What a stupid situation. Picture a huge shipment of top quality NZ lamb sitting on the docks in China and the buyers unable to lift it until the 'officials' in China grant access. One has to wonder where the problem lies. Is it stupid pedantic Chinese officials, with maybe a hint of corruption or is it New Zealand officials who have not crossed the 'T's and dotted the 'I's? Is it some plan on the part of various sector groups in China who have vested interests in NZ lamb NOT being landed in their country. Perhaps we have assumed too much about the 'Free Trade' agreement between our two countries and that in the end, China doesn't give a stuff about NZ farmers or rules. We in New Zealand after all are just a small blimp in the bottom of the South Pacific,' and China owes us nothing. Why should they? Our ties may be growing and we have all seen the 'photo-shots' of meetings between senior political figures where they state the 'new love' between China and NZ but perhaps we, should take a deeper look at where this is all going? Should we once again 'put all of our eggs' into one basket? I don't think so. I have the distinct impression that we are going back to the future. Remember when we relied on Britain and hell--- we had historic ties with that nation. We died in our thousands defending British 'interests' in three wars and what happened in the long run? They cut us lose when they joined the 'Common Market' in the 1970's, so why on earth would we expect the Chinese to show us any favours? If they can't get their officials to sort out what is a relatively easy issue or our officials lack real understanding of how this huge market operates, then let's take a hard look at the implications of this latest bureaucratic nightmare. Come-on trade officials on both sides---get your act together! MAYBE NZ NEEDS TO TREAD VERY CAREFULLY WITH BIG BROTHER CHINA!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Waterspouts over the Manukau Harbour in Auckland.
I took Perdy for her usual afternoon walk today, knowing that we would have to hurry in order to avoid an incoming storm. Perdy jumped out of the car and waited patiently for me to put my boots on and get the ball-thrower from the back of the car. Having achieved that without her leaping up to encourage me, she was off like a shot, chasing her favourite orange ball across the sand. Two 'doggie walker' friends were returning to their cars and Perdy tired to great them by attempting to jump in their cars. It was then that I glanced towards the South Western horizon, beyond the heavy machinery that is carving out several new beaches on the waterfront.
'Holy hell!' I yelled, to no one in particular. 'Look at that----isn't that a bloody tornado!'
Other people jumped out of their cars and watched as a sinister grey twisting mass of cloud reached for the surface of the harbour; the distance hard to measure. It was then we noticed a second much more compact deep grey thread of mischief, visibly moving towards us.
'Shit, two of them. One is definitely a waterspout1' I crowed knowledgably. That was pure assumption on my part. What the hell would I know. I did know one thing though and my thoughts were echoed by the others watching.
'Those poor people in Oklahoma.' The scene before us was as different as night and day. Still, 'Mother nature' was giving us a display that truly moves one. Within a few minutes, both spouts had retreated to their parent clouds. I rang a few people and asked them to watch the news or listen to the radio. A short time later, Perdy and I drove out from the car park, just as a mini maelstrom assaulted us. I turned the wipers to fast and we headed around to the foreshore. By the time I pulled up to the sea-wall, the clouds had a distinctly lighter feel to them and the storm moved east over the city. On the way home I heard several reports of the two spouts. Luckily they did not make land. I once again thought of the massive destruction in Oklahoma. My thoughts went to the dead, injured and the families. We returned to the comforts of home and for me, a huge cup of coffee. Am I correct in thinking that these huge tornadoes in the USA are becoming more frequent and even in little New Zealand, we seem to be seeing more of the smaller versions.
'Holy hell!' I yelled, to no one in particular. 'Look at that----isn't that a bloody tornado!'
Other people jumped out of their cars and watched as a sinister grey twisting mass of cloud reached for the surface of the harbour; the distance hard to measure. It was then we noticed a second much more compact deep grey thread of mischief, visibly moving towards us.
'Shit, two of them. One is definitely a waterspout1' I crowed knowledgably. That was pure assumption on my part. What the hell would I know. I did know one thing though and my thoughts were echoed by the others watching.
