Auckland Home to Rent

Just a thought, if anyone wants to try the New Zealand Lifestyle we have a home to rent! It is lovely and an ideal child friendly family home. We have 4 bedrooms with three bathrooms. A large open plan living area with a snug. The house was built 4 years ago and is warm and snug in the winter and open and cool in summer.

If you are interested drop me an email.

We are leaving quite soon. All our stuff left in the container today. I've had my leaving do from work, it was very touching and people said some really nice things.

More soon.

Going Home

I am sorry that I have not posted for a while but big changes in our lives and I'd have felt a fraud with all that was going on! We are returning to the UK, a permanent move. It was a very hard decision but a number of factors coincided and the choice was made.

Our parents are not getting any younger and it gets harder to know we are denying them a relationship with the children.

The School year is about to start in the UK and so it was a timing issue about if we were ever going back.

I had a great Job offer, you can read about it here, it will mean a real opportunity for me and the family.

We'll be sad to leave the country and lifestyle and even sadder to leave our friends and family.

I'll write a bit more as we get closer to moving. Then I think I'll probably have to write about something else! I would like to thank all of you for the comments and support over the last 3 years. I have really enjoyed writing this blog and have met some great people on line.

For now cheers.

Jonathan

Matakana Farmers Market

My word, the last time we visited here it was delightful, this Saturday after just 2 years, it is a stunning outing. About 40 minutes North of Auckland this is a wonderful place to buy fantastic food. It is a living working deli with local and national produce. Last we came the Photo was about it. But Now



This stunning new village center full of restaurants, art galleries, and epicurean delights. We had one of the best coffees we have ever had at the Natural Ice Cream Shop next to the roundabout. The blue berry and vanilla cone were a temptation my will power (still dieting) only just resisted.

They may not look like it but the twins loved it.



And the lovely board walks are wide enough for a double buggy, they lead to the river where there are ducks to feed.



I hesitate to publish the map or advertise the place because the settlement already suffers from its own popularity, it can become overcrowded but it is one of the Joys of this country too good to miss.



View Larger Map

My Mums Birthday

Its my Mum's birthday. She was born in 1929. I was born in 1959 and my father died of Leukemia 12 hours before I was born, he was in St Barts in London, she was 25 miles away in Harpenden Cottage Hospital. I have always wondered how that came to be, wouldn't you have put them closer? It would have meant a lot to me if he had lived for 13 hours and just wen me once before he passed away. In separate hospitals, that was never going to happen.

On my 36th birthday I stood at his grave, my birthdays have always been sweet and sour as you may imagine, I just stood in amazement at as I began to live longer than him. He was so very young.

Now I am 12,000 miles away from my Mum in New Zealand and it is a hard phone call, to wish her a happy birthday, we should all be together, I know that would make her day.

We are not together but what dosen't change is that she did a good job for the 16 years she was on her own. Sure, I wasn't much bother, but as every parent knows, either single or together, it is hard to bring up children, an emotional rollercoaster. My Mum did ok.

Happy Birthday Jx

Boston Legal McDonalds Illegal

Now I simply love Boston Legal it has replaced The West Wing in my heart as the best drama on TV, from the opening titles, brilliantly edited, to the fantastically written end scene on the balcony, I'm hooked. however, I am going to have to give it the flick (kiwi for not watch anymore) they have been sponsored by, of all things McDonald's. Now don't misunderstand me I like a burger and the big breakfast does its job, their shakes - unlike burger king - don't actually taste of the revolting chemicals they are made from. What I resent about Mcdonalds, as I have ranted on about before, they get into NZ schools to do road traffic safety. They build their poisonous outlets near schools to grab the kids early, fattening them up for the kill, well sorry but it is what they are doing. The fact that the cynical outlets offer chopped fruit and salad to tick the "we're trying to solve the problem" box is as sick making as the video below.

The joy of the sponsor ship deal was that the first time McD's fronted the New Zealand Boston Legal was the show where the comedy case was about Danny sacking a woman for being fat because "obesity is catching", the joy of the irony.

