Australia--- the lucky country?

Is it really? We have heard that wonderful little descriptor for many years. Surely it must be true. Take for example the number of Kiwis living there and still leaving NZ in droves (That is not a sheep joke---only Kiwis and Aussie will get that). The ‘grass is greener’ label has drained us of hundreds of thousands of clever Kiwis over the years. It would be difficult to travel in Aussie without running into heaps of us.

Why do we go there in such numbers and why do we stay? To answer that we have to look at where NZ is going, or perhaps more correctly, where we are not going. New Zealanders keep hearing about higher wages, more exciting entertainments, a better climate (really?) and the chance for a better lifestyle. They hear about the ‘cost of living’ being higher, a real draw card.

There has been a great deal of publicity in the last few years about the widening wage gap between Australia and New Zealand; to the point where we are starting to look suspiciously like a ‘banana republic’, if the accounts are true.  Politicians here use it to beat one another up, scoring useless points while nothing changes. Then again, there have been times in Australian history that NZ is held up as a shining example----- Hard to believe eh.

We have to dig deeper than mere illusory figures that may or may not be true. Before making a decision to go to the ‘lucky country,’ Kiwis should break the maths down a bit. They need to know how many hours or minutes of work it takes to buy a certain object. They also need to factor in how much tax is paid. They may find the ‘gap’ is a little narrower when they do that. It’s hard to know who to believe when it comes down to that level of debate though, so we need to look at other very real factors; some of which change from year to year.

Some would say that Australia is entering a period of ‘difficulty with it’s economic growth.  I am sure you have all heard that when Australia enters a difficult time with the economy, all it has to do is dig more mineral out of the ground and export them to China and other bourgeoning Asian economies. That works fine as long as the so called Asian Tigers, Lions, Elephants (or whatever they are labelled) are in a period of growth. The heady numbers for China have come back significantly recently. If the bubble even slightly bursts, parts of the Australian economy may need to take stock. It would not take long for some of those high paying jobs in the mining sector would whither up. The knock on effect would not take long to reach those in NZ seeking greener pastures.

Australia is a ‘land of extremes. Take their climate--- the reason many NZers go to the Gold Coast (Queensland) is the attraction of an endless summer. Those going to Melbourne and Sydney soon find out that ‘hot means bloody hot’---40c plus, so until they acclimatize it must be pretty uncomfortable for them.

Then there are the recent floods and bushfires. Sure, NZ gets the odd ‘weather bomb’ (a term heard a lot lately), but we are not at the crazy end of the scale. I’m not sure if thousands of NZers are reversing the flow, and coming back to kinder climes, but for me personally, I just couldn’t handle the oven-like temperatures.

I wonder how many new Australians (Kiwaussies?)  love their new animal and insect life--- the snakes, spiders, sharks, crocodiles, stingers-----OMG--- I’ve just talked myself out of even going for a holiday--- just joking). Going by the figures, I think I am clutching at straws. My argument keeps swinging from the positives to the downright scary stuff, but Kiwis won’t be put off--- they will keep jumping the ‘ditch,’ but always knowing that at some stage, they can bring their ‘Aussie’ kids back to NZ.

I know my arguments may be on shaky ground--- literally when one looks at the terrible events in Christchurch. I would have thought that many more would have departed from that city; but no--- I am surprized at the number---not going. The bond between our two countries is never stronger than in times of disaster and war; then quickly forgotten on the sports field, so you could say that we have this wonderful, fluid relationship, that ebbs and flows like the tide, driven by world events and the ever present desire of people to better themselves, or just take a look at the other side.

Lucky country---? Yes and no. We will always be brothers in arms and sisters in out caring. The rest--- well, it’s human nature!

What---we have to save 18%

I think I took a double turn this morning when along with most New Zealanders, I heard that we all have to save 18% of our earnings, and that is from the day we start work. This magic figured had been conjured by some financial wizard, who himself looked a bit sheepish when he announced that figure.

