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There
are five million New Zealanders in Aotearoa whanau whanui ki te Aonui;
here are messages from just 155 of them – about connectedness,
re-discovery, affirmation, intimacy, disclosure. Read, cry, cheer.
We've
sorted your contributions by topic:
Edge
Mail
Heroes
Offers
Coming Home
E D
G E M A I L
Professional Development Manager, Wellington
This site is great. I have learned so much about what New Zealanders
have done and are doing to make their mark on the world. I travel a lot
throughout Asia and so often people ask me about New Zealand - I am now
even better equipped to be an ambassador!
IT Network Manager, Sydney, Australia
Excellent site. Informative and patriotic rather than parochial. If my
Australian wife sees this site, the discussion will be over and we'll be
coming back home. Congratulations on a proud yet non-arrogant review of
what makes NZ and its people stand out in the world as the most
proactive and multicultural paradise on earth.
Executive Vice President - Corporate Relations, Sydney, Australia
I am thrilled and admire the work and effort you have done in putting
this website together it brings a sense of belonging to me as a Kiwi and
letting the world know what we are all about. Thank you for letting me be
apart of this.
Operations Director, Melbourne, Australia
I love the freshness of thought and the sense of excitement that vibrates
from the site. In uncovering the history of great achievements it calls to
all of us, overseas or not, to do more to realise NZ's opportunity today.
Count me in.
Financial Advisor, Auckland, New Zealand
Thanks for being leaders in this area of communication, we all need to set
high standards for this and future generations to aspire to and grow from.
Awesome.
Student, Auckland
What an absolutely awesome website! Coming from the perspective of a
19 year old male student living in Auckland, what a great incentive of how
unique and special kiwi's are and what difference really have made against
all adversity. This website epitomises everything that is New Zealand.
Maybe and just maybe the inner, spiteful criticism that is fueled within
New Zealand, when New Zealanders make a difference in the world or acheive
at a high standrad can through this website finally understand why we must
treasure our heroes and idols and stop this internal bickering that
hinders our society. In retrospect I hope all New Zealanders find this
website in due time and support people like the current All Blacks (who
hav been critcised publically) and their pursuit of making their country
proud. Kia Kaha! Be proud of who we are! Robert Douglas
Homemaker, Kuching Malaysia
I was overjoyed to discover your website! I have been abroad for four
years now so it is absolutely refreshing to delve back into views and
stories of my homeland. Keep up the fabulous work! From David McCallum
Film
Producer/Director, Singapore
23 years in Singapore, 5 years in Europe, half my life has been spent
outside. Javanese wife, 4 kids, all born in Singapore. It's my wife and
kids who are hassling me to live back there in NZ. Singapore has been kind
to us, but the cost of living is horrendous and it's a bit like living in
secondary school (sometimes even Primary!).
Airline Representative, Denver, USA
Viewing this site reinforces what I already knew is a wonderful
country and it makes me proud to be a Kiwi. I will revisit this site often
I am sure.
Education,
Newcastle, Australia
Seems like a good idea boys. Upward and onward. Use ya No 8 fencing
wire if you have to - good old Kiwi ingenuity.
Aerospace Systems Engineer, Montreal, Canada
Have you guys thought of setting up some type of 'contact' method, where
people who register could choose to let others find them? For instance, I
would love to get in touch with some of the Edge community in Montreal.
Thanks, Joshua
p.s. I'm hoping to convince my girlfriend (une Quebecoise) that New
Zealand is a great place to raise kids when we visit in December. Any
hints?
Prosthetic Practitioner, Orlando, US
Kia ora.I am New Zealand Maori living in the USA with my wife and son
of whom are both Kiwis. We have lived overseas for 18 years in Canada and
the US. Our son Lucas Wiremu Toataua was born in Canada. He is 9 years
old. I look forward to being a part of this group. Ka Kite Willie
Melbourne, Australia
I so thoroughly enjoy reading about home (Aotearoa) through the eyes of
other expats whether they be negative or positve. The comments are so
like home. I can even smell the clean air as some say. But I am blessed to
be able to come home just about every year, and it's just across the awa
for me. Thanks so much for this site.
Arts Administrator,
Hamilton
NZ is by comparison with other places in the world almost the last bastion
of unspoiledness. Everyone who finds us wants to come here. We have a
small problem with knowing who we are and this site will help us to do
that.
Mummy, Heemstede, Netherlands
Very impressive site. Very proud to be Kiwi now! We just need to win
more cups from the Aussies, so that THEY can drink out of the saucers! Do
you put out a book on famous NZers!?
Edinburgh, Scotland
just some random positive feedback. This feeds into some of the things
compatriots here in Scotland and I have been considering. much love for
the effort and vision displayed thus far.
