Affirmations of New Zealandness, offers of help and connection, riffs on the flag, rhythms on the anthem, raves about Wellington, raps on Heroes and the Brain Gain debate.

GARETH WINSLOW, GOLF PROFESSIONAL, DIRECTOR OF COACHING, BAY OF ISLANDS, NZ
"Congratulations on your website. It's very encouraging to see such enthusiasm for the development of our country. Hopefully in the years to come, your ideas and beliefs will make their way into the hearts of more and more New Zealanders. From my experience in coaching and training people, nothing can be achieved without first having the right attitude in place. To change the attitude of one person can take months or years, so I imagine that changing the attitude and mindset of a country is likely to take decades, providing that the right structures and directions are put in place. The laid back Kiwi attitude is rampant in various forms in New Zealand. Very rarely have I seen a laid back All Black team, or leader in a successful New Zealand business or company. These are the types of people who keep our country alive and kicking, and if more people tried to model themselves on them, rather than chop them down and sneer at their success, our beautiful country would be a far more enjoyable and productive place in which to live." golfwins@xtra.co.nz

HARRY, AUCKLAND, NZ
"Have just finished the new Hero piece by Damien Wilkins on Katherine Mansfield. It is brilliant and totally right for nzedge. I knew of her but not about her. Now I can add it to my great New Zealanders list. Yet even more enjoyable is the way that the importance of New Zealand is woven into her story. When I read that Mansfield left these shores at 20 I thought we had another Russell Crowe on our hands (no disrespect to Maximus but fighting over whether he is Kiwi or Aussie seems a bit grasping to me). But no. Damien showed that New Zealand and the Edge suffused the work and life of an incredible women. Edge is an attitude and what unites us wherever we ply our trade. Thank you, and your team, for another great installment and reminder why we our so lucky. Very cool."

MARKETING MANAGER, BEIJING,CHINA
"Ni Hao! Congratulations on an excellent website from the team in the Far East. There are about 200 kiwis living here in Beijing. We get together on a regular basis for a Steinlager (any excuse!), but we also keep NZ rugby traditions alive with our touch rugby team (Go NZ Barbarians!). Anyway, thought you might be interested to hear that there are an incredibly staunch bunch of kiwis flying the flag in China. Keep up the good work."

ANDREW BATCHELOR, FOUNDER, EXPERTWEB, ASIA, HONG KONG
"Great job guys keep it up. For kiwis in the China region head to http://www.nzhkba.org.hk NZ-Hong Kong Business Association. If you want contacts or help coming to Hong Kong and China, we can help. Next time we update our site we'll be linking to the edge. Maybe you should add a section for reciprocal links to the NZEdge! It is a great concept and has a great web site, I know because that's what I do in Hong Kong at http://www.expertwebasia.com
Best wishes, President, NZ Hong Kong Business Association."

MICHAEL WILDE, COO, DUBAI MEDIA CITY, UAE
"Dubai is living on the Edge of the speed of light in terms of pace of development and change. The mantras include "Nothing is Impossible", "In the Race for Excellence There is No Finishing Line", "If You Don't Pick A Fight Then You'll Never Win", "The Vision For The Future Is Whatever You Want It To Be", etc. NZ business, look to Dubai for your gateway to the Middle East and beyond."

KEN HOPE, EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL ARTIST, SINGAPORE
"Another great kiwi site. Keep us posted on all the goings-on overseas that us kiwis are just too darned humble to crow about! Have you ever taken a look over everything that you see being done, printed, written, made world-wide; only the best will stand out.

"I, for one, am proud to see that more often than not a kiwi is included in those ranks - either as the instigator or in a supporting role. Kiwi's come from the edge, but more often than not we stride our way into the centre and make our mark. If we can't find a centre to stride into, we create one.

"Everywhere I have been in the world, I have seen kiwis at the cutting edge of their profession. We have drive and determination, not just ambition. The rest of the world knows who we are, and accepts us for it. Let's go one step better, and bring this attitude and impetus back to New Zealand, and let us believe in ourselves and our country." kenz@sph.com.sg

DAVID GRANDI, AGENCY DIRECTOR, WELLINGTON, NZ
"Hi Brian and Kevin, Like many others, I stumbled onto this website. Again like many others, I love that you guys felt so strongly about New Zealand that you put together a place to go where like minded people, from New Zealand and elsewhere, can share inspirational thoughts and stories, all with a New Zealand flavour. My particular passion is New Zealand's capital city - Wellington. I call it 'the greatest little city in the world'. My vision for the city is to see it investing in innovation, planning for the future, creating more spaces for residents and visitors to have fun and to ensure we never lose sight of the regions inherent beauty. I love how the city embraces differences in people and encourages them to participate in the city without fear. I feel excited to be registering on your site and I thank you for your devotion and inspiration. Kind regards."

