Southern Blast

Central Otago - The Beautiful South: Jan 2012

2012-01-09T13:54:00.000+13:00

Peeking into Queenstown

They know how to have a decent hill in Central.

Lavender at Millbrook

Frankton and Queenstown airport

Lake Wakatipu

Lupins. Everywhere in Central

The Kawarau River

R.I.P. Memorial to soldier killed in the Kawarau Gorge

Freedom over Lake Wakatipu

Looking into Queenstown

War memorial in Arrowtown

Architecture at local vineyards is timeless

Sleepy old Arrowtown. Paradise.

Millbrook.

A good Central Otago Hill.

Ziptrek Queenstown

Bonfire

Individuality reflected in a mailbox!

The ranges around Queenstown

Cracking pic of one determined Goat! Courtesy of Timaru Herald

New Years Eve Bonfire

Bonfire: New Years Eve

River Swimming. Cold on a 30 degree day!

Omarama: Interesting Clay cliffs.

The World Famous Cadrona Hotel. Speights on a hot day = Southern Gold

Loved this cartoon in the Press.

The Crown Ranges. Looking towards Lake Wakatipu.

2011: The Year In Photos

2011-12-27T15:28:00.001+13:00

Camping out. Dawn Dec 11: Lake Lyndon

Hot Air Ballooning. Mid Canterbury Aug 11.

Redcliffs Snow. The year we adopted Portaloos. Aug 11

Seagulls enduring the snow. Redcliffs Aug 11

The mighty Kaikouras. A favourite family spot.

Sunset Sumner Beach. Jul 11

Spring has sprung. Blackbird.

Queensland Australia. Vital hydration supplies.

Punishment. Swinging on doors is not good.

Time out away from Christchurch.

Liqufaction in Ferrymead Estuary. Jun 11

Calcutta India. Cooling off. May 11

Waiheke Island. Great spot.

Rangitoto Island from the ferry.

Calcutta India. Close Shave.

Spring 2011. Hagley Park.

A battered city. Sep 11.

A munted foot. Dont drop a chopping block on a bare toe.

South Canterbury cropping.

Community meeting Feb 11. Sumner....Theme: WTF is going on?

A muppet ship crew!

We lose Mr Jobs...Apple Legend.

New city centre opens in Christchurch. Nov 11

Arthurs Pass local. Kea. Dec 11

Christmas Dec 10. Santa and the team arrive.

Cool tour bike. Mt Manganui Jan 11

Feb quake. St Asaph St.....a building lying on it!

Boating Mt Managnui Jan 11

Beach time Mt Manganui Jan 11

Yep....sorry but true!

Enjoy these pics? Try these other posts.....you'll love them.

Pics of Home. The Beautiful South

The Mighty Kaikoura: Southern Paradise

A Southern Man Viewing Life in India

A Winter Holiday in Queensland

The Blast ANZAC Collection: A Few Memories

What a Different Year: 2011

2011-12-27T14:38:00.000+13:00

Jetting off.....Bloody tempting for the weak!

What a difference a year makes so the saying does. Its been a big year for everyone, especially in Canterbury. Its been a big one for the country too as we battle world recession, mining accidents, snow falls, celebrate winning a world cup, enduring an election, more earthquakes and so it goes on.

It has also been a fun year. One full of opportunity, challenge, family, friends and hard work. It was a year that allowed us to explore parts of Australia and parts of India with work.

For some it has been a really tough one as businesses and houses were lost and for some when loved ones were tragically killed. Within my family we lost my brothers home and business (see attached) and thankfully my father was not injured as rocks fell in February. This time last year we had some of our Christmas celebrations in the Cave......still can't believe it is gone!

Many of us eye 2012 with a new hope. There is a little unease that perhaps "the seismic event" in Canterbury may unfold further, but a real sense of anticipation of the coming boom and opportunity that the rebuild will bring.

Regardless it is a time to reflect and to be thankful for friends, family and health. As late as Christmas Eve (when a ex Army friend died suddenly aged 54) we were reminded that life is short, it is what you make it and you have to get out there and live it.

"Better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand as a sheep."

Have a safe and happy New Year.

Like this Post? You'll love these;

See the year in Photos: Link here.

Photos of Home. The Beautiful South

The Mighty Kaikouras: Southern Paradise

A Southern Man Viewing Life in India

A Winter Holiday in Queensland

The Blast ANZAC Collection: A Few Memories

Simple Summer

2011-12-23T09:34:00.002+13:00

Pushing the Boat out. Banks Peninsula 2011

Its funny how as you get older you hang out for simple things like time off. I've had the last week off getting ready for Christmas and shedding the "work mode".

Its been interesting just having no structure. Time to work out, sleep, I've started reading a novel instead of a business book, cooking......all those things that seem to take second place when you are in the ground hog day of getting up and racing out the door to work.

I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family, good food, wine, hot weather and some simple times!

Now thats what life is about.

Merry Christmas.

Time to Smell the Coffee

2011-12-20T09:43:00.000+13:00

Viadust. Arthurs Pass, New Zealand

Its amazing what a day trip can do for the head (mind you it was supposed to be a two hour round trip but it took six hours....don't mention that!). I mean you are flat out working long days one minute and then on summer holidays the next.

Its been a shock to the system. No structure, sudden time for family and to do those things like reading and getting ready for Christmas.

Last Sunday I had a good mate visiting for three days. He was from New York, New York and it was his first visit to New Zealand. The usual battle field tour of the Christchurch quake zone occured and then we took the opportunity to get out of town.

Arthurs pass, sunshine, the Springfield pie shop, Lake Coleridge, a few Keas, some breathtaking views and a sore butt from 6 hours in the car later and smiles all round. We live in a beautiful country and it is unpopulated, unpoluted and generally free to visist.

Sometimes you just need some time out and a visitor to remind you of how lucky we are.

Merry Christmas.

The Billboards, Gone.....Bliss!

2011-11-27T17:05:00.000+13:00

Now thats a real billboard. Lyttleton Heads Nov 11

Despite the world Cup shorterning the election it seems like this election has been going for months. Not sure about you but I have a bit of fatigue when it comes to media coverage and billboards. The billboards, the bloody billboards!

Everywhere you looked a politician was squinting back at you trying to look like a leader, airbrushed, guts sucked in all buffed and cropped. Suddenly today they are all gone! Now that is bliss.

So as we enjoy the rest of our weekend and lament the Barbarians losing to Australia, that its back to work tomorrow and we are in for a few more years of Winston Peters peeing on powerpoles, we also realize that better billboards are all around us. Its a case of noticing them, seeing the wood for the trees!

Southern Gold.

The New Normal: Christchurch of a Good Day!

2011-11-14T15:47:00.001+13:00

The new normal: Cashel Mall re opens.

Had a day off today.

It was a bloody scorcher of a Canterbury day. I needed some new shorts for work so I thought I'd try the new central city shopping area. Cashel Mall in fact! I thought I'd try the new normal of central city life.

I had been there a couple of Saturdays ago but it was newly opened and packed. Today was actually little different. Some great shops, good coffee outlets and lots of people. Tourists were in the majority but we had the usual drifters, vagrants, buskers and the locals. Of course there is always the long haired academic looking bloke who needs a good shower who sits under a tree cross legged and reads his book. Good on ya mate! (Makes me wonder where he would go to read with no central city? He must have been lost, counselling would help no doubt!)

Colombo street: Back to basic foundations.

To be fair it was a nice spot to be. It is a little on the small side but it is nice to have something central to call "the city" after months of hanging out in the suburbs. It is nice to have some individual shops and to be away from the large Malls we have been left with. So in the sun, with huge diggers operating through scrimmed fences, cranes on the horizon dangling deconstruction workers and in amongst the new trees, shops and people I enjoyed a cold drink and a bit of German sausage in a bun. Call it lunch.

Negotiating the streets to get out of there in the car led to a drive down part of Colombo street. Not a lot standing and block after block of foundations and nothing else. Reminded me of pictures of Hiroshima after the A bomb was dropped.

Still the place is on the mend, there is lots of action downtown and in amongst the rubble Christchurch is getting stronger.

Whaling Pays Dividends

2011-11-10T13:00:00.000+13:00

NZ Trotting cup tip sheet. Source: Dean Lester/Blue Whale

I went to the New Zealand Trotting Cup on Tuesday. It was a chance to "network" I told the team and whilst they rolled their eyes, it actually was.

It makes you feel old though doesn't it as you stroll through the crowd in your suit feeling larger than life and all around you Canterbury's teenagers seem to have the same idea.

This year the weather was average but got hotter as the day wore on. The rich and famous were all out there decked in pearls, hats, designer labels and fancy shoes. So too were the regions resident horror shows, wearing various shades of very little and clutching their booze as if it was about to be stolen.

The Cup Day in race week is a Canterbury icon. It is one week in the busy year when in all reality a three day week is worked especially given that the Friday is Show Day and a public holiday. It is a day for hanging out with family and friends and for the businesses that you work closely with to extend some hospitality if you are lucky enough to be invited.

This year I did something different. Dean Lester is in a business networking group and is a trackside event host working on both radio and television extensively withinin the racing industry. He gave a few of us this tip sheet (shown above) and I actually followed it. At the start of the day I told the lady in the tote what I wanted in each race, dropped $100 on the counter to cover it and then kicked back.

In every race I collected, some good wins, some OK. The point being that I took the advice of experts in this field. Why in the past I ever thought I could ignore horse racing all year round and then show up annually and expect to pick winners I'll never know. Choosing horses with names you like actually isn't a recipe for success. (I did like the horse named Widowmaker and in past years I would have perhaps backed it.) Not this year though!

Not only did I win, but those I was with follwed suit and took the same advice and won too. I was the tips man! So thanks Dean Lester (www.deanlester.co.nz) for the timely advice and thanks to your professional tipster mate (Blue Whale) for pulling it all together.

Sometimes Whaling does pay dividends.

The Beautiful South: Snap Shots of Home.

2011-10-30T14:06:00.000+13:00

The Southern Alps: Looking across Christchurch City towards the West.

Lambing time on the farm. The joys of mother ups!

Cropping in South Canterbury. Awesome colours.

Mustering the Hunter Hills. Looking across the farm.

Mist rolling into Sumner. Pre containers and devastation.

The yellow of Souther Canterbury crops

Looking West into the Hunter Hiils. Dusk in Spring time.

Oaks in Hagley park.

The Grand Chancellor Hotel before demolition started.

Black bird on the roof.

A visit to Waiheke Island.

Looking back at Auckland city on the way to Waiheke.

Kaikoura. A snap of the Kaikoura range.

Music in Hagley park. Spring 11

Walking, walking, walking.

The snow of Aug 11 and one of the delightful post earthquake portaloos.

Blackbird in the snow

Dusk. Sumner beach.

Mustering the Hunter Hills. Sheep needing a dog!

Up high on the Hunters. Enjoying the view.

Stormy day. Kaikoura.

Gulls flying low.

We'll Take It Thanks Richie!

2011-10-24T10:42:00.000+13:00

Richie McCaw celebrates the win. Photo: Stuff.co.nz

There weren't too many Kiwis that weren't glued to the game last night. It was gut knotting stuff too as many of us dreaded the French winning by drop goal or run away try, or both. That last minute falter by the men in black, the "choker" taunts.....aaargh!

But the All Blacks ground them down and pulled the big win off by one point......and we'll take it. A win is a win and finals Rugby is always tight, tough and generally not a free running game.

Its been a fantastic tournament for not only the All Blacks but for New Zealand as we have had a positive focus for six whole weeks. Sure earthquakes come and go, ships run aground and spew oil everywhere but just to have a weekly focus on sport, right here in New Zealand has been gold! Its been an excuse to get together with mates for meals, beers and just to talk footy. The tournament even hit its numbers, turned a profit even. It show cased NZ to the Rugby world and in turn the rest of the world. The gloom merchants must be gutted it didn't all fall over as predicted.

Thanks Graham Henry and the coaching staff for running such an awesome build up and campaign. What a way to go out for Henry. There is one bloke I'd like to single out as a grafter and team hard man and that is Brad Thorn. We may well have seen the last of him in Black but what an All Black he has been. Tough, consistent, fair, physical and just a good southern bloke.

Now its back to the real world? No actually I'm sure we can dine out on this for a few years!

Richie McCaw: 100 Tests - A Southern Bloody Legend.

2011-09-25T12:42:00.001+13:00

Southern Legend Richie McCaw. Pic courtesy of Dean Purcell

He is a bit of a southern legend (link here) really is Kurow boy Richie McCaw. True to most Southern Legends he is not one to mince around with praise and self congratulations as we saw him visibly squirming last night after the French drubbing when Jock Hobbs showered him with praise.

Right now he has the weight of New Zealand on his shoulders and the 100th test cap is really just a milestone on the way through. He is a pleasure to watch in action, he is a natural leader and has that humility we all like in our All Black Captains and indeed New Zealand sportsmen.

