Election and reflection.

RWC over and the election now in full swing. Labour has gone low-profile it seems and Key is still Prince Charming. Billboards everywhere and the debates getting off the ground. MMP may stay or go (I hope it goes, but this looks increasingly unlikely!), and Key will jockey back into power at a relaxed canter, yawn, yawn already. Personally, I don't get why the guy is so popular, but the media have made him into a celeb, that's part of it. He laps it up though, cringe at that hokey handshake. Stars eh.
Roll on , roll on  roll on. 2014. Please. Just too boring this year. The Greens are shining, original, good billboards!

I'll never vote Brash

With Brash's latest outburst, that's the deathknell for me on Act. This guy just seems to put his foot in it, he's made for gaffes. Dopey, dopey, dopey. Is there any hope left? Politics 101, never ever say what you realliy think! This election is going to be a bore, a foregone conlusion and even a bit of a yawn, detainately overshadowed by the RWC, no matter what the outcome, and a PM popular to boot, entrenched.
Yawn. Even the billboards are dull so far, especially from the Nats. Can't they be more imaginative?
2014 will be more exciting, what with the economic storm clouds sill looming...! At at least we have the rugby to sidetrack us froml the more imortant issues...maybe Don was just trying to install some excitement into the mix? Well, he did, for five minutes, anyway.

When does the electioneering start?

The Rugby World Cup obviously takes precedence this year over that other well-loved Kiwi-event of old, the general election. You'd hardly think there was going to be one on this year; there is no colour abound so far. When do the electorate MPs get out into their communities to start meeting their potential voters? When does the balloon-giving and hand-shaking start? I'm looking forward to the TV debates, but I don't agree with Key and Goff's co-joint decision not to be involved in the wider party debates. This is a cynical move in my view, especially on the part of Key. A measure of complacency and arrogance even, Holier than Thau.
Rather, audiences should be given the chance to see all the leaders in debate mode, not just the waiters-in-the-wings. A chance to measure the answers, to ask the qustions, to weigh up the options. Politics has been turned into media-sound bites these days, a sign of the times, I guess.

Bring back the days of the old community-hall meetings, the cake-stalls etc, the foot-soldiers going from house to house, meeting their constituents face to face. The days when the PM was not made into a major celebrity (talking Key here more than anyone else), the days when NZ politics had a gritty reality, Kiwi reality about it. Now it all seems so stage-managed and distant, not to mention media-run and overly glossed-up. Bring back the right stuff.

As for the RWC, this will be an interesting diversion. Let the games begin, but I for one, am looking forward to the November scramble for power far more!

Why I've stopped reading the papers

I have stopped reading the daily papers/watching the news etc because all the rotten, violent news it's jam-packed with make me feel ashamed to be a Kiwi. For example; a nine year old girl attacked by a group of drunken men, a two year old girl given a hell life and then finally killed by her own mother (kicked around like a soccer ball), yet another murder case going through the courts (with the victim's body dismembered and found in plastic containers in the Waitakeres)....not to mention the abused dog (ears-cut off), the kitten that was stomped to death in front of a child.....and we're meant to be civilised. Yeah right. Shame. Absolute, mind-boggling shame.

No more daily news for me, I'm fed up with it. The animal kingdom puts our society to shame. Reading the news of violent, dark little NZ is like watching a horror movie coming to life. Just how and when did we get to such undiluted depravity? So much for clean, green, safe and desirable NZ. When you look beneath the gloss....and you don't have to look far...there's a far darker, uglier tale to be told. How sad that all of it is truth rather than ficiton. More than just cringe-factor. I for one am so sick of the let's have another report phase...yeah right. Talk about brushed under the carpet and swept out of mindsight.

Poor old negleglected blog

Haven't been here for weeks. Much has happened. The Hone show. The Macsynka King book. Key in India. oh dear....what have I missed. Lots, apparently. I don't agree with Macsina King publishing a book either, just in bad taste, that's all. She had the chance to tell her story ages ago, so why now? And is it the truth? Trouble is, we'll acutally never know for sure. Only she knows and he knows.

And could there be any sadder, heart-wrenching tale? What is the point now, Is it the ultimate in bad taste?

Not needed, any more flipping Ministries

Nuff said. Enough control, enough beauracracy, enough. We don't need a Children's Ministry, and it won't make a blind bit of difference, just as the unmandated anti smacking law didn't, hasn't, and never ever will.

