Accommodation/Support Worker/Crowd Controller/Security, Mount Isa, Australia
I love your Website. Have lived in Aussie for 8 yrs. Have purchased 2 Properties already. Planning to purchase an investment property in Opotiki and I will eventually retire in Opotiki. I miss home. Travel to Aotearoa every 2 years. I miss the kai especially the Kai Moana. Oh yeah I'm a kotiro from the Bronx, Otara, South Auckland. 
Thu Dec 29 14:41:26 2005

Managing Director/ Lyceum Partners & Co, Los Angeles, USA
I absolutely love your web site. I have to work tonight but I will be back. It's the best site I've seen in 2-years. The visuals are fantastic and the movement! I've been on an aesthetics campaign with all my clients. (websites with no imagination give me no insight into the organizations "mojo"). Thank you for presenting your country in such a moving way. Best in 2006! 
Tues Dec 27 19:38:40 2005

JP 
Hi, Regarding the Bill Hamilton article. http://www.nzedge.com/heroes/hamilton.html Its good to acknowledge the jet boat engine as a significant development in NZ history, but if you read `The Jet Boat - The Making of a New Zealand Legend' you will see that the idea to make the pump an axial flow configuration came from Professor Frank Henderson, a Professor in Civil Engineering at Canterbury University at the time. Although George Davidson had a great influence on the fruition of the project, I'd like to introduce another contributor to the success of the jet boat engine. Thank you. 
Mon Dec 26 21:22:58 2005

Bruce, Great Britain 
Hi, That's a great little flash world time clock on your home page. Did you develop it in-house? Is it available for others to use? Great site on the whole; will have to blog about it soon ;-) Cheers, Bruce 
Mon Dec 26 23:46:25 2005

Annika, Sales Associate, Burlington, Washington, USA
I've been away from home now for just over a year. At first I was anxious to leave and see a new piece of the world, but living here in Washington, and talking to people about my homeland, I realise just how lucky we are as a people. Our land and diverse terrain are counted among the most beautiful in the world. We are a liberal, tolerant country of free-spirited people, who were the first to give women the vote, climb Mount Everest, and split the atom amongst other things. Our reputation on the international film front is fast becoming astronomical, and our native culture and lifestyles absolutely fascinate people of all backgrounds around the world. People here find our accents exotic and flock to me, to ask about this beautiful paradise that they so often see and hear about on television. It makes me proud to be a Kiwi, the only flightless bird who flies to all four corners of the world. Now, I find that I truly appreciate my heritage, where I come from, and where my heart will forever be...'Aotearoa' Sweet_kiwi69@hotmail.com 
Sun Dec 25 19:40:57 2005

Film-maker, Actress, Los Angeles
Hi Brian: your email re the "bros" http://www.nzedge.com/mailbox/letter79A.htm  - I have a comment to make to that. Yes P is terrible and frightening and I hope they clean it up. But what is also very very sad is young urban Maori and Polynesian calling themselves "gangsta". It is a very dangerous word that is not to be glamorized, nor is it over here. These Maori are not cool by calling themselves that. Do you see American indigenous Indians calling themselves "gangstas"? No! It is completely different and the issues that affect Black Americans and urban poor Latinas are very very different to those facing urban Maori and Polynesians and young white New Zealanders for that matter. There is no glory in these young Maori and Polynesians calling themselves "gangsta". I assure you the streets of NY and LA are very different from the streets of NZ and I think it a tragedy that NZ Maori making themselves vulnerable to issues that are not relevant to them nor is it their battle....their own battle is different one and comes from under population and high unemployment in a poor country…not the issue of the streets of NY or LA. I also make note that a few smart urban Latina are actually doing everything in their power and means to make things better for themselves and clean up their own backyard...not using another culture's excuse. And certainly ceasing with the word Gangsta. Grow up Maori. Look to yourselves and stop using other cultures as an excuse. 
Fri 23/12/2005 5:08 p.m.

Retired, Maryborough, Australia  
I met Tex Morton http://www.nzedge.com/heroes/morton.html in Wellington, New Zealand a few years ago now. We were talking in a restaurant about his life and he showed me his muscular forearms which he said he got from Blade shearing sheep. I saw his show in Hastings, NZ some time before that. The other night on the radio I heard him singing the song, The Carriage Ahead, and wonder if I can get a copy of this song. I cannot see it on the Internet anywhere. I thank you. Mal 
Fri Dec 23 22:05:42 2005