Good on ya Richie. Looking forward to seeing you wave that World Cup around above your head in a few weeks time. A few mountains to climb on the way through as you "knock the bastard off" (in the delightful the words of Sir Ed Hilary).

Hagley Park on a Good Day

2011-09-11T17:31:00.000+12:00

Flowers in bloom. Hagley Park, Christchurch

Since the Christchurch Earthquakes Hagley Park has become a real haven to visit. With everything else fairly well munted it is nice to wander somewhere free of broken masonry and cordoned off roads. As Spring comes into full life the daffodil beds over by the hospital are a fantastic spot to visit, sit and relax for a while. A band was playing today and thousands of people were out walking, running, sitting, listening and sprinkled among the trees.

Earthquakes can't smash everything!

The Mighty Kaikouras: Southern Paradise

2011-07-30T15:17:00.002+12:00

Its been a while since I have posted. I have been taking a bit of a break from writing and instead doing a lot of reading. This weekend has been spent with my camera up in Kaikoura. The Kaikoura ranges are are really the start of the spine of the South Island and the Southern Alps. They rise out of nowhere and combined with the wild East Coast surf, are cold and windswept in mid Winter. They are also bloody beautiful and worth sitting on a hill, warmly wrapped up, watching them as the light changes and the clouds alter the views and moods.

They are Southern gold! I love the place.

Looking West. The Kaikouras meet the clouds.

South Bay, Kaikoura

An angry sky. Looking north of Kaikoura. Mountains meet the sea.

Farmland to mountains to clouds.

A beautiful backdrop.

North towards Blenhiem. Wild East Coast, Kaikoura

Limestone cliffs. Kaikoura

Wild clouds, Kaikoura

Wild sky over the Kaikoura ranges

Sun light on the hills, Kaikoura

Looking South along the East Coast, Kaikoura

South along the East Coast

Angry clouds blowing over Kaikoura.

Straight into the Alps. Kaikoura Ranges.

Precision hill to fencing, Kaikoura.

A fantastic farming back drop, Kaikoura ranges.

Rural walking, Kaikoura.

Looking over Kaikoura Golf Course.

Skate boarding Ocean Ridge, Kaikoura.

Rock Art, Kaikoura.

Ocean Ridge Rock Art, Kaikoura.

These boots are made for walking. Kaikoura

The mighty Kaikouras.

South Bay, Kaikoura

Looking East from South Bay, Kaikoura

South Bay entrance

Kaikoura township looking North

Wild Sky, South Bay looking West

Seal itching, Kaikoura

Ocean Ridge Apartments. Looking out to sea.

Lone Goose, South Bay, Kaikoura

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The Blast ANZAC collection. Some Army memories.

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Birthdays, Walking on Beaches and stuff.....

2011-07-11T18:58:00.002+12:00

Black dog causing grief. Sumner beach

Its been an interesting day. Took a day off to hang out on my birthday. I actually always try to and hardly ever achieve it!

Read a paper, drank coffee, did the school run.

Finishing the day with an evening walk on Sumner beach.

Sun going down, cold, cold frosty night, bloody cold wind in my face. Even broke out the favorite NASA beanie and zipped up the feather jacket. Such a nice night, broken earthquake buildings, a lot of the rocks down on the beach by signal rock, a good southern frost brewing. Par for the course in the south.

A black dog running all over the show, seagulls squawking, a bit of a zoo there but the beach almost to myself. Too cold for most.

Seagulls. Sumner Beach.

A lady out walking suddenly let her big black spotted Dalmatian off the leash and it took off like a scalded cat down the beach, four dogs all running towards a small one, owners yelling. I burst out laughing and said "oh oh!"

"That dog is on heat," she told me, "its not funny, its a real nuisance, it shouldn't be allowed,"

I trudged on pondering how authorities would enforce such a law if "it wasn't allowed." Yep not high on the list to fix the place. Bloody rot actually!

Christchurch, mid winter, turning 42, life is good.

Turning for home to drink wine, discuss the days events and to get ready again for the real world tomorrow. She'll be right mate!

Crusaders: Our Southern Bloody Legends!

2011-07-09T11:04:00.001+12:00

Dealing to the Blues. Pic courtesy of the CRFU.

Ok so there is one more big hurdle for the Crusaders tonight in Queensland (link here) so as to take out the Super 15 title. It will be a tough one too! The Reds at home, a massive home crowd and the end of an exhausting season of travel for our Canterbury Crusaders. I chose to write this before the game because regardless of the outcome (for the record I pick Crusaders by 10 points or more) they have be inspirational.

There has been much made of it already by sports journalists about the fact that they have not been able to play a home game all season. Already this team is in a category that few others in history have ever achieved. The earthquake damage to their home ground has led them along a path of travel. Away games every week and travel part of the grind.

Legend McCaw. Pic courtesy CRFU

Todd Blackadder and his leadership team have had a incredible resilience and such a positive attitude throughout. They have leveraged the needs of the fans in Christchurch and played with heart and conviction. It has been a beacon of positivity in what has been a pretty bleak, tough old winter in the Garden city as the ground shakes. It has revived a bit of passion, a bit of the southern grit we all love and it is that culture of a winning team.

It also has me personally looking ahead to all the positive things the Rugby World Cup will bring into our country. A bit of competition, some fun, a boost for businesses, tourism visits and the list goes on.

So regardless of tonights outcome our Canterbury Crusaders are and shall remain Southern Bloody Legends! They have done so much beyond just playing the game and winning.

Play The Topic Not the Book!

2011-07-02T18:33:00.000+12:00

Macsyna King. Part of the problem not the solution:
Pic courtesy NZ Herald

I can't believe how controversial this whole book Ian Wishart has written about the Kahui case has been. Ian Wishart is notorious for trash media, scandal and conspiracy theory. Investigate Magazine was his baby and let's face it it was never exactly a treasure trove of credibility.

That said I am an absolute believer in the freedom of the press. People fight and die to live in countries that value this and the alternatives to a free press are pretty average. North Korea springs to mind and to a lesser extent our friends in China amongst many countries led by a "regime" of some sort.

As for the subject of this book it makes me angry. I feel we all have a responsibility to bring kids up to the best of our ability and New Zealand's recent record of child killings and abuse in high profile cases really does show an ugly side to our culture. Kids are treasures to love and nurture. This horrible case has been dealt with by the courts and as tough as it was to get facts clear things have moved on.

So I feel it is absolutely important that Wishart's book is as available to those who want it as any other book should be. It is up to us to ignore the bloody thing so such tripe is not economically viable rather than censoring the press.

My thoughts.

WTF? We pass the 10,000 reader mark!

2011-06-25T13:54:00.000+12:00

As the counter below shows we passed the milestone of 10,000 people who have read this blog! I can't believe it, why do I write this thing and why do people read it? Not sure it just comes out of my head and it is a bit of fun! It was only a few months since we passed the 5000 reader mark.

So thanks to all those regular readers who interact here and on Facebook.

The New Reality: Tough Decisions in Christchurch & Moving On!

2011-06-19T10:59:00.001+12:00

The plasma bites the dust on quake number 7137!

Okay its beginning to wear thin. Battle fatigue the Army call it. That is when you have been constantly in the firing line, dealing with ever present danger, concerned for those around you and trying to enjoy some of the basic comforts in life such as warmth, food, running hot water, flush toilets. Sound like Afghanistan? Try Redcliffs, Christchurch or much of our munted city.

Last Monday, after the first big shock hit and after evacuating the office along with the rest of the city, text messages showed all family present and accounted for. We could not contact the school due to phone overload so I headed out to Redcliffs (a 20 min drive) to check. Caetana was OK as was the school, I went home while I was there and noted a plate had broken falling off the bench and then I returned to the office. I had just walked in and was standing near my desk when the 6.3 hit.

Evacuating again, after the floor went jelly like and rolled the whole building back and forwards, all we could hear were alarms of buildings and emergency services sirens. Time to head home. A call from home suggested our house was damaged and that we may not get back in. At that point I felt sick. Where would we go (my brothers house is destroyed)? It was at this point I realised how vulnerable the people of Christchurch really are. You cannot find houses to rent. You struggle to get houses fixed at the moment.

After over 7000 earthquakes we had finally had bricks fall off the house. Structurally it was sound. Inside it was a mess. The usual lack of power, water and sewerage of course. On top of that all our possessions upturned. Pictures down, crockery smashed, Plasma TV screen smashed (that really pissed me off), bookshelves emptied, wine glasses smashed.

Mt Manganui Beach. A good place to be.

The last bloody straw really, but also an understanding that we were lucky. No injuries, our house not affected by liquifaction (as so many have a third or fourth time) and at least still inhabitable. A third EQC claim (first one still hasn't been actioned by EQC), power came on within 24 hours, showers at work until the water back on after 72 hours (our city is getting good at this) and a tradesman scratching his head at our brick damage (how do I start this?) are now part of the new norm.

Some real considerations moving forward just jump out at me. Any of us could be hurt simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This could be a norm for many years and no one can control it. The rebuild of Christchurch needs strong leadership and some tough decisions. It is mid winter and people are less resilient than they were in mid Summer. People are serious about leaving our city and who isn't?

Last Thursday I worked in Tauranga and there were a number of business people who told me that dealing with Canterbury based businesses was tough at present. "They don't have their heads on straight right now" and "They are shell shocked and not making good decisions" were two such comments which highlighted to me just how obvious it is to outsiders.

I'm also media saturated. I don't want to see another "guided tour of the Red Zone"! It was stuffed in February and nothing has changed! Piss off with the never ending "suffering" type news! It is wearing a bit thin that everybody automatically feels sorry for the "Christchurch people". I cringe as soon as I see a headline with a presenter standing next to the worst building or in a foot of grey water.

I think even the most staunch Cantabrians and the most resilient are right now asking questions. What is next? What if this continues? Where are the big decisions? We are over it!

Now pass that bottle of wine over thanks and lets watch the Crusaders win the Super 14!

A Southern Man Viewing Life in India May 2011

2011-06-03T10:20:00.001+12:00

Sheer heat. Shade from 45 degree daily heat. Calcutta, India

The mix of old & new. Calcutta, India

The Calcutta Times, Calcutta, India

A close shave. Calcutta, India

Snoozing. 45 degrees, downtown Calcutta, India

Family wagon, Calcutta, India

In chaos. Traffic Police. Calcutta, India

A defining moment. Coming to terms with the reality of a curried omelette for breakfast. India.

A quick dip. Bathing in Calcutta, India

A moment of peace before the long trip home. New Delhi, India.

The very formal: New Delhi India.

Top spot to stay. The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, India.

A good yack on the phone! New Delhi, India.

Street venders: New Delhi, India, May 11

The faces of India. Downtown street market: New Delhi, India May 11

Calcutta: Street water fountain. Love the heavenly abode entry!

Looking from Parliament towards India Gate. New Delhi, India

A thriving street shop business. Ironing. Calcutta, India.

Off the beaten track, Side alley. Calcutta, India.

The awesome small taxi. Top speed 100km, max passengers 13, New Delhi, India

Presidential Palace, New Delhi, India

A Winter Holiday in Queensland Australia: May 2011

2011-05-28T05:01:00.001+12:00

In early May we packed out bags and headed across the ditch for a well needed break. It was time to relax, enjoy some big country and to visit family. Here are a few pictures you'll enjoy.

Bush wagon. Every Croc Dundee needs one!

Blowing the froth of a couple in front of the fire. Queensland bush, Australia

The Australian alps. Queensland, Australia, May 11

A bit of Queensland paradise. Looks like a nice spot to hang your hat!

There are a lot of sharks in Australia. Some of them the fish type too!

Surfers Paradise beach. Early morning stroll.

The beautiful Pelican

There is a shortage of material in Australia as evidenced by Life saver budgie smugglers and tight rugby league shorts.

Fun park gold.

Thinning out the Kangaroo population a bit. Doing ones duty.

Bush gold being delivered. Important to get it there safely!

Miles and miles of cotton. Darlby, Queensland, Australia

There are Indians in Them There Hills: India

2011-05-28T04:35:00.000+12:00

Markets in New Delhi, India, May 2011

I had never had an urge to travel to India of my own accord. I have travelled most of the world with the Army or backpacking but never to India. I'm not really sure why either. Perhaps because I lacked any real knowledge or understanding of the country or its history. Sure I knew it was big and growing and I'd eaten a bit of their food but to actually go there? It just wasn't on the bucket list. So when the need for me to visit on business arose I wasn't overly excited.

It seems like months ago but it has only been eight days since I left the cold and earthquakes of Christchurch bound for Calcutta. I knew nothing of what to expect except that I should keep an eye out for a black hole as per the saying. It has been a week of travel, of learning about the culture and attitudes, of immersing myself into business life and getting to know some fantastic people. The colours, the smells, the mid 40's heat (that just knocks you over when you walk outside) and the sheer number of people has taken some time to wrap my head around.

