The sharks are circling.

Picture a small boat near Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest Island. Now imagine a huge Great White shark, circling the boats while the scientists attempt to tag the magnificent beast. Any hopes of tagging other sharks are out of the question as the larger shark chases them away. Apparently there are about 120 Great Whites in the vicinity of the island. New Zealand is part of a worldwide programme to protect this much maligned species.

Perhaps you shiver at the thought of entering the water in these locations, but don’t worry; you would have to be pretty brave on anther count--- the water is damned cold. So leave the sharks to do their thing and think about other circling sharks; namely the Republican candidates that now number three after Santorum’s exit.

The three are, to quote Santorum, ‘bright lights on the hill,’ fighting for the real America (my words). What a horrible thought. He will now throw in his lot with the winning candidate, so over the next few months we better take a much closer look at Romney’s policy statements. I am sure that the news media in the spirit of good journalism will dig up some of his past statements, to put before the voters and he will no doubt clarify his ‘vision’ for  the USA. It is going to be interesting and sometimes frightening. On the other hand, when the pressure comes on, we may see the real Romney and his hidden supporters; the ‘grey men in suits,’ as they influence his statements. I am not talking about the usual lobby groups that press any Presidential candidate, but something more sinister.

I am loath to bring religion into the debate, but I can’t help feel the faith he espouses, somehow being a part of what he would bring if he was successful. I do not see him in the same light as we would have viewed Kennedy. Kennedy was of course Catholic, and there were concerns that his faith may have been a negative factor with the voters. That is all history now and the USA grew by electing him.

I am not on the ‘ground’ in the USA. I am curious to know what you all think of Romney. I don’t recall any of you saying anything about Romney’s faith. Is it a ‘no go’ area? Am I bringing it up because no one will give a stuff what a Kiwi thinks?  Let me know if you can. I may get slapped down for exhibiting some sort of religious intolerance and you may be trapped because you don’t want to say what you really think.

Throw away the PC crap and let loose. I hope I haven’t made myself unwelcome by saying something that may be on the tip of your ‘collective tongues.’

I’m off to see a movie--- Hehehhe--- don’t k now the title---something about Marigold--- Should be a real laugh

 Will let you know. Give Romney a ‘shug’ from me.

Road tolls--- do we need them?

The question of road tolls has been around for years. Many of us remember the tolls on the Auckland harbour bridge and those booths where we had to line up to pay our twenty cents (or whatever it was in pre-decimal days). If one got stuck behind a driver, ill organized with the correct change, then we can relate to the now common road-rage phenomenon.

The date is alive and well again, with calls for those using the ‘needed ‘motorways to pay for their construction. It is touted that such a solution is the only fair way to meet the growing demand on our present system. What about ‘public transport?’ others say, perhaps of a greener leaning.

The answer(s) is not simple. It will need to be a uniquely New Zealand solution, because we differ from some of the countries put forward as shining examples. Any debate must take into account some salient factors.

New Zealand is a country of well less than five million people, with a taxation base to reflect that. We are also a nation with difficult topography; long and narrow, two main islands and mountainous. We are not a Germany, with a more easily connected ‘shape’ or a vastly bigger population. These factors alone, make planning and implementation of a national road network a major issue. If you add the necessity for rail and other public transport, then the problem is confounded. The simple fact is that New Zealand is never going to be able to have a ‘profitable system, if it goes down that pathway. We have to accept the fact that there is going to always be level of subsidization.

‘I don’t want to pay more taxes!’ you cry? It is the same argument put forward for a robust public health system, or social welfare net. You can’t have it both ways. Pay less and you get less, or pay in another way; social disconnectedness and a system catering only for those who pay. I say that transport is a little different, if there is a choice.

New Zealand has long has a collective psyche of sticking up for the ‘small person,’ for those who cannot help themselves. However, it feels like this is changing. We are becoming a less ‘caring nation,’ something we share with many western democracies. The political spectrum reflects that in that both major parties are fighting for the middle ground. Both the Labour and National Parties have moved to a more centrist stance, meaning that there is less and less difference between them in basic policies. One could also say that ‘Leadership,’ perceptions drive the voters’ choices on Election Day, rather than political manifestos.  When did you last read one? As for the other parties; they are generally more populist in nature, apart from the Greens, who possibly attempt to stay true to their real core policies.

What then do we do about the question of tolls on proposed new motorways? There have been many suggestions about how they should be funded, ranging from the State funding to all out user pays options. Some say, stick a tax levy on every litre of fuel purchased. Isn’t that already in existence and it is supposed to go to road and transport needs?  Others suggest a government/private relationship, where the cost is born by both parties, with the State owning the road after an agreed period wherein the Private consortium collects tolls.

Auckland and Wellington both have issues around funding road and rail projects. The debate is endless, with little progress. There is an argument that if tolls are allowed, then it should be on all Auckland (and possibly Wellington) motorway construction. Listen to the talkback radio shows and you will hear the total frustration and different viewpoints.

