China and Taiwan

Since the rise of The new China, the possibility of tension between the China and Taiwan has been a constant presence.  In recent years the links between the two have brought the possibility of a reunion (China has never recognised the breakaway nation) between the two economic 'powerhouses.' No doubt these moves towards reconciliation will one day, in the not too distant future become a reality.
Unfortunately we have on the sidelines the presence of the USA, a 'super-power' that holds on to its desire to control events way beyond it's borders, using the pretext if 'freedom' for the people of Taiwan. Given the track record of the USA and its protection of freedom-loving people, in other countries and the inconsistency of such a stance, one would suspect that the real reason is to maintain USA's hegemony of as much of the world as it can maintain.
That position has been the realm of other nations in the past; take the British Empire during Victorian times or the empires of Russia, then the Soviet Union and now Russia again, so why would we treat the Chinese differently in our  understanding of regional politics and economic rivalry?
Perhaps the economic ties between Taiwan and China, along with the massively important links between the USA and  China will lead to a peaceful resolution of the former issue. No country would gain from a 'shooting war,' or for that matter an 'economic war. The events in Ukraine and the tension  between Russia and the EU will show us the futility of such dangerous pathways.
I do however feel a level of discomfort re the bullying tactics, of the larger superpowers and their allies as they try to forge a world that suits the needs of themselves or to be more accurate, the forces within those nations that have always existed---the industrial/financial and military complexes that transcend borders and nationhood.
Let peace break out and the smaller nations of the world have a bigger say.

Fine Wine Company and walking the dog--is there a link?

Where's he going with this, you may be thinking. Well, there is a link. What better combination is there than being able to walk your dog at a beautiful place and then on the way home call into a reputable wine  (and other products) company to peruse a huge range of quality wines at good prices? I had heard the adverts for ages, re The Fine Wine Company and when I woke up to a beautiful autumn day, I thought, how could I combine the two---take Perdy for a walk and come back with some nice wine?
Now, let me take back to the days when Chardonnays were big and buttery with lovely underlying complex fruit tastes, possibly with a touch of oak. My memory may have lapsed into the area that has possibly combined a few other wine experiences so I could not be sure that capturing the past was going to be possible, but after hearing a description of a Chardonnay that possessed some of these qualities, I felt I had to give it a try, hence my quest to the East.
I took Perdy (my Jack Russell) to  a foreshore walk in Pt. England, next to the sports fields that were busy with kids and their families playing whatever it was. I think it was the 'round ball game!'
We put Perdy on a long lead and off we went. What a beautiful walk along the estuary, with good paths and possibly OK for off the leash. I didn't risk that tough, because there were Pukekos in the fields and I noticed Perdy eyeing them up and the last thing I wanted was a repeat of the experience when Perdy decided to take on  one of those feisty birds a few days ago, down at the Onehunga Bay, ending up near the motorway, with me causing the police to stop and take  a close look at me.
Perdy seemed quite happy to stay on the lead and her reward was to be released on the beach and after a few quick dunkings in the sea, bringing back a stick a few times, she submitted to her lead again and we headed towards Lunn Ave and The Fine Wine Company.
What a professional, unobtrusive welcome. Combine passion, knowledge and damned good personal skills and that gives you a picture of what it is like to visit this huge shop. I came away with two examples of the wine I described at the top of this blog. Costly---well maybe a bit more than I spend at the supermarket, but hey, the new me is into 'less is more;' that goes for my food and my beverages. Is it not better to experience something 'good' or 'special,' and in the long run not actually spend any more than in the days when I went for quantity over quality?
I was struck with the way I was 'looked after,' and left The Fine Wine Company with two bottle of wine, knowing that I can peruse their stock from home online, and either order on the phone or via the Net. I won't be doing that, because I shall be taking Perdy back to the 'estuary or to the Park that is a little closer by the golf course.
What better combination is there for a Jack Russell walker?' Thank you for the great help, Fine Wine Company. I shall be back.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

If it is too good to be true, then it isn't.