Close shave. Downtown Calcutta, India, May 2011

There is a real thirst for knowledge and better ways of doing things. Thirty percent business growth year on year and the constant problem of having too many opportunities are the issues most company owners face whilst for the vast majority of Indians the daily grind of just getting by is a full time focus. It is a country of many contrasts, of huge wealth and massive poverty, of dodgy food, of manic traffic (hanging on the horn is standard), of friendly people and of cricket fanatics. It is a country where it is OK, in fact compulsory, to stare at the unusual (I must be unusual).

The energy and economic grunt that 1.2 billion people and a nuclear arsenal creates is quite infectious. In fact coming from the depression in New Zealand and life in a battered city it has been like getting a shot of energy. It has been a breath of fresh air to visit.

Gotta say I loved the place.

Australia: A World Full of Smugglers.....Budgie Smugglers!

2011-05-14T10:06:00.000+12:00

Fabric to burn: The Mark 1 Ball hugging Budgie Smuggler

Why do lifeguards in Australia wear such tight speedos as they suck their guts in and run along the beach? It’ll be the same reason Aussie league players have to use a shoehorn to wedge into their playing shorts I suppose! It would seem a set of tight "Budgie Smugglers" are one of the first gifts left under the Christmas tree over here for our ANZAC brothers.

Cringe factor aside it has been a great week relaxing on the Gold Coast of Australia. No earthquakes, good weather, nice beach, good food, reading lots, fine wine, nice digs and doing the fun park thing!

No complaints about the locals either. Australia has been a welcoming place and one that oozes growth and success. It is kind of nice after a prolonged period of drama and destruction in Canterbury with winter looming. A glance at the news and you find Australia has big plans and gets on with it and that is kind of nice.

Its not home though is it!

Bin Laden......And the Drones Drone On!

2011-05-07T11:13:00.000+12:00

There is no doubting that Osama Bin laden was a prize jerk. He was a fanatic and a trouble maker and he was responsible in many ways for the death and suffering of many people all in the name of his own beliefs. This week he got what he had dished out to so many people in spades and it is fair to say it has caused a bit of grief.

The US SEAL's slipping into Pakistan in the early hours of the morning below the radar (and without permission) aside, the main concern has been around whether he should have been taken alive and if it was legal to shoot him. Lets face a couple of things. He was a bad man. It is not like he threw himself into a series of counseling sessions after the 3000 people were killed on September 11 in the USA. He continued to lead a terrorist organisation that continued to kill innocent people.

Then there is the fact that the military do kill people. In war soldiers are sent to do nasty things and sometimes people get killed. Even better when people who badly need it get killed. Don't get me wrong here because I am an advocate of the Geneva convention and treating people fairly but I also know that those SEAL's on the ground will have warned him and reacted in a split second. We are now hearing that Mr Laden bolted to try and get his pistol & AK47. I'm sure numerous stories and variations will come out over the years but to be honest I'm not concerned. The bad guy is dead. He played a deadly game, killed many innocent people and has made the world a more unstable, untrusting place. On top of that the cost in terms of time, dollars and lost productivity as a result of Bin Ladens actions are not measureable, they are simply astronomical.

I'm not putting the mans picture on my blog........he is not worth it!

Moving forward we can't think for a second that Bin Ladens death will really change the world of International Terrorism or make it a safer place.

I do hope however that it does act as a warning for those involved. If you sword fight with Zoro you will get cut!! Perhaps some protests, negotiating, compromising, peaceful protesting etc might be a more productive way of getting change?

Thanks to all those military types who have put it all on the line (and continue to) to keep us safer than we otherwise would be!

It has been an interesting week.

The Blast ANZAC Collection: 2011. A Few Memories

2011-04-22T18:12:00.002+12:00

It is ANZAC weekend really. This year ANZAC day falls on the Easter holiday weekend so they roll into one. As I sit here in Christchurch and wonder where the services are I should be attending (most venues have been damaged after the earthquake) I have scrolled through many pics and uploaded a real cross section of some life in the Army. I wish I carried my camera more during my service. Enjoy the memories and remember to celebrate those who did their bit and never made it home. We will remember them.

The way it was. Hong Kong (British) border post looking towards China. 1992

Bush bashing with the Air Force. One of hundreds of helicopter flights with all our kit.

Sydney, Australia. 5/7 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, (Mechanised Infantry) on the move.

B Company, 2nd/1st Battalion, Infantry skill at arms team after kicking 2 Ghurka Regiments butt for the Smith Trophy. Hong Kong 1992

Spoiling for trouble. 2nd/1st Battalion, RNZIR on the move and looking for a fight.

A mate. Captain Johnny McNutt seated in an Apache gunship just prior to being killed in 2001 serving overseas with the NZSAS. R.I.P.. Read more about Johnny here (link)

Infantry on the move. Dawn raid May 2003

Local legends. Roll of Honour for the Hunter district, South Canterbury. My Great Uncle Alan McConnell one of the lucky ones to make it back. He too was an Infantry Officer in WW2.

Roll of Honour at the Pearl Harbour War memorial to those killed in the Japanese surprise raid on the US Navy Pacific Fleet. Sobering number of men killed. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Skill at Arms section in action. Nothing like being in the mud!

Parachute drop, Crete, Greece

About to get airborne. The Wessex choppers of the Royal Air Force about to lift us off.

Mates heading on leave in Auckland. Troy Fisher (R.I.P) on the right.

A hot brew in the field and a good yarn after a hard day. Pure gold for the Infantry.

A moody Southern sky with light at the end of the tunnel!

The beautiful Southern Alps of the South Island, New Zealand. A beacon of home.

Infantry 81mm mortars. Outgoing live.

A Nazi paratrooper I met in Crete at the German memorial service. He was bitter and angry and disliked the English (which he thought I was) despite me being pleasant and respectful. He was so rude that I took his picture. Tosser!

Bosnia contingent pic (plus attachments) taken at the New Zealand Memorial marking the battle of Chunuk Bair, Galipolli, Turkey.

Beach assault landing Hong Kong/China border. B Company comes ashore.

Parachute training, Whenuapai, Auckland, 1988

Infantry fighting patrol. Palm Olive plantation, Malaysia, 1990.

Parachute rolls.......practising the technique. Tower training.

Digging up a mass grave, Angola, South West Africa, 1996. Not pleasant!

Resupply. Borneo Jungle, Brunei. 1994

Flying over Borneo Jungle, Brunei by helicopter.

Ground training.

130km forced march. 30 plus hours with full battle kit.

ANZAC Dawn Service 2010. Sunrise over the Cathedral......before the earthquake took out the Cathedral in Feb 11.

ANZAC Day: The true gold of ANZAC

2011-04-17T13:44:00.001+12:00

Local men from Hunter district who served. Lest we forget.

As ANZAC day looms I always think of my military past. For many years it was 100% of my life, nearly 18 years serving as a Regular Army Officer and now after a 6 year gap, again in the Reserves. When I first left the Army I immersed myself in business to make up the skill gap that I felt I had as a result of so much time in one organisation. Now more and more I fall back on the extra ordinary grounding I got in the Army and the skills it taught me. Sure I got a University education as well (BCom at Canterbury University) but those basic skills are the valuable ones. Things like accepting responsibility, leading, communicating, systems for administration, logistics. How to plan and think through problems. People skills, overseas experience, overcoming fear, physical fitness and the list goes on.

Shared experience = ANZAC Spirit. Hong Kong/China border 1991

ANZAC day for me is a time of remembrance. It is a time to think back on experiences, people, sacrifice and those who put country first. Those who didn’t make it home or were killed serving their country come to mind. The big campaigns which cost many faceless New Zealanders their lives and then more recently those killed in combat, accidents or in training that have a much more personal angle given that we knew them and had served together.

Many of my good friends still serve in the Army and some are in harms way right now. They hold senior roles of course nowadays but none in the back of your mind you get that knot in your guts whenever there is a bad news headline in Afghanistan or some other strange place they may be serving. Many of my mates are now out of the Army and flung far around the country and indeed the world in roles ranging from Private security to private and big business. Most have been very successful in what they have pursued and of course fall back on many of those skills taught in the military.

Remembering those who didn't get home= ANZAC spirit

I wanted to define what ANZAC day meant to me and whilst the dawn parade is certainly a focal point, I find myself looking at those around me who have not served. I look at their reaction and I wonder why they attend and what it must mean to them given they have not experienced the tight camaraderie the Army offers or the feeling of being in a tight combat team. I don’t understand how they view the day and the words said at services across the country.

No, ANZAC day is not really that big for me. Personally it happens many times a year when I share time with good mates who I have served with. The ANZAC experience for me is just as much about playing a good army mate at squash as it is about a dawn parade. To be able to tell yarns, swear (one of the pleasures in life) and spend time is just as important. Having a coffee, phone calls, laughing, staying in touch are all pleasures. I love the way you can go months and years and then just touch base and not much has changed.

Last weekend a mate called on me who I had not seen for perhaps 10 years and we spent a couple of hours talking. Those are friendships that endure, like old school mates they are part of my community. They know me, my strengths, my weaknesses and we have common experience.

That is a gift the Army has given me for the rest of my life. Enduring friendships……now that is just absolute gold!

If you liked this ANZAC story you will love these others that I have written;

A visit to Crete: Some ANZAC photos (Link here)

Johnny McNutt: A Good Southern Bloke R.I.P. (Link here)

Bush bashing and finding the Canterbury lads: Gallipoli (Link here)

A Life Well Lived: Southern Legend Dan Gregan (The big "D")

2011-04-07T21:51:00.001+12:00

Dan Gregan pictured with his Grandson Hugh!

I now think it is possible to enjoy a funeral. It is after all a final send off for someone you know and care about. Whilst that is sad, when that individual has lived a true, full and happy life it truly becomes a celebration.

Last week Dan Gregan passed away suddenly in his sleep aged 84. He was man who has always been a part of my life. He lived over the boundary fence and any farmer out there knows that is quite a big thing down south! Not only that his family and mine have lived over the boundary fence from each other since the early 1900's when our family's drew land from the ballet. His father and my Great Grand parents kicked around together as they broke in the land. My Grand father farmed next to Dan and then my mother did. Dan's son John now has the boundary and John's son Sean is my Godson.

Over the last century our families have known each other well, never living in each others pockets by any stretch of the imagination (how can you when you live 4 km apart) but supporting each other through good times and the bad. Storms and disaster, injury and illness, celebration and success have all been present at some stage during those decades.

Dan was an impressive man. Tall, lean and fit with a sharp wit and quiet way about him. He was a gentleman. He was always happy to see you, always got up and shook your hand with his big mit, was always interested in what you were doing and what was happening in your world. He was a savvy businessman and investor, farmer and stockman. He enjoyed the odd whiskey, an occasional cuban cigar, fine chocolate and loved reading his newspaper cover to cover. It is fair to say a blog or Facebook were not his preferred methods of communicating with his many friends and large family, rather he was old school.....a conversationist.

Dan and Jo (effectively a second Mum to me) raised a large and successful family with whom I have been lucky enough to have grown up amongst. All successful in their own fields and now with careers, partners and children of their own at various ages, the older I get the more I value their friendship. So when my mother rang to tell me of Dan's death it took me by surprise. I sat down for a few minutes, let it sink in, it upset me. I had been lucky enough to spend time with him several weeks before the big earthquake in February when the Gregan clan had gathered to celebrate the christening of his latest wee Granddaughter. We chatted and laughed and I really enjoyed seeing him for the first time in 6 months or more.

His funeral was huge and it really struck me just how many people across all age groups respected and loved Dan. How his sons delivered his eulogy so well I will never know but the mix of humour, story telling and pride was a delight and classic Gregan style. Dan had a strong catholic faith and a love of people, family and friends. He was a man of the land, a farmer, a businessman and a person you listened to, respected and enjoyed fellowship with.

He was a Southern Legend and I'm sure the hundreds who shared his farewell celebration would agree.

I miss him already.

Sometimes a Good Punch in the Gob Really is the Right Answer!

2011-03-23T14:49:00.003+13:00

We all watched Australian teenager Casey Heynes flatten a jumped up little midget the other day which made for some compelling footage. Since then we have watched the media around the world pick the story up after the "Youtube" clip went viral seen it painstakingly analysed by parents, psychologists and everyone else with an opinion and/or a troubled upbringing (See it discussed here on CBS: link).

We have heard how Casey has been bullied his whole life and why he snapped (link here), There have been interviews with the victim Ritchard Gales (also dubbed "Ritchard the Rat" on Facebook). Bloggers are "scared" for Casey (link here to "Stir-Cafe Mom" blog), supportive of Casey, against Casey. Casey has been called a hero, the aggressor, the one who started it, his future has been hailed both as great and as limited. It has served to highlight how many youth suicides are linked to bullying and it has again pulled the problem of school yard bullying into the spotlight.