The hosts of the show were also pretty dumbfounded, admitting that even they (lets assume that that earn fairly reasonable sums) would find that figure impossible. What does that say for most NZers? A great deal I would think. If they stop to think for too long, I suspect that they (and me) will continue on their merry ways, spending up large.

The sad thing is that at one time we did have a compulsory Superannuation savings scheme, way back in the 70’s.  However the ugly politics of the day, under the infamous (now dead) Robert Muldoon, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance waltzed into power with the promise of making such compulsion go away, along with any chance of e decent future savings plan for our future  elderly. We have watched our Aussie brother introduce a similar scheme and now they have many billions stashed away to offset the inevitable poverty, they would have faced. But not us--- our heads have been in the ‘political Lula Land’--- you know the one---‘We can’t face tomorrow---- it’s just too much.’

So what have we ended up with? A country that is not prepared to look after it’s elderly! Sure---some have started to save in ‘Kiwi-Saver,’ but for most of us it is too little too late. The gurus have said the magic 18% figure but most of us are just managing 2% with another 2-3% top-up from the government. What does all this mean?

Given that most of us live from week to week, with little left over for savings of any kind, it doesn’t take much thought to come to the conclusion that the 18% is just BS! Perhaps those of us who live outside the main cities, and earn a reasonable amount; perhaps they could put more aside, but for those in Auckland in particular (I’m not forgetting the other cities) ending the week with a surplus is a rapidly diminishing dream. There are other factors which are muddying the waters too.

The creeping casualization of the labour force in NZ (and other countries) is bringing about a completely different set of social expectations. How can anyone save, if there is little in the way of employment certainty? We were warned about this movement many years ago, but then, it was too far away and didn’t affect so many of us. Now, just read the papers and watch the news and you will know what I mean. Don’t get sucked into the employers’ version of ‘reality’ (the ports and freezing works for example). Those men on the picket lines are not just fighting for themselves and families--- watch this space and see the real side of the present government’s agenda.

What are we to do? (See my DIJATC blogs—1-4). Many of us are going to get a real shock, even before the twilight years approach. We will not be able to afford those fabulous ‘weekend deals’ or the overseas trips. We will be lucky if we can even afford a trip to the doctor. All those subsidies we have had on medical visits will slowly disappear. We will be hard put to pay our day-to-day living expenses. It will feel like the NZ of the 1880’s, before the ‘State’ stepped in to guarantee a decent retirement. The fact that so many live longer now, makes the picture even gloomier.

Is there anything we can do? Yes--- make a hard decision now--- stop playing politics and get a general agreement, somewhat like the Aussie one. We can and we must adjust to this savings regime, or we doom our children to a time that we thought was long in the past.  Will the politicians play ball----probably not--- they are more interested in holding the purse-strings for the three year political cycle than looking at the bigger picture----- bloody cowards!

I wanted to say -------off but I'm too nice to do that!

It’s Monday and for some reason that really got to me today. (See my previous blog and you will get my train of thought). It was a busy day and by the time I had taken Perdy for her walk down at the bay, I was ready for a peaceful evening; I had some movies recorded on ‘Mysky) and a very tasty meal ‘saved’ from Saturday night. On the way home from the bay, I imagined the delicate flavours of my lemon chicken and veggie dish. Isn’t it always more flavoursome a day (or two) days later? I also had a half bottle of an excellent NZ Pinot Gris to savour waiting for me. So my evening was all ‘planned.’ I had given Perdy her brisket bone and fed Jasmine the cat. Maybe, just maybe, my Monday night was going to make up for my ‘stretched’ day.

I was sipping on my wine while Perdy was savouring her bone. Even Jasmine was content to go back and beg the neighbours for some extra food. The phone rang. Must be my sister, I thought. We are going to my brother’s new house in Hamilton on Saturday and yes, you’ve got it right--- we are going to have a celebration lunch, complete with a very expensive bottle of either NZ or Aussie wine. See—I’m not ignoring other possibilities, other than NZ wine).

The conversation went something like this:

Caller----‘Am I speaking to Mr Coleman?’

Me-------‘Ah---yes.’

Caller-----‘We are in your area this week and we are offering a free quotation for heat pumps and insulation.’

