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WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO NZEDGE.COM THIS MONTH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
OFF-ISLAND: Bristol, Cairns, California, Chennai/Madras (India), Dubai,
Durban, Greenboro North Carolina, Gujrat/Baroda (India), Kruipen a/d
Ijssel (Netherlands), Lae (Papua New Guinea), London, Melbourne, Nanaimo
(Canada), New Delhi, New York, Paris, Phoenix (South Africa), Pune
(India), Reading (UK), San Francisco, Seattle, Sydney, Telfs (Austria),
Thane (India), Zurich, Weiler (Germany); and from ON-ISLAND: Auckland, Bay
of Islands, Christchurch,
Dunedin, Gisborne, Hastings, Lower Hutt, North Shore City, Palmerston
North, Tongariro/Turangi, Upper Hutt, Wanganui, Wellington
RUSHING
TO NEW ZEALAND "Reading
the comments about the Brain Drain
made me think of an item I came across in the Weekly News of 1939 in the
course of researching the topic of the encounter of European refugees and
New Zealand society on the eve of the Second World War.
“The
Canterbury Chamber of Commerce prepared a report in which it urged that a
regular supply of immigrants be brought from European countries. (The lack
of skilled people in NZ was a constant theme, and they wanted these people
cheap, as they do now).
“Somehow,
this report, to the surprise of the worthy citizens of Christchurch,
reached Hungary, and the Chamber of Commerce was flooded with enquiries
from Hungarians who wanted to come here. Among them a furniture factory
owner from Ujpest, who had a factory employing 80 people, and exporting
furniture to England. He offered to come here with 5-10 of his skilled
tradesman. There were many others.
“So
the Weekly News commented: “It seems strange that when so many New
Zealanders are keen to leave their own country to go abroad to find their
fortune, and complain that they cannot take their money away, there are
other people, probably hundreds and thousands, who would jump at the
chance of making their homes here. At this moment, there are boatloads
upon boatloads of people, who if New Zealand would agree, would rush the
opportunity to leave that old world full of life and history, and settle
here in this new country Weekly News, July 26, 1939"
Bookseller,
Lower Hutt, NZ
SAFEGUARDING KIDS AGAINST MOROSENESS
"Would
you like some comments from an Australian? Where to start? I'm an Aussie
through and through who with my wife have decided to start our lives over
in NZ. Have been here for approx 18 months and are happy to report that we
are so glad to have made the move. We'll have children here and although
they'll be constantly reminded by their parents of our big brown homeland
they will grow up as Kiwis which is fine by us. Let them support the All
Blacks and Black Caps. May they tramp and trail all over the countryside
appreciating that there are so few places left to do so on this planet.
May they learn of the indigenous culture of this land in the positive way
it's portrayed which is totally unheard of back home. Heck, we don't even
mind if they ask for fush'n'chups when we go to the beach!!!
“There
is one thing that we would completely abhor though. One thing, just one
thing that we are going to safeguard our children against. That all too
prevalent morose Kiwi attitude! Our children will be brought up believing
that they will achieve anything that they desire- something that we all
should be doing anyway. No way will we let them entertain this pathetic
attitude that a lot of people here have 'I'm just one person, what can I
do? This place is stuffed!'
"For
a country to prosper people need to believe in their own boundless
ability. It surprises and saddens us to see that so many Kiwis just don't
appreciate what they have here!!! Complaining about things seems to be a
NZ hobby. It's all too easy to moan, but is it really that hard to do
something constructive????
“Whether
the topic is the health system, the government, the economy, the
comparatively small size (and wardrobe) of the population or the foreign
takeover of businesses, we've heard so many criticisms yet so few ideas!
Listening to the locals would have us believe that out of 250 odd nations
in the world everybody is leading a better life outside of these shores.
Get real! Have you heard these jokes? “Crime is rife”- walk down ANY
street in South Africa’ “The government’s unstable” - go to
Japan’ “The health system is unmanageable” - what about the US?
Every country has her problems.
“We
need a strategy, something that motivates people into giving it their best
shot. We have an educated, literate, cosmopolitan populace who are well
equipped to make New Zealand one of the most prosperous nations. My wife
and I saw this yet that was only one of the reasons we came here. We are
both involved in the IT industry and we can see huge potential here. The
idea of setting this country up as a hardware manufacturing centre, a
software development role or whatever. The whole country should get behind
it in much the same way that ours did in preparing for the Olympics. We
knew we deserved it, we knew the benefits would be ongoing and we decided
to go all out and show the world how it should be done. Can we see some of
that here?