Here is my take on it. Kids have been picking on other kids since the day we all lived in caves. Yes there are extreme cases and yes it can lead on to tragedy if not dealt with. Ritchard Gale is likely to be just a normal kid and I'm sure most of us would not write the little man off totally. He is after all only 12 years old and we all make mistakes. Likewise I'm sure Casey is not a complete angel nor totally in the right here. They are kids and this thing just happened.......it wasn't part of a master plan!

Willia Apiata & other soldiers specialise in sorting real bullies out!
Photo: NZ Herald

But sometimes a good punch in the gob when deserved goes along way towards bringing opposing forces back into equilibrium. My father always taught me to fight for what is right and he always backed me if I had done so. Sometimes a bully needs a bit of bullying to understand it is not OK or to realise that they are not as strong and tough as they think they are. Sometimes it is right to stand up for yourself and those you care for. It is OK to meet violence with a bit of the same. It is not the end of the world and whilst extremes need to be dealt with, 99% of these problems in the school yard are dealt with in the school yard.

Good on ya Casey and I'm picking that your days of being picked on are behind you! How about both of you learn a bloody big lesson here and keep your mits to yourself!

Another blog I have previously written of Bullies being bullied;

Delightful tales of those who badly need it being given the good news

Follow the "Blast" on Facebook

2011-03-22T14:08:00.000+13:00

A bit of Southern Gold.....South Canterbury high country.

A big thanks to all those who follow the Southern Blast on Facebook. 188 people interact and follow the postings and you can too by hitting the following link and signing in to Facebook.....Link here.

It has been an interesting time and a busy one for all of us in the South of New Zealand, particularly those of us who live and work in and around Christchurch city.

Thanks for all your support.

The Blast Personal Gallery: Downtown the day of the Christchurch Quake

2011-03-13T20:18:00.006+13:00

On the day of the quake we were surprised by a big aftershock which knocked everything off my desk. After getting out of our building, which thankfully sustained minimal damage, I was relieved to hear my family were safe. Later I was to find just how lucky my father had been to survive rock falls that destroyed my brothers home.

I was called by the NZ Army and asked to get into the Civil Defence HQ in Kilmore St and commence response planning until Regular staff could get into the city. The photos below are some of the images that I captured as I walked into down town Christchurch at a time when most were trying desperately to get out. It was obvious many were killed and our city was in a crisis. It was also a time to walk in the middle of the road through building rubble and to assist the distraught.

There are also some more general photos from around our broken city that I have chosen to share. Some things that I came across;

Walking with an upset woman who had been getting her hair cut and watched several buses get crushed. She was walking home to Oxford......about 50km just to get out of town.
Having to get past downed buildings,
Coming across people crowded silently around a car listening to the radio. Everyone in shock and disbelief as they heard the news and all complete strangers.
Silence in the city.
Having to assess whether the Copthorne Hotel was going to collapse on the civil defence bunker. I'm no engineer but it was leaning and 12 story buildings shouldn't lean!
Walking through Camner Square as the injured were being gathered and attended to.
Hastily established cordons with Police and volunteers manning them.
Members of the public on traffic duty at major intersections keeping traffic going.
Mud and flooding everywhere.
Cars buried in mud.
Holes in the road.
Buildings full of water.
A real feeling of community.....people talking and helping each other everywhere.
The Mayor and his staff standing outside the art gallery after being evacuated due to an aftershock.
People crying and hugging one another.
A group of builders discussing whether to head home or stay with their building site that had collapsed. They were concerned it was a danger to traffic. Legends!
The initial briefings in the Civil Defence bunker and starting to get my head around what the emergency services were dealing with.
Seeing the first TV images of the PGC building and damage around the city.
Meeting my brother at his house on the way home and seeing it destroyed.
Ringing my father and telling him how glad I was he was still with us and unhurt.
The relief of getting home around 9pm to my family who had coped admirably.
Standing on the back lawn and looking towards the sky as aftershocks rolled through and being thankful that my family and I had survived something that could have randomly ended our lives.

I will remember this day and event for the rest of my life.

Stone buildings badly damaged and dangerous.

Armagh St looking West. People legging it!

Montreal St......gave this one the swerve as I walked past.

Sheer power. Tram lines.

Papanui Road.....a busted up home!

Needs more than a tarpaulin this one!

Inside the Civil Defence HQ. Controller Baden Ewart takes stock.

Hmm.....Armagh St......going nowhere in this car!

Making temporary arrangements in the garden. A mate in Merivale.

My brothers house. A cliff falling, Dad in the house but unhurt. Bit close really!

Cramner Square. The injured and shocked.

Corner of Armagh and Durham St North. People getting out!

Looking North on Montreal. Police evactuating city. Normally traffic flows the other way. Note: Umm building lying in middle of the road. I had to run into the city along this street.

Jammed on Antigua St. Liquifaction and flooding outside office 15 minutes after the shake.

Looking East on Armagh St. Ground zero an hour after the big shake.

Working out.....A temporary office for RESULTS.com

Our Vege garden is destroyed: Redcliffs Supermarket will be rebuilt....in time!

Sumner residents meeting with Police. Cliffs, rockfalls, evacuations, Loos, water, mutiny, information yada yada!

The Merc in the hole....Waterfront Redcliffs stuck in a rut!

The dust settles. View from the top. Day after the quake overlooking the city.

Pre school and church hall in Linwood Ave

Mother Nature is a Bitch.....It Seems!

2011-03-12T12:58:00.001+13:00

Houses in Natori City. (REUTERS/KYODO)

Now I'm not sure about you but I am pretty open minded and laid back. I try to only be concerned about things that I can influence.......but watching those waves slam into Japan late last night was a little disconcerting!

I mean come on. In the last 12 months we have watched the global warming debate heat up (so to speak), have faced unusual weather patterns, been evacuated due to tsunami warnings, witnessed Australia in a situation whereby anything not under water seemed to be on fire! We have experienced two big earthquakes in Canterbury, observed others in Haiti and Chile, floods, slips etc overseas........and now a pretty decent shake in Japan followed by those big waves destroying coastal towns.

Having done 7.4 and 6.3 I shudder to think what an 8.9 would be like. Certainly no buildings here would survive it intact. Japans cities seem remarkably intact although this is a country that experiences quakes most days, have good building codes and emergency drills. But those waves were frighteningly big and just seemed to roll everything in their way......10km inland.

I guess everything has an upside. The international media can now focus on this huge event and allow us in New Zealand to recover and rebuild our image as a tourist destination with a little less scrutiny. It is also an opportunity to support Japan, a country that not only forms many of our tourists but one that supported us with search crews in a time of need.

We watch and hope for the best. I'm sending some southern steel the way of Japan! Come on Mother nature......stop bitching and be nice!

A Tribute to our Southern Bloody Legends!

2011-03-12T09:35:00.002+13:00

This is an awesome clip of some of the images of our battered city, one that as Southerners we will rebuild. More importantly it captures some of the compelling images of people being rescued and the absolute bloody legends who put it on the line to get them out. Our southern rescue services, volunteers and those that poured into the city from around the country and around the world.....the USA, UK, Japan, China, Australia and many many more. A big thanks. You are Southern legends!

A New GG: Lieutenant General Mateparae

2011-03-08T12:30:00.000+13:00

Out of left flank we welcome the news of our new Governor-General Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae (link here). I know it is causing debate around the work smoko rooms (well those that haven't been destroyed in Canterbury). Who is he? What has he done? and why him? are all questions I have heard. As an Army Officer I first met him in 1992 and have worked directly for him when he was Chief of Army

Well it is a return to tradition. Many previous Governor-Generals have been military leaders. As our current outgoing Chief of Defence Force he is a well educated, savvy practical leader. He has had operational experience and is well liked relating to all rank levels across the Defence Force. He has led the Defence Force during a period of high operational tempo and is not afraid of getting stuck into the job at hand.

I think it is an awesome appointment and he will bring with him some awesome experience, relationships and networks.

He is welcome down south anytime.

The Unreal is Real....Well in Canterbury Anyway!

2011-03-05T21:03:00.000+13:00

Waterfront in Redcliffs. The car in the crack in the ground.

All I can say about the last week or so is......."unreal"! I've said before it was like being part of a bad Hollywood movie and now a week on from the last decent shake it is fair to say most Cantabrians are used to seeing these scenes.

Sumner like many of our suburbs is without water and sewerage. Life is like a camping holiday with bottled water, trips to portaloos, trips to the water points to fill containers and under the constant bombardment of earthquakes. Traffic is all over the show and the roads are jammed as we all try to work out what routes are open and which are not. On top of that the roads are damaged, uneven, sunken, covered in dust and piles of mud scooped into piles.

It is still the norm to come across some pretty odd scenes. A rock the size of a truck on the road side, a mountain of mud, a group of shops destroyed and open to the elements. There are gaggles of people with wheel barrows, diggers and face masks. Military, Police, cordons and road blocks are everywhere.

Competition is tight with the cat for a spot in the garden, buildings entered are scanned for overhanging "stuff" that can fall on you and obvious exit points. Life has just changed and for a while not for the better. Nights of broken sleep, peeing on the lawn, frequent shakes (nine last Wednesday night which is bloody ridiculous!) and waking up feeling jaded. Community meetings attended by the realistic, the rattled, the realists backed up by the inane question askers! A morbid sense of humour seeping into everyday conversation.

Life has changed in the Southern capital for the immediate future although we are all adjusting. We are still laughing and waiting for old routines and comforts to return.

The Crusaders won last night.......some things never change!! Just like the 4.8 earthquake that just hit as I wrote this. It takes more than that to worry a Southerner!

Looters: Muppets & Losers

2011-02-26T18:49:00.000+13:00

Times of stress and danger bring out the best and worst in human nature. Whilst it has been amazing to see the incredible energy and sense of community right across Canterbury at the moment we are of course let down by the few who take advantage of the situation. Facebook is naming a few who have been charged with looting and burgling the homes of people (see link here).

Like many I feel like gut shooting these individuals for their stupidity and selfishness. To be honest what annoys me the most is that it tarnishes the many positive acts people are doing each day. They are not worth the effort and I think should just be dealt with by our court system and whisked off to the slammer.

I don't want to focus on their actions. Scum bags always surface and do their thing and every village has a number of idiots! Generally what goes around does come around and I'm sure they will be dealt with without a focus being put on their acts.

To all those working hard in our city giving their time, support and expertise.....thanks for being Southern Legends.

Southern Legend: Dr Stuart Philip of Brisbane

2011-02-25T17:37:00.000+13:00

This afternoon I heard an interview on Radio New Zealand with Dr Stuart Philip. Dr Philip is a New Zealand born and trained Urologist who was in Christchurch at a conference when the earthquake struck. Finding his wasy to the Police kiosk in the square to volunteer his skills, he was taken to the PGC building.

Here he quickly became involved (along with a female doctor and an anaesthetist) with a man who was pinned at the back of the building. It became obvious that the only way to save the mans life was to amputate both of his legs. Trapped in a very confined space the female Doctor was the one who had to do the amputation.

After consulting each other and making the decision they used the only tools on hand, a leatherman tool and a tradesmans hacksaw. You can read more about this story by linking here: NZ Herald. The man has survived and Dr Philip had spoken to him by phone prior to flying back to Australia. The man (who does not want to be named) was recovering in Waikato hospital surrounded by his wife and children after coming out of intensive care.

What an example of leadership and making tough decisions in very stressful circumstances. I'm sure this is one of many such stories that will come out, but listening to Dr Philip speaking and how scared he was to be inside the building in that tough situation you just have to take your hat off to the man.

Dr Philip and your two colleagues.......thank you for doing your bit, for stepping up and being brave enough to do what it took to save this mans life. I know you carried on and worked with many others.

You are a Southern Legend!

Bugger off Mother Nature!

2011-02-24T21:10:00.000+13:00

ture

Dad got out of this unhurt. Legend!

Life in Christchurch has been like being an extra in a B Grade Hollywood disaster movie. Our work was pretty decisively disrupted just after lunch on Tuesday afternoon and life hasn't been the same since. Whilst I have been blessed to have my family unhurt physically, my father had a very close call. He was in my brothers house in Redcliffs when it was hit by rocks falling from the cliffs. in fact a 6 ton boulder landed on top of a boat which blew up (presume a spark from the battery). Concurrently the house was hit with rocks and somehow Dad managed to get his way out through the damage, past the fire and to safety. A lucky call and I am so glad Dad is still here because we could so easily have lost him.