Let parents parent their kids, as the majority do, and do well. Cause we all keep getting blamed for the mongrel minority, as is the way of the left. Control freakery gone mad.

Thank goodness National is in power. All is not lost...and with such nonsense from L, National could slam dunk this election. Definately the more viable and sensible option. No wonder the polls are glowing blue...

Snap election? Hope so!

I for one really hope for a snap election. Where has the campaigning been this year? There has been lots of political storms going on, but not much in the way of electoral excitement. Not a balloon nor a hoarding to be seen. Have I been missing something?

I long for a snap election, just for something different! Here's wishing. And good luck to Brash. Most refreshing indeed. Just what Act need. I'm looking forward to the colour, hoopla and fun that every election brings. Bring it on!

New job, less time to blog...

Yay. Have managed to land a job at last. Will find it harder to post here, but will still blog now and then, as it's something I enjoy. Will be working in the insurance industry, due to the two Christchurch earthquakes. And I'll be helping people who've suffered through such devastation. This will be a good learning curve for me as well, something different from what I'm expert in, but not too different.

It's nice to get back to full time paid work. A new door has opened; new company, new faces, and the fun of a new and unusual challenge. Looking forward to it, though will be quite an adjustment, no more sleeping in...

Less of the night owl me. Yeah, right! There just arn't enough hours in the day...!

Cheers to Wills and Catherine!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the televised spetacle, and didn't it all go off without a hitch? She looked amazing, relaxed and enjoying herself, and her dress was beautiful. Somewhat understated, yet beautiful and elegant. Prince William, cool, calm and collected, and obviously enjoying it all. (I didn't saw a glimpse of the NZ PM). Her Majesty looked marvellous in her canary yellow. What well behaved Royal horses as well. They are truly bomb-proof! The ceremony itself was awesome, and I loved watching the pomp and ceremony of it all. The crowds too, how excited and proud. The only sad part being, of course, that the wonderful Princess Diana could not be there to share in her son's special day. I'm sure she would have been  completely over the moon, for both of them. Tears.

Good on the Royal couple,  an event worth waiting for. And best of luck to them for the future. Bottoms up. A very cool Royal do. Absolutely stirling!

Jumping through hoops for the sake of a job...

I haven't had to seriously job-hunt for some time, and what a demoralising experience it is. I can't believe what people are put through, these days. From on-line psych tests, to being hot-seat interviewed by teams of people, with every little answer jotted down, by a supposed group of experts. You'd think one was applying to be the big cheese or something, rather than just another cog in the machine, if you get my drift.

In the field I am looking in, I have over twelve years experience, from almost every possible angle. And it's still recent and relevant. I have excellent references, including verbal and written. I know I can do the job, I am both capable and careful. I'm good both on the phone, and face to face  with clients. I do my best to go the extra mile. To go above and beyond. I have worked both sole charge and from home. Is this enough? Well, in the days of common sense, yes, it would have been more than enough. I turn up to my interviews early, well groomed and ready to roll. Still not enough. The prospective employers are no longer looking at my wealth of experience or ability to do the job; instead they are wanting black and white answers to a quagmire of ridiculous questions. There is no room for shades of grey. Apparently this is supposed to determine my personality and suitability to the job. As if. I've never heard of such rubbish.

Whatever happened to the days when one attended the interview and more often than not, depending on experience and compatibility, would get offered the job? And what's it all for? An average wage, long days, and hard hard work of bending over backwards and being a contortionist. They don't want to know you as a person; your interests, your talents, your family life. Never a mention of the personal.

 I really do despair. Will common sense ever return to (once, very reasonable)  Kiwi employers? George Orwell was not wrong. The corporate conglomerates these days  really do want (non-human) robots. When it comes to job-hunting, the humanity, common sense and decent treatment have gone. Bloody tragic. With over twenty-five years experience in the corporate world/workforce, I've never met with such ridiculous expectations, nor such arrogance from the prospective bosses/companies. They seem to assume that everyone should be begging for their job/s, which they then do their darndest to put out of reach.

So, I'm thinking twice. Re-train, become a caregiver, barista, teacher aide, whatever. Just not anything in the hard-hearted, heartless, robotic-minded corporate world! And jumping through hoops for what? A living wage, just, if I'm careful how I spend it, or am lucky enough to cop a more generous employer/company.