Needs Assessor Yacolt, WA,USA, 
Brian - Hate to keep clogging your inbox....but years ago I had a tee shirt that I used to workout in. It said, "If you're not Living on the Edge, you're Taking up too much Space". I'm thinking another tee shirt (or three) from NZ Edge would complement my wardrobe. It'd help keep me tuned into your website and to keep motivated to live on the edge and be the best I can be. Bob Brewer Yacolt, WA (Make sure it's black and has NZedge.com and a silver fern on it.) 
Fri Dec 23 19:53:49 2005

La Verne, Legal Secretary, Los AngeIes
I plan to return around February/March 2006. I've been away for over 25 years (I left in 1975) and haven't returned since. I'm anxious to come home, to go back in time and remember my life when I was 12-13 years. I'm anxious to visit places whose memories are well embedded in me. I'm anxious to taste the food I remember so well (e.g. fish 'n chips, pavlova, fresh pipis & mussels). I want to reconnect with a time and place and just totally enjoy the moment. It's o.k. to publish this as I welcome any comments and suggestions of places to visit when I come home. Oh, yeah, I lived in Otara.
Tue Dec 20 10:21:55 2005

Richard, Film Maker/Wine Grower, Venice
. . . back in June or so 2002 I wrote the first piece on returning to NZ.
http://www.nzedge.com/features/coming_home_responses.html#
anywhere

I just re-read it, ouch! Was I angry or was I accurate? Well guess what, here I come, New Zealand or bust. I have sold my cottage, travelled the American West for the past six months and arrive in NZ 7th January 2006. Please don''t shoot me! Much of the sentiment I wrote was accurate but the sentiment I hold for NZ and my desire to create the next chapter of my life is something else. I am not a big name but I have done well for a skinny kid. I return unheralded to a quiet rural corner of the North Island full of ideas, no plans, I will take the experience as it presents it self. Life on life's terms. I am excited and nervous at returning but saddened at leaving America. It treated me very well.

I have no plans or thoughts of dipping my toe in the pond of NZ and racing back to the US if I don't like what I find. I have never been a quitter but I do know my limits. Walk softly, carry a big stick. I will walk slowly, this is the rest of my life. I wish to savour New Zealand, I wish to document and record my experiences. I know very few people, I will learn, I will stumble, I will continue. I will live quietly, work consistently, create actively and try and learn what I could not learn as a child. I am sure it will challenge me, press my buttons even, I will try and understand while not being understood. I will try for openness and acceptance, I will try not suffer fools, especially myself. I will try and be humble, probably won't succeed. Oh well! I look forward to living in New Zealand. I hope to make a contribution and work for change, however, the proof will be in the pudding, wish me well.
Sun Dec 18 17:39:54 2005

Stafford, Engineer/Farmer/Maori foods distributor, Whakatane
Have yet to peruse this site properly but have been impressed with the concept. Will in the future be interested in making contact with kiwis abroad to survey their thoughts on a NZ food franchise I've developed specific to traditionally authentic flavoured foods from Aotearoa and whether they think it would have potential in their regions abroad.
Sat Dec 10 12:01:46 2005

Mike, Taxi Driver, Richmond NZ
Surely now is the hour for New Zealand to adopt a striking stand alone national flag. Around the world people recognise our black singlet and silver fern as our preserve. We were the only country to win and retain for a second series the "Americas" cup with a black boat and silver fern. Our black singlet and silver fern personifies our nation and has become a cherished icon. these symbols are iterwoven with our heritage and any attempt to impose alternatives will meet with justifiable outrage. The fern icon now appears on all New Zealand postage stamps and should now replace the "Union Jack" on our national flag.
Mon Dec 5 2:41:30 2005

Tuone, Fulltime Darksider, Wellington
As one of the original Darkside founders I can honestly say that the DS goals and ambitions are a lot more then a pipe and a patch. Because of the negative upbringings we engage as "youth" today we have learnt to persevere through sports employment and music. Being one of the older members I feel the responsibility to educate and guide the "at risk" youth of today into some positive work ethics. In saying this I have started a business that specializes in this field. Hiphop 101 is a five week training course that educates and promotes the positive aspects of hiphop rather than focus on the negativity of gangs or gangsta rap.
Sun Dec 4 14:33:00 2005

Holly, Student, Bristol 
I'm a 23 year old kiwi living in England and I'm currently in my third/final year of my degree in Art and Visual Culture. My dual identity as a kiwi-brit informs my art practice a lot. Recent drawings and projections combine elements of both places to create new 'inbetween' places that can be disorientating.

