Two Americans emigrate to New Zealand from Colorado,
USA.
We talk about
our life in Nelson, New Zealand.
September 2006 | Blog home | November 2006
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As we watch over here in New Zealand about the violence in schools—even Amish schools—going on in the States, it’s all the “water cooler” talk in my office. Terrible. Tragic. Our nightly news shows American reports on the situation and details the grizzly horror of these violent school killings.
While we kiwis watch from afar in amazement, there seems to be a growing problem ignored in our own country. And I have to say, it’s not due to the lack of awareness on MY part, people.
Yesterday’s Nelson Mail featured a national news story headlined “Violence Fuels Crime Increase.” Here’s an excerpt (cropped):
Two Christchurch men are recovering from vicious, unprovoked assaults as police figures show violence in New Zealand is increasing at an alarming rate.
A 10 per cent increase in the amount of violent crime helped drive up the overall crime rate almost 7 per cent last year.
Police are downplaying the significance of the increase, saying it reflects increased public confidence in reporting crime and changes to the way data is collected.
However, they acknowledge violence is a growing problem in New Zealand and say alcohol and drugs are fuelling the jump.
The amount of reported violent in crime in Canterbury [Christchurch area] increased almost 10 per cent last year, although overall the district's crime rate fell 3.4 per cent. Violent and sex crimes in Canterbury increased 9.3 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively, and murders up 33 per cent.
Police Minister Annette King said increasing violence was an international problem. "There is an increase of violence in the community, not just in New Zealand but internationally," she said. "But our streets are relatively safe compared to other places in the world." King said excessive drinking and drug-taking were linked to most violent attacks.
This was an issue that needed to be addressed not only by police, but by community agencies and the public. A 17 per cent increase in reports of domestic violence had contributed in part to the overall rise in violence.
So what happened to one of the Christchurch men in the story’s lead?
One of the men was hit over the back of the head with a weightlifting bar by a group of youths outside his Linwood home. He suffered a suspected fractured skull, requiring 15 stitches, in the attack, during which he approached the youths, who were smashing bottles outside his house about 1am on Sunday.
YOUTHS!! BE BANISHED, YE AND YOUR DAMN GLASS.
Don and I were aware before we came, and we are more aware now, that we didn’t move to a paradise. It’s not perfect here, this society definitely has it’s issues. My opinion to date: this is the most important one.
BTW, Livvy says to tell Porter, “Hey, go shove off, loser.” That’s a quote. But tell Porter mom and dad miss him heaps.
End of our block as we headed out on our bikes - Centre of NZ is the hill on the right. It's spring and things are starting to bloom.
Isel House - we rode our bikes out here for the Isel in Bloom festival. About 10kms from our place. Food, music, arts and crafts, etc. Mainly for the very young or very old.
Girls practicing their dancing, they went on in front of a 100+ person crowd right after this. Notice the pink Crocs on one of them - she took them off when she got on stage.
Some of the musical entertainment - group of about 15 bagpipers (young and old). All decked out with the little plaid dresses as well - yes, I know they are kilts.
My lunch - for some reason they serve hot dogs and brautwurst on white bread (buttered first of course). Either way, it was pretty damn good and for $1.50 the cheapest meal I've had here in some time.
We rode our mountain bikes about 8 miles out to The Glen (small community of about 100 houses). This is the last subdivision before the highway heads inland. There is a nice hike over those hills (Cable Bay walkway) but it can't be accessed until the lambing season is over. A couple we met a week ago lives out here.
View from the rocky beach at The Glen.
We drove out to Farewell Spit and Golden Bay. Walked along the beach while the tide was out. Farewell Spit is a nature reserve and one of three areas in NZ to be designated a Wetland of International Importance. You are allowed to walk the spit for 2.5kms, after that you have to take a tour. I've read there are some 100 different species of birds out here. I counted 4 but we only walked for about 45 minutes. We also didn't hit Fossil Point - baby seals are rumored to hang out here. Next time.
Tata beach - another beach we've scouted out. Looks like it will be another good swimming beach come this summer. Plus several good hikes in the area.
