l GAMES TOWNS PROFILED l EDEN PARK HISTORY l ZORBING IS A SPORT? l WATCH THESE GUYS.....

4 DANGEROUS RWC PLAYERS WHO MAKE OR BREAK A GAME l GOING FISHING IN AUCKLAND l WELCOMING THE FRENCH TO KAIAUA l THE 2011 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WEATHER REPORT

.....with 4 World Cups behind them - the last one they won (way back in the last Century!) was at home. Is this the real deal time for delivery? or will there be mass suicides in NZ come October?

Its May 2011, and on paper the All Blacks are at least starters to get to the final. Although the same condition applies to USA. And Russia. And Georgia. Its that time of the season (every four years) for New Zealanders to look the other way, shuffle their feet in the dirt and talk about World politics. Aunty Helens bad case of back pains. Her toenail ailments. And the weather. Ummmm, and if itll rain tomorrow. Anything! anything......but just dont talk about that game in October. B-a-a-a-a-a-d juju man. Dont wanna talk about it. Interesting thing is though, on record, stacking up against all other sports played in the World, soccer, baseball, golf, whatever - you name it, this team over the last fifty years has one of the most successful winning records for any team, in any sport in the world. They have established a statistical record that makes them the winningest national team with a winning percentage in all their international matches of 74%. The next best percentage among major rugby nations is South Africas, at 63%, with the French, English and the Australians coming next at 55%, 53% and 52% Aunty Helen?....yeah, yeah, shes getting better....just have to wait and see, yknow, one game, err, I mean one day at a time - she has to weigh up her running plan at every turn,..... yknow play it as it comes.......future looks promising.......doesnt want to get too ahead of herself. Sounds like someone else we know.
Dean Tane Farbridge - Sydney

 ...so youre thinking about coming downunder to see us eh!

Kia Ora (greetings)....kapai (great!) to hear..... youre very, very welcome - weve got your welcome mat out at the airport, and theres a cuppa brewing at our place - some rewana breads (Maori style bread) - and a big kai (food) on the table. We think you traveller fallas need some Kiwi TLC and well make sure you get a whole heap of that when youre at our place. The whanau (extended family) are here to make your stay a top one. Were proud of this priviledge to present these 45 days of World Rugby to you....well try our best to make it an awesome experience for everybody eh!....... and well make sure we have the very, very best professional helpers to make it an enjoyable stay for you. We will. Just for you fallas. It is a pleasure to serve you, our rugby whanau from other countries during this time....make sure you come over for that cuppa and a kai to meet some of the other coussies, eh!

AFTER ALL THAT HARD WORK.....

Cheering on your team. Drinking 22 shots of wodka in 18 minutes with the boys from the Zakurdistan team, and beating them in the hot dog eating comp. Lining up behind 18 people to go to the loo....only to find that they were an Australian mens marching team dressed in drag - going to the mens.....were you really t-h-a-t drunk? Giving the ref the fingers, 11 times before half time in one game! Then losing your hotel on the third night. And the sixth. Sitting up at night watching all of the games replayed on TV,.....after doing all of that, you must be absolutely stuffed! You need a rest. Time for a well-earned holiday. In the best hot springs pool in New Zealand.

uckla A of t theas u o s s nute i m 6o

nd .

......ka kite ano - your Kiwi Coussies and Whanau

Games Towns.....48 local-local questions answered about the towns where the games are played. Important stuff, like, wheres the pub? ALL of the most relevant info YOU need before you go. 36 pages of it.

Things To Do when youre NOT watchi ng the footy....

theres a heap of things to do when youre out and about.....so take a gander at maybe 5 of them and just go for it. You wont get bored in this place cause one of the national pastimes is a daredevil sport in the main

....Sept/Oct weather....you
get a long range September/October 2011 weather report straight from our Weatherman. A genuine 2011 report from the powers in charge of the New Zealand skys. Even gives comparisons to 20 years before......so play it safe.

How much will I spend a day in New Zealand?....

something youll have to seriously look at. Breakfast....lunch....motel...rental car.... dinner....wifes hair dresser. On a v-e-r-y average daily basis. A roughy reckoner here in 2010. We asked an Aucklander how much?

part of town, bungee jumping.

Accomodation, how YOU can save $000s....dont

leave it too late!! we list hundreds of houses (some very. very upmarket) for the RWC traveller. NZ has hundreds of beach houses and many of them are near where the games are played.......save yourself thousands of accomodation dollars. Stay on the beach - or in an orchard, or a true Kiwi farm. There are many options still open today, with contact phone numbers and emails. 400 pages of bed & breakfast homes you can download FREE!.

Publisher & Editor

T Wally Royal Sydney, Australia

Editorial/Research

Vincent King The Gong, Australia

NZ Research

Damian Corless & Ana Hakiwai, Auckland

Z-z-z-zorbing!...New Zealanders
have this knack of finding the craziest of pastimes that nobody else would dream of, then turn it into an adrenalin rush! this one is for those who want to die laughing. In stinky town, Rotorua. Make out your will! and die laughing.

International Research

Liv Eikenaes Oslo, Norway

Fishing.....shows you how to get

onboard Auckland and Coromandel Charter boats who will even bait your line for you. Rave reviews.

Maddy Rae Andrews Cam Tauaiti Taylor Keri Dean Tane Paki Tewhaino Brad Savage Tama Koretake Paullette Muller
Research Writers

Published by Royal & Associates, Sydney email: royalassociates777@gmail.com

........general news about New Zealand & RWC

QUESTIONS 45 DAY CALENDAR

CROUCH...TOUCH....PAUSE

7-25 19 27

An Aucklander answers curly questions about NZ A daily look at whats happening

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WEATHER........

78-79 ...the citys best eateries and walking tracks WARNING 80 David Pocock - Wallaby
WELLINGTON WINING & WALKING THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING 10 BEST RUGBY YOUTUBES #1 MUST SEE THIS WAIHEKE ISLAND

YOUR TEAM 29-30 Where? When? Whore they playing? GAMES TOWNS & CITIES 31 A snapshot of what the towns are like LIVING COSTS PER DAY 32 What YOU will spend each day - close guess UN-BLOODY-BELIEVABLE

Genuine long range weather guesstimate

28

As of March 2010 its true

81-82

....ten live rugby videos - repeats of history

84-85 86

Te Anau. Natural beauty makes a grown man cry

LOO WITH A VIEW

The luxury part of Aucklands accomodation

87-92

WARNING

BEST BEER IN THE WORLD WHO WILL FLY YOU THERE

33 Kurtley Beale - Wallaby

The company who tried to steal the word rugby

32

THE most famous public loo in the World

ONLY IN NEW ZEALAND KIWI RUGBY IN NEW YORK RAGLAN

93-95 96

A look at the s-t-r-a-n-g-e things Kiwis do! A Kiwi coaching rugby in Long Island
KINGSLAND RUGBY CLUB WARNING

97-98

Monteiths - rated Worlds #1 beer in June 2010

34-36

SBW - IS HE THE JONAH OF 2011? 38 BIG hands, BIG job KAIKOURA WHALE WATCH 39 HAVE YOU MET JESUS?

Airlines that fly to NZ and cheap www fares

37

For the surfer - best darn left hand break in S Pacific History of Eden Park as a home ground Chris Paterson - Scotland Local boy beats the World from his backyard
Z-Z-Z-Z-ZORBING FISHING WARNING AHEAD OF THE PACK

99-101

102-106 107

Watching South Islands BIG fish

108-109 110-112 113-118 120

TV THAT WILL KEEP YOU AWAKE!

....some Springboks have - some of the ABs too International TV Program for 2011 RWC

39

40-41

...out of control while rolling downhiil

WARNING 42 Dylan Hartley - England TRINITY HILL - BEST WINE

.....catching fish while youre in Auckland Todd Clever - USA

YIKES! A KIWI THAT FLEW

The worlds leading wine magazine said it

THE DAZZLING AUSSIE FULLBACK AUCKLAND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

43-44

....shes won the 7s World Cup and tells about it

THINGS PRICING IN NZ

45 46

Was he the first man to fly? did he beat the Wrights?

121-122 123

A new way of bike - from NZ. Electric.

EXPERIENCING THE MAORI WARNING

They moved from London to a safe-beach suburb

ARGENTINA PRISON RUGBY

When you run out of stuff.....emmachizzit Their lives are being turned around by rugby
BLOWING NZS TRUMPET NZ PM WILL MEET YOU AT THE AIRPORT

47-48 49

Maori hospitality customs Shane Williams - Wales

NZ VILLAGE TURNING FRENCH

124-126 127

He did! he said it. Email him and hell answer you! International Media says5 Zs sophisticated
LAND

50

SOUTH ISLAND TROUT FISHING CONVERSATION STARTERS SHOWTIME!

Kaiaua village people welcome the French tourists

128-136 137-139

52-54

.....guides help you catch monstrous rainbow trout

GOLFING IN AUCK55 ....for the wives whod rather hit the ball than kick it KAPITI ISLAND 56-57 Where you can sleep with the Kiwi Birds FINN BOYS 58-59

Kiwi stuff to talk about A pictorial look at party-party

THE TOWNS.....
144- 147 148-192

140-143

Real local-local facts about the games towns:

ROTORUA - WHANGAREI

NEW PLYMOUTH - NELSON - INVERCARGILL - NAPIER - DUNEDIN

....Greg Muller - one of the Worlds best Famous Wellington grass roots rugby club
WARNING WAINUIOMATA RUGBY CLUB

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE COACH

Small country town boys win the World with songs

59

- WELLINGTON - HAMILTON - NORTH SHORE - AUCKLAND - PALMERSTON NORTH

60-61 62

ACCOMODATION.........

Jaque Fourie - Bok UMOYA 63-64 Luxury accom on a mountaintop in south Auckland
COUCH. TOUCH. PAWS. ENGAGE! THE SAFEST PLACE TO LIVE HOW TO REALLY CATCH A FISH BEST OF THE BEST OF NZ

YOU can save $000s of on your accomodation and maybe live on the beach for a couple of weeks.
RUGBY BLAH!

193-216

Mills & Boon shows how to love a hooker in the scrum New Zealand is rated TWICE in 2 years

65

Hotch Potch random rugby info over 10 years

217-229

65

...he jumps out of helicopters and rides em!

66-67

NZs best list of 2009

68-69 70 71-72 73

LIVING ON PARADISE ISLAND AUCKLAND - PARTY TOWN

.....a Welsh lady talks of living there Voted best in the S Pacific

THERES A TEENSY PROBLEM

SPEAKN NZILLUN 74 ....Kiwi talk AUCKLAND ACCOMODATION

....RWC accommodation is a bit sparse

WHAT DID THEY SAY? 77 Its called tongue tied

....a small sample of whats available

76

DISCLAIMER: While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this publication, neither the Authors nor the Publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. The Purchaser or Reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, federal, state, and local, governing professional licensing, business practices, advertising, and all other aspects of doing business Internationally or any other jurisdiction is the sole responsibility of the Purchaser or Reader. The Authors and Publisher assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any Purchaser or Reader of these materials. Any perceived slights of specific people or organizations are wholly unintentional.

(Tells you what to expect when you get there in 2011)

Mr McCaw, by common consent is possibly the best No.7 since Michael Jones and Josh Kronfeld hung up their AB boots. Good enough, even, to dismiss the myriad of bleaters who suggest he bends the rules to snapping point at the ruck. If McCaw cheated half as much as his critics claimed, hed have a rain forests worth of splinters in his bum and, from time hed be in the sin bin. A recent comment on McCaws style at the breakdown, Bob Dwyer (past Australian Coach) noted that once deciding to relinquish his position as the worlds best rugby player, Richie could make a fortune as the worlds best con-man. Bob says his talent is, really freakin good. McCaws list of achievements was chronicled again with another goal for 2011 that of having played in more Test victories than any other player in history. Irelands best Willie John McBride says McCaw will make an effort to get out of the way, but in making that effort, he gets in the way of the halfback. The All Blacks seem able to play the game to the very edge of the law much better than anyone else. According to some World commentators, McCaws all-round game is extraordinary and the ability to work the rules and delay opposition ball has saved many a try for his team. Possibly the best player rugby has ever seen - as in being the most effective at the office - for a very long time. The worlds best in 2009/2010 - RugbyNews Magazine of UK reckons so.

Lithuania, who were undefeated for five years before being beaten by Ukraine last May were dreaming of being the ONLY rugby country in the world who have won 18 games on the trot. They still hold that record. The All Blacks lost to Australia in the 2010 Hong Kong game after winning 14 games on the trot. Four short. In this European nation of 3.3 million people where basketball is dubbed the second religion -- after Catholicism -- rugby is less a poor cousin than a neglected acquaintance. It is home to just 1,650 registered players, or one Lithuanian in 2,000 - while New Zealands is 1:30. They shell out their own petrol money to drive to training weekends on snow-clogged school playing fields where touchlines are marked by twigs and tyres, and the bench is a back seat removed from a van. Their shoestring operation shows just how good Lithuanias near perfect record has been since 2006 - with an 18 match unbeaten run. Still there. Still intact.

NZ$300,000,000??

They brought a pup - but now theyre saying its a BIG dog!! New Zealanders are up in arms with the news in April 2011 that the costs will now be over $300M!!! thats a big ask in anybodys language. Of course the IRB are looking the other way, .....whistling.

4,200,000,000 TV viewers

watched it in France 2007, so World rugby authorities seem to think the viewers will still turn on their plasmas in the early morning light - one helluva electricity drain on local power facilities in the name of rugby! Thats roughly a billion people (5 viewings per person) ALL with the same interest, ALL simultaneously yelling, TRY!! ALL heading for the coffee pot (and loo) at the half time break, and ALL saying to themselves, sssshhheeeesh! I should be there.

12 games towns

It is possible to translate ANY text you want into your language. Just go to the GoogleTranslate link:
http://translate.google.com/#

NZ is labelling itself as a stadium of 4 million. The games are spread from the far North to the deepest southern tip. The smelliest town? Rotorua, 3 games. Smelly because this is where pungent sulphur hits your nose 3 miles out of town and you check the babies nappy to see if it has done something it has never ever done before! Youll get used to Rotorua air. Its NOT the baby - okay?

and it will translate all of the text you require in this ebook. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

45 days

Starting on September 9th on Eden Park, Auckland. The 3rd biggest World event after the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup. Possibly the most important 45 days in the history of New Zealand rugby.

Il est possible de traduire le texte TOUT que vous voulez dans votre langue. Cliquez sur le lien ci-dessus et GoogleTranslate se traduira par lensemble du texte dont vous avez besoin dans cet ebook. Gratuit!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NZ$110 a night

for accomodation in a normal New Zealand motel. In 2010 the hotel prices have already started to climb. One (upmarket) hotel is charging $1200 a night and you have to book 10 straight nights!

E possibile tradurre il testo che si desidera qualsiasi nella tua lingua. Clicca sul link sopra e GoogleTranslate sar tradurre tutto il testo si richiede in questo ebook. Gratis!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Approximate flight duration times to New Zealand are: 26 hours, London to Auckland. 14 hours, Los Angeles to Auckland. 3 hours, Sydney to Auckland. 16 hours, Johannesburg to Auckland. 8 hours, Tokyo to Auckland. Located to the east of Australia and comparable in size to Great Britain, California or Japan. Area: 270,543 sq km - 105,000 sq miles.... Population: 4.3 million.... Capital City: Wellington.... Largest City: Auckland....Major languages: English, Maori.... Major Religion: Christianity....Life expectancy: 78 years (men), 82 years (women)....Monetary unit: one New Zealand dollar = 100 cents.....Main exports: wool, food and dairy products, wood and paper products....one of the worlds least crowded countries - miles away from the troubled spots of the world....temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination and place to live. It was voted the safest place to live in the World in June 2009 and again in June 2010. The Maori were the first to arrive, followed in the 19th century by migrants from Europe and China. From the 1960s many people from neighbouring Pacific Islands such as Samoa and Tonga settled there. Today, emigrants from 145 different countries call it home. New Zealanders are largely highly educated urban dwellers - a vibrant multicultural society of very welcoming people, famous for their relaxed lifestyle and friendly accepting attitudes......off the rugby field!

THE OTHER CUP NEW ZEALAND WON

Avec lavnement du plus grand vnement dans le Pacifique Sud sur la porte, les gens de Kaiaua (sur le golfe de Hauraki) ont entam les prparatifs pour accueillir les visiteurs franais la Coupe du monde 2011 de leur petit village ctier. Parce que le temps voyage est seulement 1 heure du centre-dAuckland, il tait logique de chercher des faons daider les vsitiors franais se sentent chez eux ,.... loin de la maison. Il ya des gens locaux qui ont vcu une partie de leur vie en France et qui souhaitent voir la forte influence gauloise dans leur collectivit pendant au moins une couple de mois. Et ainsi que celle, voir ce que ces cousins gaulois pense que des moules et des hutres locales. Ensuite, le village serait heureux de revenir Sleepy Hollow anonnimity. Personne ne sait vraiment propos Kaiaua et les habitants souhaitent que cela continue. Eh bien, pour 40 jours et 40 nuits, ils sont prts avoir une petite vedette sur eux. Avec un got parisien, bien sr! Avec un got Parisien, bien sr!

The United States invented the space shuttle, the atomic bomb and Disneyland. We have 35 times more land than New Zealand, 80 times the popul- ation, 144 times the gross national product and 220 times as many people in jail. Many of our big cities have more kilometres of freeway than all of New Zealand. Our 10 biggest metropolises each have more people than all of New Zealand, and metropolitan Detroit has more cars on the road than all of New Zealand. So how come a super- power of 270 million got routed in the Americas Cup, the worlds most technically oriented yacht race, by a country of 4.2 million that out produces us only in sheep manure?.....an (upset)American critic.

A BOK SAYS, JUST GET THERE!

When the idea of a book for the fans was floated past me about the New Zealand 2011 Rugby World Cup, I was immediately interested!! What rugby fan wouldnt be? New Zealand will be an absolutely fantastic venue for the event,....international Tribal War for 44 days. In the games the Springboks played against the All Blacks, some of the best times I had in New Zealand was mixing with the players and their families after the game. One name that comes to mind is Hika Reid - the All Black hooker. While Hika was the All Black enemy for 80 minutes of the game, he became a good friend of mine. Thats the nature of rugby sportsmanship. If youre considering going to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, do it. Seriously, this is one great place to enjoy yourself. It is such a great country with wonderful, wonderful people. I know them well - from first hand experience. See you there in 2011.

Dear Rugby Traveller.....

Uli Schmidt

South African Springbok 1986 - 1994

nationwide beneficiaries who get to keep the money raised. At the bottom of Baldwin St the Jaffas are funnelled into the finishing chute to decide the winners. If that sounds too much, walk up in your own time. It takes about ten minutes, just to walk about 350 Baldwin Street, Dunedin, is the steepest street in the world and home to the Gut Buster, an annual race to the top. Around 1000 people compete in different categories, but the record hasnt been beaten in over a decade. Both locals and people from all over the world come to compete. The street runs up the northern side of Signal Hill, overlooking Otago Harbour, at slopes of up to 1:2.86 (for 2.86m horizontal distance, a rise of 1m). The steepness was unintentional; grids were laid out by surveyor Charles Kettle without proper regard for the terrain. Unlike most New Zealand Streets, the street is surfaced in concrete not asphalt, as the tar would flow down the slope on a warm day as well as to provide a better grip in Dunedins frosty winters. Stairs lead up the curb-side instead of a footpath. There are a couple of annual events held at Baldwin street, one being the Jaffa Race at the annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, where 30,000 Giant Jaffas, hard orange candies with a chocolate centre, are rolled down the street. Each Jaffa is numbered, and sponsorship is sold by various local and metres! But dont worry, theres a drinking fountain at the top. Now heres a doozy. Email the Dunedin Mayor, Peter Chin on mayor@dcc.govt.nz, and tell him you want him to organize a race up Baldwin Street,

just for the visiting foriegners (NO KIWIS!)

during the Rugby World Cup. Hell do it. Tell him you want to break the 10 year record and its gonna cost him a hundred packs of Jaffas and 50 beers as first prize. Betcha hell do it. Go on - email him now. Hell get a big buzz! Hes a real regular guy......no fancy stuff. And they say a great Mayor!

On trying to stop Phil Horrocks-Taylor: Every time I went to tackle him, Horrocks went one way, Taylor went the other, and all I got was the bloody hyphen, - Nick England

make sure you get one of these

KIWI WINES WORLD WINNING

The value of New Zealand wine on the world market is just above arched eyebrow look....well, maybe two raised- eye-brow-questioning stunned look! In the last 10 years many New Zealand brands have conquered some of the highest accolades in winedom. Get a case of red, white or blue wine (yes! blueberry wine) to take home with you and youll find it wont last long.

FLIP MINO HD - Worlds smallest HD cam-corder. Size of a mobile phone and fits in a short pocket. Comes with 4 Gig of memory, about an hours worth of high drefinition video. SIMPLE....as easy as taking a picture. Getting the video to a pc is easy with the USB - or straight into wide screen televison using TV out connection. Auto install of the software - MP4 format means you can watch on every other media player. Under US$450.

70 minutes south east of Auckland on the Hauraki Gulf.

Its 6pm. Your guests are gathered on the sand on a deserted sandy beach in New Zealand - miles from nowhere. Not a single person in sight - just you, and the lucky people youve invited to this special day - your wedding. Theres a beach fire blazing - the 30 fire lanterns in the sand lead down to the waters edge where the Maori Minister stands ready to celebrate your wedding vows with you. Your guests are all dressed up to the nines, BUT! because of local custom, nobody is wearing shoes. And theres some distant drums sounding the approach of the Maori haka party wholl entertain you and the other guests with their unique Maori hakas and poi ball dances on the sandy strip after the ceremony - in front of the fire. In an hour or so you and your guests will dine on the most succulent, traditional, amazing Maori dinner-feast (was it really cooked under the ground?) with local wines and a few bevys of Montieths, the best beer in the world. So, how do you tell people back home you had your wedding on a deserted New Zealand beach beside a raging log
New Zealands private wedding beach fire? and then 10 big Maori warriors rowed you away in their canoe to your honeymoon tent on another deserted

AIMANGO ON THE WATER

beach. Next to another raging log fire. How do you tell them about that? Youll have to email us for a program and a menu at: waimangoprivatebeach@gmail.com

1 NEW ZEALAND 2 AUSTRALIA 3 SOUTH AFRICA 4 IRELAND 5 ENGLAND 6 FRANCE 7 WALES 8 ARGENTINA 9 SCOTLAND 10 FIJI 11 SAMOA 12 ITALY 13 JAPAN 14 CANADA 15 USA 16 GEORGIA 17 TONGA 18 RUSSIA 19 ROMANIA 20 NAMIBIA 21 PORTUGAL 22 URUGUAY 23 SPAIN 24 CHILE 25 BELGIUM 26 MOROCCO 27 KAZAKHSTAN 28 BRAZIL 29 UKRAINE 30 CZECH REPUBLIC 31 KOREA 32 KENYA 33 MOLDOVA 34 HONG KONG 35 TUNISIA 36 GERMANY 37 POLAND 38 ARABIAN GULF 39 NETHERLANDS 40 PARAGUAY 41 LITHUANIA 42 SWEDEN 43 SRI LANKA 44 CROATIA 45 UGANDA 46 IVORY COAST 47 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 48 MADAGASCAR 49 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 50 ZIMBABWE

ENGLAND: Wayne Barnes (27 tests) & Dave Pearson (19 tests).. WALES: Nigel Owens (27 tests).. AUSTRALIA: Steve Walsh (37 tests).. IRELAND: George Clancy (14 tests) & Alain Rolland (48 tests).. SOUTH AFRICA: Craig Joubert (22 tests) & Johnathan Kaplan (63 tests).. NEW ZEALAND: Bryce Lawrence (18 tests).. FRANCE: Romain Poite (12 tests) Touch Judges: NEW ZEALAND: Chris Pollock & Vinny Munro FRANCE: Jerome Garces ENGLAND: Stuart Terheege WALES: Tim Hayes IRELAND: Simon McDowell ITALY: Carlo Damasco Television Match Officials: ITALY: Giulio De Santis ENGLAND: Graham Hughs AUSTRALIA: Matt Goddard SOUTH AFRICA: Shaun Veldsman

Sacrebleu. A $200 bottle of New Zealand pinot noir has beaten a $7000 bottle of French burgundy in a blind tasting in the US. Martinborough Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 1998 triumphed over one of the worlds most prestigious wines, 1990 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache, to take No.1 ranking in the Worlds Top 20 Pinot Noirs competition in Pasadena, US. Twelve judges blind-tasted 20 wines from New Zealand, the US, France, Germany and Australia. The comp- etition was based on the 1976 Judgment of Paris, which caused a sensation when a Californian wine was chosen over famous French wines. As well as being ranked No.1 overall, the Martinborough Vineyard wine also received the most No.1 rankings - from three of the judges.


Maybe you hadnt thought of this when you planned your Rugby World Cup trip. If you make calls in New Zealand, you can either buy a Telecom phone card (available everywhere in NZ$5, $10, $20 and $50 amounts) to use in a public card phone or you can buy an international phone card from newsagents, which is cheaper for international calls. You can buy a sim card in NZ and operate your phone as prepaid. This will cost you NZ$90. It gives you a connection, a phone number and about $40 worth of calling time with peak charges at $1.39 a minute and off peak $0.49 a minute. But try a 2 degrees local phone as they seem to have the best deal going. Plenty of internet cafes with internet access in libraries.

LIMITED EDITION ART: The powerful unfurling fern fronds symbolise 2 people that are united in the world in harmony. Made up of a strong Kowhaiwhai pattern with Koru symbols that speak of life and purity to the world, tranquility and spirituality along with a strong sense of regrowth or new beginnings. Limited edition of 100, signed and shipped. Size: 60cm x 30cm- 84cm x 40cm - Delivery15 working days - $620 - Lucy Gauntlett - Auckland www.cleverbastards.co.nz

Shearing sheep in New Zealand is included in Time magazines list of 25 (More) Authentic Experiences. Schweebing and Zorbing not your thing? While many pumped-up tourists go to New Zealand to participate in the nations fixation on death-defying sporting events, some locals seek their adrenalin surge from another extreme sport: sheep-shearing. Sheep are a big part of rural life in NZ where the woolly creatures outnumber humans 9 to 1. You can try your hand at sheep-shearing at various agricultural hubs throughout the country, where pros demonstrate the tricky task and a few will let tourists have a go at it. Average sheep-shearing time? Two minutes. Helmets and harnesses? Not required. But you might need a shower after.

A Christchurch company has launched the Martin Jetpack, a $100,000 jetski for the sky. Its able to climb to heights of almost 2500m, has been shown off at an aerospace show in Wisconsin. No more traffic jams as you jet through the air at speeds of up to 186mph. Developed in secret over the past 10 years the son of the inventor, Harrison, 16, showed it off without mishap. Buyers of the $100,000 jetpack will not need a special licence to fly, and if that sounds alarming, rest assured that Martins company It seemed an odd decision at first having the All Blacks against Tonga in the opening game of the World Cup, but it now makes sense. It will be a significant in defining the tournament and promoting the key themes. The organisers ` are hoping global audiences will be blown away by the passion and intensity of the respective hakas of Tonga and the All Blacks and that the game will have a distinctly South Pacific flavour. Tonga will take centre stage on the opening night and its all about delivering an event that has a unique South Pacific influence. The hakas in particular are a 30-second snapshot that say what this tourn- ament represents - an overall South Pacific theme. The Tongan haka is super-super aggressive and very verbal - it should have much more impact as the opening game. If you can imagine rugby viewers waking up in Europe and switching on to that game, it could have a powerful impact. Those in the northern hemisphere could say to the butler, cornflakes and 2 hakas please James - with just a slight touch of aggression. Helluva lot more inter- esting than a cup of tea and the obligatory toast and jam,.... what?....hmmm, must wake Penelope, the old girl loves a good haka in the morning. will insist that every purchaser take a training course before turning the ignition key. One of the test pilots was Martins wife, Vanessa. It was really an exciting experience, because at the time it was just a prototype. It was very loud, very noisy, very hot. It was like a beast that roars, she said. But once you throttle up, you feel it bite, and you leave the ground, and theres this feeling of floating and freedom - you become quite overwhelmed. see -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyb6vnX1My0

A popular local tourist attraction in Auckland called Sheepworld painted a flock of sheep bright pink with some sort of dye, and (as reported) safe for the sheep. Not a bad way to get some great publicity. But the tourists, didnt know what the heck was going on, and have apparently been asking if this is the natural color for this special sheep?....and what breed are they???....h-e-l-l-o? - pink sheep? doesnt every tourist attraction have pink sheep? m-m-m-m-m-m-e-h. (Pass me that bottle Mate.)

Patent Officer from UK, now in Wellington...... The job prospects here are very encouraging - it seemed like a better way of life, while having all the advantages of home. Twenty eight year-old Stuart B freely admits hes living a life in New Zealand which he simply couldnt afford back home. What was intended to be a brief visit to New Zealand to cap off his overseas experience, turned into something more permanent, when Stuart realised the lifestyle on offer was something he couldnt pass up - a lifestyle he wouldnt be able to finance in England. If he had stayed hed be renting a bed-sit and living off creamed rice. I have a beautiful flat with a view if I was in the UK I wouldnt be financially able to live as I do now. Stuart arrived in New Zealand anticipating a brief holiday before moving on. Id spoken to a number of Kiwis travelling in Australia and Asia, and decided to give it a try. However, after receiving a job offer as a Mechanical Patent Officer for the Ministry of Economic Development, he decided to prolong his stay. Realising he wanted to make his stay more permanent, Stuart submitted an application under the Skilled Migrant Category. Originally I was granted a work permit. After four months I received my residence. Today hes taking full advantage of the outdoors opportunities his new home has on offer. A keen snowboarder, hes only four hours drive from Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island. Over Christmas and the New Year he hired a campervan and toured the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, finishing off his holiday at Lake Taupo. The beauty of New Zealand is that its not only unique, its totally accessible.

Tim Lane, their Aussie Coach, gets Georgia to NZ 2011.

Georgia qualified for the 2011 Rugby World Cup after a hard-fought 17-9 victory over Spain. It leaves them top of the competition table. Though I am not Georgian, I understand perfectly well how the Georgians must feel now and share with them the excitement any local rugby supporter must experience now that they have won their third RWC ticket in a row and that the word Georgia will resound at the international stage once again, said former Wallaby centre Tim Lane. It was our goal to bring Georgia to the Rugby World Cup again - I am happy that this has been achieved. As a team our aim is to make a worthy appearance in 2011.

European broadcasters are putting pressure on Rugby World Cup 2011 organisers to hold matches in the tournament at times that will better suit audiences in Europe rather than New Zealand. The big European population make it a crucial area for the broadcasters who pay enormous sums of money to the IRB. The power of pleasing the broadcasters and the sponsors cannot be underestimated as a huge commercial venture. Heineken a major sponsor, will not be terribly pleased about matches being played at five in the morning European time as few people want to wake up and start drinking beer! Broadcasters would get much larger audiences if matches are timed so that the largest possible audience were able to tune in. Due to this pressure matches in Rugby World cup 2011 could start possibly as late 9pm (NZ time) to suit the northern hemisphere which is normal in France but an hour an a half later than what New Zealanders are used to..... discussions are underway.

It is at this point that a philosophical discourse deeply orthogonal to the norms of current hegemonic species-thinking, one readily discounted by species-thinking on every count since it is a philosophical discourse that concerns what is unaccountable, nonetheless gains a deeply disturbing political purchase upon all speciating by disclosing profoundly violent and disturbing differentiating political practices here.why didnt the Ref just say, pack it down again Boys, this scrum is crap?

A New Zealander was at the Indy 500 when a woman in the media cafeteria asked her and a photographer where they were from. New Zealand, they replied enthusiastically. Do you have, like, night and day? the American asked. Or is it dark all the time? Ah, the Kiwi said, youre getting us mixed up with Australia. Its dark all the time over there. Oh, thats right, she replied.

9 QUESTIONS.

Hes a Maori carpenter working in the construction industry and based in the southern suburbs of Auckland. Married to an Australian, Peter lives and breathes New Zealand life. He tells you what to expect while youre there. Peter Renata will now take your questions.

Whats the quickest and easiest tourist place to visit from Auckland?

Rotorua. About 2 hours south of Auckland....hot mud pools, geysers, Zorbing, blue wine (blueberry), Maori culture tours. The lot. Another place is the Coromandel Penninsula, about 90 minutes south east of here......has a beach where you can dig a hole in the sand and sit in it, and up comes hot water. Very, very popular.

They say New Zealand is a great place to live in. Why?

My family moved for a while to Brisbane in the 90s and we truly loved the place...hot weather, swimming in the middle of the night...great fresh fruit and all the fine things of life. But somehow, I missed my homeland. Its like an ache in your guts you just cant take away.....and for me, this place is a great place to live for a whole lot of reasons, but in the middle of that, you have to put the people. They are REAL...... genuine, and so friendly. Im still amazed at the friendliness of the place. Then theres the wonderful scenery. Its simply everywhere, and the South Island literally blows you away. I believe overseas visitors have become speechless.........just dont start me on Te Anau and Queenstown areas!

The NZ standard of education for Maoris - does that work well?

Youre talking to the converted. My Grandparents were quite simple folk, farmers. But they understood back in the 50s what education could do for their children. Today my whanau (greater family group) are very educated people - professors, architects, heads of universitys, lawyers, a television and film producer, one of my sisters and her husband teaches English in Switzerland - we have a rugby coach in New York. One of the nephews was number 3 for the Austrian rugby team last year. I think something like 40% of my grandparents residual family live overseas. So for us, education has been central to our upbringing.

Is the local cost of living high?

My friends and I want to party when were there. Is Auckland an all night city?

Relative obviously. Some things are expensive.....clothes, some varieties of food. But NZ is seen as the poor cousin of the Aussies and yet we seem to live well, not as well as they are because of their immense natural hole-inthe-ground resources. But we do have a very satisfying way of living and our food prices may seem high in direct comparison to the Aussies, but is dirt cheap compared to the European costs.

I dont have an answer for that as I am a Christian and that sort of thing is not on my horizon. Although a few of my workmates say you can party-party 24/7 and you wouldnt have got through a tenth of the places to go in Auckland.

Ive heard the price of fuel is quite high........

answers were, murder,...rape,... armed robbery, usual charges. Until one guy said, traffic fines. How much? was the question asked by the PM. $21,376 Sir, was the answer. The PM looked at the prisoner and said, youre outta here next week working off that debt. Youre costing the people of New Zealand $83.000 a year in here and Ill get you a job on the roads where you can pay off your debt and save NZ $83,000! How savvy is that? Thats so smart. He is a good Prime Minister with a good heart for the people.

Politically, where does NZ stand?

Whats the best food you can easily get to eat here?

I think were quite central.....not really sure about that but the one thing I do know, is that we have a very, very savvy Prime Minister. A story told (I dont know HOW true) is that he was visiting prisoners in a jail and asking the normal questions, what are you in here for? that sort of stuff. The

Oh.......that is so easy. In this country, fish and chips. We have got to be the best fish and chip shop in the South Pacific. I know one place where they apologise for fish that is a day old! But NZs best shop is in Silverdale, about 30 minutes north of Auckland. They have rave reviews in 2009.

Yeah.......one of the hassles we have to face here, but the trade offs counter balance things and it all goes round. But yes, we do pay a lot for petrol, sometimes up to a dollar eighty a litre. That hurts.

Will the All Blacks finally win this time?

.......ummmm, pass.

Why didnt we ask 10 questions Pete?

You just did.

Searching for the real Middle-Earth? For many so-called Ringers, the journey fulfils a life long dream as they re-live favourite scenes, walk in the actors footsteps, and explore the intricacies of movie production. For others, visiting New Zealand reveals that the mythical MiddleEarth really does exist in the dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, rare flora and fauna of Aotearoa - the youngest country on earth. Jacksons multi-award winning trilogy had a major impact on tourism in New Zealand, and several companies now specialise in Lord of the Rings tours.

How Kiwis order their coffee: espresso / short black - basis for all coffee styles, espresso is full-flavoured, fragrant, with a velvety body and lingering after-taste; single serving in a demi-tasse (small cup) macchiato - a

single or double espresso shot, just stained with frothed milk long black single serving of espresso, with the same amount of hot water added; served in large cup filled to just under the top, or sometimes with the water provided separately flat white - one third espresso, two thirds steamed milk with a touch of swirled froth cappuccino - regular espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam, sprinkled with chocolate or cinnamon caffe latte - regular espresso, topped with hot milk and little or no froth mochaccino - one third

each of espresso, steamed milk, cocoa ristretto - (restricted) is 15-20ml of espresso, the essence of coffee piccolo latte - miniature latte made with ristretto and 70ml of steamed milk; delicate flavoursome drink affogato - espresso served over ice-cream espresso Romano espresso served with a twist of lemon latte macchiato - steamed milk with espresso on the side espresso con panna espresso topped with a dash of whipped cream cortado - Spanish version of the piccolo served in a 60ml demitasse cup

New Zealand may be best known for adventure tourism including sky diving, bungee jumping, gliding and Zorbing rolling downhill in a 10-foot-tall inflatable sphere cushioned with water. Yet the most enriching part of Seattle Times reporter Kathy Mathesons trip was the cultural tourism that taught her about the Maori. Dont be fooled: Meeting a Maori tribe at a heritage centre can be just as intimidating as thrill-jumping off Aucklands Skytower. Whats the proper reaction when a tattooed, spear-carrying warrior bounds out of a house, shouts something in Maori at you, makes menacing faces and throws a leaf at your feet? Think fast, because that spear is pretty sharp. My adrenaline got pumped enough by the spear-carrying Maori at the heritage centre in Rotorua who threw down the leaf. The proper reaction, by the way, is to pick it up. Theyll invite you in. Stay a while they make a mean feast.

THE BIG IF? Current All Blacks have been offered big cash bonuses if they can win the Rugby World Cup next year. A new collective agreement offers All Blacks 100,000 dollars (68,000 US) each if they win next years World Cup or 35,000 dollars if they finish second. Kiwis absolutely rubbish the 35,000 dollar agreement!

Cmon Son, between the posts!...over the black dot!

Running up the main street with a bulls testicle (yes! its NOT a misprint.....bulls b***s for those who really didnt see it the first time) in your mouth. The Shepherds Shermozzle is held in October in Hunterville, (40 minutes north of Palmerston North - lower half of the North Island) where 56 competitors had to compete in different events. One of the main, main events was to carry bulls testicle for 50 metres in their mouth supposedly before they vomited. Other enjoyable events included eating dry weet bix, then a raw egg, then wash it all down with a can of beer, which may sound like a challange to some people. But to some, it is probably a standard hangover cure secret only known by the organisers of this family eventand you thought running the bulls in Pampaloma was dangerous! try running WITH the bulls b***s in your mouth - wooohoo, dangerous.....please ensure you detach the bull first!

.....according to the Global Peace Index Report - a widely acclaimed international standard. NZ scored top position thanks to its decrease in military spending and the plus of a conservative coalition government in 2008. It rated low on the likelihood of violence and violent crimes and gets a high mark for level of respect for human rights. NZ also scores very low on hostility to foreigners......obviously it will NOT apply to the All Black team and the games they play during Sept/Oct 2011.

We often think that women dont really take an interest in rugby. If you go down to the local grounds early on a Saturday morning, you would be proved very wrong. Mothers would easily make up 50% of the crowd. Theyre watching their little Daniels who are trying to turn into big Daniels on the future international rugby field. Just ask Mrs Carter how many freezing South Island Saturday mornings she endured. And for all that sideline freezing, vigorously rubbing her mitten clad hands together, she would not have had a single thought of how she was creating a future career for him. Roughly 15? years later. On French rugby grounds. It (reportedly) paid him just over a NZ$2000 a minute. Keep at it Mum - youll see, one day.........one day!

Vaccinations are NOT required to enter New Zealand. Variable weather conditions in alpine areas can change rapidly, so be prepared for cold wet weather if you plan to walk in National Parks. Sandflies - In wetter areas, (esp Fiordland), they are pests, use lots of a repellent. Giardia is a water-borne parasite that causes diarrhoea. Do not to drink water from lakes, ponds or rivers without first boiling, treating or filtering. Sunburn - NZ has a clear, unpolluted atmosphere and relatively low latitudes produce sunlight stronger than much of Europe or North America. Be prepared to wear hats and sun block if you are in the sun for more than 15 - 20 minutes....... yes nurse.

USA Rugby is attempting to attract young athletes to take up rugby by changing from sports such as American Football increasingly appears to be not only providing the USA with a larger pool of top players but also of increasing the profile of rugby in the country. Recently during the New Zealand and United States World Sevens Series, a newcomer to international rugby, Miles Craigwell was recieving plenty of press about his move from the NFL to rugby in July 2010 which remarkably has seen him selected for his country and he has already proven to be a top performer playing wing for the USA Eagles Sevens side. Despite being based in Boston, Craigwell is listed as playing rugby in New York for NYAC, the same club that produced USA Eagles international backrower Louis Stanfill who now plays in Italy and scrumhalf Mike Petri who now plays in Wales. Craigwell is a very gifted player who will be pushing for a place in the USA squad for this years Rugby World Cup. Who is to say that he will not be the first of a long line of professional players from the NFL to play rugby and as such to change the shape of USA rugby as the side well and truely becomes one of the best teams on the planet?

The Pope is a member. So are Barack Obama, Oprah and Coldplay. Now the Rugby World Cups Facebook site is about to become the biggest in New Zealand, with more than 900,000 members. Facebook is the social networking website that allows members to add friends and send messages. It is also a tool used by businesses to alert fans not only to relevant news but also to interact with other fans,

....you gotta be joking me! theyre interested in the 2011 World Cup? .....naaaaah!
participate in polls and post their own comments, photos and videos. Rugby World Cup organisers set up their Facebook site in September 2009, and it exceeded 200,000 members. They also have their own twitter and YouTube site. They believe social media is a huge way of communicating with people and the rugby internet world, and the use of it for major events is something new. Organisers of the

event think they will average 2000 people a day and it will likely become the biggest Facebook page in New Zealand. The All Blacks boast the most popular site, which has 210,310 fans. The Facebook site has news releases as well as archival footage of such things as David Kirk lifting the Cup, the All Blacks doing the haka, movie trailers for Invictus, and John Keys appearance on the Letterman TV show.

.......the most influential player in modern rugby.

Sunday Times writer Stephen Jones named Jonah Lomu as the most influential person to have shaped rugby history. It is said that one man never changes history, not even a man as remarkable as Lomu. But because of his magnificence and because of the time and the place, he drove rugby into a new era. His effort in scoring four tries in the semi-final of the 95 World Cup against England was the fullest expression of his powers. He is still a big name in the World of Rugby in 2011. Jonah Tali Lomu, MNZM (born 12 May 1975) has sixty-three caps as an All Black after debuting in 1994 with his career cut short by kidney disease in 2002. He is generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union. One of the sports most intimidating and feared players on the field, he has had a huge impact on the game, being inducted to the International Rugby Hall of Fame on 9 October 2007. The legend shows no signs of diminishing. In Italy during 2009 when the All Blacks were there to play against the Azurri, a few All Blacks were in attendance at the launch of the new Predator boot by team sponsor adidas. The German kit manufacturer also invited some star footballers (read: soccer players) from some of the major European clubs it sponsors. In attendance was Juventus Diego and Dan Carter. Diego was asked if he knew about the All Blacks. Oh yes, he replied in his very limited English. And Dan Carter? No, no, Jonah Lomu.