Me------I shall save you time dear (OMG—How patronizing!)

Caller—‘Oh---that’s good—well--- (Right you get the picture, so I won’t prolong my little description).

I returned to my half empty glass of wine, satisfied that my evening could continue. No such luck. Perdy started a racket that can only be described as ‘doggie manic.’ Seriously, she sounded like we are about to be robbed or worse. I have learnt that such behaviour on Perdy’s part is just to let me know that someone is at the gate. Now I don’t want to put you off your dinner, or lovely NZ wine that you going to try out, but I was dressed in T-shirt and underwear, totally trying to relax. I peeked out through the curtains and yes--- a young guy was about to enter Perdy’s domain, tentatively trying to open the gate; still unsure if my tiny little dog posed nay threat. I ran to the bedroom and put on some shorts. Hell--- I didn’t want the guy to think that I was some sort of deviant who spends his time wandering around the house dressed or undressed---Oh shit--- you get the idea.

Once the guy saw that I was going to protect him from Perdy’s gnashing jaws, he seemed to relax a little. Here’s the conversation:

Guy----‘Good evening sir,’ he said with a pronounced accent---Damn he will think I’m rude if I ask him to repeat everything he said.

Me----‘How may I help you,’ I said in a slightly strained voice. My wine was waiting and I was also about to stick my Lemony succulent chicken in the microwave. I’m summarizing the conversation here.

Guy----‘I’m with (I won’t mention the company—actually I hadn’t heard of it) and I can help you save money on your electricity bill.’

Me----‘I don’t think so mate--- I’ve signed up for three years---I have my price frozen so any increase in price, like my company has just implemented won’t affect me.’

Guy----‘Oh that’s not correct sir—‘

Me ---- (a tad annoyed) ‘I assure you I am correct, so there’s not much point in pursuing this—is there.’

Guy--- ‘But your company has just put the price up.’ (God Almighty--- didn’t he hear what I just said!?)

Me----‘You’re wasting your time mate----I know what ‘I’m talking about----‘

Guy----‘But----‘

Me----‘Goodbye----Try someone else.’  I walked back inside, making sure that Perdy was with me. The guy stood at the gate for a few seconds and was about to say something as I shut the curtains.  He was going next door, so Perdy took the opportunity to restart her demented barking, thus alerting the neighbours that it was now their turn.

I decided that it was time to re-heat my dinner. The wine had given me quite an appetite. I was about to take my meal form the microwave when the phone rang. It must be my sister, I thought. That was OK, because our conversations are not the convoluted ones that waste time. Yes--- we can talk for ages, but never around dinner time. We both seem to know that. You guessed it--- it wasn’t her. Here we go again:

Caller-----‘Good evening Sir—Am I speaking to Mr Coleman?’  My brain wanted to respond in a less than polite fashion. I struggled between letting rip and feeling sorry for the caller. After all--- They are only doing their job and maybe if I gave them ‘what for, it would truly stuff-up their day. I took a big breath.

Me-----‘Y eeeeessss--- what do you want?’

Caller---- (a Lady this time) ---- Sorry to bother you Mr Coleman,’ (liar liar—your pants are on fire!). I’m ringing with a special offer from our company------‘

Me-----‘an energy supplier, I take it.’

Caller-----well yes, but -----

Me----‘Look I don’t want to be rude and it’s not your fault that you are the fifth caller tonight (Now I’m the liar) and no---- I don’t want to change my company. Could you please make sure that you don’t ring again------!  

I put the phone down, quite heavily, because Perdy jumped. Damn, maybe I should get her to answer the phone. God help the next ‘salesperson’ to ring. I was more than ready for them and my gloves were off. I no longer felt any sympathy for them. My mind flicked to a possible sign I could place on the gate, alongside the ‘My Jack Russell lives here.’ I could add, ‘And she eats bloody salespeople!’

What can I do about the phone calls? I know there is a number that you can ring to get your name on a ‘no ring list,’ but I haven’t heard that it is failsafe. The evil part of my brain (yes we all have it, but we don’t all let it win!) was playing out scenarios about what the next caller would endure. OG bugger!  I’m hungry and I am goin g to have a second glass of that wine---what was it called?