Welfare. Not always a choice at all. Whatever happened to the good employers, the human factor, and the common sense? Or the concept of the employer/employee relationship being a two-way street? Oh, cry me a river! Tears! And a stupid waste of vast experience and future potential! What's the point? So depressing and so wrong.

GST and Petrol rises, really hurting.

I'm learning to be a homebody. With petrol and food prices going through the roof, it makes sense to spend more time at home, less time in the car. With a good book/DVD collection, why go out to the movies. I've made my own little cinema at home. This probably sounds a bit boring, but a movie plus petrol is at least a $30.00 outing. Now, that $30.00 buys quite a bit of food.

Reading for pleasure is an enjoyable and intelligent thing to do, as long as one is picky over what they choose to read. My favourite authors are Doris Lessing, Ruth Rendell, Janet Frame, Stephen King, Ruth Rendell, P D James, George Orwell, E M Forster, Jane Austen, and a whole host of others, including the Bible and bible commentary.

One can also get into crafts at home, such as drawing/painting, needle crafts, etc, baking, creating, clay modelling, whatever. At least this is creative. And once again, it costs very little, especially if the materials needed are brought over time. The local library is another good option, with DVD and CD collections, an enormous range of books on all subjects, CD Roms, etc, etc. It's good to get away from the internet too.

Going for walks and outings to local parks is another good freebie to be had. Take  a picnic, and the cost is just about nil, especially if the park is near your front door.

I'm staying away from malls, shops, cafes and the like for now. Perhaps boring, but it won't kill me....saving those pennies for a rainy day. The cost of petrol, I just can't believe it. Frigging scary. My car is no longer my baby nor my friend, much as I love the freedom owning a set of wheels can offer!

Cool book - Key To Victory

Whilst browsing in my local library the other day, I came across a very interesting book - Key To Victory, which is an overview of the 2008 NZ General election, with contributions by well-known political commentators/analysts such as Colin James, Therese Arseneau, to name a couple, as well as summations from various and well-known MPs. Most of all, I enjoyed the sections about the strategies the different parties used, and why they succeded or failed, and the scandals that cropped up/crept in.

There are sections on the role the media had to play, what role the NZ political blogosphere had to play (and the difference they made, if any, to the outcome), the campaigns of the main players and perspectives from the political parties themselves. As an added bonus is a DVD, with highlights such as all the TV/Youtube debates, the campaign billboards, the TV ad campaigns, and more.

Really enjoyed this book, and the DVD also. It was fascinating watching the debates again, with the benefit of hindsight. Being able to fast forward, backtrack, and pause is always a good thing.  No annoying ad breaks either, a bonus.

Published by Victoria University Press, published in 2010, edited by Stephen Levine and Nigel S Roberts.  This is a very interesting and insightful read/watch/flick-through. Highly recommended as fine fodder for any dedicated politico.

I'm so glad it's election year; the result may be a foregone conclusion (but who knows, there's always the element of the unknown/surprise), but whatever the outcome, they're always of great interest and fun. Roll on!

Doris Lessing, a great writer

Doris Lessing is an awesome writer, like they used to be....Have just been reading her autobiography. She writes so honestly. Her years in the CP make good reading, as well as her insightful description of post-war London. I have not read much fiction by Lessing, only The Fifth Child, which I thoroughly enjoyed. A perfect family, gone wrong, by the birth of a misfit and unusual child.

Writers of Lessing's quality are few and far between these days...gritty and insightful, has a gift for the English language and a wonderful narrative style.

Yikes, can I go back in time and return to painting...

Golden rule no. 1: Follow your instinct. Golden rule number two: listen to your inner voice. Golden rule number three: follow your heart desires and forget grandioise ideas; Golden rule number four: don't be swayed by what others may say...it's your future.

Too late, too late.......will have to persue my love of painting into the wee hours.......

Oh well. Learning lots about left wing politics...loads of books to study. Loads of words to write...! So much theory. Essays...so out of practice...! Some lectures have been really interesting...but after a hands-on course, a bit of a culture shock! Takes some getting used to...

This does not feel like an election year...

Just wondering when the campaign is starting for election year. Pretty quiet so far, for obvious reasons, Now April, and not a slogan in sight...well, hardly any.

When are the parties going to get going on their campaigns though? Nothing in sight as of yet, or have I missed something? Still, it's quite a few months out. Is this year a foregone conclusion, with National winning by a landslide? Could be....

