Tag Archives: New Zealand

The “Most Beautiful Scenery on Earth” … with an Ecological Edge

The “Most Beautiful Scenery on Earth” … with an Ecological Edge

LA Times travel writer John Fretter has a romantic environmental encounter on Fjordland Ecology Tour’s ketch. “In front of us was a giant geologic amphitheatre, the passengers fell silent and ceased all activity, even breathing, some said.  the emotional…

McKinnon and the End of the World

McKinnon and the End of the World

“No sooner had former New Zealand foreign minister Don McKinnon stepped across the threshold of London’s Marlborough House to take over as Secretary-General than all hell broke loose across the Commonwealth. It was a coincidence, of course…

Coach Bracewell Has Opponents in a Spin with the All Black Way

Coach Bracewell Has Opponents in a Spin with the All Black Way

Former New Zealand spinner John Bracewell, now in a coaching role, has turned the fortunes of underachieving Gloucestershire a full circle through preaching ‘the All Black way’. They are looking to complete a hatrick of one…

World set to discover the rigours of the Southern Traverse

World set to discover the rigours of the Southern Traverse

“One of the world’s most prestigious adventure races, and the cornerstone of global media company announce a new partnership in adventure racing. Discovery Channel will be the exclusive media sponsor of the Southern Traverse (New Zealand),…

Bugger the #*!@&! Domain Names

Bugger the #*!@&! Domain Names

A ban on seven deadly words deemed too offensive to register as part of a domain name has been lifted in New Zealand. Deciding that a censorship role didn’t fit in with their purposes,…

Kiwi Commonwealth Leader Gets Pacific About the Pacific

Kiwi Commonwealth Leader Gets Pacific About the Pacific

The Commonwealth Secretary General, New Zealander Don McKinnon, working towards peace in Fiji, admitted yesterday that it would be hard to find an effective way of pressing Fiji to abandon its newly re-imposed race-based constitution.  

Boar-wheel Drive: Kiwi Kune Kune Goes Skateboarding

Boar-wheel Drive: Kiwi Kune Kune Goes Skateboarding

Ten month old Purdey, a rare New Zealand Kune Kune pig is amusing the locals in Warrington by adopting a sty-lish mode of transport.

From the Edge to the (Medical) Centre: Kiwi Brings Tibetan Medicine to Chelsea

From the Edge to the (Medical) Centre: Kiwi Brings Tibetan Medicine to Chelsea

New Zealand born Christopher Hansard, is medical director of the newly opened Eden Medical Centre in London’s King’s Road.  It aims to blend Dur Bon, a Tibetan form of medicine, with Western conventional and complementary systems.

Détente New Zealand Style

Détente New Zealand Style

The New Zealand-China Friendship Society is determined to double its efforts to promote friendship and exchange between the peoples of China and New Zealand the People’s Daily reports. Chinese Consul in Auckland, Zhao Xianling said…

New Zealand Whites Give Bland Californians a Taste of the Real Thing

New Zealand Whites Give Bland Californians a Taste of the Real Thing

“Here come the sauvignon blancs from New Zealand. Hooray!”  White wines from “half a world away” are challenging the blandly commercial US natives, “they almost seem juicier than other wines, maybe because they supercharge our salivary glands.”…

David Tua Demonstrates Power

David Tua Demonstrates Power

“In only 51 seconds, David Tua showed why the heavyweight division may become a more interesting place once again. In knocking down Obed Sullivan the squat Samoan from New Zealand also staked a claim alongside Mike Tyson…

Campbell Hits Record Breaking Haka of a Round

Campbell Hits Record Breaking Haka of a Round

“The New Zealand Maori produced a spear-waving, chest beating, lip-curling, foot-stompin’ 63 in the first round of the English Open here yesterday”. Cambell’s nine under par round created a new European PGA record – no one has…

Queenstown in World’s Ten Best Places for Mountain Biking

Queenstown in World’s Ten Best Places for Mountain Biking

“Queenstown has a deserved reputation as the extreme sport’s capital of the southern hemisphere, and the mountain biking is nothing short of crazy.  Gorgeous scenery that assaults the senses with waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.”

