5000 Phillipinos doing the work on farms in the South Island alone.

Firstly, this is not an attack on the wonderful Philippine workers who are working so hard on our farms. It is an indictment on New Zealanders who won't move their buts from the cities. They would rather collect a benefit than move house and take up a new challenge. I come from a farming background, way back in my distant past, and I know that conditions have improved a great deal since those days. For a hard working person, there is still a possibility to improve their lot by going the way of starting at the bottom. Sure, they may not get to own outright their farm, but they will make money. It takes true grit and determination. Their kids can have a lifestyle that has so many plusses.
A word of caution though. I hope that our Philippine friends are being looked after. I would hate to think that NZ would exploit these very welcome workers, as there have been reports that this has happened. We regularly hear about in other countries. I hope that there is a regular check to see that everything is above board. It is too easy to exploit workers when they work in isolation, well away from the 'eyes ' of the bodies responsible for their welfare.
In the meantime, we need to harden up as NZers and be prepared to move in order to find employment. I know that in my field, education, that teachers have to do this. Hell, we most definitely do not want everyone working ion Auckland with its debt traps and crazy traffic!

Day 13 post- surgery.

 Each day seems better. I feel like walking more and I have not lost my love for food at all; it's just the type of food and the amounts that have changed. I know, some people say that I should have been like that before. Crap to that, as I accepted that I needed a 'tool' and now that's how it feels. I am in control and know that I have helped myself by doing this and I won't be a drain on the tax payer. Hell, I hope I go out with a bang, not a long drawn out decline, afflicted by all of those things that I would have had.  Bye bye pills. OK, no one knows what hides around the corner, but at least I have avoided a few 'ambushes' that were laying in wait for me.
I had some energy today, big time (well for at least half the day) so I oven dried a few kilos of beautiful tomatoes and concentrated another lot in a pan. I will freeze the dried ones and make concentrated ice block of the others. The house smells divine, like a Mediterranean kitchen.
I will do the same again next week. I am quickly running out of freezer place. For once my adage, 'less is more' just doesn't work for me. Time for a nana nap!

Move to the country and be a farm worker--isn't that better than living on a benefit in the cities?

You have a choice---live on a benefit in the cities and get further and further into debt or go and become a farm worker; an occupation where there are many vacancies and one that apparently pays more then the average wage and has some damn good 'fringe benefits.' No one is suggesting that such a move to the country to fill these jobs will make a huge dent in the number of those receiving a benefit. The suggestion is not a panacea for the country.
How many of those on benefits would either want or be able to make such a move. If one has been brought up in the city then there are quite massive adjustments to be made and the day to day grind of 'life on the farm' is not for everybody. Those early morning starts, in all weathers is something that takes grit and determination. The physicality is not for everyone either, although technological changes have made inroads in that area. Working with just one boss can be 'telling' on a workplace relationship and the isolation from the 'draws' of the towns and cities can be quite daunting for some.
If you can get over these challenges and you have a desire to make some massive changes for you and your family (or as a single person) then maybe a move to the country is worth considering.
The bonuses? You could look forward to a better income, one that certainly exceeds even a combination of benefits, a healthier lifestyle, a school that is smaller, being part of a rural community that if you take full advantage of, can lead to a fulfilling lifestyle. Then there are the added benefits. Some farms offer cheaper accommodation with the addition of some free produce, ranging from food, firewood to state just two. You could have your own garden (keep the kids busy?) and further enhance your economic position. Is this lifestyle for you and could you make you change and take up the huge new learning experience. Let's face it, not too many of those on benefits would even consider such a move, but for those who would, every step should be taken to 'enhance' their chances to make this massive move. They should not do so thinking that everything is rosy in the rural garden. Think of the lack of 'fast internet access, the early morning starts and the grumpy bosses, (not all of them are 'nice,' or even fair) the bad weather and the relocating ramifications.
You should also consider where you are now. Is life that good at the  moment and do you have the 'drive' to start a new life. Look back in history and know that all NZers are either from another land or the descendants of those who have made the move.
Is this your chance. Think carefully!