“Congrats
on this website. We were starting to wonder just how many likeminded
people were here. Gordon. PS. Re the brain drain. The grass is greener on
the other side? Why not make an effort greening your own patch first. Show
some commitment to your own country."
Consultant,
Christchurch, NZ
NEW
WORLD FOR THE BRAVE
“Raised
in Canada until 15, educated in New Zealand and long a NZ citizen, I have
lived overseas for many years in many countries and have travelled
extensively across all the continents except Africa. I recently left my
career in corporate finance, middle-aged to establish an Internet start-up
creating a global market for a new product. Living in London at the time,
I had many high-tech enabled cities in the world to choose from - I chose
Wellington.
“Why
NZ? There are many negatives - but the Internet sector is one sector which
NZ does have some distinct comparative advantages. Now having visited your
site I can see that my choice of NZ has a name 'The New Zealand Edge' and
all that this implies.
“There
are many significant challenges facing conventional businesses in NZ,
which will be increasingly difficult to overcome in a competitive global
economy, but I have no doubt that The Edge characteristic can be
successfully applied by Kiwis to the Internet - a New World for the Brave
- unconstrained by geographical boundaries, limitless in possibility and
most important of all, its still in its infancy!
“According
to Bill Gates, ‘the Internet is, beyond question, the fastest growth
curve of a fundamental change in society. And almost everybody will have
to get used to it.’ This is the big wave Kiwis, Ride it and ride it
hard! Great site. Good luck and may The Edge be with you!
Robert
Wiles (rob@tetradom.com)"
MD
of an Internet-Start-up, Wellington
KIWIS
WITH ATTITUDE
“Brian,
your
message reminded me to relate a story linked to Kevin. I was unknowingly
sitting next to him on a flight out of New Zealand to Sydney just after
New Year. We were 2 hours into the flight, and the Chief Steward addressed
us both as we are frequent flyers. The gentleman next to me was Mr.
Roberts.
“Anyway,
I asked Kevin if he was the person associated with NZEdge, and a general
discussion evolved about global kiwis, and the things we are doing. Our
short conversation centred on similar themes to your website, and the
global recognition that many of our people have and are achieving. I liked
Kevin's reference to " Kiwis with Attitude".
“Just
a week after this flight, I had a call (totally unrelated) from a
head-hunter friend of mine looking for a “kiwi with attitude” to take
up a management position in Asia. It appears the European owners of the
company have seen and heard about the "get it done" attitude of
Kiwis.
“For
me a coincidence , but maybe NZEdge is spreading the message further
afield than we realise. Now, if we could get the government behind this
message...I'll keep off the political comment. Keep up the good work.
Barry
Sinclair."
Malaysia
CHANGE
NAME TO AOTEAROA
“I
have just attended the annual New Zealand Society of Thailand (of which I
was President in the mid 80's) and am writing this note to promote a
dialog concerning our country's name. It is strange that a Kiwi's
nationalistic ardour seems to reflect the number of years he has been
abroad and one sees ones land of birth in a different light as time goes
by.
“The
singing of our national anthem in Maori prompted again a long held
thoughts on the name of our beautiful country. A country named by an early
Dutch marine explorer after a part of his homeland, settled in the main by
the British, but still carrying our foreign Dutch name, we remain one of
the only South Pacific nations to be named as a "New" something
or other. New Britain, New Hebrides and others have disappeared.
“It
is time to honour our earlier explorers and settlers, let us change our
name to AOTEAROA, the wonderful melodious name already in use on official
documents, our passports and most of, if not all official documentation.
Let us pay our Maori compatriots this ultimate honour. Whilst the change
would involve much expense think of the upside, we would be in front of
Australia at the Olympics, particularly in the order of march pasts...food
for thought. Best
regards, wg.”
BRAIN
DRAIN: FLY AWAY
“The
Brain Drain. I dislike those three words. New Zealand is a very small
community, and there is no way that we can advance as a nation without the
experience that we can gain in other markets. I for one am flying away
asap after my graduation. The powers that be should be concentrating on
luring back the ones that have flown the coop. The “knowledge economy”
would not exist without this experience. Added to that I cannot imagine
bringing up children in a better environment that New Zealand (not that I
experienced being bought up in other places). Just my two cents.
Rich"
Mixologist,
Christchurch
BRAIN
GAIN II
“There
is no need for a 'brain drain' in New Zealand...With the right conditions
here we would have a brain GAIN. The seeds are waiting and if the garden
isn't right, they will blow somewhere else.
