Simply satisfied

What it means to be a New Zealander

annamargaretta — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:56:00 GMT

What it means to be a New Zealander

I can only speak from my own experience, as a seventh generation New Zealander, growing up in Southland -- at the bottom of the South Island.

As a child growing up in New Zealand, I learnt the value of being a true-blue kiwi. To be a true-blue kiwi means to be industrious, innovative, hard working, connected with the land and one's roots, friendly and most importantly to be humble.

I couldn't mention being a kiwi without making reference to where the term 'kiwi' comes from. A kiwi is a large and flightless bird native to New Zealand. It wanders without flight amongst the forest floor during the evening hours. Kiwis are shy and usually nocturnal, and rely heavily on smell to forage food rather than with eyesight - thus being the only bird with nostrils at the end of their beak. They are a monogamous bird, preferring to mate with one partner throughout the course of their life. When it comes to the size of their egg, in proportion with their body, kiwis are the world's best at laying more than they are capable of. They truly are unique. They are protected by Tane Mahuta, the great Maori god of the forest. If you are so lucky as to meet a kiwi in the wild, relish the experience whole-heartedly!

Like our namesake, the kiwi people share similar traits with this unique and wonderful bird. We tend to 'bite off more than we can chew', taking on and enduring tasks that are seemingly impossible to most -- all with an undeterred determination. Humble and subtle, you must take the time to appreciate great work, to see the great work, that takes place in New Zealand.

"Make hay while the sun shines"

"What goes around comes around"

"Love thy neighbour"

"The strong man is not he who speaks the loudest"

"Keep it simple stupid"

I spent a large portion of my childhood growing up with my Grandparents in the country experiencing a very old fashioned way of life. Every morning begun with the sunrise and every day finished with the frog's song. My Grandad would be out cutting the thistles with a scythe, putting together old mechanical cogs for a tractor, or inventing a piece of machinery to cut firewood. His favourite time of day was the evening, when he would be greeted to a locally brewed cold beer and a hearty dinner cooked on the coal range. My Grandmother would spend her days spinning wool, making soaps, knitting, baking or tending to the garden. It was all very simple, yet hard work.

When not in the country, I was with my father going for Sunday drives to local beaches or forests and learning about the local history of the area. I'd learn about the Taniwha (Maori mythology) who lurked in the dark spaces below the trees; or accounts about the sealers who braved the unforgiving Antarctic conditions along the South Coast to make themselves a better future. Every trip was a history lesson, or at the very least, a colourful story about the old heritage buildings that litter the back roads. Another common activity during these weekend drives, was to spend hours collecting shells and rocks from 'Cosy Knook' - thus learning from a young age to appreciate nature and the subtleties found when looking at something, seemingly the same as all the other somethings, only to discover that each something held its own unique beauty. My father also taught me that everything has more than one purpose, and what is one man's junk is another man's treasure. There was no such thing as waste -- just an imagination not bold enough to create its new use. My mother was closely bonded with my Grandparent's and extended relatives, and as a child I would listen to all the stories of the relatives and generations once living in the Southland region. She too -- like my Grandparents and my father -- was industrious and hardworking. She sewed all our clothes, knitted our jerseys, and ensured culture played a tune in our lives. Time spent together involved honest food and sing along around the piano.

The local neighbourhood was full of adventure waiting to be shared with the other local children. With space always being in abundance, our next challenge was always just a daydream away. Every neighbourhood was safe, quiet and full of life to be discovered. Long bike rides along a local river, or tree huts in a paddock, were always marked with long and creative conversations that sustained our enquiring young minds. We always had nature nearby to answer and entertain the never ending questions found in our youthful minds. Every family showed their own touch of hospitality and cared for another's child like they would their own.

Now, as a young adult in New Zealand, to be a New Zealander means to give back to the next generation. I feel an engrained sense of obligation to maintain and sustain the ways of the old - as these are the ways that will allow for a safe, prosperous and exciting future for the next. As a New Zealander: I speak through my actions not through my words; I work towards the future with respect for the past; and I understand intuitively that our environment plays as much part in being a New Zealander as the people do.