South Sea Sojourn: Discovery Explores Abel Tasman National Park

South Sea Sojourn: Discovery Explores Abel Tasman National Park

Discovery’s Natasha Nowakowski gets immersed in the colourful allure of the “unique and exhilarating” Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaking around the steel-blue waters to the isolated white sandy beaches, emerald-green lagoons, sentrious cliffwalls and lustrously sodden forests…

On the Road the New Zealand Way

On the Road the New Zealand Way

Discovering along the journey Hone Heke, the ‘inventive’ Richard Pearse and the Kauri Gum Rush, Road & Track takes to the other side of the street on the great New Zealand road-trip. “Was I interested? Which…

Wild Weather

Wild Weather

New Zealander Kevin Trenberth, head of the Climate Analysis Section of the Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder Colorado, is in the middle of the wild weather/global warming storm.

New Zealand: Hottest destination of movie makers

New Zealand: Hottest destination of movie makers

It’s official: Bollywood star Hritihik Roshan has been made a singing-dancing- fighting icon in the Bollywood smash hit Kaho Naa … Pyar Hai (Say you Love me), a romantic musical thriller shot in the…

WTO Promises Moore Action

WTO Promises Moore Action

Ex-New Zealand Prime Minister Mike Moore needs to enlist all his skills of diplomacy in taking steps towards launching a round of global trade talks this year if he is to get the World Trade Organisation…

New Zealand Firm Hails Taxi Innovation in India

New Zealand Firm Hails Taxi Innovation in India

Tait Electronics is launching in India an innovative two-way radio communication service using using cutting edge  technology. The ‘Mega Cab’ service, using a satellite based global positioning system is set to revolutionise the business of catching…

Kiwi Goes AWOL with Marvel of Medical Handiwork

Kiwi Goes AWOL with Marvel of Medical Handiwork

After acquiring a new hand in a revolutionary operation, he was meant to lie back, take his drugs and recover.  Instead Clint Hallam hit the US chat shows, spent 20000 pounds on another patient’s credit card, then…

They Shoot Horses Don’t They?  Crusaders Put Down the Brumbies

They Shoot Horses Don’t They?  Crusaders Put Down the Brumbies

The Canterbury Crusaders beat the ACT Brumbies 20-19 to win the Super 12 rugby union series for the third year running. New Zealand teams have now won all five editions of the Super 12…

Apology Not Black and White for Aussie PM

Apology Not Black and White for Aussie PM

The Kiwi way puts pressure on John Howard to formally apologise to the aboriginal people. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said: “This is a global issue … he pointed to leaders in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and…

Counting on Sheep

Counting on Sheep

A flock of mentally deficient sheep in New Zealand are providing scientists with vital clues in the search to find a cure for Batten disease.  Dave Palmer of Massey university has spent nearly twenty years breeding sheep…

Edge Record: “And a Good South Wind Sprung Up Behind; the Albatross Did Follow”

Edge Record: “And a Good South Wind Sprung Up Behind; the Albatross Did Follow”

For a very long time without a wallow … “The longevity record is of a giant royal albatross banded in New Zealand and recovered as a breeding adult 58 years later.”

“I See (Nz) Red” – the Critic’s Palette Tells the Facts as It Sees Them.

“I See (Nz) Red” – the Critic’s Palette Tells the Facts as It Sees Them.

“In terms of sheer quality, the most exciting of all emerging wine-producing countries is New Zealand … if I were compelled to pick the wines of just one country … to drink for the rest of…

Six or Sex? Looks Like Fush and Chups Hasn’t Affected Kiwi Males’ Performance in Bed

Six or Sex? Looks Like Fush and Chups Hasn’t Affected Kiwi Males’ Performance in Bed

In an extensive new study by Shere Hite (the author credited with fuelling the sexual revolution) it was found that “in the English-speaking world Australia generally lagged behind New Zealand on the sex-scale ……

World’s Second Largest Mall Gets Submerged in Kiwi Designed Undersea Experience

World’s Second Largest Mall Gets Submerged in Kiwi Designed Undersea Experience

Underwater Adventures at Mall of America has recently expanded its its exhibit space. “Originally built for $25million, the aquarium was designed by New Zealand ocean explorer Kelly Tarlton, using his trademark glass tunnel that revolutionised the traditional…

Did You Know That New Zealand Has More to Offer Than Sheep and Trout Fishing?