The heavy loss of life within our city is very sobering. We are a small nation and a small city and I already know two of those who have lost their lives and like so many I dread the days ahead as names are released. I think we have again been so lucky to have such able leadership from our Prime Minister John Key and our Mayor Bob Parker. Also our rescue teams, Fire service, Police, Military and Urban Search Teams have been incredible and their response well co ordinated. The contribution of specialists and the support provided by New Zealand's allies and friends has also been amazing.

I have no doubt Canterbury will come through this and whilst at times it seems the job ahead and the ongoing after shocks will be tough to face I'm sure we will all do it a day at a time with the realisation that we are lucky to be alive after such an event. Mother nature is a big beast!

My thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones.

Kia Kaha.

Southern Legend: International Tenor and Ashburton Lad Simon O'Neill

2011-02-13T16:56:00.000+13:00

I have been lucky enough to know Simon O'Neill most of my life. He played music during High School years with my brother, they attended Otago University together and he has been part of the family furniture. He is larger than life, smart, funny, family orientated and passionate about the South Island, Ashburton, things family and good old Kiwi land.

He also just happens to be one of the top Tenors in the world ( the best I reckon but I don't know many others!) and juggles his family (wife Carmel and twins) with a schedule of travel, performances (in a number of languages) and endless rehearsal sessions. Last night he performed at the Isaac Royal Theatre here in Christchurch alongside Kiri Te Kanawa as a fund raiser for the Mayoral earthquake fund.

Today, over a few beers at my brother place I shot the breeze with him and asked him a few questions;

What do you like the most about life? My gorgeous wife and my great twins (Tom & Grace) aged 2 and a half years. I get to travel the world and to take them sometimes too.

What are your favourite thing about the South Island? The scenery of the south and the contrasts, Sims pies and pasties from Tinwald, The Crusaders, sheep.....especially eating them.....love NZ lamb. I love driving on roads and seeing no other cars for ages. I particularly love Central Otago. I genuinely love Ashburton. It is home, laid back and where my family roots are. Its just nice to come home to after so much travel and the fast pace of life.

What is your favourite NZ beer? Normal Speights. You can have all the fancy stuff but I'll go anywhere for the old 3 star Speights. Old is good and I love that original brew. We drank a ton of it at Otago University.

Simon with twins Grace & Tom at home in Matakana.

What rocks the most about being a professional musician? Getting to perform some of the greatest art that humanity has produced. I love travelling and performing.

What sucks about it? Travelling........I hate being away from my twins and my wife for long periods.

Do you get nervous before you go on stage? Yes good nerves though. I try to turn my nerves into positive energy. When I am nervous I know I am going to do well out there.

Besides classical music what do you listen to? I love Dolly Parton.....she is a genius. I love music in general. I tend to listen to a huge variety of music. Ray Charles is a legend. Shihad, The Exponents and the Dub are gold!

Whats your most prized possession? It used to be my MG convertible. Now its my villa in Matakana........it rocks. Sea views and we are restoring it. One day I want to live there permanently.

Who do you admire most in the world? My wife Carmel without doubt.

Ever punched anyone? Hell yes but not since my rugby days. I was playing prop for Ravensborne in Dunedin. There are a few grippers I would like to thump.....does that count?

Are all your Facebook friends real? Of course I only let real friends on!

Favourite Movie? Downfall about the last days of Mr Hitler.

Where are you based at the moment? London, England

How was it last night at the Isaac Theatre Royal with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa? It was a great honour to be involved and a small gesture for Christchurch city. I was delighted at how well the performance was received. It such a great old theatre.

Read more about Simon on his website. Link here.

Good on ya mate.

Good on Ya Mate: Speights Coast to Coast

2011-02-12T18:04:00.000+13:00

One of the awesome things about living in Sumner is that a lot of things happen here. Today it was a short stroll down the road to watch a mate come in on that great Southern event we know as the "Coast to Coast". The good old "Coast to Coast" seems to be on many a Kiwi's bucket list and you get all shapes, sizes and nationality's rocking in down the "finish" shute. It gets into the blood of many who return year after year to endure what the South Island can throw at them. Some who make it in sure deserve that can of sponsors beer thrust into their hand at the finish line........you just have to marvel at how the hell some of those bodies carried them over the hill!

Unlike last year when the weather caused major disappointment and a last minute change in course (down the Avon river!), this year it was suitably hot and humid. I was there to see an Army mate of mine cross the line after the individual two day event.

The Coast to Coast would be nothing without the sponsorship of that great southern brand "Speights".

Good on ya mate!

Halberg Awards: Mediocrity Rocks....thats the Spirit!

2011-02-12T14:04:00.000+13:00

Picture courtesy of NZ Herald

The recent Halberg Awards have caused a fair stir. Now before I get into it I'd like to state that the All Whites did incredibly well at the recent world cup. I think their coach is fantastic, there were some great one off moments and displays of skill and they punched well above their weight.

But, Awarding them the "Halberg" has got to be taking the piss? Surely sport is about winning? The Halberg recognises sporting excellence and one logically expects that a winning team represents sporting excellence? As a proud Southerner I expect our sports teams to win.......call me old fashioned!

I'm not the only one to think so either. Halberg judge Dick Taylor quit in disgust over the whole incident (see NZ Herald: link here) and bloody good on him for doing so! There has been pretty robust debate about it in every quarter of the media. It does raise a good question though. What is sporting excellence? There were a number of teams entered in the awards that have excelled. Take our Silver Ferns or our All Blacks as just two of them!

I personally think it sets a poor standard, lowers the bar and sends the message that as long as you show up and do your best then thats the spirit! Our Aussie neighbours would never condone it and they expect all their sporting individuals and teams to win and I admire them for it. So should we!

It is complete rot and it seems to be setting in. Hell our cricketers have had flashes of brilliance in amongst their normally drab performances. Maybe they will be up next year as long as they give it their best. If the All Blacks come 5th in the Rugby World Cup do you think they will be up for the award next year if they give it their best?......Hello!

Come on New Zealand this is mediocre. It is OK to win and to define sporting excellence by coming first!

A Cult Movie Clip to Bring a Smile........

2011-02-05T16:47:00.000+13:00

This movie is a cult in itself, a bucket list watch! The background....SAS soldiers get leave after fighting in the Vietnam jungle. Before heading into town for the first time in months they go to change their money at the Administration office and meet an administration officer......what happens next is pure gold probably happened!

Remember to Live in the Moment a Little........

2011-02-05T16:18:00.000+13:00

This video clip is gold. Remember to live a little, stress less and accept yourself as you are! There thats my tip for the week.

Time for a beer and to watch the Wellington Sevens!

Buskers Festival: Canterbury Gold!

2011-01-24T09:44:00.000+13:00

Buskers in action and the annual festival 2011

On Sunday I attended some of the International Buskers Festival here in Christchurch. This annual event is always brilliant with such a variety of international acts.

Christchurch really is lucky to have this event. It is gold for those of us who just enjoy sifting around the inner city on a weekend summers day enjoying entertainment and the great food offered at our inner city cafes.

Enjoy it while it is here!

Readership has passed the 5000 Mark

2011-01-17T18:24:00.000+13:00

Mustering in South Canterbury

Wow, this week we passed the 5000 mark! Over 5000 people have read this blog, many regularly. To all those regular readers thanks for reading, contributing and all the support you show "The Blast".

What started out as a bit of an experiment is not only something I really enjoy and is a lot of fun but has an avid following of those I know and those I don't.

The south is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family and long may it continue to be so!

"Futch" Couper: Southern Legend of the Month......from the "North"!

2011-01-12T16:52:00.000+13:00

Futch Couper with Paul Williams. Photo: Marty Sharpe/Dom Post

New Zealand needs more blokes (and blokettes) who are prepared to put it on the line. Yesterday I heard a story of someone thinking fast and acting on their experience. "Futch" Couper is someone I know and admire, he is the father of a close friend and a bit of a legend in the Wairoa parts.

Futch lives in a fantastic house he built on the beach just out of Wairoa on the sunny East Coast of New Zealand. Known for his hunting prowess, ability to trade with those around him and an uncanny knack of virtually living off what he catches at sea, grows in his garden or shoots in the bush, Futch is fit and active and tough. He is one of those wiry old buggers who whilst unassuming and low key is just as likely to give you the shirt off his back or knock your block off depending upon how you cross his path. He grew up on the land, was a southern freezing worker, a builder and business owner. Overall he is the type of bloke you want on your side whatever you are doing and always has a yearn for every occasion.

This story in the Dominion Post (link here) about Futch saving a fisherman swept off his boat is absolute gold. Local man, Paul Williams was fishing when he fell overboard and spent considerable time in the water. As a non swimmer, Paul was smart enough to remember some good advice about conserving energy and floating on his back. Futch, seeing a commotion on the beach, used his telescope to spot the man in the water and then at a moments notice deployed in his dinghy and dragged him to safety just in time.

Futch at home. Quenching his thirst when we last met.

To cap off a heroic effort, it transpires that Paul Williams had given Futch a fish recently in an act of generosity that Wairoa is known for. Now Futch is the type of bloke who would have put to sea to save anyone so it would be just a bonus that he was able to repay a kind act with one of his own.

Legendary stuff! Good work Futch. Good on you for doing your bit and not thinking twice about helping someone in need. No doubt this event will be relived a thousand times over the coming months as they blow the froth off a few beers in the Wairoa sun.

Of course Futch is also the type of bloke who, having pulled you out of the drink and got you safely ashore, will also give you a clout around the ears for being a clown.......but that is a story for another day!

Summer Holidays in the South and other Places!

2011-01-11T14:14:00.000+13:00

A lead in to Summer holidays!

A very serious French game on the front lawn!

15 minutes from home. Looking towards Godley heads, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury

Boulder bay, Canterbury

Home. Sumner, Christchurch. Jan 11

Life's a beach! Mt Manganui.

Dusk on the water. Mt Manganui Jan 11

Diving. Tauranga Harbour Jan 11

Twin rug rats on the run. Christmas day 10.

Fishing & Diving. Near Kaikoura Dec 10

Santa arrived in force. Family Christmas madness!

The Mount!

At sea. Tough life!

Great Road Trips Rock!

2011-01-11T13:25:00.000+13:00

Fitted for comfort not speed!

I came across the owner of this bike (a Bonneville) as he was parked in Mt Manganui on New Years day. He is a Kiwi on a road trip around the country. He had toured the entire South Island with his French girlfriend on the back (she went home soon after, unrelated he said!) which is a good effort.

It runs much better than it looks he assured me, purrs in fact on the open road. I liked his fit out. All the essentials needed on the open road and for stop overs.

It reminds me of Pan Head Billy's Harley which I wrote about back in March last year (Link here).

Good on ya mate.

Makes me want to ride!

The "Blast List" Southern Legends of 2010

2010-12-22T14:54:00.000+13:00

It has been a cracking year. One with highs such as the All Black rugby season and lows such as the Pike river mine accident. Hell there has even been a splash of excitement with an evacuation due to an imminent tidal wave and a decent sort of an earthquake. Business has found it tough, banks have prospered, GST went up, there have been droughts, floods, snow storms and in amongst it all, if you really look hard you find legends. People who have shone through, sometimes in the face of adversity, at other times just as part of their jobs and every day life.

It is the time of year to reflect on a few "Southern Legends" that have inspired during the year;

Austin Hemmings

Austin Hemmings. I wrote about Austin recently (link here). OK he didn't do his thing in 2010 but he is still an inspiration to all of us. He stepped in to help a stranger, a woman being beaten, and was himself stabbed to death. So many people just walk on by and to help someone in a time of need is a risky and selfless thing to do. He was not a Southerner but I am thankful for Austin and the fact he cared. Austin you are a "Southern Legend!

Alan Hubbard. Alan has had a tough year! (Link here) To those that know him he is a man who has done so much good for the Southern community throughout his long life. He is smart and generous and cares about those around him. There are numerous inquiries and a lot of bad press surrounding the demise of South Canterbury Finance but I have every confidence that he will be found to have done nothing of criminal intent. To all the bashers (generally those in Auckland) we don't care what you think. Alan Hubbard is a good man and retains "Southern Legend" status!

Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell. Killed in action in Afghanistan August 2010. (link here) Tim was a Patrol Commander working as part of the New Zealand Army contingent when he was killed by a roadside bomb. Sad as it was, Tim loved his chosen profession and was well regarded by his fellow Burnham based Officers and Infantry soldiers. Tim gets "Southern Legend" status for being prepared to do his bit.

John Key. Whether you vote for him or not you do have to be impressed by the energy and relaxed leadership style of Mr Key. The man has continued to pop up at every event around the country and indeed around the world. He comes across as smart, well briefed and is unflappable even under obvious stress. He has led from the front at Pike river, during the Canterbury quake and has done much to keep our trade and commerce rolling and to establish stronger relationships overseas. He comes across as just an everyday Kiwi but of course he's not. John gets "Southern Legend" status for 2010.