I love the national pastime of the general election, so hope to see some action soon...after all, it's only once every three years. Hoardings, please. Debate. Media coverage.Looking foward to the policy discusions and on live TV debates (hopefully, with all the party leaders invited).. November will be here in no time...

Switched course of study, highs and lows...educating Tanya

I thoroughly enjoyed studying the Cerificate of Design and Art at Unitec, Mt Albert campus, last year. For personal reasons, last year was a bit of a toughie, so the course was something of a life-saver. My time there absolutely flew and I felt that my interest in art and art making really grew and developed. I  learned to look at art/practioners in a fresh way. Mostly I painted my way through the course, though I did have a go at both graphic design and photograhy as well. All very enjoyable. Met lots of interesting people, mostly younger than myself (no, I'm not ancient yet), but some near my age as well. Overall, it was a very enriching experience, and I believe, certificate level is an excellent introduction to tertiary study. Having left school at sixteen, I have often regretted not going to Uni when I should have. I ended up going from job to job with no real fulfullment. Returning to study, was the only way out of this dilemma, I decided. Especially as my job had dried up, anyway. For me, starting at certificate level served as an excellent taster and introduction of just what is involved in tertiary study, and what the expectations/requirements are for success and high grades. The staff are very committed to helping the students through the course, and the on-campus facilities are fantastic. You couldn't ask for better.

Being rather indecisive at times, I almost continued this line of study, and I was going to undertake a degree in Visual Arts. However, the field of Social Practice and social work really interests me as well, and in the end, I decided upon the latter as I can paint my my spare time, and maybe bring it into a social context at a future date. I do need to look towards employment though, and this is why I decided to undertake the Social Practice degree instead.
I will greatly  miss the greenery  and space of the Mt Albert campus, but it is nice to be near the Henderson mall, movies, shops etc, (not that I'll have time for movies, etc!) if further away from home. I would still like to undertake a painting degree at a later date, perhaps extramurally. I love the thought of working within the social services as well, and could maybe combine this with my creative bent. Being a nightowl, I can always paint into the small hours...

I've already met a diverse range of people at the Waitakere campus. There is much reading, research and writing to be done. Yikes. Scary stuff, but also very exciting. The only real low overall is the fact that I cannot study both degrees at once, much as I would like to! Also, I will miss the people I met last year, though I will try to keep in touch.  Such a privilege, higher education, whatever the discipline. I am hoping at the end of my degree to obtain not just a job, but a career, that I will love and grow in, while helping others at the same time. Awesome. Lots of politics involved, too. Just up my alley...this blog may well become even more neglected than it's been of late. Hopefully not! It's something I enjoy doing/coming back to, now and again.

Moved house, online at last. Yay!

It's so nice to be connected to the global village once again. Having a computer without the internet is akin to having a car without wheels. Can't go anywhere, stuck in a timewarp. So, it's nice to be connected again, and to get back to writing here, when I can. Now that I'm studying full-time for a degree in Sociology, my time is going to be limited. I enjoy blogging though, and it's something that does not take long.

Having spent a month off-line, as I admit, I am no electronic boffin (in setting up the  blasted thing, found help at last! Yes, I'm hopeless with gadgets at times!), I have really missed my on-line fixes, including the political blogosphere. It's annoying relying only on the printed word for latest events/ commentary, because it's so slanted and limited. Having missed all the latest political online hullabaloo, I am now in catch-up mode. Put simply, I could hug my internet, and my kind helper.Yipee! Now to the blogs...this could take a while...

The King's Speech

Wanting an escape from the stress and hard work of shifting house, (though of course, nothing compared to having to what Canterbury is going through) and just needing a break, I decided to visit the cinema. Refreshing indeed.

There was plenty of gritty-looking movies to choose from, but I am glad I picked the above, The King's Speech. I just loved every moment and every detail, from the wonderful acting by a sublime cast, including Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham-Carter and of course, the illustrious Colin Firth. Really enjoyed the lush sets, the history lesson and the story itself, which was never boring or stuffy. Who would have thought a film about a stutterer would work, but it does, and it is a humane, thoughtful subject. It also gives one an interesting look into the imagined inner-lives of royalty

A film that was different, told a brave tale, and with sublime production values, ala Merchant-Ivory. Of the other Oscar contenders I have only seen Black Swan, (average, I thought), and the Social Network. I am glad that the top prize went to the King's Speech, very well deserved. It's great to see 'films' getting made again, rather than action-packed 'movies. True Grit looks really good, as does Conviction. At the moment, a sublime feast of quality cinematic joys seem to be on offer. Black Swan was never dull, but I felt it relied too much on shock value, rather than a really good script. It had the potential to be awesome, but I was disappointed. A potentially great story not fufulling its promise, in my view.. Also, there is very little ballet in it., overall, nor much realism. For a good ballet movie, 1977's The Turning Point, starring Anne Bancroft and Shirley McClaine, is still very very hard to beat! Anyway, loved The King's Speech. This is how they used to make them!