OPERA SINGER/PLUS-SIZE MODEL/STUDENT, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
"I have just discovered this site while searching for scholarships and am intrigued. I am a New Zealander who has been forced to leave in order to pursue further study in a very unusual area - opera singing. Along the way I have become something else unusual and not available in NZ - a plus-size model!!

"I would have preferred to achieve these things in NZ but it isn't possible and now I have been invited to study with a top level teacher in New York and am madly searching for funding/ scholarships/grants so I can just afford to exist in that city - all to chase my dreams and try to realise my talent.

"I will bookmark this page and perhaps it will help remind me of who I am deep down.....it has certainly been hard to put up with Australians for the last three years!!

"And hey, if anyone knows of any funding for struggling New Zealand artists trying to further their talent in the US, let me know at singadiva@hotmail.com ."

BUSINESS ANALYST, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
"NZ's fear of the Brain Drain is tragically short sighted, NZ benefits massively from its young (and not so young) gaining experience and education overseas (the Brain Gain). We should not try to halt this culture, we should focus our attention on ensuring that these people return at some stage, bringing home all their skills and experiences (the Brain Gain).

"We all know the things we love about NZ, we just have to make sure that we keep these things in the minds of our people overseas, so when the time is right, they come back. For some people, they might not come back until they have travelled the world, or met their career goals, or made their millions, or they might want to come home to raise a family. Whatever the reasons for them leaving, all that matters is that eventually they come back, lets focus our attention on ensuring a Brain Gain, not on stopping the Brain Drain.....

"A great site. It fuels my passion for New Zealand and for my home town, Wellington. I have a vision for Wellington - to be the same groovy city as London, and I can see the growth in the small city we have. Man, it is a vibrant, MULTI-cultural place which we Wellingtonions love. I have friends in Sydney who come over to Wellywood for the weekend as it rocks, especially after a major rugby game (if even we do lose, it is about having fun, meeting people)."

DAVID LORIMER, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ
"I found it very interesting looking through the article on Richard Pearse. As a youngster, I lived just around the corner in Hopkins Street, Woolston, Christchurch from the home of Richard who lived in Wildberry Street. My brother & I were friends with the grandson of his neighbour (who lived on the corner of Hopkins / Wildberry Streets) and on many occasions we would go through the fence and into the garage where the plane that he had built was still stored. We had many a great time playing on this contraption, not at the time knowing the importance of it in New Zealands history, nor much about the owner. I still remember seeing Richard at this property, but as it goes back about 50 years, the memory is not as clear now. I remember my late mother stating that he was considered a bit eccentric. It is a great pity that as children, we do not take in or remember about these things because it seemed so much like a game. As a teenager, I had shifted to another house a couple of streets away where we often got into conversation with an elderly gentleman who lived across the road with his son. He often told wonderful stories of his time as a Cobb & Co Stage Coach Driver between Christchurch and the West Coast through Arthurs Pass. IF only these stories had been recorded. I seem to remember that he must have been in his nineties at that time. Today, I unfortunately do not remember much about what he said. While in Greymouth a couple of months ago, we were looking through the history museum there and came across photos of the stage coach and the driver, Mr Rugg. How much of our history do we miss because to children and youngsters are just STORIES? How I now wish that I had remembered them all.
Yours Etc, David Lorimer."