Here is a word of warning for any of you who are answering those silly, funny and entertaining, 'What animal are you, or some other such thing.' Se have all had a lot of fun on FB with these 'surveys.' I have taken part in heaps of them and shared then results. What happens is that you will eventually receive an email saying you have won a 'dream holiday,' worth US$3000 or more.
I did!. Was I ecstatic?---NO!. I am becoming a cynical old bugger re such 'wins,' but as I was filling in time, waiting until I was ready to take Perdy for her walk and visit to friends, I decided to explore the 'offer.' I had four minutes to make the contact, via an Auckland number that transferred me to an Orlando (supposedly) number.
Wow---the sales pitch began as they informed me about my wonderful win that entailed me taking three people to a series of events and destinations that had me dreaming. I asked the question that is already going through your less than sympathetic minds---'what's the catch?' Yip---they were ready for that and it transpired that the usual lecture re  'time share' was involved. They went through all the details, despite me telling them that I had to honestly say that I wouldn't  be signing on any line re buying such 'services,' so why continue? That didn't bother then lovely lady at all. She continued to give me sign in details ton the site and that then only cost was the airfares from NZ and a departure tax from the short cruise to the Bahamas. I had 18 months to take the trip. 'OK,' I said, 'I shall talk to the three adults so that I could make up my mind.'
By this stage I had been transferred to another lady, further up the food chain, I suspect, who started to put in the hard sell about paying upfront about NZ$1000 to secure the 'sale.' Now the pressure real came ion and her voice kind of changed as she tired to carefully draw me in. I could of course get back ton her and pay $4000 at  a later date---it was over to me. I said that I had no intention of paying anything without consulting my travelling companions. Her voice took on a little tint of desperation. DING ding ding in my head! Guess what---she sort of just disappeared from the line. I am not sure it was a total hang up or what but it certainly became less friendly.
OK-----some of you will receive similar offers. Share them on FB like I am so we can get a picture of what is happening. At the very least it is an offer to view a timeshare and we get those for NZ destinations so that's nothing new. I am NOT saying this is a scam, but I am saying that it is a clever (or not so cleaver) sales pitch. Sure In would love to take three special people with me for less than NZ20  a day plus spending money and airfares, but I am not prepared to spend NZ$1000 upfront before ZI have even talked to my friends. That is when it all entered that world of---'scam or just too much pressure.'
So my friends, be aware and don't get carried away, only to regret your impulsive decision. For once In didn't make one and even if I have missed out on a nice trip, by not acting immediately, at least I am not out of pocket. What a nice way of spending 30 minutes.

Ukraine begins military conscription.

I hope that the announcement by the 'interim Government ' of Ukraine is not a sign that things have progressed to the point that all else has failed re the resolution of the crisis in that country. Whilst it is obvious to most that events in the east and south of Ukraine are tantamount to a rebellion against--what----? an elected Government? NO. Until there is an election and/or a referendum to determine the 'borders of Ukraine and for there to be a 'legitimate' government based on a fair and open process, then anything else is just adding to the difficulty on the region, fed no doubt by historic  Russian fears of being surrounded by less than friendly powers.
Now that Ukraine has called up it's men  (and women?) to arms, then the step towards all-out war is that much closer. If they think that the USA, EU and others will respond in kind, they are forgetting an important geopolitical fact: The aforementioned countries will not commit to a war, simply because Ukraine does not posses the oil and other economic necessities that they require for their economies. At best Ukraine is a conduit for Russian fuel and that can be bypassed if necessary. Sure the 'West' will make all the sounds re democratic and political solidarity but no one expects there to be a war on behalf of Ukraine. At best, there will be increased economic sanctions and it those that may make a difference.
In the meantime, Ukraine is going to need to make an assessment off where the borders of that country truly lie, in conjunction with real dialogue between Russia, the inhabitants of the regions in question and the EU/UN. Unfortunately there are forces and personal ambitions held by various 'players' that supersede such honest discourse.

New Zealand citizenship should not be for sale!