Childcare, Wickham, Australia
Live here in Wickham, small town with 3000 people, mining town of Iron
Ore which the Japanese buy. Western Australia, closet airport is Karratha,
2hrs flying to Perth, 12 hours driving. About 60 families here who are
Kiwis, don't sound like Kiwis though. Good life, very cheap living
compared to NZed. Lots of sun, Our summer 50 to 60 degrees, winter 35
degrees, no autumn, spring here just hot hot hot. So hot in summer can
only swim from 5am to 9am and then 4pm to 9pm too hot in between. Good
life once you can come to grips with the heat.
Webmaster, UK
Simple idea very refreshing and just to the point. When you have lived
away from beautiful NZ for as long as I have and come across websites like
this - it makes me proud to be a Kiwi! - I like Kiwis! I think we are a
good and proud people! - well done!
Homemaker, Western Samoa
Hey Guys, Thanks for the newsletter. My family and I are back in Samoa for
a couple of years working for the Church. New Zealand will always be home
no matter where our travels take us. Ka kite, Ra, Rick and whanau
US Government, Kansas, US
I'd like to find ex-pat Kiwis in the midwestern US, especially in
Kansas. There might even be some in the Wichita (south central KS ) area.
I've been "off-island" for 36 years and I think I'm losing my
accent. I've only met a handful of other Kiwis in all this time. Even my
American-born kids can come up with better Kiwi accents than me. It's
embarrassing. Email me.
Retired, Charlotte, US
I was in the U.S.Navy during WW II and made port calls in Wellington
and Auckland several times during the war. A family I do not remember the
name that lived outside one of the cities would invite us for a meal. All
I remember is they had a daughter by the name of Olive.
Business woman, Tauranga
I have a son, Stefan Merriman, who is a World Champion Enduro
Motorcycle rider. He is based in Italy, but is bred and born in Tauranga.
He unfortunately rides for Australia now due to lack of funding from New
Zealand. He is a New Zealand Champion but not as recognised here as he
should be.
Retired Fisherman, Victoria, BC, Canada
Always on the lookout for Kiwis I know, we're splattered all over the
planet. Maybe this site will help! Thanks.
Medical Sales Rep, Tamworth, Great Britain
Fantastic site, I heard about it from a fellow kiwi living in UK and I
have since told a few Kiwis and a couple of Poms. Keep it coming I can get
over the feeling of being homesick when I read the articles.
Proprietor Of Therapeutic Massage Clinic, Sydney, Australia
Great to hear you have this up and running. I have lived away from NZ for
17 years but my heart has never left the type of people New Zealanders
are. They have soul in a fast becoming soul less world.
Sydney NSW, Australia
Hi Folks, Found the site via "Old Friends.co.nz". I am
looking forward to spreading the word about your site to many of my
friends. The idea sounds terrific and the site looks great. Keep up the
fantastic work. Regards, Selma McGoram
Optician, Wellington, New Zealand
Hi Just wanted to congratulate you on such a fabulous site - always proud
to be a Kiwi and what's so great about this site is that others can see
why!
Poppleton, Engineer, Brisbane, Australia
Hope this takes off and is as successful as some of us are. Looking
forward to the return home!
Account Executive, Brown, Ireland
I got on to your site through an article in stuff.co.nz; what a fantastic
mission you have; delighted and proud to be part of it. Tiffany.
Retired Pharmacist, Orbost, Australia
I have lived in Australia for the past 36 years but my passport and my
heart tell me I am still a New Zealander. I have been lucky to have been
able to return home 15-20 times during that period and recently NZEDGE has
helped fill in the times in between. Keep up the good work.
Author, Palm Desert, California, USA
I look forward to hearing from you. I am a retired flight attendant (and a
Kiwi) of private executive jets that circumnavigated the world. I now
write books. You can see some of my works at www.amazon.com; www.bn.com
and more. Glad to be a fellow Kiwi :) Keep up the great work! Warmest
regards, Gail Hopke
Consultant, Paris, France
I was alerted to your site by a friend and have been very impressed by
your work here. I was glad the heroes section did not concentrate on
sports people as so often I feel New Zealanders measure the country in
this so immediate way. Congratulations and thank you.
Truckdriver, Hyrum, UT, USA
I was born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand, Hokitika Greymouth
area. I am extremely homesick and if I could come home I would. My heart
has never left my home of New Zealand.
Australia
I'm one of the ex-pats. I came over here in 1985. Wouldn't have known
about this site if it wasn't for the Trademe site. Great reading and I've
emailed your site address. Cheers Norma Bell
Production Manager, South West Rocks, Australia
I've lived overseas but I have the Silver Fern tattooed on my heart.
Although I now live away I will always be a Kiwi.
Part Time Vegan Cafe Manager/ Part Time Working with Prisoners,
Ex-Prisoners and their Families, Sydney, Australia
Kia Ora, How to begin? This site, and ideals is the best thing I've seen
in a long time. I've been amazed at the lack of knowledge about NZ even in
Oz, what people "know" is based on movies like LotR and Once
Were Warriors. Great movies but we are so much more than that. We fly our
koru flag proudly here and I am currently organising a NZ show for my
community radio station to fill in the gaps of knowledge about our unique
heritage, culture and music, and to keep kiwis in touch. I love this site!