CONSULTANT, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ
"Brains draining! Painful! Of course brains drain from NZ. We are at the bottom of the world, thousands of kilometres from what the rest of the world. As humans, as New Zealanders, we have a history and tradition of exploration. So we explore! We go out, we learn, and many of us return, bringing our knowledge and expertise with us. Surely this is what humans have done for millennia? Don't knock it, celebrate it. Then provide the incentives to attract our ex-pats back. For those of us in Godzone, let's stop whining, stop the negativity and celebrate what NZ is. We have lots that needs changing, lots that others want to adopt. That's the way the world over. Ever wonder what the world would be like if everyone stayed home? Or what NZ would be like if every migrant returned to their country of origin? So here's the idea - go out into the world, learn about it, about other peoples and cultures, distil from that vast pool of knowledge what is of use to you and your country, carry out your research, contribute, and then bring the benefits back to NZ - in person, on the Net, or through whatever means. And if you choose to come back and make direct contributions to your home country, all the better."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA
"Dear NZ Edge, I've only just discovered you and can't help thinking to myself that Yvette Adams' article is so compelling that I had to participate. I am one of those 1 million abroad and have done so because of my thirst for more......experiences, education, and if my plans realise themselves, financial security.

"As many do, I miss New Zealand for all its splendour and the fine people that reside there. I'm not sure that it's ONLY Kiwis that have the same loss of educated and skilled as Australia does experience the same "Brain drain". I feel that a striking benefit of having more Kiwis overseas is that with all their skills, experience and qualifications they are continually increasing the overseas profile and enhancing opinion of Kiwis, not only making it easier for New Zealanders to work overseas but inadvertently improving our export opportunities by forging and/or 'sweetening' networks.

"My personal career plan does include New Zealand and that is to bring back all these wonderful experiences and education opportunities to share with the community where I finally come to rest after all my travels. Now that I am only a quarter of the way in my long journey, I look forward establishing and promoting Aotearoa with the many people and potential friends that I have met and will meet. This is in addition to finding more of us "NEONZ".

"I don't see myself as participating in an OE, it's more than that. I'm following a career path that will take me all over the world because that is how I prefer it to happen. Education, work, family, travel all-in-one.

"Don't worry GODZONE we will never forget you and we will always return. We just hope you don't forget about us because there's always a piece of kiwiland within. Having a network o'seas to work with will enable us to "earth" us to our most favourite land in the world.

"Thanks for the article and keep up the good work. If it is any assistance I am traveling from Perth, Australia (where I currently reside) to Vancouver, Canada or Seattle, Washington to work and study at the end of the year (2001) and if people need a contact for that area I am only too happy to help. Cheers Geoff."

NICOLA CAPOFERRI, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
"To all those fellow Cantabrians out there who also find themselves daydreaming in offices far from home...
Godley Head emotions
Stand atop the cliffs
And breathe
Cloud formations unlike any others
Dancing grass to keep you company
Let the
Easterly envelop you with its warmth
Likened to any cliff, ocean, or
continent Is an insult. "

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
"One of the embarrassing experiences of early school assemblies in Dunedin was having to stumble over the words of our present National Anthem that any eight year old could recognize as bad verse that didn't fit the tune. Who wrote the tune? Were the words written by a Kiwi who couldn't count? (Last time I checked there were four, not three stars on our flag.) When was it chosen? 1870s? Isn't it time to move on, keeping the tune, but updating our words so that they are a more tuneful match of words and music?

"We're not wearing 1870s hats and boots any more, and old words get tired too. On Monday night coming back from Davis on the train, I wrote the following words to fit the tune. Please try singing it! I think this is a song that all of us can really belt out with feeling. Let's bring ourselves confidently and musically into the new century! I'd like to hear other people's views.

JUSTIN PEMBERTON, PRODUCER/DIRECTOR, AUCKLAND, NZ
"Hi there, I'm a documentary maker living in NZ and I'm researching a recently commissioned film that I'm hoping some of you might be able to help me with.
The documentary is about the culture shock (or maybe even cultural cringe) that many NZers experience when they return home after having lived overseas for a number of years.

"I want to look at the adjustment period as people try to settle back into NZ lifestyle and re-establish their roots with their homeland. It often seems to be a time when people examine their feelings about their culture and country - both the positive and the negative.

"This is where I'm hoping you might be able to help. Are you, or is anybody you know, planning the move back to NZ soon? If so I'd love to hear from you.
Please don't hesitate - even if you're just a bit curious - to drop me an email . Many thanks." justinpemberton@xtra.co.nz

ANNE RIMMER, ROTHESAY BAY, NORTH SHORE, NZ 
"Brian, No, No, not a black flag, please! Not for New Zealand. "Black" is the absence of colour. Nothing in the natural, or even urban landscape of New Zealand is black. Black signifies darkness and evil. Only pirates and other baddies use black flags. New Zealand is the very opposite of everything black embodies. Our country is about colour, life, vitality and optimism. We have the clearest, brightest light in the world; our landscape; - the blue sky, snow-capped mountains, green hills, white sands and the blue sea. rimmer@ihug.co.nz

"In my opinion, the most effective flag in the world is the Canadian Maple Leaf. It is bright, easily recognised and distinctive i.e. it can't be mistaken for any other country's flag. It makes a good logo and letterhead for government documents, and the colour stands out well against the sky.

