South AfricanThe FreeCONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

July 2008Issue number 003

Wonderful WaihekeDestination on your Doorstep see page 18

South African IconsCharlize Theronsee page 10

Inside

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EDITORSPeter Woodberg mob. 027 452 0794

email. e-mail : jepwood@xtra.co.nz

Ted Woodberg ph. 09 520 4107

e-mail : ted.samag@gmail.com

ADVERTISING Offi e Direct Dial

09 – 520 4107

Facsimile09 – 520 4107

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONSSANZ Chairman - Brian Casey

ph. (09) 476 1996 email. sanzba@xtra.co.nz

SANZ Business Group - Lesley Langer

ph. (09) 970 3837 email. lesley.langer@apl.co.nz

Die Afrikaanse Klub - Phillip Langenhoven

ph. (09) 478 229 email. die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

Mission Statement “The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant editorial on subjects relating to the links

between South Africa and New Zealand.

It shall also be a platform for South African immigrants living in New Zealand to advertise their products and services.”

The South AfricanCost Effective Advertising Rates

Internal Pages Outside BackFull Page $995 $1,190Half Page $495 $5551/4 Page $299 $3551/8Page $190Classifie $55Directory $25Please call Peter or e-mail jepwood@xtra.co.nz to discuss advertorials or sponsored articles.There is a 10% discount if you book all copies or 5% discount if you book for 5 issues.

It is with great pride and pleasure that I present you with our issue

number three.We decided to continue with our front cover

African theme this month to remind everyone what it was like to live in Africa during the first stage of their lives!

We hope that we are keeping up with the standards which we set in the fi st two issues, and, judging by the letters which we received from our readers, those standards have been set pretty high.

In issue two you will notice that we brought in more colour to make every page more pleasurable to the eye and the mast head on the front page includes green and gold, which tie in with South Africa’s international sporting colours.

My family and I went away overseas to Europe for four weeks during the production of issue 2 for business and family reasons. This left my brother Ted and the printing team alone to put together our second issue. Thank you, guys. You did a splendid job.

In this issue I will give you some feedback from my overseas trip under the heading, “Peter’s European Adventure.” During the last ten years Eastern Europe has undergone some spectacular changes. I will share some of these with you in this article.

We have had a rather slow response to our “Letters to the Editor” section, but fortunately so far we have received “bouquets” rather than “brickbats,” which is extremely encouraging. Please let us have your responses and ideas.

I would like to say a big “thank you” to our block advertisers. Your input keeps this publication alive. We do need a commitment, however, from those who would like to continue taking part in the “Directory” section at the end of the magazine. It is by far the most economical way of advertising in the magazine and offers the reader a quick and simple way to access your services. In order to stay in the Directory, we need your full commitment before we publish our next issue.

Regards, Peter Woodberg

editorFrom the

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All rights reserved. “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the consent of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

The South African Shopwww.saproducts.co.nz ✔ nationwide delivery

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Dear Editor,

I am so glad that your magazine is flourishing and lets us keep in contact with fellow South Africans!

A belated BIG “Thank You” to the kind lady who I met at the Silo Theatre on Saturday night, 10th December 2005 at the local performance of “Jacques Brel.” We had a chat during interval in the “Kleinkammer” and she posted me a CD of the South African version of the musical. No name was left so I am hoping to reach her through your magazine. I have treasured this CD ever since and will not forget the lovely lady who called me her “landsman.”

My sincere thanks,

Maggie Lindner,AUCKLAND.

Letters to the EditorWe are grateful to those of you who responded to our call for feedback about our new magazine ……..here are your letters:-

South African Dear Editor,

I am a Capetonian who has recently settled in New Zealand. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up your “Issue No 1” to find an article in the magazine about Mark Shuttleworth, “the fi st South African in Space.”

I knew Mark well while he was running his company Thawte Consulting in Cape Town.

Living in New Zealand means that we are half way around the world from our place of birth, South Africa, so it is wonderful to have a magazine here that keeps us in touch with our roots.

Keep it up, South African magazine!

Yours sincerely,

Joan OrmondeAUCKLAND

Dear Peter and Ted,

This is a short note to let you know that your new “South African” magazine is a highly effective publication! After the article about the Protea Hour radio programme appeared in Issue No 2, I had several e-mails from “new” listeners who did not know that our local South African population have had their own radio show since 2001.