We do not care for the fancy: we care for the value, the ethic and for doing things properly -- whilst never standing on top of another. It isn't about speed: it is about care and quality. To be simply satisfied, industrious and always open to offering a helping hand to someone in need, is to be a New Zealander. We love to express ourselves in a practical, resourceful and creative way. This is what it means to be a New Zealander -- to me anyway.

Best and worst of New Zealand

annamargaretta — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:46:00 GMT

BEST:

Niche-scale produce: Micro-brewed beer, local wine, textiles and honey

We have the landscape, the craft and the love for making quality. Drawing upon our grass roots' culture, we as New Zealanders, love to make stuff - and we have a beautiful country full of rich sustainable resources to do so. Usually starting in a garage, or a hobby farm, or from one's bedroom, many New Zealanders have put their practical understanding of craft to use to express their unique and quirky spin on life. We have absolutely amazing boutique micro-brewed beers in an abundance. A well deserved beer after a hard day's work is a must do in New Zealand, especially given the climate somedays. Whatever the flavour, the history, the story, the type of beer you're looking for, we have it - and best of all, it is brewed out of love. Check out some of the wonderful beers on offer in the link included below. The best thing about drinking beer in New Zealand, is the view! Our wine is just as amazing and unique. The soils here are rich in minerals from our mountainous valleys and once again, the love of the craft, especially when told it can't be done, really tops off our wines on offer.

Being a farming nation with a quirky twist, we have fantastic textiles on offer. The cold winters have offered us the opportunity to appreciate the value of a warm piece of clothing, without sparing a thought for comfort and style. We have merino wool from the angora goats that roam the mountainous ranges, alpaca fibers, sheep's wool and even possum fur - which doubles as natural pest eradication for our native birds.

I couldn't mention New Zealand products without mentioning the beautiful and diverse honey in New Zealand. Our lush and unspoiled native forests provide a perfect place for foraging bees to gather their succulent nectar. We have manuka, rata, clover and wild thyme honeys to name a few.

If you ever come to New Zealand, it is a must that you enjoy a hard day traveling experiencing the rawness of our land, whilst wearing garments that keep you warm and comfortable and in tune with your tastes, followed with a nice cool beer or local wine. Buy some honey, or even better, visit a local apiary and experience the joy of a beehive (trust me, it is incredible so don't freak out, instead enjoy the sounds of bees buzzing around your head - and wear a bee suit!) and enjoy the most purest taste of nature.

- Beer

http://www.beerfestival.co.nz/drink

http://brewersguild.org.nz/

http://www.realbeer.co.nz/

- Wine

http://www.nzwine.com/

http://www.peregrinewines.co.nz/

http://twopaddocks.com/

- Textiles

http://www.nzmerino.co.nz/

http://www.textilesnz.org.nz/sitedocs/home/index.aspx

http://www.possumnz.com/

http://www.alpaca.org.nz/

- Honey

http://www.newzealandhoneyco.com/

- good video on here showing places where honey is gathered.

http://www.honeynz.co.nz/

http://www.airborne.co.nz/index.shtml

Landscape, diversity and abundance of space

The New Zealand landscape is diverse! Mountains; valleys; hills; fields; cities built in the hills or on the flats; beaches and rocky coasts; native forests; and botanic gardens -you name it and we have it. The best thing about the landscape and beauty of our natural environment is the abundance of space, or lack of people. We have 268,021 km²to roam around in, with only a population of roughly 4.5 million people. Enjoy such a rarity while it lasts. I have lost count of how many travelers I have met (having worked in tourism in Milford Sound) that fall in love with New Zealand and want to make this place their home because of this rare blend of nature, people and abundance. It really is a place where you can make your dreams happen, regardless of what your dreams may be.