Being a proud kiwi is such a strength and so exciting!
Document Storage Supervisor, Sydney, Australia
Kia ora Koutou, here's another offshore Kiwi that longs to be home. I've
only been away for 3 years and have enjoyed my time away but as the saying
goes there is no place like home. I would like to make a big shout out to
the people of North Hokianga, keep it real!!!! There's a whole world out
there to experience, with opportunities to offer and knowledge to gain. It
just wouldn't feel right to have left my beautiful home of Aotearoa and
return without having anything to offer my community or people. I have
been home twice and will continue to spend my holidays in Aotearoa. Props
to the people at "nzedge.com" for a job well done on this site,
kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.
Home Carer, Brisbane, Australia
Looking forward to hearing news on New Zealand, even though I have been in
Aussie for 25yrs, I still call New Zealand home.. Is there such a
directory where you can find out about Kiwis that are living in Australia?
Michelle
Exec Assistant, New York, USA
Love the site! It's great to feel a little more connected to Aotearoa
after a long time away. Getting ready to come home so everything helps...
General Manager - B&Q Plc, London, Great Britain
Past 4 years in London working as General Manager with B&Q
Plc.(kingfisher). Formerly working for Fletcher Challenge Limited
(Executive Development Programme), Auckland. I love living in London
but nothing can beat living in NZ. The lifestyle, healthy environment,
culture and spirit kiwi's have is truly something unique and is something
I'm hugely proud of. I employ a large number of Kiwis doing their OE and
are constantly praised by customers for their work ethic, service culture
and down-to-earth intelligence and work ethic.
School Principal, Lower Hutt
Brian Sweeney addressed our conference. I liked what he had to
say, it opened my eyes and started me thinking about how we educate our
children. I look forward to more inspiration and would enjoy receiving
your updates. Graeme Suillivan.
Teacher Blenheim
Glad to be part of the Edge community. Heard both Kevin before and
Brian only in July this year. I like the attitude. The challenge issued to
teachers is to pass on this knowledge to students. Well done and good
luck.
Principal Fergusson Intermediate, Wellington
Brian Sweeney spoke to the NZ Principals' Conference in New Plymouth
July 5, 2003. I was impressed with his message-emotional connections, one
team one dream, nothing is impossible, be the best you can be, devote your
life to something bigger than yourself......So true! Will alert my school
to NZEdge. Thanks for the positive portrayal of the magnificent country we
are fortunate to live in. Margaret.
Behaviour Teacher, Newcastle, Australia
Thank you for this great website. I had to return here due to family problem
and after a seven year break feel very much in exile and at odds with the
politics and general lack of spirituality here...
Durban Girls College, South Africa
Thanks so much for another brilliant web page. I have so enjoyed reading
the articles. I have just finished reading Whale Rider and loved it so
much, that I rationed myself to reading small bits every day so that I
wouldn't finish it too soon, it was so beautiful, I wanted to stop and
imagine the scenes before going on. So now I am praying that the film will
come to South Africa. Guess who will be first in line for tickets!! Thanks
again - Val.
Labour, Wife, Mother Of 3 Kids, Bankstown , Australia
This is the best thing that I have seen. I left NZ in 1999 and get very
homesick but to the EXCELLENT site that is there for all us Kiwis away
from home is so AWESOME, keep up the good work.. KIA KAHA NEW ZEALAND. IN
MY HEART NEW ZEALAND WILL ALWAYS BE HOME.
Self Employed, Christchurch, New Zealand
This looks very much to be an interesting site, I will look forward to
keeping a close watch on it, and inform others of it.
Home-economist/Dance Teacher, Sydney, Australia
This sounds like a wonderful idea. I have contacted a couple of school
friends through Oldfriends and it has been great to catch up on old times.
One actually lives in Sydney and we have made contact.
Anonymous
What a wonderful site. I didn't know you existed until my daughter sent me
your address. We have lived in Australia for 21 years and even though we
love it here there is definitely no place like NZ.
Support Worker,
Dunedin
I would love to hear from Kiwis who have lived in Dunedin whom now are
making new lives for themselves in other countries. Email
me.
Childcare worker,
Rotorua
I stumbled upon this site through Old School
Friends. I love catching up
with other New Zealanders whether they be known to me or not. I am very
patriotic and love my country with a vengence. Nothing gives me greater
pleasure than to share tales of New Zealand or to hear stories of other
countries.
Retired, North
Bundaberg, Australia
I was totally unaware of this site until Trademe mailer gave me this
site which I have sent on to my friends. We are starved of New Zealand news
over here, my computer has The Press on it and I can read other papers
from there, now yours, which makes me very excited.