The relationship between the Welsh rugby team and the English team is based on trust and understanding. They dont trust us and we dont understand them. - Dudley Wood (1986) Before the 1995 New Zealand v England World Cup semifinal: Remember that rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Jonah. - Anon fax to All Black team.

ONCE WERE WARRIORS:...about domestic violence in a Maori home. Is very, very violent. But Oprah Show audience said it was no different to USA, UK or anywhere else in the world lower class communities. Jake the Mus becomes a household Kiwi word. (circa 1990s?) WHALE RIDER:.....a 90s story about a small

Maori village girl who is overlooked for tribal leadership because of her gender. Shows the elders up by riding a whale. Look out for Auntys comment on cancer. Good story. (circa 2004)

UTU:.....a cowboy and Maoris story set in early 1800s colonial days. Good story line - shouldve had Clint E behind the cameras. The main actor Bruno Lawrence (Kiwi) turned down a very promising Hollywood career because he would miss home. (circa 1970s) THE PIANO: Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel. Explosive duo.....quite sexy in parts.....lonely South Island scenery with proper English style women. You could feel the cold of the outside scenes.(circa 1984?)

.....the clocks in your house dont work and you wanna know the time. So you crank up the old V8 with one muffler missing, and, usually someone on the street will yell out, s**t bro, its 2 oclock in the morning, what the hell ya doin?? .....your teenage school kids DEMAND that you drop them off a block away from school, so,...you rock up to the gates in your huckery (read: crappy) old car that smokes and leaks oil! You get out of the car in your pyjamas to open their door from the outside and as you take off you stall, then bunnyhop away, accidentally dropping a wheelie and toot out as you crank up your oldies 1970s sounds music. .....your cousin had a sheep called Lamb Chops and all that was left in the back yard on Boxing Day was the rope tied to the fence! .....your gun (read: best, most vicious) pigdog will chase the postie, kids on bikes, ladies with pushchairs, oldies on scooters, cats, birds and the odd hedgehog. But if it spots a pig it heads straight back to the truck and dives in the window!

Queenstowns Shotover Jet is described by Washington Post reporter Barbara Bradlyn Morris, as one of a num-

New Zealand boasts the worlds longest place name, at 85 letters: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuaki- tanatahu. The name of the hill in Hawkes Bay (near Napier) translates as: the summit of the hill, where Tamatea, who is known as the land eater, slid down, climbed up and swallowed mountains, played on his nose flute to his loved one. The local inhabitants answer the question, where you live Bro? with two raised eyebrows and a right hook of the head. People get the drift because they dont have a half hour to listen to the answer!

New Zealands Weta Studio input into the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar is well documented but few people know that the alien language spoken in the movie is based on Maori. Avatar director James Cameron has revealed that he used Maori language sounds he heard in New Zealand to create the language spoken by the blue alien movie stars. Cameron told a London press conference that development of the blue aliens language started off innocently enough. I came up with some Maori place names and some character names and so on. You know, I was just sort of free associating, and I had been to New Zealand a few years ago and really liked the sound of the Maori language, so I put that in. He then used a language expert from the University of Southern California to mould the alien language, mixing Maori with languages from Europe and Africa. The use of Maori was welcomed by the Maori faculty dean at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Hana ORegan. That is quite impressive. I am not too possessive over the language being used for something like that.

ber of thrilling tourism activities available for kicks in the Home of Extreme Sports and Hearty Sun-Bronzed Young People in Denim Cutoffs. The adventurous atmosphere was infectious. It dared us to abandon our caf-sitting ways, Morris writes. The first minute of the 25-minute ride was truly terrifying ... We left the river feeling as vigorous as Kiwis and, like a thrillcrazed kid. I wanted to do it again.

The most beautiful scenery on earth ... with an ecological edge. LA Times travel writer John Fretter has a romantic environmental encounter on Fjordland Ecology Tours ketch. In front of us was a giant geologic amphitheatre, the passengers fell silent and ceased all activity, even breathing, some said. The emotional impact of such magnificence - the steep sided granite bowl duplicated in a sapphire mirror - just stirred everyone. My vision blurred as tears welled in my eyes.

FOXSPORTS secures 2011 and 2015 RWC television coverage for Australia.
FOX SPORTS will broadcast live and national television coverage of all matches from the 2011 Rugby World Cup and also the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The 2011 Rugby World Cup will be played in New Zealand and FOX SPORTS

Just when you thought NZ couldnt have any more awesome events, you come across the bunny throwing champs held in Waitomo in the Waikato district. Over 70 people took part in the bunny throw, where participants grabbed a dead rabbit and threw it into a trailer on the back of a motorbike The winner? A 19 year old female German tourist who was in NZ on a 12 month working holiday. Local Kiwi blokes ignored her after the throw. The comment was that her right arm looked a bit muscular. So did her left.

rights include both mobile and online rights for all matches. This means that foxsports.com.au will be the only place you need as an online destination for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. David Malone, CEO of FOX SPORTS said: We are delighted to be partnering with the IRB and are pleased to be able to provide our subscribers with live and national coverage of every match played as part of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. In securing these rights, FOX SPORTS is again demonstrating our long term commitment to rugby union and to investing in premium content for our subscribers. FOX SPORTS has been the exclusive live Australian broadcaster of Super Rugby since it turned professional in 1996, as well as being the domestic host broadcaster of the Wallabies for the past 4 years and the subscription television broadcaster of the 1999, 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups.

Hes scrummed in 2 different rugby codes. Played in 2 international teams within 2 years. Won Super 14 a few times. Sadly the All Whites (NZ Soccer) dont have a scrum - hed probably make it. Brads a committed Christian. AB engine and hard man.

I do feel now I have purpose, believe there is a God that loves me. I want be a good father and husband and in a footy context, give my best. He draws inspiration too from the God-fearing Polynesians in the squad. Whats great about the Islanders is that they havent forgotten about God while our western society has. Before I play I say a simple prayer honouring my God through the way I play - 100 percent aggression and physicality but showing respect to your opponent afterwards whether we win or lose. I am very clear that I am not perfect - and I will never be. God made me a physical child, he said. Christ to me is a mans man. On the cross all the disciples fled and people mocked and taunted him. His crucifixion is pretty brutal. He sucked it up and took it. There was nothing fluffy about that. Hes my role model.

Lay-deeeeez an genillmensin the blue corner - the US of A-A-A-A-A-A-! (ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY! ) ..and in the red corner.the mighty republic of RUSHHHHH-AAAAAH! (RUSHSHA! RUSH-SHA! RUSH-SHA!). The spectacle of USA v Russia played in New Plymouth on Thursday Sept 15.it will be Rocky XI. Its Russias first World Cup, and they could become everyones second favourite team. Of all the second tier games to be played, this has got to be THE game to see . Puts the games of Australia v ABs, England v Ireland, and Scotland v Wales as, errrrm,.........peaceful.and friendlys. If luck of the draw happens and the moon is in the seventh lineout, there could be a sequel - the Wodka War! Russia playing Georgia. You see, these two countries arent all that,.uhhhh, friendly. had a bit of a war a coupla years back. Can you imagine the scrum??? yeeew keeled, my kuzzin Bawww-riss..vell - RUCK YOU!!!!

Fri Sept 9: New Zealand v Tonga - Auckland Eden Park Sat Sept 10: Scotland v Romania - Invercargill Rugby Park Stadium Sat Sept 10: Fiji v Namibia Rotorua - Rotorua International Stadium Sat Sept 10: France v Japan - Auckland North Harbour Stadium Sat Sept 10: Argentina v England - Dunedin Carisbrook Sun Sept 11: Australia v Italy - Auckland Eden Park Sun Sept 11: Ireland v USA - New Plymouth Stadium Taranaki WHANGAREI Sun Sept 11: South Africa v Wales - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Wed Sept 14: Samoa v Namibia - Rotorua Rotorua International Stadium NORTH SHORE Wed Sept 14: Tonga v Canada - Whangarei Northland Events Centre ND AUCKLA Wed Sept 14: Scotland v Georgia - Invercargill Rugby Park Stadium HAMILTON Thurs Sept 15: Russia v USA - New Plymouth Stadium Taranaki Fri Sept 16: New Zealand v Japan - Hamilton Waikato Stadium ROTORUA Sat Sept 17: Argentina v Romania - Invercargill Rugby Park Stadium Sat Sept 17: South Africa v Fiji - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Sat Sept 17: Australia v Ireland - Auckland Eden Park Sun Sept 18: Wales v Samoa - Hamilton Waikato Stadium NEW PLYMOUTH NAPIER Sun Sept 18: England v Georgia Dunedin Carisbrook Sun Sept 18: France v Canada - Napier McLean Park PALMERSTON NORTH Tues Sept 20: Italy v Russia - Nelson Trafalgar Park Wed Sept 21: Tonga v Japan - Whangarei Northland Events Centre Thurs Sept 22: South Africa v Namibia - Auckland North Harbour Stadium NELSON WELLINGTON Fri Sept 23: Australia v USA - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Sat Sept 24: England v Romania - Dunedin Carisbrook Sat Sept 24: New Zealand v France - Auckland Eden Park Sun Sept 25: Fiji v Samoa - Auckland Eden Park Sun Sept 25: Ireland v Russia - Rotorua Rotorua International Stadium Sun Sept 25: Argentina v Scotland - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Mon Sept 26: Wales v Namibia - New Plymouth Stadium Taranaki Tues Sept 27: Canada v Japan Napier McLean Park Tues Sept 27: Italy v USA Nelson Trafalgar Park Wed Sept 28: Georgia v Romania Palmerston North Arena Manawatu Fri Sept 30: South Africa v Samoa - Auckland North Harbour Stadium Sat Oct 1: Australia v Russia -Nelson Trafalgar Park Sat Oct 1: France v Tonga - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Sat Oct 1: England v Scotland - Auckland Eden Park DUNEDIN Sun Oct 2: Argentina v Georgia - Palmerston North Arena Manawatu Sun Oct 2: New Zealand v Canada - Wellington Regional Stadium INVERCARGILL Sun Oct 2: Wales v Fiji - Hamilton Waikato Stadium Sun Oct 2: Ireland v Italy - Dunedin Carisbrook Sat Oct 8: QF1: W Pool C v RU Pool D - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Sat Oct 8: QF2: W Pool B v RU Pool A - Auckland Eden Park Sun Oct 9: QF3: W Pool D v RU Pool C - Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium Sun Oct 9: QF4: W Pool A v RU Pool B - Auckland Eden Park Sat Oct 15: SF1: W QF1 v W QF2 - Auckland Eden Park Sun Oct 16: SF2: W QF3 v W QF4 - Auckland Eden Park Fri Oct 21: Bronze Final - Auckland Eden Park Sun Oct 23: Final - Auckland Eden Park

Good Evening........great to see you here, thanks for joining me. Weve just got a minute and 40 to tell you about what to expect when you arrive in New Zealand - so lets get into it. We dont have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in most continental climates,....however, our weather can change unexpectedly - as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature as youre travelling around the place and going to the games. A relatively sudden warming can set alarm bells ringing throughout the nation.....and were all thinking, okaaaayyy....now whats happening here? The picture us ordinary folk have, is of a crazy system resembling some kind of giant delinquent child, and were all reduced to a shrugging of the shoulders waiting nervously for the next lot of bizarre behaviour to appear. For those planning to be here in 2011, this is what the weather should look like. You are visiting in our Spring season, and it can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. For those European visitors, you might call it pleasant, even balmy - brrrrr!! During that period, buds, blossoms, and other new growth is in abundance in the garden while the new born lambs frolic in the paddocks just before dusk. Recommended clothing? ......well, you had better pack yourself some nice, warm winter garments and layer your clothing well. Somewhere in this emag we price thermal underwear - I recommend you have a hard look at that!......Guys, theres some ritzy, flash, fashionable thermal underwear (used to be called, long-johns!) out there! so rug up. Otherwise, the climate is generally temperate as most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Our average temperature decreases as you travel south - and for those planning to go to games in Dunedin and Invercargill, because you are in the deep south, we really, really mean, rug up. Big time. One thing I did do for you good Folk, is that I checked past climatic records for trends. The first game is on the 9th of September and the final is on October 23. Our National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Department show that in the preceding 30 plus years, it rained on an average 14 days in September and 12 in October. The monthly temperatures were 12.6C and 14.1C respectively, with September to December being Aucklands windiest period. Our times up for tonight - this is our Kiwi local weather knowledge-shot at what to expect when you get here in 2011. Thank you for watching. Ka kite ano.

NEW ZEALAND Fri Sept 9 v Tonga - Auckland Fri Sept 16 v Japan - Hamilton Sat Sept 24 v France - Auckland Sun Oct 2 v Canada - Wellington

ARGENTINA Sat Sept 10 v England - Dunedin Sat Sept 17 v Play-off winner - Invercargill Sun Sept 25 v Scotland - Wellington Sun Oct 2 v Georgia - Palmerston North

FRANCE Sat Sept 10 v Japan - North Shore Sun Sept 18 v Canada - Napier Sat Sept 24 v New Zealand - Auckland Sat Oct 1 v Tonga - Wellington

ENGLAND Sat Sept 10 v Argentina - Dunedin Sun Sept 18 v Georgia - Dunedin Sat Sept 24 Play-off winner Dunedin Sat Oct 1 v Scotland - Auckland

TONGA Fri Sept 9 New Zealand Auckland Wed Sept 14 v Canada - Whangarei Wed Sept 21 v Japan - Whangarei Sat Oct 1 France Wellington

SCOTLAND Sat Sept 10 Play-off winner Invercargill Wed Sept 14 v Georgia - Dunedin Sun Sept 25 v Argentina - Wellington Sat Oct 1 England Auckland

CANADA Wed Sept 14 v Tonga - Whangarei Sun Sept 18 v France - Napier Tues Sept 27 v Japan - Napier Sun Oct 2 v New Zealand - Wellington

GEORGIA Wed Sept 14 v Scotland - Dunedin Sun Sept 18 v England - Dunedin Wed Sept 28 Play-off winner Palmerston Sun Oct 2 Argentina - Palmerston North

JAPAN Sat Sept 10 v France - North Shore Fri Sept 16 v New Zealand - Hamilton Wed Sept 21 v Tonga - Whangarei Tues Sept 27 v Canada - Napier

PLAY OFF WINNERS - ASIA Sat Sept 10 Scotland - Invercargill Sat Sept 17 Argentina - Invercargill Sat Sept 24 England - Dunedin Wed Sept 28 Europe 1 - Palmerston North

AUTRALIA Sun Sept 11 v Italy - Auckland Sat Sept 17 v Ireland - Auckland Fri Sept 23 v USA - Wellington Sat Oct 1 v Russia - Nelson

FIJI Sat Sept 10 v Nambia - Rotorua Sat Sept 17 v South Africa - Wellington Sun Sept 25 v Samoa - Auckland Sun Oct 2 v Wales - Hamilton

IRELAND Sun Sept 11 v USA - New Plymouth Sat Sept 17 v Australia - Auckland Sun Sept 25 v Russia - Rotorua Sun Oct 2 v Italy - Dunedin

SAMOA Wed Sept 14 v Namibia - Rotorua Sun Sept 18 v Wales - Hamilton Sun Sept 25 v Fiji - Auckland Fri Sept 30 v South Africa - North Shore

ITALY Sun Sept 11 v Australia - Auckland Tues Sept 20 v Russia - Nelson Tues Sept 27 v USA - Nelson Sun Oct 2 v Ireland - Dunedin

NAMIBIA Sat Sept 10 v Fiji - Rotorua Wed Sept 14 v Samoa - Rotorua Thurs Sept 22 v South Africa - North Shore Mon Sept 26 v Wales - New Plymouth

RUSSIA Thurs Sept 15 v USA - New Plymouth Tues Sept 20 Italy Nelson Sun Sept 25 Ireland Rotorua Sat Oct 1 Australia Nelson

USA Sun Sept 11 Ireland New Plymouth Thurs Sept 15 v Russia - New Plymouth Fri Sept 23 v Australia - Wellington Tues Sept 27 v Italy - Nelson

SOUTH AFRICA Sun Sept 11 v Wales - Wellington Sat Sept 17 v Fiji - Wellington Thurs Sept 22 v Namibia - North Shore Fri Sept 30 v Samoa - North Shore

WALES Sun Sept 11 South Africa Wellington Sun Sept 18 Samoa Hamilton Mon Sept 26 Africa 1 New Plymouth Sun Oct 2 Fiji Hamilton

 Whangarei Whangarei (2 games)- halfway between New Plymouth

Auckland and New Zealands northern tip - New Zealands far north. A narrow stretch of land surrounded by unspoilt coastline and a seaside playground offering adventure. Birthplace of the modern nation, the region has a rich Mori and early European heritage. (3 games) - New Zealands fourth largest city - is a ferry ride or quick drive over the harbour bridge from Aucklands downtown. It inhabits an ancient volcanic landscape, sandy beaches, with spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands. (9 games) big city blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern downtown - a unique urban outdoors lifestyle. From bungy to sailing, casino, wildlife experiences, food and wines - or getting away from it all on island sanctuaries. Go to have a look at the place from One Tree Hill. (3 games) bustling commercial centre of the Waikato farming region - is a fast-growing university city on the banks of the Waikato River. Home to the Mori royal family, the Waitomo cave system, the Hobbiton film set, and one of NZs great rugby regions. (3 games) natural thermal wonderland, home to the Te Arawa Mori tribe since ancient times. The birthplace of New Zealand tourism since the 1880s when tourists from the world over flocked to view the amazing Pink and White Terraces. They disappeared in a massive volcanic eruption in 1886, but the town on the shores of Lake Rotorua is still an adventure, cultural and spa

North Shore City

destination. ....all games have now been (2 games) beneath Mount Taranakis snow-cap and overlooking the wild Tas- transferred to other towns because of the 2011 man Sea, an all-year round adventure centre for eartquake..... surfers, snow sports enthusiasts and wild country (3 games) - strong Scottish heritage adventurers. It offers vibrant creative and cultural is a unique colonial experience. On dramatic hills scene, great cafs, gardens and nature walks. above a natural harbour, the city has been home (2 games) - famed for its Art Deco archi- to Maori, whalers, gold-miners and migrants from tecture - is the centre of Hawkes Bay wine coun- Scotland, China and other distant places. One of try. With its sunny, Mediterranean climate, is NZs the worlds best preserved Victorian / Edwardian leading producer of red wine, and also known for cities, Dunedin is also incredible for its local wildlife its artisan gourmet foods, glorious beaches and - the worlds rarest penguins, an albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions. Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.

Christchurch Dunedin

Napier

Aucklands

Palmerston North (2 games) on the Manawatu Invercargill (2 games) Southlands well preriver, has the worlds first dedicated rugby museum - a must-see destination for rugby fans. Between mountains and the sea, this university town is also the stepping off point for many authentic New Zealand experiences and fresh-air adventures. served little city, serves up its own special brand of southern hospitality to visitors who make it to the deep south. Bluff oyster from the depths of Foveaux Strait, and some of New Zealands most spectacular ecological marvels - Stewart Island and the Catlins Coast.

Hamilton

Wellington (7 games) is NZs capital city - a vi-

brant inner city mix of lively cafs and restaurants, boutique shopping, heritage buildings, museums and galleries, entertainment venues, all a few steps in any direction. Between the harbour and hills, the city also boasts a world famous wildlife sanctuary

Rotorua

Nelson (2 games) - a sunny pocket paradise in

the northern South Island, is home to many of New Zealands best artists and craftspeople, including traditional and contemporary Mori artists. Artistic works are often inspired by the regions coasts, forest and valley landscapes. Food, wine and some of New Zealands finest walking tracks are also part of the Nelson experience.

Is the word rugby copyrighted? is it? just the word rugby? Ralph Lauren, the jersy company, thought so, and they made a claim to own it. Can you believe that? Because they were the first to market with a rugby shirt, no other company was allowed to do so. Jim Carlberg, of Rugby America took them on. In rugby talk, Jim beat the sh*t out of their scrum in court. Jim Carlberg, youre a rugby hero! He makes t-shirts. Go on - we ALL owe him, go and order your shirt from Jim here: www.liquidrugby.com This is NOT an advert - its something we think we owe Jim as a rugby community. Thanks Jim from us.

Best guesstimate of the various costs a traveller in September/October 2011 might expect. The swinger could be the airfares. All New Zealand figures quoted are average traveller costs.....may be on the high side, but safe. AIRFARES - RETURN: UK - London 1060BPD USA - NY 1783 USD SOUTH AFRICA - JBurg 14550 ZAR FRANCE - Paris 1187 EU ITALY - Rome 1216EU HONG KONG - HK 6473HK$ JAPAN - Tokyo 110,202 YEN CANADA - Vancouver 1523 CAD AUSTRALIA - Sydney 500AUD Motel Accomodation/day 110NZD Breakfast (some motels incl) 15 to 20NZD Lunch (pub counter) 15 to 20NZD Dinner 40 to 80NZD Rental Car/day (see Easyhire ad) 100NZD Mobile/day - 2 Degrees 5NZD Bottle of local wine 25NZD Local beer/bottle 7NZD Ladies Hairdresser 80NZD Taxi (airport to city) 100NZD

Cometh the hour, cometh the man - or perhaps that should read welcome to the world stage. It might be too much responsibility to place on those young shoulders but well see what comes to bear. Speed is the key to playing at fullback, both in getting the ball and getting to the ball. Beale has found he has more space at No.15, and that has allowed him to react well to the plays as they open up in front of him. The combination of his double-foot step, which baffles opponents, and his turn of speed make him a formidable runner of the ball for the Waratahs. His tactical game is also getting smarter.

A small South Island brewery has produced the Worlds best beer. The Worlds best brands just werent in the race in the end.

Monteiths Golden Lager has taken out the top title at the Beer World Cup in London. The competition took a brew from each of the 32 countries competing in the Football World Cup. City AM, the daily business newspaper that organised the contest, says the Monteiths beer was the only one which deserved to be crowned the greatest. It beat some of the worlds biggest names, including Guinness, Grolsch

and Asahi. In some ways the final was an overwhelmingly Bavarian affair, with even Monteiths being based on the malty lagers of Munich, and it was almost impossible to choose a winner between two marvellous ales. Schneider Weisse, as well as having a name every bit as superbly Germanic as Bastian Schweinsteiger, was delicious enough to atone for the hurt of repeated penalty shoot-out defeats to our Teutonic chums, yet, after extra time, it was the NZ Golden Lager that snatched the spoils. Its combination of smooth malt and light, amber nuttiness doing what no Kiwi footballers are ever likely to do, win the World Cup for New Zealand.....were talking round ball footy here. Obviously.

Malt Bar Grey Lynn

442 Richmond Rd, West Lynn, Auckland ph: (09) 360 9537 A stone throw from the Aucklands city centre you will find a flourishing little strip of shops known as West Lynn. And in the heart of these shops you will find Malt, another of the Monteiths stable of drinking and dining destinations throughout New Zealand. The bar seats 70 inside with an additional 50 able to be seated outside in a courtyard enclosed within brush stick fencing. Simple Kiwi favourites such as fish and chips, as well as more upmarket meals including Monteiths beer stew with green beans and garlic mash, chicken breast stuffed with brie and pancetta, and lamb shanks in rich juice gravy.

The Copper Room Takapuna - 138 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna, Auckland ph: (09) 489 8030 The Copper Room has a distinct kiwi pioneer theme. A venue that immediately feels warm and inviting.Everything has some element of kiwiana to it from the food right down to the music. The Copper Room offers live entertainment every Thursday thru Saturday, plasma big screen for major sporting occasions and fireplaces to relax beside. Open 7 days, 11am The Bluestone Room City Durham Lane off Queen Street. Hearty food and friendly service in a welcoming and relaxing environ ment - also accommodate any corporate or private social event in our exceptional functions venue. The upstairs function area has a fantastic sound system, multi media facilities and private bar. Our function team will easily and effi ciently cater to your group or individual requirements. Basalt Howick ph: (09) 533 0081. The heritage status of one of Aucklands most historic and culture-rich suburbs has just been The Drake Freemans Bay further enhanced with the The Drake is the result of 7 months addition of a new restaurant and rejuvenation, by the Horse & Trap bar which has painstakingly traced Team, to the original foreshore pub, its roots back more than 150 years known as Freemans, established in to the original days of pioneering 1849. It has four original fireplaces, New Zealand. Basalt has recreated the centre feature of the bar, with the regions settler past not only additional Auckland Quarry stone through its interior design, but also Fireplace, retain the classic feel, with a modern focus customer service & standards. Proudly serves the Monteiths, (est. 1868), Craft Beers with the Seasonal Monteiths Summer flows off Tap. Try the Monteiths Tasting Rack, allowing a sample of the Monteiths Family of Five. Watch out for the Monteiths Black & Bluff Oyster Match. Has Two Private Function Rooms for hire, which are suitable for the Business market for such uses as Conferences, Seminars, parties.

its ambience, hearty menu, and the community-orientated philosophy of its enthusiastic owners. It has been designed so people can move easily between the restaurant and the bar yet both areas retain their own separate identities. The tempting menu at Basalt will reflect New Zealands pioneering heritage. Among the lip-smacking game-food dining options youll find on the Basalt menu will be venison, ostrich and a choice of fish of the day cooked four different styles. Basalt will be the only restaurant in the area to offer stonegrill dining. The Chef has used Monteiths beers with many of the other dishes youll find on the Basalt menu blending the brands flavoursome brews into batters, braising liquids and in gravy stocks. Villager Remuera (Corner Remuera & Upland Roads), Remuera, Auckland, ph: (09) 523 35057 Welcome to Villager. Reflecting the spirit of its surrounding environs providing a venue for quality casual dining and socialising in a premium environment. We pride ourselves on catering to the desires of our locals providing a space where you can experience excellent service and have a chat with our friendly bar and waiting staff. We provide information on the characteristics of the full Monteiths range and offer tips on making the best culinary matches to each beer choice. Villager features include new plasma screen technology so you can enjoy a drink with your friends whilst watching the latest music videos or major sporting occasion. Villager offers you a cosy, friendly, warm and welcoming setting for your enjoyment. Open 7 days, 10am till late Monday to Friday and 9.00am till late Saturday and Sunday.

.......websites of airlines who go to New Zealand.

g Aerolineas Argentinas....http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/home.asp American Airlines....http://www.aa.com/ com/ Air New Zealand.... http://www.experiencenz.com/farefinder.cfm g Air Canada....http://www.aircanada.ca/ g g British Airways....http://www.britishairways. g Emirg Japan Airline....http://www.jal. g LAN Airlines....http://www. g Cathay Pacific....http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/homepage g JetStar....http://www.emirates.com/

ates (main sponsor airline)....http://www.emirates.com/ co.jp/en/ www.klm.com/

g KLM Royal Dutch Airlines....http://

g Lufthansa....http://www.lufthansa.com/

lan.com/ g Malaysia Airlines....http://www.malaysiaairlines.com.my/ g Pacific Blue (also Virgin).... http://www.flypacificblue.com/ lines/home/au/en g Qantas....http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airg Thai Airways g Singapore Airlines....http://www.singaporeair.co/

International....http://www.thaiair.com/ g United Airlines....http://www.united.com/

g ORBITZ: http://www.orbitz.com/ yatra.com/

g EXPEDIA: http://www.expedia.co.uk/

g YATRA: http://www.

g MAKE MY TRIP: http://www.makemytrip.com/flights/ g KAYAK: http://www.kayak.com/

g BOOKING BUDDY: http://

www.bookingbuddy.com/ rooms.com/

g QUICKROOMS: http://www.quickg TRAV-

g VAYAMA: http://www.vayama.com/

g YAHOO: http://travel.yahoo.com/ g ZUJI: http://www.zuji.com.au/

ELOCITY: http://www.travelocity.com/resolve/au rld UTE: http://www.it.lastminute.com/ tripadvisor.co.uk/Flights

g LAST MIN-

g YAPTA: hhttp://yapta.com/

g TRIPADVISOR: http://www.

 The thing is......the thing is, SBW has cre-

In September 2010, Sonny Bill Williams (ex Toulon, France, Rugby Union player, ex Canterbury Bulldogs, Sydney - rugby league) made a decision to go back to New Zealand (predominantly) to try out for the All Blacks. So SB went to Christchurch where he played some good rugby for the Canterbury Crusaders. All is history now. He wore the All Black jersey on the UK tour in November 2011.

ated a rather different role for himself in the ABs, being sought as the Offloader. Coaching staff of the All Blacks say that hes just that much different to anything ever seen. Its not your usual rugby union style. Its just so different a skill-set to whats been seen before and its because of a number of factors.....large hands, VERY large hands about 205mm in length and 100mm in breadth, say 10 to 15% bigger than the average male hand! And hes only 25 years old. In time hell add few miles of rugby nous, and those hands will get smarter with a whole lot of (new?) instinctive plays like the Kenny Rogers song describes, you gotta know when to hold em (the ball), and know when to play em. Possibly the most remarkable combination of brain and hand in the sport today. Hes got a whole lotta things in his bag that somehow seem a little different to other great rugby players of the past.....for a start, hes 1.91m tall and about 110kg......he can offload four or five different ways, all, according to current state of play....and theres a ton of instinct and vision - knowing where support players are and how long its going to take for them to get there. SBW is a fascinating hybrid, mix of skill and power, an unpolished product, but learning about the game so fast that, if his progress continues, he will be a massive central backline weapon for the black team. Scary times ahead - for all the other colours.

Brad Savage - Reporter for the Whakatane Koretake News

Kaikoura township is located on a rocky peninsula, two and a half hours drive north of Christchurch, beneath the mountains of the South Island. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. Whale Watch is New Zealands only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. The 95% success rate means a guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so book early. Kaikouras resident Sperm Whales are the biggest of the toothed whales and the worlds largest

carnivore. They are equivalent in size to four elephants. Each of their teeth can weigh more than a kilogram and grow to 20cm long. Sperm Whales dive 2km into the dark abyss of the Kaikoura Canyon to hunt prey such as the Giant Squid. Many of Kaikouras Sperm Whales wear battle scars from close encounters with this monster of the deep.

Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the worlds largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the worlds smallest and rarest - the Hectors. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. The vessels are designed for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display our award-winning marine wildlife animations. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below our vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one. The friendly onboard team are very experienced in interacting with the local Sperm Whales. They have expert knowledge of Kaikouras sea conditions and are fully trained in all aspects of safety. Whale Watch staff constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. This may mean a tour is cancelled or safety restrictions placed on children or passengers with medical problems. Passenger comfort and safety are always our priority.

If you dont know Jesus as your personal Savior, simply pray the following prayer in faith and Hell be your Lord and He will simply look after you. Promise. I know. Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your Word says, whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved, and, if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in my heart that God has raised him from the dead - I will be saved. You said my salvation would be the result of your Holy Spirit giving me a new birth by coming to live in me, and that if I would ask, Please forgive me of my sins and I confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You for coming into my heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as You have promised, and for being Lord over my life. Amen. OK........so whats happened to you now? Well, for starters, you could walk up to Brad Thorne, or one of the Springboks and say, hey Bro! became a Christian like you the other day. They also said the same prayer as you just did. Cause they are really your Brothers now - aint that so cool? OK,.... what to do? what to do?.....well go find yourself a good local church that preaches the right stuff and puts Jesus and his teachings up the front, and like I did, sit there and listen for at least 6 months (cause initially its a bit of gobbledegook!) but in time youll sit back and say, awww! so thats it. I was a sinner and Jesus died on the Cross for me - for all the sins I committed, just so I could have a good life here on earth serving God and NOT end up in going to hell. And then we all end up in Eternity where its party-party. Wow! how good is that? Hey Bro....hey Sis - bless you heaps! .... see you at the RWC. Wally R. - Sydney.

For the rugby addicts wholl be at home in front of the plasma, wishing they were there.... heres the companies who you should send your 2011 September/October coffee bill to. Four billion people (thats a 4 with nine noughts after it!) will lose their sleep say the headlines in various newspapers around the World. In the 2007 France RWC, the global television audience reached 4 billion - give or take a few mill who couldnt stay awake! RWC 2011 will be the seventh edition of Rugbys global showpiece event and will kick off on September 9, 2011 when hosts New Zealand face Tonga in the first of 48 matches spread over 44 days of world class Rugby action. It is expected that the audience of 4.2 billion people watching the event will be predominantly from the Euroipean countries. These are the international television networks who will broadcast the games. n Australia: Fox Sports n Brazil ESPN Dos n Bulgaria: vision n/a Bulgaria Ring+ n Canada Can West - The Score n Central America, Caribbean, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico: ESPN Dos, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean (except Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela n Czech Republic Czech TV Czech Republic n Fiji & Pacific Islands, Fiji TV; Tonga Broadcasting Commission; Broadcasting Corporation of Niue; Cook Islands TV; Solomon Islands Telekom; EMTV - Papua New Guinea) Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea n France: France Eurosport n Greece and Cyprus: Greece Netmed Hellas (Supersport channel) n Hong Kong: Hong Kong ATV n India: Neo Sports, Pakistan,

Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives n Israel Israel EGO Tota n Italy: Sport Italia n Japan: J Sports n Malaysia & Brunei: Malaysia Astro (Measat Brodcasting) n Middle East & North Africa: Showtime (gulf dth), State of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Rasal Khaimah, Sharijah, Umm al-Quwain), the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Lebanon, the Republic of Yemen, the State of Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Djibouti, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Somali Deomocratic Republic, Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Tunisia, the Islamic Republic or Iran, the Republic of Iraq, and the Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the State of Israel and the territories located in the areas currently know as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip n New Zealand Sky NZ n Poland: Poland Polsat n Portugal: Portugal Sport TV n Romania: Romania Sport.Ro n Russia: Russia 7TV n Scandanavia: Scandanavia MTG Sports Denmark, Finland,

Norway, Sweden n Singapore: Sinagpore Starhub Cable n Samoa & Western Samoa: Samoa Broadcasting Corporation American Samoa n Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia (possibly Hungry tbc): Slovenia Sports Klub n South Africa: South Africa Supersport (Mnet), Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Sub-Saharan, Africa and the Adjoining Islands (Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chad, Comores, Congo, Djibouti, Democratic

Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, St Helens, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zanzibar) n South America: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia ESPN Sur n Spain: Spain TVE n United Kingdom: BSkyB England, Ireland Scotland n United States: Setanta n Wales: S4C

New Zealand-born hooker Dylan Hartley, 23, left his home town of Rotorua, NZ, for England when he was offered a place in Worcesters academy. As he prepares to win his 12th cap for England a year on from making his debut against the Pacific Islands, Hartley admits his ties with New Zealand are still strong. He takes pride in the fact that his former first XV captain at Rotorua Boys High School is All Black Liam Messam. Hartley is a find for England because he plays with a rage that all good international teams need. Dog, devil, attitude call it what you will is beyond coaching, and the men who have it are precious. England is making Dylans kuri (Maori mad dog) talent, precious.

When a small town wine (not far from Napier) gets international recognition from one of the Worlds best wine magazines,....you just wonder whats in the water? or the soil?

Trinity Hill becomes International Cover. Star Hawkes Bay winery Trinity Hill will achieve an unprecedented level of international exposure as it graces 2010 Julys cover of one of the worlds top wine magazines. A bottle of Trinity Hills Homage Syrah features on the cover of Decanter magazine the worlds number one wine and spirit magazine. Decanter is considered to be the wine bible and is read by serious experts and enthusiasts alike. Trinity Hills winemaker John Hancock says its a huge honour to feature on the UK-based magazines cover. Decanter is sold in 92 countries and was last year voted Best International Wine Magazine. Anyone who is passionate about wine reads it, so being on the cover will give us terrific exposure on the world stage. In the feature story, Decanters wine experts uncover the New Worlds most exciting emerging growing regions and select the wines that best express their unique terroirs. Hawkes Bays Gimblett Gravels wine region - where Trinity Hill is produced - has been named among the top six growing districts alongside terroirs in California, South Africa, Chile, Argentina and Tasmania. The editor of Decanter Magazine Guy Woodward says The bottles chosen for the front cover are always bottles featured in that months issue, but we try to ensure that they are also bottles which are recognisable and will appeal to readers, notably in their aspirational element. In this instance, Trinity Hill had been recommended by Bob Campbell MW as encompassing the best of

Gimblett Gravels, which was chosen as one of the six most exciting New World terroirs in our cover story. Trinity Hills world-wide exposure is well deserved after their Gimblett Gravels Bordeaux blend The Gimblett 2005 outclassed some of the very best French Bordeaux during a blind tasting in New Zealand last October. Recently in the Financial Times world-famous Master of Wine Jancis Robinson named Trinity Hills The Gimblett 2006 as the top value Bordeaux style blend from the three blind tasting events she attended that featured the best of red Bordeaux of 2005. Robinson is also quoted in Decanters July edition, saying the Gimblett Gravels wines tasted [in London] were the closest comparison to the Bordeaux wines of any wine region (in the world) today. So wrote Neal Martin for the influential eRobertParker.com after an extensive tasting tour (over 1,500 wines tasted!) throughout the country during April 2008. He concluded: Trinity Hill is one of Hawkes Bays outstanding producers and one of the countrys finest proponents of Syrah. With two 20-hectare holdings in the Gimblett Gravels, chief winemaker and bluesman The 2006 Homage Syrah was singled out for special mentioned in Mr Martins overview of New Zealand Syrah which he described as in many cases, utterly beguiling. Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2006 has become the first New Zealand wine in the 14 year history of the Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition to win Champion Shiraz/Syrah. Until this year the trophy for this class has always been won by Australia, famous for their powerful, intense, deeply-coloured wines. One of the pioneers of growing Syrah in Hawkes Bay, chief winemaker and director of Trinity Hill, John Hancock, together with his team work hard at perfecting their range of Syrah wines. His methods include low yields of no more than three tonnes to the acre from company-owned vineyards situated on the unique Gimblett Gravels. Purity of fruit and texture are important as is the preservation of vineyard character in the wines, which comes not only from the unique soils but also the number of clones and vineyard blocks involved. Viognier also plays a part, with a small percentage added just as in the grape varietys traditional home of the northern Rhone Valley in France. Adding Viognier gives a luscious, yet elegant character to the wine and enhances both complexity and texture. Go to Trinity Wines webpage to see where you can buy locally.

TOBIE MCGANN - the Australian Wallaroos fullback talks about winning the 2009 Womens 7s World Cup.
After pestering her parents for years to play they finally relented and at the age of 10 the finally let her play in a boys rugby league team quickly earning their respect as a footballer. Due to laws she could not play in boys team over the age of 11 and had to again bide her time playing soccer and touch until an opportunity to play rugby union arose when her dad started a schoolgirls competition which became the foundation for female rugby union in the region. Tobie was selected to represent NSW country at the age 17, while still at school. Her elusive style of play and ability to read the game has made her an invaluable asset. In 2006 Tobie was first selected to represent Australia (Wallaroos) to play in the womens Rugby world cup in Canada. They were placed 7th but showed potential with Tobie scoring 20 points on debut as fullback and well and truly establishing herself throughout the tournament as a world class player. The following year saw the Wallaroos take on the world champion NZ Blackferns in NZ. Again they came up short but showed they had gained valuable ground on their transTasman opponents. Tobie was the Wallaroos highest scoring player while on the tour. 2008. Tobie was selected in the 2009 Australian womens 7s team to play in the inaugural Womens World Cup 7s in Dubai. The fast, relentless style of play in 7s proved to suited Tobie well and she quickly established herself as a key player as the Australian made their charge for the title of world cup champions. After defeating the heavily favoured English in the QFs they again faced up against arch rivals NZ. In a thrilling match played in front of 35,000 people the game was forced into sudden death over time. Thirty second into extra the Aussies scored and became the inaugural undisputed World Champions for Womens 7s rugby. Tobie describes the experience as by far the most amazing sporting experience of my life, something I will never forget!. Becoming a world champion in such a global sport is such a n incredible feeling, everything from the crowd to the tickertape to the victory lap sure makes all the pain and training all those hours well worth it. Would definitely do it again! Playing in the world cup final was the most intense game I have ever played, I still get nervous everytime it is shown. 2010 has the potential for the Wallaroos to transfer their 7s success into the 15s forum with the world Cup in London. This will probably be my last world cup but not the end of my love affair with rugby. Coaching will definitely be a focus when I do hang up the boots .

ng layi p tly ren alla r u W c is he bie th t i o T w , d 010 nglan 2 t E s ugu p in A u C ate orld at l W s . y 3rd .....a ugb e R he cam y in t e h s. T roo

Vanessa Farbridge writes from the ladies locker room....photo courtesy of Paul Seiser

Where do you live and why? We live in Torbay on Aucklands beautiful North Shore. We moved out here for the sea views and warm climate. It has the best of both worlds: the city is only half an hours drive away and the countryside is on our doorstep. Weve been in Auckland for 4 years from London and are loving it. Your favourite time of year in Auckland? Has to be Christmas. You never know what to expect. Some years were surrounded by holiday makers and some years it seems as if all of Auckland takes off. Either way, everything shuts down for a short, valuable period and were left in a rare state of silence with beautiful views and beaches all to ourselves. What is Aucklands best kept secret? The volcanic earth. You can put anything in the ground here and it will grow. Weve never taken much interest in gardening in the past but now we have a virtual orchard in our backyard (grapes, olives, bananas, locquats, blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, plums, lemons, limes, feijoas & coffee beans) and four large veggie planter boxes and were often amazed at the quality of the food that comes out of our garden. The one thing you need to know about Auckland? When turning left into a street, oncoming traffic turning right into the same street has right of way. Whats the flavour of New Zealand compared to London? People are in less of a rush here than they are in London. There isnt as much competition between stores but thats probably due to the small population. Kiwis are a friendly, approachable nation but long term friendships take longer to develop. Your favourite building in Auckland? Auckland Museum. You have a visitor from overseas who has one day in Auckland. What would you do? Coffee at the French Bakery in Browns Bay. No caf can match their quality of croissants and pastries.An hour long kayak around Browns Bay to take in the cliff-top mansions overlooking the sea. Into town for lunch at Swashbucklers. A ferry across to Waiheke Island for a few hours wine tasting on a tour of the vineyards. Back into town to visit the Sky Tower and have dinner in the Orbit restaurant at the top. A nightcap at Auckland Waterfront. Is there a New Zealand tourist attraction that lives up to its hype? Milford Sound definitely. Most of them do, though, so its hard to choose just one. What is the one thing you need to know to live well in New Zealand? Theres a mentality here of chipping in and sharing. If you move home, virtually everyone offers to help carry a load in their car. If you have a baby, friends offer toys and clothing that their children used. If you need to do a job around the house, its not hard to find a friend or relative wholl loan you the tools you need. Be prepared to lend a hand and share where possible. Why did you leave London? Many reasons. Mainly, we were just starting a young family and wanted to have more space for our children to grow up in. There was the weather and proximity to beaches and of course the expansive untouched bush for tramping in. Best eating place for you in Auckland? Our favourite restaurant by far is Swashbucklers near the city. Its located on the harbor and serves up the freshest, tastiest seafood at reasonable prices with a great relaxed mariners feel to it. It has never let us down. Where outside of Auckland within 60 minutes do you just have to visit? Matakana Farmers Market. Its a farming town and the locals get together once every week to sell their produce. Most of the produce is organic or spray free and free range and the locals are always smiling and happy to have a chat. Website: http://www.matakanavillage. co.nz/farmers_market.php

...our favourite eating place in Auckland is Swashbucklers near the city. Tastiest seafood at reasonable prices. It has never let us down. Jarron & Vicki, Auckland Residents.

how much will I pay for these in nz?

