A blogging manifesto
Thanks to Gary over at Noticebored for a reference and link to this straight and humorous set of guidelines about blogging.
Particularly #3
Be honest and tell it straight. Talk about new ideas and revive some old ones. Don’t be afraid to challenge the “experts,” and certainly not the anonymous ones.
Blog Roundup 9th August 2009
This New Zealand life asks the question:
Comment: If NZ only commits to a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide while Britain pays for 34%, why should UK consumers purchase NZ goods and support an economy subsidised by inaction?
Climate change is a frequent visitor in the letters page of the Dom Post with opinions unsurprisingly polarised. TNZL summarises the problem with emission reduction really well, and there are also some really good comments. (including some from Hubby that I dont quite understadn – but that’s what you get for marrying a cleverclogs). I personally think its important from a migration point of view to realise that “100% Pure” is a marketing slogan, and often bears little relation to the reality of life in New Zealand.
The Dawes Family have written a heartrending post about the hardship of dealing with relaitives going home after a visit. I personally feel blessed that I was able to bring my family out with me – even though it has been a struggle. I would not have made a success of this move if I had to deal with the pain of constantly saying goodbye to them. Hankies may be required.
Domestic Executive has a post about muffins. Ok – I know it’s not about the perils of immigration – but what the hell – it’s muffins. I can feel the sugar rush from here. She also talks about a trip to the beach, as we are having the most glorious sunny weather here right now and winter has hidden from us for a few days. Anyway – pictures of beaches always cheer me up!
Again – not exactly anything to do with immigration, but I was sent a link though LinkedIn to a blog post at Ask Kalena about good and bad customer service in new Zealand. The win goes to BestBlooms and Hornby Florist in Christchurch. We have had some shocking service lately, specifically from the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington, and due to a similar arrogant attitude to that shown by the loser in this article, Issac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, they have lost an awful lot of money that we will no longer be spending with them.
And for sheer unadulterated silliness – have a look over at Moon Over Martinborough and learn the perils of getting sheep in your fields. It had me rolling with laughter.
Like what Avalon has to say?
Click Here to buy Avalon's Guide or Click Here to buy the E-Book
Weekend Blog roundup 19th July
One of the joys of living in New Zealand is the wine. This New Zealand Life comments on how much cheaper it is to buy the stuff here. Along with their Flat White Index – I think they now have the necessities covered.
They have also posted a rather funny tale of trying to use the train service to get to the Wairarapa and back. While it does raise some serious issues about how the public transport system here can be just as lousy as anything British Rail can throw at you – I couldn’t help but laugh. And it reminds me that I should blog about the disaster that is the Overland journey from Wellington to Auckland. Not New Zealand’s finest showcase.
The Dawes Family are talking about the arrival of Grandma with the requisite suitcase of goodies from the UK. It is just a fact of life for many of us that we do like our little treats from back home now and then (often at a much cheaper price). They then went to Stonestead for a cream tea. I’ve passed the sign on the way home (Its just on the Wellington side of the hill), but I’ve never gone there. The photo of the scone has persuaded me to take a detour one day.
Domestic executive is planting an orchard – which looks like a lot of hard work to me – unless you are the Basset hounds sitting in the sun. I think they have the right idea! As my dad has already started planning our veggie garden and orchard there could at some point be a little of bit of outdoor work for me to do.
Like what Avalon has to say?
Click Here to buy Avalon's Guide or Click Here to buy the E-Book
Weekend Blog and Forum Roundup July 4th
Glasgow Gal on Move2NZ tells the rather depressing tale of having to go back to the UK because of a work visa and having a job that dried up. The most important things in this forum post is that
a/ Work Visas are causing untold agony for many migrants, and
b/ NZIS staff gave these people incorrect information which means that they became overstayers. I look forward to the day that NZIS staff are finally held accountable for the number of times they stuff up and don’t do their jobs properly.
The Brunts Big Move explains Fluffies – the New Zealand phenomenon that basically makes you want to be 3 yrs old.
This New Zealand Life posted a bloody good blog about how migrants are ready to deal with Earthquakes. Its something you just have to get used to here, particularly if you come to the Wellington Area to live. We were fairly lucky in that when we arrived there were an awful lot of little quakes as it was just after the Boxing Day Tsunami. “Lucky” because it meant we rapidly got used to the sensation of being stuck in a building that shook!
Chez Lee held a Star Wars party for her Daughter which has left me (as a total Fan-girl and geek) a bit jealous.
Update
Glasgow Gal’s Story is reported in The Press: Immigration Nightmare. The NZIS spokesperson says bugger-all about the cock up – which is business as usual really.
[Edited 21/12/2009 - removed broken link to The Press Immigration Nightmare story]
Like what Avalon has to say?
Click Here to buy Avalon's Guide or Click Here to buy the E-Book
Weekend Blog Roundup 28th June
On the money and budgeting front – there is an interesting blog at Money and Markets
Readers of the blog have sent in stories, anecdotes and thoughts on money managements, and it has been compiled into a list of 5 rules. The first rule is Start Budgeting – so I’m happily on board with this.
Domestic Executive has an amazing photo show of the tickertape stock quotes on the NZX building in Wellington. and also reveals that at some point they managed to bring their UK£ over for more than $3 to the pound. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it!
If you want to see some photos of Wellington’s stunning coast – you will find that at Chez Lee.
And if you are thinking of getting a lifestyle block and growing Olives – you might want to take a look at Moon Over Martinborough. These guys are in our neck of the woods – but are a whole lot less lazy than I am and have a large area of land for Olives. And can tell you what to do with them. Not that I like Olives – but hey – they are enjoying their lives – and that is what matters. They also take really nice photos !
And just to prove that I am not the only complete skeptic when it comes to Swine Flu – This New Zealand life comments on the stupidity of thinking that a msak can save you.
“Those same nano-sized viruses that are to the weave in his face mask like marbles to a football net.”
On the forum front – someone has posted on UK2NZ asking for people living in the UK but considering emigrating if they would take part in a survey.
[Edited 22/12/2009 - removed broken link to UK2NZ emigration survey]
Like what Avalon has to say?
Click Here to buy Avalon's Guide or Click Here to buy the E-Book
Weekend Blog Roundup June 20th
Now I’ve spent some time getting used to this blogging lark, and got to know some of the other really good blogs out there – I’m going to start a weekend roundup of the best posts from the week. I’ll also link to some of the interesting forum topics that are going.
So – here is the first ever Avalon’s Guide Weekend Blog Roundup!
This New Zealand Life ran a somewhat depressing post about the state of New Zealand Driving, and how motorists drove past a woman who had crashed her car and needed help. To be honest – the state of New Zealand driving probably constitutes it’s very own blog!
They also have a weird and wacky (I love it) post about Alien Bombs Splatting on Wellington pavements (honestly – it kinda makes sense when you read it).
Operation Kiwi has an interesting blog looking at the problem (or not) of what do do when you move to a new country and are not going to be continuing your previous career. This was something I came across – I used to be a pharmacist. It often amazes me just how much my life has changed since then.
Chez Lee (they have been in New Zealand a lot longer than us) posted some truly stunning photos of Wellington in the winter. And also a lovely blog about all the things they are grateful for. Turns out that their daughter loves Star Wars more than Barbie! Couldn’t agree more!
The British Expats forum has a useful thread on proving your relationship – started by a young couple. As usual with NZIS – somepeople have no problems with this bit – and other people who have been married for year and have teenage kids get put the ringer!
Like what Avalon has to say?
Click Here to buy Avalon's Guide or Click Here to buy the E-Book