“New
Zealand needs to be promoted as an entrepreneurial nation in accordance
with the spirit of the Kiwi people. We need a company tax rate that
compels the brightest companies and entrepreneurs to STAY here and move
here (15% or less please Mr Cullen). Then we would see some serious
wealth/job/national-spirit creation!
“Universities
and higher learning institutions need to be funded and partnered according
to and by industry demand. New Zealanders' psychology needs to change (and
would change under the right conditions) to once again believing this is
the great land of opportunity and advantage.
“As
for the once called 'closing the gaps' policy; what's so wrong with giving
people who need it a hand? Welfare is the fish not the fishing rod
however, and the hand that may really be needed is some specific tax
breaks and targeted opportunities allowing once disadvantaged groups to
proudly climb above the norm.
“If
we point ourselves in the right direction any young and skilled person
would be MAD to leave. Wouldn't it be brilliant to watch New Zealand in
the next 50 years emerge as a leader and one of the most prosperous and
advanced of nations?
“For
those thinking of leaving; perhaps the time has come to stop voting with
your feet and stay and fight to make something worthwhile? Simon
Angelo"
Auckland,
New Zealand
GROWING
UP
“Hear
hear! The first three points listed by Craig Young in his
comment last month cut to the heart of New Zealand's economic and
brain drain woes.
“Many
people agree that our population is below an economically sustainable
threshold but I still hear fellow Kiwis claim that our 'quality of life'
would be compromised if the population grew significantly. Given the
geography of our country, the population of New Zealand could easily
double without compromising our feeling of space and community! Population
increases and immigration are fraught with difficulties, but we need, at
least, a long term political and public commitment to policies aimed at
achieving this.
“Another
of Craig's points, the quality (or otherwise) of our politicians, is also
a real concern. We have had some magnificent leaders in New Zealand and
Craig listed a few. Unfortunately, many of those he listed were historical
- and can anyone seriously suggest that our nation's most promising
leaders sit in the Beehive? Of course, there are other ways for motivated
and caring people to have an impact on the state of our country without
becoming politicians, but our politicians (and media) need to grow up if
we are to raise the level of political debate taking place in New Zealand.
Caroline Williams.”
Technology
Lawyer, UK
SIZING
UP JOHN MONEY
“It's
lovely to see some of our heroes brought to attention, but the John
Money article makes some fairly horrific reading. Whilst his work in
helping adults to live in the roles they feel most comfortable with is to
be applauded, I am horrified that it is standard procedure to 'reduce' the
size of a girl's clitoris if it is longer than 1cm. The clitoris is the
centre of sexual feeling. How much feeling is lost through scar tissue and
cut nerve endings so that the child will look 'normal'. And normal to
whom? Do girls compare sizes? I thought that female genital mutilation
wasn't legal. Where is the harm in leaving these children until they are
of an age to make their own decisions?”
FEELING
OLD?
“Just
in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will certainly change
things. Each year staff at Macquarie University in Sydney puts together a
list to try to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of the new year's
incoming students. Here is this year’s list:
“The
people who are starting university next year across the nation were born
in 1982. They have no meaningful recollection of the Whitlam Era and
probably did not know he had ever been sacked. They might even not know
who he is or was.
“They
were prepubescent when the Persian Gulf War was waged. Black Monday, 1987
is as significant to them as the Great Depression.
“There
has been only one Pope. They were 11 when the Soviet Union broke apart and
do not remember the Cold War. They have never feared a nuclear war. They
are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up. Tianamen Square
means nothing to them.
“Bottle
caps have always been screw off and plastic. Atari predates them as do
vinyl albums. The expression you sound like a broken record means nothing
to them. They have never owned a record player. They have likely never
played Pac Man. They may have never heard of an 8 track. The Compact Disc
was introduced when they were 1 year old. As far as they know, stamps have
always cost about 45 cents.
“They
have always had an answering machine. Most have never seen a TV set with
only 4 channels, nor have they seen a black-and-white TV. They have always
had cable. There have always been VCRs but they have no idea what BETA is.
“They
cannot fathom not having a remote control. They were born the year that
Walkmans were introduced by Sony.
“Roller-skating
has always meant inline for them. Brian Henderson has always read the
Channel Nine news. They have no idea when or why flares were cool or maybe
even what they were.
“Popcorn
has always been cooked in the microwave. They have never seen Ian or Greg
Chappell play. They never took a swim and thought about Jaws. The Vietnam
War is as ancient history to them as WWI, WWII and the Boer War.