'Those poor people in Oklahoma.' The scene before us was as different as night and day. Still, 'Mother nature' was giving us a display that truly moves one. Within a few minutes, both spouts had retreated to their parent clouds. I rang a few people and asked them to watch the news or listen to the radio. A short time later, Perdy and I drove out from the car park, just as a mini maelstrom assaulted us. I turned the wipers to fast and we headed around to the foreshore. By the time I pulled up to the sea-wall, the clouds had a distinctly lighter feel to them and the storm moved east over the city. On the way home I heard several reports of the two spouts. Luckily they did not make land. I once again thought of the massive destruction in Oklahoma. My thoughts went to the dead, injured and the families. We returned to the comforts of home and for me, a huge cup of coffee. Am I correct in thinking that these huge tornadoes in the USA are becoming more frequent and even in little New Zealand, we seem to be seeing more of the smaller versions.
From Russia with love!
From the time I began writing blogs I was pleasantly surprised by the number of readers I seemed to be getting from Russia. I know that initially I made jokes about that, because there is a fairly high number of Russian woman seeking New Zealand blokes for ‘relationships,’ especially in the time when Russia was going through turbulent economic times. I have no idea how that is panning out now. Of course I alluded to the fact that if I was a target for some amorous Russian ‘beauty’ then they were indeed ‘barking up the wrong tree.’ Let’s leave that for now eh, and focus on more plausible reasons for the larger and once again increasing number of Russian readers.
I now assume that there is a bit of interest on the part of my readers on the land of many time zones and for that I most willingly respond. I would love to get some feedback, especially for my very upfront and maybe a little risky outbursts about your wonderful leader, Mr Putin. I know I have been a little critical of him and liken him to one of the power hungry men from the past. His lust for power is not of course dissimilar to many politicians in numerous countries. The one thing that we can say about the USA of course is that nay President is limited to no more than two terms in office. That Mr Putin manages to ‘change the rules’ about that issue speaks volumes for processes in the modern Russia.
New Zealand and Russia and natural trading partners and I hope that we receive many more Russian visitors and that NZers travel to your huge and wonderful country. My wish is to travel from Moscow on the Trans-Siberian Railway, all the way to the Pacific. Then it’s just a pleasant sail down through the Pacific to New Zealand---- Just a few Islands and pirate-ridden seas to traverse.
Keep reading my blogs my Russian friends. You are once again catching up with Australia. Maybe I have put them off by insulting them. They are tough though, just like Kiwis!
Perdy wants a beach holiday this year at Xmas.
Yes, I was sternly told that it is about time that we took Perdy away for a beach holiday this year. She wants a bach, somewhere on the Thames Coastline and one that welcomes Jack Russells. She said that she won't make a mess and most of the day she will be with us and out and about. Mind you we already know that doggies are not really welcome in the main street, but we can live with that. I have tried a local agent and I hope that they get back to us so that I can pack Perdy's bags, bones and toys. I hope there are other crazy dogs there so Perdy can make some special new friends. Hopefully Sea raealty will get back to us, otherwise one of you may know where we can find a nice bach.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
I know I gotta start soon.. I just have too, but where to begin!
Yes, the wardrobe is beckoning me----indeed it is imploring me to lighten up its load. The sounds of my clothes battling for space and yet, I must say goodbye to about half of the residents of that overcrowded wardrobe. It is time to move on and get rid of those bulky over-sized shirts, jeans and tops. Sorry my dear loyal 'accoutrements,' but you really don't suit me any more; you just don't fit. You make me look like a man who has fallen on hard times and robbed the local clotheslines in order to keep attired. I won't throw you into the rubbish bins. You deserve better than that, so it's off to various places where you can have another life. You are after all not all threadbare and lacking in personality; you have the capability to keep others warm and decent. I shall think of you as I make friends with newer models; nothing too pretentious, just good down to earth items that will accompany me on the remainder of my new journey. So, farewell to the old and bring in the new! Losing 27 kilogrammes is enough to bring about changes in many aspects of my life. Feel free to contact me, my dear readers, if you wish to 'chat' about 'your' journey down the road to better health. Just hook into my website by typing in www.authorneilcoleman.com in the address bar at the top left hand corner of the window and follow the links.