Soldier, London, UK
Would like to find out more about the person who did Robbie Williams Maori
tattoo as I am interested in getting the same and was wondering if you
could help. Or if there are any tattooists in London who specialise in
Maori designs.
Event Coordinator,
Auckland
What a fabulous website! My chest is suitably puffed out at seeing our
beautiful country portrayed with the richness it deserves. Congratulations
to everyone who has been involved in its creation and may it continue to
grow and prosper!
Event Manager,
Wellington
Great to come across an Absolutely Positively affirmative site on a
wet-wild Sunday morning...then realise the whole morning went reading some
terrific stuff. Keep it going.
Retired
This sounds interesting, thank you for the contact, hope I'm able to
trace contacts who are overseas, also browse you information.
Demogragher/Materials and process engineer, Hamilton
"Last Word" with Pam Corkery had this website championed by the
creator of the site. And I have been reading the heroes portraits ever
since. (2 1/2 hour ago) So here I am contributing. Also I have sent two
emails and copied and pasted articles on Hero's on this site to my
Lecture, Prof. Ian Pool, a great demographer here at Waikato Uni. So be
strong if you get to read this and email me on rjy2@waikato.ac.nz if you
have a question about High IQ persons. Roddy Young
Wife, Spearwood, Australia
Originally I'm from Whakatane, but have been in Oz for 12 years now
and am really enjoying Western Australia. I live about 10-15mins south of
Fremantle with my Australian husband. I can't work because of debilitating
arthritis. So like to keep warm in the winter.
Unknown
What a wonderful site.I didn't know you existed until my daughter sent me
your address. We have lived in Australia for 21 years and even though we
love it here there is definitely no place like NZ.
H
E R O E
S
Customer Services, Auckland
I've had a look through and am impressed. Being a m/cycle fan I really
enjoyed the Britten story. I will
forward the site to lots of kiwis overseas I know.
Design Engineer, Poole, Great Britain
Dr Robert Hurst was a Kiwi and was one of the five scientists to split the
atom (for what led on to develop the atom bomb).
Anonymous
Excellent site, but no room for Sir William Hamilton the inventor of the
jetboat? in the Heroes section.
Australia
Have you thought of featuring Chew Chong (I don't have his real Chinese
name here) the butter pioneer in Taranaki? Fred Hollows the
ophthalmologist and inventor of a process to make corneal implants cheaply
and within third-world countries resources (Aussies claim him, but he was
35 before coming over here). I'm just new to your site so if you have
featured these people before don't take any notice of a newby! Lin
London, Great Britain
Thank you for the wonderful article on Ernest Godward; I've just been
pointed to it by another Godward relative, and have established that he
was my great-grandfather's younger brother. If you do have any further
information, or contact with Bruce Godward, I would be enormously grateful
to receive it. Best wishes and thanks again.
Self Employed, Invercargill, New Zealand
Thought everything was great but no one from down this way and we had
plenty eg Sir Joseph Ward, Tim Wallis Warbirds - and of course that Mayor
Tim Shadbolt.
xtra.co.nz
I note in the "Heroes" section, Rev Keith Elliot, VC, is not
yet mentioned. He was a good friend of my Father, and I knew him quite
well too. You might like to insert a biography of Keith as well.
Nurse,
Sydney, Australia
Just looking through at our heroes of NZ and hoping that the ones
pictured on that site ain't the only ones shown that are known, what I'm
getting at is, that there is only one Maori mentioned. I can name a few, we
did shape that country as well, not all Maori people were menaces to the
country, it would just be nice to see and read of our ancertors or heroes.
Thanks.
Editor: Thanks for
your message - rest assured we haven't ignored Maori as part of the New
Zealand Edge - Maori are central to Aotearoa's identity. Have you checked
out the Ta Moko page?
We're working on a
series of shorter bios to broaden the breadth of the hero bios - amongst
these are Te Whiti, Te Kooti, Maori weavers, scholars and sports players -
currently respected journo Spiro Zavos is working on a longer bio of
George Nepia for nzedge ... this will be up in the next couple of months.
Originally the
criteria for the heroes bios was that the person had to have impacted on
global culture in acknowledged ways, this obviously had some limitations
(Maori, women, groups tended to be under-represented historically and
recent immigrants to NZ as well), but was a strong way of originally
establishing credibility and overcoming the tall-poppy doubters! Could I
suggest you check out the nzedge mailbox from Nov/Dec
2001 when nzedge co-founder Brian Sweeney and myself responded to a
similar concern to the one your raised - it's about two thirds down the
page in the heroes section.
I hope that allays
some of your concerns and that you enjoy the spirit, progress from of the
rest of the nzedge project. Best regards, Paul Ward, Senior Writer,
nzedge.com.