 My worst movie of the year absolutely has to be the ghaslty Burlesque, which I found cheesy, cliched and just plain boring. The dancing was dull, the characters harsh and unappealing, the story a rehash of smoky Hollywood B-graders. Only the singing was remotely interesting, but I could not wait for the end credits to roll. Cher's myriad talents were sorely wasted on this glitzy puff, which is a real shame. Suffering through Burlesque made me wish I was watching Silkwood instead. (A film where Cher matches Meryl Streep every step of the way).

I did enjoy the Social Network, but for me, it was a tad glib and glossy, although fascinating all the same.  So, The King's Speech is without a doubt my favourite movie of the year, having all the incrediants of a long-lasting, well-made and memorable film. And not one computerised special effect in sight, thank goodness! Instead it relied on the timeless values of great acting, a wonderful script and divine, lush cinematography. Loved the sets and the costumes, too. The story is original and fascinating. An unusual subject, handled with panache. A touch of the historical as well. What more could you ask for?

An excellent year for good films overall, it's so neat to have such a strong bunch in contention for the accolades and awards. Reminds me of the great (retro) times past! Keep them coming, and just maybe, the public will return en mass to the joys of great and lasting cinema.

Christchurch Chaos

My thoughts and best wishes to everyone affected by the quake. Poor old Christchurch, even worse this time, with death and injury involved.  Is someone trying to get our attention, I wonder? It would perhaps seem so. The sight of the collapsed cathedral is heart-wrenching as well. Very tough break for Christchurch. and its residents. A sad day. May God be with Christchurch and its people, right now. Tragedy again, and the timing was much worse this time. Prayers. It certainly puts my own 'rental' problems into perspective, that's for sure. Kia Kaha.

Rental Chaos in Supercity land, (and elsewhere).

Tried renting a home lately? What a nightmare. I have been looking for a two to three bedroom place in West Auckland, and the going is really really tough. Everything available is snapped up really fast, and yet, I've seen nothing but pretty depressing dumps, with large price tags attached. And as usual, no pets, rah, rah, rah. My cats have to be rehomed, sadly. I wonder, how many families with kids are going to end up in relatives garages, or worse, with absolutely nowhere to go at all. What has caused the problem, outside of the recession. Where have all the rentals gone to? It would seem, many landlords are cashing up their own home, and moving back into their rentals. Landlords can no longer claim losses on depreciation, Homes are also taking longer to sell, it would seem, so this must be a factor also. Luckily for my family and I, we have a friend who is letting us move into their soon-to-be empty apartment in Te Atatu South, but without this avenue, my family and I would be well and truly up the creek, without a paddle, or should I say, home. What can the govt do to help this dire situation, and how much worse will it get from here, I wonder? Much worse before it gets better, I bet. Much, much worse. Scary indeed. And not to mention, very, very expensive for what you get! Ouch!

There are no jobs, Mr Key...

Why did we bother changing the government, I often wonder. What with the smacking referendum being ignored, the ETS being shafted upon us, the EFA being re-done, and the unemployed now being blamed for their often blameless situation (as in, just where are the jobs?),  I really do feel as though I blew my vote.

The jobs are just not there, and the few that remain often receive hundreds of applicants. Just ridiculous. Where's the empathy from John and Bill now, the empathy I thought I saw while they sat on the Opposition benches. Long gone, that's where. The low-paid get almost no tax-breaks, while the wealthy are continually rewarded. What ever happened to my block of cheese, I wonder? So much for a brighter future, smaller government, or fairness and transparency...utter disappointment this watery government and it's photo-obsessed leader.

Still, once bitten, twice shy. I won't be voting for purpled, deaf National come November. And where to turn this year? In one word; Winston, The stark and obvious choice.

Cats, and kittens, birds and fish...