Music for every occasion

The music in New Zealand is as beautiful as the sound of the native birds that sing their chorus fresh from the forest every morning. Whatever the occasion, we have music custom-made to suit your flavour or mood. When in New Zealand, you should really listen to New Zealand music, as it will compliment the area or culture that you are experiencing. Whether it be soulful and rich vocals; uplifting drum beats; a story of the nation's heritage; the sound of the nature translated by someone who knows our nature; or something that just sits in the background as a subtle mood to enjoy - we have it all. Below I have added some links to some of my personal Kiwi favorites, I am absolutely sure I have missed at least a hundred great kiwi musicians in that lineup, but please, make that your mission here to find some more great kiwi music to enjoy whilst here. Go to a festival or a local music gig and you will have your socks blown off! May you enjoy the sweet sounds of New Zealand, the birds and the people sharing their love for this land.

- New Zealand Musicians

http://www.fatfreddysdrop.com/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGfsf-d1aDc

http://www.theblackseeds.com/hifi.html : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDyUcmoIkl0

http://www.shapeshifter.co.nz/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHnMcRUQP7U

http://trinityroots.co.nz/ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Hr6fl7zoI

http://www.myspace.com/fmpretties : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcbjVOyJQSs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvrK0qj_P84

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fUcHhrpgyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9gKyRmic20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pWejAnLUQ

- New Zealand Festivals

http://www.rippon.co.nz/events/rippon_music_festival

http://rhythmandvines.co.nz/

http://www.ladeda.co.nz/

http://www.splore.net/

http://www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/events/luminate-festival

http://www.prana.co.nz/Festivals/festivals.htm

WORST:

Internet

One of the downsides to having a small population is the lack of competitive business (this may be a place you could help us!?). This subject will be the core of both my worst traits about New Zealand.

Our internet prices are somewhat discouraging, compared to the amount of bandwidth we receive, and comparatively to what our neighbours receive for the same price. We really need more competition in this area of business. Unfortunately, expect to be charged a relatively higher price for internet than you would in your own country. We need a stronger voice and better vision in this key area of infrastructure - maybe that is you?!

Public transport and domestic flights

Another key area lacking in New Zealand is, unfortunately, our lack of competitive public transport and options. Domestic flights can be ridiculously expensive, unless you get on www.grabaseat.co.nz and get a good one-off deal. I would recommend getting a rental while you are here -- not only will you see the country at your own pace, you will also get free accommodation if it is a rental van, and you will get to stop at all the little towns on the way. Walking, if you are staying in an urban area, is great, as most areas are in close proximity within these areas. If you are looking at traveling longer distances though, I really recommend private rentals as the way to go.

Transport options

www.grabaseat.co.nz

www.houseoftravel.co.nz

http://www.wicked-campers.co.nz/

http://www.escaperentals.co.nz/

Photos: Aotearoa

annamargaretta — Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Some sights from the land of the long white cloud

Do's and Don'ts in New Zealand

annamargaretta — Tue, 9 Aug 2011 10:22:00 GMT

To do or not to do, now that is the question.

For those, throughout the many generations, who have made this young country their home, to do was the answer.

New Zealand is a country that prides itself on doing, as our heritage is intricately tied up in a philosophy of being industrious, innovative, courageous, simple and hardy. Whether of Maori, European, Chinese or other decent, our ancestors arrived in New Zealand through an endurance of long and hard sailings from across the seas in search of a better future and in act by 'doing'. This premise for arrival in New Zealand has shaped the do's and don't's of our culture.