Pupu springs. Actually Te Waikoropupu. This is a Maori taonga (treasure) and a waahi tapu (sacred place). Some of the clearest water in the world.
Ahhhhh!!! Nature break for me. Not really, Angela just took this as I tested the water but it looks like I am relieving myself, doesn't it?
Loved these photos. What a wondeful place to explore and so close by. You are living in paradise, and you know it.
Love, Mom & Dad
It all looks very beautiful - until I got to the bratwurst with KETCHUP on it. Other than that, it really is a beautiful country!
Mom and Richie (who doesn't agree with me on the ketchup comment!!)
Shout out to Rich Frey, Don's former workmate ... guess that the Chipotle in the Flatiron Crossing Mall closed up shop!! One guess why. (Do do do do, do do do, do do do do, DO do do do do do. Do do do do, do do do. Do do do do do . Do. Do. BONG bong) <<--Jeopardy theme. Might have missed a do. Anyhoo, as Rich said, because WE LEFT and sent the place to the poor house!! LOLOLOLOL
Rich properly corrected the record, I guess the Chipotle is just remodeling. WHO CARES, it's a good story the way it is, so only those who read the comments will know the truth.
Angela commenting
I have yet to confirm the renovation story. Will try to find out for sure to set the record straight.
Rich Frey
**The famous Nelson Arts Festival starts this weekend (another web site yours truly is responsible for, since the NAF is sponsored by the Nelson City Council). We love browsing the web site too, especially because we won't be able to go to many of the 10-day long festivities since they are so freaking expensive!! The feature item, however, is a sculpture of a flaccid penis. I've put up some of the photos of the work in progress, but I have to admit, I just don't see it.
**Last week at the market we bought some organic, free range eggs. Ate 'em right up, I was craving them. Next thing you know, I've got me an alergic reaction to one of mother earth's freshest of foods. My body's probably been so poisoned with GE stuff and manipulated food products that I can't even eat the fresh stuff without suffering the consequences.
**We are hoping to host our very first visitor in the next few days! One of the women who volunteered with Sense of Security emailed me on about October 5 and said "I'll be leaving for Auckland on 10/10, what should I do during my 2 week jaunt through New Zealand?" And just like that, she's on the plane and landed today and will be heading for the South Island. I hope she'll have time to make a stop in Nelson, I highly recommended it. See you soon, Sara!
**We have been suffering--and I mean this--through a week of the most blustery of winds I can recall. Isn't that one of the reasons I left Colorado??? Here I am right back in the wind. Well, they are either s'owesters or n'orwesters, whatever the weather lady calls them and they are pissing me off. You can't wear a skirt (found out the hard way), you can't bike down the road without falling over, and you can't leave the house if the washing is up because that darned winde blows it all down and then it's dirty again. It's been a smashing Friday! BRING ON THE WINE!
The cruise ship "The World" is in town for a few days. Very interesting concept. You purchase an apartment ($1.3MM to $6.3MM) and sail around the world stopping at various ports (this year the Pacific, next year Europe). I recommend checking out the website for all the information. I guess Nelson has been working for the last few years to get them to come here. The only thing beyond $ preventing me from participating is it is still just a big cruise ship - not very fun. What a coincidence that they stopped here during the Arts Festival. :)
Here's a picture of Tahuna beach - another one of our bike rides. We strolled the beach and tested the water yesterday on the way to pick up a lawn mower. Nice that you can just stop off at the beach on your way somewhere.
Start of the Arts Festival with downtown blocked off for a street party. This is one of seven bands that were going to be playing.
Arrr, matey. Avast, ya scurvy knave! Brave be ye, for certain, but arrr ye willin' ta die fer that booty?"
Nothing better than a Ferris Wheel attached to a large truck - mobile and safe (i'm guessing).
Reminiscent of a creature from a Mos Eisley bar on Tatooine (if this doesn't make sense, watch Star Wars). Anyway, she was having fun dancing to the music and trying to stay vertical with all the wind.