Sergeant Tod Hollebon. I gave Sergeant Hollebon a 'Legend of the Month" award back in October for his part in cracking down of the wave of foreign tourists who feel it is their right to crap their way through our country. (Link here). Sergeant Hollebon, currently of the Te Anau Police made headlines when he caught some Spanish tourists in "phantom nard" mode. Instead of prosecuting them they were given the option of spending an afternoon cleaning up the spoils of their efforts (and others). I loved this concept. Thanks Tod. You get a "Southern Legend" award.

Brad kicking heads!

Brad Thorn. How can Brad Thorn not be awarded "Southern Legend" status. As a "mature" player Brad leads from the front. Fit, tough and a hit man he has had an outstanding rugby season. The image of him flattening the England front rower who stomped Richie McCaw was just the icing on the cake. looking forward to seeing you in action at the World Cup Brad! Keep those young lads in line!

CEO: Peter Whittall

Peter Whittall. Peter Whittall impressed us all with his devotion and leadership during the Pike River Mine disaster. He led from the front and remained up front and honest through what was a very tough situation. he kept the families informed and rode the international media firestorm. I am awarding "Southern Legend" status to Peter and the 29 miners who remain at work down that mine. Thanks for inspiring us.

There are others who have come close to making the list but these few have made a mark on our lives and in my world they impressed me.

Good on ya mate. I'll blow the froth off a couple of Speights over the next few days in your honour!

Visiting the Scariest Place on Earth: Riccarton Shopping Mall at Christmas Time

2010-12-20T09:33:00.000+13:00

I'm not sure about you but Christmas shopping scares the average Southern Bloke. I get sweaty palms and a knot in my guts just getting ready to head out! Yesterday we did a family push to Riccarton Mall. It really was a pre curser to the main event. It was just to get me into shopping mode because whilst everyone else in the family has it sorted, I am for the first time getting my head around the annual requirement to do "Christmas shopping".

Riccarton Mall did not fail to deliver. The lines of cars circling the high rise car parks, the teenagers dressed as parking attendants/security who complete with ear pieces were intently focused on texting rather than directing people to vacant parks. Then into the main event.....the travelator that led us into the seething mass of shoppers. Suddenly I was amongst them all and to be fair they were all there. The arguing families, the Merivale crew, the dozens of teenagers milling about, the bored shop assistants, the fat people hoovering everything in the food courts, money machines jammed, lines of people waiting for everything. men looking bewildered and traumatised.

We did brave the supermarket and nail the main food shop which was great.

A frightening place!

Righto Santa: Bring it on Son!

2010-12-20T09:18:00.000+13:00

An Elf decorates the tree!

Its that time of year isn't it. The Christmas tree is set up, lights flickering, the odd present lying dormant at its base. The scone grabbers have been let out of school for the year, unleashed into parental care!

The grocery budget is being carefully managed, mainly because the booze allowance has been doubled and also because there are 500 relatives set to descend on the Christmas table so everyone is getting a bit twitchy about what they will be fed.

Well just relax. I've learnt a few things over the years so can share a few tippity top tips;

There will be more than enough food. Trust me, everyone brings it with them. Of course it is usually the wrong stuff and either can't be incorporated into the feast or is still in the cupboard for next Christmas but here is a fact. No one starved on Christmas day....ever!
Santa will do his bit. It may not be right, he may deliver the wrong parcels, but he always delivers in some format and after a few wines and some awesome cooking no one is too worried. Even the staunchest kids chill out!
Find solace in alcohol. A wise man told me that once when I was having a few stresses in my life and it is true. There is not much a couple of stiff rum and cokes or fine NZ wines can't assist with.
Chocolate helps. It is absolutely normal and acceptable to demo complete packets of Nestle Scorched Almonds in single sittings. Don't feel bad, you only live one and it might as well be a life filled with nice things to eat.
Your family will drive you mad at some stage over the break. People coming and going, the need to communicate. Accept that at some stage you may want to kill someone close to you. This is where the "find solace in alcohol" advice above comes in handy. Embrace the stress, your family and just go with it......it will make you stronger yada yada yada.
It is the time of year to sleep in, get up late, drink and eat too much and to play games with the rug rats. The trick is to not play the games after doing all the eating and drinking. Short bursts combined with periods on the couch. It is a long summer after all!
The logistics of Santa are getting a bit harder to work through. At age 9 they are getting a bit more savvy and smart and asking probing questions. It seems that there are "non believers" in the ranks at school around this age. Resist the temptation to go to the school and round up the said "non believers". Instead keep the explanations simple, consistent and easy to remember (what you have said). "Yes santa will find our new house", "Yes he will wedge down that chimney" (at least it is still up because most Canterbury chimneys got destroyed which will create delays in delivery this year), "Who cares what Jeremy, Lilly, Johnny (insert name of "non believer") may think, Santa is big enough and ugly enough to get it all nailed off and delivered in one night."

So consider all this as the big day approaches and you sit at the kitchen table, coffee in hand and contemplate the fact that eventually you will need to venture into a shop and buy some Christmas presents.

That is another story.

If you liked this "Christmas fable" you will enjoy some reflections from last year;

This was popular and contains some good Santa tips: Santa: One Wrong Move and You Are Toast Son!

Hurry up Santa!

Out Clubbing......Seal Clubbing that is!

2010-12-12T15:59:00.000+13:00

Who felt a bit dumbfounded last week at the hysteria that bounced around the country after media reports of "seal clubbing" (see link) near Kaikoura? Tragic as it is that the odd loser has to entertain themselves by killing protected animals, these clowns generally come unstuck and do a bit of jail time. Its the old story one idiot lets us all down!

But it was big news! Page one news in the Press in fact.....meanwhile on page 9 there was an article about a 69 year old lady who was violated in her own home. It is just so screwed up when violence and senseless acts against people are just everyday news. People were seriously upset by the seal clubbing. Opinion writers a week on still refer to it.

Kiwi legend Austin Hemming. Killed helping someone in trouble.

Auckland legend Austin Hemmings was again in the news. Several years ago Austin stepped in to help a woman being attacked and was himself stabbed to death (read about it here). The killer got 16 years last week (and well deserved too!). Of course we all felt outraged that this could happen in Auckland, but I don't recall the hatred and pure anger against this man that seal clubbing seems to attract! It is a sad indictment on our society is it not?

We need more Austin Hemmings. Bottle him! Blokes who care enough to step in. If more people did it then perhaps the good guys wouldn't get hurt as often. Good on you Austin for stopping and doing something. Sorry you got killed doing it!

Rest in Peace.

Worth a Follow

2010-12-05T17:41:00.000+13:00

For those Southerners who don't get out much and get pissed off when the movie they go to sucks.....try this blog CinemaSharks. Worth a read and follow I'd say.

Delightful tales of Those Who Badly Need it Being Given The Good News

2010-12-03T16:55:00.000+13:00

Just love irony.....need more wellness sticks out there!

I just loved this delightful tale that was told so well by The Sun (Link Here). Entitled "Heroes in Yobs Rout" it tells of two losers who along with their "tough" dog thought they would take it upon themselves to try and bully three blokes in suits. It seems these three gents were no other than two recent recipients of the George Cross (a bravery award one down from the VC) and the Australian recipient of the the Victoria Cross in Afghanistan. All three military types were walking back from a civil reception at Buckingham Palace in suits with medals on. A couple of warnings to "walk away" were ignored by the two clowns who decided to push them and be idiots. So down they went, the dog got a boot, the three military types readjusted their suits and headed on their way.....probably to a pub away from the media! All in a days work thanks.

It is a delightful story. I just love it and to be honest we need more of it! You know the good old fashioned "bad guy gets a good toweling for his troubles" by the "good guy! It reminds me of an incident we had whilst I was an Army Officer. After training with the Australians in Sydney our finest Infantry were enjoying the offerings of central Sydney. One particular group of three Kiwi soldiers were waiting for a train back to the base at Halsworthy. One of the group was a half Chinese/half Samoan man who was a black belt in martial arts. In fact just looking at him you knew he was tough. Short, stocky, fit and suitably tattooed down both arms with oriental artwork. In fact he later left the Army to make martial arts movies....go figure!

So all three are standing there bleary eyed after a few sherbets out on the town. Enter two skin heads who pull a knife on said "asian looking" man. "Give us your money". The ensuing next two minutes involved two onlookers watching as two skinheads were demolished by said martial arts expert. One broken arm and two unconscious attackers later and the New South Wales Police in attendance saw two serial "muggers" jailed for constantly targeting Sydney's Asian tourists. This led to a citation from the New South Wales Police Commissioner for one New Zealand soldier for doing his bit which was duly presented on a parade back in New Zealand.

Now that story is a bit of ANZAC Gold! Delightful huh. Of course it does not always go the way of the hero as Eric Brady can tell you. You may recall this World War 2 vet was set upon in an RSA carpark by a New Zealand low life. I wrote this blog about him some time ago. (Link here).

Enjoy the weekend. I'm heading down south.

Pike River Mine: The best & the Worst in People!

2010-11-25T14:30:00.000+13:00

There wasn't a Southerner (nor a New Zealander for that matter) alive that didn't feel a knot in their gut when news came of the second blast in the Pike River mine yesterday (Link here for the latest update). For those under ground it spelt the end of hope and of course the full range of human emotion played out in our media. Sadness, rage, empathy, careful intrusion into the families lives, expert reflection. It was sad and a real kick for the West Coasters whom, although understand the risks of mining, never expected the scale of such a disaster. 29 blokes is a lot of people for any community to lose. It makes you realise the scale of some of those battles from the various World Wars when entire communities lost the majority of their young men all serving in the same regiments. Bloody horrible!

Of course this was beamed into our living rooms and over the internet. The people stories, the family interviews, the grilling of CEO Peter Wittall, the criticism of the boys in blue, the scrutiny over what should have happened and when. It seems everybody had an opinion and these were conveyed with "expert" status around our shores and beamed across the world. I don't know what happened or why down that mine but I guess most of us understand that miners face risk each day. Like our Defence people overseas, our Police, those working on highways and the many other vocations that are risky. But didn't we see the best and worst throughout this incident?

The worst would have to have been the Australian journalist Ean Higgens who underwhelmed us with his questions of the Police Superintendent (Gary Knowles) in charge of the operation. It was labeled as "disgraceful" by Police Minister Judith Collins (link here). What a gripper! Of course Gary Knowle is not an expert on mine disasters Ean you tool, but who does deal with this stuff every day? Someone has to lead the operation and make bloody tough decisions.

We have seen some pretty average "story making" largely the end result of dozens of journalists all hanging around a small town with the pressure of having to find some news. We have had the soft interviews, the accusations, the safety record rumours, the tears, the onlookers who know more than anyone running the operation. overall it has been balanced and respectful of families wanting privacy.

Without doubt the leaders involved have stepped up. Our Prime Minister has visited and been involved and so supportive, the local Mayor has been quite inspiring in his own way. Hell even big Gerry Brownlee has had some good things to add and has certainly filled the background of most camera shots nodding his big head at all the right times. We are seeing Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and local leaders who now understand that as leaders they need to be there and involved. Refreshing after years of finger pointing!

Peter Whittall: CEO Pike River & Legend!

The stand out for me, without doubt is Pike River CEO Peter Whittall. What a tough job and boy could you feel he carried the responsibility of his guys on his shoulders. The long hours and the need to be so clear and careful in the messages he conveyed. The tough family meetings whilst so obviously emotionally attached himself. I think he did an outstanding job and was a fine example for all CEO's. You can feel his determination to get this right and it is not just for commercial gain. He cares for people!

Of course it is not over yet. The recovery of all 29 men is critical and there will be the endless scrutiny that comes from the inquiries. None of us know what will be discovered nor what the future holds those involved. I just felt compelled to recognise Peter's efforts. He stepped up under fire, remained professional, focused and stuck to his procedures, listened to the best advice and fronted every time it was needed. He was compassionate and knew his stuff. He led from the front!

Thanks Peter. Many of us could learn a lot from you about leadership and accepting responsibility.

Inspiring Stuff.......Get on With it....Own it!

2010-11-20T12:38:00.000+13:00

This is a great little clip and reminds us all that most people who achieve, have a few hills in their paper run at some stage. It is better to stumble and fall, get up dust yourself off and learn from it than to never have a go!

Just "own" your life, set some goals and bloody get on with it!

Where 's Paul Henry Off To?

2010-11-17T12:19:00.000+13:00

People either loved or hated Paul Henry. There was no middle ground and he has left a big gap on Morning Breakfast TV. Will they fill the gap? Well yes they will in time. Was it right for Henry to go now all the dust has settled? In my view there was no choice, he became a liability with two major lapses in judgement, both involving race and both at a time when the Commonwealth Games" PR shambles" was on and things were not going so well for an India.