Bill English says that the Government is going to close the gap between rich and poor---Yeah right!
Bill English must take the people in NZ for idiots, particularly those who he describes as poor. He quotes the list of things his Government has done and will be doing. I shall be watching that space to see the action that will lift people out of poverty, ill health and poor housing conditions. What he says is 'extra' spending on the part of Government most probably comes from other areas of Government spending in areas that are already suffering.
His words are just a cynical off the cuff load of patronizing crap. His Government is not about to offend their friends in industry, the property tycoons or any other sector that benefits from the National Party's continuing in power. I doubt very much that he is going to emulate the stated aims of his friends in the Conservative Party in the UK who say they are going after the big businesses who pay little or no tax. We are a small economy but I am sure the same cosy big business/Government relationships exist in New Zealand, just on a smaller scale.
Do I have any faith in the NZ Labour Party and their friends? NO---once they achieve power again, no doubt the 'reality' of NZ's huge debts will dictate a watering down of their public statements about what they wish to achieve. That is a fact of life for any Government. Policies in the real world are usually a shadow-version of espoused political philosophy. As for the 'also-rans'---they can say what they like, because their chances of being in power are remote to say the least. At best, the can sidle on up to one of the two main parties and have a small influence on the Government of the day; the exception of this, would be the ACT Party driving the initiative for Charter Schools.
So when Bill English plays the good witch from 'wherever,' take his words with a dose of ---'What a load of shite.'
His words are just a cynical off the cuff load of patronizing crap. His Government is not about to offend their friends in industry, the property tycoons or any other sector that benefits from the National Party's continuing in power. I doubt very much that he is going to emulate the stated aims of his friends in the Conservative Party in the UK who say they are going after the big businesses who pay little or no tax. We are a small economy but I am sure the same cosy big business/Government relationships exist in New Zealand, just on a smaller scale.
Do I have any faith in the NZ Labour Party and their friends? NO---once they achieve power again, no doubt the 'reality' of NZ's huge debts will dictate a watering down of their public statements about what they wish to achieve. That is a fact of life for any Government. Policies in the real world are usually a shadow-version of espoused political philosophy. As for the 'also-rans'---they can say what they like, because their chances of being in power are remote to say the least. At best, the can sidle on up to one of the two main parties and have a small influence on the Government of the day; the exception of this, would be the ACT Party driving the initiative for Charter Schools.
So when Bill English plays the good witch from 'wherever,' take his words with a dose of ---'What a load of shite.'
Indonesia and New Zealand 'talk trade.'
Trade mission eyes up Indonesia opportunities
7:38 PM Saturday May 18, 2013
A 52-strong trade mission is flying to Indonesia this weekend for two weeks of intensive briefings and meetings.
It is being led by Maurice Williamson and Sir Ken Stevens, who's chairman of Export New Zealand.
Representatives of the food and beverage, education, geothermal and banking sectors are going, along with a large group from the aviation industry.
Sir Ken says there's huge potential for aviation in the Indonesian market.
"We're following on in the footsteps of the Prime Minister just about 12 months ago so this is well considered by the Indonesians and well targeted by our people so we're looking to do some good business up there."
Sir Ken says the mission presents a viable and formidable force to increase trade.
- Newstalk ZB
Apart from the times when New Zealand had issues over Borneo (Kalimantan) and East Timor (and more recent protests by some in NZ over the treatment of indigenous Irian Jaya people) the relationship between NZ and Indonesia has been strong. We have had links in the geothermal, educational, finance and a growing trade sector. This makes so much sense as Indonesia is a close neighbour. We both stand to gain and this weekend's announcement that a large team of officials and sector area representatives are heading to Indonesia for two weeks of discussion must be seen as a growing trend. At times NZ will have to take a back step when it comers to those issues that still cause some discontent in NZ, mush like we have swallowed our sensitivities as per the China trade. The economic relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia makes sense also in that it is never good to have all of our eggs in one basket, that is with China. That situation has come about as NZ turns its back on the UK and the Euro/USA market. Whilst our trade remains strong with those nations, it must aid our overall economic performance by 'spreading the risk' as it were.