Last night we hosted our first visitor from our former home in Colorado. My friend Sara Shainholtz arrived in New Zealand for a two week holiday only a few days ago and stayed with us on Sunday night. We took her for some fish and chips, sat on Tahunanui beach and went for a beer in the town centre. It was so nice to see a familiar face, even if for just one night. We're both mildly bummed today to see her go since she was a bit of home and brought that comfortable, familiar feeling. BUT, she is off for an amazing adventure to Abel Tasman and down to Queenstown, hopefully for the same kayaking adventure we went on in Doubtful Sound. She's gotten an earful from us about what to do and see and was absolutely giddy yesterday when she arrived after a day swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura. What an amazing thing, catching up with people you know half way round the world.
Thanks so much for having me Angela and Don! I had an amazing trip and fell slightly sulken to be home.
I ran up to the Centre of NZ the day I left you guys - great views! I hit the Kaharhengi and Neudorf vineyards on my way to Abel Tasman. Sea kayaking Abel Tasman was gorgeous and the weather just right. . . we ate green-lipped mussels on the beach and "sailed" the sea kayaks home. I met a couple from Colorado and we had a great Thai dinner at Choc Dee in Motueka.
The drive down the west coast was surreal! Stayed in Hokitika for a night (loved being on the beach but poured rain that day). I drove to Franz Joseph glacier the next day and hiked up to the base of the glacier in the wind and rain . . . stayed the night in the Ivory Towers Hostel (not bad) in Fox Glacier and had some great seafood chowder at The Plateau Cafe/Bar. I love vacation! In Fox the next day I hiked around Lake Matheson and drove to Gillespie beach - gorgeous!!! I drove to Wanaka and hit the town with some fellow travellers that night. Off to Queenstown the next day for some good shopping for icebreaker (got the 200 AND a 320 in the airport - I'm hooked!)and met up with some old raft guiding friends. My buddy hooked me up with a discount on the bus/boat ride to Milford sound - couldn't ask for a sunnier day. I didn't have time to see Doubtful sound unfortunately. I went rafting on the Shotover and jumped off the crazy Canyon Swing in Queenstown - terrifying and exhilerating!!! Hung out in Queenstown for a couple days and then drove to hike up to Mt Cook and enjoy Lake Takepo - again feeling very fortunate for bluebird days. I dropped off the rental car in Christchurch and flew to Auckland early the next day. Then to Fiji for 3 days! It was nice and relaxing but a touch lonely w/o a partner to share it with.
All in all a great adventure. Thanks so much for being a part of it and showing me your new home!!! Keep me updated while I search for a way to live down there!
Neither Don nor I have had a real job interview until today. We’ve been only to temp agencies and they do a simple, cursory review of your resume and then test your computer skills.
Today I had my first interview for a website coordinator position at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. It’s a great degree-awarding school on the South Island, 100 years old. Someone at my current job referred me to the advertisement. I decided to apply to see what would happen. I figure I’m so experienced doing websites now, with all of 2 months under my belt at the Nelson City Council, that I’d be a shoo in :). I considered it a real achievement to get the interview call earlier this week.
To be honest, I don’t think I want the job anyway. I really like my current job and the people I work with and the possibilities, so I’ve decided to wait it out at NCC because they will advertise for the job I now have closer to the end of the year, and they’ve already made overtures to me. It’s going to be only half-time, but it will pay well and I will have the chance to get another PT job and do different types of work, that sounds neat. There’s no guarantee, so I’m definitely gambling.
Debate raged in the house about what to wear for this “first” of New Zealand events: Don’s recommendation, given his current job of interviewing job applicants, of typical NZ black for every work occasion (BORING) or Angela’s preference of color and vibrancy. We both figured that if I don’t really want the job, I can wear whatever I want. But black won out as I am too darned practical and responsible.
Today, as luck would have it, Don and I were part of a clandestine operation to learn more about the interview. Don went into the office around 1pm and learned right away that his boss’ husband was interviewing right then for the same job. We knew he had applied. Then shortly before 2pm, husband walks into the office to talk with wife. He starts talking about the job, all the questions, what they are looking for, etc. DING DING! Don IMs me, I take notes, blah blah blah, I know what to expect and prepare for my own appointment. Soooo sneaky!