‘If we let them put tolls on us, you know they will be permanent,’ some say. Possibly, but what is the choice--- higher taxes (in different guises) or paying every time you travel on a motorway? Collecting tolls, is no longer an issue with modern technology, so those talking about holdups at toll booths are way out of focus in their thinking. ‘It will make the cost of transporting goods more expensive,’--- Will it? Would not the more efficient timing and less use of fuel, make up for that?

One only has to look at Australia to see the possible use of tolling our major motorways, Melbourne in particular. They represent a bigger version of NZ, but have the huge distances and relatively small population compared to the USA and Europe. Melbourne has a larger tax base than cities like Auckland and Wellington, but they suffered from the same transport issues that we face. They have already had the debate that NZ faces, and they are getting on with it. They are using the tolling system on the new motorways and the public has reluctantly accepted it.

One way we can plan for the future is to extend the use of bus lanes, where railway is not planned. The North Shore example is going to be extended, providing an efficient and fast pathway to the central city. There is the difference between Australia and NZ. Just get on and do it. If we find that tolling doesn’t work or penalizes a section  of our society, then bring some sort of ‘subsidy’ in, but don’t let the problem become so bad that we will end up -paying even more in the future, and that will be for tinkering rather than going for broke. We can’t leave it in  the hands of the politicians alone. Speak up!

Not one person killed on our roads this long weekend

What a wonderful day to wake up this sunny (again!) Tuesday morning. You may have heard by now--- but we did not have one fatality on the roads. This figure is the lowest since records began in the 1050’s. No that doesn’t mean that we didn’t have cars back then, but it a tremendous result. There are many reasons for this.

1) The roads are better.

2) Our cars are safer now, with better breaking etc.

3) There has been a huge effort to educate the public to drive more safely---speed and alcohol         free driving.

4) Police have been out in force, with little tolerance for more a few kilometres over the limit.

5) The weather has been superb.

Long may this last. The only down side to this weekend’s figures is that 5 people drowned. The same beautiful weather brought people out in droves to our beaches, hence the exposure to the often dangerous rips. Perhaps the lifeguards were not on duty at those beaches and NZers’ love affair with boats and sailing would have been a factor. I know for sure that the traffic was well down in Auckland, so we know where a few million people went--- to the beaches, lakes and rivers.

Now, wouldn’t it have been great if our optimism was reflected everywhere--- like in those parts of the world where the bomb and gun rules; where governments shoot and maim their own people, where religious intolerance forces people to live lives where fear is paramount.

If only we could feel that people could believe in the word, ‘hopeless, minus the less.’

Do Australians love Kiwis?

Well that depends on who is asking and under what circumstances. If we are beating them at rugby or cricket, then the answer is somewhat skewered. It is pretty obvious that Aussies hate being beaten by their little cousins across the ditch. If the reverse is happening, then, yes they love us, because they have us just where they want us----below a peg or two.

They certainly don’t love us when Kiwis figure in their crime statistics. Why would they? There is enough crime there without us going and joining in, although I would hypothesise that Kiwis are not disproportionately represented in illegal acts. I think that most of the Kiwis heading to the land of OZ are some of our best. It is more than greener pastures they seek. They are looking to put their toes in a bigger pond. Maybe they are seeking to leave behind, aspects of their own country that have gotten stuck in their collective craws.

Part of me has wanted to try the big country to our west, but I am not easily disposed to up roots and move anywhere at my stage in life. One of my dreams is to rent a campervan and travel around and across the continent, probably in a convoy of about 5 vehicles. I don’t fancy such a proposition on my own. I know what my mechanical skills are like and I would also wish to have a local as part of this convoy, experienced in the ways of the Aussie flora and fauna.

For me it all comes down to----yes I love the ‘over there’ but I belong ‘over here.’

Hugs to you, Aussie coussies.

Humans are easy to train

I was having a cup of gravy-beef stew the other day, eating of course from an old Crown Lynn bowl that I insist is the only vessel from which I eat. My friend Finn was visiting and he didn’t seem to mind the plastic one, although I did see him giving his owner/servants some sidelong glances. I suspect there will be words spoken when they get home later--- things are going to change.

We had just got back from the Onehunga Dog Walkers Bay. I get so annoyed that it isn’t officially named as such on the maps, but once again, we are working on that. I mentioned it to the local Member of Parliament the other day, when he fortuitously dropped in to see ‘he who thinks he is master.’

I must say that Phil (we are on first names basis of course) is doing a good job. I know he didn’t win the last election, but he does look so much more relaxed. He has a dog just like me, just a bit older. Hopefully I can go and visit him one day soon. I am sure we can help with policies, even if Phil is the Foreign Affairs spokesman. Perhaps we can arrange visits to other countries so that there is more of an alignment with Commonwealth policies on Doggie rights.