“They
have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in Iran. They can't
imagine what hard contact lenses are. They don't know who Mork was or
where he was from. They never heard: Boss, de plane, de plane. They do not
care who shot J. R. and have no idea who J. R. is. The Titanic was found?
They thought we always knew where it was.
“Michael
Jackson has always been white. Kansas, Chicago, Boston, America, and
Alabama are places, not groups. McDonalds never came in Styrofoam
containers. There has always been MTV. They don't have a clue how to use a
typewriter.
“Do
you feel old yet? Pass it on to the other aged colleagues.”
Auckland
SEEKING
DAVE EDGAR
“Help
Everybody: we are desperately seeking Dave Edgar... we think Dave is a New
Zealander, we know he is a witty young man who wrote the legendary and
hilarious AB Enquirer (see attached) way back when the All Blacks lost to
South Africa at Ellis Park and we also think he is a rugby fan and a
former world drinking champion. We are a small time publishing company
seeking his wit for productive use: we want to make him FAMOUS...please
pass this on to everyone in your address book all around the world till
Dave Edgar is found...when he is, we'll let you'll know. When he's famous,
it'll be because of you.
“We
will appreciate all your help - just click 'Forward' to all your mates,
and make sure we at seekingdave@no8wireless.co.nz
get a copy too - each name we receive copied back to us will have taken
part in this desperate search for Dave Edgar and will be rewarded with
excitement and enjoyment to the value of NZ$10...This is a real offer
worth NZ$10 This is a real search. But, the Dave Edgar found must be the
AUTHOR of the AB Enquirer dated 20 August 2000.
“seekingdave@no8wireless.co.nz
is a real email address - you don't believe? Try sending an email to us
and we will reply within a day to confirm: the search is on! Regards
Derek,
No8 Wireless"
BASS
BREWERY’S HAKA
"We
are urging people to get behind the campaign to have BASS brewery's
products boycotted until they remove the offensive tv commercial that has
bikini clad women doing a watered down version of the HAKA . This
commercial is highly racist claiming that one sip of the alcoholic
beverage will make you a native. NZ High Commissioner Paul East has called
for its removal from TV. Bass have refused point blank. Let's let them
know how we feel. Would they have naked women pretending to be at the
wailing wall or walking around the Rosetta Stone or sprawled across a mock
up of Mecca? The people we need to put pressure on are the PR and branding
department of Bass they are Cheryl Finch & Jane Hall tel 01283 511
000. Let's not let them use this as a publicity stunt. They think it is
alright to diss your heritage. The National Union of Students in GB is
calling for all Students to Boycott Bass products until it is taken off TV
Please pass this email on !!!!!"
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NZEDGE.COM community
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S
H O R
T S
"Hi,
I am a 10 year old girl and I have found this site really good for class
assignments and for learning about the people who have helped make this
country respected around the world. Well done in doing this, you are
keeping the dream alive"
School
pupil, Christchurch
“I
feel homesick.”
Mac
Operator/Designer, Dubai
"Well
done. Inspiring stuff. Keep it coming."
Retired
teacher of Engineering, Auckland
"Inspiring."
Management
Consultant, New York
"Brilliant
site for information and other parochial detail for those missing home.
Cheers, Sam."
Marketing
Manager, London
“Great
New Zealand site with excellent content.”
Web
developer, Hastings
“An
inspirational site - thank you!”
Architectural
Designer, Wellington
“What
a fabulous website you have. My seven year old daughter is to produce an
assignment on a famous New Zealander and initially elected to do the time
honoured favourite Edmund Hillary, then Kate Sheppard. But on looking at
your website she has now gone outside the square and decided to do someone
few of us have ever heard of - William Atack. Thank you for providing the
inspiration. Your website is now on our 'favourites' list as I am sure
these types of assignments will prevail and we will visit again. Cecilia
Daldry”
New
Zealand
"Excellent.....forgot
about half the great Kiwi's you have mentioned on your website (keep them
coming). PS Dunedin lad at heart"
Senior
Consultant, Reading, England
“Inspiring
and interesting stuff. Thanks! Piet de Jong"
Communication
Manager
"Bloody
brilliant site !!!!! I am an expat kiwi living in London and am always on
the lookout for new web sites from home. I was really impressed with the
way you are putting famous Kiwis on your site. And it's about time that
someone did something like your doing. Keep adding to the entries in the
heroes field as there are tons more Kiwis that deserve to be added. Keep
up the good work fellas. Cheers Rob Mortensen"
IT,
London
"Hello
there!!!! Am registering with you!! Hope to learn a lot about NZ and its
people!! I am in fact wanting to immigrate to NZ soon!! I will welcome any
assistance in this regard!! I am at present scouting for a job in NZ to
start off first!! Look forward to your feedback & advice asap.