To my surprise I also had a phone call from an ex radio colleague whom I have not seen for at least 40 years. A fellow passenger on a fl ght between Dubai and

Johannesburg gave him a copy of the magazine in which he read about the Protea Hour!

Feel free to assure present and potential advertisers that their adverts will be read by a wider audience than they could ever imagine.

Keep up the good work!

Greetings,

Jan CoetseeProducer of “The Protea Hour”Sundays at 3 p.m. on 104.6 Planet FM.

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FIBRE OF THE GODS

Alpaca is a native to the hilly regions of Peru and Bolivia. For

centuries, alpacas and their fleeces have played a great part in the Incan culture, where the fleece was reserved to clothe royalty. There are many tales about the punishing of non-royal persons who dared to wear garments made from this precious fi re..

Today alpaca are farmed domestically for their fleeces. Recognising the qualities, which the ancient Incans treasured, today the fibre is used in the production of quality knitwear, other clothing items and bedware.

Last September Lisa Rae, who farms several alpacas, read an article about alpaca duvets. Her interest was immediately aroused when she read about the health benefits of alpaca fibre. Realising that these benefits were not widely known, she set out to create a range of bedware to utilise these benefi s. The duvets are manufactured locally and the information leaflets and the packaging was designed by a local creative graphic designer.

Unlike sheep’s wool alpaca fibre is hollow making it one of the lightest natural fibres available. The hollow fibres act as insulators keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Alpaca fibres are also porous absorbing up to 35% of the moisture making your sleep warm and dry.

As the fibre is clean, dry and porous this environment is naturally hostile to dust mites, which is one of the most common causes of allergies and asthma in New Zealand. As alpacas are naturally one of the cleanest animals, they don’t harbour pests nor do their fleeces need to be treated with chemicals, making the fle ce ideal for those who suffer from skin irritations.

By using alpaca duvets, underlays and blankets you are assured a longer and deeper and more restful sleep. The duvets are available from cot size to Superking and reversible underlays from single to Superking. Blankets are also available in 85% Alpaca fibre and 15% Merino wool blend in bassinette and cot sizes.

Getting fle ced while you sleep

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IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW KIWIS

New Zealand has a modern developed

economy with an estimated GDP of $106 billion (2006).

The country has a high standard of living with GDP per capita estimated at $25,200 (comparative figures are Australia $31,900 and United States $41,800). The standard of living has also been measured in other forms, including being ranked 19th on the 2005 Human Development Index and 15th in The Economist’s 2005 world-wide quality-of-life index.

The tert iary s ector i s the largest sector in the economy and constitutes 67.6% of GDP, followed by the secondary sector on 27.8% and the primary sector on 4.7% (2005 estimate).

New Zealand is a country heavily dependent on trade, particularly in agricultural products, as almost 20% of the country’s output is exported (by comparison it is 21% for the United Kingdom, 49% for Finland and 83% for Belgium). This leaves New Zealand particularly vulnerable to slumps in commodity prices and global economic slowdown. Its principal export industries are agriculture, horticulture, fishing and forestry making up about half of the countries exports. Its major export partners are Australia 22.4%, US 11.3%, Japan 11.2%, China 9.7%, Germany 5.2% (2004). This is a dramatic change from 1965 when

the United Kingdom received over half of New Zealand’s exports.Traditionally, New Zealand enjoyed a high standard of living with stable

commodity exports, based not least on a strong relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1973 the United Kingdom joined the then European Community and began to adhere to its trade policy and at the same time other factors such as the oil crises undermined the viability of the New Zealand economy. This led to a protracted and very severe economic crisis, during which living standards in New Zealand fell behind those of Australia and Western Europe.

Since 1984, successive governments have engaged in major macroeconomic restructuring, transforming New Zealand from a highly protectionist and regulated economy to a liberalised free-trade economy. Pursuant to this policy, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, the New Zealand Government sold a number of former government owned enterprises including its telecommunications company, railway network, a number of radio stations, and two financial institutions. However, the New Zealand Government continues to own a number of significant businesses, collectively known as State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). These SOEs are operated through arms-length shareholding arrangements and are required to operate profi ably, just like any privately-owned enterprises.