"The only problem with it is that school children have trouble drawing the maple leaf shape. When considering any design for a new New Zealand flag, see how it measures up against the Canadian one. Regards Anne Rimmer.

EMILIE UNKRICH, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH, USA
BEING FULLY HUMAN
"Joy to finding your site. Lovely! Just shared with a friend in Te Awamutu!  I visited your lovely country for a month in January. Lovely environment, lovely people. First learned about Richard Pearce while watching a film at the Museum in Hamilton. Forgotten Silver presents the life story of Colin McKenzie, a pioneering New Zealand filmmaker who made the world's first talkie feature (two decades before The Jazz Singer), invented an early form of color, and created a 1917 biblical epic on the scale of D.W. Griffith's Intolerance. With fond regards."

ELIZABETH COWAN, PROJECT KIWIANA, OTOROHANGA
"Dear Brian, Just over 18 months ago a keen team of volunteers formed the Project Kiwiana committee to promote Otorohanga as the Kiwiana Town of NZ. We've been the Kiwi Town for nearly 30 years - Otorohanga built the first Kiwi House in NZ and pioneered the breeding of the Kiwi in captivity. However it was decided to extend this theme by celebrating all things Kiwi: our heritage, icons, heroes - in other words, Otorohanga wants to become a microcosm of our national identity in an increasingly globalised world. We've developed a sponsorship programme to enlist the support of both local and national companies, all proud to promote the Kiwi identity. Our newly developed website www.kiwianatown.co.nz is now on line and we'd be delighted if you visited it and possibly mentioned it on nzedge.com As you'll see from our Sponsors list we are already supported by 19 companies/groups with No. 20 just on board (Gulf Stream Products - Line 7) who will sponsor a display module on Team NZ. As a small rural town we are trying to promote the same kind of national pride that your own website so successfully accomplishes. Kind regards, Elisabeth Cowan, Project Kiwiana - Sponsorship and Research."

FOURWAYS JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
"Hi Brian, I saw Phil Keoghan on Oprah. I hope one of South Africa's television station buys his programme soon. He is a real edge man and an inspiration. I will give the idea to e-tv which is partly owned by Time Warner. We are having so many film festivals in South Africa at the moment. We have, in the past, had so many from around the world, but never from NZ. 'Once we were Warriors' is one of my top five films of all time. A Maori film festival or just NZ would be a refreshing change. I will pass my suggestion to Cinema Nouveau who host the majority of the film festivals of international origination. Peter Cullinane of NZ - a Saatchi & Saatchi man, was a breath of fresh air in the Adfocus Financial Mail conference 16 May 2001. He presented a paper on Lovemarks. Rugby aside, the Springboks loved the Kiwi. Love knowing what Kiwis are up to. Great inspiration." Group Human Interests Director, Saatchi & Saatchi, The Ideas Company.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND
"Trying to contact Paul and Sue Wright of Rothesay Bay NZ." peter.doherty3@btinternet.com

KAREN, SERVICE MANAGER, OUTSOURCING, WELLINGTON, NZ
"I love the listing of heroes and stars. I have an idea for identifying and communicating heroes within NZ at the 'average Joe Bloggs' level. It is around ordinary Kiwis, like a taxi driver I had who was from Vietnam. He was the head chef at the Park Royal and he told me stories of his flight to NZ, how he hid out at a beach for three nights before getting on a boat. Now he is retired from being a chef and drives taxis. At his home he has one floor decked out as a ballroom - yes the polished floor and all. Every Saturday night he cooks for his friends and family and they do ballroom dancing all night. What a fascinating story it would make and to tell it to NZ would be telling a story of courage, tenacity and hopefully inspire someone by being able to relate to an average person. We have heroes who we look at a see as being 'out of our reach' - the taxi driver type person is someone the majority of average people can relate to. 

"Anyway, I could go on for hours about a lot of other things - the government and my despair that we are being encouraged to be a nation of 'I want I have I don't need to do anything for it' - we are so much more than that. Ciao, for now..."