USA
I read some of the heroes with interest. Had you considered Sir Robert
MacIntosh? In terms of modern anaesthesia he was an extraordinary
individual who has impacted upon how anaesthesia is practised in the
entire western world...I don't know much about him, except that he went to
Waitaki Boys' High, not Timaru Boys' High. Cheers.
O F F E R S
Thermette North America, USA
Hello, I am an ex pat New Zealander living in Seattle, USA. I am importing
thermettes from New Zealand and selling them on my website
www.thermette.com. If this is something that fits the nzedge image can you
link me to your website ? Thanks, Cheers, Suzanne Bolwell Thermette North
America.
Student/International Athlete, Dunedin
I love the site. I can relate to a lot of the contents having spent my
last four summers touring Europe and North America as an international
skeleton racer! I don't know if there is any way you can help me, but
there is no harm in asking, I can see that your site is connected to many
successful Kiwi people throughout the world, and no doubt some ofthem
could help me. Check out my site, www.nzskeletonracer.com.
I would be keen to know if there is any way you could help me get in touch
with people who may be interested in sponsoring me. Thanks Louise
Corcoran.
Paris, France
I have just discovered your impressive site and hoped that it is possible
to get an OK to list www.nzedge.com as a link from my own website, which
is being developed 'as we speak'.
In brief, I am a New
Zealander living in Paris, France and am setting up an agency to promote
NZ designed products for the home. I will be launching ' fougère d'argent
- silver fern ' at the trade show Maison et Objet in September 2003. My
initial focus will be on a range of possum fur / merino wool products +
innovative flax sculptural forms - all exclusively NZ made.
I would also like to
send more info about this project for inclusion on your site, in the
coming months. If there are any other contacts at the Edge that I can
approach to discuss details; please let me know.
I look forward to
hearing from you and think this could be the start of an exciting
networking possibility!
Regards Sharon Fischli
www.fougere-dargent.com
Franchise Owner, Auckland
Hi - my business sells Private Mailboxes. We do mail forwarding
anywhere in the world. Is there an opportunity for me to contact Kiwis
overseas wanting to have an NZ address, with their mail forwarded to them
regularly? This is ideal especially if they are on the move all the time.
There are four MBE Centres in Auckland and nearly 5,000 worldwide. Visit www.mbe.com.au
for verification.
Great Britain
Hi Guys I'm a kiwi living in Bristol, making a modest living as a
second-hand book seller. I sell a lot of books on the internet, through a
website called abebooks.com. It's a very big successful site - 10,000
dealers listing 40 million books - but you may know that already. You may
not know that if you become an 'affiliate' - that is, direct people to the
site through your own site - you get 5% of any sales made that way. Check it out! Keep up the great work. Regards
Bill
C O M
I N G H O M E
Sales, Wellington, New Zealand
I wish I had access to this fantastic site back in 1999 when my wife and I
were contemplating the move back to NZ after 12 years in Sydney and 2
years in London. The reasons for our return were numerous, and not always
'logical', but I guess that comes with following dreams and listening to
your heart occasionally.
We often pondered returning to NZ, whenever we
came for our yearly holiday, thinking in some way we needed to give
something back. Were we becoming self-absorbed and superior, looking down
our nose at those 'back home' ?
The return was harder than we thought it
might be, complicated by lack of employment opportunities, but we love the
ease with which we can just do ordinary everyday things like take the kids
to a park, go shopping, drive, get outdoors, travel the country, we have
time to catch up with friends regularly, the quality and taste of food and
wines is superb, and how easy it is to find some peace and tranquility are
all wonderful positives. Our children have spent some really good times
with their grand-parents (I have been here to help them move house, been
on hand when they get ill, which was always a concern), and we have formed
some great new friendships, cemented some childhood ones, and I can
honestly say life here is pretty good.
We can always pop over to Sydney if
we need a big city fix, Auckland we can take or leave, but Wellington has
an edginess and an attitude that we enjoy. I think the next ten years will
see NZ change in the worlds view, and as life becomes more complicated and
stressful, our little piece of paradise just gets better and better. You
should be proud of NZEDGE, and I will spread the word.
Rugby Player, Cheshire, Great Britain
As a Kiwi who has lived in the UK for the past six or seven years I will
soon be facing the big decision of whether or not to return home. I have
married into the British way of life and have two children who support
manchester united and speak with local accents but still I think of NZ
daily and often feel guilty because I know my young children should be
experiencing a better lifestyle-as I did when i was a child.
I left NZ in
1997 typically patriotic willing to fight the Kiwi battle at every
opportunity and expel the virtues of the greatest little country in the
world but as time has passed I have grown up a lot and experienced a
culture and way of living that can't be compared to NZ. Ex-pat Kiwis who
have truly embraced the foreign culture they reside in will look at things
more objectively and while the call of home is strong, so too is the
realisation that blind patriotism and narrow mindedness are traits not
uncommon in our country.