While I meant to attend Phil Goff's State of the Nation speech (just for the fun of it, and because I live nearby to the New Lynn venue ), I ended up drivng my kids out to the SPCA instead, where for the paltry sum of $50.00 (half price at the moment, a summer special...), we adopted ourselves a cat. The staff and volunteers out there were really friendly and helpful, and there were some very cute kitties and cats available for adoption. Being a busy mum and part-time student, I decdied to go for a cat rather than a kitten, just seemed wiser especially as we already have a fully grown moggie. Anyway, we ended up with a lovely slinky, fluffy, dark brown female feline, with enormous yellow eyes. She is gentle and shy, and sweet natured. Settled in in no time at all, and is vice free.

So, my eldest son, an absolute animal-lover, now has two cats, two budgies and several fish. Fun indeed. Yep, he is really devoted, despite the work involved...might have to move to a farm...yes, how I wish!...Adopting a cat or kitten from the SPCA...recommended. The kids really enjoyed seeing the animals, choosing a pet, finding a name, settling her in, saving a life, and having a new animal friend. Purrfect.

Roll on Parliament though, I can't wait for the House debates to resume, this political junkie is feeling rather starved...am so glad it's election year, an added bonus.

I cannot bring myself to vote National, either.

I had really high hopes when the Key-led National party took office in 2008. All I can say is those high hopes were very soon dashed. Yet another leader who does not listen to majority view, does not follow through on several key (pardon the pun) pre-election promises, (or changes them) and possibly has a hidden agenda. Key is also far more Left than Right centred, in my opinion, which seems strange when he is leading a centre-right (supposedly) Party. At least Labour never pretended to be anything but Left, or centre-Left. Whichever. Key is far too focused on being Mr Popular rather than Mr Do-The-Right-Thing, he seems to test the wind before he acts, quite often shifting his views, depending on bow the wind blows, according to the polls.  He ignores referendums, especially controversial ones.Where is the vision and the backbone? Is National all about John Key and not much else? Is it all about the photo ops, the being in the limelight? Where is the substance, the heart, the courage of his and National's convictions?

So, I won't be voting blue this year. Possibly I won't vote at all, or possibly will vote for NZ First (at least Winston offers true points of difference), or the Kiwi Party, who have done well re the referendum on the draconian, anti-democratic and anti-family Anti Smacking Rucus.

I am looking forward to this year's election, just because I always find it enjoyable, but I just don't have great expectations anymore. One and the same, whatever the name. So disappointing, that 'brighter future' certainly faded fast. Smile and Wave, wave and smile, but don't rock the boat, whatever you do. Don't make the changes so badly needed.Disappointing, to say the very least. So, the champers is back on ice, possibly for a long time.

Go, Winston. You're our best hope, the last of the true Right...and the one person that might upset a foregone, boring and predictable conclusion.'.fingers and toes crossed. Roll on November, I just wish it could be sooner. Still, the rugby should be good...and our biggest consolation. And I don't even like rugby! It's laugh or cry, so I might as well look on the bright side. Hopefully...!

Wellington. A Capital experience! This Aucklander is moving down there, eventually...

I have to say, I totally agree with the recent plaudits of Lonley Planet's re Wellington being the çoolest little capital in the word, even if I've only been to one other, and that was Canberra. I loved Canberra too, but it's a very different place to Wellywood! I was lucky enough to be given a return plane ticket, with accommodation included, to Wellington, as a Christmas present. What a well-thought out gift!

So, I've just had a three day stint in our Capital city (though, not my first or only visit), I just have to say, the place absolutely rocks. There is such a vibe about this city, and there is a myriad of choices of things to see and do. From a huge range of art galleries, exhibitions, art-house movies, the fun and hustle of Countenay Place, the wonderful Te Papa, the beautiful and large botanic gardens, the boutique shopping, the many bars, restuarants and cafes, some lovely architecture, especially around the Paliament area, the city bays and beaches and of coure, the outer suburbs.

After a day or two in the city, I felt like getting out into the wilds (or as close as possible), so for a meare $13.00 return, caught a train out to Paraparaumu, which was a lovely scenic ride, and I really enjoyed seeing some of the Kapiti Coast. Paraparaumu itsself offered a wide range of shops, but being tired of shopping till dropping, I opted instead to catch a bus to the local beach, which also had a few cafe's, a pub, a fantastic corner ice-cream shop, a few nice motels and a great, long beach. The water was surprisingly warm, and only the wind kept me from staying all day. I also found the locals to be friendly and warm, and met a really nice family all the way from Dunedin on the train.