M CLARK, SERVICE CONSULTANT, CHRISTCHURCH, NZ
"I am blown away. The more information I read about success, personal achievement and creation of wealth, the more I see our Government on the wrong tangent, trying for quick fixes to gain the support of those who make the most noise. None of our political parties seem to have an ultimate goal or plan for this country. Too many people rely on the Government to sort things out, rather than taking some responsibility, some action for themselves. I share your vision. I share your enthusiasm. You have my full support. Regards."

GRAPHIC DESIGNER, BRIGHTON, ENGLAND
"I miss home. I love New Zealand. I left it loving it. Daily I looked about me with awe. I said to myself every morning "how lucky I am". I've now been away for four years. I look forward to coming home one day in a couple/few years for as long as I can. For now I'm trying really hard to adapt to life in the UK with my English husband. We're moving to Brighton so I can be by the sea - where I hope to loose the daily home sickness I feel.

"I say Kia Kaha to myself daily. It's tougher here. Tougher, faster and harder. If he weren't such a wonderful man - I'd be back on the shores of home by now. I've sacrificed one love for another. These feelings have inspired me to write about it. The intercontinental marriage is no easy thing."

NICK, STUDENT, 3D ANIMATION + EGALITARIAN HEDONIST, AUCKLAND, NZ
"I have just read your latest and thought it just the bee's knees. During my latest career, that of picking oranges in the Garden of Eden I received an epiphany that if I don't up-skill I'll be picking o-jays when I'm 80,or maybe it was something my folks said 15 years ago that just made it through the mental layers. Regardless of that I have turned my back on providing Northland's vitamin c needs and am now focusing on a year long course of 3d animation. I look forward to being and giving my best and cherish the fact of other like minded people out there. Cheers."

ROBIN COX, NATIONAL MENTOR MANAGER, PROJECT K, AUCKLAND, NZ
"I am seeking to put together a series of articles on well known Kiwis for use in the Project K mentor training programmes - these programmes train mentors who will get alongside 14 and 15 year old students who have low self worth/self esteem. Stories need to be relatively short and inspirational. People (ordinary people) who have overcome the odds, bounced back and made a success (maximised their potential) of life. Success is not measured by material gains, one of the major problems we are having to deal with when we get alongside youngsters who are desperate for some role models with some relationship building skills. It's good that I can make a start with some of this material. Many thanks."

TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDENT, NELSON, NZ
"I read NZEDGE all the time and I go to a lot of 'raves' - as you may be well-aware is how big DJs are overseas (and how often BIG named UK DJs come to NZ) well NZ is now getting international respect for our Drum n Bass scene (Drum n Bass is a form of electronica) and Geoff Wright (aka DJ presha) is getting BIG in UK for his DJing in Drum n Bass - he has a website http://www.loopsansamples.co.nz DJ Presha may also need some acknowledgement along side MC King Kapisi in Australia."

MEDICAL STUDENT, AUCKLAND, NZ
"I'm a 20yr old Medical Student currently studying at the Auckland School of Medicine. A friend of mine referred me to your 'NZ Edge' website. It's great to see there is an up-to-date resource about our Kiwi heroes. I am ashamed to say, that as a youngster, I was not aware that several of the world's greatest minds could be attributed to NZ. For this reason, I am delighted to have come across your website.

"While browsing NZEdge.com, I came across your recent speech on 'Inspiration.' One particular aspect of this caught my attention: TYLA. I am excited to see that young Kiwi's now have the opportunity to receive a helping hand in finding their own future, and realising their dreams. I am a strong believer that each and every one of us is capable of achieving our goals, and making an impact.

"Kevin, I would love to help out with TYLA in any way possible - hands on work at camps, fundraising, or helping raise awareness. I am greatly impressed by your efforts thus far, and congratulate you. It is great to know that TYLA is going to help produce more people like yourself! Good on you."

KAY FLAVELL, BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
"Dear Brian: I think NZ Edge could play a useful role is in forming a discussion group to talk about the problems of negotiating re-entry to New Zealand life if one has been living elsewhere for a long time. I have invented a comic persona, Ricky Van Winkle, to deal with some of my own experiences in coming back after 37 years. I'd really love to have a list of readings that deal with different people's stories of how they have done it. A wave on the boardwalk at Paekakariki caught me by surprise and generated this.

