Category: NZ

Return to NZ

On the 28th November we arrived back.

After a hectic departure from France, a brief and topsy- turvy stay in Bangkok we were here.

Our time has been filled with activity- more later.

Terrible violence happens in NZ

Murder rampage with automatic weapons by a racist; killing Muslim people in the streets of Christchurch.

Evidence that this can happen anywhere and that the right wing racist networks can infiltrate the minds of anyone anywhere.

Twickenham contest

An afternoon spent in the ‘Maple Leaf’ pub watching England v New Zealand with Bridge and Elaine along with a host of other rugby fans.

Of note, other than the tight win for the ABs with the cancellation of an England try at the death thanks to the TMO, was my support for New Zealand. With these contests I am split for loyalty if that is really an important issue. NZ were the team today as being perverse comes easily with so many supporting England. Equally the arrogance of England comes into play.

And next week NZ v Ireland- a closer call.

Midnight mass

So for the second year running we were at the Cathedral to welcome in Christmas day. A busier way to do so and more of an event after the previous local less moving experiences.

So today we were four as EQ is sitting in Germany enjoying her own special version of Christmas. The Cardinal was leading (NB next Pope- you read it here first) and there was lots of music. Not quite as full as last year and a bit too much complicated Latin singing. Consensus was that it was not so good this year. I still enjoyed the atmosphere and John D words were stimulating.

 

More fun ahead.

Take That

I never thought that I would going to see Take That, but it goes to show how the unexpected happens.

Murray came up with the suggestion, Sara jumped at it and I tagged along.

Three of the original members are still playing, and I must say I found them to be very professional and entertaining. I did not know all the music but enough to enjoy.
There were plenty of old recognisable tunes amongst the new ones. Lots people enjoyed themselves, Sara and Murray included.

So maybe another example of getting out and trying new and alternative things.

Shake up the Coalition options?

Greens need to get politically real. I can see that rather than be always in the shadow of Labour. Gareth Morgan thinks similarly (from the Guardian):

Gareth Morgan, founder of the Opportunities party (TOP) is speaking to supporters. With the party currently sitting on 2.1%, it is not expected to take a seat in the new parliament.

He says TOP has been fighting to make New Zealand a fairer society, but many voters are reluctant to address issues that could help the crisis in housing affordability.

You need to be really proud, he tells supporters, saying they have put their own vested interests aside to try to help battle inequality.

And he says the Green party – traditionally backers of Labour administrations – should work with a government of any hue to push an environmental agenda:

I know it’s early days yet but I notice that the Green party is above 5% … so we’re going to lay down a challenge to the Green party … to say to National that we will work with you on the environment.

Are you actually green? You’re only green part-time and that’s not good enough for New Zealand.