Arriving back at the city at aounnd eight oçlock that evening, I walked from the railway station around to Courtenay Place, and this did not take long at all, about ten minutes or so all up. My accommodation was really great too, the Trinity Hotel in upper Willis St, very central, and very reasonable for the price of $69.00 a night. Three Star, and all that I needed. A nice room, furnished in my favourite colour, deep reds.

I was impressed at how well-kept and polished the central city streets are. Unlike downtown Auckland, there is no scuffiness, no prolifieration of cheapy two dollar shops, no real junkiness at all, in fact. Just high-class buildings, great shopping, exellent dining out, all with a friendly, zesty vibe.

Also enjoyed catching the train to the Hutt Valley, Lower Hutt has a very good Westfield shopping centre. Loved the surround hills and greenery, and next time, I am going to stay out that way. The last time I was down, I stayed at a great little B & B in Wallaceville, this was only $79.00 a night, for huge rooms, your own ensuite, a large kitchen, computer, and breakfast. In hindsight, much as I enjoyed the city, I prefer to stay out of it, I like the beauty of the quieter Hutt Valley, etc.

If you go in for backpacking, and sometimes I do, The Cambridge Hotel on Cambridge Terrace is really good, and offers both backpackers and hotel accommodation. Eggs on toast for $2.00, and a really central location, right in the heart of Courtenay Place (well, almost). Sadly, Parliament was not in session, but I had beautiful weather to make up for this! Also enjoyed a coffee at the aptly named Ministry of Food cafe, which is just behind the Beehive area. Great coffee and good food, but the thing is with Wellington, there are so many choices. Backbenchers was pretty quiet, and it was also bad timing for a debate night. Never mind, next time! Courtenay Place was my fav though, just for the sheer volume of choices when it came to drinking and eating, as well as colourful entertainment.

So, Wellington really rocks, short on time, there's lots more I could have done and seen, and I plan to go back sometime soon. Eventually, I would love to move down there, Petone was a very cool place...galleries, arty shops, cafes on masse! The Hutt Valley too, very nice.....yep, I'm going to move.  It's time to live inside the Beltway. I can see why Lonely Planet loves Wellywood, and so do I. What a Christmas pressie!

Key country, aka, Helensville, I just love New Zealand so much.

At the risk of this sonding like a travel blog, I wish to comment on some of the places I have been visiting of late. John Key's electorate of Helensville is always worth a weekend visit. It is a lovely quaint little town, full of interesting boutqiue type shops, yet more Colonial buildings (as is Puhoi), and interesting, friendly locals. It's also a lovely, coutry drive from Auckland, down the North Western motorway, through Kumeu, and Huapai. And on that note, I have always wondered why Key is the MP for Helensivlle, yet his office is in Huapai. You can't miss his office though, there is a huge smiling picture of Key's face adnorning the place.

Anyway, Helensville, Keysville, whatever, a very nice, unique place. Try the Tilly and Lace shop, it's gorgoues, everything lacy and feminine and just gorgeous. At the top of the shopping village is an art gallery, a second hand bookshop and a great cafe, all combined into the one. Serves great coffee, the books are dirt-cheap $5.00 to $8.00 each, generally, the art is interesting, and the service is with a mile. Also on offer are printed scarfes and hand-made quilts.

I would love to stay in the local B and B sometime, and I would be remiss not to mention the old cinema, complete with a cool curiosity shop, that sells, amongst other things, retro movie daybills. A guy called John runs this, an Elam art school graduate, and he is very interesting to talk to, has great knowledge about his wares. Especaily the movie memorabellia.

Even when going to Orewa and beyond, I usually drive there via Westgate and Riverhead, as I just love the painterly, delightful scenery. Helensville is like a much larger Puhoi, heaps to see and do, and all set amongs rolling green hills. Awesome. And those National voters are just so friendly.

Through the tunnel to Puhoi, Devonshire teas and sunny childhood memories...

Having spent a good chunk of my childhood living within the rolling hills of Bohemenian Puhoi, I sometimes like to visit, to see how the place as changed or not. Mostly it hasn't changed; all the roads are now tar-sealed (I used to enjoy riding my pony along some of those gravelled roads...), but the place still looks the same. The lovely New Englandish looking church is still there, along with the library, the schoolhouse and the general store. Not forgetting of course, the infamous Puhoi pub. All along side the picturesque Puhoi river, of course. To my grown-up eyes, it just looks a bit smaller. It's all very pretty, and could be a set out of Walnut Grove, of Little House on the Praire fame.

