Beware the Shaky Isles

The grim travel warning issued for NZ by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has caused derision on both sides of the Tasman. According to the DFAT, NZ is a terrorist target located on a hot-bed of seismic activity and Australian tourists are urged to “monitor developments that might affect their safety.” The Herald‘s “Heckler” column had this to say: “They let chicks run the shop and refugees live in the community … And they settle their land claims with real money that the traditional owners get to spend themselves. Perish the thought! Your mind will be forever converted from proper Strayan-think should you venture into Aotearoa … Travel to New Zealand, risk your life. You have been warned.”