(......average prices - for those who run out of stuff in their motel)

MARGARINE
NZ$3.50 - BP1.54 EUR1.75 - US$2.41 18.57ZAR - 215.88JPY

CHIPS/FRIES
NZ$2.50 - BPD1.48 EUR1.25 - 1.72USD

BURGER
NZ$4.50 - 1.99 BPD - 1.98 EUR - 3.10 USD 23.96 ZAR - 278.99 JPY .....there are some

MILK/LITRE
NZ$2.50 - 1.48 BPD 1.25 EUR - 1.72 USD 13.27 ZAR - 154.37JPY

13.27ZAR - 154.37JPY

takeaway shops that will make you a humungous burger some up to 18 high, priced at a measly NZ$24! what you have to ask for is to stack them with local seafoods, mussels, pipis, (cockles), and oysters. Some places offer free chips (fries) with the lot!

NZ HERALD
NZ$1.60 - 0.70 BPD 1.25 EUR - 1.10 USD 8.51 ZAR - 99.27JPY

PIZZA/MED
NZ$12.00 - 5.31 GBP 6.03 EUR - $8.28 USD 63.76 ZAR - 741.64 JPY

BACON/KG
NZ$7.00 - 3.08 BPD 3.50 EUR - 4.83 USD 37.22 ZAR - 432.46 JPY

INSTANT COFFEE
NZ$5.00 - 2.21 BPD 2.50 EUR - 3.44 USD 26.60 ZAR - 309.75 JPY

RAZORS
NZ$4.23 - 1.87 BPD 2.13 EUR - 2.92 USD 22.52 ZAR - 262.28 JPY

TOOTHPASTE
NZ$4.20 - 1.86 BPD 2.11 EUR - 2.90 USD 22.36 ZAR - 260.30 JPY

LOCAL BEER
NZ$6.50 - 2.86 BPD 3.25 EUR - 4.48 USD

EGGS/DOZEN
NZ$3.50 - 1.54 BPD 1.75 EUR - 2.41 USD 18.57 ZAR - 215.88 JPY

BREAD/LOAF
NZ$2.40 - 1.06 BPD 1.75 EUR - 1.65 USD 12.77 ZAR - 148.55 JPY

SOAP
NZ$1.99 - 0.87 BPD 0.99 EUR - 1.37 USD 10.60 ZAR - 123.46JPY

34.45 ZAR - 401.18 JPY New Zealand has about 8 local beers but this is one of the main ones along with Lion.

T-PAPER/DZN
NZ$7.00 - 3.10 BPD 3.52 EUR - 4.83 USD 37.26 ZAR - 433.74 JPY

how much will I pay for these in nz?

(......average prices - for those who feel the cold)

WARM SOCKS
NZ$7.00 - - 3.09 BPD 3.52 EUR - 4.83 USD

RAIN WEAR GUMBOOTS

The place does get wet at times and this apparel is an essential. Sometimes, its a fashion item - in various colours. NZ$10.00 - 4.43 BPD 5.3 EUR - 6.91 USD 53.26 ZAR - 433.74 JPY NZ$30.00 - 13.29 BPD 15.90 EUR - 20.73 USD

SCARF
...another essential! it really does get cold (OK,

37.34 ZAR - 433.40 JPY

THERMAL UNDERWEAR
...mens long johns are great! get them in zebra!!! NZ$54.00 - 23.92 BPD .1627 EUR - 37.34 USD 288.12 ZAR - 3347.45 JPY

159.78 ZAR - 1301.22 JPY OK, to some of you its As we might have mentioned - NZ is not a warm, dry place. Were advocatmild.) But still, get one of these around you. NZ$30.00 - 13.29 BPD
CLICK HERE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F387s1Bn-rk

ing all the wet weather and 15.90 EUR - 20.73 USD gear to keep YOU warm. And dry. 159.78 ZAR - 1301.22 JPY

n Rugby is a beastly game played by gentlemen; soccer is a gentlemans game played by beasts; football is a beastly game played by beasts. - Henry Blaha n I prefer rugby to soccer. I enjoy the violence in rugby, except when they start biting each others ears off. - Elizabeth Taylor (1972) n Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city. - Oscar Wilde n Rugby is played by men with odd shaped balls. - Car bumper sticker n Rugby is a hooligans game played by gentlemen. Winston Churchill n Beer and Rugby are more or less synonymous. - Chris Laidlaw n The pub is as much a part of rugby as is the playing field. - John Dickenson n On Englands new look against Australia: This looks a good team on paper, lets see how it looks on grass. - Nigel Mellville (1984) n In 1823, William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball in his arms and ran with it. And for the next 156 years forwards have been trying to work out why. - Sir Tasker Watkins (1979) n I thought I would have a quiet pint and about 17 noisy ones. - Gareth Chilcott on playing his last game of rugby for Bath (1993) n Grandmother or tails, sir? - Anon rugby referee to Princess Annes son Peter Phillips, Gordonstoun Schools rugby captain, for his pre-match coin-toss preference (1995) n After an All-Blacks surprise loss to the French in the 1999 Rugby World Cup: The French are predictably unpredictable. - Andrew Mehrtens. n Remember that rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Jonah. FAX to the All Blacks before the 1995 World Cup semi-final. n Were going to tear those boys apart. Message pinned up on the changing room wall by England skipper Will Carling before his team ran out to face the All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup semi-final in Cape Town. It took at least 70 seconds for New Zealand to score their first try as they demolished England 45-29.

In perhaps one of the most incredible rugby stories ever filmed for the Total Rugby TV programme, they visited the high-security Unit 9 prison in Buenos Aires. Over 1,000 prisoners are locked up behind its forbidding walls, but the film team were allowed exclusive access to see how rugby has begun to flourish. The prisoners explain how the sport is helping them cope with life behind bars as the cameras were allowed to follow them, for the first time ever, as they went out under high-security to play an away match. Emotional and uplifting its not to be missed! This is a positive story to showcase how this wonderful game can change lives. A producer from the TV unit spent the whole day in the company of players from the Fnix Rugby Club who played their first ever game of rugby. The team is composed of inmates of the Unit 9 from the Buenos Aires Province Penitentiary System. During a conversation, three inmates of this prison unit based in the outskirts of La Plata found out that at some stage of their youths they had played the game. Prison can really break you, there is evil and a lot of spare time. Why not try to start a rugby team, they said. The subject was brought up officially and late in 2007 the first rugby session took place. Soon, some 25 inmates were playing and learning the game. To be in the rugby team players needed good discipline and to be studying or working in the prison - something that was slightly foreign to their way of inside life. The combined experience of the three founders did not include any senior rugby. Killing time is a key to survival in one of the worst human scenarios possible. And rugby, even if it was practiced two or three times a week served the cause. In a few months, they had decided on a name Fnix (in reference to Phoenix, the fire bird from the Greek mythology), and received shirts and balls from the Buenos Aires Rugby Union and assistance in coaching expertise. The real passion the players developed for the game and the way they behaved in the last year had its reward when, after lots of red tape and paperwork, they were allowed to play their first ever game, outside, where prison security measures never seen for a rugby game in Argentina were needed. Although not deemed dangerous, they had all committed a crime. They all wanted a new chance in life. It was a sobering and humbling experience, with the inmates. Rivals for the day were the veterans from PLAGA who were instrumental in helping the game develop inside the prison. Fnix lost two tries to four. Didnt matter. We are so thankful to everybody that allowed us to play this game, said one of the inmates. Being in prison is very hard and having the game of rugby as something to do is just wonderful. This opportunity to leaving the prison even for a few hours, gives us renewed strength. With our families here to watch us it is a great experience for all. I wont be able to sleep tonite. The spirit of the game is alive and well even within the strong walls of a prison. They did the crime and are now spending time, but to know that rugby is helping them achieve their goal, once they finish their days of confinement, return to society. I leave in 40 days and I have already organized to start playing for Lans RC, said one of them. That is how big the bite of the rugby bug was. Already three other Argentinian prisons have started a rugby program for their inmates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b3VzcK2xqM

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PMS OFFER

.........he made the offer on the David Letterman show. Back in 2009. Its a very, v-e-r-y long shot, but it might still be open .....b-i-i-i-i-g might. John Key, the PM, gave Lettermans TV audience 10 Top Reasons Why they should visit NZ. In reason Number Four, he said, if you visit within the next 30 days Ill pick you up at the airport. Now,.......if youre really, really going to jump on a plane in September 2011 to watch some great rugby, email him today on: www.info@govthouse.govt.nz Say something like, hey Mr PM, saw you on the Letterman Show, is the offer still open to pick me up at the airport? I know, I know its been a while since you made the offer, but hey! itd be great to just catch up and chew the fat with you..............give him your flight details, dates, where youre going to stay, what games you want to see, etc. Hell be chuffed to hear from you! Click on the red button and watch him on the Letterman Show on YouTube. Then email him. And you know what the strangest thing is?.......hell email you back!!! He will. Its part of the job. Only a Kiwi would do that, eh!.....bet its the first time youve ever had an email from a head of a country!

seaside oasis:

(two nouns, that fit each other)....a comfortable and soothing space away from stress - a place in which to unwind and recharge. There is no better place on the Seabird Coast to relax with your family than in our open spaces Garden Bar. Only 57 minutes south of the Auckland CBD.

Experience the Kaiaua waterfront for yourself. Taste the locally grown green lipped mussels steamed in garlic, wine and covered in cream, shallots and sun dried tomatoes. Add some of our Maori Garlic Bread and a bottle of local wine. Phone us on: +64 9 2322717 - email: bayview.hotel@xtra.co.nz

Worldwide media has defined New Zealand as the one of the top destinations to visit anywhere in the world. VANITY FAIR say New Zealand is in. New Zealand is published in many of the New York magazines as one of the top 10 destinations to for hot or cold weather and touring. Reviews from UK magazines WANDERLUST, FOOD AND WINE and TATLER and US magazines TATLER, OUTSIDE MAGAZINE TRAVELLER, TRAVEL & LIESURE, NATIONAL GEPOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE, all classify New Zealand not only as great for its outdoors but also a stylish contemporary location. US magazine TRAVEL & LIESURE noted New Zealand as a Destination with Style in line with locations such as Tuscany, London, Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, Arizona, Istanbul and Tokyo. TATLER MAGAZINE in the UK boasts Now, finally, New Zealand is itself. It is intensely sophisticatedCONDE NAST TRAVELLER published a 12 pages article on New Zealands Middle earth Magic including 2 pages on prices and places to visit. In the FOOD AND WINE magazine they publish why there is a New Zeal for New Zealand. CONDE NAST TRAVELLER gives focus to imagery the Pinnalces in the Wairarapa, `Cape Palliser, Queenstown, Glenorchy and Milford Sound. The FOOD AND WINE publication focuses on the top accomadation, restaurants and shopping tips, naming three reasons why New Zealand is such a prominent destination that being The Lord of the Rings, the Americas Cup and Sauvignon Blanc. WASHINGTON POST names New Zealand as If there were an Oscar for best supporting location, New Zealand would be a shoe-in for The Lord of the Rings, the movie. However, it is merely a preview for the real thing. the most peaceful country in the world and that Americans may be interested moving there. The 2009 (and, 2010) Global Peace Index is released by an Australian based research group which has the Dalai Lama, former President Jimmy Carter and Ted Turner endorsing it.

Professor Kevin Clements, of Otago University in Dunedin, said: The index is a pretty good reflection of countries people want to live in, because on bicultural issues and a variety of factors we are scoring well. If you look at the top 20, they are all small nations based on strong welfare principles, all with good and relatively uncorrupted governance. The indicators utilized to determine New Zealands status also included gun sales, the number of homicides, the size of the military, potential terrorism and the number of people in jail. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS rates NZ highly. New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world in which to conduct business, a September 2009 World Bank study shows. New Zealand was placed second in the report behind Singapore for business clarity and honesty. New Zealand has been voted Australias most warmly regarded country - by a new record of 83 degrees - in the latest poll of Australias feelings by the Lowy Institute for International Policy. The warmth of regard was measured by a thermometer, on which respondents were asked to rate their regard for 17 countries on a scale of degrees from zero to 100. New Zealand had set the previous record of 81deg. The next most warmly regarded country was Canada, on 80deg, with a long drop to Germany, the third-highest rated country at 68deg. FORBES MAGAZINE reports New Zealand as one of the Worlds Ultra-Safe Destinations with one of the lowest crime rates in the western world. It also says that the only danger you face in Kiwi-land is that of their so-called adventure games they play - skiing, Zorbing, jetboating and bunjee jumping! Huhhh, rubbish!.....we read in a local paper where a 70 year old lady got run over by a shopping trolley on her street. Even broke her finger. Nail.

of NZs iconic golf courses that is always immaculately presented and is an excellent test of golf. Visitors from around the world are made welcome, and the course has hosted every major New Zealand Golf Tournament, both Amateur and Professional, including

THE GRANGE GOLF CLUB PAPATOETOE - about 20 minutes south of Auckland CBD is widely regarded as one

8th and 18th greens or watching players teeing off the first tee. Glass walls from floor to ceiling provide lots of natural light for weddings, meetings, conferences and celebrations with the luxury of two separate rooms. Over 55,000 rounds of golf are played each year at The Grange with almost 1,000 of these being International visitors. We are a private club but are well known for our friendly ap-

....for the rugby wives who just wanna have fun

the New Zealand Open Championship on 8 occasions. New Zealands David Smail, when asked in 2009 about his favourite moment in golf, cited winning the 2001 NZ Open at The Grange. You can be assured of similar fond memories from your visit. The Grange Golf Club offers excellent facilities and a championship course suitable for players of all abilities. The Clubhouse commands a 270 degree panoramic view of the woodland golf course with inviting views of the new lake. Front and rear decks provide an ideal opportunity to watch players completing their rounds on the proach and of course our excellent facilities. I would be delighted to welcome you to The Grange whether for golf, or just to relax over a coffee. I would like to reiterate, we do have some excellent facilities available and if I or my team can help in any way please contact me We hope your stay here in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup turns out to be a great time. Were just a hop, skip and a putt down the road for you to make it even better.

The Grange Golf Club, 2 Grange Road, Papatoetoe. Phone (+64 9) 278-9777

Damian Cooper, CEO

....the serenity and quietness of the surrounding environment shows the visitor just how precious this native wildlife sanctuary is. And its just 50 minutes north of Wellington City.

Kapiti Island offers birders a magical and rare opportunity to experience reliably and freely, contact with an unsurpassed range of New Zealand native and endemic flora and fauna. Because the island enjoys a predator free status, the Kapiti flora and fauna can again func

....kiwi watching is a daily event

tion as it was designed to do. Flocks of birds replace individuals; familiar trees display flowers and fruits hardly seen on the mainland, highly endangered birds forage naturally. The dawn chorus early morning birdsong is supreme ...Sometimes the more interactive of our native birds like the Kk and Weka can be quite demanding for your attention. Other species like the Takah, saddleback, stitchbird, North Island robin, and little spotted kiwi can be seen in their natural habitat. More abundant native species

such as the Kerer, Kkriki, ings, the best of natural wonTu, bellbird, royal spoonbill ders. Kapiti Nature Lodge is an etc... should also be seen dur- excellent place and stay. The ing your visit. Kapiti Island pro- lodge accommodation is lovides a rare opportunity for cated in the Waiorua valley visitors to experience quickly amongst a bush setting with regenerating New Zealand magnificent valley views. Simlowland forest....free of any ple, clean and functional, the browsing predators. The Kaaccommodation is provided piti Island forest cover is in cabins, which each contain made up of most of the lower four bunks. Ensuite ocean view North Island of New Zealands accommodation also availlowland species. Kapiti Na- able. The dining room, readture Lodge offers visitors a ing/recreation room, confercomfortable, relaxing unique ence room and bathroom nature experience in one of facilities are located by the the worlds great conserva- main building within 50 meters tion environments. Amazing of the cabins. Eating at the birdlife is at the door, allowing lodge is a family affair, so be visitors to be as active (i.e. prepared to be joined by extaking bushwalks) or inactive tended family at meal times. (i.e. looking through the col- Our chefs prepare buffet lection of books or unusual ar- meals making best use of fresh, tefacts), as you would like to seasonal, product and seabe. Staff are committed to food. If you have special diproviding the best of profes- etary requirements these can sional service, with great be catered for (Please advise meals, comfortable surround- when making a reservation).

Activities available from the lodge include a range of walks, including coast walks (where you could see the NZ fur seal), bushwalks for forest birds, or take the Okupe Loop walk for a great lookout spot across Cook Strait. Breakfast with the seals, seafood gathering and preparation with one of our lodge whnau (family), guided nature/history walks, weaving weekends. Great photo opportunities occcur almost everywhere. Kapiti Marine Reserve, immediately adjacent to the lodge offers fabulous swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. See the website:http://www. kapitiislandalive.co.nz/

New Zealands first truly successful rock group internationally was Split Enz, formed in 1972. Founding member Tim Finn is still a significant player in the New Zealand and international rock scene. Tims brother Neil - one of New Zealands greatest

singer/songwriters and guitarists - joined Split Enz in 1977. The Enz disbanded in 1984 but still has a big international following. Neil later formed Crowded House, and was joined by Tim for a while. In 2001, Ihi Frenzy featured the music of

.....it was just a natural thing to do. Sing.

Split Enz in an innovative

Kingdom is the best record of realized in contemporary music. In the past Finn led Split Tims solo career. Theres Enz, had been a member of something in the writing that Crowded. His catalogue is stamps the album as a modern classic. Tunes such as rich. Poor Boy, I Hope I Astounding Moon, Couldnt Never, I See Red, 6 Months Be Done and Show Yourself In A Leaky Boat were hits for Split Enz. As a member of become ingrained in your Crowded House, Tim co-wrote cranium and stay there for Weather With You, Its Only days. On the telephone, Finn mentions magic and geogra- Natural and Four Seasons In One Day. As a solo artist phy. The tunes were dreamt theres Howm I Gonna up in New Zealand and Sleep, Not Even Close, Persuasion, Fraction Too Much Friction and Manys The Time. In the here and now, the artistic re-birth comes back to the momentum Tim has managed to harness in recent times; and how concentrating that energy has led to the recording of the remarkable Imaginary Kingdom. Two years ago, Tim reunited with his brother Neil to record and tour Everyone Is Here. The pair charmed audiences all over the globe. In London they played three nights at the Royal Albert Hall. In the fields behind Byron Bay they played the Splendour In The Grass Festival and left every other band on the bill in their wake. At the Sydney Cricket Ground Wave Aid event, the Finns turned a 50,000 strong crowd into a mass campfire sing-along. Further success in sold-out venues across America and Europe followed. Next came a Split Enz tour of Australia that saw the countrys largest venues sold-out for multiple nights. The audiences includinterested in recurrence than recorded in Nashville with eclecticism. At the heart of his producer Bobby Huff (Jordan ed an army of young fans, writing there is always an McCoy/Julian Lennon/LeAnn many witnessing the band for the first time. All the while, Tim acoustic guitar or an upright Rimes). Later, mixes were was working on new material. piano. I see the three minute streamed down the internet Of New Zealand he previously song as a Chinese vase, a and Finn would drive his car sang glistens like a pearl, at classic form, he explains. on roads lit by the moon There is so much variety to listening to MP3 files. Crackling the bottom of the world. New songs are littered with referbe found within its seemingly through the speakers, the ences to the ethereal qualities simple structure. Also, above mood of the new material of the moon, the stars, the sea all, there are the words. I carry spoke volumes. The lyrics and the warm Pacific sun. them around in my head for venture towards magic weeks, if only in the end to realism, Finn invites the listener Theres sadness too in this change an a for a the into a private world his own. place. Plenty of blood in the ground. But everyone who its pure pleasure. Thats my Melodies are sharp and imaginary kingdom, the engaging, the instrumentation lives here knows the feeling of standing on a beach, staring place where I work. Only Im serves the tunes; the lush out to sea, and you are right not sure if its me or the song strings occasionally add a on the edge of the map. that rules! Imaginary seductive quality rarely production by the Royal NZ Ballet. Both Neil and Tim Finn now have successful solo careers. Tim Finn lights up the room. Theres a momentum in his stride. New music is pouring from him at a rate of knots. Powerful songs, songs that ignite the senses, are appearing out of the ether and Finn has grappled them to earth. Finn is a classicist, more

One of the worlds elite rugby athletic performance coaches Greg Muller has worked with professional rugby players and teams in New Zealand, Japan and currently Ireland. He has worked at all levels of the game from club rugby to international competition developing performance programmes and strategies for some of the worlds elite players. Beginning his career in the military as a physical training instructor Greg has worked with the NZ elite forces and held the position of Senior Instructor of the Joint Services Physical Education and Recreational Training School. Greg is highly trained and qualified in the strength, conditioning and human performance field having trained directly under a number of the worlds elite athletic performance specialists. He is highly qualified in nutrition, strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation, sports medicine, lifestyle coaching, massage and a multitude of other allied and holistic health modalities. Greg is the Director of his company Pure Performance which offers products and services to assist individuals and teams to reach their potential in athletic, sports of life pursuits.
http://www.pureperformance.co.nz/

NEW ZEALAND CLUB RUGBY

YOURE VERY WELCOME TO VISIT US.....

i! welcome to the Newletter of the Wainuiomata Rugby Club - a family oriented rugby club just half an hours drive north east of Wellington City at the bottom of the North Island.

HOW IT ALL STARTED...

The Club has been going since 1946 - started at a public meeting in the old Public Hall. Wainuiomata in 1946 was a very different place to what it is today. There were no sporting facilities except for one tennis court at the school - population was about 600 people and there were no Reserves (public fields) or sports grounds of any sort. Hardly the background for a bright future for a Rugby Club. However, we had enterprise and enthusiasm, which has been a feature of the Club ever since planning started for rugby activities. Over a period of sixty odd years, it has been seen to grow from a one team club for the first eight years to a Senior Club with up to, in some years sixteen teams. Made possible because of the work and dedication of Club Members. The large numbers of teams over the years reflect the rugby population growth and will always be the basis and hope for our future success.

THE FACILITIES.....

Our Clubrooms are ringed by a Heated Swimming Pool, a Bowling Club , the Wainuioma

ta Squash Club, and close to the local Maori Marae, the tribal gathering place. All have excellent facilities to cater for the large influx of visiting rugby supporters in 2011. Transport from Wellington International Airport, Wellington Railway Station or the Rail Ferries can be organized by us - our 12 seater courtesy bus is available if you contact us beforehand. Or there is ample public transport from the City most times of the day. For the 2011 visitor, there is a local motel, Camp Wainui and Brookfield Scout camp all offering accommodation, most of it budget. The Club also offers to the 2011 visitor, a secure parking area for those who will be travelling in motor homes with the added facility of toilets and showers available inside the Clubrooms. Breakfasts and evening meals and will be also made available, while the Wainuiomata Bowling Club - just around the corner offers poker machines and a licensed bar. We are truly a family orientated club with a large screen for all sport and access to the T.A.B. OUR CLAIM TO FAME........orning teams Jonah Lomu played his Club football here, Tana Umaga was born locally, and our current All Black is Piri Weepu. WAINUI ACTIVITIES........ Wainuiomata is a very self supported suburb of Lower Hutt - start the day with a dip in the heated pool, a game of squash, a round of mini Golf or there is the real Golf course classed as one of the best in the whole country at your disposal. Also there are many bush walks around the hills and through Rimataka forest Park, or a drive to the Coast (12kl) and catch site of the South Island of New Zealand. A bit of fishing ? the Wainuiomata River is the most fished trout river in the country. There are

cruises on the Wellington harbour , Day trips to the Wairarapa wine trails. THIS IS US ON YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hoe6kzsXgXk YOU CAN FIND US AT........ Wainuiomata Rugby Club 2 Moohan St, Wainuiomata Lower Hutt, New Zealand Phone +6445647824 Fax +6445641665 www.wainuiomatarugby.co.nz or check out www.wainuiomata.co.nz

THE CHAIRMAN COMMENTS.....

.....my name is David Head, the Chairman of the Wainuiomata Rugby Club. My message to the 2011 Rugby World Cup visitor is simple. You are very, very welcome to come and spend some time with us in a very family oriented local gathering place. I have been involved with this club for many years and I can categorically say that we are a very welcoming bunch of people and look forward to making your acquaintances when you step off the plane. Call us and tell us when youre arriving and well see if we can get our 12 seater bus to pick you up. Kia ora.......... David. dave.head@paradise.net.nz

Fourie is more than the straight-up-and-down player he looks. Quite the opposite applies - there are lots of bends and twists to the way the Stormers centre plays. He has the direct, straight and hard approach down, yet what has evolved are his passing game and plays off the boot. His distribution at the national level has shown he has risen to a new level. He is tall and strong - mix in speed and the result is potent.

Set atop Mount Rataroa, just one hours drive south of Auckland towards the Coromandel, sits Umoya Lodge. True to its name, this is a place of absolute tranquility, breathtaking scenery and luxurious escapism. Surrounded by 35 acres of native bush, the Lodges spectacular elevated position affords both stunning sea views to the Coromandel and Pacific Ocean as well as across rustic New Zealand farmland as far as the eye can see. As you wind your way up through the peaceful wood pigeon dell on arrival, you feel blissfully transported... as though youve discovered a well kept secret. The Lodges architecture is spacious and sophisticated. The eco-friendly design allows for maximum natural temperature control throughout the year with solar power being the primary energy source. The LUXURY SUITE separated from the main Lodge by way of a generous entry foyer and lotus pond, and THE RETREAT in a completely separate unit adjacent to the Main Lodge. Guests can relax in the main Lodge or enjoy the peace and seclusion of their accommodation, where every attention to detail has

....just 55 minutes south of Auckland, the Lodge is set high on a mountain overlooking farmland and the sea. In Zulu umoya means soul, spirit and breathe - probably in the context of taking it away.

Thames inlet to a mist-veiled Coromandel Peninsula. The owners are almost reverential about guests privacy : conversation is kept to a minimum, couples dine separately and a discreet knock indicates that breakfast has been left at your door. In a night here you will hardly see the owners, and youre almost cer-

tain not to see any other guests. Dinner was served in the lodges main lounge a commodious leather couch, an open fire and a piano while it was still light enough to appreciate the view. Of course Lord of the Rings helped the cause and for that New Zealander a big pinch of lens-friendly wildlife, proud Maori culture, and fine food and drink, and its easy to o see why the natives are so chilled. SUNDAY STAR TIMES....has been an exquisite weekend. Air New Zealand Magazine. The service is understated but impeccable, the food mouthwatering. This, along with breathtaking scenery and absolute privacy, make it the perfect romantic retreat. Bruce & Naomi Kirk (Tokyo) Combines the intimacy of a private lodge with the luxury and decadence of a 5-star hotel - thank you so much. Yvonne & Tauke (Auckland) We wont forget the magic in a hurry Melinda & Richard (Auckland) Totally rejuvenating and inspiring, thank you Dan & Dottie Dreyer (Arizona) Thanks for sharing your slice of heaven. Morley Davis (Hastings) Some serenity & sensibility at last! UMOYA is special, thanks for the privilege Sheila & Peter Randon (UK) Love listening to the silence....views breathtaking Kerin & David Thompson (Auckland)Wonderful attention to detail..superb in every way Kanako & Echo (Taipei, Taiwan & Japan) unforgettable memory in our heart

been made. And as exclusive guests at the Lodge at any one time, your service will always be considerate and attentive. The first thing that appeals about this place is its proximity to Auckland . Its possible to spend a night here without a long drive to sour your mood The Lodge is a quiet, intimate retreat with expansive views of the

Right Royal Rave

Is this THE safest country in the World? New Zealand?....according to World authorities on safe it is. The Global Peace Index for 2009 and 2010 suggests that the world has become slightly less peaceful in the past year, which appears to reflect the intensification of violent conflict in some countries and the effects of both the rapidly rising food and fuel prices,.....plus the dramatic global economic downturn in the final quarter of 2008. Rapidly rising unemployment, pay freezes and falls in the value of house prices, savings and pensions has caused resentment in many countries.

In June 2009 and June 2010, New Zealand was rated as the most safest country to live in - in the world.
In June 2009, New Zealand was ranked as the country most at peace - according to the 2009 Global Peace Index Report. It scored top position thanks to its relatively low rate of violence, decrease in military spending and the election of a conservative coalition government in 2008. The centre-right National Party has a strong popular mandate and a robust parliamentary majority by New Zealands standards, putting the new Prime Minister, John Key, in a good position to push through his agenda. The EUI survey gives New Zealand a very low score on the likelihood of violence and violent crimes and the level of respect for human rights. It also scores very low on hostility to foreigners...aside from rugby games of course. So as a foriegner, (YOU, the rugby fan) to Aotearoa and the 2011 Rugby World Cup - be safe. Have a great time and know that you are visiting the safest place in the world. Get a FREE report of how safe New Zealand really is -
www.safestcountrynewzealand.com/

....a hookers love story written from the scrum.

Mills & Boon have hooked up with world ruby union creating a number of rugby theme- based romance novels. The novels explore picturous locations with good looking muscley males and hot sex. Oh my God. Her hand covered her mouth. She glanced at him in desperate panic. They filmed me kissing you. And its up on the giant screens. Her voice rose, her cheeks were scarlet, and her reluctant glance towards the stadium ended in a moan of disbeliefHis eyes on the pitch, Prince Casper watched with cool detachment as his friend, the England captain, hit a post with a drop-goal attempt. More importantly, you just cost England three points. Mills and Boone and the Rugby Football Union have paired up believing it will be a great success. Our mission statement is to do for rugby what Jilly Cooper did for polo - to give it an air of sexiness and glitz and glamour, said series editor Jenny Hutton. Theyve got all the elements of a quintessential Mills & Boon romance: jet-set locations, hunky alpha male heroes and hot sex, but in a rugby world context. Were wondering in what context the words, hooker, engage, and score! might be used. Interesting reading for the boys in the locker rooms.

Paulette Muller writes about Mills and Boon who are writing about sex and the scrum

The ONLY hostility you and I want to see is the natural stuff we love - between the two front rows....on the field!

Mat Watson appeared on the David Letterman Show and literally blew the viewers out of the water with his unorthodox fishing methods.

Mat Watson is NOT your conventional fisherman. The thrill was wearing off - he had to find a new way to catch fish. And he did - by jumping out of a helicopter.
some of the oceans most powerful If the phrase extreme fishing fish. Ive been around fish and sounds fishy to you, its only because you havent met Matt Watson fishing my whole life, and having caught so many fish, the thrill a man who brings a whole new started wearing off, so I started meaning to the phrase Dont try thinking of ways to bring back the this at home. After landing 1,100 thrill of catching my first big fish marlin in his life by conventional again, There are YouTube videos of methods, the New Zealander him catching marlin while riding a surfboard and a jet ski - methods NOT recommended by safety experts. Obviously, theyve got a bill, which is a sharp, pointy thing on the front of them, Watson said brightly. Of course, thats the sharp bit, and theyve got a lot of weight and power behind them, so you dont have to be a genius to figure out if theyre hitting you straight on, decided there must be a more exciting way to catch a fish that can its probably gonna go through you. Two New Zealand fishermen have grow to nearly a ton and sports a been speared of late. lethal spear on its nose. Footage In terms of work stories, Matt revealed Watson diving from a Watson has some of the best. helicopter onto the back of a As a stunt fisherman, he pushes cruising marlin in the Pacific Ocean. Another camera underwater caught every limit until it breaks to bring in the big catch. Watson and his team him wrestling the giant fish to the have been doing his crazy stunts for surface before finally letting it go. six years. So far, apart from sponsorAfter watching the remarkable ship, he has never been paid for an video, there was no reason to ask the spiky-haired Watson why he calls episode. Thanks to the power of YouTube that is all going to change. the new show hes producing for Discovery Channel Extreme Fisher- Watson has just been discovered by America and the rest of the World. man. The show will chronicle Watson returned from New York Watsons unending quest to find after doing an interview with David new and dangerous ways to catch Letterman and signing global television deals. His first attempt at television was a video entry for a Sports Caf competition and the US networks saw Watsons passion for fishing. He says all of his stunts are just designed to get people to understand the thrill and the need to conserve the fisheries. We have a conversation message, he says. I want my kids to experience what I do - as far as normal fishing goes. Watson says there is enough extreme fishing for everyone and he is determined not to forget his New Zealand show, despite the international spotlight. If you think wrestling a marlin underwater after jumping out of a helicopter is crazy youre right. But Matt Watson is doing it anyway. Watson is into extreme fishing,

...Best camping ground trip: Tapotupotu, Cape Reinga. Dont take paua illegally Best toilets: The quirky Hundertwasser designer-toilets in Kawakawa (designed by famous artist Freidrich Hundertwasser who recycled the communitys old glass bottles and reclaimed bricks to create the only thing he has built in the southern hemisphere - http://www.bay-of-islands-nz.com/hundertwasser.shtml Best luxury lodge: Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay Northland. Try their day spa in the bush - http://www.kauricliffs. com/ Best backpacker spot: Napiers ex-prison lodge is the best nights in the slammer anywhere in the world. As New Zealands oldest prison, the Napier jail used to house convicts including mass murderers, drug barons, gang members and the criminally insane - http://www.napierprison. com/ Best pizza: Fat Pipis whitebait pizza eat it on the beach at Hokitika. This is real New Zealand food. Cooked by Kiwis for Kiwis ..Best architecture: Post-February 1931 art deco heaven in Napier or the refined Victorian and Edwardian buildings of come-again Oamaru - http://www.nesthaven.co.nz/art_ deco.htm Best in the air: Hot air ballooning from Cartertons Ballooning New Zealand base - http://www.early-am-balloons.co.nz/ Best boutique hotel: Eichardts Queenstown. Big fluffy fur rugs on big beds - http://www.eichardtshotel.co.nz/ ....Biggest Weekend: Auckland Anniversary Days 168 year old harbour regatta - http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/ whatson/events/anniversary/default.asp Best hot pools: Hanmer Springs north of Christchurch or the brilliant new Glacier Hot pools next to the Eco-Resort at Franz Josef - http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/

..Best farmers market: Matakana Village - organic fruit and produce, pickles and chutneys, fruit cheeses, free range eggs, freshly baked breads, pastries, other foody delights and close to some wineries! - http://www.matakanavillage. co.nz/farmers_market.php .....Best railway station: Dunedin and its 750,000 Minton mosaic floor tiles; and its Royal Doulton porcelain frieze. Priceless. And top spot for their annual fashion parade http://www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/taieri_gorge_railway.html Best five-star eco resort retreat: Scenic Groups Te Waonui, Franz Josef. They need to move the helicopter base a little out of the centre of town: choppers and pristine rainforest peace dont fit - http://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz Best cafe: Procope in Christchurch. Best coffee. Cheeky staff. Great spot off-street parking! .....Best sea trip: To White Island - New Zealands only live marine volcano with steaming cracks, bubbling pools and roaring gas vents - http://www.whiteisland.co.nz/ ..Best events: Marlborough wine festival all class http://www.wine-marlborough-festival.co.nz/index.htm; and the Wellington rugby sevens - http://www.nzisevens. co.nz/ : party, party, party, party, party, party Best ocean adventure: Whales off Kaikoura: whale heaven, with a 95% success rate of seeing a sperm whale, humpback, blue whale or tiny Hectors dolphin - http:// www.whalewatch.co.nz/ ...Best sailing spots: Bay of Islands or take the helm of an ex Americas Cup yacht on the Waitemata Harbour http://www.explorenz.co.nz/SailNZ/index.html Best stargazing: The Mt John Observatory above Tekapo is one of the best places in the world to see the stars. Are applying for world heritage park night sky status http://www.newzealandsky.com/earthandsky/mt_john_ tours/mt_john_tours.html Best river trip: Up the Whanganui River on the 120 year old Waimarie, New Zealands last coal-fired paddle steamer - http://www.riverboat.co.nz/ ...Best national park walk: Nelsons Abel Tasman is a paradise of golden sands, lush bush, sheltered lagoons and coves, for walking, kayaking or both http://www.abeltasman.co.nz/Walks/Walks.aspx

Delyth Morgan-Coghlan is Welsh. She moved to New Zealand and found herself living the ideal lifestyle you can only dream about. On a small island in Aucklands harbour .

Youd be forgiven for thinking that youd dropped into an international arrivals lounge when you first visit Waiheke Island. Its a creative boiling pot of migrants from all corners of the globe speaking all manner of languages. Let Me Out Creative Industries Group owner, a first language Welsh speaker - Delyth Morgan-Coghlan decided to establish her business on the island back in 2008. The business uses a team of creatives, event managers and project managers to helps other companies reach their customers through design and marketing, events and media production Theres not much call for Welsh language communications in New Zealand but that doesnt stop Delyth from raising her daughter Seren (Welsh for star) speaking her native tongue in New Zealand and she is extremely proud of her Welsh roots even from the other side of the World. Delyth spent the majority of her young adult life working as a Welsh language actress and then sports broadcaster for BBC Wales. Having also played rugby for Wales, Delyth was the pitch side reporter for international rugby during the World Cup in Cardiff back in 1999 and her passion for sports eventually led to her first trip to New Zealand as an extreme sports documentary producer. Many moons later after developing a career as Manager of Programmes for BBC Wales and Creative Trainer to BBC staff, Delyth eventually found herself working for Sky TV in Auckland and living on Waiheke Island. That was back in 2005 and her love affair with the creative side of life on Waiheke Island led to her decision to relocate there. It was helped in no small way by the fact that she met her future husband, Kasey (a Kiwi) when she missed the ferry home to the island one night. And the rest, as they say is history! Delyths decision to establish Let Me Out on The Rock, as its known by locals was a no brainer! She had spent the past 10 years in her management roles at the BBC in Wales and in London, training people in the innovation process and facilitating sessions for teams to help them develop fresh ideas for their businesses. The key components were always fresh stimulus and an inspiring environment to let ideas flow. The dynamic stimulation of a big bustling city like Auckland combined with the peace, tranquillity and natural beauty of Waiheke Island were the perfect combination to practise what shed been preaching to others. Now, they have the best of both Worlds, with a new Auckland city creative centre opening on K Road the Soho of Auckland, and the paradise retreat of Waiheke Island to transform those ideas in to implementable solutions for their clients. The Rugby World Cup adds an exciting opportunity for Delyth and her team as she gets to combine her first love rugby with the needs of many of her clients to maximise the business opportunities around this huge event. But there will be very clear gaps in her diary come September 2011 there will be no work taking place on any day that Wales are playing. Delyth plans to do what any true Welsh girl will be doing on those days supporting the boys in red!

Myriad cafes, bars and dinner clubs cater to a hip young clientele. Try the glittering waterfront for smart bars, and hit the happening clubs (some stay open 24 hours). There are plenty of live shows on offer too, from folk in Devonport to louder sounds at Mt Eden. And you can always walk off the Sky Tower - the southern hemispheres tallest structure - a 328m cable-controlled drop in which jumpers reach a speed of 85kph. FU BAR - widely regarded as an underground club and our music policy has always been deliberately cutting edge, although Hip Hop has come more to the front in recent years. Fu and Fu Bar regular clientele have always regarded the club as a safe haven, where they can be treated to something different every night of the week, and often two different sounds in each room on weekends. GLOBE BAR - is not the coolest bar in town, nor are we the most sophisticated or on the Viaduct. But one thing we are hands-down the MOST FUN! And these are the people that strive night and day to make sure we stay that way...+64 9 357 3980 MOS - strategically located in the lower west side of downtown Auckland. It is a perfect place to chill after work, smooze late at night, or celebrate birthdays and special occasions. The citys best bartenders will provide you with a fine selection of cocktails, wines and cigars. Mos has become an institution, one of Aucklands best kept secrets. ...+64 9 366 6066 MARGARITAS BAR - Aucklands busiest venue offering theme nights and a party atmosphere with a chill out lounge upstairs. Enjoy D.J. sounds, chill in the Chili Lounge at Margaritas Bar located in inner city Auckland.....+64 9 302 2764

in October 1997. In November 2005 Rowan Allen bought Muldoons and together with Jodie will assure that the wonderful Family atmosphere on both sides of the bar will continue for a long time to come. Fantastic meals and the best entertainment in town, hope you enjoy being part of the Muldoons Family....+64 9 427 8000 SAFARI LOUNGE - Aotearoa has celebrated local and international Hip Hop here since 1997 with Aucklands most well known hip hop club night ESCAPISM. Manchoo, Slave, Manuel Bundy, Pari and a whole posse of their mates have made Safari Lounge their Hip hop home on Ponsonby Road for many years. RnB night is celebrated with Old School King Ned Roy and Thursdays are hosted by Dick Magik Johnson playing his famous brand of music. The refurbishments of the premises have made Safari Lounge a unique and special venue.....+64 9 378 7707 SPYBAR - The careful selection of all the right ingredients and characters combine to make an eclectic crowd mix. This has Spy setting the standard of Aucklands nightlife scene today. A haven for mature individuals seeking intelligent nightlife in a unique atmosphere. It is known for its class, style, music and explosive parties that give most visitors an experience they will never forget...+64 9 377 7811 GUADA FIESTA BAR - Guada the first Corona bar in Australasia specilising in Mexican food. A Spanish bell tower was erected on the site part of Manukaus first Mexican/Spanish influenced Fiesta Bar...+64 9 262 0898 to Sunday 11am till late, aims to provide a relaxed environment for friends to meet, dine, enjoy a

DIABLO BAR & RESTAURANT - Open from Tuesday

MULDOONS IRISH

Corona or cocktail or two, dance the night away with DJ Tainer on Fridays and Saturdays till 3am.....+64 9 360 9530 KHUJA LOUNGE - at the top of Aucklands Queen St , has been the hub of fresh emerging musical talent since 1997. Voted first runner-up in Metro magazines Readers Poll Best Auckland Bars (2003) Khuja is known as the home of 100% Aotearoa Soul.....+64 9 377 3711 HUSH LOUNGE BAR Open 5pm every Friday happy hour till 10pm. Djs visiting hush in near future, Roger Perry, Mickey Havoc, Timmy Schumacher, Dick Johnson, Random Play, Greg Churchill, Angela Fisken, Tim Richards, Cuffy, Phat as Phuk ( Jason Mirams & Dan Michell, Luke Walker, Loki.) ....+(021) 588 442 ALHAMBRA - Open 5pm every Friday happy hour till 10pm. Established 1982 - situated in the former Britannia Movie Theatre Today old Classics and Contemporary Films on the movie screen keep the theatre alive. Has superb views. Live music featuring Jazz, Rhythm n Blues and Latin Rhythm is a special attraction at Alhambra.....+(021) 588 442 THE EMPIRE TAVERN - is one of Aucklands leading entertainment venues, and outside, the Garden Bar is a great lunch time location. Theres plenty of attractions the Empire can offer you: * Live music, * Great food, * Garden Bar in the heart of the city....+(09) 373 4389 SUITE BAR - voted Aucklands best bar 2008. This subterranean Manhattan style cocktail & lounge, stylish & knowledgeable bar staff. All wines are sold by the glass, to make it accessible for you to try great wines. Kitchen is open right through til 5am. Have your next night out at the Number 1 bar in the city! Scott Blyth.......+64 9 3077030

BAR & BRASSERIE - opened

ADULTSPACE - Adultspace

It could be a New Testament repeat - no room at the inn. If youre in Auckland for the last 2 weeks of the 2011 event, you might have to sleep on someones couch.
New Zealanders may have to unite and open up their houses, spare bedrooms and caravans to assist the overseas tourist with accommodation during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Without this step it may be impossible to house and accommodate the demand and opportunity that will place on the New Zealand locals. This is according to tourism industry expert, If you look at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from the quarterfinals onwards, on the key dates around big matches, there will definitely be a shortage of accommodation, thats a given,said James Parkinson, a director of hotel,tourism and leisure consultancy Horwath HTL. One challenge for accommodation providers is that the booking systems are only designed to take bookings for up to one year in advance. One devised plan to solve the accommodation challenge is to setup cruise ships to supply 6000 beds using 3 cruiser liners as floating hotels. Because we are such a small country, its quite conceivable wed be flying people out from the main centres following a game and dispersing the accommodation requirements that way, says a Rugby World Cup spokesman. According to local authorities, the main problem with accommodation will come not in the opening of the World Cup but closer to the finals where there is greater demand by tourist to see the games. The reality is that the New Zealand locals will have to take the opportunity to open up their homes and properties for a fee to ensure that supply meets demand. Sue Robinson of accommodation website www.80minutegame.com has been busy matching tenants with rental properties. We believe we still need more homes but we dont know at this stage to what degree. Peter Thompson, of Barfoot and Thompson, Auckland regions largest residential property manager, dismissed speculation that ordinary family homes could be rented for thousands of dollars a week during the tournament. Some silly figures were being quoted, Thompson said. But is a landlord going to get rid of a tenant just because they could probably get a higher rent for a few weeks? Probably not. NZ could run out of beds for RWC 2011...go to page 196 to see if your problem can be solved with a rented house on the beach! - no! NOT a tent with bleating sheep - a house.

