years figures), refugees and their families,
and New Zealand born retirees coming back to settle at the end of their
useful working lives. Make no mistake I want to see these people.
"We need a
growing population to sustain some business for the stay- at- homes. I
mean no disrespect to any of the forementioned but the truth is they
cannot but be a drain on our scarce welfare resources for the next few
years. The growth in the local economy, that characterised the immediate
post-war period and allowed the Dutch and their fellow Europeans to
quickly become net contributors to the nations wealth, is no longer there.
Even the reasonable number of Asians who came to settle in the early 90's
have taken to their heels as soon as their economies showed signs of
recovery, or their kids finished school or university. The fact is that
our demographics are changing very quickly and we don't have the policies
in place or the competence at Government level to deal with that. That is
the concern I share with you.
"Back in about
1962 I went to a school prizegiving at my old school. The presentations on
that occasion were made by the then Governor General of New Zealand,
Viscount Cobham. The imposing venue was the school dining hall, and it
really is quite grand even today. His address was aimed specifically at
the school leavers of whom there were some 100 present in the audience of
600 boys and staff.
"I'm not sure how
much if anything you can recall from that time, but you should remember
that it was still regarded as the 'post-war' era. Farming had prospered in
the 50's on the back of high wool prices and the economy had been booming.
Growth was everywhere to be seen, jobs were easy to find, no one had a
care. But cracks had started to appear in the fabric of empire and New
Zealand was not immune. Our traditional trade ties with Britain were under
siege and for comfort we hung on the platitudes of the producer boards and
a Minister of Agriculture and Trade whose annual junkets 'home' were a
feature of the trade calendar for many years. In a show of naivety matched
only by Neville Chamberlain he returned to New Zealand year after year to
reassure us that all was well and our continued access to United Kingdom
markets was assured.
"Cobham was a
good speaker. Many of his addresses have been published in book form. It
was against this background and the premonition of change that he talked
to the boys. I have never forgotten the message. He presaged the passing
of empire and the changing responsibilities that would fall on the young
shoulders of those assembled. He told us to look for lessons to our
forbears who had come to this largely uninhabited and inhospitable land,
and its lack of creature comforts, and made it the land of milk and honey
it was oft referred to. He talked about the gold miners, the kauri
diggers, the road builders. He said to look for lessons in our history. He
said simply to remember, and I have never forgotten those words."
Mediocrity never pioneered a nation".
"MEDIOCRITY NEVER
PIONEERED A NATION." "The funny thing is that from that day I
have tended to relate everything that's happened to this young country in
the context of those remarks. What I have seen is mediocrity or the middle
road of compromise as we have continued to pander to the cause of
minorities, pressure groups, agitators and fringe elements with a drum to
beat.
"Policies pursued
by successive governments in a bid to please everyone have satisfied no
one. All we have left is a nation of malcontents with more gripes than you
can throw a book at. The silent majority, the victims in all this as in
most things have been largely ignored. The popular referendum in most
matters is largely forgotten in pursuit of idealistic drivel and so called
mandates. Sure there are some who say that is the nature of democratic
government, but your own comments on the suitability of MMP to our
situation are my response too.
"Jack Watts,
famous one time Minister of Electricity and Works publicly observed at one
time during the Holyoake era that New Zealanders were tending to lean too
much on the Government as the universal panacea for everything that ailed
them. New Zealanders must accept responsibility for their own lives and
not look to the Government to prop them up at every turn. It was a role
the Government could too easily assume and he thought would not be healthy
for the future of the country. Bad luck Jack, they didn't listen.
"How can we turn
things around? Kevin it's bloody nearly midnight. I am going to read that
script of yours again. Words well written and spoken."
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"Just want to
congratulate you on your passion and determination. You have to be tough,
as New Zealand has a tendency to kill the winners when or before they get
too big. I watch with interest your efforts to motivate New Zealand people
and to create a brand for New Zealand. Well done. Keep up the
battle."
Tokyo
"The site articulates closely what I think and feel
about NZ, its people, wherever they may be, and myself here in NY. I will
be interested to see where it all leads us. I have my hopes and dreams and
I know now that they are shared by others."
Structured
Finance Analyst, New York, USA
"I think this is
an awesome website which shows once again the amazing ability of NZers to
be forward and outward looking. I've always said the best thing about NZ
is that the people have the ability to look around the world and find what’s
best, then bring it home and make it better."
Project Manager, London, UK
"Keep up
the good work. NZ Edge needs to move more into the main stream more to
support the current efforts to get politicians and the general public of
NZ constructively focused on what is required to create an environment in
NZ where innovation and commercial excellence are respected and rewarded,
not regarded with suspicion and distrust."
Corporate Development, Houston, USA
"Brings a tear to
my eye! I know how outstanding we Kiwis are and how uplifting our spirit
is, yet to see it in print for the world to see is absolutely awesome!
ozzy who?"
Finance,
Auckland, NZ
"Great
media area – best I've seen yet for keeping up with what's happening
back home."
IT Quality Manager, London, UK
"Fantastic
web site :) - count me in! Lets get going and make NZ the place it can
be."
Education Consultant, Wellington, NZ
"Very interesting
site and ideas. We have discussed the need for a national strategy or
direction within which policy needs to be contextualised, and your site
provides some useful input to that debate."
Senior Advisor,
Wellington, NZ
"Saw the
website mentioned in Kevin's speech about a vision for NZ. Love the 'Edge'
concept! Inspirational!"
Policy
Researcher, Wellington, NZ
"Congratulations.
Powerful speech! Continue to "Be first, be different, be
daring"! I am riding the same exhilarating journey, wouldn't miss it
for the world!"