I'm attempting to link in some of these ideas with my dissertation. I am examining the extent to which New Zealand's national identity is portrayed through images of place, for both kiwis themselves and for non-kiwis in Britain. In Britain, it seems that so much emphasis is put on the NZ's physical signifiers of geography/scenery rather than on the cultural- like our art, rich maori culture and innovation. I\'m not surprised- New Zealand is a stunning country- and it is getting continual media attention through films i.e King Kong, Narnia, LOTR, but I do find it interesting that as a nation it is mainly its physical geography that is being celebrated. Other examples I think of right now are the continually reappearing 100% Pure NZ campaign. Even the current NZ government's 'newzealand now' campaign to persuade ex pats to move back home with their skills focus on scenery (at least the ones I have seen). i.e. A picture of a rope swing at the beach with the caption 'kiwis. remember what its like to be at home.' (Slightly annoying anyway- yes of course we remember- all the time)

My question is how much of New Zealand national identity (for expats and potential tourists) is constructed through a shared repertoire of images of the country as place? What are the limitations/ benefits of such a construction? I just find it really interesting how we are making a shared sense of national identity through the images we share- so many of which are of the land. nzedge has tonnes. Suggestions for a new fern flag link back to the country's flora and fauna, too. Is this link to the landscape so powerful because NZ is such a young nation? Because when I think of British Identity I think of so much history and architecture etc. I'd love to know people's thoughts on this. hollyjanewilson@gmail.com 
Wed Nov 30 1:21:32 2005

Victoria, teacher/landscaper/sailor/business owner, Santa Fe New Mexico 
I ran into an old school mate here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I came here after living in Thailand for a while and sold my house on the U.S East coast to move here. At a local bar I ran into Beverley. We had both been at Western Heights High School in Rotorua and she had married my best friends brother (which I didn\'t know about) and wound up in New Mexico. We talk a lot about what it is to be between worlds. We are women of New Zealand and proud of it, yet have been gone so long from NZ we don\'t think we could live there again and so we exsist as foreigners in both places. Sure would like another form of attachment to "home". Thanks
Sun Nov 27 15:35:27 2005

Jason, Professional Photographer, Newport Beach,USA 
I am a Professional Photographer in the USA -a place that recognises and rewards the arts financially. I am tempted to return home with my USA wife and new child. Best, Jason http://www.wallisphoto.com 
Sat Nov 26 12:09:01 2005

Brendan, Explorer, Shanghai 
NZEDGE is a primo idea. Thanks to the hosts for such a phat site. Been away from the Coromandel hills for a year and a half now. Its been an interesting journey discovering how to find beauty in this dirty, electric city but its finner aesthetic beauty now shines through even the thickest smog. Its possible to find beauty in everything, its all a matter of perspective. Brendan. 
Fri Nov 25 17:11:46 2005

Manuela, Teacher, Cieszyn Poland 
Hi, I am writing to you in order to get some information about the jobs for foreigners in New Zealand. I am really looking forward to go to your country to live there for some time and work. I think your country and your web site are great. I am planning to visit Auckland in September 2006 and find some suitable job and place to live. I am 25 years old and I am extremely reliable person so I think I would be good for any job, from babysitting to picking fruit or working as a secretary. I am looking for someone who can be my NZ contact. Will someone please write to me to help me with finding a flat or job. I would be very grateful if someone can help me. Email manwal@wp.pl or phone +48 508 275 431. Thank you very much for your help and best greetings from Poland. 
Thu Nov 24 5:35:36 2005

Richard, Film Editor/Winegrower, USA 
As I wind down my gypsy junket around the American West and prepare to re-locate to New Zealand and the next chapter of my life, I find myself drawn more and more to New Zealand iconography and no one offers it better than NZEDGE. I have followed you from the beginning and I have followed you ever since, you have helped me embrace my New Zealand heritage after 40 years of travelling and working the world. I am looking forward to the move back to New Zealand, not to what was but to new adventures and what is possible. It is time for me to live the dream, as a New Zealander in New Zealand. Thanks. 
Sun Nov 13 17:12:54 2005

Mrs Macrae, Teacher, Auckland 
Hello my name is Mrs Macrae and I teach at Weymouth intermediate school. Thanks to this website my children have learnt a lot about Sir Edmund Hillary. 
Sat Nov 12 9:09:56 2005

Bryan, Bass guitarist, Melbourne
Just thought, as a Wanganui born ex-pat, that you should know I've been working with Berlin based Hugo Race and the True Spirit since 1991. We\'ve made 13 CDs and have a large European following. I would love to hear from some kindred spirits!
Thu Nov 3 21:06:02 2005

Iftikhar Ali, Student, Taj Chowk Mingora Swat Pakistan
Allah creates the universe with a very beautiful design. The world is very huge and its is impossiable to know about it everything but NZEDGE gives me this opportunity to know about New Zealand. Thanks
Thu Nov 3 20:54:15 2005 

Hayley, Film maker, Garrett Country New Zealand 
This is a great website that I just happened to stumble accross, I really enjoy reading about the film and arts news. Keep it up!!
Wed Nov 2 13:59:53 2005 