He also learned what the boss’ husband wore: khakis and a shirt. So I scrapped the super-ultra deluxe black suit and went slightly less casual (but no less fashionable). Don’s boss also said what I’ve heard: once you make the cut for an interview, they’ve determined you are qualified. Now the interview is just about fit, will you fit in with them.
I had two interviewers and they were dressed way down, is that just a Nelson thing? Nothing earth-shatteringly different from the US, same types of questions, same BS. Bottom line: a bunch of information in a short interview made me realize it ain't the job for me. It wasn't a good fit at all. Besides, we do it way better at the City Council and I am so glad I work there. I look forward to applying for my job. I think job interviews are the same everywhere!
Many months ago, I think last winter, I was sitting alone on a late Saturday night after watching a movie, and I turned on HBO. I started watching an episode of One Night Stand, a comedy series and within 2 minutes I was laughing so hysterically, Don came back downstairs from his busy work on the computer to see whatever was causing the hysteria.
"Flight of the Conchords" is their name: a comedy musical duo from New Zealand. We felt a small kinship with these two guys because we were in the process of moving to New Zealand at the time, but more than anything they were hysterical. Now they have signed a deal with HBO to produce their own show and we just finished watching a NZ documentary about their March (?) trip to Austin, TX to play in a big music festival earlier this year. Their success has started a good deal of talk here in the country, a couple of kiwi boys making it big in America.
They are too funny, you have to listen to their most famous song, a quicktime link is below (give it a second to open, don't just close the window). Their website is www.conchords.co.nz and their stalker-esque groupie fan site is www.whatthefolk.net. Soon these guys will be all over HBO and, even though we only discovered them this year, we knew them before they were huge. Take a listen: "Business Time"
We're socked in with rain. Today is our third day. Poor Kiwis: this weekend is a national holiday, Labour Day, and they had today (Monday) off, but the rain started first thing Saturday morning after a gorgeous Friday and hasn't stopped. Lucky for our neighbourhood we all have those tiled roofs, so you hear the rain right when it starts all the way up to when it turns to drizzle. And then it starts again.
This is the view out our side window looking toward the Centre of New Zealand from where you've seen gorgeous photos of Nelson. We hiked up there some weeks ago, it's a great spot.
Because I had that job interview on Friday, we moved to Saturday our plans to drive out to the Marlborough Sound, visit that serene part of the country, and do a little hiking and exploring. We got as far as Okiwi Bay (about 1.5 hours drive) and stopped at the bay, and decided that those clouds were coming right at us. Best to cut the trip here and head back. That was two days ago now, we are glummy gusses.
So no cool pictures to share ... other than we finally got a lawn mower--a push mower to cut all 20 metres of grass--and Don was able to cut the grass on Thursday, it was soooo long and the weeds were clearly standing taller and taking over. Our neighbours had stopped speaking to us. This is the side yard, I took the top two photos out the window you see there.
This is the front yard, before cutting. I did manage to plant 3 herb pots last weekend.
Hi, Hope the rain has stopped by this time. We're expecting another snowstorm today sometime, Wed., Oct. 24th. So what else is new for Colorado?
Love, Mom & Dad
Read Part 2 of 2 of the Healthcare post
One of the questions we got from nearly everyone in the US before we left was about healthcare: what kind of insurance, how is the healthcare system, etc. We looked into this before we decided to apply, it’s a socialized system like Canada where everyone gets basic health coverage for free. There are waiting lists for surgeries, and there is a private health insurance industry whereby people who own private policies can get care much faster through private hospitals. That’s pretty much what we knew.
Upon our arrival and landing in Nelson, the immigration service sent us a bunch more information.
Most maternity services
Treatment in a public hospital
Flu vaccines for those over 65 and some others with chronic illnesses.