Did You Know That New Zealand Has More to Offer Than Sheep and Trout Fishing?

The Chicago Tribune goes for the salubrious response to the searching question.

GST Fringe Not so Taxing

GST Fringe Not so Taxing

“New Zealand’s goods and services tax is relatively foolproof because it makes few exceptions, but it hasn’t stopped those with a touch of entrepreneurial flair making the odd killing, especially on the land.”

Manimal Farm: Science’s Brave New World

Manimal Farm: Science’s Brave New World

New Zealand government researchers have developed a herd of super-producing cattle.

Streaming Coolness Reveals Beautiful Form at Tekapo Canal

Streaming Coolness Reveals Beautiful Form at Tekapo Canal

From the Bangkok Post: “Simple and beautiful, these little stones reveal the time it takes to be ‘cool’ inside and out.”

Word on the Street is That It Will Be a Tough Contest

Word on the Street is That It Will Be a Tough Contest

Will Nigel Richards from New Zealand sweep the board and take home the biggest champion’s prize in Malaysian Scrabble? How far can the local champions take the game to the best in the world? The questions…

‘Red Ken’ Appoints Blue-chip Kiwi as His Business Advisor

‘Red Ken’ Appoints Blue-chip Kiwi as His Business Advisor

51-year-old New Zealander Judith Mayhew has joined London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s cabinet as his business advisor. Announcing the appointment on Thursday, Mr Livingstone said he was “delighted.”  The appointment of Tory Mayhew gives new meaning to socialist Ken’s…

You Can’t Grow Money on Trees … but Cabbages?

You Can’t Grow Money on Trees … but Cabbages?

Extracting gold from plants sounds like modern day alchemy, but 26 yr-old Massey University of New Zealand scientist Chris Anderson has managed to do it in the laboratory – extracting gold from cabbages.

Tomlinson, Richard Tomlinson, MI6

Tomlinson, Richard Tomlinson, MI6

Richard Tomlinson, New Zealand born Cambridge educated British spy, faces prosecution under the Official Secrets Act for revelations about his past work for M16. Tomlinson, claiming wrongful dismissal and already sentenced to prison for…

Who Says Sport and Politics Don’t Mix?

Who Says Sport and Politics Don’t Mix?

US Senate Candidate John Ensign revived former UNLV basketball star Mark Dickel when the player struck his head during a pick-up game and went into convulsions. Dickel, from New Zealand, an honourable mention All-American point guard, was…

A Funeral to Die For

A Funeral to Die For

Death is finding new life on the web:  a New Zealand-based Web site, www.funeralstodiefor.com, will plan a customer’s last rites down to the choice of music and type of flowers–and promises to help make the ceremony happen…

Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport – They’ve Done It Again

Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport – They’ve Done It Again

In the “Cool places to shop (and what to buy)” section of the South China Morning Post’s “Cool guide to Sydney”, Williams Street is noted for Collette Dinnigan, and Janine Edwards is mentioned for…

Ten Million Leap over the Edge

Ten Million Leap over the Edge

Bungee jumping, inspired by a South Pacific rite, was commercialised world-wide by New Zealander A.J. Hackett, who established the Kawarau river bridge site near Queenstown in 1988. This year the 10 millionth person across the world took the…

The Mighty Moa

The Mighty Moa

Preview of Discovery Programme: “Discovery takes a look at an extraordinary (and extinct) New Zealand bird, the moa. The story of the moa is one of mystery and imagination. It reads like a good detective story”.

Nicola Barker, Winner of the World’s Most Lavish Award for Fiction, Gets Lyrical About Dunedin

Nicola Barker, Winner of the World’s Most Lavish Award for Fiction, Gets Lyrical About Dunedin

Spreading her wings in wide open spaces, Nicola Barker in the Observer immerses heartily herself in Dunedin nature and culture and comes up smiling. “This is a happy, happy place. The Albatross shows us its fluffy…

Kiwis’ Towering Achievement in Kuala Lumpur

Kiwis’ Towering Achievement in Kuala Lumpur

New Zealanders showed their domination at the Kuala Lumpur International Towerathon 2000 in both the men’s and women’s categories. Jonathan Wyatt broke his own record to win the event, climbing the 2,058 steps of the tower in 10.39s….