Fush and Chups

Not a spelling mistake but an accurate phonetic version of a Kiwi Sunday evening tradition. One that thus far Becca and I had not enjoyed! It is of course the Sunday evening eating of Fish and Chips anywhere near water. The weather has been glorious over the weekend, not sticky just clear warm air and very little wind. I feel guilty as the storms lash the UK. But these are the pictures!
Once again we are in Devonport at the Tunnel Trees, so called becasue of the lovely trees and great climbing frame!

This is the Best Fish and Chip Shop in Devonport, Snapper and Chips in a light sunflower oil,



This is the Tunnel of Tunnel Trees fame, better known as Victoria Park.



Pick a spot and don't forget the ketchup! Not quite healthy enough for the girls who had already eaten, the time is 6:30 pm



And enjoy the view, the big thing in the back is an added bonus! The Sapphire Princess en route to Sydney



The view as we left at 7:15pm from the Pier looking across to the CBD

Some views from around the North Shore

The weather has been perfect today and this evening was delightful. The temperature was walk without being sticky. We stopped at Spitfire for a quick Drink while we waited for our Thai takeaway from Manna. the Sunset was lovely as you can see. This week has been blissful, why oh why can't grandma move here! Becca and get to really enjoy the place together as two adults, it is also staggering how much of a place you miss with children in tow. Do not misunderstand me I am not swapping the kids for anything (see previous post to understand why!) but we are allowed one break in 4 years!!



Now that I'm using Picasa as my photo server I'm going to post more photos! I will get board soon so please don't stop reading my blog!

My Kiwi Girls -18 months but who is counting!

My Girls are at the 18 months stage. They are just the best and this is my record of them.

Red Shops

I know this is a bit experimental! This is My Red Shops Project, better known as messing about with my new camera!

Auckland Cup

Today I was at the Auckland Cup a great day at the races. It was lovely weather and we had a track side table. all very Glam. The great thing was that it was all very manageable. There were no queues for food or drink, getting there was a breeze and my dread of finding a taxi at the end was unfounded. As soon as it finished I walked to the gate and was in a taxi, no problem. I've been to similar events in the UK and the resulting traffic Jams have delayed the journey home by Hours.

I was lucky enough to be there with Candy Lane who is currently co presenting Dancing with the Stars in New Zealand. In fact representing the company and playing host I was the only man to Aja Rock, Louise Wallace, Candy and many of my very lovely women colleagues. It is a hard job but someone has to do it.

Housing Slump Begins

The sun sets on a gloomy Sunday for home owners, waking up to the headline in the Sunday Star times Snapshot of a Slump about as catchy as a New Zealand Headline gets! It is actually no laughing matter, people will lose money

ANZ National Bank chief economist Cameron Bagrie said the market was 25-30% overvalued which meant it would take about five years to correct. This year's expected tax cuts would not make a dent in mortgage repayments, he said.

A 30% drop in the value of a home is major. This fact that

With households spending $1.14 for every $1 they earned they would need an "astronomical" tax cut to feel comfortable about rising mortgage rates and increases in living costs.

Will mean a considerable lowering of the standard of living as people struggle to cope. All set against a background of rising costs of utilities and fuel. Personally I'd say the picture isn't great.

But you know you have to analyze the reasons for coming to New Zealand. Was it to make money, to live like a king, to be as consumerist as you were in your former life. Probably not, the scenery, the pace, the wide open spaces, the water none of these things are going away.

Living a simpler live being content to just B. Finding a voice and using the basic right the greatest human gift, choice. (Yes I am reading the 8th habit!)

For those of us here already if may be a little interesting, for those thinking of coming it may be an opportunity. If you market doesn't decline at the same rate you should get a great deal if your buying in a year!

Becca noticed to day a huge number of new homes to the market in Devonport, people trying to beat the worst of the downturn.

Their is an upside always!

An Extra Day and An Interesting Week

As the Devonport ferry makes another trip across the harbor it is time to reflect on another week, a strange week.

Interest Rates are up you can read the whole story here the housing market is definitely on the slide and people will find it hard to make ends meet. 10% is the middle mark, floating rate is about 10.5 and the fixed around 9.7%. that is pretty high. Great for savers but go on count the ones you know!