A is for ARM....uttered when looking at the sky and thinking of something to say - AMAJEN....to visualise - B is for BULL.... the thing you pay when youre charged for a meal - BUG HUT....a very popular recording - BUN BITTEN....been bitten by insect - BEERS .....large savage animals found in U.S. forests - BEARD ....a place to lie down and sleep - BRUDGE ....a structure spanning a stream - BEGGAGE CHUCKEN....place to leave your suitcase at the earport - C is for CUDS .....the little people who go to school, children - D is for DONUT....a longer version of dont DAY OLD CHUCK....very young poultry E is for EAR....the stuff we breath - EVER CARDEAU....a green fruit off an avocado tree - EAR ROEBUCKS....exercise at the gym - EAR NEW ZILLUN....an extinct airline - F is for FUSH....things that swim in the sea and you catch on your line - FITTER CHEYNEY....Italian type of pasta - FEAR HEAR.....blonde hair - G is for GUESS..... used for cooking and heating - H is for HULL.....the place Jack and Jill went up - I is for ICE CREAM what I do when the All Blacks lose - INNER ME....the army on the other hill, opposition - IGGS ECKTLY.... precisely - J is for JUG.....an Irish dance - JUNGLE BULLS....a Christmas carol - K is for KENS....a popular holiday city in Australia - L is for LUST....something you write before you go shopping - LEATHER....foam produced from soap - LIFT.... departed, gone somewhere else - M is for MILBURN....a major city in Australia MIN....male of the species - MESS KARA....black stuff ladies (and some men) apply to their eyes - McKEN-

NOCK..... a person who fixes cars MUNCE....meat usually served on toast or in a munce pie you buy for lunge. MEH....the senior official in charge of the local council, the one who wears robes and jingly chains - N is for NUTTER.....a conversation between people - NIN TIN DOUGH....a computer game - O is for ONE DOZE.....a pane of glass in a wall - ONE DOZE....well known computer program that made Bill Gates rich - P is for PIGS.....things that you have on a clothesline to hold up your clothes PECK....to fill up a suitcase with your clothes - PISSED ASIDE....a chemical mix which kills insects - PUMP.......someone who acts as an agent for a prostitute PUG ....is a large animal with a curly tail that makes nice roast chops - PITTS..... domestic animals you keep around the house - Q is for QUAD.....an english pound - R is for RUNG.....a piece of jewllery you wear on your finger - S is for SUCKS.....the number after five - SEX.... one less than sivven - SUCKS PECK.....half a dozen beers - SIVVEN SUCKS SIVVEN.... the large Boeing aircraft - T is for TIN.... the number after nine - U is for UNDIES.....West Undies are good at cricket and a nice sunny holiday place - V is for VOLLEY....the lower area between two hulls - VEERGIN....a mythical New Zealand maiden - W is for WINDY....a girls name - X is for XYLOPHONE....its said the same in any langwudge - Y is for YUPPIE!......an expression of delight when the All Blacks win. Used 3 years out of 4.

OREWA - 35 MINUTES NORTH....THE NAUTILUS......14 studio, 8x1brm, 8x2brm, 1x3brm & 1x3brm penthouse suite with panoramic views, interconnecting rooms available. Full kitchen facilities, microwave, shower, hair dryer, queen/king size beds, phone, internet access, Sky TV, Business services, laundry, heated lagoon-style swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, barbecue, undercover parking. 250m to a great wide sandy beach and gentle ocean waves. 35km to Auckland CBD, 5km to Waiwera Hot Pools, adjacent to restaurants with a large shopping centre to suit any wife or girlfriend with a Tariff: single/double $180-$610; http://www.thenautilus.co.nz/ HOWICK - 40 MINUTES SOUTH EAST...GOLFLANDS MOTEL. Closest motel to Pakuranga Golf Club and Highland Park, alongside 10th green Pakuranga Country Club. 21 modern, fully equipped units including spacious quality studio, 1 or 2-bedroom family units. All with kitchen facilities and underfloor heating. 1km to Botany shopping complex. 20min to city centre and airport. 10min to Eastern Beach, Bucklands Beach and Halfmoon Bay. Close to excellent restaurants and food court - wireless and broadband available. Phone: +64 9 535 2447 Email: golflands@xtra.co.nz

PAPAKURA

- 30 MINUTES SOUTH.....TAKANINI

HELENSVILLE

PARK MOTOR LODGE...Papakura is a small town only 7 minutes south. 16 ground floor units, serviced daily: 7 studio sleep 3; 5x1brm sleep 4; 4x2brm sleep 6. 13 have fully equipped kitchen, 3 with tea/coffee making facilities; all units with fridge, shower, queen size beds, phone, wireless internet connection, Sky TV, electric blankets, heating. Continental breakfast available served to unit from 6.30 am onwards, swimming pool, playground, barbecue, fax, laundry, off-street parking, courtesy coach, car storage available. 16km to Auckland Airport. Tariff: $99-$175. Phone: (+64) 09 298 7304

in 2005, ground floor self-contained motel units serviced daily. There are three studio units, and three one-bedroom units, set in a quiet garden. Units have full kitchens, with comfortable furnishings and own private hot mineral spa pool. Located directly opposite local hot pools, and just five minutes from Helensville, a 40 minute scenic drive from downtown Auckland through picturesque suburbs and farming countryside. Ideal for familys who are looking for safe and plaeasant surrounds. Double - $130 pernight, extra people - $25 per person per night http://www.helensville.co.nz/stayat/geothermal/

......40 MINUTES NORTH EAST....PARAKAI GEOTHERMAL MOTEL....as opened

ALBANY .........20 MINUTES NORTH....ALBANY

EXECUTIVE MOTOR INN....is the closest accommodation to, North Harbour Stadium, Massey University and Albany Mega Centre - SHOPPING!!! all 500 metres. We are 10 minutes north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, 35 minutes to Auckland Airport and minutes from the magnificent, North Shore beaches.Enjoy breakfast, continental or a full cooked breakfast in either our Breakfast Caf or an in-room breakfast delivery is available. commodation. 40 Luxury Suites: - Studio Suites 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites. Open from 7:00am until 9:00pm. Phone: (+64) 09 414-1156 Email: info@ executivemotorinn.co.nz

MANUKAU
- 20 MINUTES SOUTH....MANUKAU HEIGHTS MOTOR LODGE. 21 units, serviced daily, Auckland/Manukau views from most units: All units have tea/coffee making facilities (18 have fully equipped kitchen), microwave, fridge, ensuite with shower 5-channel Sky TV. Cot and highchair available. Continental breakfast available, restaurant chargeback facilities. Broadband internet, business services available, immediate access to motorways (SH1, SH20). 10.5km to airport terminal, Tariff: $115-$230 +64 9 263 6121

DRURY - 40 MINUTES ON THE SOUTHERN

MOTORWAY - DRURY MOTOR LODGE .... 24-studio units, serviced daily: 12 units ground floor connecting doors suitable for families. All units have cooking facilities, shower/bath, super-king and single beds, electric blankets, wireless broadband, flatscreen TVs, Sky TV. Continental breakfast, licensed restaurant opposite. Bath - Cot/highchair -Electric blankets - Iron/ironing board Kitchen - $99-$240; extra person $20; child 10yrs and under $10 Tariff: $99-$240; +64 9 294 7690

rooms & serviced apartments situated on 3.5 acres of treestudded grounds in the exclusive inner city suburb of Parnell, Expansive views of Auckland city and harbour. 67 of the Serviced Apartments have full kitchen facilities. Free onsite parking, Wireless Internet , Sky TV (Cable TV), complimentary morning newspaper, 24 hour reception, room service and porters, coffee shop/cafe, restaurant and bar. Is the perfect place for Rugby World Cup travellers - close to attractions. +64 9 303 3789 -

PARNELL - 5 MINUTES EAST OF THE CITY - HOTEL BARRYCOURT has 105 hotel

Murray Deaker (Radio New Zealand) : Have you ever thought of writing your autobiography? Tana Umaga (All Black Captain): On what?

I yell and scream like they do. Im the worst of them. Totally. Im a nightmare. Once they gave me the passport that was it - started throwing my hands in the air, drinking red wine and flying off the handle. 2003 Italy coach New Zealander, John Kirwan on (past) life in Italy.

Well, either side could win it, or it could be a draw, and,........ Strangely, in slow motion replay, the ball seemed to hang in the air for even longer, and........Andy Ellis - the 21 year old, who turned 22 a few weeks ago. The highly entertaining New Zealand Rugby Commentator, Murray Mexted.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

The House of Hatepe (phon: har -tehpeh) has a limited edition of a Maori woven flax sculpture that features as a 3 dimentional wall hanging with paua shell gilding. Called Tubular Cubics the adaptation from traditional Maori flax woven artifacts is featured on a white backing canvas, 75 x 100cm. Initially created as a special gift to family overseas, this design was snapped up by other family members who saw the intricate flax weaving as an object of visual art for their Norway home. Hand woven from the local flax plant in Hatepe (a village on the south eastern shores of Lake Taupo), Ira Makea is an artist and teacher of modern Maori flax-weave design. Limited edition, 400 only, signed, numbered and delivered - US$855 each - 20 day delivery. Enquiries, email: iramjohns@gmail.com

Wellington offers a host of dining options from ethnic cafs and chic eateries to innovative Pacific Rim cuisine. The Waterfront If you fancy a view as you dine, one of the best places to go is Queens Wharf with its upmarket seafood restaurants and fine sea views. Theres nothing like the fresh smell of the sea and a view of the harbour while you relax over a delicious meal. There is also a food court at the Queens Wharf retail centre (10am-6pm daily) for cheaper meals. Further around the waterfront, scenic Oriental Parade is known for its fine selection of seafood restaurants, some of which offer al fresco dining.

CBD A bustling commercial centre by day, this area forms the hub of New Zealands capital, encompassing Parliament Buildings and the towering office blocks that house many of the citys business enterprises. By night, Wellingtons CBD adopts a more peaceful atmosphere but there are still plenty of wining and dining options including upmarket brasseries, bars and cafs. Courtenay Place This vibrant quarter is one of the citys favourite precincts for dining out and entertainment, with a huge range of ethnic and international-style cuisines to tempt the tastebuds including Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Italian, Mexican, Greek and

Japanese. Whether you feel like sitting down to a formal dinner in a brasserie setting, or just relaxing over a casual meal at a caf or pub, Courtenay Place has all the options covered. Highly reccommended...The Green Parrot at the bottom of Taranaki Street. Go there for a great meal, your Chefs are 2 Greek Brothers, Angelo and Costa. They will spoil you and treat you to some fine, fresh Greek cuisine. Like you just stepped off the boat from Thesalonika! or the other Athens, Melbourne! Tell them Wally Maori sent you. The Wellington Market food court (Friday to Sunday, 10am-6pm) is the place to go for good, budget Asian food. While in the area, slip into Blair Street or perhaps Allen Street. Once alive

at dawn with auctioneers selling fresh vegetables and flowers, the reverse is now in vogue with bars and restaurants open until late. You can follow your meal with a night on the town. Entertainment options in this lively area include R&B, jazz, comedy and dance. But the rhythm is great for you when the weather is fine. Cuba Street Wellingtons hippest quarter is a great place to eat on a budget, with restaurants, vegetarian eateries, bakeries, ethnic cuisine, a goodcourt and a a range of smaller cafs and bars. The area is one of the citys oldest thoroughfares and, after a relaxing dinner, its just a short walk to the concert halls

and theatres for a spot of nightlife. Lambton Quay This elegant shopping precinct has a plethora of options for wining and dining, from upmarket brasseries to the bars and cafs of the historic Old Bank Shopping Arcade. Wellingtons oldest suburb, Thorndon, is another good place to eat out. Visitors can walk off lunch by exploring the areas lovely colonial buildings, which include the Prime Ministers official residence on Tinakori Road. Willis Street This key shopping quarter covers all options, from ethnic Indian and Indonesian through to Tex-Mex and upmarket French bistros. There is a licensed food court in the BNZ Shopping Centre (open Monday to Saturday). The Manners Mall area has some budget options and is popular with street entertainers. Tinakori Road In the heart of historic Thorndon, Tinakori Road is distinguished by its heritage buildings and the tightly packed wooden houses and cottages built by the citys early settlers. A cluster of speciality shops and restaurants create from Petones Hikoikoi Reserve to Birchville a village atmosphere down from the in Upper Hutt, the Hutt River Trail is ideal for main entrance to Wellington Botanic walking, running and cycling. The trail also Garden. See Wellington cafes: http:// provides river access for swimming, fishing, www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/ and kayaking. In most cases the Trail runs cafe-reviews/cafe-map on both sides of the river, offering shorter Heritage Walks to river trails and rugged loop tracks between bridges. Enjoy leafy coastal walkways, Wellington offers glades and open spaces, many linking with some wonderful opportunities for local parks and sports fields. Botanic walkers. Butterfly Creek (2 hrs return). The Garden (25min). This signposted walk from Kowhai Track in Eastbourne takes the top of the Cable Car takes in the Carter walkers over a ridge with spectacular Observatory, the sun dial and native forest views of the Wellington Harbour, to the on Serpentine Way. Thorndon Heritage Trail. peaceful bush-clad valley of Butterfly Wellingtons oldest suburb contains some Creek. The picnic spot in a clearing by fine examples of 19th century villas, includ ing the Prime Minister official home, dating back to 1843. Tinakori Hills. An area of native bush and pines offering city and harbour views, and native birdlife, including tui, grey warblers, fantails and silver eyes. Entrances are on Weld Street, Wadestown Road, Grant Road and Mary Street. Red Rocks Coastal Walk (4km each way, 2-3hrs return). Follows the dramatic volcanic coast from the quarry at Owhiro Bay to Sinclair Head, with its colony of New Zealand fur seals. The seals are most numerous from May to October. Wellington Rover Tours can drop off and pick up from the start of the walk at the western end of Owhiro Bay, Th e G r e en P a r r o t C a fe or take bus no 1 or 4 to Island Bay, then 29 (S i n c e 1 9 2 6 ) to Owhiro Bay Parade. The Eastern Walk16 Taranaki st, Wellington NZ, way (4.5km). A ridge walk along the 5 pm till late 7 days a week southern end of the Miramar Peninsula from Ask for Costa or Angelo. the Pass of Branda to Tarakena Bay, passing historical Maori sites and native flora and the creek is a popular stop off point for fauna. Wellington Rover Tours drops off at walkers. Hutt River Trail. Running for 27km Tarakena Bay and picks up from Seatoun.

Much of the food is grown within one hour of the markets. Is that fresh enough?

When you see Pocock up close and personal you realise how much physical presence he has and can bring to the game. And he needs it, too. The openside position is combative, and the best No.7s are willing to get involved as no other player on the field. Everyone but their teammates thinks of them as pests - and thats the best compliment someone like Pocock can get. For a long time, Australia has produced No.7s that fit the bill, and now the Forces flanker is raising the bar

Russian rugby has come a long way since the Stalinist dark days when the former Soviet dictator banned it for being too bourgeois. Now with a French coach in charge and with a marketing guru in place, the Russian federation is aiming to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Rugby is on the rise in Russia now, Russias Rugby Union (RRU) chief Vyacheslav Kopyov told Agence France-Presse. We were just one step away from a place in this years World Cup finals and I believe we will be capable of winning a place in the New Zealand finals four years from now. In April, the RRU hired 58-year-old coach Claude Sorel. The Frenchman, who has previously coached Georgia, Morocco and Tunisia, is considered one of the most experienced managers in the rugby world. Hes very experienced and we are counting on him, Kopyov said. And most importantly, he has a lot of winning experience. The RRU has also hired marketing guru Howard Thomas, a former executive director of the English Premiership as an adviser. Thomas has promised to develop a strategy for turning the recently-created Professional Rugby League into a moneymaking venture that would attract plenty of potential advertisers.

Russia still has huge potential. Just remember how strong was the Soviet national side! Thomas said. I believe its possible to raise the Russian league up to the standards of the English Premiership. Otherwise I would never have accepted the RRU proposal. Rugby has a longer history in Russia than one might think. The first official match took place in Moscow in 1923 while the first official championship of the Soviet Union was won by Dynamo Moscow in 1936. There was a thaw under Krushchev when it was one of the sports played at the International Festival of Youth and Students in 1957.The match aroused tremendous public interest, but it was not until 1966 that a national federation was re-established and the national championship was relaunched.

Russia was making BIG noises about wanting to come to the 2011 RWC. It looks like theyve made it.

As the rugby world celebrated the decision of the International Olympic Committee to reinstate the sport for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Josef Stalin would have been turning in his grave. The former Soviet dictator banned rugby in 1949 after deeming it a hobby for capitalists. Rugby remained a prohibited activity until 1957 - four years after Stalins death - when Nikita Krushchev allowed it to be played as part of a students festival. Only now is rugby starting to build up a head of steam again. The man driving it is Vyacheslav Kopiev, the president of the Russian Rugby Union, whose father was one of those banned by the Kremlin from throwing around his oval ball. Kopiev has already overseen the development of a professional 12club league in Russia with attendances of between 3000 and 4000, a figure comparable to many leading English clubs a decade or so ago. It is often said that the United States and Russia are the two sleeping giants of world rugby and if either woke up to the sport properly the whole landscape would change.

ment funding channels but in Russia the only sports played in the school system are Olympic sports. Kopiev has already submitted a strategic plan of development to the Russian sports minister and he is busy negotiating what support the union can get, both from the Kremlin and the regional authorities. That plan includes the introduction of rugby into the school system for 2010, which would be a major step forward from the system of trying to persuade kids to join after-school clubs. We have a national schools festival every year which includes several sports but not rugby. We want it to be included from next year, said Kopiev. We have sent our strategic plan to the minister for sport of Russia and we have had negotiations with the government. There are those who fear that the lure of an Olympic medal will persuade developing rugby nations to plough all their resources into Sevens rugby, to the detriment of the 15-a-side game. Kenya, for example, have a fully established national Sevens programme and are a major threat on the world circuit but at Test level they rank a

Its said that Russia and USA are the sleeping giants of rugby. Its probably morning time.
Indeed it would and Kopiev believes the Olympic decision is just the catalyst Russian rugby has been waiting for to help the sport rise like a phoenix from the flames to be powerful once again. He said: It is hard for us to understand now why the Politburo banned rugby. We had a national championship, we had a good history of rugby before it was banned. For us the Olympic decision was extremely important because it is the start of a new history for rugby in Russia. It is still a developing sport here and Olympic status means it will get more recognition from the government because an Olympic title is the kind of dream that captures the publics attention. There are only 20,000 registered players in a nation of 140million but Kopiev estimates that number could grow by 500 percent within two years. During its lobbying process, the International Rugby Board often cited Russia as prime example of why Olympic status was so important for the growth of the game around the world. Not only does it open up new governlowly 42nd. Kopiev insists that will not be the case in Russia, that the dream to win the Rugby World Cup will be as strong as the desire for Olympic gold. an rope u I have been asked that question a lot E ier 2011 by journalists here in Russia. What will nd-t the o f c o e e for s be the priority for us? We feel that we iddl ne, em tion i h t t krai e U n p i , have one game, one sport that can m a s f i a co orgi or o ssia be played in two formats1 and we shallpaign, , Ge rect i - Ru a i a for d n s a Y rk ussi m cam a o R h develop both, Kopiev p MA explained. f R S u o ale sC gby face ach er S tion is a To dream of Olympic medals reahey s co n Ru t m a a r i Na e s o r n s i he Ru n. F w nt and son to develop Sevens but dream to s,a Spai , the erce ill st h d side p t w n n d a s l lot of Jone be world champions is what mo dre gaa h, hun ortu next a sley coac g t m players target. Both P aspirations are e n o k . i y r c f t K a s t o y said n at ek v r e s t o ugb a familiar u some way off but Russiarhas I w k o be ay. five is Mar r or face in the dug-out after the formeron Frid ed h is to rgei c s e n e S fou u n o aid e sDianno man Sale and Saracens coach Steve es, J ho a okes -gam nion ut y o p w b U s , , w k t d d n mond signed up as national coach. on a rme attac Uni ing amo fi r i w y n u e D b o d e Russia can still qualify forc the 2011 Rug dan nth alia, Stev sian ustr o fin t mo ace t l s A World Cup in New Zealand but a p n l e Rus it has e e sia ll r gsid s ke Rus s wi some tough fixtures ahead in 2010, sia i alon s m u C o Jone r l R f Poo nd. Portugal, Romania and Georgia. ar It ture e a la y in a Z ep l . d p w ll will be a hard year. We need to make f Ne ates y wi o d St e e r t i u Th to the much more effort to be among on. e Un d th h so c n a teams at the World Cup in 2011. Well a o c Italy try to do our best but it means much nd, Irela more effort than before, said Kopiev.

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the BEST try in the history of rugby..........

Miring in relation to being in front of the kicker. This

Compulsive viewing. Very he will be penalised ing if he continues to advance, dangerous to the house chores and players you were asked tothere do and n ..... of course! has to be some All Black putting the kids to bed. The tries in here .....see MR Lomu at his best....ChrisWe trouble is........its very hard to tear yourself away from the screen. And then you find another one......and another...... awww look, theres one of........

will see referees calling for a player to stop advanc-

We think theyre s-o-m-e of the best anyway. Theres 1000s t0 pick from. Some bring back great memories. trouble was got told off for spending too much time here - forgot to put the washing out! Have a gander and enjoy. #1....Tchaikovsky & Rugby..... Footage from the French 1979 rugby tour of New Zealand is rendered in slow-motion and cut to a Tchaikovsky score. The result is an often glorious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, paean to rugby. Balletic lineouts, driving tackles, and the dark mysteries of the ruck, make for a ballsy Swan Lake in the mud. It includes the Bastille Day

French victory over the All Blacks. It won a jury prize at Montreal Film Festival. 9 min 43 of it!!!!! http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/score-1980 #2.....greatest 6 Nations tries....Rory Underwood was a phenomenal winger.....features Sella as well - just over 3 minutes of great rugby from Twickers and the 6 Nations grounds. Watch the last Welsh clip....amazing try thru 6? hands? naaah, 8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir8XwCHwRJg&NR #3........greatest World Cup tries... discussed by a awesome panel of past players - Martin Johnson, Zinzan Brooke, Joel Stransky, Philippe Sella & John Eales. 3 minutes of memories. Watch the (blind) Campo throws over the shoulder. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=G816iu6hv5E&feature=related #4.......it says the rugby try of the Century. - and against the All Blacks - through 45 players hands, one end of the field to the other. Vive lFrench.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PddHPJgD7cY&feature=related

#5........greatest try of all times! - again, against the ABs, by the 73 Barbarians. A great watch - http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=AwCbG4I0QyA&feature=related #6........the Lomu tries - have to see to believe. Was he THE greatest? he was unstoppable - one on one, like a bulldozer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsXTa7UCGlk http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0NLC3uk5xs #7........9 minutes of 2009 Euro rugby best tries....the music is a bit hee-haww and boring but at least the tries were great. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlkfaqlN3fk #8........Shane Williams, the wizz....scores to win the match deep into injury time. Keeping the ball alive for so many phases, incredible. Then James Hook steps up to deliver the coup de grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6GcpgTzX4Q #9........Christian Cullen (AB) the musical....his tries - set to music!.....I know, another AB, but the guy was just magical. The one I cant find is where he scores at full time, from behind his posts to the other end to win the Hong Kong Sevens??? http:amazing. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQZbe_NiYy0 #10.......this IS a doozey!..... the biggest screw up try of the season!!! can you imagine being in the changing room after full time?.....sheeeesh!....how? I just dont wanna talk about it. 1.03 of video you dont want to show your kids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53X7JWQgVDE

Hey! youve got me going. Ill definitely be there .

44 DAYS OF WORLD RUGBY - SEPT 2011

in our lives we get overcome by straight beauty. Doesnt happen often. This place will enchant you with its own breathtaking wonder.
Depart Te Anau, (the bottom LHS of the South Island) the Gateway to Fiordland and enter the Fiordland National Park, to be mesmerized by the grandeur of this region. As you pass through the Eglington Valley, you will see ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes where the coach pauses for photo opportunities. It then goes through the Upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls and enters the 1.2 kilometer (0.75 miles)

One American environmental writers eyes welled up. Sometimes

long Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. Prepare yourself for the exit and the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley descending into Milford Sound. You will then take a spectacular Red Boat cruise on the majestic Milford Sound, where you will see the wonders of the Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1200 mtrs (3937 feet) vertically from the sea and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into far below. The bus driver was a

great guide and a very funny chap, His constant repartee and knowledge of the place kept us on the edge of our seats. He was probably the best thing on that trip except the Milford Sound itself. The pickup was not easy to find, we were just lucky that we found it. It was a fantastic day misty rain, lots of waterfalls. Everything was organised very well. The cruise on the Sound was magnificent. I understand how difficult it is to accommodate many peoples different tastes, but sandwiches, cake and fruit would have been ok for lunch instead of the buffet. I felt like I was missing out on the scenery while I was eating!

Residents of Auckland, New Zealands biggest and most bustling city would doubtless prefer that Waiheke Island remained their little secret. Unfortunately for them, the word is out. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, the idyllic sub-tropical island has long been a popular escape for city folk, many of whom have weekenders or beach shacks. Some Aucklanders sail their own yachts across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke, while jetsetters can take a 10-minute helicopter ride from Auckland International Airport. The myriad attractions here include a dozen or so wineries, several with top-notch cellar-door restaurants that lie dotted among the islands fruit farms, olive groves, cafes, art studios and galleries. The superb views and much slower lifestyle are also draw cards. Waiheke (pronounced

Y- heck-air) has a warm Mediterranean climate that has proved ideal for growing cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes, which will not ripen in many other parts of the country. The island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. There is a great range of activities with options include sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, a relaxed vineyard tour and much more. The delectable cuisine on offer is complemented by a range of award-winning wines produced at the islands many wineries. Significant industries on the island include wine-making, olive production, tourism and arts, crafts. Waiheke is the third most populated island in New Zealand, after the North and South Islands. It has a permanent population of around 8,000 residents, most living close to

Paradise island 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. The best vineyards in close proximity on any island anywhere in the world is a big statement. The locals would love you to challenge it.

COTTAGE PARADISE

the western end of Waiheke Island, at or close to an east-west isthmus between Huruhi Bay and Oneroa Bay which, at its narrowest, is only 600 meters wide. Discovered and settled by Maori approximately 1000 years ago, Waiheke translates to cascading waters. Some Maori legends relate that one of the pioneering waka (canoes) to New Zealand came upon the island. The first traces of Europeans arrived with the missionary Samuel Marsden in the early 1800s, several years after Captain Cook passed by and acknowledged the island in his travels through the Hauraki Gulf. Signs of Maori occupation on Waiheke Island still exist today. Archeological sites are scattered over the island including more than forty pa sites, cooking pits and terraced areas. On the eastern tip of Waiheke is Stony Batter, a historic WWII defense complex that is accessible by walking through country-

side with striking views of the Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula. Stony Batter today is open to visitors to walk through the network of underground tunnels and chambers that link to magnificent gun emplacements. The purpose of the complex was to provide outer harbor protection incase of an invasion. A day trip could include visits to vineyards, olive groves and art studios, swimming at a local beach and a meal at a caf or vineyard restaurant. Guided tours are available to help visitors explore the landscape and discover the islands highlights. If you want to take a car, a vehicle ferry runs from Half Moon Bay - the trip takes 45 minutes. Transport options on the island include a bus service and taxis. Alternatively, cars, scooters or bicycles are also available for hire. A large range of accommodation is available on the island, ranging from luxury retreats

ONEROA BAY DINING ROOM

WELLS BAY WHARF

to backpacker hostels. Privately owned beach houses are also available for rent. With hot, dry summers and stony soils, Waiheke is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties. There are Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries spread throughout the island and visitors can visit at their leisure.Cable Bay Vineyards - Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa - +64 9 372 5889 www.cablebayvineyards .co.nz .......Goldwater - 18 Causeway Road, Putiki Bay - +64 9 372 7493 - www. goldwater.co.nz ..Jurassic Ridge +64 9 372 6602 and 021 1888 638 www.waihekewine.co.nzKen nedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove - 44 Donald Bruce Rd, Surfdale - +64 9 372 5600 - www.kennedypointvineyard.co.nz..Man O War Vineyard Stony Batter Road - +64 9 950 3285 www.manowarvineyards.co.nz.. Mudbrick Vineyard - Church Bay Rd +64 9 372 9050 - www.mudbrick. co.nz..Obsidian Vineyard - Te Makiri Road, Onetangi - +64 9 372 6100 www.obsidian.co.nz..Passage Rock - 438 Orapiu Road, RD1 - +64 9 372 7257- www.passage rockwines. co.nz ..Peninsula Estate - 52a Korora Road, Oneroa - +64 9 372 7840 www.peninsulaestate.co.nz .. Poderi Crisci - 205 Awaawaroa Rd, Awaawaroa Bay - +64 9 372 2148 www.podericrisci.co.nz.....Rangih oua Estate - 1 Gordons Rd, Rocky Bay - Phone: +64 9 372 6214 - www.rangihoua.co.nz ..Saratoga Estate 72 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi - Phone: +64 9 372 6450 - www.saratogaestate. com Stonyridge Vineyard - 80 Onetangi Rd, Onetangi - Phone: +64 9 372 8822 - www.stonyridge.com.. Te Motu Vineyard - 76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi - Phone: +64 9 372 6884 - www.temotu.co.nz ..Te Whau Vineyard - Address: 218 Te Whau Drive - Phone: +64 9 372 7191 www.tewhau. co.nz ..Topknot Hill - Address: 82 Onetangi Road, Onetangi - Phone: +64 9 3723434 - www. wildonwaiheke.co.nz .....View East Vineyard - 31 Cowes Bay Road, RD 1, Waiheke Island 1971 - Phone : 09 3732 717 or 027 487 9589 - www.vieweast. co.nz ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: WHERE TO EAT Family-owned Mudbrick vineyard and restaurant has superb views of Auckland when the

weather gods are smiling. It has a Tuscan feel and many of the dishes feature vegetables and herbs from the restaurants cottage garden. Dishes here include Waiheke Island lamb served three ways with mushroom risotto and walnuts ($39). It is open daily and the cellar shop also sells preserves made from fruit grown on the property. Phone +64 9 372 9050 or see mudbrick.co.nz. The Cable Bay restaurant has now been open for almost 3 years and is making its mark on the New Zealand hospitality scene. The team have worked hard to build a lineage of accolades including: Finalist Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Awards 2007 Best Private Hire Venue 2008 Corporate Events Guide Peoples Choice Award Finalist Metro/Audi Restaurant of the Year Awards 2009 Rated one of the Top Ten Auckland Bars by Metro Magazine. Not to mention a mass of wonderful reviews from regular diners, and it is these accolades which really count. Our Chef Will Thorpe who has been with us from the opening, brings a no fuss style to the kitchen. Without foam or froth or fiddlyness to hide behind, Will focuses on fresh produce cooked simply to enhance the flavor and maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

to choose from. Whether you seek a lively atmosphere with a range of beach activities, a secluded hideaway where you can have the beach to yourself, a golden sand beach or a rocky bush clad bay, Waiheke will have it. Facing towards the sunny north, Oneroa is a popular visitor spot with a busy and vibrant village. A range of accommodation exists at Oneroa as well as stunning views of the white sand bay below and Coromandel Peninsula in the distance... Little Oneroa is a white sand, sheltered bay lined with Pohutukawa trees for shade, calm waters that are safe for swimming and a popular bay for boats to moor. Just a stone throw from Oneroa, Little Oneroa is within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops of the village Palm Beach is set in native bush with a beautiful beach below, Palm Beach is another popular place to live and to visit. At certain times of year, phosphorescence can fill the bay making a stunning display in the water. The area has its own restaurant, beach store and playground yet is also close to Oneroa VillageOnetangi - The two kilometer stretch of white sand on Onetangi Beach makes this settlement a popular holiday destination. The beach is perfect for water activities such as windsurfing, ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: swimming and the occasional surf. The beach is lined with houses and THE BEACHES During the summer has some great cafe and restaurant months there are plenty of beaches dining optionsMatiatia..Mati-

atia is an entry point to Waiheke with a busy ferry terminal, several yachts moored in the harbor and a bay scattered with olive groves. The Matiatia Wharf terminal has an information kiosk, cafe and bus and taxi transfersChurch Bay..Church Bay, just south of Matiatia is fast growing into an exclusive retreat with its sprinkling of vineyards and olive groves including the renowned Mudbrick and Cable Bay. The vineyards and the accommodation match their views - great! Waiheke offers a myriad of leisure activities for the busy tourist who just wants to have fun, If youre on the lookout for a nice quiet place to stay during the Rugby World Cup, but want to be close to Auckland, have a good look at what this island can give you to make your New Zealand stay an enjoyable one.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: land in time to watch the replay! WHERE TO STAY Wells Bay Lodge: Probably Waiheke Celebrities & business tycoons Islands best property. This fabulous choose Waiheke Unlimited as their rural designer holiday home set on preferred provider of high end ac- acres of working farm land, is situatcommodation for many reasons. ed only meters from its own private Over the years, theyve handled beach with a new wharf which makes some of the most famous names on boating, fishing and kayaking so the planet from Hollywood stars to easy. The beach view is one you can IT magnates to famous novelists. enjoy all day from the modern lounge They all love Waiheke for their priva- and from the big front decking. Here cy, stunning surroundings and the you can sit or lie on the elegant sunbespoke customer service they re- beds, enjoy the tranquility of the loceive from their host. This is where cation and get away from the hustle the Top Gear Team chooses to stay of everyday life. Enjoy the morning when theyre travelling to Auckland. sun over breakfast and dry you off Its also where independent travelers from your refreshing early morning choose to get away from it all. Its an swim. The large rear deck surrounds ideal combination: the hustle and the swimming pool and if activity is bustle of Auckland City with all its what you seek then there is a full size events and attractions and Waiheke tennis court to serve up the action. Islands paradise beaches, vineyards, On the deck there is a barbecue for al restaurants, outdoor activities and fresco meals and an open fire place relaxation just a short ferry ride from to make even cool nights warm and the city. With a large range of beach cosy and let you fully enjoy a typical front cottages, executive retreats or New Zealand lifestyle until you can luxury homes dotted across the is- make it back inside. Inside the house land, you really are spoilt for choice is modern and stylish. With a designwith Waiheke Unlimited and you can er Italian Kitchen. There are 5 double travel direct to the matches at Eden bedrooms (2 can be converted into Park by helicopter straight from your twin rooms) and two bathrooms. property, private charter boat or fer- The open plan design allows views ry to downtown Auckland. From the from the kitchen through the dining area to the spacious lounge. Indoor dining options include breakfast bar with high stools or the more formal dining table, which easily seats eight people, to enjoy your candlelight din ners. After your superb meal you can retire to the comfort of the large lounge with an open log fire and take advantage of the full home theatre system with Sky TV or look out across the darkening sea into the distance. The adjacent converted Wool Shed sleeps up to 5 additional guests with a further bathroom and kitchenette. Oneroa Bay Vineyard Estate: OBVE is a large ultra-modern contemporary beach house located on the point above Oneroa Bay. With outstand ing 360 degree views taking in the coastal vista to the east, Gulf Island to the North right around to bays of South Auckland and further west to the lights of Auckland City- very im pressive indeed! The house is built in three sections with 2 bedrooms ferry its easy to stop off at the via- and 2 bathrooms at each side of the duct harbor 2 minutes walk from open plan kitchen and living areas where the ferry lands in the city) for which open at both ends onto large an early evening meal. Catch a bus, decks. The master bedrooms at both train or taxi to the match (takes ap- ends of the house have queen beds prox 20 mins) and return to the is- and en suites. The second bedrooms,

on both sides, consist of 2 designer king beds with a single bunk above each with separate bathrooms servicing each of these rooms, WELLS BAY LODGE accommodating a total of 16 guests. The uninterrupted views from every room of the house are simply stunning, adding to the reason why Oneroa Bay Vineyard Estate is one of the best trophy properties on Waiheke Island. The kitchen is an entertainers delight offering large work area and a completely fully equipped kitchen with the latest equipment and appliances. The views from the dining table face both to the east and west. A sunken lounge with open gas fireplace is below the dining room and opens up through large bifold doors onto the east-facing deck which is complete with outside table and chairs, sun loungers and heaters the perfect place to entertain, and where your guests will be astonished by the expansive vista. The front deck has further outdoor furniture and state of the art barbeques with views back to Auckland City and the Gulf Islands. Fossil Cove. A jaw dropping property with panoramic sea views that will leave you breathless. On 12 acres of waterfront land and with direct views back to Auckland City, this is a

unique dream holiday home. The complete with all mod cons. The owners have created an artisan-chic lounge faces north and has a wrap residence, designed by Professor Al- around sun trap deck. There is a lan Wild and his son Bruce, complet- barbeque and outdoor entertaining ed in December 2006. Picture traver- area in the beautifully manicured gartine marble floors, woven bamboo dens. There is a TV/Rumpus room ceilings, natural linens, huge expans- downstairs complete with a 50 LCD es of glass, and powerful local stone TV, an IPod Dock, loads of books and FOSSIL COVE crafted by Tongan stonemasons. The CDs and a lovely spa pool on the design theme of the property is so- deck just outside. Relax in the spa phisticated tribal. The residence with some great music in the backshowcases museum-quality collec- ground or the waves rolling in on the tions of Maori and Pacific Island arti- beach below. The sofa bed is handy facts, many of which have been in for those extras, and there is also a the owners family for over 100 years. day bed if required. The master bedThe house has four romantic bed- room has a Queen bed with designer rooms (each with spacious marble- en suite bathroom and a floor to ceilwalled ensuite), and gorgeous kitch- ing mirrored double wardrobe. en, dining and living spaces. Almost Waiheke Unlimited has entered into every room has panoramic views of a strategic alignment with one of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Har- only two official travel agents for the bor with its uninhabited islands and Rugby World Cup 2011. There are extinct volcanoes. The property has combined packages of rugby tickets a 17 meter (50 ft) heated swimming and accommodation available on a pool, with a full length solar shelf so first come first serve basis. This partyou can relax in the warm water with nership makes Waiheke Unlimited your favorite cocktail while watching the official agent for accommodation schools of fish or dolphins in the bay for the Rugby World Cup on Waiheke below. The residence is set in a very Island and with New Zealand likely to private location in a gated park-like be short of quality accommodation development, with no houses close options during the tournament. If by. The property can really only be youre thinking of travelling to New seen from the sea. Zealand for the competition, youd Cottage Paradise is a delightful north be well advised to make your enquifacing property with truly amazing ries early. There are over 50 properpanoramic views across Oneroa Bay ties available dotted all over the isand out to the Gulf. This great little land with prices to suit all pockets. hideaway is located at the end of a View the superb range of properties no-exit street and there is a walking at www.waihekeunlimited.co.nz Ph track adjacent to the property down +64 9 372 7776 to the popular Little Oneroa Beach. The open plan kitchen/dining/living area is light and bright with contem- porary dcor. There is a conservatory adjacent to the kitchen - which comes

COTTAGE PARADISE

COTTAGE PARADISE

Theres this small town north of Whangarei. Maybe two hours north of Auckland. Has a couple of pubs, a short main street....the train used to chuff up and down it once, railway lines are still there in the middle. Used to have a major industry up the road of a meatworks. Its called Kawakawa. Internationally renown artist and architect Frederick Hundertwasser originally from Austria, could never have dreamed of the impact he was going to have on this small, rural community when he made New Zealand his second home years ago. From a sleepy hollow just off the tourist track through the Bay of Islands, the Kawakawa township has burgeoned into a must see mecca for Hundertwasser devotees worldwide. It all happened as a result of a public toilet probably the most unlikely building to have ever captured international visitor attention anywhere. A brightly coloured archway greets visitors as they arrive at this quintessential Northland town. Sculptured columns beckon those with crossed legs to make their way quickly to find comfort and relief within its walls. Tufts of native grass adorn the roof, a tree is incorporated into the structure, and mosaic tiling, copper handwork, sculptures and cobblestone flooring abound. The toilets are made from the communitys recycled old glass bottles and reclaimed bricks. It is the only structure he ever built in the southern hemisphere. Outside this very quirky and creative structure, youll see other gems: vivid pottery columns, mosaic shop fronts, adobe bench seats, and little railway carriage tiles that pave a route in the footpath drawing upon the towns old coal-mining past. Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian artist and architect who was born in Vienna in 1928. He first visited New Zealand in the 1970s to mount a public exhibition of his work. He was so captured by the country that he resolved to make it his second home, purchasing an isolated rural property on the Waikino

Its a public loo......possibly the most famous one in the world. Created by one of Europes most distinguished artists.
peninsula on the Waikare Inlet east of the Kawakawa. Frederick loved the informality of the area and the freedom to walk the streets of the Kawakawa township anonymously. Initially he was to spend only a few months of each year in the Bay of Islands, with the majority of his time still spent in Europe - Vienna in particular. In 1998 the Kawakawa Community Board was looking to upgrade their 40-year-old toilet facilities. Hundertwasser offered a solution from his design palate and his concept was adopted. In consultation with the Bay of Islands College, students prepared ceramic tiles which have been used throughout the building. The bricks used came from a former Bank of New Zealand building, and both young and old from the local community volunteered services to the

construction process. The finished product is a work of art, from the grass roof, to gold balls, ceramic tiles, bottle glass windows, mosaic tiling, copper handwork, cobblestone flooring, individual sculptures and a living tree integrated into the design structure. So impressive has been the final result that Creative New Zealand gave the project the premier certificate in the Creative Places Awards 2000 contest. The results were announced at the Local Government New Zealand conference at Christchurch earlier this year. In making the award Creative New Zealand chairperson Peter Biggs said: This project was initiated by a rural community in a district that has faced many challenges. Yet the Far North has realised a magnificent, integrated project which stands out as a gleaming example to the rest of New Zealand. The Hundertwasser toilet project was also the Urban and Landscape Design category winner in the awards. T h e project has already attracted both French

and Japanese television documentary teams to Kawakawa, together with international visitors already beginning to number in the thousands. Bus tours pull up outside for photo sessions, travelers familiar with Hundertwassers work in Europe are making special visits to the Bay of Islands rural township, and domestic visitors are making a stopover for both practical and philosophical reasons. With the untimely death of the Austrianborn artist in February 2000, the building is the only Hundertwasser structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and the last major project ever undertaken by the famous artist and designer. It will remain as both a memorial to Frederick Hundertwasser and a very functional building for the community and visitors alike. Already there are clear indications of an economic impact in the small towns retail sector. Today, Kawakawa is a famous town with a landmark building the most photographed public loo in New Zealand, and possibly in the world.