Sure he was edgy and controversial and had that cringe factor that increases TV ratings and TVNZ rode the highs (See link here). That they then dropped him like a hot potato is just show biz. Yes it lacked loyalty but lets face it is a fickle industry. Let us also remember he did piss off about one third of the worlds population with his comments which state owed TVNZ must have caused some grief. His comments about our NZ born Governor General were pretty untidy but he would have been forgiven. It was the piss take of India's Member of Parliament so close on its heels, the cringe factor and the timing of it all that went down like a cup of cold sick.

That said he will reinvent himself and no doubt pop up in our media in some flavour in the future.

He could always become a share milker down south I suppose!

And who could forget his recent awards speech? (Link here)

Another Blog about Paul Henry: The world is a zoo: Time to drive fast down shingle roads!

Standing Up For What is Right.....Never easy!

2010-11-13T12:49:00.000+13:00

Always a bit intimidating to have a camera in your face!

Well it has been an interesting week! I wrote my blog last week about the "incident" I experienced after taking a couple of photographs of my wee girl playing netball. (Link here: Political Correctness: Good Guys Don't Win). Well this was read and commented on all over the country and indeed in places like the USA, Afghanistan and the UK. As they say "it went viral!" Early in the week I was contacted by the Producer of "Campbell Live" about appearing on the show.

Feedback from my blog online and on Facebook overwhelmingly was one of shock. Shock at our PC society which, on one hand bags fathers (at every opportunity) for not being involved enough in their kids lives, growth, sports and general upbringing, and then on the other hand makes them insecure about what they should or should not do.

Caetana bravely does her bit in front of the camera.

Astonishingly, the issue of parents taking photographs of their kids in public places and being verbally set upon or confronted is common place. Friends and readers relayed similar situations that have either occurred to them or that they have witnessed at sports and school events.

It is not easy thing to put yourself out there so publicly, but there is a time you stand up for what you believe is right. I felt strongly enough to write a blog about it so I reasoned I should be prepared to front the issue in person.

After all this incident had forced us as a family to have to explain the whole situation to Caetana. We'd had to help her understand why it was even an issue that Dad was "told off" by the Police for taking her picture at Netball. She was well aware of "stranger danger" (after Police school programs & Dad's warnings about getting into strangers cars etc) but explaining the issue around men taking kids photos for the wrong reasons is somewhat more complex I can assure you. We had to decide whether we exposed her to the media as well. We took the decision that it would be a lesson for her in standing up for what you believe in and for me this was one the best lessons that my parents taught me about life. Albeit they went about it outside the media!

My Grandmother was a wee sweetheart, yet as tough as woodpecker lips! She was born in the windswept Shetland Islands (Scotland) and lived by the saying "Be strong and of good courage". It is on her headstone and it is something my mother resonates with and in turn I refer to during events in my life. My father always backs his kids in whatever situation "if it is the right thing to do."

But I guess it is one thing talking and writing about it, it is another actually putting yourself out there for national scrutiny (link here for the Campbell Live Interview). What have I learnt from it all;

This is a common occurrence as the large amount of feedback shows,
It is a touchy and emotive subject. The right to be a parent and do parent things clashes with those who feel it is their right to protect their kids no matter what.
I think it is right to find out who is taking photos but a bit of common courtesy should be maintained and less confrontation and less absolute demands and threats of calling in the Police. How about a bit of common sense and less of the "all men have bad intentions".
Most New Zealanders are seemingly unaware about the laws of photography. If you are in public you actually have no rights to privacy. That is how the media works. The test that courts have applied in the few cases coming before them uses the test "would this be deemed appropriate by a reasonable person".
Overwhelmingly the response has been positive and supportive for making a stand for Dad's and parents who are not doing anything wrong.
The Police are the good guys. I'm glad they came, it defused what could have been a nasty situation, it reinforced to my daughter that they will help her if she needs them and they quickly summed up the situation and dealt with it a large helping of common sense.

Of course there are the detractors and those of opposing opinion and I accept there always will be but I'm glad I fronted up and said what needed to be said.

Now I can hopefully get back to being a Dad and teaching, growing and guiding a daughter that I am very proud of and one who will add positively to our community.

She was after all the player of the day........and I missed most of the game!

Political Correctness Gone Mad: Good Guys Don't Win!

2010-11-06T16:14:00.000+13:00

As many parents do on the weekend, I dragged myself out of bed for kids sport and arrived in town for a 9am start at Indoor Netball. Week four of the competition and it is awesome to see the girls improve in skills each week. It is so much more structured than the outdoor Winter code. Its warmer for starters (why in NZ do we play outdoor in Winter and indoor in Summer?) and they have the same referees each week who also teach skills. All good stuff.

Today I thought I'd take my camera and get a few pictures of Caetana in action. I had taken two photos when out of left flank a particularly nasty and assertive woman rapidly approached and virtually yelling, informed me that she was "not comfortable with me taking photos of all the girls playing netball and wanted me to delete them all". Indeed she was adamant that it was "illegal to take pictures of children playing sport without the permission of all parents". It took me off guard to be honest. I informed her that I was taking some "photos of my daughter". I thanked her for her opinion and left it at that. "Weirdo" I thought. It annoyed me to say the least and there was disbelief amongst my fellow attendee parents. Did it end there? Hell no! This was the drama that just kept giving!

Back came the wee ball of anger to issue me a "final warning to delete all my photos or she was calling the Police". I informed her that I'd prefer to deal with the Police. I could see there was no winning this and at least the Police would apply some common sense. I was sure that a father taking some photos of his daughter playing sport was hardly going to be up there in crimes against the state. Surely....? Next it was the Manager of the sports complex who came up to advise that she had fielded a complaint about me taking pictures and that she had to inform me that the rules of the complex were such that no photography was allowed. I advised I was "unaware of that rule" and that "I had stopped taking photos". I also went on to say that it was "f**king ridiculous that such a complaint had been made". She was apologetic and I felt for her obvious discomfort at being hauled into this situation.

(I have since hit their website and looked at all their rules and whilst there are rules about racist comments, swearing and what shoes you can wear, I could find no mention of a photography ban! I have e-mailed a question to them seeking clarification on this policy.)

The game finished (although funnily enough I missed a big chunk of it dealing with all the drama). There were a whole lot of people I didn't know looking at me as though I had tried to kidnap someone. My wee girl got player of the day for an outstanding game and after an upbeat team talk we gathered our things and went to leave.

I was lucky enough to have this angry woman follow me, sniping at me all the way about how I had broken the law and that the Police were on their way. It was my "arrogance" and "failure to do as I was asked" that had left her no option but to call in the Sweeny, evidently! She followed me to the car and stood behind it making a huge scene as she loudly took down my registration. As I backed out she refused to move letting the world know that I was going to run her over. At this point Caetana was getting upset and I was really beginning to get annoyed. I was thankful that at that moment the Police did show up! Two of her Majesty's finest. Getting out of the car one of them (having been immediately and duly informed of my crime), asked me what the story was.

Explaining that I took two photos of my daughter playing netball, he asked to see my photos. Showing him the two digital images, he duly showed the woman who announced that she was not happy with the one photo that showed the back of the head of one of her team. The officer, bemused by it all just wanted me to crop it! I just deleted them, all too hard. The officer said to "just avoid her". The other officer advised that I "needed some air in my back tyre!" That summed it up really.

As I left the car park and the gathered crowd listening to my new found "concerned citizen" apologising loudly to the Police for "having to waste tax payers money, but better safe than sorry, never can be too careful these days" I felt like I had done something bad!

Is this right? Is it really illegal to take photos of your kids playing sport without getting every parents permission? Is it right as a father that you can be made to feel like a criminal just because someone has either had a bad life experience, is paranoid or just a weirdo? Would she have felt "uncomfortable" if it was a woman taking the pictures? I was made to feel "uncomfortable" but I didn't have to have a Police patrol show up to deal with it? Is it legal for someone to stand behind your car and prevent you from leaving a car park?

Interestingly enough (after a google search) in New Zealand, there is no strict guarantee of privacy, particularly when it comes to photography. Instead, restrictions on photography come into play when it may be construed as “offensive” to a reasonable person. How offensive is defined as been a point of argument amongst the courts. I wonder how this woman would react if her child was photographed at say the Santa parade and made it onto the front page. She would flip out!

No, the whole thing was bloody ridiculous, I missed the game and it made me angry all morning! I was made out to be some sort of bad parent for an everyday act because an unreasonable person felt "uncomfortable". The world has indeed gone mad!

Sorry but I have no photo to accompany this blog funnily enough. LOL! Thanks too to those Policemen for quickly summing up the situation for what it was!

I hope I never see her again and wish her all the best in her future endeavours!

Southern Legend of the Month: Police Sergeant Tod Hollebon

2010-10-24T12:34:00.000+13:00

You often come across delightful stories of everyday Southerners doing great, if not hard case things. The news story from Te Anau about Police Sergeant Tod Hollebon who nabbed some smelly Spaniards who had crapped in one of our National Park areas. This story has been reported all around the world and is reported here in Australia. (Link here) . I tried to find a picture of the man because he is the type of bloke you'd like to put a face to! I did find he transfered from Stewart Island to Te Anau a few years ago on promotion so he will have a huge dose of Southern common sense. Stewart Island News (link here: Page 5).

As the senior Police Officer in the area he gets quoted a lot in news articles as he comes across accidents, rescues, search and rescues and now he is on the front line of defecating tourists. I read with a knot in my gets a few months ago about this huge plague of narding tourists. They free camp in our lovely South Island and assume the package also includes the green light to dump where ever they see fit.

Enter Sergeant Tod Hollebon who is probably forever dealing with muppet tourists. Ranging from those who skip off on walks into the Alps without warm clothes sparking full scale searches, to those who feel the Police are the first point of contact to ask directions and enter into long tie wasting conversations. Now this is all speculation on my behalf but I would venture that finally nailing a group of these "Foreign Nard Bombers" would have been a gift to the man. Bingo!

The option of cleaning up what they and others have contributed to our nation is pure "win-win" magic. You avoid a conviction and your holiday from being trashed by a court appearance, I keep our courts clear for the bigger fish that need frying and we get this shit cleaned up! This is pure gold and I'm not the only one who agrees given the overseas media coverage.

Call me old fashioned but it is not actually on to visit another country and crap where ever you feel like it. Like most Kiwi's I have backpacked all over Europe and don't recall just downloading in public places, on roads or in National parks. They just expect you to use the toilets provided and to pay as you do so.

Good on you Sergeant Hollebon. You get my vote for Southerner of the Month.

Now about those "pay to use toilets"..........

Been Overseas Lately?.......Jamming It in Auckland

2010-10-23T17:28:00.000+13:00

Most Months my work takes me to Auckland. I mean for most Southerners it is like an overseas trip isn't it? Every time I get back home I lament just how lucky we are to have traffic that moves and plenty of space. Driving the worlds smallest Avis rental car (some sort of Toyota insult!) Auckland to Hamilton anytime mid afternoon is just madness as you approach the central city. Inching forward and no margin of error should you find yourself in the wrong lane which does seem to occur! But try to get from the central city to the airport at 3pm on a Labour weekend (public holiday) to catch a flight. It is a complete zoo. I mean the motorway is a carpark!

I know I was carving it fine cutting away from a meeting at 3pm for a 4.45pm flight but to find the rental car battery flat was just the opening salvo of the challenge ahead. Enter a wee bloke from Sky City car parking (saviour) with a battery jump start kit! Of course it took time to sign the 3 page disclaimer to say if he blew the guts out of the battery he was in no way to be in the gun. I had to translate to him why I was in a hurry, which whilst it sped him up a bit, did not instill the sense of urgency I knew was required as each valuable minute ticked by.

I could hear the motorway clogging (like a vegetarians artery) and grinding to a standstill. I then tore out of the park and drove an inch at a time down the southern motorway and through Newmarket. Hot day, time poor, manual rental car, pricks who just cut in front of you. Chaos......I mean we have had some 5 minute delays around Christchurch with this earthquake closing lanes (as buildings collapse on the road.....the norm in Christchurch now days) but you just forget how the majority of our population have to slum it in Auckland. Whole lifetimes worked around traffic peak times!

Despite being late for the check in cut off, I was thankful of the "Jetstar factor" and true to form I found I had 30 or so minutes up my sleeve. It was the computer system this time (thats new). Completely down just as peak Labour Holiday passengers showed for their flights. No staff member had time to announce WTF was going on as 500 people tried to guess what was to happen. Whenever I'm booked on Jetstar I bank on having about an extra hour up my sleeve and to their credit they have always been reliable.

The $10 I paid for a Speights and snack on the flight south was inhaled as I unwound ready for the long weekend. Sadly one which saw Canterbury lose to Waikato rugby!

On a positive note there were no quakes up north.

Its good to be back down south!

The World is a Zoo: Time to Drive fast down shingle roads!