As NZers we are always
travelling, discovering -
searching for the greatest "buzz" out of life but when we think
of returning home we must stop comparing our country and accept that it is
a place of incomparable beauty that will provide a brilliant lifestyle and
a DIFFERENT culture and outlook on life not neccessarilly a BETTER one.
Thankyou for providing a site that helps people like me realise why I love
my country and why I should be so proud. Mike.
Executive Contractor - Tourism/VIP Management, Auckland
Fantastic site and so positive and inspiring after all the negatives
we get fed from the media every day about how supposedly awful NZ is. So
much media about how many are leaving, but not enough about how many are
coming back, and why.(Its not just the govt that should read this site
regularly to hear the real voice of Kiwis across the planet!)
Funnily
enough, I am busy planning to leave NZ and seek new adventures in Europe
but am finding the heartfelt messages on here from homesick expats abroad
are making me think carefully about why I am leaving. Yes, we do live in
paradise, and that's not just the scenery. But what I would hope is that
these expats who are moving home continue to remember why they came back
once they've been home a while and don't get caught up in whingeing about
it as so many others do.
There are too many Kiwis here who don't
appreciate how good NZ is, warts and all (and every country has its
warts!) - and I say any Kiwi who thinks this is a crap country to live in
is a Kiwi who has never travelled and never seen real political and social
problems and real poverty. Just ask all those immigrants flooding here and
queuing to get our very precious citizenship!
Airline Representative, Denver, US
Viewing the site reinforces what I already knew NZ is a wonderful country
and it makes me proud to be a Kiwi. I will revisit this site often I am
sure.
Kuching, Malaysia
Hello fellow Kiwis, I am returning to NZ in September after five years
in Malaysia. I anticipate considerable culture shock and would like to
make contact with friendly, outgoing people in Christchurch. My email
address is erinaloo@hotmail.com. Thanks.
Buyer extroadinare, Reading, UK
It's a whole different way of life in the UK. Given the same chances,
I don't know that I would have opted to live out of NZ now. I look forward
to going "home" permanently sometime in the not too distant
future.
Forcibly Retired, New Zealand
Very professional website. Most of all, easy to navigate. I lived for 29
years in Australia, and a short time in PNG, and I must say that only when
I returned here in 1996. As the long white cloud appeared outside the
aircraft window did I feel for the first time in my life that I was coming
home.....it was an unexpected and awesome feeling. I have come home. I'm
looking forward to spending time discovering what you have here.
Computer
Technician, Dodges Ferry, Australia
After leaving NZ in 1968 I now get a deep feeling to return HOME after
spending over an hour viewing your fantastic NZEDGE site. Keep this going,
it is great.
Consultant, London,
UK
My relationship with Aotearoa-New Zealand has always been difficult to
explain. My parents emigrated there, from Scotland, in 1967, with me as an
8 year old and my two pre-schooler brothers. Immediately on arrival in
Wellington on 13 July, we were assailed with sights, smells and sounds
which were new to us. We settled firstly in Morrinsville (a very short
stay) and then in Te Awamutu, where we learned to assimilate very quickly.
Despite being sent to school in a kilt and having to read in front of the
class for hours (the teacher liked the sound of my burr), I lost my accent
within months.
It wasn't the done
thing to be 'different' in the 60s, nor even to be proud of your cultural
heritage. So we became 'kiwis' by embracing the outdoor lifestyle, walking
barefoot as often as we could (especially on newly pebbled road to
'toughen' up our feet!).
I always felt
different but secure in the knowledge that my parents had chosen a new
homeland for me that was full of endless opportunities. They became
home-owners, something they never saw themselves achieving in Scotland.
Links with my large
extended family in Scotland and England were strong and the clan-based
philosophy has a lot in common with tribal and iwi concepts.
I visited the land of my birth briefly as a tourist in 1988, to
re-eastblish contact with my many and varied relatives. But that was not
enough for me. Finally, as one rather too old for an OE, I secured a job
in London in 2001 working in my very specialist field (privacy and data
protection).
Having lived here for
nearly three years, I can confidently say that I no longer think of
Scotland as 'home', as beautiful and appealing as it is. I am eagerly
anticipating my return to Aotearoa - New Zealand in January 2004 and know
for sure that it will always be my spiritual home.
Lifestyle, weather and
the intimitable spirit of the NZ people are drivers in my wish to return.
I do not even have a job lined up but somehow this is immaterial given the
somewhat soul-less existence I have experienced in London. However, I have
throughly enjoyed being in such a vibrant, exciting city and Europe's
proximity but my relationship with London is very much one of love/hate.
I look forward to
coming back to where I belong!! Maybe I am being too optimistic - time
will tell. But I look forward to riding in a bus, walking down the street
- and looking at people with smiles on their faces!!