Remarkable Slight Back on Track after Brain Op

Remarkable Slight Back on Track after Brain Op

New Zealander Aaron Slight says he is ready to attempt one of motorcycling’s most remarkable comebacks … no one has ever had brain surgery then tried to race again at the top level three months later….

“It’s a Grey Whale, I Tell Ya”  NZ Whale Detectives Enforce Law of the Sea

“It’s a Grey Whale, I Tell Ya”  NZ Whale Detectives Enforce Law of the Sea

Genetic scientists from Auckland University, New Zealand, have discovered that meat from the gray whale, an internationally protected species, was sold in Japanese shops in 1999. They are demanding the Japanese State Fishing Agency locate where the meat…

Deep Forest Blends With Massive Attack in Oceanic Swirl

Deep Forest Blends With Massive Attack in Oceanic Swirl

Oceania, with the release of its self-titled debut album and led by ex-Killing Joke frontman Jaz Coleman, makes a spirited and successful atempt to bring Maori music from New Zealand to a global stage. The result is…

New Zealand Under the World’s Microscope

New Zealand Under the World’s Microscope

South Africa: while New Zealanders have mixed feelings about the manner in which their economy was overhauled, few in business have argued with the results and each year hundreds of public and private sector players visit…

Record Breaking Brit Uses Kiwi Know-how

Record Breaking Brit Uses Kiwi Know-how

Brit Ellen Macarthur, 22, the youngest winner of the Europe 1 New Man Star transatlantic yacht race, is attempting the Vendée Globe around the world solo yacht race, its youngest competitor ever. As well as training…

The Race No Holiday for Club Med

The Race No Holiday for Club Med

New Zealander Grant Dalton, a winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race, is to skipper 110ft catamaran Club Med in ‘The Race’, a non-stop dash around the world starting from Barcelona on the last day…

If You Can’t Beat ’em, Buy ’em: It’s the American Way

If You Can’t Beat ’em, Buy ’em: It’s the American Way

“Let’s face it, American’s hate to lose at anything, from tiddlewinks on up, and we had come to view the America’s Cup as our personal possession. But then New Zealand hung us by the mizzenmast … …

The Greatest Rider of the Century

The Greatest Rider of the Century

As Mark Todd prepares to leap the final fences of his distinguished career, The Time’s Simon Barnes heaps lavish praise on the New Zealander who is “without peer” in the equestrain world.  

Kiwis Romp to Victory in World School’s Golf Championship

Kiwis Romp to Victory in World School’s Golf Championship

New Zealand were runaway winners of the Golf Foundation team championship for schools international two-day final which ended at Royal County Down Golf Club on Wednesday. The New Zealanders won the R&A Trophy for the first time with…

100% Pure: New Zealand Acts to Protect its Isolated Environment

100% Pure: New Zealand Acts to Protect its Isolated Environment

New Zealand’s geographical islation has allowed farms, orchads and tree plantations to remain relatively free of pests and disease that could push up production costs and reduce market export access – but it’s isolation also means it…

Buttery New Zealand invention Spreads the word

Buttery New Zealand invention Spreads the word

As British consumers have become more concerned about food safety, Anchor has taken advantage of New Zealand’s clean, green image to promote its spreadable butter – a product invented by the New Zealand Dairy Board.

Kea Aura: Cool Queenstown is a Hot Destination

Kea Aura: Cool Queenstown is a Hot Destination

Tipped to be the hottest destination for trendsetters travelling Down Under this summer – not just because of its Winter Ice festival, when the whole community goes crazy with street parties, jazz parades and night skiing, but…

Aussies Tell Flightless Kiwis: “You Can Be My Wing-man Anyday”

Aussies Tell Flightless Kiwis: “You Can Be My Wing-man Anyday”

If New Zealand looks to emulate Iceland or Costa Rica, and do away with its combat air-force and emphasise its peacekeeping role, its best pilots can rest safely in the knowledge that the Australian air-force will…

Cincinnati Hearts Warm to Kiwi Cockles

Cincinnati Hearts Warm to Kiwi Cockles

“If you’re not in the mood for raw fish, or even for cold seafood, there’s always the New Zealand cockles appetizer, which I can’t resist ordering every time I visit Prime and Wine.