2010-10-15T14:24:00.000+13:00

It has been a weird couple of weeks really. We have had the earthquake and and the ongoing fascination in the media with "what's happening next in the Canterbury war zone?" being the focus, there has been a sort of lame local body election. It just came and went and there were no surprises here in the south.

Then in amongst it we have had the strange Commonwealth Games in India with all sorts of drama and accusations. I mean it has gone pretty well, especially given all the bleating before hand. Nobody blew up or was shot and besides the blistering heat knocking a few of the champs about, it has gone without a hitch. The New Zealand team was not laid out with a fast sweeping bout of cholera or anything as dramatic as predicted!

Then we have had Paul Henry not only piss off most New Zealanders but all of India as well. Hmm thats about one third of the worlds population.....not bad going Paul!! I miss Paul Henry already. His initial barrage about our Governor General was very borderline but then the name comments about one of India's senior cabinet ministers left TVNZ with no option but to free up his future. A mix of dumbass and bad timing. It will ironically more than likely increase his income as he reinvents himself, changing from "arrogant edgy presenter/shock jock/twat" to "arrogant gobshite commentator/critic/ twat".

Add Member of Parliament Chris Carter and his somewhat amateur little sideshow (I mean WTF?) into the mix along with a lazy old GST rise (as a national boot in the wallet), the earthquake, the ongoing boring recession and 60 odd miners trapped underground and it has been a complete zoo out there.

To be honest it has been hard work just watching and sniping from the sideline! There is nothing for it but to kick back, fire the BBQ up and blow the froth off a few ales. It is after all cracking weather out there and it is the start of the BBQ and Harley riding season. Better still it is the time of year to roar down shingle roads with the windows down!

Let the world be a zoo on its own and thank god I live down south!

I'll have one for ya!

School Holiday Mania: The Quarterly Zoo Factor!

2010-10-01T11:19:00.000+13:00

Seems to me school holidays are a mixed bag. On one hand kids back flip out of school announcing to all an sundry that they are on holiday and that they will not be completing chores for two weeks. In fact the school holidays seem to be the ticket to ignore parental instructions for the entire holiday period.

Parents initially are stoked to have the wee munchkins home before the reality of it all sinks in. In our household both of us work so the holidays (which seem to be long & come around every month or so) are a time of extra planning and organisation. We are lucky to have a good network of friends in similar situations so we work in to share the fun!

We are also very lucky to have my Mum who lives down south on a farm which offers 1100 acres of space that our wee girl can get stuck into. In the May holidays Caetana did not want to go to the farm. A five week stay over the summer holidays had seemingly "burnt her out". This concerned us because as an only child it is good to giver her a dose of "Granny" and all the wisdom, expectations and values that an older generation can add to the upbringing of a child.

It also makes my heart sing to be able to give Caetana all the experiences I had as a child growing up on a farm. Things like hard work moving and working with stock and daily chores like feeding dogs and chooks. This all comes with the fun of motor bikes, tractors, riding bikes, playing in sheds and using all the toys I had as a kid. Then there are lambs to bottle feed, calves, puppies, Great Uncles and Aunts to visit, the kids next door (who are the children of mates I grew up with doing all the same things). It is such an awesome experience for her that you could not buy. It is part of who she is!

So we were a bit concerned in May when there was a general mutiny and a refusal to stay away from us. It was a fear that was thankfully short lived. Three weeks out from the holidays I announced to Caetana that she was heading south for a week in the holidays. She had expressed a desire to learn to play tennis so the second week we had carefully arranged (and paid for) a week of tennis lessons at the local club which she could attend with other kids and her wee friend Sarah. Expecting an outcry she announced she was chuffed. In fact evidently she had been looking forward to staying at the farm for months?????!!!! W.T.F?

So south she went! Two minutes into it she announced she wanted to stay the whole two weeks and in fact has been very miffed that she now has tennis lessons to attend. Go figure? Where are the instruction manuals for kids? I know I never read them normally but if she had one I would!! Suffice to say she has had a great time.

Gotta love her........and my Mum for being a part of the whole zoo!

The Lone Ranger: Images from the South that Inspire Southerners

2010-09-28T11:56:00.000+13:00

Giving it full noise down shingle roads. One of lifes simple pleasures....like swearing!

The view from home. Redcliffs, Christchurch (on a good day!)

Same view. Dawn just after "stand to".

Hunting in the Hunter Hills, South Canterbury....gold!

Mans best work friend! Always on the job ready to go 24/7.

Scone grabbers running like the wind in the school cross country.

Awarded "Most outstanding in his field". The prize: hypothermia!

Mt Cook, South Canterbury. The high country.

Flying Foxes....Gold when you find them now days!

Bonfires....awesome.....beer, talking rot, friends!

The Lone Ranger......munching grass!

Church of Good Shepherd, Tekapo........all shepherds I have met are good blokes!

Mobs of sheep.....ties in with shepherds.

Kaikoura beach.....wild!

Horse team saddles in the saddlery at the farm! 4 generations of family history.

Bit of a shake.....not too much damage....whiskey cabinet is intact!

Hagley Blossoms......touchy feely!

Couple of cracks! Where are those roading blokes!

A Blog Award From the "Ranters Box"

2010-09-27T08:47:00.000+13:00

I was pretty wrapped to get a blog award presented from "The Ranters Box" based out of the USA. Thanks very muchly! Really appreciated.

The Southern Blast goes far and wide whenever there is a post and it never ceases to amaze me where comments and feedback comes in from.

Awesome.

Southern Pride: What Bloody Earthquake.....?

2010-09-11T11:41:00.000+12:00

Its been a crazy old week. Surreal to be more exact! I mean a lot has changed in a week in our beloved province of Canterbury hasn't it? Good and bad of course. One of the best things is that it has made the place friendlier, people are nicer and more approachable. I think we all know just how close things got to being a total disaster!

A week ago you wouldn't;

Be able to see uninhabited and deserted buildings awaiting demolition on most street corners.
Sit in your office at your computer drinking a coffee as earthquake after earthquake roll through and not be particularly concerned.
Go to bed at night thinking about whether a big one will hit.
Have you daughter camped on a mattress in your bedroom.
Have cordons in the inner city manned by both police and Army personnel.
Be so thankful your house and family all survived.
Have thought our Mayor or our Prime Minister & the Government would respond as quickly or as efficiently. I think their leadership has been great.
Have been so impressed with the way the people of Canterbury calmly adjusted and just go on with it.
Have been thankful for all that red tape and our building code.
Have been go grateful for power, water and a sewerage connection.
Have had such pride in the "Southern sense of community".

So I guess a bit has changed around here. It might have saved us from having Jim Anderton as Mayor too but only time will tell. I mean everyone seems to love Bob Parker now he stepped up and took control of the city. Alan Hubbard will be thankful of the respite from the media now the spotlight has been focused further north on the earthquake.

An All Black win tonight will help bring world back onto the right axis. Come on boys lets hammer those Aussies!

Southern Grit: We nailed 7.1 and we know we can survive!

2010-09-05T10:59:00.000+12:00

It has been a week of challenge when I reflect back on it. I had to see a specialist on Wednesday to have a check up (......like a camera put into my bladder!) and was cleared of any problems. The problem was likely to have been the big "C", rust or whatever you want to term it. Yes it did make my eyes water and yes it was a pretty sobering experience which I took some time to reflect upon and be thankful for my life, family, awesome job and great friends.

Then early on Saturday morning the whole region was in harms way. Not just a one off random act (like the tragic death we saw of the elderly couple killed by a loser running from the Police) but one that involved every Cantabrian, South Islander and New Zealander in some form. Regardless of school attended (Canterbury thing), education, income, vocation or where we live, at 4.26am Saturday morning we all had a life changing experience.

For me it was my wife waking me with a shout (just as the roar of the earthquake hit) that saw us get out of bed and make a run for our wee girl who sleeps downstairs. We were thrown around the room and down the stairs, from side to side in the loudest roar whilst the whole house literally shook and moved violently. Hitting the ground floor there was "stuff" flying everywhere as benches cleared, pictures smashed down off walls and things not tied down were flung around. Getting to Caetana's bedroom was a mission and she leapt onto me as we took shelter under a door. It was nearly a full and terrifying minute before things stopped and we were rocked by ongoing movements.

My initial fear was of tidal wave (Mental note: that living next to the sea is becoming a real pain in the ass). Gathering thoughts we were quickly into clothes and joined half the neighborhood on the street. Alarms going off and people starting to leave in their cars. We were all alive and no buildings down! I wondered immediately how Wellington had feared because as a city (and our capital) it is particularly vulnerable. We did not lose power, phones or water (yet) so we had light and could gather the things we needed. Torch (nowhere to be found) & radio. There seemed to be no threat of the big wave so we settled upstairs and waited for dawn listening to the radio. We were able to check in on family and whilst cell coverage was overloaded, text did make it through.

We have been rocked by dozens of aftershocks (one as I type this) registering over 5 since the big one and there is a wide realisation just how lucky we have been. Lucky that Christchurch does not have lots of high rise buildings, lucky that it was at night thus avoiding mass casualties & the confusion of split families and getting home. We are lucky our building code has held us in good stead with most buildings staying remarkably intact. We are lucky the City, Civil Defence and Government have been able to and indeed have responded so quickly.

I took some pictures (link to NZ Herald pics here) around the place as I was out and about yesterday and it is impossible not to be in awe of the power of nature. Roads, bridges, buildings just shunted and munted. Cracks, the ground lifting things buckling......no way of avoiding the effects when it hits like that!

Overall it has been a big week and one we will all learn a lot from. I'm glad Dad is coming over for lunch and that we are all still in one but!

I am also proud of the way our Southern City responded. Calm and responsive with a genuine sense of community. It will take more than 7.1 to nail Canterbury......not so keen to try 8 just yet!

Click here for a You Tube Video of damage.

Mr Hubbard is faced with a "Self Licking Ice Cream"!

2010-08-29T14:05:00.000+12:00

I personally thought it was quite refreshing to see Alan Hubbard tell the TV news crew to "Bugger off and leave me alone" last Friday. It echoed what of those who know and support Mr Hubbard have been thinking. Today we read of the issues facing South Canterbury Finance and there is no real surprise here. The Government now seems likely to have to step in and offer some sort of rescue package (link here) or pay out under their "Guarantee scheme".

You really do have to question just how much of this issue has been caused by the SFO placing Mr Hubbard and his other companies into statutory management? It was always going to be a hard slog for South Canterbury Finance to attract cash investors in the current economic climate but once the SFO was involved with Mr Hubbard's business concerns elsewhere, it virtually guaranteed a tenuous future for South Canterbury Finance. The fact that this company is not related to the SFO investigation was largely irrelevant. In the South Island and wider New Zealand, South Canterbury Finance and Mr Hubbard go pretty much hand in hand. It is his involvement in the company and stewardship that has built it to the giant that it is. Despite the media going to some pains to point out that the two matters are not related, this has largely been lost in the translation.

Right now we have Mr Hubbard honoring the SFO plea to keep details out of the media whilst their drip fed information and (without doubt) PR spin is justifying the need for the investigation in the first place. In the middle of all this we have the investors who are now wondering who and what to believe and many are financially hurting. We also have Mr Hubbard who without a doubt will be feeling a lot of pressure to look after those who put their trust in him. His hands are tied in a situation he can not win or influence.

The way this whole process has been handled has been pretty average. Ironically the SFO has stepped in to prevent a "possible" situation that could have investors losing a lot of money and this very action has contributed and continues to contribute to making that situation a very real possibility across a wider front. It is in effect a "self licking ice cream"!

Without doubt there are interesting times ahead and I know many would like to see Mr Hubbard come out and clear the air on a few things. This needs to be a two sided conversation and at the moment we are getting only part of the picture.

Hang in there Mr Hubbard, stay strong and keep fighting the good fight.

Enjoy this blog? Check out some of my others;

Come out swinging Mr Hubbard you will clear your name!

Alan Hubbard: Legends don't deserve this bollocks!

Parent Teacher Interviews. Things just arn't as simple as they used to be!

Pedros Spanish Restaurant: My Favourite Spot!

2010-08-29T11:32:00.000+12:00

Pedros restaurant in Christchurch is my favorite place to eat and has been for many years. It has a enduring menu and consistently good food, wine and service.

The thing I admire about the place is the fact that it is a family run business. Pedro knows his regular diners personally and takes the time to walk around and make conversation with each table.

The leg of lamb is by far their most popular dish (so much so that you have to order when you make a reservation) and just how they make it is a well kept secret. I have asked Pedro for the secret and tried many times to replicate it at home. So whislt my roast lamb is pretty sharp (if can say so myself) I do know that Pedro slow roasts his shoulders a number of times and that i have some way to go in matching it!

Book well in advance and enjoy Pedro's hospitality.