It was so easy to get Neil to take me for my morning sojourn down at the park. I like that word, s-o-j-o-u-r-n---- so sophisticated, but my methodology is much more down to earth. I just act a little crazy and Neil knows what’s coming. It’s his choice--- take me down to the bay or say goodbye to any plans for a decor update in your lounge. Mind you, once he gets there and starts gabbing away to his friends, well--- time just flies. I have to remind him every so often that standing talking doesn’t sit well with me. I just jump on some lady wearing something fashionable and that is enough to move the group on. Sometimes Finn, the Golden Retriever crossed with Gods knows what, has a few tricks too. He loves to run really fast, missing the humans by centromeres---a little reminder. I of course stand by innocently--- they mistake my expression for cuteness, when what I am really portraying to the other dogs is one big laugh---- If the humans only knew.

Things got a bit chaotic today. There were lots of walkers and Neil nearly hit some of them on the head, when he threw the ball with that littler thrower he likes to use. I don’t think he can throw the ball far without it. I love it when the other dogs try to chase me and catch up. I know some of them can run faster, but I gig and jive and they run past me. I saw something on TV on the History Channel the other day. It showed a HARRIER Jet stopping in mind air and the other jet sweeping past, thereby exposing itself to the wrath of the harrier. I’m something like that—a little Jack Russell harrier jet dog. Some of the other smaller dogs try it on, but I pretend to bite them and they veer off, so it’s not only humans that I control--- dogs beware too. You make a huge error of judgment when you take me on. Naturally I have a few big friends, so that if any nasty dog shows bad breading, I have an ally or two.

In the past when I was little (Don’t say it--- I’m still little) Neil could never get me to come to him, for the return ride home. I trained him so that he needs to have my favourite treats, to get me to come to him. If I don’t like them, well he has to wait until I am good and ready. I let him think he has me ‘trained now.’ I go and sit with my flashing eyes, full of love, looking up at him. I put on that shivering thing he thinks is so cute and he kneels down, near enough for me to lick his face. I let him lead me to the car, whereupon I jump in and receive my reward.

Oh—life can be so simple. Neil stays home with me most of the time in weekends and holidays. I got him so well trained that he feels guilty if he leaves me alone for too long. I think he would take me to work if he could, but that may be pushing it. Anyway--- even I need to rest sometimes. That is when I dream about what I can do next to amuse myself and train him more.

I can even get away when I have caught a fish!

When everyone's on holiday--it's not a holiday!

Perhaps I am being a sanctimonious twit (now that should get you going), bit I am happily ensconced in my sunny lounge, with ‘Miranda’ playing in the background, quite unusual for a male, I am multitasking---that is writing this blog at the same time.

I wrote a blog a few weeks ago asking, ‘Who had stolen New Zealand’s summer?’ Well, it appears that who it was, has decided to stop the suffering and given us some sort of summer back, even if it is only for a few weeks, before plunging into a late autumn and winter. So far, the Easter break has been a succession of glorious days, with temperatures reaching into the 20’sC and blue skies to complete the perfection.

Joining New Zealand’s version of a British Bank Holiday Weekend is not my cup of tea. No—I do not fancy, sitting in a long line of cars, trucks, caravans and near ‘road rage,’ occupied vehicles in general. OK, that means one would be delayed about an hour, then the traffic flows normally. Still---- the very thought is enough to keep me nearer home at these times. The benefit is that Auckland’s traffic is bearable. The only logjams are in and around shopping malls when they open for their Easter sales. Avoid the malls, and trips across Auckland to beaches parks or friends are actually quite pleasant. During the Christmas Holidays this peaceful time extends to several weeks--- take the hint, would-be tourists and come at those times.

Mind you, I did choose to travel to Hamilton yesterday, but that was in the middle of the Easter break, a day before the hordes return home. Now I am looking at Perdy, twisting her head in that endearing way, trying to understand my ramblings. I just asked her what she would like to do today. I mention the word ‘beach’ and her tail wags. If you haven’t figured out who Perdy is by now, then I shall leave you wondering who I keep for company--- should raise a few questions eh.

The Title sucks---I know -- I shall change it!

OK-- I know---the title to the book I formerly called The River Always Flows, sucks big time. This is where you come in. Read the first chapter and give me some ideas. No--- or maybe yes--- Perhaps I could call it 'Dead Cat Pie For Lunch.'  I was amazed at the hits that little blog got (but not clicked on in the adsence). Have a read of the first chapter and get back to me. Those of you reading my blogs via Facebook and Twitter--- please do the same.


A word about the Adds. It seems that Google has put some on about online dating and meeting Russian Women. (Hell--- if you are gonna do that--- stick on the complete spectrum).  That may explain why I have so many hits from Russia. Sorry dears,  I'm not in the market. Mind you, I may also be very wrong and soon some of my friends in Mother Russia will repsond and enter into a dialogue, just like my increadibly stimulating new USA friends. I am not getting away with any ioncorrect statements with them. God---- they are such a refreshing group--- the experience has renewed my faith in humanity. They can even read my terrible typing. I have self-diagnised my condition. It is 'Technological Dyslexia'.