Chairman/CEO,
Wanganui, NZ
"Thanks Brian for
sending this brilliant address. I have emailed it to many people here in
NZ and overseas. Optimism and enthusiasm are catching on!"
Christchurch
"Thank you. I
read Kevin's speech and enjoyed it. Emphasis now amongst all the doom and
gloom is to be positive. That is where the opportunities are. Old adage of
the time to buy is on a losing share market."
Ops Manager,
Wellington, NZ
"I attended the
opening of the Resource Management Law Association conference where Kevin Roberts was the keynote speaker. The energy he
generated has left me on a high. Here is someone who is actually doing
things to respond to the concerns with our country that are all too often
raised."
Solicitor, Auckland NZ
"When I read the
types of things that Kevin Roberts talks about in his speeches I think
yea, that's right. And you know what I think that many of us are really
closet K One W One Supporters. We just need to be reminded of it more
often."
Tutor,
Tauranga, NZ
"A big
thank-you to Kevin Roberts for his speech "At the Edge-Vision for New
Zealand".....I have goose bumps....the nail has been hit on the
head....I'm coming home!!"
Gold Coast, Australia
"Take back the
courage to be responsible for ourselves!"
Consultant,
Wellington, NZ
"Great site, am
now feeling a bit homesick!! Saw Kerry Fox in 'In Flame' playing in London
and would recommend seeing it."
Corporate
Communications Manager, London
"I'd like
to see on your web pages the top selling books in NZ at any one time as
they do in the Sunday Times or Telegraph. It would be also good to have a
list of books written by New Zealanders that have been big sellers, past
and present. What about reviewing successful NZ films. I'd love to read
about Scarfies for example, and to be told where I could view it in the
UK. It is frustrating living in the UK and getting snippets about good NZ
films and never being able to see being able to see
them."
Oxted,
UK
"This site is a
great idea"
Educational
Administrator, Bangkok, Thailand
"I totally agree,
NZ is a great place, and we should all feel proud (...sadly thinking of
all the misery stuff in the news and the government) but beyond this it is
an awesome country."
Direct
Marketing Manager, Auckland, NZ
"Congratulations.
A great idea that is long overdue. If you are looking for successful
networking models to base what you are trying to achieve, look no further
than Top US business school alumni groups. The networking power of these
organisations is worth an entire MBA fee in itself. Good luck with your
venture."
Entrepreneur in the Venture Development space, Venice, California, USA
"What a brilliant
web site. I do think you could have a site for clubs etc in London and
other countries. People would be interested to read about it and good to
know about when you are travelling."
Surrey, UK
"Thoroughly
enjoyed the site. Great look and good information. Really enjoyed the HOT
list. Intend to share with friends overseas."
Business
Analyst, Auckland, NZ
"Very interested
in a community/ group that is concerned about the future of our beautiful
country. I am one of many young, educated (indebted) NZers living and
working overseas and do not see many reasons to return home. The current
political and economic environment does not encourage me to return. Some
forward thinking is required to encourage people like myself to return to
NZ and contribute our energy and skills to the local economy."
IT Consultant, London, UK
"What a wonderful
website. Like many others I moved overseas to further my career within the
legal industry. Auckland is such a small place and the opportunity
presented itself."
Legal
Secretary, Melbourne, Australia
"It’s about
time something like this was created. This site echoes many dinner/pub
conversations with expat Kiwis around the world - and its high time all
that hot air was put to good use. I'll be forwarding this web address to
as many Kiwis as I can think of spread around the world."
Development
Project Manager, Sydney, Australia
"Hi Brian,
greetings to down under, but not from up and above! Yes I am a Kiwi and as
you know Kiwis DO fly a lot. Your project I read with interest. My son from London
found your site and I am pleased he forwarded the info. I will do the same
with the expat community. I know about 20 Kiwis who live here currently.
Keep up the good work and spread the word. Regards"
Vienna, Austria
"Great
stuff, material is ideal to bring alive with some flash, sound and
multimedia. This is the kind of material that all should know but most of
all kids. They are the real messengers of our new economy- and have always
been. Were I to send my daughter to this site(she's 15) she will not stay
very long. Some animation is crucial. Great stuff though."
Internet Exec, Coconut Grove/Miami/Florida, USA
"Guys and
gal's, Phil Somerville here aka Mr> Electric, Superdudes. In reference
to you article dated May 3rd from Sonicnet.com regarding Myself and the
positive message my partners The Superdudes are spreading. Thanks for the
write up guys ? One thing, I'm 30 not 41 although at times we all feel
alot older than we are ..... right! I'm on a mission to save the world,
with the help of other Superdudes, gender does not matter . I'll keep you
posted as to wazzzzzzzzzzzabi, but be rest assured this is a positive
message we’re spreading, and I'm glad to be a Kiwi! So rock on guys and
Be Super ! Electric out !"
Superhero ...
No Shit!, Venice Beach Ca, USA
“I am feeling incredibly inspired
right now (and a touch patriotic), having just read the speech by Kevin. Many of
my thoughts are summed up (a lot more eloquently) by what he said. I have been
passing on the nzedge URL to my expat kiwi friends, and their reaction has been
similar to mine, so consider than another collective seal of approval.”
Systems
Business Analyst, London, England
“Chocolate-bring-it-on! The best
view is from the edge anyways!”
Senior
Technologist, Wellington, NZ
“It's about time somebody made a
'Patriotic Kiwi' website. My Yank mates here are sick of hearing about how NZ is
the best, now they have an insight into what I'm talking about. Even I was
amazed at how many 'Heroes' we have produced. Looking forward to updates. Bloody
good stuff.
Las
Vegas (orig. Kaitaia), Nevada, USA
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