Fees are set on a commercial basis just as any other service or trade:
Kids under 6, to visit the GP, the government subsidizes $35 of the fee (most of the time, for kids, this ends up meaning the visit is free)
Kids over 6 pay $15 less than the adult rate.
Adults, fees vary but range around $50 or so. Don’s paid $53 to see his doctor.
If you are given a prescription, you will have to pay for it. Most drugs are subsidized, so you pay a charge for the prescription irrespective of the actual cost of the drug charged by the manufacturer. Some drugs are not subsidized and can be expensive. If you are prescribed a non-subsidized drug, you have to pay the extra costs.
Subsidized drugs cost
Adults: $15 max for each item
Kids under 6: free
Kids over 6: $10 max for each item
Community Services Card (low-wage earner): $3 max
Public hospitals are free
Private hospitals – you will pay the full cost, unless you are covered by a medical insurance. You may need to be approved by the insurance company prior to treatment.
I received news the other day of a colleague and acquaintance passing away from breast cancer. Her name was Karen Hornbostel and she was an amazing person with an incredible spirit. This photo was taken for a 2001 USA Today article featuring Karen and her remedy for dealing with cancer treatment:
"Originally diagnosed in August 1993, Hornbostel went through a mastectomy and chemotherapy at age 40 and had recurrences in 1997 and '98. More symptoms prompted her to go back on chemo last April. 'It's a low dose, and I seem to be responding well," she says. 'I may be in some kind of treatment on and off for the rest of my life, but as long as I can stay strong, then hopefully I can keep cruising till I'm 90."
Karen was in cancer treatment since then, pretty regularly. Not one to let life pass by, she also founded and worked through the rest of her life for Summit Cancer Exercise Program, a six-month program for cancer survivors to help them regain their strength and boost their physical well-being. We were often co-grantees at foundation events around Denver. Sometimes she'd come to those grant award ceremonies with pink hair, other times blue and spiked. She never stopped living, no matter what. And in these past years, even though the ravages of cancer were quite apparent, Karen was always the liveliest person in the room.
Karen and her passing remind me why I decided to make this move to New Zealand. LIVE YOUR LIFE, life every day fully, live how you want to live, take risks and reap rewards. You never know until you try. Life should be full of risk. Don't let days and days pass you by before you know where the time has gone. Live every day as if it were your last.
Enough platitudes for you? They are platitudes for a reason, the are true, true, true. Bye, Karen, I'm glad I knew you.
Hey,
Back from Karen's memorial service. Amazing woman, she. In addition to everything else Karen did, I learned she was a capable potter, too. She really did live life, enjoy life and laugh at, with and through all sorts of adversity. This was one she couldn't whip. When Karen received the Lance Armstrong Faoundation Carpe Diem Survivorship Award in 2003, the last thing she said in speech was "Live until you can't anymore." That's exactly what she did. It's just what you're talking about Angela - and it's something I need constant reminding of.
Vicki
This is a beautiful tribute, Angela.
Joe & Deanna
I second that. Live every day. Even I forget that too often. Carpe diem and such. Karen truly did Livestrong.
Wendy
I didn't think I'd have an update on the job interview from more than a week ago. But, go figure, Nelson is a small, small town and the talent pool is not what it was in Denver.
For a recap, see the First Job Interview post where Don and I learned that I was competing for a job with his boss' husband, oy! Well, turns out hubby really was interested in the job after interview #1, and I was totally turned off. It was, with no emphasis added, one of the worst job interviews I've been in on both sides. I wouldn't have hired me! My lack of interest must have bled through.
But lo and behold, last Friday I get a voicemail message midday--they want a SECOND interview!! What? You have to be kidding. Something must have happened, I think candidate choice #1 fell through and it was down to the rest of the pickings. I emailed Don, he found out boss' hubby also was called back for a second interview.
Well, like the kind-hearted woman I am, I returned the message and politely withdrew my name from consideration. I mean, 99.9% CMS? Whatever. Anyway, I like to think I am doing all I can to help Don's job aspirations with his boss because she is dying for her husband to get a job (and make some money??) and with me out of the picture, hubby's chances just got a whole lot better.