This may be the only town in the world with an art work that people come from different parts of the globe to visit. And use.

Being a Kiwi is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgian beer, then travelling home, grabbing an Indian curry or a Turkish kebab on the way, to sit on Swedish furniture and watch American shows on a Japanese TV.........Only in New Zealand....can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.........Only in New Zealand....do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.........Only in New Zealand....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a DIET coke.........Only in New Zealand....do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters.........Only in New Zealand....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars on the drive and & lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.........Only in New Zealand....do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we wont miss a call from someone we didnt want to talk to in the first place.........Only in New Zealand....are there disabled parking places in front of a skating rink..........Only in New Zealand....3 Kiwis die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.......58 Kiwis are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers........31 Kiwis have died by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.......8 Kiwis had serious burns in trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth......43 Kiwis were admitted to emergency in the last two years after opening bottles of beer with their teeth,......and finally.....8 Kiwis cracked their skull whilst throwing up in the toilet.

28

 The practise field is a space of dirt mounds, pebbles and rubbish. While on the sidelines, homeless people live under plastic sheeting, trying to ward off the snow and ice.
John Maori Roera, started playing schoolboy rugby like most New Zealanders at age 7. By the time he was 10, this skinny country kid was playing barefoot rugby in a local u13s competition. Roera attended St Stephens Boys College, on the Bombay Hills just south of Auckland, a perennial rugby powerhouse of New Zealand rugby. However, a serious injury cut short his aspirations to make the talented 1st fifteen. Despite his doctors recommendation to give rugby away, John continued to follow his passion, playing rugby in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. John has been living in New York (Long Island) for 15 years where he has been coaching u19s boys rugby in the New York Metropolitan rugby competition for 7 years. My goal is to introduce rugby into New York schools and have the game sanctioned as an official New York State sport. Currently the New York Public school system has rugby under review, and talks are in the formative stages with the Commissioner of New York schools. In addition, I am completing a degree in physical education, and I have been broadening my coaching skills to include

soccer, lacrosse, American football, basketball, gymnastics, swimming and track and field. John found out early that coaching rugby in the USA is a labor of love. The boys he trains, practise in subzero temperatures, and on fields with holes, baseball mounds and dirt tracks. They wear 3 layers of clothing just to keep out the cold while the most enthusiastic players battle the New York subway system and buses for 2 hours just to attend these after school practices. The normal training field has no grass, is basically a patch of dirt with a pile of scattered pebbles that cause havoc in the tackle. Or any activity the team has to endure. A yard or two from the sideline, homeless immigrant workers from Mexico and Central America build plastic shelters in a vain attempt to ward off the snow and ice. Change is everywhere in the

Long Island Colts camp, the of the season, instead the high school rugby team has boys battled to a nil all tie. An over 20 new players, which early opportunity presented has yielded a host of new itself, when scrum half and fans and families out to watch man-of-the-match, Gareth their boys play the new McLoughlin opened up the sport. defense and almost scored himself in a thrilling 40 yard run. Fell added, Our execu tion let us down as the match Coaching rugby in wore on and we did not sus tain enough pressure on their America is a total end of the field - and if we labour of love. could have things may have been different. We gave mo mentum to them and hence the pressure. The new look Colts even have The Long Island Colts B game new rugby uniforms, and on however became a surprise Sunday the Long Island u19s high light, winning 30 - 0. All played on a new turf field for American rugby player, Jeff the first time in Massapequa. Fell played like a man among However, a Noreaster blew boys and new prop, Rob in to spoil the day and a first Ploth, also showed great up Colts win. A candid cap- form. Ploth is a new rugby tain, Jeff Fell admitted his player and a two-year All Colts blew a golden opportu- County football player. Acnity to hand the New York cording to Ploth, rugby is rugby club their first defeat

awesome and it is now my new spring sport. The Long Island Colts travel to St Peters Prep next Saturday for a 12 pm kick off. Last year the Colts thrashed St Peters 40 0 in their opening match. But this year the competition is evenly matched and every team in Div II will prove extremely competitive.

....one of the best left hand breaks in the Southern Hemisphere

Home to one of the worlds longest left-hand waves Raglan is something of a mecca for surfers and has become one of New Zealands top wave riding spots. Situated on the west coast of New Zealands North Island, just a 45-minute drive west of Hamilton or a two-hour drive south of Auckland, the laidback surf town of Raglan is well worth a visit. Surfing: Surfing started in Raglan in the early 1960s and has steadily grown in popularity ever since. Manu Bay, one of the towns three point breaks, featured in Bruce Browns 1964 classic surf film The Endless Summer. Consistency is a key element of Raglans popularity. All the breaks face

About 45 minutes south west of Hamilton is this small beach town that gets 12 times its population over the summer break.....because of the surf.

By Emma Brooks in Raglan....

to the north or north-west and in New Zealands predominant south-west winds Raglan will often offer the only rideable waves in the area. Where to surf: From Raglan town turn left and head along the main road west. Ngaranui Beach: Surfable in winds from southeast to northeast. Banks offer waves up and down the beach. Best at high tide. A good spot for beginners or the less experienced. Manu Bay: 8kms from Raglan. Surfable in winds from southeast to southwest and even westerlies. The lower the tide the hollower the wave. A good

spot for watching all the action. Whale Bay: 9kms from Raglan Surfable in winds from southeast to southwest. Best at half to low tide. Indicators: 10kms from Raglan - surfable in winds from southeast, southwest or south. Best at mid-tide..the fastest of Raglans waves, entry can be difficult in bigger swells. Experienced riders only. Strong local presence. Raglans black volcanic sands lend a sense of atmosphere to the coastal landscape. Ngaranui Beach, situated just a few kilometres from the town, is a great spot for bodyboarding, swimming, walking or just chilling in the sunshine. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. Cross the footbridge from town to Te Kopua beach where you can swim in the calm waters of the estuary or indulge in Raglans famous summer pastime taking a leap from the footbridge. A trip to Raglan would not be complete without giving the art of wave riding a go. Raglan Surf School guarantees a fun learning experience and has a range of lesson options available. They also operate surfboard and

wetsuit hire from the beach in the summer months and from their office in Whale Bay during the winter go to: http://www.raglan.net.nz /featured/raglan-surfing-school/ Surfing aside there are plenty of other activities and attractions on offer, including beautiful beaches, an inspiring arts scene and a lively town that offers an excellent range of shops, cafes and restaurants. Cruise the harbour by kayak, give kite boarding a go or throw out a The only decent left hand break in the fishing line and catch your tea. Southern Hemisphere is about as reliRaglan is also a great place for able as the setting sun. Its ALWAYS boaties. There are three main there. launching sites Manu Bay, Kopua Domain or from the wharf at Wallis Street. Raglan Golf Club has an 18-hole course that offers beautiful scenic views of Raglan. All visitors welcome, golf clubs and trundlers available for hire. See more of Raglan and the surrounding area by bike. Bike2Bay has road and mountain bikes for hire and also offers a full repair service. You can pick up a free Raglan Cycle Map from the Whaingaroa Environment Centre located in the Town Hall building

If a local person says to you, go take a jump! its not personal. They probably want you to go to their Raglan bridge for a swim. on Bow Street. Or head off road rants and watch the world go by. and explore Raglans new moun- Raglan offers a great selection of tain bike trails. Accessible from holiday accom- modation, from Maungatawhiri Road, Opotoru camping and backpackers to hoRoad (over the causeway) and tels, motels and luxury holiday Bensemen Road. A number of op- homes. Driving to Raglan: From erators offer guided horse treks Auckland: Leave SH 1 at Ngarua great way to see more of the awahia and take SH 39 to Whaareas stunning scenic landscape. tawhata. Turn right onto SH 23 at Small and compact the palm-lined Whatawhata. Driving time: 2hrs + main street of Raglan offers a depending on Auckland traffic.To range of great shops, including find out more about Raglan, infashion boutiques, galleries and cluding the latest news and upgift shops. When the shopping coming events, check out: gets too much choose a seat in www.raglan.net.nz one of the many cafes and restau

In 1927 Harry Arthur Barton was Club Captain of THE KINGSLAND RUGBY CLUB; a role he took seriously indeed. Back then a healthy competition bubbled away between local teams of the day as the men of the era looked forward to their Saturday tussle on the rugby park which was the staple social engagement of the time. Eden Park was their home ground and as such connects the rugby pioneers of their day to the very heart of the tradition of rugby in the city of Auckland. Harry Bartons daughter Mavis has fond memories of those early days and although she was not born until the early thirties she shared these recollections of life around the Kingsland Rugby Club as she remembers it: Milk was delivered into your Billy at the front gate rain, hail or sunshine carried by a patient shire horse and a willing milkman. Ice was delivered in the same way as it was used for keeping butter and other perishables cool. I remember days of constant discussions around matters rugby: He should have done this or that while consuming well buttered scones and pikelets loaded with home made jam. Joining the queue at the local barbers opposite Harold Spooners Butcher Shop which incidentally is still there and having a chat with the ever busy cobbler. These cosy little shops are all to be found along Sandringham Rd ever so close to Eden Park. It is not hard to visualize a pair or two of football boots hanging on the peg waiting t be picked up. I remember there was always Wrigleys Chewing Gum to be bought and a spare chair for a friend to sit and talk about the game. The Barber and Shoe Shops were the football dens of the neighborhood. My dad Harry and uncles Russell Hayhow and Spencer Reader who were also playing members of the Kingsland Rugby Club would meet every Saturday after a heavy roast meal (whatever the weather) then head for Eden Park to watch or take part in the match of the day. The never ending debate about what should have happened continued relentlessly from the time they all arrived home sometimes well into the night To Maviss son Jeff his grand father Harry is a hero for more than one reason. Not only was Harry Barton the Club Captain of the Kingsland

A history of the last rugby club to use Eden Park as their home ground.

John Porteous of Auckland writes about Auckland rugby history

Rugby Club but he was a survivor of the Battle of Passchendale in Belgium during the First World War. Considering that on one day of that battle more than 2700 New Zealanders lost their lives one could be excused for believing that it was truly a miracle Harry was spared when many of his comrades were not so lucky. Mavis suggests that the tragic happenings experienced by her father at Passchendale influenced the manner in which he led the other members of the Kingsland Rugby Club in an absolute and forthright way; more power to his arm. Jeff has compiled the following discourse about his grandfather Harry: 1914 was the year club rugby kicked off at Eden Park; four weeks before the great darkness of war hung over Europe. Many sons of Auckland sailed to far away killing fields to what was believed to be the War to end all Wars. Eden Park was a place of peace, a leisurely game of cricket interrupted by the occasional visiting duck as the Park flooded when torrential rain water filtered through from nearby volcanic cones, and locals paddled around on makeshift canoes of corrugated iron. When the boys returned home hundreds of memorials were erected across New Zealand to honour the fallen. Soldiers became players and supporters again, and Rugby Clubs sprung up like green shoots. By 1924 the Kingsland Rugby Football Club was up and running at Eden Park and assisting in the arduous task of draining the playing fields before the first major upgrade could be funded. Rugby cant wait! The success of the All Blacks 1924 touring team The Invincibles, fired up many of these clubs, as New Zealand realized we had something that was the best in the world. Whether the fields were wet or dry, out you ran, to contest the ball for 80 minutes and forget all else. A local tram loop from Eden Park into the city would ferry passengers and supporters, as Saturday revolved around The Game. There was post match analysis and a shared meal at someones place, in lieu of clubrooms. Once the blood flow and heart beats had eased, debate would go around the table like Irish craik, as to the merits of a Refs decision, team tactics, what worked, rules

even. A good game would lift a man; give him the satisfaction and focus to face the weeks work ahead, and countdown to next Saturday. The Kingsland Rugby Football Club was fortunate to have as the first President Mr H.J. Ryan, a thoughtful and generous man, who could see early on that Eden Park was special, even under water and volcanic boulders. The first Seniors Coach, Harry Barton, was one of those lucky to return from the Western Front. Harry loved the game and used his commitment to the Club to free his mind and embrace all that life had to offer. He found much in the brotherhood of the Rugby Club. While Harry Barton served his country so gallantly in the First World War his brother-in-law Russell Hayhow who was also a member of the Kingsland Rugby Club signed up for Second World War duty in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The brave men of the day fought for the freedoms we now all enjoy and it is well for us to remember the sacrifices made on our behalf by those who have gone before us. Since Russell was a formidable rugby referee part of his military service commitment was to referee various rugby matches around the Pacific played by soldiers on leave from battle as they regenerated before rejoining the war effort. Aside from rugby this is historically a reminder to us of the courageous and selfless dedication of the

men and women of the time and the price our forebears paid on our behalf. As we of the 21st century get ready to enjoy the Rugby World Cup 2011 it is well for us to bring to mind such history and to honour the people to whom we owe a great debt. To that end the new Kingsland Rugby Club has evolved as an internet social network where we can celebrate the pending Rugby World Cup 2011 in the knowledge that great people have gone before to make it possible for us in this day and age to be able to celebrate our beloved sport in a manner befitting their great sacrifice. From this paradigm descendants of the members of the original Kingsland Rugby Club have got together to celebrate the memories of their forebears through the medium that is the Kingsland Rugby Club of the 21st century, kingslandrugbyclub.co.nz. This social network will evolve from now through to the Rugby World Cup 2011 in the manner contributors to the site determine but with the ever present reminder that it stands on the shoulders of those gone before us who broke in the paddocks and drained the swamp of the original Eden Park so that the game of rugby union could grow and flourish through the years ahead. Eden Park will host the final at Rugby World Cup 2011 and it is the wish of the descendants of the original members of the Kingsland Rugby Club that they be remembered even in a small way during the coming celebrations. As one might expect the men of the original Kingsland Rugby Club had interests other than rugby. Harry Barton according to his daughter Mavis was very gifted musically and a great baritone singer. He was sought after to sing at social events around the city as well as participating in the concert programme of the popular radio station of the day; 1YA. Russell Hayhow established BIP Paints in New Zealand and was a forthright business leader. When I think of what my father achieved in his own life and the values he instilled in us his children I am very proud to be called his son said Graeme Hayhow recently. Times werent easy back then but in some ways this brought out the best in people as they worked with what they had at their disposal. As I look back it seems to me that dad had a good bal-

ance in life as he time-managed his business, family and sporting life for our benefit in particular and the benefit of the community in which he lived as a whole. As a sports physio myself continued Graeme, I have had the privilege of treating many great Kiwi sports people and I often think to myself how great it would be to have dad with me on such occasions; since he loved sport with a passion. I have been fortunate to go tour with the Maori All Blacks, the 1982 World Cup Soccer Squad, the Americas Team McLaren has been the most successful team in world motorsport since it appeared in 1966. McLaren cars and drivers have taken the chequered flag at Grand Prix races 123 times, won 19 Formula One World Championship titles (more than any other team in the history of the sport), dominated CamAm events (56 wins be tween 1967 and 1972) and taken three India napolis 500 races. The man who started it all, Aucklander Bruce McLaren lived about 30 min utes from here. Cup challenge in Perth and other fantastic events and I am just so grateful to have had a father who set the ground rules to enable me to grow with a good set of values and the ability to contribute to life to the best of my ability and to make a difference as

indeed he himself did. Mr W Heath of Crummer Rd Grey Lynn, that he I am delighted the Kingsland Rugby Club has been wrote as follows: It is a well known fact that sucreestablished through this social network as it pro- cess or failure lies a good deal with the man in convides an opportunity for us in the modern era to trol. When Mr Hayhow was announced as referee commemorate the memory of those men long ago for the Ponsonby-Grafton match the players and who stood tall and built the foundation that paved public alike were interested to see how he would the way for many enjoyable and memorable rugby shape. The game had not been long in progress bematched that have been played at Eden Park since. I fore it became plainly evident that the minds of all have been to many myself as have many thousands would be set at rest on that score. He created a big of others both Kiwis and visitors to our shores. Long surprise on the day on his showing, and everyone live the memory of the men who started it all con- realised that in Mr Hayhow Auckland possessed a cluded Graeme. referee in the top class, very decisive in his rulings From the Hayhow family archives there is a news on infringements in the scrum, especially the putpaper clipping from the year 1939 which gives an ting of the ball in unfairly. Referees are too lenient indication of the high esteem in which Mr Hayhow nowadays on that ruling. Eight times out of ten the snr was held as a rugby referee; the clip reads: May half back shoots the ball under his own frontrank- 20th 1939. SPECTATORS PRAISE FOR THE REF- ers feet; the opponents having no chance of getting EREE. LAST SATURDAYS GAME AT EDEN the ball. This is very noticeable from the sideline and PARK. Partisan spectators engrossed in their study it is time referees took a firm stand and penalised the of players performances are apt to forget the pres- halves not playing strictly to the rule. A bad feature ence of the referee except when his rulings come un- usually brought into play by two evenly matched der the flail of criticism. It is seldom that the referee teams is head charging by the two opposing front is selected as a subject of praise. The control exer- row men when setting down on a scrum. These taccised in last Saturdays Ponsonby-Grafton game by tics bring about rough play and the public are well Mr R Hayhow, however, so impressed a spectator, aware of it. Mr Hayhow was equal to the occasion

last Saturday in preventing such tactics taking place. Every time he saw it coming he simply placed his hands on each of the opposing front row men near him and steadied both sides down. For the remainder of the play the scrum set down steadily and the game kept swinging along practically devoid of any roughness. This all goes to show and game can be made bright providing it is refereed in the spirit which the players play it. This is what happened last Saturday at Eden Park. Patrons will be only too pleased to get more of it. NEWSPAPER SPORTS REPORT, MAY 20TH 1939. There is no doubt that back then Mr Heath of Crummer Rd was so impressed with Mr Hayhows refereeing style that he saw fit to write to the newspaper about it. Today he would be more likely to phone a radio talkback programme one might presume. Another document from the Hayhow family archives is a letter to Mr R. K. Hayhow from the Suva Rugby Football Union dated 25th September 1945 which reads as follows: Dear Mr Hayhow. At the meeting of the Management Committee held last week a unanimous resolution was passed and I now wish to convey on behalf of my Committee their appreciation for your services as referee during the 1945 season. Needless to say your services have already been greatly missed and I feel cannot let this letter go away without remarking how highly you were held by both players and spectators and although being connected with the RNZAF you were on more than one occasion requested by Army and even Fijian Teams to take charge of their matches. I would also like to add my personal thanks to you and wish you every success when you return to civilian life. With kindest regards, Yours faithfully, A.S. Farebrother, Chairman, SRFU. And so here we are in 2010 anticipating a magnificent celebration of Rugby next year when the 2011 Rugby World Cup comes to town. The social network www. krc.co.nz is set up complimented by the sister site www.RugbyHomestay.co.nz where rugby fans can register to list accommodation for visitors to the country

to enquire about and possibly book to stay in during their trip down under to enjoy the Rugby World Cup in 2011. We have a beautiful country which is endowed with welcoming and enthusiastic people just waiting to share their little piece of Kiwiana with visitors to our shores. The Kingsland Rugby Club will roll out benefits to members in the months prior to the big event and all you have to do to find out about whats on offer is to go to the website, join up and become a member of a rugby network that is aligned to rugby fans in particular not business entities. Among the many things planned are discounts from participating businesses in the area of Eden Park and surrounds and introductions to various functions and initiatives promoted by interested parties to enhance the social aspect of the great event that will be The Rugby World Cup 2011. The bottom line is we at the Kingsland Rugby Club are standing on the shoulders of those brave men and women who built our country and fought for its freedoms. We have a lot to thank them for, much more than we could ever imagine. It is our wish to honour their memories through the new socialnet that is the Kingsland Rugby Club of the 21st Century. Check out our website: www.kingslandrugbyclub.co.nz www.rugbyhomestay.co.nz

At a puny-for-rugby 12st 8lb, Chris Paterson 33, stands pretty much alone. If there exists a lighter international rugby player in the modern, powerdominated game than the six-footer and even pint-sized scrum-halves tend to be bulkier then he does not spring to mind. I am just a wee fellow, admitted Paterson. I have been slight throughout my entire career. I was slight growing up through the age groups. The difference is more pronounced now. I am far stronger than I was but I am anything but a power player. I play the game that suits me. He will earn his 103rd cap later this year and is his countrys biggest points scorer on 764. He has been named in the Socttish team for the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.

In a backyard shed in Christchurch in the late 80s and early 90s, John Britten made a motorbike. Not just an ordinary motorbike. One that went like the clappers and cleaned up the rest of the worlds fastest racing bikes at Daytona. Whats amazing about it is that he was years,...and years......and freaken years! ahead of ALL the names.....Japanese.....Italian....French. You name them. He beat the shite out of em. Heres a measurement of just how good the bike was. Youre 12th on the starting grid. First time out. Didnt do too well in the trials as the engine was only going 80%. And the practise tyres were out of the rubbish bins the other teams had tossed away over the last few days. 30? 40 other bikes there at the start with you. Bang! the gun goes off and before youve done a half a lap, youre sitting in second place. And for the rest of the race youre toying with the leading Italian Ducati bike, doing wheelstands beside him (the French rider is totally unamused!) as he tries his best to get ahead of you....most times you let him get to the corner first (after you compadre! - prego).....and then you reel him in coming out into the straight. Youre playing mouse with him - guess whos the cat?.....and hes really, really pissed. Unfortunately.......the cat broke down on the second to last lap. An electrical fault (a crosswired battery) forced the machine out, frustratingly allowing the Italian bike to pass. After the race, John Britten was heard to wryly remark: [it] serves me right for using a Ducati part. Self taught, Britten started with a blank canvas - the first incarnation of the Britten design, engineering and speed laboratory. Constrained only by his imagination, he drew on a lifetimes experience of creating value from nothing, combining

He built a motorbike from scratch. And won. Against establishment. Against the Italians. The Japanese. The Yanks. Against the odds. Just shows, when youre not in a box - you dont have to think outside of it. Not possible was a totally foreign prospect to him.

They couldnt afford practise tyres so they borrowed them out of the dumpsters - the discards of the other racing teams.

modern technology with the resources around him. He drew on his innate ingenuity and foresight that served him well from childhood: from designing gocarts and restoring machinery rescued from rust. As Britten stated in a 1993 interview: I guess Im simply free of any constraints. I can take a fresh look at things, unlike a designer working for, say, the Jaguar company, who is obliged to continue the Jaguar look. Unlike the established manufacturers, who were obligated to match huge investment dollars, Britten could persevere on a trialand-error basis until his vision was transformed into a machine. Shaun Craill in a tribute to Britten in Pro-Design writes that Brittens strength was that he could begin from first principles. He didnt understand he was being unconventional because he hadnt been taught what conventional design was. The ability to see outside the box is a lot easier if you havent been shown the confines of the box in the first place. Not possible was a foreign concept to him. He and his team of many willing helpers conceived and built everything themselves, doing their own drawings, making their own patterns and designing their own engine. By 1990 Brittens privateer efforts were making racing history and in the Britten V1000s interna-

tional racing debut at the USA Battle of Twins in Daytona, Florida, it finished third. He followed this up a year later with a second at the same race. The efforts of an individual and a small team of enthusiasts had begun to attract worldwide attention, particularly from the countries which had come to dominate motorcycle racing and design: Japan, Italy and the US. Britten realised that hed gone as far as he could with his original concept a 2 cylinder, 1000cc with a liquid cooled 60 degree v-twin, fitted within a short wheel-base. In 1992 he set about completely redesigning the bike. In the same year he set up Britten Motorcycle Company, which was initially located in the garage/workshop at his family home (later moving to its current premises in central Christchurch). Then Britten took the new model back to the prestigious Daytona race. Hopes were high. See the whole Britten story on: http:// www.nzonscreen.com/title/britten-backyard-visionary-1993/overview..... youll love it! The bike is on display at Wellingtons waterfront museum Te Papa..... go see it. Even today here in 2011, it will blow your mind!

They call it an adrenalin activity. Hah!...youll die. Laughing.

ZORBING is a unique Kiwi sport that is off the wall and seems to also be off an alien planet. It is called a sport!!! and can be enjoyed by people of all ages who dont mind being strapped inside an enormous clear plastic, air-cushioned balloon - quite secure inside the inner capsule. All the violent bouncing is absorbed by the bigger outer transparent ball. As the ball rolls down a long grass-covered slope, you spin around in a virtual anti-gravity form of weightlessness like an intoxicated space traveller. ZORB globe riding...is your latest abdominal workout; the new skip in your step; the latest thump thump in your chest; your new crush; the only experience on your bucket list; the dream of dreams...a new adventure reality. ZORB globe riding is the latest and greatest adventure activity to come out of New Zealand - the little country at the bottom of the world (next to the penguins) that brought you Bungee Jumping, Hobbits, and a range of other crazy things to do while on vacation!! The latest adventure craze to hit the world...globe riding!!! ZORB is the market leader in the sport and we make sure you, our dedicated ZORBONAUTS, leave us with an abdominal workout to be proud of; a new beat thumping in your chest. At Zorb you will find what people have to say about their life changing experiences. We dont want to bore you with the same ride each time we like to mix it up and provide you with options. Life is about choices, and Zorb has tried to cater for everyones adrenaline fixes and kinky adventure fetishes. Zorb wants to ensure that you have something that is completely unique and different to anything else. Thats why we have developed a range of ride options so you can globe

ride until your little adrenaline-craving heart is content. All of our ride variations have been safety tested numerous times by our highly trained and willing staff. Each of our dedicated sites has been specially designed with these ride variations in mind. On offer are wet rides, dry rides, Zig-Zag rides, straight rides...you name it, we have it. Q: Ive heard ZORB globe riding is an experience you just cant miss, but how long is the ride? A: The length of the ride is totally site dependent, although our shortest ride is approximately 40seconds in length but it will be one of the best 40seconds of your life. You will be released from the ride with sore sides from laughing so much and the unstoppable urge to ride again. Go on, we dare you. Q: Its raining, everything else is closed, and I have been craving my ZORB experience for so long are you guys open? A: Absolutely! We operate in all weather and it is a great way to spend a rainy day! Well still have the music pumping and the staff will be there to keep you entertained. Plus, just ask us for warm water on your ZYDRO ride and youll be nice and warm - an experience youll want to go again. Q: Ive heard you can get pretty wet in one of the rides, what do I need to wear? A: Youre right it can get pretty wet in there! Luckily you can purchase either a Zed or Zechron pack to ride in (see above). That way you have nice dry clothes to get into afterwards. If youre on a tight budget, you can simply bring along some swim wear and a towel and use that to ride. We are in the business to provide a safe and unique adventure experience to our willing customers. Although many make the trip to Rotorua from all four corners of the globe, we want to make it easier for our customers to get their adrenaline fix or have their taste of ZORB a satisfying, mind blowing experience. You can be sure that when visiting our Rotorua site that it will be safe, fun, and an experience you just cant wait to tell everyone about. Its our flagship site and sees over 50,000 people a year walk through its doors, roll down its hill, jump their best ZORB jump, and leave with a feeling of true accomplishment, exhilaration, and absolute desire for more! We have rolled hundreds of thousands of people down our specially designed hills at our dedicated sites around the world. In this time, we have not had a single case of projectile bodily discharge via the mouth (or any other orifice for that

matter) through people riding in our ZORB globes. We pride ourselves on safety and ensuring your ZORB globe riding experience is the safest way to get your adrenaline fix. This ensures Mum and Dad feel confident that they can bring little Johnny and Sarah to get their taste of what everyone is talking about. What do I need to bring to ZORB?.... Depending on the ride you want to do, you simply need to bring yourself. The

ZORBIT ride can be done in any clothing, so long as no sharp objects are present. In the ZYDRO ride you are going to get wet, so its worth bringing along a change of clothes and a towel. Dont worry if you forget, ride clothing is available for purchase at ZORB Rotorua and is yours to keep. What can I buy at ZORB?.... As with many adventure activities around the world and New Zealand, ZORB Rotorua has a range of merchandise available for purchase. After you ride, you can take a look at your photos the staff took of your roll down the hill. These can be purchased on a photo CD and taken home to show family and friends. There are about 30 photos on a CD, starting from the top of the hill and ending with the famous ZORB jump. Along with photos, clothing such as tees, shorts, hoodies, hats among other

things can be purchased. All at reasonable prices. What else do I need to know?..... Rotorua is the only place in New Zealand to go ZORB globe riding, and is the birthplace of ZORB what better place to experience this unique acitivity than where it all started? It is definitely a must-do activity and one for the entire fmaily. There are some restrictions on the rides. You must be 6years or older to ride at ZORB Rotorua, and must be free most major ailments (pregnancy, epilepsy, bad backs, dislocated joints etc). The ZORBIT ride you must be a minimum of 1.6m tall and no heavier than 100kgs. The ZYDRO ride can be done by any height person, with a maximum weight of 130kg solo, or 250kgs with up to two people.

EASY HIRE
Specialising in older, well maintained, reliable rental cars
These popular rental cars can now be seen all over New Zealand as discerning clients discover they represent real value for money. So good are the deals from EASYHIRE car rentals that once people have a taste of whats on offer they are hooked! It is doubtful any other rental car company in New Zealand can match the package offered by EASYHIRE. Overseas clients tell us such offerings are not available anywhere else in the world! RATES: n Older or smaller cars: $15 a day unlimited kms n Medium more presentable cars: $25 a day unlimited kms n Larger wagons: $35 a day unlimited kms n 7 seaters: $45 a day unlimited kms n Sleepers: $55 a day unlimited kms EASYHIRE Rental Cars, 334 New North Rd, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 309-9916 email: john@easyhire.net.nz

www.easyhire.net.nz

.....its just over the back fence. Available 24/7 with about 38 varieties at the end of a line.

Finding fish in the Hauraki Gulf and Eastern Coromandel waters is a breeze.
A Hauraki Gulf resident tells of the good old days back when fish were plentiful and a big boat was a 12 foot kauri thing weighing half a ton..... Dad was a great fisherman. To put it bluntly, he was just bloody amazing. You could sit on the seat right next to him and have your line over the side 3 inches away from his, and you wouldnt even get a nibble! and there he was next to you, jiggling about, whistling away, and winking at you! - pulling in fish by the dozen. We lived on the Hauraki Gulf....and had the big kauri log/dinghy parked on the sand under the trees. It was the very latest in boats and h-e-a-v-y, even the horse faltered and farted when he pulled it. One day (in the late 50s), I came home from school and Dad yelled from the boat about 40 yards offshore, bring the cows in, Ill be up soon. 2 hours later after milking the 40 cows, Mum and I went down to the beach with a frypan, butter and some bread. Dad rowed in, the boat deep in the water, with him standing on about 3 layers of flapping fish. Mostly snapper. He said hed run out of bait. We spent about 5 hours that night scaling, gutting, and smoking the fish. About 300 to 400? Hate

smoked snapper.

New Zealand is blessed with some of the worlds best sport fishing grounds while fishing is officially New Zealanders most popular pastime. The country can openly boast of one of the worlds best yellowtail fishing areas in the world. Yellowfin tuna are a prize catch and superb eating. They have one of the most powerful first run of any fish in the ocean and will put up one of the hardest meanest fights you will find. For this reason they are probably one of THE most sought after fish in the ocean. The main Yellowfin run goes for one month from late December to early January. Trolling around surface feeding fish, dolphins and gannets is the best way to catch them, usually using a variety of lures in the spread as trolling for yellowfin requires a different approach to targetting marlin. Likewise cubing over seamounts and if you can keep up with the schools dropping some jigs or livebaits into them, are other effecfive ways to target yellowfin. If you want to seriously target a yellowfin it is recommended that you book 3-4 days early in January. 3 days may seem a lot but the yellowfin are there..you just have to spend a bit of time chasing them. King fish are fish you can target all year round. The Coromandel, on the eastern side of the Hauraki Gulf is one of the best places to target a kingfish with productive jigging and livebaiting very close to port on fishing charters. If there is one fish anglers travel to New Zealand to experience it is the thumping pull of a big Coromandel kingfish. Even smaller kingis will test your angling skills and will do everything to win the fight by heading straight for the reef below. You can usually target them by livebaiting with mackerel or kahawai around reefs or vertical jigging over offshore pinnacles and seamounts.

Kingfish are more prolific inshore over summer from November to May, but June to October usually sees the real big fish stick around and is the best time to target a big kingfish in the 20kg-40kg mark and the best vertical jigging is usually during winter. The most popular form of fishing is for Snapper, New Zealands most iconic fish. Catching a feed of snapper for dinner is as much a part of Kiwi culture as watching the All Blacks! Snapper are a year round fish. They are resident around most reef areas and generally scavenge for food, on kina (a sea urchin) and other shellfish. At certain times of the year theyll also be found in schools over the sand, and scavenging underneath working schools of pelagic fish. More and more fishermen are moving to fishing for snapper with softbait. It is clean, fun, and most importantly, fishermen are hooking some

big fish!! Another very productive way of fishing for them, especially early or late in the day is to berley with kina and tuna scraps and drift big fresh baits back in freespool to snapper feeding in the current. This form of fishing is termed straylining. One of the things youll never forget is that feeling of a real big snapper screaming off with your bait while youre thumbing down on your reel keeping it out of the rocks! Fishing for snapper with livebaits often produces snapper above 20 pound! Hapuka, (or puka as Kiwis like to call them) are a great eating fish, and so often we fish for them in conjunction with targeting other sportfish during the rest of the day. A puka is a prize fish for many New Zealand anglers, especially caught on a jig. In winter it is common to fish for puka around the same grounds as we jig for kingfish. Popular methods for targeting

photos courtesy of Epic Adventures

hapuku are livebaiting, jigging and drifting big whole squid baits. Trevally are powerful fish. They are much like Yellowfin tuna who will dig down deep circling the boat. Trevs in New Zealand grow to about 8kg, with the common size being a 2kg-3kg fish, great fun on light tackle! Fishermen normally target trevally while livebaiting for kingfish, and waiting for big kingis to come along. Its best to lay down a big burley trail and often have trevally feeding behind the boat, then drift a cube of bait back to them. Youll also find trevally feeding on the surface around many jigging grounds, here they wont take anything but a saltwater fly most of the time, although theyve been known to get greedy and scoff down a jig at times! Mahimahi are not normally associated with New Zealand waters but are becoming an increasingly common catch during gamefishing season. The warm, rich currents that sweep down from the tropics in summer bring with them plenty of mahimahi. A floating bit of debri, like a log (or broken surfboard!) are good to keep an eye out for as they will usually hold schools of mahimahi. They are a common bycatch on trolled lures at the very peak of summer, and also caught on jigs while jigging for kingfish. There seems to be a run of mahimahi just before the water cools down in April. In 2009, a

BEYOND LIMITS......Overnight and day trips is our speciality in the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier & Mokohinau Islands. We target snapper, kingfish, hapuku, john dory, trevally & a crayfish or two for the divers. In the summer months marlin & yellow fin tuna around the Poor Knights & while were there the diving is as good as it gets. Onboard accommodation for 12 people 46 foot power cat. Phone: 09-473-9393 - Mobile: 0275-552892 - E-mail: courtfishing@xtra.co.nz - www.beyondlimits.co.nz AYE AYE MISS FLEUR FISHING CHARTERS..Our specialty is Snapper, Hakpuku, Tarakihi, Blue-Cod, RedCod, Pouri, King Fish. Great for birthdays, parties, weddings, Hen and stag parties and other special occasions. Miss Fleur is 40ft, by 15ft with a 20/15ft fishing platform, toilet onboard. Bookings for 6 to 15 people, departure from Pine Harbour Marina at 0200 to 0500. -Early bird catches the early worm. Phone: 09 8343281 - Mobile: 0274963918 - E-mail: beauty.gene@gmail. com ASSASSIN.....is a 36ft launch - planning hull and cruises at 18 knots. This will ensure if your fishing in the habour or the barrier you will maximise your fishing time with minimal traveling time. The boat sleeps six plus crew, with a full galley facilities and hot shower. A full range of fishing equipment and Tackle is available on request .Assassin is in full survey and is surveyed to outer limits - making the Mokes, Barrier Brett has a huge range of experience and is fully qualified. Phone: +64 9425 8490 0r +64 21 449842 DR HOOK FISHING ADVENTURES...... The Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf has unquestionably some of the best fishing in the world considering the close proximity to Auckland city. The target species Snapper, Trevally, Kahawai, John Dory, and Yellow Tail Kingfish all move into the inner harbour over the summer months thus enabling anglers such as yourselves some of the best fishing available +64 (0)27 488-8964 MEGABITES FISHING CHARTER..... is one of Aucklands leading companies that specializes in providing Chartered Recreational Fishing for both the experienced and the novice. Fishing trips are organised departing from Aucklands Waterfront at Westhaven Marina al-

school of mahimahi (probably about five hundred of them!) was seen under one of the boats and softbaits was cast to them on light tackle. Mahimahi by the dozen! They are known for their blistering run, aerial antics, and also their great tasting qualities - they is nothing quite like a bit of cajun BBQd mahimahi after a hard days fishing! New Zealand is famous for its Striped Marlin catch and release fishery and an increasing number of Blue Marlin are caught and released every year as well. Zane Grey (the famous American cowboy story writer) made the fishery in New Zealand famous and had a game base on two islands near the Hauraki Gulf, Ohinau Island and Mayor Island. The continental shelf runs close to a Coromandel town called Tairua, just behind the Aldermen Islands and from there it is a very short run to the game grounds. The smaller charter companies are ideally set up for one person wanting to chase marlin for multiple days in summer without having to hire a huge boat just for themselves. When trolling it is primarily best to run Bonze gamefishing lures. Bonze is a well known New Zealand lure maker and has custom made lures specifically for New Zealands waters. Most of the knowledgeable fishing companies are increasingly moving towards livebaiting for marlin, concentrating on areas that are holding bait and fishing for them very much in the same manner as one would kingfish, fishing livebaits around bait schools and stucture known to hold marlin. Striped Marlin typically fall into the 80-120kg range. The majority of softbait and livebait fishing charters will encounter a John Dory or two. They are great eating, maybe the best eating fish in the ocean, and very prevalent around New Zealand waters. Very yummy in wine, cream and garlic.

most everyday Weather Permitting. Book your trip and enjoy the thrill of fishing in some of Aucklands best fishing spots, Where you will be targeting some of the worlds finest salt water table fish like Snapper, Kingfish, Kahawai, Trevally, John Dory and more in the entire Hauraki Gulf. While still enjoying the great views of the outer limits of Auckland, where clusters of little Islands have breath-taking views at dawn and dusk and all in the hands of an experienced skipper who knows the sea after many years on the water. Contact Darell +64-9-4447710 +61-21 0669195 ARENUI.....is a 47ft customised OBrien and was launched in 2006 by North Queensland boat builders, OBrien boats. This boat will be specialising in fishing New Zealands Far North with trips to the famous Three Kings Islands. During the winter months the boat will be based in Auckland with trips to the outer Hauraki Gulf Islands such as Little and Great Barrier and the Mokohinaus. Arenui has luxury accommodation, and is totally suited to making great overnight trips. Contact: Geoff Lamond Phone: +64 272 392 744 Email: geoff@ nzgamefishing.com HUNKY DORY..... is our 10m foil assisted power-Cat departing from downtown Auckland City. The spacious easy access passenger area has seating for 20 and a large wheelchair accessible toilet and hot shower. Safety is our priority and this fast Cat has Simrad GPS/Radar/Sonar technology with twin 200HP Yamahas to move you safely and very quickly through the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. Take a cruise around the islands enjoying a full commentary and BBQ Lunch/Supper on the water. +64 - 942 67100 RADAR BLUE..... you will experience the ultimate in vessels (complete with salt water heated spa), service and luxury. Radar Blue is the ultimate in cruising comfort and versatility. Radar Blue is fully licensed and available for corporate functions where you really want to impress clients or reward staff, product launches, model or advertising shoots, ultimate fishing or diving trips. All menu options are available on request from corporate finger foods and cocktails to full course dinners of fresh New Zealand meat, seafood and produce all prepared and served onboard, either at the dinning room table our on the deck soaking in the magnificent sunset Phone: 09-257-1590 - Mobile: 027 240-5342 E-mail: info@emeraldtourism.com Website: www.deluxecharters.co.nz EPIC ADVENTURES..... www.epicadventures.com see full page for more details

venture on the East Coromandel where well get your line hooked. Call us for a trip of your lifetime - where you can go home and brag about the ones that didnt get away! Call Carl on +64 21 2274354 www.epicadventures.co.nz
TESTIMONIALS FROM RECENT CLIENTS: THANK YOU! For the best ever fishing experience.....in my 70 years I have fished with charter captains/guides in Ireland, USA, Vanuatu, Norway, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Guinea, Sydney and Broome in WA. The way that you firstly found the fish miles from port then constantly moved the boat to keep us on them, then moving to find more fish,your attention to detail and your very welcome advice on the best way to jig for Kingies and the correct way to present soft plastics to Snapper etc was second to none. I have learnt much from you. The other thing that impressed us was your cheerfull demeanor and willingness to go the extra yards to make our visit so special. We felt we were fishing with a friend. Hank, Australia, November 2009 ......Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for a fantastic day at your office, it would have to be one the most enjoyable days out fishing I have had, which was made better by having a skipper who gets into it as well. Thanks again mate and I cant wait to see the pics Simon Skelton, Auckland , Jan 2010 .......A huge thanks from Jonny, Mike, Brook and myself for your efforts on Jan 2nd! It was awesome to get into the kingis and a great way to start the new year Jonothan Lynch, Jan 2010 .............Thanks again for the amazing trip over the two days I spent fishing with you in Tairua. Had a great time and is was a trip of a lifetime for me! Don, United States of America, Dec 2009 ........Hey Carl thanks for the mint day out yesterday! It was definitely the best days fishing Ive ever had. Sam Stringfield, Dec 2009 .......The guys will talk about the trip for a while to come yet. And they want to make it a regular thing at least once or twice a year Keith Cochius, Auckland, Dec 2009 ......Cheers, Carl. Mate the boys were stoked and are amping for another mission out so no doubt Ill be booking something up again soon for the new year. Once again thanks for an awesome day, it was EPIC!!! Corey Rix, Auckland, Dec ......Cheers Carl for a wicked day out, that 22kg kingi was a fish of a lifetime for for my cousin, hes back in the U.K now with no chance of catching fish like that anytime soon!!! Cheers again!! Anesh Patel, December 2009 ........I really enjoyed trip on the 22nd. We tried the different ways to cook kingie that you suggested and enjoyed that also. Thanks again, Kevin Willis, Hahei, Nov 2009 ........Thanks for Saturday. It really was an awesome day out, the lads were all absolutely stoked and weve been eating very well. James has been showing off his photos to anyone who will listen so no doubt youll have a few more bookings soon!!! Ryan Hutchings, Nov 2009 ..........Hi Carl, Just a note to say thank you very much for the fishing trip and advice you gave me on the day. The photos have been sent to all in sundry back in the UK. I will be booking another trip with you when my body makes a full recovery ha ha ha! You take care mate was a pleasure meeting you many thanks Lee Scurrah Oct 2009

epic adventures will show you where the fish is. Every time! A personalised ad-

....this house will easily sleep 12 people over the period of the Rugby World Cup in 2011, from September 17th, to October 25th. It comes with breakfast staff and International Chef and is located 6 minutes north of of the Kaiaua Village on the western side of the Hauraki Gulf - about 1 hour and 6 minutes south east from Auckland CBD. Sitting on 5 acres of lush green pasture, its a 4 minute walk down the hill to the beach. The tennis court has spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf with scenes of the Coromandel Peninsula across the bay. It is a tri-level house with generous 5 bedrooms that are spacious enough to have 3 people sleeping in some. With a stunning kitchen able to cater for 20 people, the Chef would create special cuisine for the

Beachside country living - 66 minutes south of Auckland - with Dinner Chef and breakfast staff.
guests on five week nights of occupancy, other nights fish and chips from the famous local shop. Fishing trips are offered to the occupants on fine days when the fish are biting as well as a tour of a local mussel farm. Shopping mall, 40 minutes south east (Thames) across the water or Auckland. Nissan 4WD pickup truck available for 4 weeks. A large lounge and outside dining area for bbq - all bedrooms have wardrobes - an open fireplace with plenty of wood stacked in the back yard, a wow factor for any international visitor. The local pub and grocery store are 6 minutes south with the hot pools a further 10 minutes drive. This exquisite home is available for the whole period of RWC - BPD38,000. Email enquiry: kaiauacoastalrental@ gmail.com.....book now before the rush. Possibly THE BEST home rental on this coast. Just in case you havent done the maths, thats about BPD72/each/day for 12 people. About what you would pay for an OK upper-middle market Auckland room - which wont have breakfast, dinner with your own Chef, tennis court, pickup truck, beach, fishing, and clean, fresh country air. Google map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q =waharau%20regional%20park%20nz

Todd began playing rugby in high school and was named to the USA U19 team in 2000. In college, he played for University of Nevada, Reno and was a 3-time College All-American while there. He earned his first cap against Argentina in 2003 and played professionally for North Harbour (NZ) in 2006. Previously playing for Old Mission Bay Athletic Club and the Xerox Lions. Currently, he plays in Japan for Suntory.