The do's:

1. Become an explorer - go tramping!

Tramp through remote bush, for no other reason than to feel alive, to embrace the harsh and unpredictable elements, and to feel a sense of accomplishment - all whilst carrying your life in your backpack for those remote days. Pushing the boundaries of one's physical & mental self is a must do in New Zealand and there is no better way to do it than to tramp through our many national parks. Roughing it in a DOC or backcountry hut, with very limited facilities, really does connect you with the ways of the old settlers in New Zealand. The birdsong, the smell of the damp and prehistoric forest, the gushing fresh water rivers, the feeling of the crisp air, whilst reaching points of untouched views, will really make you feel like you were born an explorer. And if hardened tramping isn't quite your thing, then you could opt out for a guided tramp with the variety of commercial companies offering these services, along some of the 'Great Walks'. Guided tramps will helicopter your bags to the serviced huts, where you arrive to the luxury of showers, cooked meals and comfortable rest.

http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/

http://www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/

http://tramper.co.nz/

http://www.explore-new-zealand.com/index.html

2) Visit one of our diverse beaches and enjoy some delicious kaimoana (seafood)

Make the trip to one of our many diverse beaches. There is something for everyone on the beach. Beaches along the south coasts of both the north and south islands, will usually reveal rocks rugged and raw and trees bent by the southerly winds that blast through the country. The west coast, particularly along the south island, is unpredictable and fierce and full of native bush and birdsong. The north coast along the south island is a picturesque landscape of golden sands and untouched sounds; and along the north island, Cape Reinga will offer you an opportunity to experience maori mythology, where they believe the spirits jump from the headland to return to the underworld by climbing the roots of the 800 year old tree to make their way home to their homeland of Hawaiiki-a-nui. The east coast along the south island runs alongside the southern alp mountain ranges and one can sight whales, seals and or penguins along this route, as well as more rugged coastlines; and along the east coast of the north island, particularly the northern part of the island, one can enjoy warmer climates before venturing to the Coromandel, where sun, peace and relaxation are bountiful around these stunning beaches. I couldn't mention New Zealand beaches without mentioning the delectable and succulent abundance of fresh seafood or kaimoana, which you can readily pick up from a local seafood store or the local fish and chip shop. Chip sandwiches with Watties tomato sauce make the perfect accompaniment to our seafood and are a must for an authentic kiwi trip to the beach.

http://www.newzealandbeaches.co.nz/

3. Get amongst the kiwi culture and go camping!

Check out a local camping ground or one of the many freedom camping sites. New Zealand is blessed with safe and enjoyable camping grounds, surrounded by beautiful scenery and usually a trusty watering hole (both the swimming and drinking kind). What ever your stage in life, be it as a young or old family, an adventurous young traveller, or a pondering anthropologist - a camping ground will give you what you're looking for and it is an excellent way to experience kiwi hospitality and culture. No other way will give you such an honest and unique insight into the kiwi summer holiday - all whilst feeling blissfully contented in simplicity, the kind you'll spend years dreaming about whilst stuck in the hustle bustle back home.

http://www.camping.org.nz/

http://www.tourism.net.nz/accommodation/campsites-and-holiday-parks/

The do not's:

1. Avoid a bad attitude to the weather... there is more to life than sun and predictability!

We are a country of four seasons in one day - and that is iconic to our beauty as a country. Make the most of this unpredictable element in New Zealand.

Go crazy in the wind!

Get saturated in the rain!

Feel strong in the cold!

Get baked in the sun!

Who needs to spend money on manufactured sensationalism when you can experience it for free - in true natural and thrilling style. Consider it an opportunity to push your comfort barriers and you'll always have a story to tell: "I remember this time in New Zealand, when we were sunbathing and it started hailing..."

Be prepared for all the elements, especially if you are going into a remote natural area - but most importantly be prepared with that good attitude. As my Dad always said: " there is no such thing as bad weather, just a bad attitude and bad gear"

http://www.explore-new-zealand.com/new-zealand-outdoor-safety-code.html

2. Beware of expectations

Everywhere is different in its own unique way and if you're looking for something you already know about, then you'll miss all the things you're yet to find out... The New Zealand landscape is dramatic but the people are subtle.

3. Forget the rush, slow down

If you rush around you'll miss the subtleties found in the small towns, the quirky graffiti, the moss growing underneath the trees - you'll essentially miss the point. We're a slow nation, and that is how we like it, and that is our charm.