There will be hooks in our developing relationship, but those can be worked through. Indonesia is an emerging giant on the world scene and it is making real gains on issues that concerned us as evidenced by the sad events in Bangladesh. Indonesia has a large and growing middle-class and it is that group that will drive the moves to improve the lot of those less fortunate. In the past Indonesia has had some of the lowest paid workers in Asia, but that too is changing as the 'trickle down' trend has taken hold. By no means would NZ workers agree to the conditions as they exists in Indonesia now, but there is a gradual improvement in the treatment of Indonesian workers. Politically the Indonesians have become more stable and investment has flowed into the country. It makes sense that NZ is part of this, but on a two-way scale. Indonesians have also invested in NZ. Underlying this burgeoning relationship is the fear of 'fundamentalist Islamists,' and how the Indonesian Government grapples with this very real fear. That is of course an issue that the people and Government of Indonesia have to work out for themselves. After all, they have several centuries of colonialism to recover from and the journey towards a modern nation is one that still has a way to go. We need only to look back into our own history and acknowledge that before we become too critical of our huge friendly near-neighbour. Lets hope that the upcoming 'talks' are beneficial to both nations.
It is being led by Maurice Williamson and Sir Ken Stevens, who's chairman of Export New Zealand.
Representatives of the food and beverage, education, geothermal and banking sectors are going, along with a large group from the aviation industry.
Sir Ken says there's huge potential for aviation in the Indonesian market.
"We're following on in the footsteps of the Prime Minister just about 12 months ago so this is well considered by the Indonesians and well targeted by our people so we're looking to do some good business up there."
Sir Ken says the mission presents a viable and formidable force to increase trade.
- Newstalk ZB
Apart from the times when New Zealand had issues over Borneo (Kalimantan) and East Timor (and more recent protests by some in NZ over the treatment of indigenous Irian Jaya people) the relationship between NZ and Indonesia has been strong. We have had links in the geothermal, educational, finance and a growing trade sector. This makes so much sense as Indonesia is a close neighbour. We both stand to gain and this weekend's announcement that a large team of officials and sector area representatives are heading to Indonesia for two weeks of discussion must be seen as a growing trend. At times NZ will have to take a back step when it comers to those issues that still cause some discontent in NZ, mush like we have swallowed our sensitivities as per the China trade. The economic relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia makes sense also in that it is never good to have all of our eggs in one basket, that is with China. That situation has come about as NZ turns its back on the UK and the Euro/USA market. Whilst our trade remains strong with those nations, it must aid our overall economic performance by 'spreading the risk' as it were.
There will be hooks in our developing relationship, but those can be worked through. Indonesia is an emerging giant on the world scene and it is making real gains on issues that concerned us as evidenced by the sad events in Bangladesh. Indonesia has a large and growing middle-class and it is that group that will drive the moves to improve the lot of those less fortunate. In the past Indonesia has had some of the lowest paid workers in Asia, but that too is changing as the 'trickle down' trend has taken hold. By no means would NZ workers agree to the conditions as they exists in Indonesia now, but there is a gradual improvement in the treatment of Indonesian workers. Politically the Indonesians have become more stable and investment has flowed into the country. It makes sense that NZ is part of this, but on a two-way scale. Indonesians have also invested in NZ. Underlying this burgeoning relationship is the fear of 'fundamentalist Islamists,' and how the Indonesian Government grapples with this very real fear. That is of course an issue that the people and Government of Indonesia have to work out for themselves. After all, they have several centuries of colonialism to recover from and the journey towards a modern nation is one that still has a way to go. We need only to look back into our own history and acknowledge that before we become too critical of our huge friendly near-neighbour. Lets hope that the upcoming 'talks' are beneficial to both nations.
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