Dirty Tricks
Yesterday, as I walked the shore
at Paekakariki
Tangaroa stuck out his tongue
and sloshed a bucketful
all over me.
"So you're coming back, eh,
Ricky Van Winkle.
Well how do you like
your nice wet pants!"

"I am just back from a deeply moving ten days in New Zealand, re-encountering the land and meeting old and new friends. Special thanks to artists who hosted me in Wellington, to [ ] who organized a very special series of meetings with members of the creative community in Paekakariki, and to [ ] who allowed me to become the owner of a wonderful still-green, kete, or basket that she had just finished weaving. (I am using it solely as a knowledge basket. Already it's beginning to develop a quirky voice of its own-" what's knowledge? whose knowledge?" ) One of the priorities when I go back in July will be to start learning the Maori language. What better evidence of the Eurocentric nature of my early education than the fact that I studied Latin, French, German and even some Greek but no Maori?

"Three of my days were spent visiting a lovely old and rather neglected 1906-built villa and 5 acres of land at Mount Bruce, north of Masterton, just before the purchase was completed this week. The property is only 1 km from the National Wildlife Centre, a last remnant of the magnificent native bush that once covered the area, and a sanctuary for endangered native bird species.

"The ecological and social history of the area --which includes dense intersections between Maori narrative traditions, sadly misguided 19th.c. European settler attempts to transform a temperate forest environment into a cleared pastoral landscape, and group migration stories stretching back to villages in Norway and Sweden - will, I hope, provide rich starting points for future restorative cultural and environmental work.

"We shall be renovating the property and hope to have it up and running as a hermitage known as New Pacific Studio Mount Bruce, with three spaces for artists/writers/environmentalists @ NZ $150 pw and one for a resident director, by January 2002. I shall be living at the house from July through December 2001, and thereafter moving regularly between Berkeley and Mount Bruce. There will be a space for one artist/writer in residence in Berkeley from January 2002, for periods from 2 weeks to 2 months @ US $200 pw.

"So we are moving slowly closer to our vision of New Pacific Studio as a vibrant transnational network linking local communities of artists, writers, and environmentalists. Many thanks to our existing members, and a warm invitation to others to join us. Our goal is to continue to build closer links and develop exchanges between artists/writers /environmentalists in Wellington, Dunedin, Melbourne, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver BC, the SF Bay area, Honolulu, Tonga, and Hanoi. More hermitages, please! "mkflavell mkflavell@ucdavis.edu

We welcome new friends to nzedge.com this month from around the world:

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Beijing, China
Berkeley, California
Beverly Hills, California
Bhopal, India
Birmingham, England
Bogata, Colombia
Bohen, Bavaria, Germany
Boulder, Colorado, USA
Bowral, NSW, Australia
Brighton, England
Brighton-le-Sands, Australia
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Dallas, Texas
Doncaster, England
Dubai, UAE
Dublin, Ireland
Hong Kong
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Hyderabad, India
Jacksonville USA
Johannesburg, South Africa
Lake Elsinore, California
Lancaster, England
Lasi, Romania
Lisle, Illinois
London, England
Madurai, India
Manila, Phillippines
Melbourne, Australia
Montgomery, Alabama
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Newport Beach, California
New York, New York
Ottawa, Canada
Paris, France
Perth, Australia
San Francisco, California
San Jose, California
Seoul, South Korea
Singapore
Stockholm, Sweden
Sydney, Australia
Toronto, Canada
Ueberlingen, Germany
Warsaw, Poland
Zurich, Switzerland

And from The Edge:

Auckland
Balclutha
Bay of Islands
Cambridge
Christchurch
Hamilton
Invercargill
Kaitikati
Martinborough
Mt Maunganui
Nelson
Otaki
Palmerston North
Rotorua
Takaka
Turangi
Waitakere
Wellington
Whangarei

SOCIAL WORKER/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT, BOWRAL NSW, AUSTRALIA
"I was searching the net under vision and leadership in health and found your awesome site . Thank you for reminding me who I am and what makes me different as a New Zealander!!! Australian located for 13 years yet on the edge!!! Looking forward to being in contact."

JOURNALIST, LONDON, UK
"Invaluable digest, homesickness prompter and cure all in one. Nice."

ECONOMIST, LASI, ROMANIA
"Very nice site! I love NZ! Best regards."