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We
welcome new friends to the New Zealand Edge who have registered this month from around the world:
Adelaide, Australia
Allerby, Australia
Anyang, China
Apia, Western Samoa
Atlanta, USA
Bangkok, Thailand
Bankstown, Australia
Bath, England
Bellefontaine, Ohio, USA
Bellevue, USA
Berlin, Germany
Brighton, England
Brisbane, Australia
Bristol, England
Bunbury, Australia
Cache Creek, Canada
Calgary, Canada
Caloundra, Australia
Cambridge, England
Canberra, Australia
Cedar Grove, Australia
Charlotte, NC, USA
Chelmsford, England
Cheshire, England
Chicago, USA
Curitiba, Brazil
Darwin, Australia
Delhi, India
Denver, USA
Dodges Ferry, Australia
Drums, Pennsylvania, USA
Dublin, Ireland
Dunsfold, England
Durban, Zimbabwe
Edinburgh, Scotland
Florida, USA
Frankfurt, Germany
Geneva, Switzerland
Gladstone, Australia
Gold Coast, Australia
Gorrie, Canada
Gosford, Australia
Hamamatsu, Japan
Harvey, Australia
Heemstede, The Netherlands
Hyrum, UT, USA
Indianapolis, USA
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Lahore, Pakistan
Las Vegas, USA
London, England
Los Angeles, USA
Louisville, USA
Ludhiana, India
Jakarta, Indonesia
Kalgoorlie, Australia
Killcreggan, England
Kingston, Canada
Kingston, England
Kuching, Malaysia
Macon, USA
Maroochydore, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
Molloy Island Augusta, Australia
Monrovia, CA, USA
Montreal, Canada
Murray Bridge, Australia
Nambucca Heads, Australia
New Castle, INI, USA
New York, USA
Newcastle, Australia
Newport, Rhode Island, USA
North Bundaberg, Australia
Northampton, England
Orbost, Australia
Orlando, FA, USA
Palm Desert, CA, USA
Paris, France
Perth, Australia
Peterborough, England
Poole, England
Port Douglas, Australia
Randwick, Australia
Reading, England
Rockingham, Australia
San Diego, USA
Santa Fe, USA
Santander, Spain
Seoul, South Korea
Singapore
Spearwood, Australia
Steyr, Austria
Sunshine Coast, Australia
Sussex, England
Sydney, Australia
Swindon, England
Tabubil, Papua New Guinea
Tamworth, England
Temecula, USA
The Hague, The Netherlands
Tokyo, Japan
Toronto, Canada
Townsville, Australia
Vancouver, Canada
Victoria, Canada
Waikiki, Hawaii, USA
Warsaw, Poland
Washington, USA
Wels, Austria
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Wickham, Australia
Windsor, England
Yallourn North, Australia
And from The Edge:
Ashhurst
Auckland
Blenheim
Christchurch
Darfield
Dunedin
Gisborne
Horowhenua
Invercargill
Levin
Lower Hutt
Kaikohe
Mangakino
Marton
Morrinsville
Mount Manganui
Napier
Nelson
New Plymouth
Palmerston North
Rotorua
Takapau
Tauranga
Taupo
Upper Hutt
Waihi
Wellington
Whangarei
S H O R T S
Storyteller, New
Zealand
This is the way. This is an idea that will grow into something that is the
true spirit of the REAL great Southern land.
Director, Wellington, New Zealand
Great site and very positive. Read Rod Oram's article today and checked
you out. Kia kaha mahanga.
Scientist, Christchurch
Inspirational.
Architect, London, UK
A fabulous site, beautiful compilation of images, easy and intuitive
navigation - well done!
Radio Engineer,
Bellefontaine, Ohio, USA
NZ is still where my heart is.
Frankfurt, Germany
Very pleased I found your site. I hope to contribute before long.
Home Executive,
Brisbane, Australia
Nice to see a site on New Zealand only. Love the images. That's what
I miss ... the views. Thank you.
Retired teachers still
working! Wakefield, Nelson
Great idea guys! We are contacting our son in Japan so he can join up too.
CEO, Director,
Christchurch, NZ
Kiwis supporting Kiwis, a great idea, well done NZEDGE.
Baker, Wellington
First time look at your site, very interesting. I have e-mailed it to my
friends in China.
Road Train Driver, Perth, Australia
Great site with some good stuff from my home land.
Computer Consultant, Melbourne, Australia
I do love to read about NZ and Kiwis...look forward to many hours of browsing
through the site...
Director/tutor, Marton
This is a fantastic site. Makes me proud to be a New Zealander.
Marketing, London, UK
Bless ya!
New Media Producer, Palmerston North
You have my full support, NZEDGE is a fantastic idea from a fantastic
nation.
Consultant, Tauranga
Wow ...... awesome!!! Looking forward to reading from start to finish and
some.
Management and Media Trainer, Wels, AUT
Intriguing concept. Let's see how it can work.
Insurance Adviser, Brisbane, Australia
Fantastic ideas, a truly inspiring.
Underpinning & construction, Gold Coast, Australia
Great site about home.