NZ a giant transit lounge. The thought is immigrants that's me and you, such a nice way to refer to us, are coming here to get an easy ride to citizenship and then moving straight to Australia. Here is the full story. If you have NZ citizen ship you get automatic entry to live in Australia. I find it hard to find favor in the criticism. If 2nd 3rd and 4th generation Kiwi's are leaving at an unprecedented rate how can you find fault in others? An any why while the "immigrants are here they do the jobs that keep the place going!

We are watching last years I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Grandma is having a great time with the kids. My Blogging Chums in Wellington also have visitors and are having a great time. I always feel a tinge of guilt reading their blog, breakfast BBQ's It is all we can do to have toast! Rebecca and I often don't feel we have really embraced NZ life. We watch far too much TV and UK TV at that. I could say it is part of my job, I guess we have a legitimate excuse with the twins being reasonably demanding. Or are we just too English, hummm?

I now have a second job. It will help pay for all the increased expenses, it is consultancy work. Less time for the beach but there we go needs must. I am looking forward to the weekend.

The Commute

In London I did this everyday, OK you can lose yourself in iPod seclusion and read the paper. I coudn't find a photo of the tube on a really bad day. And no picture conveys the crush smell and noise of the real thing. If you grow up knowing no different I suppose it is acceptable? Then there are the other irksome issues. A lady with a white stick was clearly anxious at the prospect of missing her stop, no one was helping her, a London Transport Attendant had helped her on the train but now she was on her own. I very gently and politely asked if I could be of assistance, her reply was "F@£$ OFF" very loudly and she repeated her request 3 times. It was then I wished the carriage was heaving, so I could disappear into anonymity, no such luck the 20 or so fellow passengers stared so hard I left the train at the next stop.

Ok so now look, yes the traffic is bad but look at the view. I get to sit on my own listening to the radio, news talk ZB and ponder the view. On petrol purchase days I even get to sip a flat white!



For the Authentic experience watch the clip. The 12 kms take me an almost guaranteed 35 minutes in the morning. Much Less than Mudchute to Covent Garden!

Grab Bag. A Major Disaster

So as I've mentioned before this is Rangitoto, it is a volcano and it is 4km from my house . Auckland is built on some 57 volcanoes and I have become rather alarmed at the frequency of the public service announcements warning us to be prepared. My question, what do they know we don't, what are they not telling us? The Herald has been asking if we are ready. The government campaign is called get through or getthru.

Their suggested emergency kit possibly leaves a few essentials off, but I'm no expert! We'll I am actually and I cant believe they have left Kendal mint cake out.

Getaway Kit

In some emergencies, such as a flood or volcanic eruption, you will need to evacuate and take your Getaway Kit with you. Don�t forget, you will also need to consider how you will care for your pets during an evacuation. Everyone in the house should have a Getaway Kit. This kit should include:

* Essential items from your Emergency Survival Kit

Family documents

* Birth and marriage certificates
* Drivers licenses and passports
* Financial information (insurance policies, mortgage information, etc)
* Family photos

Personal items

* Towels, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper and sanitary items
* Hearing aids, glasses, mobility aids for elderly or vulnerable members of your house

The Other Essential 'What to do if' guides are linked below.

• Earthquake
• Tsunami
• Eruption
  

This is the sort of commercial we've been seeing lately click here


And It looks so lovely!

The Weather

I love the NZ met service site, we cams fly through maps, its great. I mention this because today the weather is awful. It is blowing a gale but as ever it is still not cold.
Today it was Becca's birthday, we didn't see much of each other but we had a great Thai take away. My presents went down well and tomorrow Becca's mum arrives. Everyone in the house is really excited.

Sadly the simply lovely QE2 has made its last ever visit to Auckland before being turned into a floating hotel.

The Medal Saga

So the medals were of National importance. Now thanks to a heft reward they are back in the hands of the country. But it would seem that the police negotiated with the criminals, that they have themselves received some of the cash. Also one insider who clearly didn't actually take them as he was inside at the time on a drug related crime, he got bail for helping to secure the return of the items. All of which I find very disturbing. In the UK people have died because of the governments refusal the negotiate with terrorists.
More Here

Back to Reality

I was recently contacted by a British family thinking of moving to New Zealand. They asked me what I thought New Zealand and what it meant to my family. The both parents in the family are involved in occupations that bring them close to the darker side of UK life. This is my reply.