Bless the Irish

Yes, Ireland now has at least one person reading my blogs. I have been waiting for that. I was watching a programme on TV today about a guy searching out whales, dolphins and basking sharks. It looked like the Western coast and the villages were something out of a picture postcard. I would really like to visit one day.
Ireland has played a very important part in the European settlement of NZ and I suspect that we are welcoming many Irish tradespersons for the rebuild of Christchurch after the earthquake. If you are reading this, my Irish friends, then seek out advice from NZ house in London (You can put aside you old feelings about the British) so that you too can join us here in the 'shakey isles.' Ah be gone with ya----don't let those stories about the earthquakes get to you! We need you here and I'm damn sure that you would receive a real NZ Irish welcome.
Keep on reading my blogs or better still, go to my website and check out my books.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Russia, welcome back---I was wondering where you have been>

Yes, it's great to see Russia return to reading my blogs. I thought that maybe I had been a bit hard on Mr Putin. Just remember that I give the USA heaps too and also my own Government, but when good things happen I say that too. I have even been known to praise the actions of individual Cabinet Ministers in the NZ Government, like MRE Dunne for instance. I stick it too him a lot because he's a ''fence sitter'---you know, the MPs you get in coalition Governments. They dance with any partner, just to attain a share in the 'halls of power.' I'm sure you have them in Russia too. To be fare to Mr Dunne, he has been instrumental in achieving progress re the synthetic cannabis sales in corner shops in NZ. So, once again, welcome back my Russian friends and keep it up Mr Dunne. See, that wasn't so bad, was it?
www.authorneilcoleman.com

I had my first Cafe style breakfast today---well maybe that's pushing it a bit---Day 9 post surgery

It's true, I had  a tiny little breakfast at a café today in Takapuna. After an energetic walk (on Perdy's part, mainly) on that beautiful kilometre long beach, where dozens of dogs cavort with their owners, we found a café. It is one that I have blogged about before and the reason we go there is because they make dogs so welcome, by providing a clean stainless steel bowl of water for the dogs.
We ordered coffees and tea and after about ten minutes the waiter came back and took our orders. We didn't mind the half hour wait because that is how long I have to wait after drinking any fluid before I eat. My companions placed their orders and I then ordered my first post-op tiny breakfast. I asked for one softly poached egg and a small grilled tomato. When our 'meals' arrived, I got stuck into my offering, slowly of course. It was delectable and the fact that I could join in was the main point of the occasion. After watching the foot traffic and other dogs, which kept  Perdy entertained, we paid the bill. Trust my sister to make the point that it was 'post-surgery' for me. I had expected to pay the full price for the 'eggs on toast with tomato on the side' option. I didn't care; as I said---- it was about 'being there.' I received a pleasant surprise--- my part of the bill was only $4---almost unbelievable. I am sure that most cafes would have 'gouged' every cent they could. Maybe I shall let my sister loose at the cash register all the time from now on.
I had my Qinoa porridge for lunch with yogurt and stewed apples with feijoas flavoured with cinnamon. Don't feel sorry for me--- I love it and it is filling and soothing. Mind you, everything is filling now, even in iddy-bit quantities!
OH, the name of the café---The Ragazzi Café in Takapuna.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Everything good about what we have built up in NZ is slowly being eroded!

I think that many people who post their opinions in various media are far more honest than the Government. For quite a few years, I have read about how the Government is eroding our rights and achievements in many fields, particularly in health and education. For health, it looks that we are headed for more and more 'private' and therefore more unattainable services for many. In education, under the guise of all sorts of 'descriptors, but really meaning 'Government' finding ways to pay out less for education, we are seeing a gradual move of resources. Bloggers, commentators and ordinary people, like you have spelt out what you think is happening. In that sense, the 'people' are far more honest than politicians, especially the Government. Why don't they say what they really plan? Simple, because if they did the outcry would be such that their tenure on the Government benches' would be unsustainable in the light of the reaction they would receive.
SO----keep up the pressure and any other Government 'in waiting'---be wary of what you promise. In this age of 'instant and easy communication, you can also expect an 'instant' response when you fall short of your 'utterings.' Perhaps you have 'plans' in that area too!