I don't like grey days

I don’t like grey days or wet days or Mondays. Well--- OK--- I don’t mind wet days if its been dry for ages--- then I get a feeling of ‘renewal’ when it finally rains.

I don’t like it when I arrive at work, especially on a Monday, only to find that I have a whole lot of work that I should have done the week before.

IT’s OK though, because I do like it when I have a good weekend--- a real break from work, not like so many now who have to work six days or more a week, of those who are on some sort of casualized labour system. I count myself lucky that I work in a strongly unionized place of work.

I hate the fact that so many gains we have struggled to attain over the years are in danger of being ‘negotiated’ down the toilet. It is happening all over the world.

Then again, compared to the emerging nations, where labour laws are ignored or don’t exist--- well, perhaps we should put it all in perspective.

Stop! --- That is no excuse to let the bosses take away our hard-earned gains. Is it going to take another generation of bargaining, just to stand still, never lone make new strides.  Maybe nothing changes.

Damn--- it’s the grey day talking--- snap out it me!

Two Food Halls--worlds apart?

Two Food Halls—worlds apart? ---- I’m not so sure. One (The International Food Hall) is in Ponsonby, an upmarket Auckland suburb. The other (Ethnic Food Hall) is in Otahuhu (Mason Ave), an old ‘working class suburb that has undergone many changes in the last few decades.

I go to them both and in a way they have a linked personal history for me. I know one of the store holders who has rented premises in both establishments. I like them both, for different reasons. Any tourists looking to save their dollars would get a relatively cheap and tasty meal, usually not having to spend more than $15, less if they share, meals within a group---you know---- buying two meals and sharing them between three people. Naturally I can manage one on my own, and then some.

What about value for money? I swear that the meals are a bit bigger in the Otahuhu one, but that may be because they know me and see me coming and make some sort of ‘addition’ to my purchase. Oh to be big and trying to lose weight, only to have that little additional ‘feature.’ Of course I tell them to stick to the programme or I tell myself that I don’t have to eat it all.’ ‘Yeah right!’ (Kiwis will relate to that). They both represent value for money. I have rarely been disappointed by the offerings. Any fault is from my own ‘miss-choosing.’ I learn each time I make a mistake.

What about authenticity?  I am not a good judge or whether the cuisine on offer reflects the ‘real thing.’ One must take into account the availability of fresh produce. From comments by many Asian people I know (most of the little shops in the Food Halls are Asian, although there are some Middle-Eastern, Italian and Mexican outlets) say that they are reasonable. One can judge authenticity by the number of Asians frequenting both halls. If you travelled down Dominion Road (the nearest street we have to something anywhere like a true ‘China Town) you would see many shops with predominantly Asian customers; indeed some have very little in the way of English in their signage. The Two Food Halls are far more representative of the general Auckland population; one that enjoys all of the many different cuisines now available.

Let’s look at what is available at the two Food Halls. One of my favourites is the Vietnamese one in Ponsonby. It often seems a little healthier, with many quite ‘lite’ dishes to choose form and less of the oily stir-fried versions. Try the Lemon Grass chicken. Another favourite is the Indonesian shop, which replaced the Mexican.  (I loved the food, but it was getting a little expensive once you started adding their ‘accompanying dishes—all of which seemed necessary to complete the meal). The Indonesian shop is influenced by Balinese food, but does include other options from different parts of Indonesia. Of course Malaysian food is similar, but don’t tell any red-blooded Indonesian that. (Does that statement sound suspiciously like the ‘battle’ between NZ and Aussie---? The history between the two Asian nations is little more problematic though). I would not want to belittle any of the other choices available. I have tried them all, including, Malaysian, Chinese, Middle-Eastern, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian and Laos.  Yummy--- all of them!

