Alan Hubbard: Legends Don't Deserve This Bollocks!

Alan Hubbard (82) is a living legend and I don't say that lightly. He has been our family accountant for 45 years. He was my Grandfathers Accountant and he has just retired as my Mothers accountant. I know him and greatly admire him. He has given me advice and thoughtful reflection.

Those that have met him or had dealing with him know he is a gentleman and the sort of bloke that is as honest as the day is long! When he was interviewed on TV last night that came through in spades!

Alan is a private man who lives his life as an ordinary South Cantabrian despite being one of the wealthiest men in the country. More importantly he is generous and caring. Everyone in the region knows of donations he has quietly made to many organisations. Millions and millions of dollars. The stories of him showing up on farms to lend money to farmers are numerous (always with payment terms) but keeping farmers on their land and giving them the opportunity to trade out of a certain situation.

He turned down a knighthood recently for his own reasons. Probably because he just considers himself a normal man and does not like the limelight, ironic really given the current media spot light.

So when he has had his businesses placed into Government control and his reputation slurred many ask the question; Why can this happen to one of New Zealand's most admired and respected men? Sure there are processes to follow and people to protect but surely some in depth questioning might have saved this?

It will now play out in front of our news starved media who are no doubt flocking to Timaru as I write this!  But come on. give the man a fair go, he is not a criminal and deserves some common decency. If there are errors I'm sure he will be the first to own up and front up to put it right. That is foremost in the mind of those that respect him.

Bollocks!

Nothing but Hoop....Team sports!

I know I have written before about team sports and just how important they are (my opinion) in the development of kids. Not only adding interaction and team work to the mix but growing leaderships, fitness, coordination and communication skills I feel any child not playing regular sport is missing out on life!

Last night, I along with hundreds of others fought for a car park and stood in the dwindling twilight watching my wee girl and her team playing. Play they did, winning well with Caetana nailing 9 of the 14 goals and taking the "Player of the day" trophy.

She was stoked and it is seeing the joy on her face that makes the practice and cold all worth while. There are times when your scone grabber needs a kick in the butt (not literally, don't need the feds around here!) to keep focused and motivated especially at the start of the season but as they get into it, improve, the team starts to work together, friendships grow and they have a few wins....they suddenly reflect and hello..... they love it!

Not that it is all about winning. Getting a toweling from a better team is character building stuff too! Playing a winter team sport is compulsory in this household....end of story and for all of the reasons above it is good fun. Where else can kids get exposed to these life skills? Last night the Canterbury Tactix were there so the midgets could get a glimpse of the best in the sport. It gives them aspiration!

Of course I am now a Netball expert....and that is handy!


Some of my other posts about teamwork and sport you may enjoy.


When an eight year old hits the stage.

Put your feet up Santa for another year!

I hit the Multi Sport Circuit

Not having a Decent Winter? Not Cold enough?...Come South!

Now if there is one thing that the South Island can deliver it is a decent Winter. Take this last weekend for instance. It has been an absolutely miserable display of weather.

I do like a good winter so don't get me wrong as you read on. I like cold nights and sunny (but cold) days, the odd bit of rain and the excuse to have a good fire at home and roast meals. Whilst I am occasionally reminded that perhaps the entire family don't agree, I think South Islanders in general would accept this as OK if not the norm for 6-8 weeks of the year. Of course it gets somewhat tedious when you have a couple of weeks driving southerly and rain!

So after a great Summer, one that lingered later than normal, we are getting pummeled! Rather than complaining it is about just getting on with it.

Mountains and cold weather go hand in hand really and it isn't until this time of year that you actually reconnect with just how nice our part of the world is.  Further every cold blast or Southerly gust reminds you just how much Antarctica influences our daily lives. It makes you look at the Southern Alps in the distance and go "Shit thats Cold!"

So enjoy the season, it will be here even if you don't and you'll miss it if you move somewhere Winterless, trust me. Plus you'll get the long dry Summer on the back of it but thats a different story!

Winter Time in the South....A Reminder that you are Alive!

It was a cold wet weekend here in the south this Queens Birthday weekend. The first of the real winter southerly storms came through with an icy blast!

We were down south on the farm in South Canterbury and despite the cold it is business as usual. Stock feeding gets you into your warm clothes and out and about with break feeding and hay to be delivered each day. There is something about a freezing cold winters day that reminds you that you are alive. Fresh air (no chance of nodding off) and the contrast of a house warmed by a big log burner. Moving big round bales of hay on the tractor, moving cattle, making stock breaks and winter feeding are all good active things to be out doing.

I love it!  

Cool Spots to Eat in Christchurch: St Pierres Sushi, Riccarton Road

I really enjoy trying find new favourite places to eat. Quality and consistently tasty local cafes are hard to find so it is always a pleasure when you do!

If you like very fresh Sushi then St Pierres Sushi on Riccarton road is awesome. I have been many times and it always fresh, tasty and the service is good.

I recommend it anyway!