The current New Zealand government’s economic objectives are centred on pursuing free-trade agreements and building a “knowledge economy”. In 2004 the government began discussing a free trade agreement with the People’s Republic of China, one of the fi st countries to do so.

In recent years, New Zealand has been perceived as a vigorous economy and attracted international attention. After the economic restructuring of the 1980s, the New Zealand economy sank into a recession starting with the share market crash in October 1987. The recession deepened in the early 1990s when unemployment topped 10%. However in 1993 the economy rebounded smartly and apart from a smaller recession in the late 1990s, New Zealand enjoyed a substantial economic boom up until 2005.

Ongoing economic challenges for New Zealand include a current account defi it of 9% of GDP ([4]), slow development of non-commodity exports, tepid growth of labour productivity, and an unofficial poverty rate of about twenty percent.

We present part two of this interesting series which deals with the New Zealand economy and its demographics

Provided by North Shore Immigration Services as a guide to new immigrants

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Ethnic groupsNew Zealand has a population of about 4.1 million. About 80% of the

population are of European descent. New Zealanders of European descent are collectively known as Pakeha - this term is used variously and some Maori use it to refer to all non-Maori New Zealanders. Most European New Zealanders are of British, Irish or Dutch, German, and Italian ancestry. Indigenous Maori people are the largest non-European ethnic group (the percentage of the population of full or part-Maori ancestry is 14.7%; those who checked Maori only are 7.9%). Between the 1996 and 2001 census, the number of people of Asian origin (6.6%) overtook the number of people of Pacific Island origin (6.5%) (note that the census allowed multiple ethnic affiliations). New Zealand has relatively open immigration policies; its government is committed to increasing its population by about 1% annually. At present, immigrants from the United Kingdom constitute the largest single group (30%) but immigrants are drawn from many nations, and increasingly from East Asia.

ReligionsChristianity is the predominant religion, although nearly 40% of the

population has no religious affiliation. The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. There are also signifi ant numbers who identify themselves with Pentecostal and Baptist churches and with the LDS (Mormon) church. The New Zealand-based Ratana church has many adherents among Māori. According to census figures, other significant minority religions include Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Spiritualism and New Age religions.

SportsNew Zealand’s national sport is rugby union, with other popular sports

including, cricket, netball, lawn bowling, soccer (perhaps surprisingly, the most popular football code in terms of participation in New Zealand) and rugby league. Also popular are golf, tennis, cycling and a variety of water sports, particularly surfing, sailing, whitewater kayaking, surf lifesaving skills and rowing. In the latter, New Zealand enjoyed an extraordinary magic 45 minutes when winning four successive gold medals at the 2005 world championships. Snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also

popular. Equestrian sportsmen and sportswomen make their mark in the world, with Mark Todd being chosen international “Horseman of the Century”, and many juniors at pony club level.

Olympic GamesThe country is internationally recognised for performing extremely well

on a medals-to-population ratio at Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

Rugby unionRugby union is closely linked to New Zealand’s national identity. The

national rugby team, the All Blacks, has the best winning record of any national team. They hosted and won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 (and New Zealand will host the 2011 world cup). Variations of the phrase “All Black” have been adapted by several other national sporting codes such as the basketball team (the Tall Blacks), the cricket team (Black Caps) and the hockey team (Black Sticks). The soccer team is called the All Whites. New Zealand’s national sporting colours are black and white (silver). The silver fern is a national emblem worn by New Zealanders representing their country in sport and also features as the name of New Zealand’s highly successful national netball team, the Silver Ferns. The Haka, a traditional Māori challenge, is often performed at sporting events and the All Blacks traditionally perform a Haka before the start of international matches.

Yachting and the America’s CupNew Zealand is one of the leading nations in world yachting, especially

open-water long-distance or round-the-world races. Round-the-world yachtsman Sir Peter Blake was a national hero. In inshore yachting, Auckland hosted the last two America’s Cup regattas (2000 and 2003). In 2000, Team New Zealand successfully defended the trophy they had won in 1995 in San Diego, which made them the only team outside the United States to successfully defend a challenge, but in 2003 they lost to a team headed by Ernesto Bertarelli of Switzerland, whose Alinghi syndicate was skippered by Russell Coutts, the former skipper of Team New Zealand. In 2007 Team New Zealand competed again for the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain and lost to Alinghi.