FINANCE ANALYST, LONDON, UK
"This is the site to see!! I share you're optimism!!"

AUCKLAND, NZ
"New Zealanders are unique ... telling these stories gives drive to commit to their dream."

UNIVERSITY LECTURER, LANCASTER, UK
"Very inspiring - keep it going."

MANAGER, AUCKLAND
"Brilliant site!"

COMPOSER, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, USA
"Stimulating thinking..."

JOURNALIST, PARIS, FRANCE
"I am a New Zealand journalist working in Paris for an international newspaper, interested in stories about New Zealanders succeeding in the international arena."

SHEILA ROBERSON, MARYLAND
"Thanks for another great Edge Message, and thanks too for the wonderful things you are doing for your country and for your compatriots. When we've been gone from New Zealand for a very long time we begin to lose some of our identity, try as we may to retain our "kiwiness". NZEdge puts us back in place again, transcends borders, and "far away" seems to be not so distant after all. Thanks again for all your efforts and great entrepreneurial spirit."

PAULA, ARTIST, OTTAWA, CANADA
"I was ALL OVER this site like a disease! THANK YOU for creating This Sight for THE WORLD to see and for souls such as myself to 'drink from the well' of, and at, The Edge. I am a New Zealander who lives in Canada ...and who misses my home spirit. Next time a Canadian asks me about New Zealand I will give them your URL. Cheers."

ECONOMIST, LONDON, UK
"It's refreshing to see a modern list of NZ heroes with real (and varied) global impact, rather than the usual list of guys who had a few seasons with the local provincial rugby team."

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, AUCKLAND, NZ
"What a great site! Incongruous that I heard about it from an Englishman living in Paris."

COMPANY DIRECTOR, MARTINBOROUGH, NZ
"Thanks for the website, a novel idea and fantastic to see."

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER, SYDNEY,  AUSTRALIA
"If it weren't for the money, I'd be home."

TOM NOLAN, RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT, WARSAW, POLAND
"A great site that gave me a real blast... The site and its spirit speaks for itself." 

LIZ AITKEN, LONDON, UK
"I have just read through the information on your site on Alexander Aitken. He was my grandfather. I felt very proud to read it all and just wanted to say thank you.

MATT, BICYCLE MECHANIC, BOHEN, BAVARIA, GERMANY
"I have only logged on to your website recently and was pretty impressed as well as informed, enjoyed reading about Charles Upham in particular. Keep up the good work, for a homesick kiwi such as myself your site is a breath of Hawkes Bay air. Sincerely, Matt."

NANCY JONES
"I have just discovered this site and was delighted to read your account of Nancy Wake's amazing contribution to the war effort. She has always been an icon of mine- such a selfless, incredibly brave and yet very humourous lady. I think of her often and regale young people with her story to ensure that someone who didn't have to , got stuck in, lost absolutely everything ,including her beloved husband, in order to help others. Thanks for such a faithful portrayal. I look forward to working my way through your other articles."

RACHEL LANNING, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, BRIGHTON, UK
"Enjoy what you have - it's unique and wonderful. Live it and love it. There's nothing out here to search for..."
rachelanning@hotmail.com

LONDON, ENGLAND
"I congratulate you on your vision and your commitment to making NZ the best it can be. Thank you both and the NZEdge team for your efforts. The NZEdge site is an inspiration to me."

NZ
"Great looking site and, as a recently returned kiwi, I am happy to see evidence that kiwi pride is replacing kiwi bashing and our national inferiority complex!"

MANAGING CONSULTANT, HONG KONG
"Every day I help organisations think about what it takes to attract, engage and retain great people. New Zealand has got to be the best business there is, and New Zealanders give it that edge. Its great to see such inspired thinking about how to realise that potential."

SCOTT BIDDLE, CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/NEW ZEALAND/USA CONNECTION,HONOLULU,HAWAII, USA
"Great web site ! I'll let the other Kiwis here in Honolulu know about it by way of our newsletter and monthly get togethers. Keep up the good work ! Aloha, Scott Biddle, President, NZ/USA Connection Honolulu, Hawaii." uskiwi@hawaii.rr.com

MEDIA, SAN FRANCISCO, USA
"About to move to S.F. from Christchurch. Going to miss the place, but want to take the positive NZ spirit with me. Once a Kiwi, always a Kiwi. Your site will give me something to remind me just why I'm so proud to be a New Zealander. Well done guys!"