D.
Stewart (stewman_35@excite.com)
Service
manager, Thane, India
"This
site makes me proud to be a Kiwi!!!!! Great work, I'll be letting my
friends, my family and colleagues know about it.....the more the word is
spread the better for all of us..."
Telecommunications
Consultant, Wellington, NZ
"I
would love to know more about New Zealand, and I would particularly like
to hear more about Dame Kiri te Kanawa and about the late Inia te Wiata."
Teacher,
Durban, South Africa
“Thanks
for providing some positive and motivating media. It’s really awesome to
be able to tune into a space where there is not a continual stream of doom
and gloom. New Zealand is the most amazing country and I'm proud to live
here and be a Kiwi. Sarah"
New
Zealand
“The
Edge website is really enjoyable reading and so incredibly positive about
NZ and our people. Keep up the good work!” Karin Wiley
New
Zealand
“Next
time you are driving in central, try Van Morrison or Mozart. As a central
girl from ages past it sure works when you come over the Lindis into
Tarras, smelling the thyme and seeing the lupins. I am now quite homesick.
I agree with your wife re the contours of the North Island. Fancy calling
some of those blimps mountains. Regards Jayne-Ann
Young"
New
Zealand
“Great
stuff for the South, eh? I've
just put together a CD of classical music with a Jewish Ukrainian
violinist and a Taiwanese pianist who both now live in Canterbury and are
adding their cultural impressions to Christchurch. Indeed, Anastasia, at
only 22, has already joined the ranks of the NZSO as a casual, yet is
often seen traversing the mountains while Amy Huang has recently completed
a gold prospecting trip in the far northern reaches of the West Coast. We
call ourselves the Godley Trio and are looking forward to more mayhem in
the mountains as with our music. Bernard
Shapiro"
New
Zealand
“What
an amazing feeling to feel connected to you all! As Kiwis we are a special
breed - with a unique place in the world. Keep in touch anytime with
problems, questions, challenges and good 'ole gossip.
Create
from your place of power. Geoff Love"
Business
& Tennis Coach, Germany
“Hi
fellas, just a quick note to say that I have found a map that shows our
edge status. It was at the BBC's world weather site and the main map has a
rather larger expanse of ocean between Aussie and Sth America here is the
web site :
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/worldweather
I
always used to say as a kid if there is a 3rd world war we would be ok as
no one seem to have us on their maps. Keep up the great work. Rob
Mortensen"
London
REMEMBERING
BACK
TO
CHRISTMAS
“All
the best to you and yours for Christmas and the New Year ahead Brian. I
look forward to many more inspiring and motivating offering from NZEdge in
2001. Soifua"
New
Zealand
“Thanks
for an inspiring NZEDGE year. It has to be one of my highlights
this
year. Your dedication to the counter-cultural postivity is awesome.
Thanks
for making known so many Kiwi edgers. Bede & Joshy.
New
Zealand
“Brian,
hi I found your web site a couple of months ago following an article
I
read about Kevin Roberts and I am totally hooked, I love hearing, reading
and
meeting positive Kiwi's. Thank you for your efforts for putting this
altogether,
it is very much appreciated, Merry Xmas. Regards Charmaine.”
Wellington
“Brian,
have a great holiday and thanks for the, as ever, inspiring news from the
edge.
Spreading the message over here with 5 inches of snow on the ground.
Cheers Harry."
“Well
done on The Edge. You deserve recognition for the considerable effort that
goes into the site. It must qualify as a work of art! Happy holidays to
you and your team. David."
“Brian
and Kevin
Well
done on keeping the world on edge with your accounts of New Zealanders
striving to do their best. Coke is it...the Edge is IT. The cutting edge
of information technology. I hope you have an enjoyable and successful
2001. Regards Chris Lund."
"Thanks
for the thoroughly researched and beautifully written piece on Richard
Pearse. A fine tribute to a great New Zealander; - and on a more
personal note, a lovely Christmas present and memento for those of us who
worked on the play "The Pain and the Passion". I shall be
sending the link with my Christmas correspondence. Kind Regards Anne
Rimmer."
Auckland,
NZ
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