A local farmer-genius (supposedly) beat the Wrights into the air by 9 months.
Richard William Pearse, of Waitohi, South Canterbury, was a man of genius whose achievements have gone almost unrecognised by the rest of the world. Here, in Timaru in 2003, the South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre and others celebrated his life and work through an Air Show and other associated events. Richard Pearses first patented invention, dating from 1902, was an ingenious new style of bicycle, bamboo-framed with a vertical-drive pedal action, rod-and-rack gearing system, back-pedal rim-brakes and integral tyre pumps. But flying, not cycling, was his dream. Through Scientific American Pearse kept in touch with experimentation overseas. There is evidence he was working on ideas for powered flight from 1899 and had built his first two-cylinder petrol engine by 1902. He then constructed using bamboo, tubular steel, wire and canvas, a low aspect ratio monoplane. Of prophetic design, it closely resembled a modern microlight aircraft in appearance. After considerable taxiing on his farm paddocks Pearse made his first public flight attempt down Main Waitohi Road adjacent to his farm. After a short distance aloft, perhaps 50 yards, he crashed on top of his own gorse fence. A great deal of eyewitness testimony, able to be

dated circumstantially, suggests that 31 March 1903 was the likely date of this first flight attempt. Whether or not Pearse flew in any acceptable sense, and regardless of the exact date, his first aircraft was a remarkable invention embodying several far-sighted concepts: a monoplane configuration, wing flaps and rear elevator, tricycle undercarriage with steerable nosewheel, and a propeller with variable-pitch blades driven by a unique double-acting horizontally opposed petrol engine. After having moved to Christchurch, Pearse, in the early 1930s, set about designing and building a second aircraft, his Utility Plane. Constructed in great secrecy, Pearses convertiplane anticipated the main feature of the Harrier jump jet and other similar aircraft with a tilting engine to allow for vertical take-off and landing. Pearse hoped this extraordinary aircraft would become aviations Model T Ford, the private plane for the million, able to be flown from ones backyard. His Utility Plane is held at the Museum of Transport and Technology, Auckland, and remnants of his first monoplane are held there and at the Timaru Museum. Verifiable eyewitnesses describe Pearse crashing into a hedge on two separate occasions during 1903. His monoplane must have risen to a height of at least three metres on each occasion. Good evidence exists that on 31 March 1903 Pearse achieved a

unrecognised in his lifetime, was unerringly ahead of its time, embodied visionary concepts that would become commonplace in the worlds aircraft of the future. As Vaughan Yarwood notes in The Birdman of Waitohi (New Zealand Geographic, Oct-Dec 1999) they would usurp the Wright brothers in design preference in almost every particular: single wing as opposed to biplane, wheels in preference to skids, propeller at the front, not the back, and moveable wing panels incorporating the worlds first aileron controls instead of wing warping closely resembling the method of control used in todays high speed aircraft. The Wrights got the recognition, Pearse the legacy.

powered, though poorly controlled, flight of several hundred metres. Pearse himself said that he had made a powered takeoff, but at too low a speed for [his] controls to work. However, he remained airborne until he crashed into the hedge at the end of the field. Regardless of the exact date of Pearses first foray and the irresolution of the debate over whether it could acceptably be termed flight, his first aircraft was a remarkable design achievement. The tragic paradox of Pearse is that it was to have absolutely no impact whatsoever on the development of aviation history. Yet his design, like the flight,

Other (unpatented) inventions by Pearse included a needle threader, power cycle, recording machine, magic viewer, harp, power generator, potato planter, topdresser, motorised discing machine and two sorts of musical box. He was known around Milton not for his experiments in flight, but for a self-fashioned power-cycle made with the cylinder from the aero engine....must have been a head-turning sight: The vertical exhaust pipe rose above his head and without muffler the four-stroke engine made the indescribable din that was his signature tune.

An electric bike - fits into a carry pack - made of carbon fibre - travels at 20kph......steer it by grabbing handles out from the side of your bum..... described as the extrodinary love child of a segway and a penny farthing with dwarfism.

If you dont mind your handlebars being located beside your butt and endless giggles and smirks as you roll by, then perhaps the YikeBike is the fancy bit of urban mobility kit youve been yearning. Looking something like a space-age version of that charming British improvement on the French boneshaker bike, this mini penny-farthing is minimalist but packs some cool features. Not only is it equipped with turning and braking indicators but it is the first bike to feature anti-locking brakes. The carbon fiber frame ensures strength but keeps it light enough (10 kg/22 lb) to carry up a couple flights of stairs after you spend the 15 seconds it takes to fold it up. Its said that its 1 kW motor offers a power to weight ratio better than many sports cars and makes acceleration brisk but the electronically set speed limit of 20 km/h (12.5 mph) will keep you from overtaking any Porsches on the straightaways. Unless theres heavy traffic. Thats where

the Yikebikes small footprint and maneuverability might turn smirks of superiority to expressions of envy. The lithium battery can take you 9 to 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) and takes 20 minutes to charge 80 percent. Dont look for this sleek set of wheels on sale in America anytime soon as the roll out early next summer includes only a handful of European countries and its home turf, New Zealand. With a price to be set somewhere between 3,500 - 3,900 ($4,989 - $5,559) we suspect it wont cause cities to be designed around them as the Segway was supposed to do but if they ever figure out a way to play polo on them, look out! Imagine watching an ad campaign showcasing frustrated drivers sitting in traffic. Confronted with another parking ticket, battling for a parking space and facing high prices at the gas pump are all situations to which you can relate. Throughout each reenactment is a quickly passing image of a person dashing through the scene on some

mode of transportation. Is it a bike? Is it a scooter? Is it a skateboard? Its certainly not a conventional automobile. Welcme to the world of the YikeBike. At first glance, the YikeBike looks like a cross between a traditional bicycle and a scooter. However, there is one major difference the handle bars arent where youd expect them to be. Visually, the YikeBike is reminiscent of an old-time bicycle with a large wheel in front and a much smaller wheel in the back. However, you can leave your bowler hat at home. This spiffy, cutting edge invention has taken all the stability of a traditionally designed bicycle and made it lightweight, portable (you can actually fold it up and tuck it into a carrying case) and motorized. Inventor Grant Ryans dream was developed and perfected over five years before making the YikeBike a reality. The YikeBike provides a smooth and stable ride for up to six miles with each 30-minute charge. Its just perfect for the city dweller.

....and still warriors. In history, this race was only one of two dark skinned people in the World who got a legal agreement from Englands soveriegnty.
While the Cultural Performances are very worthwhile and will give the perceptive traveller a snapshot overview of Maori culture, a visit (and overnight stay) at a Marae (Maori meeting place) can be an unforgettable experience. Here, you will hear the undiluted stories of Maori, experience and history from the people first-hand in an intimate setting. You will be exposed to the living protocols of everyday Maori life, and will learn by experience the ceremonial system of the Marae. The Gathering Those who are to participate in a Marae visit will normally be asked to meet and congregate outside the waharoa (gate) to the Marae at a specific time. It is customary for those entering together to greet each other with a handshake or a hongi (press noses), prior to the call to enter. At this time, a decision will be made on who is to speak for the

group during the ceremony, and ing of the food with a ritual karakia the order of speaking will also be prayer. Be careful not to inadverdecided. The one who is chosen to tently sit on a table this is deeply speak last will usually collect a koha offensive. After eating, you will pro(usually a small financial gift to de- ceed to the Wharenui for introducfray the hosts expenses). At some tions and discussion. point, a member of the group will in- dicate to the hosts (who are gath- Te Take: The Meeting ered waiting outside the Wharenui - Every Marae visit has a take a reamain house) that the visitor group is son for happening. Gathering inside ready to enter. the Wharenui - main house, is now where the purpose of the gathering Karanga is revealed and pursued. You will be The visitors will be called on to the expected to take off your shoes beMarae from the gate by a female fore entering. The hosts will speak elder chanting a karanga - wel- first, introducing themselves and come. Following this, their group will welcoming you, and the pattern of cross the Marae Atea - forefront, introductions will move clockwise Maori warriors challenging visitors with the women in the group lead- around the room until it reaches you. ing. They will pause mid-way and You may speak for as long as you stand for a few moments in silence wish without fear of interruption. to honour and remember the an- Speaking Maori language on the cestors both hosts and visitors - Marae is traditional, and even a who have passed away. Then they small attempt will be highly valued, move forward, awaiting an indica- but English or other first languages tion to take their seats to listen to are acceptable in the case of the (and perhaps participate in) the tourist. You will be expected to intro whaikorero - speech making. duce yourself and to say where you are from and what kinds of interests Whaikorero - the speech making you have. After this you will be exVisitors may be asked not to speak pected to sing a waiata - song, in English during the whaikorero. but which can be in your own langto speak only in Maori. This is not in- uage. Especially valued are the stotended to offend, The Marae Atea ries and songs of other indigenous where the talking takes place is a peoples Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Saasacred or tapu place. It is also the mi, Native American etc. one place where the struggle to preserve the Maori language has Overnight Stay been waged for generations. If you Cultural visits to a Marae sometimes and your group are accompanied involve an overnight stay. This inA traditional Maori cooking oven - cooked by a Maori then they will usually volves sleeping Marae-style in the over 4 hours in the ground speak on your behalf. main house that is, sleeping on mattresses on the floor set up in a Koha circle around the walls. All bedding It is traditional, at the end of the last will be provided. You will sleep with speech, for the last visiting speaker your head closest to the wall with to place the koha on the ground as your overnight bag and clothing at a financial contribution to the cost your feet. Generally speaking, it is of housing and feeding the visiting sensitive to be discrete about group. Following this you will be ex- changing into sleeping wear pected to line up for a hongi line, changing from your day clothes unwhere you will move forward and der a blanket. There are two codes hongi (press noses) with your hosts. that should be remembered. Never You will be directed to the wharekai sit on your pillow, and never step and offered kai, (a snack, cup of over someone who is lying down. tea etc.). Often, discussion continues long into the night, with people occasionally Dining dropping off to sleep while listening. All eating is preceded by the bless- Dont be embarrassed about this.

....a koha is a gift, from the heart.

The Maori believe that the mind is open and receptive in that state between being awake and asleep. Sleep is often followed by an early morning karakia, followed by breakfast (more food blessing) which is followed by a poroporoaki (farewell ceremony). This involves more speeches (followed in each case by waiata) thanking the hosts, and especially the ringawera (literally hot hands) those who have worked in the kitchen to prepare the food etc. Intimidating and scary as it all sounds (and feels the first time) to be participating in another cultures sacred rituals, a Marae stay will undoubtedly be one of the major highlights of your visit.

Experience includes: Visit a real 2. We also provide snacks and drinks Maori community Marae set in a throughout your time with us, so nostunning location Experience a body ever goes hungry! Complivery traditional Maori welcome cer- mentary pick-up and drop-off at/ emony (powhiri) and the famous from Auckland City or your inner-city process of Hongi (nose pressing) accommodation. Pick-up approx Learn about Maori customs and 9am Saturday morning and drop-off traditions (tikanga) & even go home approx 5pm Sunday evening. All exknowing some basic Maori lan- penses are included in the price of guage (te reo Maori) Learning a this tour and there is no need to basic Maori greeting (mihi) & devel- spend any more money during your op a basic family tree/genealogy entire stay with us - thats our guar(whakapapa/pepeha) in a Maori antee! Only $295 per person for the speech The history of the Marae, whole weekend. Includes: All transMaori and the Treaty of Waitangi port, food, Marae accommodation, during our cultural walks at the Maori cultural and sightseeing acMarae Learn some Waiata (Maori tivities! Please note that our Marae songs) Learn how to prepare a stays are for group bookings of more hangi (earth oven meal) - in fact than 15 persons only. Please ....a hangi fire getting the stones hot ....a typical main Maori meeting house The Motuti marae experience is we will prepare the meal together, contact us to discuss your requirebased on the whanau family that take you through the process of ments. Whirinaki Marae Retreats: is the heart of Motuti and New Zea- cooking the food, lift the hangi Our two (welcome ) here makes you land Maori culture. The marae is the from the REAL earth oven and enjoy the manuhiri (visiting birds from afar) community home and the people of a fantastic meal together. This is al- one of us, a kaitiaki (guardian) of our Motuti gather at the Marae regular- ways one of the major highlights dur- environment for the duration of your ly. The community supports, nurtures, ing our Marae stays in the Auckland stay. Join us on our summer holiday feeds, and teaches the next gener- region. programme. We welcome groups to ation visitors are welcomed and Learn about the Haka (famous war stay on our marae Murumurunga to become part of the whanau. Motuti dance used by the All Blacks Rugby share something of our place, histoMarae was completed 20 years ago team!) Have a go at Flax (hara- ry, minds, culture, values and way of after many years of community ef- keke) weaving and/or wood carv- life. We are a hospitable Iwi who like fort. Situated on the northern shores ing (whakairo) Hear Maori Myths people to stay for at least two nights, of the Hokianga Harbour. Make it and Legends told by the local Tan- getting to know each other and enyour destination when visiting the gata Whenua (people of the land) joying the nature and the tranquility Hokianga Harbor in Northland, New One night sleepover in a sacred that our valley offers. Take a guided Zealand. Phone: +64 9 4052 660 traditional meeting house. If request- tours of our valley and forest where Visit a real Marae (Maori meeting ed we can also provide separate we share with you some of the richhouse) in the Auckland or Northland accommodation at extra cost but ness of our history arts and culture. region, the region in New Zealand we thoroughly recommend sleeping To make contact call - Andy and where your guide Ceillhe spent her at the Marae to enjoy the complete Jenny Kohiti Ph (07) 366 3023 or alterchildhood. The iwi (tribal family) also experience.Great food (kai) is pro- nately call Pene Olsen Community benefits from your visit because it is vided from the time the manuhiri Facilitator, Minginui Heath and Kokiri our opportunity to give back to our (visitors) arrive at the Marae on day Centre, 63 Rimu Street Minginui. Ph local community. The Maori Culture 1 through to their departure on day Wk (07) 366 3900 or Hm (07) 366 3335.

Shane Williams became Waless all-time leading try scorer in the Grand Slam winning 2008 RBS Six Nations campaign, after breaking Gareth Thomass record with his 41st Test score in just 56 appearances. He started as a scrum half at Amman United, later moving to Neath and to the wing and currently plays regional rugby with the Ospreys. Williams is the joint third highest try scorer of the entire RWC tournaments, on a par with Doug Howlett, behind Bryan Habana and Drew Mitchell.

....a small New Zealand village - 57 minutes drive south east of Auckland, on the Hauraki Gulf. A seaside community nestled in lush green farmland hills - population 842. Has one shop, one hotel, one garage, one restaurant, a school of 90 children, a thriving Maori culture centre and an international university level semester on Ecoism. Plans to turn itself into a RWC French village for 40 days and 40 nights. Mais oui.

The Eastern Hunua Regional Parkland bordering Tikapa Moana has historical association with the earliest period of human settlement in the Auckland Region. Most of its human history involves Maori habitation (mainly in the coastal zone) dating back to the 14th century. The two tribal groups of the western shore of Tikapa Moana, Ngati Paoa and Ngati Whanaunga, currently maintain an active marae at Kaiaua. The long Maori occupation of the Seabird Coast is punctuated with numerous significant archaeological sites and beautiful Maori place names. The entire coastline from Tapapakanga and Pukorokoro (Miranda) is known as Wharekawa (meaning an abundance of natural resources, mainly seafood). When the Arawa waka (ocean-going

Piripi Makea checks out the small New Zealand village that welcomes the 2011 French RWC visitor into their community with open arms.

canoe) arrived in the area, a safe passage ceremony was held on an island which was named Tikapa (channel island). This was later combined with the word for sea (moana), and from then on Tikapa Moana has been the traditional name for the whole Hauraki Gulf region around todays Auckland. During this time the Tainui canoe also voyaged around the southern shores of Tikapa Moana and moored near our place, designating this part of the coast Waihihi, which comes from the Tainui place of origin in their ancestral Hawaiiki. The two tribes (iwi) of what we now call the Seabird Coast are part of the Marutuahu confederation inhabiting mainly the shores of Tikapa Moana. There are many legends about the abundance of fish and shellfish in this part of Tikapa Moana, and the significance of sacred species such as the migratory godwits, the great schools of stingrays, the sharks coming close to shore for pupping and rearing their young, and the whales and orcas frequently seen feeding and frollicking in the rich, calm waters, and the eels which were a staple food of the early Maori. Today the Seabird Coast is a popular destination for naturalists who come to observe the great flocks of migratory shorebirds, often roosting on the unique, worldrenowned shell ridges of the Miranda Chenier Plain, as well the international coastal Ramsar site that is home to such abundant bird life, and the Hunua Parklands (en-

compassing 17,000 hectares of regenerating native forest crisscrossed with pristine streams and walking tracks). It also is extremely popular with recreational fishers who come here to catch the plentiful snapper and kahawai. Sea kayakers and cyclists are also frequent visitors to the Seabird Coast, and the natural hot springs set in the open coastal space at Miranda is a significant year-round attraction.

The beaches are naturally covered with small rocks with patches of sand. Further south they are covered with white seashells.

The local marae (Maori meeting place) has intricate carvings and Maori art that has been handed down from artisan to artisan. It is a very precise and sacred definition of cultural tradition for the local tribe.

Is the local green lipped mussel a natural arthritic deterrant? or a scrumptious sea food? ....its more! say the local Kaiaua mothers. Its suspected to be a big contributor to local population growth....if you know what they mean!
Green Lipped Mussels contain five kinds of Omega-3. The extract also contains a rich blend of natural proteins, minerals and mucopolysaccharides. These naturally occurring extract substances are increasingly being recognised as helping joint mobility, cartilage maintenance, good health and general well being. (aah, y-e-s-s-s!) The mussel also helps inhibits inflammation in the body. But the main use of the green lipped mussel in Kaiaua (and for the rest of New Zealand)today is a food. For centuries the local Maoris have treasured their seabeds of kutai (mussels) and for a long time these succulent molluscs were almost a cultural food secret. Today they grace the table of all people in New Zealand and are touted as a worthy entre (or main) for the important guest who may drop by. For many years the mussel was eaten raw, sometimes garnished with finely chopped onions and tomato. But today, thanks to the culinary knowledge of international chefs, the green lipped mussel has arrived on the table,

One of the Worlds main seabird watching stations with 60 different species seen.
The Firth of Thames, with its 8500 hectares of wide inter-tidal flats, attracts thousands of migratory wading birds. Some make the arduous 10,000 kilometre journey south from the Arctic circle to arrive in the spring and fly north again in the autumn; others fly 1,000 km north from the braided river systems of the South Island in the autumn and return in the spring. In October its a changing of the guard as the arctic migrants like the eastern bar-tailed godwit, the turnstone and the red
Tama Koretake discusses Kaiaua mussels...........

necked stint arrive and the birds from the South Island like the wrybill, South Island pied oystercatcher and the ktuku which have over-wintered in the Firth, fly back to their southern breeding grounds. Waders, Firth of Thames.....a welcome ceremony, organised by the Miranda Naturalists Trust, is held in mid-October. In mid-March another ceremony marks the autumn change-over as the godwits, the turnstones, the stints and others head off and the birds from the south move in.

steamed in wine, cream, garlic and garnished with shallots, dried tomato and avocado. A local serves mussels as a much prized delicacy especially to her overseas family when they visit.

Favoured destination....the shellbanks which have formed along the coast provide safe roosting for birds at high tide and make for easy bird viewing. Miranda is listed as internationally important under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Nature Resources Ramsar Convention. These tidal flats and mangroves support up to 40,000 birds. Sixty different species have been recorded, 24 of them wading birds. The Ornithological Society conducts a census in November and June. Which species, and how many of them, find their way to the Firth each year? It is not just wind, weather and the huge distances they have to contend with. A million arctic migrants are shot for food each year as they travel via the East Asia-Australasian flyway, and more and more of their vital tidal mudflat stopovers are being reclaimed for airports or other building developments. Banding birds for answers. The godwits are the most common arctic wader to arrive. They make only one stopover of up to three weeks halfway on the journey at mudflats in Japan, the Phillipines, Thailand, Malaysia or Bangladesh. There they double their normal bodyweight for the next 5000 kilometre leg of the journey. The tiny red-necked stints are the smallest. Weighing in at just 30 grams, they are as light as a sparrow. And arctic terns, the champions of the arctic migrants, may travel up to one million kilometres during a 30-year lifetime. These terns are occasionally seen on the mainland on their way to and from the Poles. The ability of birds to migrate from one part of the world to another has always fascinated people. Why and how do they do it and which routes do they take? A banding programme is carried out over the summer by volunteers with the New Zealand Wader Study Group to find out just where the birds at Miranda go on their way to and from the arctic circle. Nets are used to capture birds as they rest at Mirandas high tide roosts and a small white plastic flag is attached with a band to the upper leg. This lets people in other places know these birds have come from New Zealand. As reports of sightings come in, a more complete picture of their perilous journeys can be put together, along

with statistics to help persuade foreign governments to preserve essential mid-journey habitats. Tiny transmitters are put on some of the larger waders like the curlews. The programme is organised by Miranda Naturalists Trust Member Adrian Riegen and interested local people. Godwits: Long-haul champions, an enchanting, wonderfully illustrated book by shorebird expert Keith Woodley, tells the miraculous story of the godwits and their migrations. It follows the birds on their intrepid journeys, examining the places they visit, be it an estuary in northern New Zealand, a mudflat on the Chinese-North Korean border, or a tundra nesting site in Alaska. Woodley, manager of the Miranda Shore- bird Centre, details the amazing changes these birds undergo be- fore their departure - from moulting into new plumage, to doubling their weight and shrinking non-essential body organs - as well as outlines their array of innate skills in weather prediction and global navigation. Written in a compelling yet accessible

style that will appeal to both professional bird watchers and general readers curious to discover more about one of natures quiet achievers. To order your copy: shorebirds@farmside.co.nz

....in this village, your homebase is no more than 5 minutes from the seaside.
GREY STONE BEACH HOUSE .
Wake up with the sun rising above the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula in this modern home right on the beach front. Grey Stone is just one hours drive from Auckland. Enjoy 180 deg sea views where dolphins and even orca can be seen from time to time. This is a relaxing seaside retreat with swimming, boating, fishing, sea side and bush walks right on your doorstep. Bedrooms have comfortable beds and their own bathrooms for privacy and convenience. Grey Stone is especially setup to cater for Wheelchairs with ramps and bathroom facilities. Sleeps: 7 Smoking:Outdoors only - Pets:No - Minimum Stay:2 nights. All guests are required to thoroughly clean the bach prior to their departure. All rubbish must be removed. The cleaning bond of $150 will be returned if the property is left clean & tidy on your departure. Bed Linen: Supplied; $15 pp per visit - Bookings Phone: 09 912 1212 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: summer. 1 hour from Auckland. walk to the local watering hole Comfortable, tidy, stream at the (pub) and famous FishnChip end of the garden, good outlook. shop. Kaiaua Seaside Store is right This is the place for you to stop next door for any extra supplies and have some time out. Sleeps:6 that you may need during your - Smoking: Outdoors only - stay. Soak up the heat in the MiPets:No - No children under 8yrs randa Hot Springs during those as there is a Loft and stream at cooler months or visit the Miranda the end of the garden. Bed Sea Bird Centre or the Waharau Linen:Supplied; Good quality lin- Regional Park all are only a 5 minen. Contact: Lynn Yeager - ute drive away from the bach. Phone: work 09 2322824 - Mobile: Enjoy the privacy of your own hidden garden out the back of the 027 2772582 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : bach while relaxing. Ideal for families who want a relaxing holi MIRANDA VIEWS.Chalet - situ- day without the stress of long car ated in the beautiful Miranda trips. Sleeps:8 (10 max) - Smoking: Valley, you can take in the beau- Outdoors only - Pets:No - Minitiful views of our lush valley and mum Stay: 2 nights. Please ensure the Firth of Thames with the Coro- that the bach is left clean and mandel ranges in the back- tidy on your departure. All rubbish ground. Take advantage of our must be removed. Bed Linen:can seaside village only 10 minutes be hired for $20.00 per day away or enjoy a bit of fishing. If Bookings - Contact: Sally - Phone: you like the outdoors, theres al- 09 236 8277 ways something to do at Miran- : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : da.. Sleeps:4 TIKAPA MOANA RETREAT HOLIDAY Smoking:Outdoors only Pets:No Minimum Stay:3 nights HOME VIEWS.Seaside cottage Available:All Year Bed with expansive decks and parkLinen:Supplied. Contact: Millie like grounds. Your tranquil getaway, set in 4 acres of subtropical Phone: 09 232 7800 : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : organic orchard on the Firth of Thames Seabird Coast, barely STEPPING STONE...A homely sunny an hour SE of Auckland (city & airbach by the sea. Comfortable 2 port) and 35 mins. NW of Thames bedroom. Situated directly across (Coromandel Peninsula). Large the road from the beach. Has 180 open plan kitchen/lounge/dining degree view of the Firth of with log fire, 3 double bedrooms, Thames. This area is well known 2 toilets. Great for quiet nuclear for its EXCELLENT fishing!!! A short family escapes, work outings, so-

need peace and quiet and a chance to get away from it all, then this place is for you. Quiet remote authentic log cabin, situated at the end of a quiet Lane. 10 minutes walk to stoney beach, nice to swim and surfcast in the

LARGE WAHARAU COUNTRY RETREAT - HOLIDAY HOME - If you

cial clubs, workshops and family suite rooms are spacious and and bathroom. celebrations. Treat yourself to there is a separate guest lounge Chalets - self-contained 1 or 2 our exotic organic fruits, and with tea and coffee-making fa- bedroom holiday accommodaeggs from our happy free range cilities and a refrigerator. Contact tion, fully furnished, all bedding/ chooks. To help you unwind and Fran Joseph - Phone: 09-2322696 towels provided, separate bedrelax, receive a therapeutic Evening Phone: 09-2322696 - Mo- rooms, bathroom, living area, TV massage, or a Watsu (aquatic bile Phone: 027-2740534 - 1336 and full kitchen. Tourist lodge pool therapy), combining ele- East Coast Rd, Kaiaua - http:// backpacker style rooms, 1 double ments of massage and shiatsu www.bnb.co.nz/kaiauaseaside- and 3 single beds. Linen required, shared communal facilities - toiperformed in warm water. lodge.html Sleeps:10 (12 max) Smoking: No : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : lets, showers, guest kitchen and Pets: No ; We have a very gent- MIRANDA HOLIDAY PARK. lounge, power sites and nonle & friendly dog - Minimum Stay: 5 star campervan park, motel & power tent sites are available. 2 nights - Bed Linen: Supplied; backpackers on the scenic Pacif- Camp sites - power sites for bedding, towels, firewood and ic Coast Highway. A tranquil re- campervans and caravans and fruit provided Contact: Bill and treat and popular stopover en non-power tent sites. Superior Marilyn Brownell - Phone: +64 route to Coromandel or Rotorua, Qualmark rated 5 star holiday ac(0)9 232 2550 - Mobile: +64 (0)27 just 1 hr south east of Auckland. commodation and campervan 296 4082 - Address: 30 Pukeker- Self catering accommodation park in beautifully landscaped eru Lane (Kaiaua) RD3 Pokeno options & modern facilities, motel surroundings. Use of high stanapartments, chalets, backpack- dard communal facilities, kitchen, New Zealand : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ers, campervan / caravan sites laundry, lounge, TV room, BBQs and camping. Tennis court & hot and recreational facilities. 1hour mineral pool on-site. south east of Auckland, 50 minKAIAUA SEASIDE LODGE. ...on the waters edge, 4km north Motel apartments - self-con- utes from Auckland Airport, 20 of Kaiaua township. Has pan- tained motel style units with a spa minutes to Thames. Miranda is oramic views of the Coromandel bath, fully furnished, all bedding/ known internationally for its migraranges across the Firth of Thames. towels provided, separate bed- tory shore birds. Ideally positioned for leisurely room, bathroom, living area, TV : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : seashore strolls or more active and full kitchen. tramps in the Hunua Ranges right Studio apartments - self catering at the back door. Boating and motel units that sleep 3, with fishing facilities are available. En brand new, fully furnished, quality decor, fully equipped kitchen

....on a sitting-up motorcycle is from Kaiaua.

Richard Assen was born and bred here, attended Kaiaua School, and played in the First XV. Today, he lives in Melbourne Australia and races in Bonneville. Quite a big step for a local farmers son and a Kaiaua School First XV winger. Richard Assens racing background isnt steeped in history, yet the mild-mannered Kiwi is giving the American contingent a run for their money. Ive loved bikes from a young age, said Assen. Growing up on a dairy farm in rural New Zealand (Kaiaua) gave me the space to experience and practice off road riding. After seeing a documentary on a couple of blokes running full tilt across a salt bed at Lake Gairdner, Australia, Richard mentioned the feat to his mate, Jason Swan from Auckland Performance Tuning. Get a bike, the experienced motorbike technician chided. So Richard bought a Suzuki Hayabusa 1300cc, the fastest production bike you could get and proceeded to strip the perfectly good bike apart, tossing stock parts in the dunny and installing a large turbo while his mate tended to the electronics. The Team took the bike to Lake Gairdner in 2006 and thats when salt fever took hold. Our best run was only186 mph (300kph), Richard recalled. But it was enough to make him want more. As the team gained experience, their machine took on a life of its own. In 2007, heavy rains forced the Lake Gairdner meet to be cancelled. Richard and his mate Jason Swan scraped enough money together to get themselves and their bike to Bonnevilles famed salt flats and en tered 2 separate events. Richard and his mate jumped a plane, surviving 14 hours of collywobbles to compete at the place where big things happen. This place is holy ground Bonneville. The Bonneville surface had been recently hit with rain. Salt conditions were less than optimum when they arrived, but the team traveled too far not to give it their all. If you dont follow your dreams, you might as well be a vegetable, Richard and the gang pressed on - at the Bub event the best run was 205 mph after an earlier run collecting a cone at 200mph. A week later at World of Speed they ran 221 mph which gave them the fastest bike time of the event trophy. In 2008 the Lake Gairdner event was washed out again but for financial reasons, their hopes of repeating or bettering their speeds at the 2008 Bonneville events were non existent. That was until A-Ward Attachments walked into the sponsorship frame just two weeks before the bikes shipping deadline to the States. New graphics were added including the indigenous New Zealand motif of the Mangopare or hammerhead shark, meaning strength and determination, famous for its never give up attitude. Richard was asked how fast an open bike was capable of going. 250 mph is possible with the right conditions, was his modest reply. Their hard work and determination paid off big. Jason Swans ongoing engine tuning and Richards less is more approach to aerodynamic drag netted them an AMA record of 239 mph. More im pressive was their best run top speed of 250 mph through the kilo (249 through the mile) at the 2008 Bub event. They backed that up a week later at the World of Speed, dethroning Steve Kneckums 242 mph SCTA record, (1350 APS-BG) raising the bar to 248.5 mph.now, thats moving! Back home and fully backed for 2009 by A-Ward Attachments special attention was paid to the aerodynamics of the machine. Reducing the coefficient of drag has more importance than increasing horsepower since 90% of rolling resistance at 250 mph is caused by drag from the airflow. The team worked with the University of Auckland on assessing airflow over the machine and rider. Our goal is to reduce drag but also increase airflow through the radiator, which is under the tail section. Obtaining the optimum riding position is very important although we have discovered the best position does not give the rider good forward visibility. Modifications to the sidewalls of the front fairing were made, blending to the rider position. At the 2009 Bonneville Speedweek event the team broke another SCTA blown fuel record averaging 248mph followed up with the fastest ever mile for an open bike of 260.7mph (420kph). The Bub event two weeks later was not as successful due to a heavy downpour a week earlier but still managed to snare another AMA record of 237mph. Richard and his team now hold 4 records at Bonneville and plan to go even faster in 2010 not bad for a winger of the Kaiaua School First XV. Still going fast

Kaiaua is home the town of one of New Zealands great seascape painters. His work is intricately detailed to lifelike images - theyre almost 3 dimentional.

David Bruce George Goodwin began painting full time in 1987, travelling the North Island for five years painting the landforms and people in situ. He began exhibiting his works through major art dealers in Auckland and then Wellington from 1993, gaining a name for his sharp edged regionalist painting style. David has had numerous sell out shows and been reviewed in The New Zealand Herald and Art New Zealand. In 1995 Goodwin moved his studio to the Seabird Coast and began painting the local scenes. The rocky foreshore and people of the Firth of Thames now feature prominently in his work. Contact David Goodwin at dbgees@kol.co.nz

High Valley Appaloosa and Simmental Stud is positioned overlooking the picturesque Firth of Thames. Nestled amongst Rimu and Kauri Glades you can experience New Zealand Wood Pigeons and NZ Fantails together with Chinese geese, wild peacocks, turkeys, wild ducks and paradise duck families. The streams meander down through hundreds of acres of rolling farm land which have mesmerising sea views. A unique natural experience on horse back for the whole family, groups of friends and all horse enthusiasts. Come and enjoy a great scenic horse riding experience. We have horses and ponies to suit all riders of all age groups from learners to advanced, either with English or Western saddles. Lots of wonderful possibilities e.g. a picnic overlooking the Firth of Thames and farmland. Riding hats and guide provided. Other activities include: Bush walks - Sheep or cattle mustering on horse back - Trout fishing - Bird watching - Sheep shearing - Camping - Hot Springs High Valley Farm - 1478 Miranda Road, Mangatangi - T: 09 232 7842 - E: barbara@ highvalley.co.nz M: 021 588

....New Zealand has an international reputation for having a pristine backcountry trout fishery where anglers have the opportunity to catch large, wild trout.

SOUTH ISLAND FLY FISHING

Fly fishing in New Zealand presents new challenges to visiting anglers. The general fishing style of sight fishing, while great fun and extremely productive, it takes a little time to master for those who are unfamiliar with it. Once mastered it opens up a whole new and exciting world of fishing as you go hunting for your fish. The first skill is the spotting of the fish, easy enough at times when the fish are sitting out in shallow water with a light coloured background but most of the time they blend in with their surroundings and it takes a while to develop that hunters eye for spotting the quarry. The best spotting conditions are therefore when the sun is high with the best time to be on the river being through the middle part of the day. Polaroid sunglasses are essential. And yes these big fish do sit out all day in bright sunshine! Once spotted we approach the fish from directly behind as the fish have a blind spot there. A careful approach is needed and its usually possible to get quite close to the fish. Being able to make an accurate short to medium distance cast will enable you to catch a good number of fish with relative ease. By this I mean you need to be able to present your fly ahead of a fish in such away that the fly will drift down to that fish in a natural dead drift. And if you can present the fly on your first cast with a minimum of false casts then so much the better. Then if you can do the same in windy conditions so much the better as enviably the wind will blow at some stage and having the ability to push a cast into it will produce rewards for you. Because of the clarity of the water the fish will pick up on strange coloured fly lines zipping over there heads, so for this reason dull natural coloured fly lines are essential. For the same reason, attached to the end of your fly line you will need a relatively long leader of say 12 to 16 feet. I use hand tied leaders and find them best. The fly needs to land far enough ahead of the fish so as not to spook it, if youre using a nymph it also needs to be far enough ahead to allow the nymph time to sink down to the level of the fish. Your leader needs to be sufficiently long so that the floating section of line lands behind the fish, again sufficiently behind as to not spook it. The first cast is always the most important one, present the fly well the first time up and youll more than likely to hook your fish. The chances of catching a fish probably diminish by 50% for every subsequent cast. Listed South Island Fishing Guides: Alan Campbell fly fishing Twizel in the Mackenzie Country - $650/ day.Bill Rogers fly fishing Mataura and Southland - $650/day. Chris Dore fly fishing Queenstown - $700/day. Jamie Hanning fly fishing Wanaka - $650 - $700/ day.Lindsay White Murchison and West Coats $680/day.Martin Langlands Canterbury - $650 - $700 day.Michael Vetters fly fishing Mataura River and Southland - $600 - $650/day.Peter Warren fly fishing Nelson/Marlborough - $650 $695/day.Paul McLaughlan fly fishing Tekapo and Mackenzie Country $650 - $695/day.Al Kircher fly fishing Canterbury - $650/day . How to fish Pocket water can be described as any spot where there is some hesitation in the downstream rush of fast water. The slowing of the water can be caused by a boulder, partly-submerged rock, log or other obstruction. Good size trout lie here because the obstruction gives them shelter from the swift current. The disturbed nature of the choppy water overhead gives them protection from predators. In addition, the river is bringing down a constant stream of food past their noses. Pocketdwelling fish have little time to assess the food racing past and use a dash and grab technique. They nick

.....for more information, http://www.flyshop.co.nz/

SOUTH ISLAND FLY FISHING

out into the current, grab the morsel and race back to the protection of the pocket where they decide whether to ingest the seized item. This food-gathering technique produces some violent takes in the rough water and this is why stronger tippets are needed. The increased thickness of the tippets will not deter a trout, as it does not have the time to notice the heavier nylon. It is also essential to fish close to the pocket, as you need to be able to steer your nymph around the pocket-forming obstruction and into the slacker water behind. This gives the fish a chance to intercept the fly before the fast water carries it away. The pocket should be approached from behind and to one side. A short cast should be made to above the pocket and the rod raised to lift most of the line off the water. It pays not to lift the rod too high, as some upward motion will be needed for the strike, unless you are proficient at a line hand strike. The fly is steered around the obstruction and along the edge of the pocket. Retrieve excess line as the fly comes towards you, as you need to be in direct contact when the fly swings into the pocket. When the indicator dips, strike by lifting the rod and also pulling with your line hand to straighten the leader in the confused current. A high floating indicator is normally needed in the gorge as anything else tends to be pulled under by the turbulent water. The yarn type indicators do not work well, as they require the flick of false casting to dry them out between drifts. Very often there is not the room to false cast, the foam types are a better choice. I use the snap on ones that can be adjusted up and down.