Besides the pub and the annual A and P show, Puhoi is famous for its home-made cheese, it's Bohemanian background, its local artisans and the lovely old cottage still serving Devonshire Teas. This is not far from the main drag of Puhoi, towards Aroha. Anyway, decided to visit the tearooms today, for the first time in about thirty-odd years. It was well worth the wait. The fresh cream scones are enormous and delicious, served with warm jam and your choice of tea or coffee. At $10.50 this is great value, the scones are light and fluffy and ginormous. There are other mouth-watering selections too, such as chocolate mudcake, cheesecake, and home-made steak pie. And what a setting; take your choice, as long as its not raining, the outside tables are the nicest, with trees and flowers and a picturesque feel. The service is with a smile, and it's not called a diet-free zone for nothing.The cottage itself is an orignal villa, with original wallpaper, timber, etc, etc, quality, such character. Much like the hundred year old villa my family lived in, dark hallways, very high, ornamented ceilings, and quite often, huge spiders.

What with the new tunnels, the trip to Puhoi is a hop, skip, jump from Auckland these days. On the farm which my parents once owned is now a place to stay called Kauri Lodge, at the top of Fiddlers Hill. I would love to try this place out; funny to think that the paddock we kids rode/explored in is now home to a sprawling dwelling, complete with Kauri trees and glow-worms. The Puhoi show is up and coming this weekend, and back in the '80's, was always really good. So, anyway, Puhoi, land of cheese, scones, beer, original, historical buildings and sweeping green valleys is absolutely well worth a long afternoon visi, at the very least..

Those jam scones, to die for! The pub is infamous and the tranquil scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Much as I enjoy travelling through the tunnel, I prefer the original route; windy, but very very beautiful, especially near the Waiwera, Wenderholm area. Talk about blessed.

Bring back the BBC, 80's and 90's TV dramas/comedy, absolutely top shelf.

Having no interest in the myriad range of reality TV shows on offer, I have invested in some nostalgia TV on DVD. The BBC have a brilliant back catalogue to choose from, wow, what a huge selection. Once upon a time, television absolutely rocked! One of myall-time favourites has to be the Inspector Morse series, because it's so very watchable. I've never been much of a crime nor a who-dunnit buff, but I enjoy this series for its all-round quality. First off, the wrting is excellent, I love the ascerbic but interesting character of the title character, Chief Inspector Morse, such dry wit. He is not married, a classical music buff (like myself), and often spouts obscure bits of poetry. Once an Oxford man, with a first name he refuses to use and for much of the series, keeps a mystery. In stark contrast, his sidekick, Sargeant Lewis is a cricket-loving family man, who would rather spend an evening watching Coronation Sreet than attending the opera. The English locations are gorgeous, and I would be remiss not to mention Morse's very sleek, collectable, wine-red Jaguar. Often there is a small love interest (normally coming to nothing), and the dialogue is well-rounded and clever. I have picked up Inspector Morse on DVD from the Warehouse for as little as $15.00 (five episodes), this is fantastic value for money. As the promo says, you don't just watch Inspector Morse, you live it', it's just that kind of show. It's so witty and insightful in its writing. There is nothing on TV today remotely like it. The production values are almost faultess, along with many other BBC series of that era.

Other favourites of mine are One Foot In the Grave (Í don''t beeelieve it!), Waiting For God, Tenko, To The Manor Born, Are You Being Served, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses, To The Manor Born,, Porridge, Dad's Army, Upstairs, Downstairs......to name but a few! What a huge back catalogue. Amazing. Such a stark contrast to the **** of today on TV. BBC or otherwise.

Why the BBC produce this type of progamme today? It's all about dumbed down TV reality shows, endless cooking, games or chat shows. Dumb and dumber. TV has had several golden eras and the BBC of the 80's/90's was one of them. At least these wonderful programmes are now available on DVD, and the drivel on TV can be turned off, and BBC TV, clever, well-written, humorous, real, very well acted, great characterisation ,(without being reality, or so called),etc, can be shown. Nostalgic, wonderful, entertaining! Thanks, BBC. The golden years!