Council Worker, Caloundra, Australia
Looking forward to accessing new web site.
Air Force Officer, Canberra, Australia
Looks like a great website and about time we ex-pat's had something like
this. Keep it going.
Teacher, Waitakere
Great site. Now on our school list for SS research of NZ people.
Aircraft designer/ Race car fabricator, Indianapolis, US
Good idea, Kiwis make their mark worldwide.
Retired, Waitakere, New Zealand
A few minutes observation makes the site seem to be very interesting. I am
a St John Primary Care 1 member.
Political researcher, The Hague, Netherlands
I'm an expat, living in the Netherlands, but keen to get back to NZ after
working a few years at the NZ embassy!
An Americans Wife, Los Angeles, US
Homesick .. very very homesick.
Mother Of 3, Brisbane, Australia
Moved from New Zealand with husband and 3 children, are now living in
beautiful Queensland, Australia. We love our new lifestyle and encourage other
New Zealanders to do the same.
Manager, Highfields, Australia
Is the Edge the same as The Pointy End?
Businessman, Methven, New Zealand
Cool! Keep going please.
Records Information Manager, Perth, Australia
Excellent site for us expat kiwis
Accountant, Louisville, US
This website is full of good info. Especially like the Heroes section.
Home maker, Surfers Paradise, Australia
Great idea. I would enjoy hearing more about fellow Kiwis!!
Teacher, New Zealand
I am pleased to have been able to make contact and have some of my ideas
affirmed.
Office Admin, Brisbane, Australia
Great to see another site keeping us in touch with our homeland and
people.
Secretary/Receptionist, Gladstone, Australia
Have just found your site, and taking time to look through it.
Agent for NZ products, Paris, France
Promoting NZ design in Europe!
Registered Nurse Division 1, Melbourne, Australia
What a great idea, to try and make an International connection of fellow
kiwis.
Home Executive, NZ
Looking forward to learning more about our Kiwis and about our beautiful
country.
Pilot, El Golea, Algeria
I wish I was there.
Manager, Auckland, New Zealand
Inspirational site. Lets make it happen.
Kaumatua Retired, Perth, Australia
Kia ora koutou kai pai to mahi.
Hotmail.com
Love the site.... pics are gorgeous.... can't find a link to 'send this site
to a friend'.
Retired, Nelson
Great website thanks.
Retired, Mt Maunganui
Delightful, hands across the sea, and friendship within NZ. We are so proud of
the achievements of Kiwis. Good luck and God bless.
Language Teacher, Steyr, Austria
Fascinating to see where we have all ended up.
Principal, Levin, New Zealand
Great idea! Such a relief to have a positive view. Thanks.
Underpinning & Construction, Gold Coast, Australia
Great site about home.
Hotel Manager, Townsville, Australia
Great site, let's create a mentoring group for expats … fantastic stuff.
Underground Geological Technician, Kalgoorlie, Australia
Great stuff keep up the good work. Good to keep in touch with my home
land.
Student /Teacher Aide,
Hamilton
I am looking forward to getting emails from this site and hopefully catch
up with a few friends.
English Language
Teacher, Anyang, China
Nice to be able to show the world something about home!
My students have no idea about the outside world and they are, on average, 20
years old!!
Retired, Gosford,
Australia
What a great site, thank you for sending a true blue Kiwi news of home.
Carpenter, Christchurch
Look forward to reading comments from other Kiwis
CFP Financial Planner,
Auckland
Like what I see.
Lineman, Sydney,
Australia
Looking for other old boys of Hato Petera College or lineman from New Zealand
now overseas? Email me.
Petroleum Fitter,
Wellington
Great site great photos and very informative, I am an Australian living in
Wellington NZ.
Company Director,
Auckland
Our company is responsible for the airfreight of livestock worldwide...
Home Duties, Melbourne,
Australia
I am a Kiwi who lives in Australia, but still interested in what is going on
at home. I have a lot of family and friends back there, and visit from time to
time.
Photographer, Port
Douglas, Australia
Great Site, Well done! Proud of my country Aotearoa New Zealand!
Computer Sales
Mukilteo, US
Hi, I'm a Kiwi, living in The States. Always like to hear about GodZone.
Operating Theatre
Practioner, London, UK
What a fantastic site which I just happened to stumble across. I
didn't know there were that many 'famous' NZer's.
Retired Primary
Teacher
A beautiful part of the world where there are many shades of green and
many shades of brown, the air is fresh and the waters still sparkle.
Welcome to our world.
Kaumatua retired,
Perth, Australia
Kia Ora koutou kai pai to mahi
Stay at home mom,
Atlanta, Georgia, US
I miss Kiwis.
Milko, Brisbane,
Kippa-Ring, Australia
Kia ora to all countrymen, need to keep up with the goss.
Mother extrordinaire,
Palmerston North
Awesome Kiwi site and about time. good on you
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