Glendeer Lodge Bed & breakfast - Fly fishing guide Paul McLauchlan and wife Jude host guests at their well-apppointed lodge. Glendeer Lodge was purpose built to cater for guests wanting luxury accommodation and the personal touch. www.glendeer.co.nz Matuka Lodge Matuka Lodge offers five star luxury, stunning scenery and tranquility. Your host, Russell, is passionate about fly fishing considers the local lakes and streams provide some of New Zealands best fly fishing. www.matukalodge. co.nz

HuntFish Homestead Hunting and fishing lodge The HuntFish Homestead is a fishing and hunting lodge at Lake Heron which provides all the home comforts in the spectacular Canterbury High Country. Independent anglers are most welcome, and guiding is also available. http://www.huntfish.co.nz

Stonebridge Bed & breakfast; Self contained suite. Stonebridges architecturally designed restaurant, accommodation and function venue is situated in a delightful secluded 3 acre garden with a lake. www.stonebridgenz.com

Lake Tekapo Motels is set amongst mature trees on the picturesque shores of Lake Tekapo. It offers guests easy access to the great fishing and boating that make Tekapo a favourite destination, Make the most of your time fishing on the rivers and lakes in the area. www.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz

19

.....while youre 30,000 miles above the South Island (and Wellington) and fixing the TV antenna Starship Seven so that the Boss can watch the All Blacks win the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Yehhhhhhh, right. Or, maybe, youve got your eye on the sweet little Kiwi girl at work, and you want to take her out to dinner. Cause you know her Mum and Dad own this swanky farm just outside of Auckland. Could be a good place to stay at the World Cup. Well, you can

only try. Kiwi girls are real picky. Heres your conversation starters then. n How big is New Zealand.......again?... as big as California? New Zealand stretches 1600km (1000 miles) from north to south. It comprises two major islands, the North Island (115,000sq km) and the South Island (151,000sq km), and a number of small islands. New Zealand is 7% bigger than Oregon , three times bigger than Portugal and one half the size of France . As of the

15th of July 2009 New Zealands Population was 4,318,909 and counting. New Zealands population is estimated to increase by one person every 12 minutes and 10 seconds. n New Zealanders are largely sophisticated and highly educated urban dwellers. Members of a unique and vibrant multicultural society, New Zealanders are embracing 21st century technology and culture in record numbers. But New Zealanders also have a background of quiet but rugged individualism, self-reliance, and a genius for invention - qualities still evident in the population today. The population is diverse - but with some uniting features that make it unique in the world. The relatively isolated South Pacific location and rugged landscapes still makes many New Zealanders quiet and independent, yet resourceful and self-reliant, with a famous Kiwi ingenuity. n New Zealand has a rich mix of cultural heritage in its people, many of who have migrated from all corners of the world. New Zealanders are welcoming people, famous for their relaxed lifestyle and friendly accepting attitudes. n The country is renowned for its economic, political and social stability, and is one of the safest countries in the world. Steady economic growth has enabled New Zealanders to achieve a high standard of living, and are largely sophisticated and highly educated urban dwellers. n Weather - For the closest youll get to real-time weather at a variety of New Zealand locations: http://www.metservice.co.nz/default/index.php The big blue ocean surrounding NZ keeps the average temperatures pretty similar from winter (12C) to summer (20C). If you think that the sun always shines in summer and that it only rains in winter, sorry, plenty of places in New Zealand can experience four seasons in one day. Summer usually extends from December through to March, while September and April can often have settled weather. Winter is never too cold, so hiking and kayaking at this time can be more pleasant because of its cooler temperatures. If youre a shorts and T-shirt kind of person youll be happy to know that its warmer in the winterless north, and the North Island is always a few degrees warmer than the South. n International media have picked New Zealand as one of the hottest destinations in the world. Vanity Fair says, New Zealand is In. New Zealand was also on the cover of the New York magazine as one of the ten global destinations to warm you up or chill you out. Recent features in UK magazines Wanderlust, Food & Wine and Tatler, and US magazines Outside Magazine Traveler, Travel & Leisure , National Geographic Adventure and Food & Wine pitched New Zealand as not only a great country for the outdoors, but a stylish, contemporary destination. Tatler (UK) says that New Zealand has come into its own as a destination Now, finally, New Zealand is itself. It is intensely sophisticated while Travel & Leisure Style magazine (US) gave New Zealand cover billing as a Destination with Style, up there with Tuscany, Paris, London, Bangkok, Berlin, Arizona, Istanbul and Tokyo, saying that: Auckland, the host city of the Americas Cup, comes into its own as New Zealands capital of style. Conde Nast Traveler, boasted a 12-page article on New Zealands Middle-earth Magic, with a 2-page Prices and Places guide, while Food and Wine magazine, has a six page piece on why there is a New Zeal for New Zealand. Ostensibly focusing on New Zealand as the setting for the filming of The Lord of the

Rings trilogy, the recent Conde Nast Traveler article raves about New Zealand scenery, saying: If there were an Oscar for best supporting location, New Zealand would be a shoe-in for The Lord of the Rings, the movie, however it is merely a preview for the real thing. To prove its point, it features stunning double-page images of the Pinnacles in the Wairarapa, Cape Palliser, Queenstown, Glenorchy and Milford Sound. As well as looking at wine producers and types of wine produced in New Zealand, the six-page Food and Wine magazine article gives a rundown on lodges and restaurants and shopping tips for New Zealand. It portrays New Zealand as being scene-stealing, saying The Lord of the Rings, the Americas Cup, Sauvignon Blanc: These are just three reasons New Zealand has become such a fashionable destination. n Discovered by Abel Tasman in 1642; rediscovered and chartered by Captain Cook 1769. n Member of the British Commonwealth. n First country in the world to give women the right to vote (1893). n Home to Australasias highest mountain - Mt Cook (3754m)- great hiking/ tramping/climbing. n Winner of the Americas Cup (yachting) - superb sailing venues around New Zealand, especially Auckland Harbour. n One of the worlds largest exporters of agricultural products. n Useful Maori words.....Iwi: A tribal group....Mana: Great prestige, an aura of greatness.....Moko: facial tattoo, usually on the chin.....Haka: war dance.....Kai: Food.....Kia ora: Hello/thank you.....Haere ra: Goodbye..... Whanau: Family....Aotearoa: New Zealand, meaning Land of the Long White Cloud.....Tangata whenua: People of the land, the locals.....Marae: gathering place.....Waka: Canoe.....Taonga: Treasure.....Pounamu: Greenstone.....Koha: Gift n The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar - the official symbol is NZ$. The currency is free floating in the international market. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand provided that every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand completes a Border Cash Report. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and in most city centers. All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand. Travelers Cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and some stores. n Do I need any shots? New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. No shots are required to visit New Zealand and none are currently recommended by the World Heath Organisation. n Visas: Visa Requirements. Australian citizens and current residents dont need entry visas or work permits and may stay indefinitely if they have no criminal convictions. Citizens and residents of the UK dont need a visa. They are issued with a visitor permit on arrival, which is valid for three months. Citizens of the following countries dont need a visa, and are issued an extendable visitor permit on arrival, which is valid for three months: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Czech Rep, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kiribati, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Ma-

laysia, Malta, Monaco, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Uruguay, USA. Citizens of all other countries are required to hold a visa to enter the country. These are available from any NZ embassy and are usually valid for three months. Visitors must be able to show the following in order to qualify for a visa: a valid passport that will not expire for the duration of your stay, sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay (this amount is set at NZ$1000 per month of intended stay or NZ$400 if your accommodation has been prepaid), an onward ticket to a country where you have right of entry. Work permits of up to three years will be issued if applied for in your home country. The permit will only be issued if no New Zealand jobseeker can do the job you have been offered. If the work permit is applied for while in New Zealand, the expiration date of the permit will be the expiration date of your visitor permit. Citizens of Canada, Japan and the UK aged between 18 and 30, can apply for a Working Holiday Permit before they arrive in New Zealand. This permits them to work, in a temporary position, while travelling around the country. It is valid for 12 months. n What language is spoken in New Zealand? English is the common and everyday language. Maori, New Zealands other official language, is less widely used. The country is multi-cultural, especially in Auckland, so you will hear many other Polynesian and Asian languages spoken.But!....they do have an accent (NewZild speak: eck-sent). Youll also hear a lot of a word that sounds like Yeahnah. Literally translates as Yes/No. You have to assume that this combination of both a positive and negative affirmation together is simply a way of saying Maybe. This is a common mistake. In fact, its meaning depends entirely on the context. Sometimes it means Yes, other times, it means No. But mostly, it means nothing at all, and is just a way of filling space while the person thinks of something better to say. Kinda like the word, awwww-sim! that fills the hole in a conversation. n Not everybody speaks NewZilun! A Canadian visitor to Auckland thought a rental car person was trying to direct him to Private Parts Road. With a silly, I-cant-believe-what-youre-saying smile on his face, the Canadian asked the person to spell out the name of the road again please. The rental car person looking rather bewildered spelt out, ............ Khyber.....Pass.... Road. n .........a wonderful blog from an expat Pom...go to Pams blog at http:// www.discover-the-world-blogs.co.uk/English lesson. Actually make that a Maori lesson. Pam says: I must admit I dont speak Maori. And no, it is not the only language spoken in New Zealand. We do speak English, well Koiwoi English with a but of un uccent ya know? I manage to read Maori and I can speak the language alright, however I dont understand what Im saying. So I guess this will be more of a quick blog on pronunciation. For example, the Wh in Maori sounds like an f. The vowels A, E, I, O, U are pronounced Ah, Eh, eee, orr, oooh. And thats all you need to remember in order to read the names like a true Kiwi. Now when on the phone suggesting to people to go to Whakapapa, this does not mean I am swearing at them or telling them to do anything other than to simply visit the area. However there is still the usual awkward silence. Kia Ora is the main way to say hello in Maori. It means be healthy. What a lovely way to say gday.

This is the Worlds 3rd biggest sporting event. It is New Zealands biggest opportunity to show off what a great country it is. The people will welcome you with wide open arms. Enjoy.

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STADIUM TARANAKI:
Sept 11: Ireland v USA Sept 15: Europe 2 v USA Sept 26: Wales v Namibia

......Mount Egmont - central to the Taranaki region .

History of New Plymouth............New Plymouth is forged on black gold (oil and gas) and white gold (dairy industry.) On the west coast of New Zealands North Island the city sits between the beaches and surf breaks of Surf Highway 45 and the peak of Mount Taranaki. As a result most of the hardcore locals surf, ski or climb mountains on their days off. Was judged the best small city in the world (2008 Liveable Communities Awards). Where is New

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Plymouth? .......is mid way down the West Coast of New Zealands North Island. Its less than an hours flight from Auckland and Wellington, and around a 4.5 hour drive from each. Its the main centre in Taranaki, a region dominated by a mountain of the same name. Interesting points about the Taranaki Region.......... some of the worlds flashest superyachts are built at Port Taranaki......the mountain at the centre of the region Mount Taranaki looks so much like Mt Fuji it was used in the Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai.....New Plymouth was judged the best place in New Zealand to live by North and South magazine......It was also judged the best small city in the World by the United Nations Liveable Communities Awards......Legendary Kiwi Olympic runner Peter Snell originates from Opunake around the Taranaki coast.....New Plymouth became New Zealands first international airport with the first ever Trans-Tasman commercial flight landing there......following
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Tawhiti Museum, with its hundreds of models and amazing Whalers and Traders ride, to Puke Ariki, the regional museum in New Plymouth, to eclectic toy, surfing, Elvis Presley memorabilia and even horse ornament museums.....New Plymouth is home to New Zealands most innovative contemporary art gallery, the GovettBrewster Art Gallery, which has been showing great art since 1970. Best way to explore New Plymouth.............New Plymouth is best explored by foot. The CBD is compact and well connected to the coast, a range of parks and gardens, surf beaches and venues by a well used series of walkways, from the international award winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway to Te Henui and Huatoki walkways. Further afield theres more than 300km of walking trails through untouched native bush and alpine environments on the slopes of spectacular Mount Taranaki. Pick up a copy of Taranaki A Walkers Guide when youre in Taranaki for full route information. Is there a world famous person from New Plymouth?..............archives of pioneering New Zealand artist and filmmaker Len Lye (1901 1980) are housed in New Plymouth at the citys Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. While contemporary art and rugby arent always seen as good mates, Lyes amazing kinetic steel sculptures are spectacular and well worth checking out particularly the 45m high Wind Wand on the citys Coastal Walkway. Strange happenings in New Plymouth? ..........South Taranakis Push Bike Pub Crawl has become a major event, attracting thousands who take to the streets on anything with wheels. Its on in December every year. Plymouth, 06 769 Where do I eat?........... www.indiatoday. Classic Indian: India Today, 40 Devon St New 9117, co.nz.....Modern pub: Frederics, 34 Egmont St New Plymouth, 06 759 1227, www.frederics.co. nz - 3. Kiwi favourites: Elixr, - 117 Devon St New Plymouth, 06 769 9020.....Great views: Arborio, 1 St Aubyn St New Plymouth, 06 759 1241.....Traditional Chinese - Laughing Buddha, upstairs corner of Devon and Currie Streets, New Plymouth.....Popular pub: Crowded House, 93 Devon St East New Plymouth, 06 759 4921.....Great breakfasts: Breakers, 162 Devon St East New Plymouth, 06 758 5373.....Epic steakhouse: Lone Star, 52 Gill St New Plymouth, 06 759 0902, www. lonestar.co.nz.....Classic cafe: Chaos,

36 Brougham St New Plymouth, 06 759 8080..... Fast and friendly: Sandwich Extreme, 57 Devon St East New Plymouth, 06 759 6999 Great eating at 3am..........Fantastic fresh pies: BP Service Station, Powderham Street.....The Arizona, 91 Devon Street West New Plymouth, 06 769 5222.....McDonalds, Cnr Leach and Eliot Streets, 06 757 9936 Best breakfasts at 11am..........Chaos, 36 Brougham St New Plymouth, 06 759 8080.....Ugly Duck, 601 Devon Street, Fitzroy, 06 759 2084..... Matinee, 69 Devon Street West, 06 759 2088 .....Okurukuru, 738 Surf Highway 45 Oakura, 06 751 0787.....Gusto, Ocean View Parade, 06 759 8133.....Ultralounge, 75 Devon Street East, 06 758 8444 How much for a burger and fries..........can range from $4 for a burger and $1.50 for chips at a suburban fish and chip shop to $25 at one of our top restaurants. Top takeways in and around the CBD include.....Burger Wisconsin, 144 Devon Street East, tel 06 757 8226.....Seafood on the Beach, 43 Ocean View Parade (on the Coastal Walkway) 06 769 9906.....Snappers, Corner Leach and Gover Streets. Tel 06 769 9344.....Blowfish, 406 St Aubyn Street, tel 06 759 1314.....Burger Fuel, 66 Eliot Street, 06 769 9102 McDonalds......... Centre City shopping mall, in the middle of town about a 15 minute walk to the stadium, or corner of Leach and Elliot streets Where to get a good feed of seafood.........Egmont Seafoods, 06 751 5700.....Ocean Pearl Fisheries, 06 769 6788......Marinovichs Seafood Restaurant, 19 Brougham Street New Plymouth, 06 758 4749 Whats the September/October weather like when I get there?..........It will be spring in Taranaki for the Rugby World Cup matches, meaning cooler nights (7-10 degrees Celsius) and warmish days (15-20 degrees Celsius). It pays to come prepared with a few warm layers for game night and a rain jacket just in case. What/when are RWC games are on in New Plymouth........Ireland vs. USA, Stadium Taranaki, 11 September 2011..... Europe 2 vs. Americas 2, Stadium Taranaki, 15 September 2011.....Wales vs. Namibia, Stadium Taranaki, 26 September 2011. Stadium Taranaki..........Judged the third best place to watch a game of rugby IN THE WORLD, Stadium Taranaki wont disappoint. Its a tight

....the Welsh will play an important first round game here. The men in red with their Kiwi coach Gatland will want to show just how good they are on foreign turf.

modern facility with good seating and services, and terraces where the legendary action happens. Its close to town only a 15 minute walk and seats over 25,000. Rugby has been played at this venue since 1931. Former All Black.....Mark Robinson, former All Black Centre, Canterbury Crusader and now Chief Executive of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union has been right behind hosting the World Cup matches here in Taranaki. Where is my team staying in New Plymouth?..........Teams are staying at one of the citys three biggest hotels: 1. Plymouth Quality International, corner of Courtenay St and Leach St, New Plymouth, www.plymouth.co.nz - 2. The Devon Hotel, 390 Devon St New Plymouth, www. devonhotel.co.nz 3. Copthorne Grand Central, 42 Powderham St New Plymouth, www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/copthornenewplymouth $115 Motels...........Lockwood Manor, $160, www.lockwoodmanormotel.

tures.com/booking

Local Camping

Grounds..........New Plymouth has a number of great camping grounds close to the venue. The Belt Road Holiday Park is within half an hours walk, and the Fitzroy Beach, Top 10 and Oakura camping grounds are also a short drive from the Stadium. Freedom camping at a number of locations throughout the region is also an option for self-contained vehicles with onboard toilet facilities. Backpacker accommodation..........Egmont Eco Lodge YHA, 12 Clawton Street New Plymouth, 06 753 5720, www.mttaranaki.co.nz.....Ariki Backpackers, 25 Ariki Street New Plymouth, 06 769 5020, www.arikibackpackers.co.nz.....Arcadia Lodge, 52 Young Street, New Plymouth, 06 769 9100.....Sunflower Lodge, 33 Timandra Street New Plymouth, 06 759 0050, www.sunflowerlodge.co.nz.....Shoestring Backpackers, 48 Lemon Street New Plymouth, 06 758 0404, www.shoestring.co.nz Bed and Breakfast...............Taranaki Country Lodge, 169 Hursthouse Road, New Plymouth, www.taranakicountrylodge.co.nz.......Villa Heights, 333 Upland Road, New Plymouth, www.villheights.co.nz.......Tairoa Lodge, 3 Puawai Street, Hawera, www.tairoa-lodge. co.n.......Abode on Rimu, 12c Rimu Street, New Plymouth, www.abodeonrimubedandbreak-

co.nz.....Fitzroy Beach Motel, $120 - $165, www.fitzroybeachmotel.co.nz.....Brougham Heights Motel, $100 - $200, www.broughamheights.co.nz.....299 on Devon West, $100 $200, www.the299motel.co.nz.....Quest New Plymouth, $135 - $300, www.questnewplymouth.co.nz.... .Bella Vista Motel, $120 - $150

www.bellavistamotels.co.nz/new-zealand/ fast.co.nz.......93 By the Sea, 93 Buller Street, Plymouth, www.93bythesea.co.nz new-plymouth.....Landmark Manor Motel, $120 New - $170, www.landmarkmanor.co.nz.....Abode The Supermarkets..........New Plymouth has four on Courtenay Motor Inn, $100 - $200, www. main supermarkets all closely located within abodemotorinn.co.nz.....Amber Court Motel, walking distance to the stadium and the city $100 - $150, www.ambercourtmotel.co.nz..... centre:.....New World, Courtenay Street, New Northgate Motor Lodge, $100 - $150, www. Plymouth, Tel: 06 759 9052.....Pak n Save, Leach northgatemotorlodge.co.nz.....Flamingo Motel, Street, New Plymouth, 758 1594.....Woolworths, $100 - $150, www.flamingomotel.co.nz.....Auto Corner of Cameron and Leach Streets, New Lodge Motor Inn, $89 - $300, www.autolodge. Plymouth, Tel: 06 759 7481.....Countdown, Top co.nz.....Oakura Beach Motel, $100 - $150, Leach Street, New Plymouth, 06 757 8233 www.oakura.co.nz/motel.....Nice Hotel, $200 - hairdressers for the Travelling Woman..........New www.nicehotel.co.nz.....Copthorne Plymouth is home to a number of the nations Grand Central, $150 - $300, www.millenniumho- best hairdressers. Here are some of the best..... tels.co.nz/copthornenewplymouth.....Devon Headquarters Design Space, Corner Egmont $300, Hotel, $150 - $300, www.devonhotel.co.nz..... and Devon Sts, Tel 06 759 9315.....BeBaBo, 123 Issey Manor, $100 - $200, www.isseymanor.co. Devon Street East, Tel 06 758 2341.....Izuka, 36 nz.....Saddle and Sulky, $150 - $200, www.sad- King Street, Tel 06 759 2299.....42 on King, 42 King dleandsulkymotel.co.nz.....Aaron Court, $50 - Street, Tel 06 757 9595.....The Cutting Edge, 56 $100, front, www.aaroncourt.net.nz.....The $150 - $300, Local Maori Tourism...........Mount Taranaki Ad- outh waterfront, www.pukeariki.com.....Mount ventures, 06 764 6585, www.mttaranakiadven- Taranaki, in the centre of the province.....GovMust-see atWater- Devon Street East, 06 759 9075 www.waterfront.co.nz tractions.............Puke Ariki Museum, New Plym-

ett-Brewster Art Gallery, Queen Street, www. govettbrewster.com......Tawhiti Museum, South Taranaki, www.tawhitimuseum.co.nz.....Fitzroy Beach, great waves in the middle of town..... Pukekura Park, located in central New Plymouth.....Chaddys Charters, exploring the coast in a restored lifeboat......Surf Highway 45, around the Taranaki coast, www.taranaki.info/ visit.....Regions walks, starting with New Plymouth Coastal Walkway......Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, New Plymouth especially the highspeed hydro slides. Local know-alls........... the best place to go for all the latest news is one of the regions i-Site Visitor Centres. The regional experts there can help with everything from the best things to see and do to directions and bookings. .....New Plymouth i-Site, Puke Ariki, New Plymouth, 06 759 6060, newplymouth@iSITE.org......Hawera i-Site, 55 High Street Hawera, 06 278 8599, southtaranaki@i-SITE.org.......Stratford i-Site, Prospero Place, Broadway, Stratford, 06 765 6708, stratford@i-SITE.org Best pubs and bars.........Frederics, 34 Egmont Street, 06 759 1227.....Arborio, Puke Ariki, St Aubyn Street, 06 759 1241.....Matinee, 69 Devon Street West, 06 759 2088.....Crowded House, 93 Devon Street East, 06 759 4921.....Butlers Reef, 1133 South Road, Oakura, 06 752 7765.....Grumpy Mole, Corner Devon and Liardet Street, 06 769 9902..... Powder Room, 108 Devon Street West, 06 759 2089 What time do the pubs close?.......Most Do pubs play the What are the beer pubs close at 3.00am. And ALL of the replays.

The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years. Minors may be permitted into licensed premises with a caregiver, but cannot be served alcohol. Tipping..........No tipping is required in New Zealand, though of course any exceptional service can always be rewarded. Going Fishing..........Paddy at Actionaki can sort you out with the best fishing spots, www. actionaki.co.nz or 06 761 8863......great range of tools for the job are available from Hunting and Fishing, Ocean View Parade, 06 757 2255. Internet access............Internet is available through the regions libraries, including Puke Ariki, the New Plymouth museum and library. Wi-fi is available at a range of cafes around the city. Dedicated internet cafes include Computer Corner, Richmond Centre, New Plymouth. Heated swimming pools.......... The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is a 1km walk along New Plymouths Coastal Walkway from the centre of the city. It offers heated pools, gym, spa and sauna and hydroslides. 06 759 6060. For something a little more relaxing head to Taranaki Mineral Pools, on Bonithon Ave. These feature private and group pools that use 29,000 year-old naturally heated spring water taken direct from underground. 06 759 1666 How far to the beach ..........about 3 minutes. New Plymouth sits right on the coast of the Tasman Sea. There are world-class surf breaks all round the city, from central Fitzroy Beach to legendary breaks like Stent Road, Kumara Patch and Greenmeadows around the Coast. The New Plymouth Coastal Walkway connects the city to the sea, running 10km along the coast. Taxis..........a taxi to the Airport will cost around $35 from the centre of town, and generally well under $20 to get from the centre of town to any of the suburbs......New Plymouth Taxis, tel 06 757 3000.....Energy City Cabs, tel 06 757 5580..... Egmont City Cabs, tel 06 754 8801 Rental car companies:..............Thrifty, 0800 73 7070, www.thrifty.co.nz.....Hertz, 0800 654 321, www. hertz.co.nz.......Avis, 06 755 9600, www.avis. co.nz.....Pegasus, 080035 45 33, www.carrentalsnewplymouth.co.nz......Rent A Dent, 0800 73 68 23, www.rentadent.co.nz How much will I pay to fill up a small 4 cylinder car with petrol?..........prices are currently around $NZ 1.70 per litre, making filling up the aver-

RWC games live?.......Of course. Every game. varieties?.......all the usual domestic and international beers are on offer. Mikes is the local classic ale, organically brewed 20 minutes drive up the coast at Whitecliffs. Brewery visits and tastings strongly encouraged. www.organicbeer.co.nz Local vineyard............Okurukuru, spectacularly located on the coast 15 minutes drive south of New Plymouth, offers an award winning restaurant, winery and event space and home to an annual regional wine and food festival. www.okurukuru.co.nz Is the local water safe to drink?......absolutely. Best Nite clubs..........55, 55a Egmont Street, New Plymouth.....The Ruby Room, The Mill, 2 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth get you in most places. Dress codes.......... Drinking age.......... Generally fairly relaxed jeans and a shirt will

age-sized car around $NZ60.00.

Tourism

Police Station is located on Powderham Street, between the central city and Stadium Taranaki. Tel 06 759 5500 or 111 in an emergency. For more information: www.taranaki. info

Gifts...... ..........Kina Design and Art Space, 101 Devon Street West, 06 759 1201, www.kina. co.nz.....Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Corner Queen Street, 06 759 6060, www.govettbrewster.com.....Verge, 62 Devon Street West, 06 769 6450.....Vivid, Puke Ariki, 65 St Aubyn Street, 06 759 6060, www.pukeariki.com......NZone, 43 Devon Street East, 06 769 9435......Mementos, 23 Devon Street West, 06 757 8799 Hospital services............Taranaki Base Hospital has recently undergone an extensive upgrade and offers a wide range of specialist medical and surgical services using some of the most modern facilities in New Zealand. www.tdhb.org.nz Disability support.......... Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre, 28 Young Street New Plymouth, tel 06 759 0019, www.weka.net.nz Doctors surgeries.............. A range of specialist and General Practitioner practices are available throughout the city. After hours facilities include..... Medicross, 8 Egmont Street, tel 06 759 8915..... Phoenix Urgent Doctors, 95 Vivian Street, tel 06 759 4295......Emergency Department, Taranaki Base Hospital, David Street, Westown, tel 06 753 7783 Police Station..............The local

......a local Maori meeting house .

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......the scenic Nelson Harbour.

Where is Nelson?.......The sheltered and sunny North-West Corner of New Zealands South Island.

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Nelson has a busy domestic airport with over twenty direct fights arriving daily from Auckland, from the Picton ferry terminal, where the Interisland ferries arrive from Wellington

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Wellington and Christchurch on new 50-seater Bombardier Q300 aircraft. Nelson is a two hour drive Interesting points about the Region..........known for; three national parks Abel Tasman, Kahurangi & Nelson Lakes, highest sunshine hours in the country, first game of rugby in New Zealand, New Zealands oldest rugby club, New Zealands home of hops, and a thriving craft brewing industry. Nelson.............self drive with plenty of time and a sober driver! Best way to explore
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person from Nelson ..............Birthplace of Lord Earnest Rutherford, who first split the atom. the Worlds cleanest natural water spring

Strange happenings in Nelson..........someone split an atom!!! thankfully, not in Nelson,.... Trafalgar Street, Nelson Tel: 03 545 7191 Elegant styling blends effortlessly with NE
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Where do I eat?.........Hopgoods,

creative cuisine making this an exceptional dining experience Founders Brewery, Founders Heritage Park 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson Tel: 03 548 4638 - The Boatshed Caf - 350 Wakefield Quay, Nelson Tel (03) 546 9783. Historic Boatshed located over the water on Nelsons vibrant waterfront. Fresh and simple, seafood a specialty. - The Orangarie, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco, 6 Point Road, Monaco Tel: (03) 547 0792. delectable cuisine with classical French inspiration and views across estuary to mountains beyond. - Anchor Restaurant and Bar 62 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson Tel: 03 546 6614 On the Nelson marina with a strong nautical theme. - When in Rome 278 Hardy St, Nelson 03 548 1586 Simple, casual Italian cuisine Lambrettas Caf - 204 Hardy Street, Nelson Tel: 03 545 8555. Italian inspired, and named after the popular Italian scooter. Pizza, pasta and more with snappy service. - Spriig & Fern, Two local taverns, named for the sprig of a rugby boot and the silver fern of the Allblacks jersey. Featuring Tasman Brewing Company beer and simple food. No TV or pokies, just a friendly relaxed Kiwi atmosphere. 134 Miltons Street, and 280 Hardy Street, Nelson - Deville, Great, fresh food creatively prepared, friendly service, and a large outdoor courtyard. Perfect for lunch on a sunny day. 22 New Street Nelson Tel (03) 545 6911 - Morrison Street Caf A Bustling, busy place to meet, with good food and good coffee. A favourite for breakfast. 244 hardy Street Tel (03) 548 8110 Great eating at 3am.Burger Fuel, Bridge Street Best breakfasts at 11am ..........Morrison Street, Deville, Lambrettas

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How much for Burger McDon-

and Fries..........Reels $8-10

alds Restaurants......... Nelson City, Tahunanui, Richmond & Motueka Where do I get a good feed of seafood..........This is Australasias largest fishing port and home of Tasman Bay so anywhere in Nelson! Specialists: Anchor Bar & Grill, The Boatshed, The Smokehouse at Mapua Wharf and many more. Whats the September/October weather like when I get there?....... Mid spring. Average temperatures of 8-17o with approx nine rain days per month. Known for crisp blue skys, clear days

and calm seas.

Pack layers for

Grampian Villa: 209 Collingwood Street, Nelson Tel (03) 548 7888, A Nelson farmboy, Ernest Rutherford was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chem istry in 1908, at the age of 37, for his work on the transmutation of elements and the chemistry of radioactive materi al. He discovered three major things that shaped todays modern science. He cre ated nuclear physics, that changed the way that we envisage the structure of the atom. The second discovery, be came the basis for how we see the atom today, a tiny nucleus surrounded by or biting electrons. And his third great achievement, the splitting of the atom. Cambria House 7 Cambria Street, Nelson Tel (03) 548 4681. Cathedral Inn: 369 Trafalgar St South, Nelson Tel (03) 548 7369 Nelson Supermarkets. Fresh Choice: 69 Collingwood Street Nelson, Woolworths: Paru Paru Road/Halifax Street, Nelson. Countdown 35 St Vincent Street, Nelson. New World Cnr Vanguard/Gloucester Streets The local scenery will away.......not seen anywhere else in the World.

changeable spring weather.

What/when are RWC games are on in Tuesday 20th Sept Italy vs a team from the Americas pool Tuesday 27th Sept Italy vs a team from the European pool Local Stadium.. Trafalgar Park, Trafalgar Street, Nelson der, former All Black Captain. nelsonmotels.co.nz/motels/ Local 20 DeloFormer All Black..Todd BlackadLocal motels....... See http://www. renzo, Palazzo, Beaches, Arrow Motel, Centuary Park, Chelsea Park, Leisure Lodge, Bella Vista, Abelia, Tudor Lodge, Cedar Grove, Destiny, Nautilus Lodge, Mohua, Abel Tasman Marahau Lodge, Anatoki Motels, Jane & Bretts in main street mot, Parkside, Admirals, Airport Greens Motel, Harbourside. Local Camping GroundsTahunani the largest in New Zealand, Nelson City, Richmond Top 10, Motueka Top 10, Matai Valley, The Brook, Kaiteriteri, Riverview Holiday Park, Murchison Motorhome Park, Murchison Riverside, Old Macdonalds Farm, Marahau Beachcamp, Pohara Top 10, Tukurua Holdiay Park, Pakawau Beach Camp & Farewell Gardens. Backpacker accommodation..... Accents on the Park: Trafalgar Square, Neson, Nelson YHA: 335 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, Paradiso: 5 Tasman Street, Nelson Tel (03) 545 7128, Tasman bay Backpacker Hostel: 10 Weka Street, Nelson Tel (03) 548 7950 Bed and Breakfast options......... Shelbourne Villa: 21 Shelbourne Street, Nelson Tel (03) 545 9059 Warwick House: 64 Brougham Street, Nelson Tel (03) 548 3164, Wakefield Quay House: 385 Wakefield Quay, Nelson Tel (03) 546 7275,

literally take your breathe

Nelson

Top hairdressers for the

Sky Wire. Horse trekking and paintball are also available. 194 Cable Bay Road, Hira, Nelson Tel (03) 545 0304 Local know-alls........... the best place to go for all the latest news is one of the regions i-Site Visitor Centres. The regional experts there can help with everything from the best things to see and do Fern, Two local taverns, named for the sprig of a rugby boot and the silver fern of the All Blacks jersey. Featuring Tasman Brewing Company beer and simple food. No TV or pokies, just a friendly relaxed Kiwi atmosphere. 134 Milton Street, and 280 Hardy Street, Nelson. - Founders Brewery: Set in park surroundings with historical buildings. Found- ers Heritage Park 87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson Tel: 03 548 4638. - Plan B Alma Lane, Nelson Tel (03) Live music and an outdoor courtyard. - House of Ales: traditional pub, situated in the centre of Nelson at the foot of the Christ Church Cathedral steps. 296 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Tel: (03) 548 4220 What time do the pubs close?....... ranges 3am midnight to Do pubs play the Best pubs and bars...Sprig &

Travelling Woman...Donna James Hair, 166 Collingwood Street, Nelson Tel (03) 548 1688. Aboki, Crystal Plaza, Buxton Square Carpark, Nelson Tel (03) 546 8680. Mustsee attractions in the area............. Centre of New Zealand: A short walk from Branford Park (the site of NZs first rugby game) to the summit of a hill bordering Nelson City. Great views over the region, and the opportunity for a longer walk along the ridge-line of the hills - World of WearableArt and Classic Car Museum, Quarantine Road Nelson Tel (03) 547 4573 view past entries into the phenomenal annual WearableArt Awards Show, and an enviable collection of classic cars. - Abel Tasman National Park One of New Zealands most popular national parks. The Abel Tasman Coast Track follows the coastline through beech forest, and along golden sandy beaches. This one of the Department Conservations Great Walks. The sheltered azure waters of the Parks stunning coastline is also popular for sea kayaking. Only 60 minutes drive from Nelson. The Coast Track starts from Marahau, and takes 3 5 days to walk, with DoC Huts, campsites and a few private lodges along the way for accommodation. Or you can take a watertaxi or launch from Marahau or Kaiteritieri to enjoy any section of the Park for any duration. - Happy Valley Adventures: A 50 acre farm property with native and exotic forest just 10 minutes north of Nelson. Happy Valley Adventures offers quad biking through forest trails to a summit where you can soar high above the canopy on the worlds first

RWC games live?.......of course Bro! Effry kame. And ALL de replays. What are the local beer varieties?.......Nelson has more craft brewers per head of popula- tion than anywhere in the country. Founders, Tasman Bay, Golden Bear, Lighthouse,

Monkey Wizard, Mussel Inn, Tasman and Townshends Local Nelson vineyard............There are 26 boutique vineyards in Nelson Tasman, Tasman, producing a range of wine varieties, and becoming particularly noted for the aromatic varieties. Meet winemakers at cellar doors, and share in their vinous passion. Seifrieds Estate, Woollaston Estate, Waimea Estates, Ruby Bay Vineyard, Neudorf, Brightwater Pick up a copy of the WineArt brochure/map from the Nelson i-SITE to explore them all. Is the local water safe to drink?......Absolutely. In fact, just 2 and half hours from Nelson city, near the town of Takaka is Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs, measured the clearest fresh water in the world. Best Nite clubs..Little Rock, 165 Dress Bridge Street, Nelson Tel (03) 546 8800 will get you in most places.

Pegasus Rental Cars, 83 Haven Road, Nelson Tel (03) 548 0884 - Apex Car Rentals: Cnr Traflagar/Halifax Streets, Nelson Tel (03) 546 9028 - Avis Rent A Car: Nelson airport Tel (03) 547 272 $70 How much will I pay to fill up a small 4 cylinder car with petrol?.......... Tourism Gifts can be bought at...... Simply New Nelson i-SITE, 77 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 545 7501 gency dial 111

Zealand: Millers Acre, 39 Halifax Stret, Nelson Tel (03) Hospital services........Nelson Hospital , Disability support........Disabilities Doctors Tipahi Street, Nelson Tel (03) 546 1800. In an emerInformation Centre www.weka.net.nz

surgeries.........132 Collingwood Street, Nelson Tel (03) 546 8911 Nelson Region After Hours Doctor, 96 Waimea Road, nelson Tel (03) 546 8881 Police Station......... The local Police Station is located at St John Street, Nelson Tel (03) 546 3840, In an emergency dial 111.

codesGenerally fairly relaxed jeans and a shirt Drinking age.......... The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years. Minors may be permitted into licensed premises with a caregiver, but cannot be served alcohol. Is there tipping in Nelson..........No tipping is required in New Zealand, though of course any exceptional service can always be rewarded. Internet access............Internet is available at Nelson i-SITE 77 Trafalgar Street, Nelson, and the Nelson Public Library, Halifax Street, Nelson. Heated swimming pools.......... Riverside Pool, Riverside Drive, Nelson Tel (03) 546 3221, ASB Aquatic Centre, 141 Salisbury Road, Richmond Tel (03) 543 9755. 5 minutes drive How far to the beach ..........about Taxis..........a taxi to the Airport

will cost around $18 from the centre of town, and generally well under $30 to get from the centre of town to any of the suburbs...... Rental car companies.

M ost of the beaches around Nelson look like t h i s - o n a re a l c rowd e d d ay. M a k e s u re yo u bring your swimming gear.

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Scotland play in Invercargill on September 10 and Argentina play in Invercargill on September 17

History.the first Europeans to set foot on the South Islands southern coast were sealers in the late 1700s. Others intent on harvesting flax came in the early 1800s and whalers began arriving from 1829. Sailors, traders, and entrepreneurs followed. Maori were attracted to Bluff 600 years earlier because of bountiful supply of fish and birds. Much of the region we now call Southland, is referred to by Maori as Murihiku. In 1856 The Governor of New Zealand consented for a port in Bluff and at the same time suggested a corresponding township be called Invercargill. Where is Invercargill?.........Air New
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Zealand operates eight daily flights to/from Christchurch and two to/from Wellington. Flights from Auckland stop over in Christchurch. Driving from Dunedin is a 2.5 hour journey and Queenstown is two hours. Interesting points about the Region..Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the world!..Tiwai Aluminuim Smelter produces the purest aluminium in the world and their aluminium is being used in the new A380 Airbus (the worlds largest passenger airliner).
G NE Stewart Island has an estimated 20,000 kiwi (birds) living on the island!.....Lonely Planet CAR DU VER ILL DIN CHR IST

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invercargill
capture. More than once, youre likely to round a corner, stop in your tracks and just say oh, wow before you reach for the camera.Henry the Tuatara became a Dad for the first time at the approx age of 111 years old!.....the last Maori Land war happened in Tuturau near Gore.the Maori legend of Maui, says that Stewart Island (Te Punga a Maui) was the anchor stone that Maui tied his waka (the South Island/ Te waka a Maui) to when he fished up the North Island/Te Ika a Maui Best way to explore Invercargill...on foot, or hire a bike from the museum and get to the out skirts of the city. Is there world famous people from Invercargill?Herbert James Burt Munro (25 March 1899 6 January 1978) was a New Zealand motorcycle racer, famous for setting an under1000cc world record, at Bonneville, 26 August 1967. This record still stands today. Burt Munro was 68 and was riding a 47-year old machine when he set his last record. Working from his home in Invercargill, he worked for 20 years to highly modify the 1920 Indian Motorcycle which he had bought in 1920. Munro set his first New Zealand speed record in 1938 and later set seven more. He travelled to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats, attempting to set world speed records. During his ten visits to the salt flats, he set three speed records, one of which still stands today. His efforts, and success, are the basis of the motion picture The Worlds Fastest Indian (2005), starring Anthony Hopkins, and an earlier 1971 short documentary film Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed both directed by Roger Donaldson Strange happenings?...... In her condemned cell in Invercargill Gaol, Minnie Dean wrote down her version of the evidence of her trial. She was tried for murdering one of the children in her care, Dorothy Edith Carter. The evidence was doubtfull but circumstantial. The Crown was unable to establish that the deaths were premeditated. Minnie Dean did not appear in the witness box. Minnie Dean was the first and only woman to be hanged in New Zealand, though she was the third woman to receive a death sentence. Her two predecessors, Caroline Whitting (1872) and Phoebe Veitch (1883), both had their sentences commuted to penal servitude for life. Where do I eat?..Buster Crab - 326 Dee St - Specializing in breakfast, steak, seafood and tapas 03 214 4214.. Cabbage Tree - 379 Dunns Road (Otatara) - An ala-carte menu with a selection of more than 90 dishes - 03 213 1443.EAT - 38 Windsor St - With award winning menus and quirky named dishes, breakfast, lunch dinner and deli - 03 217 7722. Lone Star Caf & Bar - Cnr Dee & Leet Streets .. Legendary meals - 03 214 6225..Louies Caf & Tapas Bar - 142 Dee Street - Specializing in tapa styles and game cuisine - 03 214 2913..Speights Ale House - 38 Dee Street - hearty southern fare all

invercargill
matched to the great Speights beers - 03 214 5333..The Kiln - 7 Don Street - sophisticated, yet casual environment for dining - 03 218 2258..The able and it is often said that one can experience four seasons in one day! The average daily temperature in September is 12.9c and October 14.4c

Rocks -101 Dee Street - A-la-carte menu - 03 What/when are RWC games are on in Invercargill?.....Invercargill will host two matches from pool b. Saturday September 10 Scotland v Play-off winner and a week later on Saturday September 17 Argentina v Play-off winner. Local Stadium.. Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill can hold 20,000 attendees, of which there are 5000 stand seats with 2000 of these being covered. The grounds will have for satellite bars from which alcohol can be purchased, and there will be large screen for the replays. The seats at the venue are standard stadium bucket seats. Rugby Park Stadium is within 2 km from Invercargills central business district, and all within very close proximity to accommodation providers, campervan parks, and airport. Local Former All Blacks 55 of them..Legends of the game such as Gerald Dermody, Southlands longest serving player in terms of games, who appeared 120 times for the province, Kevin Laidlaw, Leicester Rutledge, Ken Stewart, Paul Henderson, Simon Culhane and more recently Jimmy Cowan and Clarke Dermody are celebrated members of Southlands All Black Representatives, all contribut218 7597..Ziffs Caf & Bar - 143 Dunns Road (Otatara) - Light snacks, full a-la-carte dining, - 03 213 0501..Zookeepers Caf - 50 Dee Street, Caf and bar - 03 218 3373 Great eating at 3am.. NightN Day Foodstores -452 Dee St, +64 218 6311 235 Elles Road, - +64 218 8395 - Cnr Esk & Dee St, +64 218 8708 - Cnr Tay & Lindersfarne St, - +64 3 217 6165 Best breakfasts at 11am ..There are many cafes serving breakfasts a few great options are listed belowJagz caf, 72 King St, +64 3 217 3905..Three Bean Caf, 73 Dee St, +64 3 214 1914..Tuatara 30 32 Dee St, +64 3 218 8831.. Zookeepers, 50 Tay St, +64 3 218 3373 much for Burger and Fries? How $5 from a local fish Mc-

and chip shop, to $20 from Devil Burger - Devil Burger, open until 3am16 Don St, +64 3 218 9646 taurant, 200 Dee St, + 64 3 214 3020 rant, 80 Tay St, Invercargill, + 64 3 218 3443 Donalds Restaurants..MacDonalds Family ResWhere do Whats I get a good feed of seafood?..Kings HMS Restauthe September/October weather like when I get there?..Southlands weather is nothing if not vari-

invercargill
ing towards Southlands reputation as one of the Manor, 189 Tay St www.birchwoodmanor.co.nz, most revered Provincial Rugby Unions in New Zea- +64 218 8881..Coachmans Inn, 705 Tay St www. Where is my team staying? The hotel coach mans.co.nz, +64 217 6046..Colonial Motor selected for hosting teams is: Ascot Park Hotel, Cnr Inn, 335 Tay St www.colonialmotorinn.co.nz, +64 land. Tay St & Racecourse Road www.ascotparkhotel. 217 6058.. Evergreen Motor Inn, 217 North Rd co.nz, +64 3 217 7002 20 Local motels - www.evergreenmotel.co.nz, +64 215 9135..GarLock.nz 295 on Tay Motel, 295 Tay S www.295ontay. den Grove Motel, 161 North Road www.gardenco.nz, + 64 3 211 1295..388 Tay Motel, 388 Tay St- grovemotel.co.nz, +64 215 9555..Hacienda Mowww.invercargillmotel.co.nz, +64 3 217 9881.. tel, 678 Tay St www.haciendamotel.co.nz, +64 217 Aachen Motel, 147 Yarrow St www.aachenmotel. 6065..Heritage Court Motel, 44 Thomson St www. co.nz, +64 3 218 8185..Admiral Court Motel heritagecourt.co.nz, +64 214 7911..Homestead Lodge, 327 Tay St www.admiralcourt.co.nz, +64 Villa Motel, cnr Avenal & Dee St www.homestead217 1117..Ashlar Motels, 81 Queens Drive www. villamotel.co.nz, +64 0800 488 588..Moana Court ashlarmotel .co.nz, +64 3 217 9093..Avenal Place Motels www.554moanacourt.co.nz, +64 217 Motel, 45 Avenal St www.avenalplacemotel.co.nz, 8443..Monarch Motel, 633 Tay St www.monar+64 3 218 3521.. Balmoral Lodge Motel, 265 Tay St chmotel.co.nz, +64 217 6114..Queens Park Mowww.balmoralmotel.co.nz, +64 3 217 5755..Ba- tels, 85 Alice St www.queensparkmotels.co.nz, +64 varian Motel, 444 North Rd www.bavarianmotel. 214 4504..Surrey Court Motel, 400 Tay St www.surco.nz, +64 215 7552..Bella Vista Motel, cnr Tay & reycourt.co.nz, +64 217 6102..Tayesta Motel, 343 MacMaster St www.bellavista invercargill.co.nz, Tay St www.tayestamotel.co.nz, +64 217 7074.. +64 217 9799..Colonial Motel, 143 Mary St www. Tower Lodge Motel, 119 Queens Drive www.towercolonial-motel.co.nz, +64 217 6118 Birch- wood lodgemotel.co.nz, +64 217 6729..Townsman Mo-

invercargill
tor Lodge, 195 Tay St www.townsman.co.nz, +64 218 8027..Yarrow Motel, 165 Yarrow St www.yarrowmotel.co.nz, +64 218 2797 Maori Tourism operators The closest opportunity is Haka Pa Maori Village in Queenstown, for bookings or enquiries please email: info@hakapa.com or visit their website www.hakapa.com Local Camping Grounds..Amble on Inn Holiday Park, 145 Chesney St www.ambleoninn.co.nz - +64 3 216 5214..Beach Road Motor Park, 375 Dunns Rd www.beachroadholidaypark.co.nz + 64 3 2130400.. Invercargill Top 10 Holiday Park, 77 McIvor Rd www.invercargilltop10.co.nz - +64 3 235 8031..Lorneville Holiday Park, RD6 - www.lorneville.kiwiholidayparks.com +64 3 235 8031..Timber Tops Motor Park, 209 Tweed St www.nzcamping. co.nz - +64 3 214 2226..an extra campervan site is being organised to find out more information go to the RWC2011 section on www.southlandnz.com Backpacker accommodation.Tuatara Lodge YHA, 32 Dee St www.tuataralodge.co.nz - +64 3 214 0954..Southern Comfort Backpackers, 30 Thomson St - +64 3 218 3838 ..Kackling Kea Backpackers, 225 Tweed St stay@kacklingkea.com - +64 3 214 7950 Bed and BreakfastAimless Wanderers Homestay, 142 Ritchie St www.aimlesswanderers.co.nz, + 64 3 217 0292..Beds on Alice www. bedsonalice.co.nz, + 64 3 214 9366..Beersheba www.braemarfarmstay.co.nz, + 64 3235 8804.. Greystone Manor www.greystonemanor.co.nz.. Long Acres Farmstay, RD11 www.longacres.co.nz, + 64 3 216 4470..Tudor Park Country Stay, RD 6 Invercargill www.tudorpark.co.nz, + 64 3 221 7150..Stoneleigh Homestay, 15 Stoneleigh Lane, Invercargill www.stoneleighhomestay.co.nz+ 64 3 215 8921..Safari Lodge, 51 Herbert Street, Invercargill www.safarilodge. co.nz, + 64 3 214 6329 Supermarkets..there are over 20 Supermarkets and grocers in Invercargill, four are listed below Countdown Foodmarket 172, Tay St, +64 3 218 6716..Supervalue, Plaza 103 Yarrow St, - +64 218 2205..Pakn Save 95 Tay St, - +64 214 4864..New World 51 Windsor St - + 64 3 217 7175 244 Elles Road - + 64 3 218 6811 Top hairdressers for the Travelling Woman.....Adrian Barclay, was named top New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2009, hairdresser from Invercargill, at the Hair Expo 2009 at the Sydney Convention Centre. He has also been 2x NZ Hair Dresser of the year runner up prior. Adrian is the proud owner of Venom (Salon) in Inver- cargill. Although it maybe unlikely to get into Adrian, you may get an appointment in the salon. Also Total Image is another great option. ..Venom Barklay Lane 49D Esk St +0064 3 214 423..Total Image 68 Esk St +0064 3 218 8920 Must-see

Boutique Accommodation, 58 Millton Park Rd www.beersheba.co.nz, + 64 3216 3677..Braemar Farmstay B&B, 80 Lorneville-Wallacetown Highway attractions in the area..Invercargill Water Tower..Bluff Signpost at Stirling Point..The view from top of Hump Ridge TrackNugget Point Lighthouse

invercargill
in the Catlins..Wildlife and Petrified Forest at Curio than just fresh water fishing. Sea fishing and diving Bay..Kiwispotting on Stewart Island.. Blokarting opportunities abound, particularly around the Stewon Oreti Beach..Kayaking around Stewart Is- art Island and Fiordland areas. The region abounds land..Hokonui Moonshine Museum..Bill Richard with numerous quality fishing rivers, streams and Truck Museum Local know-alls..best place lakes. In fact Gore , the World Capital of Brown to go for all the latest news is one of the regions i-

Site Visitor Centres. The regional experts there can help with everything from the best things to see and do. The local i-site for further details: Southland Museum & Art Gallery108 Gala St, Queenspark, email: Invercargill@i-site.org Best pubs and barsLouies Caf & Tapas Bar 142 Dee St, +64 3 214 2913Lone Star Caf & Bar Cnr Leet & Dee St, +64 3 214 6225Speights Ale House 38 Dee St, + 64 3 214 5333..The Kiln 7 Don St, +64 3 218 2258..Waxy OSheas Irish Pub 90 Dee St, + 64 3 214 0313 close at 3am plays. What time do the pubs close? All bars Do pubs play the RWC games Trout Fishing, is strategically located on the banks of Internet access Internet is What are the local beer varieties? In- available at: Comzone.net, 55 Dee St, +64 3 214 Heated swimming pools..Splash Palace

live? Of course. Every game. And ALL of the re- the Mataura River. vercargill Breweries - Many of the beer varieties 0007

have NZ Brew Gold Awards www.invercargillbrew- Aquatic Centre 56-58 Elles Road, +64 3 217 3838. ery.co.nz 8 Wood Street Invercargil Ph (03) 214 5070 Splash Palace is within walking distance of the cenFax (03) 214 5080 Local vineyard.....The closest tral business district and close to a large selection of How far to the beach.. vineyards to Invercargill are located near Queen- motels and parks. 2.5hours from Invercargill safe to drink? Absolutely

stown, Arrowtown, Central Otago, approximately Oreti Beach, is 10ks from the city centre, and takes Is the local water about 15 minutes to get there by car. Oreti Beach is Best Nite clubs.. one of the few beaches in New Zealand that vehiTaxis.....A taxi to the Airport will

Frogn Firkin 31 Dee St, +64 3 214 4001..Lone Star cles can drive on.