The Otahuhu hall has equally good choices (if not as many) but it has some different ones too. The Fijian/Indian has goat and what I can best label as fusion options. It used to have an Indonesian shop, but the stakeholders went back home. The Thai choices are in abundance. What is different is the clientele; a mixture of the people who live in the area and faithful customers, who keep coming from wide and far. It is also a little more laid back. Families representing three generations often take up several tables, noisily discussing the events of the day. I like it and I always feel very comfortable. Part of that comes forms the fact that a good friend runs the ‘drinks’ concession. We always sit close by and enjoy a certain advantage in that we don’t even have to order. The lovely lady just brings us something she thinks we will like (like Mango Lasse---yum).

The drinks concession at Ponsonby mirrors the difference in the two Food Hall customer bases too. They carry a large range of wine, whereas my friend tends to stock a good range of beers. The difference does not detract from either establishment--- it just reflects ‘good business’ practises.

Would I choose one over the other? NO! They both do the trick--- leaving me satisfied and happy. I say--- check them both out.

OH----- BY THE WAY--- THEY BOTH HAVE ‘A’ CERTIFICATIONS---something that you should always look for.

Why do I blog?

Where do I begin? Initially, I started doing it because it was an option on my old website and I saw it as a way to promote my first two books. That was until things went belly up. I know that attempts were clumsy and all over the place with terrible typos. I still have typos, but not as many now that I use ‘word’ and juts cut and paste etc.

So my first blogs were a bit ‘book orientated. Then there was a focus on Perdy, my crazy jack Russell. I played with various themes around her, including seeing the General Election through her eyes. Those posts still get quite a few hits. I took lots of photos of her and jasmine (my ever suffering cat--- don’t worry, she’s the boss) and included those whenever I could. I have since realised that it is necessary to have a camera at hand (even if it is only my cell phone version), because there are so many opportunities to take those ‘special pictures,’ you know the ones: that unusual light that frames an event, or when Perdy is in possession of another dog’s toy and the subsequent ‘moment in time when they resolve the issue.

I began to notice that the hit rates on my blogs were slowly increasing, so I began to plan ‘milestones.’ For example, I gave myself a certain time to hit 500 hits and then 1000. I had a celebratory bottle of wine with family and friends for that---- not the usual quaffing number.  At about that time I hooked into the ‘monetising’ option. This isn’t as good as you may be imagining. I think that one has to record a huge number of clicks or hits on the accompanying adverts. Even though my blogs have reached more than 2000 hits as of today, I have yet to score any financial benefit. God knows how many I have to achieve. I suspect that it needs people to click on the adverts and go to the next step and purchase one of the products or services. I have thus, lowered my wild expectations of making a fortune –lol.

There is a more salient reason for blogging. While I am trying to resolve my temporary problems with my books and their re-launching, I am attempting to keep my hand in as it were. I seek out topics, or they just jump into my head and away I go. I am pursuing different styles of writing. I seek feedback too, but that is not forthcoming. I wonder if people are a little reticent about ‘putting themselves out there.’ What I can say is that the more I blog, the more I am hooked. I enjoy it.

That leads me to my final point. I have decided to embark on a leap of faith. My next book, ‘TALK TO ME,’ is about to be launched in the next month or so. I am just waiting for the next school holidays in about 4 weeks, so that I can visit a printer and my web designer in order to get things going. I want to retain as much control over the process as I can. I shall of course keep working with another friend to get then last two books back on track. I will meanly let her handle those.

I propose to release the book, chapter by chapter, but I will have a threshold, whereby I will only release each chapter once there has been 100 hits on the first one and gradually increase the threshold. By then I will also have complete copies to sell, either through my website or direct through my email, (neilcolemanauthor@gamial .com).  

In the meantime, IO shall select more topics to pontificate on and enjoy any feedback I attract.

'TALK TO ME COVER'--my next book

Typical me--- I cant get the title on even though I saved it with--

                                            NEIL COLEMAN
                                             
                                               TALK TO ME


Oh well!  I shall put up a synopsis soon. I will be blogging the book, chapter by chapter. It will of course be available, fully printed from me direct at neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com and a new site will be up as well. It all takes time and this time I will be in control.
www.authorneilcoleman.com  Book is out late September