Bronwyn, Secondary Teacher, Auckland
This is fantastic and beautiful! your site was sent to me from an expat in GB via an expat in L.A. So nice to see us not as the usual cliche. Great work
Tue Nov 1 9:17:25 2005 

Bruce, Deputy Airline Freight manager, Merrimu, Australia 
Living in Aus for 24 years . Merrimu is a rural area near Bacchus Marsh Vic , 50ks west of Melbourne . Originally from Hastings Hawkes Bay 
Fri Oct 28 23:55:45 2005

Maurya, Registered General Nurse & student Midwife, London
FABULOUS!!! Bursting with kiwi style and originality. Congratulations on an excellent web site, I look fwd too future meetings.
Mon Oct 31 11:37:33 2005

Amelia, Brisbane
Was feeling a little homesick when I stumbled upon this site via Old Friends.....Even though I'm only across the ditch sometimes I feel like I'm a world away. Or at least a decent meal away.
Sun Oct 23 3:40:46 2005

Julie, Teacher, Auckland
I would love to get in contact with any New Zealanders living in Apia in Samoa. Any help greatly appreciated. miedema@orcon.net.nz 
Mon Sep 26 12:18:43 2005 

Former Chief of Police, Las Vegas
I appreciate updates on NZ as I intend to relocate to NZ in 2006. I am a former fireman paramedic in Los Angeles, then a police officer, ending my career as a chief of police and now I am a producer, sound and cameraman for broadcast television and film. I will form a documentary crew in NZ, open another business and possibly seek employment within your communications industry. My interests include mountain biking, racing my WRX, journalism/photography, concert audio/lighting production, opportunities to be active in my community. NZ demonstrates a high awareness and sensitivity towards everything from sound ecology to efficiency in government and productivity while maintaining your quality of life. How I wish the rest of the world was paying attention to your objectivity! Thanks for all the useful information contained within your site!
Sat Sep 24 19:27:44 2005 

Kara, Art Director, San Francisco
So glad to have found you again. I am a former Saatchi & Saatchi NY employee who misses Kevin's inspirational energy.
Thu Apr 27 12:04:07 2006 

Eleisha, Canada
Great website - congrats!
Wed Apr 26 8:10:55 2006

Serina, Assessor, Melbourne
New to this. Would love some information about this website (true kiwi all the way).
Mon Apr 24 19:14:48 2006

Chris, Big Wave Surfer, Perth 
Keep up the great work...
Wed Apr 5 16:20:15 2006

Melissa, Advisor, Auckland
That edge of the world address by Kevin Roberts sent me here. Glad it did. Have much to think about now. Thanks.
Tue Apr 4 11:57:24 2006

Scott, Merchant Banker, Sydney 
Tramping up the Hollyford Valley - my constant day dream and the reason I will always return.
Wed Mar 29 20:13:54 2006

Laurent, Manager, Nouméa 
I would like to find the 2 test matches NZ/France played in 1994. On DVD would be best! Does any one have any tips? fl.anclar.prod@offratel.nc 
Tue Mar 28 18:11:19 2006

Samson, Lagos
Want to know more about you. 
Sun Mar 12 7:13:25 2006John, Picton, 

New Zealand
Great site. 
Sat Mar 11 13:24:01 2006

Jill, Teacher, Nelson
First time to log in - looks fantastic and a great resource for myself and students learning about NZ tourism.
Mon Dec 12 11:55:55 2005

Mark, Web Developer, North Sydney
I have enjoyed reading your web site and look forward to the updates.
Sat Dec 10 21:39:01 2005

Rosemary, B&B host, Waipu 
Thanks for creating this space on the edge 
Mon Nov 21 18:45:41 2005

George, Chicago 
Good work, nice webpaqe. 
Sun Nov 13 13:50:25 2005

Karen, Cleveland Ohio 
Great website. Any idea how we can get in touch with kiwis in our city? 
Tue Nov 15 5:04:24 2005

True, Australia
I Love NEW ZEALAND
Sat Oct 29 14:37:58 2005

Tam, Storyboard artist, Sydney
It's great to connect with the wider whanau.
Wed Oct 19 21:46:51 2005 

Chris, Big Wave Surfer, Auckland 
I think you guys are fantastic.
Wed Oct 19 13:18:57 2005

Kent, Software Sales, Bordeaux
Keen to hear from fellow kiwis! kentrouten@yahoo.com 
Wed Oct 19 5:08:51 2005 

Ropeta, At home mom, Pyeontaek Country
I'd love to hear from any "stay at home moms" overseas or in Korea. rmene001@gmail.com  
Tue Oct 11 18:47:58 2005