Caf & Bar Cnr Leet & Dee St, +64 3 214 6225..Til- cost around $12 from the centre of town, and genlermans Entertainment Venue 16 Don St, +64 3 218 erally well under $25 to get from the centre of town 9240..Saints & Sinners 25 Tay St, ..Uncles 25 Tay to any of the suburbs St Dress codes Generally fairly relaxed jeans www.eurocar.co.nz Drinking car.co.nz and a shirt will get you in most places. Rental car companies www.hertz.co.nz www.hirewww.rhodesHow much

www.rentadent.co.nz www.thrifty.co.nz

age The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 rentals.co.nz

years. Minors may be permitted into licensed prem- will I pay to fill up a small 4 cylinder car with petrol? ises with a caregiver, but cannot be served alco- $60.00 approximately hol. Tourism Gifts can be Tipping No tipping is required in New bought at Southland Museum & Art Gallery 108 Going Fishing Whilst Ltd 66 74 Tay St, Invercargill +64 3 2110199 Hos-

Zealand, though of course any exceptional service Gala St, Invercargill +64 3 219 9069.H & J Smith can always be rewarded. Southlands fishing is often described as a dry fly pital services.....Southland District Health Board opMecca and has an international reputation for erates two hospitals within the Region, Southland the quality of its brown trout fishing, it offers more Hospital in Invercargill and Lakes District Hospital in

invercargill
Queenstown. Southland Hospital is a 181 bed facility. Southland Hospital in Kew Road has a 24-hour accident and Emergency Department. Overseas Patients: New Zealand has a universal accident insurance scheme (ACC) that covers acute hospital care for most accidental injuries. However ACC does not cover all injuries, part charges may apply for some treatment, and the scheme also may not cover rehabilitation or repatriation. Check www. moh.govt.nz for you eligibility. Overseas visitors requiring hospital treatment may be charged for the care they receive. Disability support - Disabilities Information Centre: www.weka.net.nz green pages. As a casual patient an additional charge applies. You can also call Healthline 0800 611 116 for the free 24 hour telephone health advice service. For urgent doctor care, the after hours doctor service is located at 40 Clyde St. Please phone first to make an appointment when the service opens at 6.00pm (phone 03 218 8821 and costs will apply. 03 2110400 Police Station......The local Invercargill Police Station is located at 117 Don St, phone:

Doctors surgeries.....Local Doctors surgeries are listed at the front of the telephone book in the

INVERCARGILL CHOCOLATE STORE/FACTORY/CAFE

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company

GOOD CHOCOLATE
SHOP/CAFE

THE SERIOUSLY

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company 147 Spey Street, Invercargill Phone: (03) 218 8060

Southland is the home of the Worlds Fastest Indian, the Bluff Oyster all icons of the South and New Zealand. Southland where dreams are made possible has the Seriously Good Chocolate Company which has developed unique and iconic chocolates such as the wine infused varieties with unforgettable flavours.The concept store and factory are at the one location. Experience the taste. Come for the cafe experience, Seriously Good hot chocolates, Seriously Good coffee and gourmet treats.

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......a relaxing getaway from the crowd - local hotpools.

Where is? .......Rotorua is in the Northern Part of the Bay of Plenty, approximately a one hours drive from Taupo, Tauranga, Whakatane. Interesting points about the Region..........Rotorua is surrounded by 14 lakes, the WhakaBest way to explore .............By
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rewarewa Forest and is the heart of culture and geothermal in the North Island.

own vehicle is good as many attractions are within a 5 minute drive. But dont worry we have a great local bus system if you dont have your own car that can get you to most places. Some attractions even have there own transport options for a small cost. Is there a world famous person from here?..............Sir Howard Morrison a Strange happenings ? ..........On the
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famous entertainer passed away this year (2009). Actor Temuera Morrison is from Rotorua, starring in movies such as Once were Warriors and Six days, 7 nights and Star Wars afternoon of June 10 1886 a group of European visitors were taken out in a waka (canoe) on Lake Tarawera by a local Maori Guide. Local legend speaks of a phantom canoe appearing and then disappearing. That same night Mt Tarawera erupted devastating the village of Te Wairoa and destroying the famous Pink and White Terraces. Where do I eat?.........www.rotoruanz.com/
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culture/dining-directory. Take a walk down Eat Street (South end of Tutanekai Street) for a

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wide variety of choices. Alternately have dation providers, Marae ( Maori Meeting dinner over-looking Rotorua at Skyline Skyrides House) and local schools that can accommoGreat eating at 3am. famous buffet. 20 Local motels....... date large groups. McDonalds drive through is open 24hours (even if you are on foot) Lowww.rotoruanz.com/accommodation Best breakfasts at cal Maori Tourism operators...........www. 11am.......most Cafes are open for breakfast. Local rotoruanz.com/accommodation Fat Dog Caf located on Arawa st. seems to be a popular place for locals and visitors. Lime Caf (Lake End of Fenton St) is another popular eatery. How much for Burger and Fries..........Average price burger and fries at takeaways $5.00. If you require something a bit more gourmet try Burger Fuel with prices averaging $13.00 McDonalds Restau- Camping Groundswww.rotoruanz.com/ accommodation tion Backpacker accommodation.....www.rotoruanz.com/accommodaBed and Breakfast options............... www.rotoruanz.com/accommodation Where are the Supermarkets.Centre of the city (within a 10 minute walk) we have two

Countdowns (one in the Central Mall) and rants......... We have three McDonalds Pack nSave located on Fenton Street. New in Rotorua. Located on the corner of World is located on Old Taupo Road. Amohia and Fenton Street and one Top hairdressers for the Travelling Woman in the middle on the city on Tuta nekai Street, and one on Fairy Springs Road. ...Lush Hair and Beauty (Eruera Street) Salon Saint Bruno (Hinemoa Street) Where do Must-see attractions in the area.............Rotorua I get a good feed of is known for its geothermal, culture and adventure activities, please check out our website

seafood..........Chapmans

www.rotoruanz.com for the latest deals. at the Heritage Hotel have an Local know-alls...........the best place to go for excellent buffet including all the latest news is one of the regions I-Site seafood. Oppies Fish and Chip Visitor Centres. The regional experts there can Shop rated for a number of help with everything from the best things to see years as the number 1 Fish and Chip shop in Rotorua. and do Best pubs and barsPig and Whistle Pub (live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday , Hennesseys Irish Pub (Tutanekai Street) watch all the games live. The Shed Tui Bar (Amohau Street) What time do the pubs close?.......Most pubs are open every night till late, depending on how busy they are is to when they decide to close. game. And ALL of the replays. Do pubs play What are the RWC games live?.......Of course. Every the local beer varieties?.......At Pig and Whistle you can purchase the famous Swine Beer. Local vineyard............Mamaku Blue is our local blueberry winery (*****Editors note: you just gotta go and get some of this great liquid down your throat!!! nectar of the Gods stuff!!! I

Restaurant and Bar located

Whats the September/October weather like when I get there? .......Just coming into spring, two layers of clothing recommended. highest temperature is likely to be around 15 degrees. What/when are RWC games are on in Fiji vs Namibia 10 September , Samoa vs Na-

mibia 14 September, Ireland vs Europe2 25 September. Street. Local Stadium..Rotorua International Stadium, located on Devon Local Former All Black..Liam Messam (former Rotorua Boys High Student) recently toured with the All Blacks through Great Britain and Ireland. Buck Shelford Famous No. 8 player.

tried it in Xmas 09 and I nearly moved to Where is my team Rotorua from Sydney!!! incredible taste) staying?......The YHA Treks Backpackers has Is the local water safe to drink?......absolutely.

a great TEAM/GROUPS accommodation But the Blueberry wine is better than the water! area. There are a number of other accommo- Best Nite clubs..Lava Bar live DJ every

rotorua
night, open 4pm 3am daily. Snacks and meals are available. Grumpy Mole has live bands or an in-house DJ playing and is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4pm till late, Friday and Saturday 4pm till 3pm. Dress codesGenerally fairly relaxed jeans and a shirt will get you in most places. Drinking age..........The legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years. Minors may be permitted into licensed premises with a caregiver, but cannot be served alcohol. Tipping..........No tipping is required in New Zealand, though of course any exceptional service can always be rewarded. I want to go Fishing - where? ..........It is possible to hire gear and get a fishing license from our specialists Hamills Hunting and Fishing. We have many streams you can fish in around Rotorua. Most fishing tours last between 2 and 4 hours and can cost up to $500.00. There is also a possibility to hire your own boat with Clearwater Cruises. Internet access ............Internet is available at many of the central city backapackers, McDonalds, library. Wireless internet is available at Tourism Rotorua I-site and the public library. Heated swimming pools - where?..........Geothermal mineral pools we have Polynesian Spa which is right in the centre of the city or Waikite Valley Hot Pools which is a short 25 minute drive south of Rotorua. Heated hot pools include the Historic Blue Baths or the Aquatic Centre (great fro children) How far to the beach .......... Taxis..........a taxi to Rotorua has a number of lakes with some beautiful beaches. the Airport will cost around $25 from the centre of town, and generally well under $30 to get from the centre of town to any of the suburbs. Rental car companies. In the city we have Budget, Hertz, Ezi-rent, Pegasus and U-drive rental companies. At the Rotorua International Airport we have companies such as Avis and Thrifty. How much will I pay to fill up a Tourism Gifts can be small 4 cylinder car with petrol?..........Approximately $50.00 bought at......Fenton Street is lined with Souvenir Shops all selling great gifts. Look for this logo to make sure you are buying something that is authentically made in New Zealand. Great Maori Arts and Crafts can be purchased from the shop up at Te Puia. Hospital services........ Lakes Prime Care is located behind the Information Centre. This is an Accident and Urgent Medical Care centre owned and operated by Rotoruas general practitioners. (No appointment is required) The usual hours are 8 am to 10pm 7 days a week. Rotorua Hospital Emergency department is available 24hours a day. Disability support........Disabilities Information Centre www.weka.net.nz Doctors surgeries.......... The nearest Doctors to the Stadium would be Westend Medical on Old Taupo Road. Lakes Prime Care is available up to 10pm at night with no appointment needed. Police Station.........The local Police Station is located on Fenton Street opposite the Visitor Information centre. Local phone number to report crime 07 348 0099, for emergencies dial 111.

Wh ha ile th s it is only e pla for well 2 ga ce vis the o prep mes itor ns a lau red s gh to f

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MCLEAN PARK: Sun Sept 18: France v Americas 1 Tues Sept 27: Americas 1 v Asia 1

.....Napier, rated as one of the Worlds best art deco cities.

Napier is a port city in Hawkes Bay. It has a population of 58,100 as of the June 2009 estimate. Less than twenty kilometres separate the centres of Hastings City and Napier, and as such the two are often called The Twin Cities The population of the urban area of NapierHastings is 122,600 - the fifth largest urban area in the country, The city is 320 kilometres (by road) north-east of Wellington. It is the only official city in the Hawkes Bay region. and is the largest cross-bred wool centre in the Southern Hemisphere. It has also become an important grape growing and wine production area with the fruit passing from the growers around Metropolitan Hastings and then to Napier for exporting. There are large frozen meat, wool, pulp and timber tonnages passing through Napiers port. Napier is a popular tourist city, and has one of the most photographed tourist

attractions in the country, a statue on Marine Parade called Pania of the Reef. Her statue is regarded in Napier in much the same way that the Little Mermaid statue is ND KLA regarded in Copenhagen. In October AUC 2005 the statue was stolen, but it was recovered a week later, largely unharmed. Thousands of people NAPIER flock to Napier every February TON for the Art Deco Weekend event. NG LLI WE History.......Napier first sighted by Captain James Cook in 1769. Established Maori settlement history prior to then, traders, whalers

and missionaries were the forerunners of permanent residency in the area. In 1851, the Napier site was officially purchased by the Crown. This was followed in 1854 by the preparation of the first town development plan. The town was named after Sir Charles Napier, hero of the Battle of Scinde in India. Many of the first streets in the town were named after famous artists and literary figures in India. Napier became a borough in 1874. City was essentially destroyed by a major earthquake in February 1931. A lot of land around the City was raised some 3 metres by the earthquake and this land has been used over time for different developments. Napier was subsequently rebuilt in the now famous Art Deco building style which has become a major heritage, tourism and economic asset and drawcard for the City L o c a tion.....Napier is located on the central east coast of the lower North Island. It has a Mediterranean style climate with cool wet winters and dry fine hot summers. It is a key domestic tourism destination in the North Island. It is one of the important sports events locations in the country. Napier is part of the socalled Hawkes Bay region, a region which is well-known in New Zealand for the following industries-sheep/beef pastoral farming, pip-fruit (HB is the major apple-growing part of New Zealand), grapes/wine (HB is the second largest wine producing region in NZ), other fruit and horticulture, forestry, food processing, specialized manufacturing for the rural sector, timber and textile processing, and tourism. The Port of Napier is a key regional economic asset, as is the major local

tertiary education provider EIT Hawkes Bay. The Hawkes Bay airport is a major regional airport and provides regular flight services between the region and Wellington/Auckland/Christchurch. Napier is central to all of Hawkes Bay area. Twenty minutes drive to the south is the other major regional centre in the area, namely Hastings which has a long history of servicing the local rural sector. Napiers urban population is 58,000 and the Hastings urban component (of the wider Hastings district) 65,000, making for a combined total of 123,000. The total Hastings urban/rural population is about 74,000 IInteresting Points About Napier......World renown Art Deco Citythe Art Deco capital of the World!. The beautiful Art Deco former British American Tobacco building frontage in Ahuriri Port of Napier is the 5th largest port in NZ. An historic wool selling centre in NZ. Cruise ship visits increasing year by year. Very nice climate, appealing for tourists.

Marine Parade tourist attractions have always been popular. Home of the National Aquarium of New Zealand. HB Museum and Art Gallery is located in Napier. McLean Park, Napier is a major international sports venue for rugby and cricket. The local national rugby competition team is known as the Magpies and has performed very well in recent years. A number of very wineries in the City Mission Winery in Taradale part of Napier is the oldest and most visited winery in NZ. Annual Mission Winery outdoor concert attracts 000s of visitors to the City every February. As does the annual Art Deco Weekend civic festival and celebration. Napier is almost encircled by a very popular coastal walk/cycle way which provides a good view of the different features of the City and is also linked to other similar amenities in the Hastings district. The nearby parts of the Hastings district also contain a number of features that will be interesting to visitors-Te Mata Peak which provides a top-class panorama of the Napier-Hastings area, the Havelock North wine/tourism area and the recently restored beautiful historic gothic Opera House building in central Hastings. The Hastings district also conBest Way tains numerous wineries To Explore Napier.....Central area by foot-everything is close-the ten minute City. Nice walk over the hill area to the historic Ahuriri/old Napier Port area. Napier has a range of modern roading networks that visitors can drive along in order to see other parts of the City. Guided Art Deco tours of Napiers World various Art Deco features. Famous Persons From Napier......Sir Ian

Axford, eminent world astrophysicist Strange Hapand space scientist penings in Napier......Earthquakes from Where Do I Eat......intime to time! formation provided at www.menus. co.nz Where do eat at 3am?..... probably best at McDonald Takeaways which it is understood is moving to being open all night Best breakfasts after 11am......many of the cafes in the central business district of Napier provide brunch Cost of food burgers and fries ......approx. $8.00 McDonald restaurants & McCafes..... one in central Napier and one in the suburb of Taradale Good seafood eating.....www.menus.co.nz - good fish food takeaways include Westshore Fish Caf and Hawkes Bay Seafoods in Napier Weather........SepPandora tember heralds the start of spring and the weather during this month and October is normally mild and stable Rugby World Cup Games in Napier......September 18, 2011 Canada vs France - September 28, 2011 Canada vs Winner of the Asia group. All games to be played at the McLean Park, Napier international rugby and cricket sports stadium Local Motels..... Napier Motel Association website

www.napieraccommodation.com Local Maori Tourism Operations...... Otatara Pa in Taradale, Napier - Old Napier Prison tours - Pania on the Reef statue, on Napiers Marine Parade - HB Museum in Napier - Waimarama Maori Tourism organisation - see Venture Hawkes Bay website www.hawkesbaynz.com. Local Visitor Accommodation Facilities. Holiday Parks......the main one is the very high-class facility Kennedy Park Top Ten Holiday Park in the central City area. This caters for many different markets. Other camping grounds are located in Bay View, Westshore and nearby Clive township Backto the south-east of Napier packer accommodation......the AA Travel New Zealand website (Napier Backpackers) lists 9 backpacker outlets, including Archies Bunker, Waterfront Lodge, YHA Napier, Criterion Art Deco Backpackers, Aqua Lodge Backpackers, Napier Prison Backpackers, Toad Hall and Napier Villas. There are numerous B&Bs in Napier-go to the New Zealand Tourism Guide website. The Napier i-Site website also lists many possible accommodation outlets for visitors to the City, including lodges, holiday parks, B&Bs, beach houses, homestays, apartments, upRetail Outlets market hotels, etc Supermarkets........there are 6 supermarkets in Napier, including three basically next to each other in the central Napier Hairdressers...... City area website lists a selection of quality hairNapier dressers in central Napier visitor gift shops......include the Napier I-Site, Jessicas, Art Deco shop, Classic Sheepskins Tannery, Country Touch, Ladybirds for Gifts, Pacific Souvenirs,

Passionz, HB Museum, Wine Country Home and Gifts in Taradale, Wrapture Must See Atthe Gift Haven, etc tractions......Art Deco quarter (Napier CBD area) and other AD features of the City, including the Art Deco Trust offices in Tennyson St, Napier - HB Museum and Art Gallery. National Aquarium of NZ - Hot water pools on the Ma-

rine Parade - Coastal cycleway/ walkway - Local wineries - Ahuriri heritage area (Old Port area) - Napier CBD shopping area - Local cafes and restaurants - Napier botanical gardens, Kennedy Park Rose gardens and other public reserve areas - Bluff Hill Lookout - Te Mata Peak in Havelock North provides a magnificent view of the whole Napier-Hastings area, the coastline, rivers, surrounding hills, the very fertile Heretaunga Plains area between the two cities of Napier and Hastings which provides the base for the regions horticultural industry, and the distant Western Mountain ranges Local Know Alls.......best contact in this regard is the Napier i-Site Visitor Information Centre on the central Marine Local Drinking EstabParade area lishments......there are a number of good pubs and bars in both the central City area, and the general Ahuriri heritage area of the City which faces the boating marina and the coastline. Pubs in Napier are currently allowed to remain open until 3am. A number of the pubs in the City, especially those in the West Quay, Ahuriri area, show live televised sport. The Filter Room and

Meates Brewery in Napier supply their own particular brands of beer. There are a number of wineries in and around the City, including the historical Mission winery (established in 1851 and restaurant (the oldest and most visited winery in NZ), Church Road, Brookfields, Crab Farm, Park Estate, Moana Park, Esk Valley Moteo Ridge, to name some. The Jasons website lists other wineries in HB. It should be noted that the Hawkes Bay region is the second largest wine-growing and producing area in NZ. The local water is of very high-class quality. The Thirsty Whale and Shed 2 are two well-known Napier night-clubs. Dress codes are generally fairly relaxed. The legal minimum drinking age in NZ is 18 years. Minors may be permitted into licensed premises with a caregiver but cannot be served Recreation.......fishing alcohol. opportunities that can be accessed from Napier/HB include ocean fishing, river fishing and trout fishing (e.g. Lake Taupo/Taihape area approx 2 hours from Napier). The Internet is available in many accommodation outlets and other facilities in the City. The main heated swimming pool in Napier is the

Ocean Spa pools on the Marine Parade opposite the Te Pania Hotel. Napier is bounded along its eastern border by the Pacific Ocean and coastal area. The main Marine Parade beach area and walkway/cycleway amenity is literally only minutes away from the Napier CBD and Ahuriri heritage area. Amenities......a taxi from central Napier to the HB Airport will cost approximately $20 and a similar amount from the central City to the Taradale area to the west of Napier Most of the national car rental companies also operate out of Napier, with a number based at HB Airport (e.g. Avis, Hertz, Budget). Other companies include Europcar, Thrifty and Auto Rentals. Approximately $50-$60 is required to fill up a small 4 cylinder Hospital car with petrol. services......HB Regional public hospital in Hastings, Napier Health Centre in Wellesley Rd and medical centres (*6) in the City (e.g. Shakespeare, Maraenui, Carlyle, Taradale, Tamatea and Greendale in Greenmeadows). Also a number of Doctors clinics e.g. The Doctors, City Medical Disability......support-see Napier Community House description in the Napier City Council Website The Napier Police Station is located in Station St, Napier. Napier City Council Website: www.napier.govt.nz. And www.napierlife.com

-1 To 4 Se n - 2 ga v ptem To 1 Se s C be r ng a a v ptem nad 2011 s A be a sia r 2 01 1 1

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NORTHLAND EVENTS CENTRE - OKARA PARK:

- 14 September 2011 Tonga vs Canada - 21 September 2011 Tonga vs Asia 1

......there are dozens of uninhabited beaches within half an hour of the city.

ND n History.......Between the World Cup games in temperate Northland youre more likely to catch a fish, ride KLA AUC a wave, scuba dive or be taken pig hunting than any other part of New Zealand. For obvious reasons, the near sub tropical climate and beautiful beaches and bays were among the first parts of the country to be settled first by Maori 1200 years ago, more recently by Europeans. Whangarei is now a thriving small city with a unique maritime and boat building history this is the place where the navy comes to get its warships built, where Americas Cup designers complete secret mast building projects. Another TON NG LLI E W reason the locals look so healthy is the abundance of freshly produced food there is no need to import steak, seafood, avocados or wine to wash it down, our local produce is the best of fresh. RCH CHU IST n Where is it?.....Whangarei is on the beautiful east coast, a scenic 30 minute flight north of R CH n Interesting Auckland or a 2 hour drive. It is known as the district of 100 beaches. points about the Region.....the dramatic Poor Knights Islands off the Tutukaka Coast IN NED DU are surrounded by one of the countrys oldest marine reserves. The late Jacques

WHANGAREI

Cousteau rated them as one of the top 10 scuba sites in the world. The 100 beaches offer a wide range of surfing and landbased fishing opportunities while the massive Whangarei harbour and numerous estuaries and coves provide an ideal environment for a complete range of recreational marine activities (amongst them kayaking, kite boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, kite and kayak fishing). On land you can go hiking or mountain biking among giant, ancient kauri trees or check out the picturesque waterfalls. There are half a dozen golf courses in and around Whangarei. A little further north, from the internationally rated greens of Kauri Cliffs you look out over an island dotted Pacific Ocean. Some people fly half way around the world just for the golf. Back in Whangarei the Town Basin Marina is another gem that sets the north apart. The marina, surrounded by restaurants cafes and bars, is right in the middle of downtown where it attracts 100s of visiting international cruising yachts each n Best way to explore......Hire year. yourself a rental car, spend ten minutes talking to the friendly staff at the local i-SITE Visitor Centre and radiate out into our n Is there a unique coastal countryside. world famous person from Whangarei?...... Keith Urban - Country Singer now based in USA and married to Nicole Kidman - Michael Hill Jeweller First store opened in Whangarei in the 1970s n Strange happenings?.....Every New Years day at Waipu competitors gather from around the world to take part in the longest running Celtic Games in the Southern Hemisphere. They come to dance and out muscle each other in ancient rituals. At the Poor Knights Islands you can immerse yourself in natures rituals, such as swimming with dozens of

gentle stingrays, with a good chance of encountering dolphins and orca on the way n Where do I eat?.......Killer there. Prawn, 26 Bank Street, Ph 09 430 3333 ADeco (Award winning fine dining, exquisite food!) 70 Kamo Road, Kensington, Ph 09 459 4957 - Salut, 69 Bank Street, Ph 09 430 8080 - Revas on the Waterfront, Town Basin, Ph 09 438 8969 - Tahuna Reef, Town Basin, Ph 09 438 6873 - Dickens Inn, Cameron Street, Ph 09 430 0405 - Indian Aroma, 23 Vine Street, Ph 09 438 5005 - Shiraz (Indian), 58 Walton Street, Ph 09 438 3112 McMorrisseys Irish Pub & Eatery, 7 Vine St, Ph 09 430 8081 - Amici, Quality Street, Ph

09 438 2961 - Tonic, 239 Kamo Road, Whau Valley, Ph 09 435 1910 - BOB Caf, 29 Bank Street, Ph 09 438 0881 - Mondos Cafe, Quayside, Town Basin, Ph 09 430 0467 Nectar Caf, 88 Bank Street, Ph 09 438 8084 - Deluca Caf, 6 Rust Avenue, Ph 09 438 7154 n Great Eating at 3am..... Belgrades, 7 Bank Street (Central City) Ph 09 438 2821 - Kebabs n Cafe, 25 Vine Street (Central City) Ph 09 430 8870 n Best Breakfasts at 11am.....Essence Caf, 184 Bank Street, Ph 09 438 9636 - Revas on the Waterfront, Town Basin, Ph 09 438 8969 - Mondos, Town Basin, Ph 09 430 0467 Serenity Cafe, Town Basin, Ph 09 430 0841 Mokaba, Town Basin, Ph 09 438 7557 BOB Caf, 29 Bank Street, Ph 09 438 0881 n How much for burgers and fries?..... Start at about $4 for a burger and $1.50 for fries n McDonalds Restaurants..... McDonalds Whangarei Corner Bank St & Apirana Ave - McDonalds in the Food Court - 145 Bank Street - McDonalds Kamo 511 Kamo Road n Where so I get a good feed of seafood?.....Killer Prawn, 26-28 Bank Street, central city, Ph 09 430 3333 www. n Whats the Septemkillerprawn.co.nz ber/October weather like when I get there ?.....It will be springtime here in Whangarei longer days, lush growing weather, day time temperatures of 16-20 degrees C great for local agriculture, even better for the state of the field at Okara Park. n What/when are RWC games are on in Whangarei......Northland Events Centre, Okara Park, Okara Drive, Whangarei - 14 September 2011 Tonga vs Canada - 21 September 2011 Tonga vs Asia 1 n Where are the games played?.....Northland Events Centre, Okara Park, Okara Drive, Whangarei n Local former All Black?.....Sid Going - Ian Jones - Peter Jones,

famous for his quote I am absolutely buggered n Where is my team staying?.....The Kingsgate Hotel opposite the Town Basin is the most likely place, or the Settlers Comfort Hotel on Hatea Drive. n 20 Local Motels.....Kingsgate Hotel Riverside Drive, Ph 09 438 0284 - Settlers Hotel Comfort Inn Hatea Drive, Ph 09 438 2699 - Flames International Hotel Waverley Street, Onerahi, Ph 09 436 2107 - Aaron Court Motel 22 Wolfe Street, Ph 09 438 9139 - Avenue Heights Motel 355 Western Hills Drive Ph 09 438 2737 - Bella Vista Motel 322 Western Hills Drive, Ph 09 438 6990 -

BKs Pohutukawa Lodge 362 Western Hills Drive, Ph 09 430 8634 - Burgundy Rose Motel 100 Kamo Road, Ph 09 437 3500 Casa Blanca Motel 397 Western Hills Drive, Ph 09 438 1759 - Central Court Motel 54 Otaika Road, Ph 09 438 4574 - Cherry Court Motor Lodge 35 Otaika Road, Ph 09 438 3128 - Cheviot Park Motor Lodge Cheviot Street, Ph 09 438 2341 - Continental Motel 67 Kamo Road, Ph 09 437 6359 - Cypress Court Motel 29 Kamo Road, Ph 09 437 6193 Fountain Lodge Motel 17 Tarewa Road, Ph 09 438 3532 - Kingswood Motor Inn 260 Kamo Road, Ph 09 437 5779 - Lodge Bordeaux 361 Western Hills Drive, Ph 09 438 0404 - Motel Sierra 26 Western Hills Drive, Ph 09 437 0639 - Motel Six (Golden Chain) 153 Bank Street, Ph 09 438 9219 - Motel Villa del Rio 118 Maunu Road, Ph 09 438 7186 Pembrooke Motor Lodge Cnr Deveron St & Hatea Drive, Ph 09 437 6426 - Stonehaven Motel 30 Mill Road, Ph 09 437 6898 n Local Maori Tourism Operators..... Terenga Paraoa Tours, Town Basin, Ph 09 430 3083 www.tours.maori.nz - Pupurangi Hire & Tour, Quayside Town Basin, Ph 09 438 8117 www.hirentour.co.nz n Local Camping Grounds.....Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park, 24 Mair Street, Ph 09 437 6856 www.whangareitop10.co.nz Alpha Holiday Park, 34 Tarewa Road, Ph 09 438 6600 www.alphaholidypark.co.nz Whangarei Falls Holiday Park & Backpackers, 12 Ngunguru Road, Ph 09 437 0609 www.whangareifalls.co.nz n Backpacker Accomodation.....Bunkdown Lodge, 23 Otaika Road, Ph 09 438 8886. www.bunkdownlodge.co.nz - Whangarei Falls Backpackers, 12 Ngunguru Road, Whangarei. Ph 09 437 0609 www.whangareifalls.co.nz Whangarei YHA, 52 Punga Grove, Ph 09 438

8954, www.stayyha.co.nz - Kamo Springs Holiday Park, 55 North Road, Kamo, Ph 09 435 1208 - Blue Heron Holiday Park, 85 Scott Road, Whangarei Heads, Ph 09 436 2293 Tutukaka Holiday Park, Matapouri Road (opposite Marina), Tutukaka, Ph 09 434 3938 n Bed & Breakfast Options.....Whangarei Views B&B, 5/7 Russell Road, Kensington, Ph 09 437 6238 - The Rocks B&B, 56 Great North Road, Kamo, Ph 09 435 4676 - Chelsea House 83 Hatea Drive, Ph 09 437 7115 Pilgrim Planet, 63 Hatea Drive, Ph 09 459 1099 n The Supermarkets.....New World, 167 Bank Street - Pak n Save, Walton Street - Woolworths, 1 Kensington Avenue Countdown, 4 Okara Drive n Top Hairdessers for the Travelling Woman.....Addiction Hair & Beauty, 16 Rathbone Street, Ph 09 438 9690 Rodney Wayne, 11 Rathbone Street, Ph 09 438 2100 - Strand Salon, The Strand Arcade, Ph 09 438 9438 n Must see Attractions in the Area.....Quayside Town Basin, in the heart of the city, a haven for international yachts and a colonial

waterfront development housing cafes, restaurants and bars, craft shops and galleries, specialty shops, and the world renowned Claphams National Clock Museum Ph 09 438 3993. All open daily. Whangarei Falls has a reputation as being the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand, just 5km from the city centre at Tikipunga. AH Reed Kauri Park has a tree top board walk which passes by massive 500 year old Kauri trees. The Poor Knights Islands offshore from Tutukaka has some of the best diving in the world. Dive trips depart daily and the Perfect Day Ocean Cruise takes snorkelers and sightseers on marine adventure. Ph Dive! Tutukaka 09 434 3867. See live Kiwi at the Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House at Heritage Park, just 5kms from the city at Maunu Ph 09 438 9630. Visit the big cat sanctuary at Zion Wildlife Gardens in Kamo, Ph 09 435 n Local Know Alls.....the best 0110 place to go for all the latest news is the local i-SITE Visitor Centre. The regional experts there can help with everything from whats on to the best things to see and do. Free brochures and information and maps. n Best Pubs and Bars..... Butter Factory, 84 Bank Street, open Tues & Wed 4pm till late, Thurs & Fri 11am till late, Sat 4pm till late - Bacio Bar & Brasserie, 31 Bank Street - McMorriseys, 7 Vine Street, open Mon Wed 4pm till late, Thurs - Sun 12noon till late - Jovial Judge, n What time do the 57 Walton Street pubs close?.....Each has a different licence - 1am, 2am, 3am, 5am easy to find somewhere open in the centre of town n Do pubs play the RWC games?.....Of course. Every game. And ALL of the replays. Dickens Inn YES! Unsure about replays as yet - Jovial Judge YES! And replays as long

as they dont coincide with live games McMorriseys to confirm - Danger! Danger Yes they will play live games if they are on during their normal trading hours. n What are the local beer varieties?..... The Brauhaus Frings Award winning boutique brewery at the Town Basin featuring Premium Larger, Draught, Old Ale, Seasonal Beer n Local Vineyard?..... Longview Estate, SH1, just south of the city 09 09 438 7227 (award winning wines) Sailfish Cove Wines, Matapouri Rd, Tutun Is the local kaka, Ph 096 434 3121 water safe to drink?.......abso-blinkin-lutely

n Best Night Clubs.....Bacio Bar & Brasserie, 31 Bank Street - Butterbank, 84 Bank Street, - Split Bar & Restaurant, 15 Rathbone Street - Danger! Danger!, Vine Street n Dress Codes.....Generally fairly relaxed jeans and a shirt will get you in most places. n Legal Drinking age.....the legal drinking age in New Zealand is 18 years. Minors may be permitted into licensed premises with a caregiver, but cannot be served alcohol. n Tipping?.....No tipping is required in New Zealand, though of course any exceptional service can always be rewarded. n I want to go fishing where?.....Aoakura Bay Cruises, 207 Oakura Beach Road, Oakura Bay, Ph Justin Smith 0800 625 872. www.oakura.net.nz - Bream Bay Charters, 59 Bream Bay Drive, Ruakaka, Ph Steve Martinovich 09 432 7484. www.breambaycharters.co.nz - Blue n InterStriker, Tutukaka 09 434 3583 net Access.....Whangarei i-SITE Visitor Centre, Tarewa Park, 92 Otaika Road 2 interent kiosks as well as wireless access, and open every day! - Whangarei Central Library, Rust Avenue - Igrin Internet Caf, n Heated Swimming 25 Bank Street Pools.....Whangarei Aquatic Centre, Ewing Road, Whangarei. Phone 09 438 7957 n How www.clmnz.co.nz/whangarei far to the beach?.....We dont like to brag but there are 100 different distances to the beaches in our district, which at its extreme width is no more than 40 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean.........say 8 minutes to the closest? yeh! n Taxis.....a taxi to the Airport will cost around $20-22 from the centre of town, and under that to get from the centre of town to any motels. Kiwi Cabs Phone 09 470 2299 - A1 Cabs n Rental Car Phone 09 438 3377 Companies.....Pegasus, 54 Maunu Road, Ph

09 438 2962 - Absolute Car Rentals, 73 Tarewa Road, Ph 09 438 3637 - Hertz, 25 Water Street, Ph 09 438 9790 - Avis, 23 Hannah Street, Ph 09 438 2929 - Budget, 23 Hannah Street, Ph 09 438 7292 - Rent a Cheepy, 69 Otaika Road, Ph 09 438 7373 n How much will I pay to fill up a small 4 cylinder car with petrol?.....Approx $50 n Where do I buy good tourism gifts to take home?.....Theres an extensive gift shop at the i-SITE Visitor Centre, Tarewa Park, 92 Otaika Road, and theyre open every day. Also some good souvenir shops on the waterfront at the Town Basin, n Hospital Services central Whangarei .....Whangarei Base Hospital, Maunu Road, n Disability support..... Ph 09 430 4100 Disabilities Information Centre www. weka.net.nz Northable Disability Resource Centre, Ph 09 430 0988 - Brochures available at Whangarei i-SITE Visitor Centre n Doctors Surgeries.....White Cross Medical Centre, 121 Bank Street, Ph 09 470 1083. www.whitecross.co.nz n Police Station......Whangarei Central Police Station, Corner Cameron & Walton Streets, Ph 09 430 4500

WAIKATO STADIUM: Friday Sept 16: All Blacks v Asia 1 Sunday Sept 18: Wales v Oceania 1 Sunday Oct 2: Wales v Fiji

n Hamilton Website: http://www.hamiltoncitytourism.com/ n Restaurant Websites: http://www.eatout.co.nz/Hamilton/Restaurants/ n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=hamilton%20NZ n Population: 140,000 n Closest Towns: Cambridge - Huntly - Morrinsville - Te Awamuttu
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Carisbrook Park Wed Sept 14 - Scotland v Europe 1 Sat Sept 24 - England v Play-off winner Sun Oct 2 - Ireland v Italy

n Dunedin Website: http://www.dunedinnz.com n Restaurant Websites: http://www.eatout.co.nz/Dunedin/Restaurants/ n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=dunedin%20nz n Population: 123,000 n Closest Towns: Invercargill - Christchurch - Timaru

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n Dunedin Tourism Website: http://www.dunedintourism.com/

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Wellington Wellington Regional Wellington Regional Stadium Sun Sept 11 - South Africa v Wales Sat Sept 17 - South Africa v Fiji Fri Sept 23 - Australia v Americas 2 Sat Oct 1 - France v Tonga Sun Oct 2 - New Zealand v Americas 1 Sat Oct 8 QF1: W Pool C v RU Pool D

n Wellington Website: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/ n Restaurant Websites: http://www.wellingtonnz.com/bars_restaurants n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=wellington%20nz n Population: 386,000 n Closest Towns: Levin - Carterton - Lower & Upper Hutt - Masterton

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n Wellington Tourism Website: http://www.wellingtoneguide.com/

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Arena Manawatu Wed Sept 28 - Europe 1 v Play-off winner Sun Oct 2 - Argentina v Europe 1 Sunday Sun Oct 2: Ireland v Italy

n Palmerston North Website: http://www.pncc.govt.nz/ n Restaurant Websites: http://www.menumania.co.nz/restaurants/browse/palmerston-north-city n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=palmerston%20north%20nz n Population: 80,700 n Closest Towns: Wanganui - Levin - Fielding - Awahuri

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n Palmerston North Tourism Website: http://www.manawatunz.co.nz/

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North Harbour Stadium Sat Sept 10 A France v Asia 1 Thurs Sept 22 D South Africa v Africa 1 Fri Sept 30 D South Africa v Oceania 1 Sunday Sun Oct 2: Irelan v It

n Northshore City: http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/ n Restaurant Websites: http://www.newzealandexplorer.com/restaurants/north_island/takapuna.htm n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=takapuna%20nz n Population: 225,800 n Closest Towns: Auckland - Albany - Silverdale - Waiwera

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n Northshore City Tourism Website: http://www.tourismnorthshore.org.nz/

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Eden Park Fri Sept 9 - New Zealand v Tonga Sat Sept 17 - Australia v Ireland Sat Sept 24 - New Zealand v France Sun Sept 25 - Fiji v Oceania 1 Sat Oct 1 - England v Scotland Sat Oct 15 SF1: W QF1 v W QF2 Sun Oct 16 SF2: W QF3 v W QF4 Fri Oct 21 Bronze Final Sun Oct 23 Final

n Auckland Website: http://www.aucklandnz.com/ n Restaurant Websites: http://www.menus.co.nz/auckland/ n Google Map: http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=auckland%20nz n Population: 1,400,000 n Closest Towns: North Shore - Hamilton - Whangarei - Thames
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n Auckland Tourism Website: http://www.aucklandnz.com/

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