Thanks for you question, I love getting feedback.

Gosh let me start with a thought.
New Zealand is a small country and the press works is a strange way. I know I am connected with the media! In the UK you would believe that the New Zealand shock headline news of the day would be "Man Rescues Sheep!" Here in New Zealand you would believe that we are over run with gangs, crystal meth and tagging on every available wall!

The opposing view is that living in New Zealand and reading the press we would think the UK is full of drunk children, that children are stabbed every day of the week and teachers beaten on a regular basis.

The truth is that New Zealand isn't the land of calm, crime free streets you may think. If nothing else is true the death toll from the appalling driving is a national outrage. There is the most dreadful culture of domestic violence and child abuse in some sections of the community. There is a P problem and violent crime exists.

However, I used to live in the Eastend of London. Groups of teens would gather near my flat and create hell. I was pelted with stones and my car was damaged by a group of very violent teenagers from one specific ethnic back ground but they lived in the most dreadfully deprived inner city development, I lived in a riverside penthouse. No excuse but I mean to emphasize the tension in the community

In new Zealand teenage boys look at my children and smile. They will often say excuse me if they realize they have sworn in their earshot. They will help with the push chair, through doors, up steps - quite extra ordinary.

I get 3 hours a day to spend with my children that I'd spend commuting. They go to pre school of my choice with 1 caregiver to every 3 or 4 children. They run free on the beaches that are near deserted.

I live in a country where I never feel vulnerable and I feel my children are more safe and secure (apart from the driving) that at home in the UK.

My children are happy and relaxed because we are less stressed than if we lived in the UK.

In short New Zealand is not the Nirvana you may think but it is in my opinion a great place for young families. I think that teenagers are still vulnerable to drug and drink problems but that sport and the outdoor life give them a better chance of getting through than in the uk cities.

So there you have it, my personal view on the state of the community! If only it were that simple but I hope it gives an idea of the situation.

Marks out of 10

I think I did ok, as luck would have it so did becca! I ate too much but I almost did too well, Becca did quite feel missed enough! The Truth is of course we all missed her. Families are all about Mummy and they are partnerships however that works for individuals. I t was great to have the kids for the weekend, it is easier to have kids in New Zealand, the lack of crowds, traffic and the open spaces are the main factors. The other is the sense of community and the fact there is more time here.

Time is simply that one indefinable thing that we take for granted and yet plays the single most important part in our lives. We all need more time and thats what we got when we came to New Zealand.

The End is Neigh

Well Lucy does have a big thing for horses! Rebecca returns tonight, the trip to Sydney is about 3 hours (2.5 in the air) because of the 3 hour time difference it is possible to have a day trip there.

It has been a great 3 days with the kids. Not too much trouble although my uncharacteristic snappy tone has surprised me. Today we did the trip to the Browns Bay pet shop. Millie has become quite the elder sister, sharing her food and caring for her younger siblings - we went to Starbucks and Toy World.

The point being you need two parents to care for twins! And living in New Zealand makes it easier to move around go out for the morning. I still have a few imponderables.
How do I take Millie to the loo? None are big enough for all 4 of us.
How do I pop out to get apples when we run out and Millie is having a breakdown?
How can all 4 of us sit on the sofa to watch Little Einsteins without one falling off during take off (the hand patting the knees bit)

Difficult questions, impossible answers!

Thank goodness Becca is home tonight!

Narrow Neck

Could you imagine Swings in a better setting, Narrow Neck! Rangitoto Island is obviously volcanic and dominates the eastern harbour, Hauraki and shore line of Auckland. It is only about 600 years old, the name means Bloody Sky and Maori watched from the shore as it was formed. I think the 4 of us prefer looking at its dormant self from the swings!
The Beach can disappear altogether at high tide the cofee shop is a great amenity and is one of the few to operate so close to a beach.
I'm getting on fine being a solo dad. Although I will admit tea was a bit hit and miss tonight and the girls were late to bed bet they all had baths and all seem happy enough. I think mum secretly wants to call when all hell is breaking lose and she seemed a little miffed that they hadn't kept me up late with "cries of we want mummy!"