GOINA THEDINGA, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, AOTEAROA
"We are www.aotearoa.co.nz and we promote NZ and Pacific art. One of our clients is Fronz, they design jewellery, including silver ferns. One of their silver ferns was choosen on the NZ$2 stamp. Perhaps a nice addition to you silver fern page. You can find the silver fern stamp at: www.aotearoa.co.nz/fronz/win.htm
Thank you very much for your time. Kind regards, Goina Thedinga, Creative Director, aotearoa.co.nz"

BUSINESS COACH, AUCKLAND NZ
"Thank you for this wonderfully positive site."

IDEALIST, AUCKLAND NZ
"I'm on. Finally. Just looked through every page - absolutely awesome."

TRADING MANAGER, DUBAI UAE
"I look forward to up dates and connecting with the Edge. Thank you."

TEACHER, SINGAPORE
"Very interesting

RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
"Great idea, looking forward to my first update!"

UNITED KINGDOM
I have moved from New Zealand and currently living in the UK and extremely missing NZ, so I hope that this site will provided me with anything I need to know about my home town New Zealand.

ELECTRICIAN, DONCASTER, BRITAIN
"What a great people we are, when you read the latest emails you see we are travellers with a great pride for the country and people we are. How many other races do you see with this standard of life. We stand as one. Great site. Cheers."

TELEPHONY DEPLOYMENT ENGINEER, LISLE, ILLINOS, USA 
"A friend of mine gave me the idea of vacationing in beautiful New Zealand. When, I saw your country's attractions and history, the vacation idea became an objective!"

STRATEGY MANAGER - FORESTS, AUCKLAND, NZ
"I am keen to learn about incubating new ideas - taking them from an idea and transforming into a business plan and then onto a new venture/business."

DESIGNER, ROTORUA, NZ
"Lets celebrate Tall Poppies, the Indigenious of New Zealand and our unrestricted capacity to stretch our arms and breathe in the beauty and blessings of this our land. Visit www.kiwianatown.co.nz. A town proudly standing up to celebrate our history, heros and icons."

THOMAS, SENIOR MANAGER (PR), BHOPAL, INDIA
"Would love to serve in NZ, because it's a lovely and safe country to live in. It seems there is lots and lots of area available for each family to live in. Heard there is no crime in NZ ? Or is it?."

OUTDOORSMAN, AUCKLAND, NZ
"Helping their lives better by working in the outdoors."

STUDENT, AUCKLAND, NZ
"gday im a student at the unitec school of performing and screen arts, specialising in lights and sound. ive been involved in the student leaders forum (slf) as a participant and facilitator and am passionate about the leadership of young new zealanders."

ANDREW MALLIA, MANAGER, DUBLIN, IRELAND
"I was given the site by the New Zealand /Ireland Assoc in Ireland and have only just browsed. It looks awesome and I can't wait to spend more time reading it. We New Zealanders are unique especially when away from home and our Pacific cousins (Australians) become brothers & sisters and we unite. I miss home & this site will give me what I need, it is also a good chance to advertise NZ, especially in Ireland as they are all heading for Australia.
cheers Andrew"

DAMIAN, AUCKLAND, NZ
"Thanks for your presentation on Wednesday night, I found it very inspirational and I look forward to receiving the NZ Edge updates."

BARBI KUNSZENTMIKLOS
"Magyarokat keresek Új -Zélandon."

MARY MCDADE, TEACHER, LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, USA
"Please send me any information or where I can search on requirements to be an elementary school teacher in New Zealand. I have been teaching in private and public elementary schools (kindergarten thru 8th grade) in regular and special education classes in the United States for 19 years. I plan on moving to Auckland/Paeroa area soon. Thank you." maremare81760@yahoo.com

MELANIE HAU, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
"Hello, I am just about to shift to Stockholm, Sweden, scary stuff! I have been surfing the net to see if I could find any information on New Zealanders in Stockholm and found myself here at this site. So I'm still not sure how this works but if anyone can offer me any information on contacts in Stockholm I would be very grateful. Thanks." melaniehau@hotmail.com

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
"Love this site, I grew up in the deep south of NZ and am currently working in Sydney. I'm constantly bragging about places like Wanaka and Queenstown to my workmates. I miss the serene greenness and alpine atmosphere. When I find sites like this I am very tempted to come back home. Will be visiting again soon."

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