Maurice Williamson is a good MP. I know that may sound unusual for me given that he is a National MP, but I am capable of seeing the good in people. Maurice's political career is in tatters after his resignation from Cabinet, all over his dealings with one of those rich wannabe NZers who think they can buy NZ citizenship. Well, it appears they can and it is not just MPs and Ministers from the National Party who have been guilty of 'expediting' the process whereby foreigners can buy their way in to NZ. This has to stop. NZ's reputation as a relatively 'clean' country with little corruption is at stake. We can not speak out against other countries re the corrupt practises endemic in their systems of governance unless we are squeaky clean. Maurice has thrown his future down the toilet with his stupid actions and no doubt other politicians will do the same. Labour can ill afford to claim the high ground but they can make sure that their members do not go down that pathway. Trust is very hard to win back once it has been lost.

Labour announces 'immigration policy' that could impact on housing prices and supply.

I was aware that Labour was tinkering with its immigration  policy, possibly in response to public concern about the supply and demand re housing. Immigrants could be an easy target and judging by some of the callers  ringing in for Talkback radio (a real good judge re the accuracy on issues ,eh!) Ok there were the usual extreme reaction from all corners of the argument but some callers were really off the mark. One in particular, had been in NZ for 12 years and made the point that he had been paying taxes etc. and received all the benefits that citizens get apart from the obvious. He laboured his point and showed his misunderstanding of Labour's policy when he made the leap that he couldn't buy a house because he was 'resident,' but not a citizen, something he will never do because he wants to retain his cultural links with his homeland. His kids of course, are NZ citizens by right of birth. What gets me about his argument is his strongly held belief that he will never get NZ citizenship.
I say that we should allow  about 7 years of residency then either the applicant applies for citizenship or moves on. We want people to make the 'emotional' investment in our country, not just the financial. We need Kiwis to be just that, albeit  from a multitude of nations. I like the diversity but I also demand a loyalty to the NZ way, which entails the new addition other cultures bring. NZ is of course evolving as a result of this enriching movement of people.
The guy was wrong in his understanding of Labour's policy announcement. They say that only NZ Citizens and Residents should be able to buy property in NZ; something many other countries do. He should have listened to the policy before going off in ait, something the 'talkback host implied but did not say; oh so polite Kerre!
Let's keep the debate rational and use facts not fiction to feed our opinions. The debate around housing needs to happen and Labour's policy is a good beginning, although I suspect that NZ First may be claiming a 'me too,' position as they have ben saying this for many election cycles and Labour will have to come to terms with the 'king-maker' if they ever want to win the Government benches.
 

China to enact strict new guidelines re safety of milk products.

There has been a great deal of publicity in recent hears over the safety of New Zealand (and others) diary produce that enters the huge Chinese markets. Fonterra has been in the limelight for this and the guidelines that now operate are sending a message that we must comply or risk the ongoing success this massive trading venture. It appears that the Chinese market has been nervous about the prospect of their babies being poisoned by the possible contamination of some of our ;products. That some of the 'action' was around the testing that was not accurate does not seem to have come in to the equation and the ripple effect has come close to bringing a halt to the exports from New Zealand.
New Zealand needs to use these 'slip-ups' to bring home the seriousness and importance of the Chinese market to our economy. Without a doubt, as more Chinese are able to afford our products, and the fact that our closer economic relationship is now a factor in New Zealand's success as a trading nation, we have to take heed and learn that 'near enough is not good enough.'
To state the obvious; New Zealand exporters have very high standards and in some ways it is hypocritical of China to single out New Zealand when many of their 'food products' are far less trusted than the imported versions. The fact that pollution has all but destroyed the safety of many Chinese grown products is a glaring fact. Chinese housewives regularly choose imported food over tier own, even when it costs more. The miracle of the Chinese economy and the many hundreds of millions, the export sector now returns to their economy has come at a huge cost---that of turning a massive agricultural sector into a 'questionable' one when it comes to safety. China should, I respectfully suggest, look to its own standards and try to turn this terrible issue around or is it going to buy up large tracts of agricultural land around the  world in  order to feed its burgeoning population? Actually it already is. Still, New Zealand is more than happy to continue the very successful relationship we have developed between our two nations, but please--lets keep a balance as to how we describe the 'actual 'safety of our products when compared to the home-grown Chinese examples. As with many other imports of the goods New Zealanders need (or want) China is a major market we turn to. I do not see that as changing and New Zealand needs to reassure the Chinese , through action, not words, that our products are beyond reproach.