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LIVE AND WORK IN NEW ZEALAND !Do you want to live, work or study in New Zealand?

Do you want to gain permanent residence in New Zealand?

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achieve your goal.

We can help take the stress and strain out of dealing with the Immigration Department. We will assist you with all your immigration requirements. North Shore Immigration Services provide highly personalised assistance in all aspects of immigrating and relocating to New Zealand. We are a professional team of consultants, established for more than 15 years ago on the North Shore. Whether you are a professional considering relocating to New Zealand or you have a trade qualification or experience and are interested in temporary work opportunities available in New Zealand, you can benefit f om our wealth of expertise.

What’s in it for you?The benefit of a reputable “one stop service” including assistance with the processing of your residence or work permit application, obtaining nursing registration, electrical license, official recognition of qualifications and trades, job search, business migration and help with settlement services for those recently arrived.

We can help with:• Permanent Residence• Work Permit or Visa• Business Entrepreneur Visa• Student Permit or Visa

Contact us for a FREE consultation !Our free and confidential consultation will give you an opportunity to assess your chances of gaining Permanent Residence in New Zealand

Call us at 09-415 3392 or

e-mail: info@nsis.co.nz

Member of

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How to launch a Fizz Boat…the “Gynae” Way!Ex SOuTH AFRICAN PROFESSIONAL GYNAECOLOGIST STEph EN KRUGER TELLS HOW HE LANDED IN NEW ZEALAND... AND LEARNT HOW TO SAIL!

In order to seek a place of safety for himself and his family, Dr Stephen Kruger decided

in 1993 to abandon his hugely successful gynaecological practice in Durban, South Africa and immigrate to New Zealand.

His first job when he arrived on these shores was at Whakatane Hospital in the Bay of Plenty. Being close to the sea, Stephen decided to join the majority of New Zealanders who own sailing vessels by acquiring for himself a Fizz boat. Despite being a city slicker he felt confident in all of the various aspects of boating even though, at the time, he had never been in one himself.

His first attempt at launching his boat required reversing the trailer and boat into the water. Unfortunately the trailer took on a life of its own and went everywhere except where Stephen wanted it to go.

After delaying many boaties and really testing the Kiwi’s endless patience, three huge Maori men came over, unhooked the trailer and pushed the boat into the water!

“You’ll be all right mate!” they said to Stephen, as they came out of the water; much to the relief of the waiting boaties.

To avoid any further embarrassment Stephen took up extra lessons in reversing trailers!

The work at the rural and sleepy Whatakane hospital required a paradigm shift in attitude after Stephen’s busy practice in Durban. Although Stephen was well liked at the hospital he found the practice too small, so after three years he moved on to the North Shore and took up a post at North Shore Hospital as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist. He also bought into a private practice – Artemis Medical Centre in Takapuna.

This placed a huge burden of debt on his shoulders, but he was determined to make it work for his family. He worked in excess of 100 hours a week, day and night in order to get his head above water. A few years later he joined forces with three other ‘gynaes’ and formed “Shorebirth Obstetric Specialists.”

At that time Stephen had three separate practices:-1.) Public work at North Shore Hospital2.) The private gynaecology practice at Artemis3.) Shorebirth obstetric specialists.This was a huge challenge for Stephen, but he maintained his focus and

developed an ethos which was to provide a highly skilled, professional and empathetic service to the women on the North Shore both public and private. This approach has worked well and all three practices have prospered and grown signifi antly over the years.

Stephen has now given up his public work as well as Shorebirth and only does private gynaecology work which keeps him very busy.

His wife Jenny is finalizing her doctorate studies at Auckland University where she lectures in Anatomy. His daughter is studying to become a lawyer and will be qualifying soon. His middle son is studying for a conjoin BA. Bsc

and his youngest son, born here in New Zealand, is still at school.Stephen’s father and the rest of his extended family still reside in South

Africa. He has just returned from a visit there and was shocked by the condition of the roads and lack of discipline of the drivers. They experienced the usual turmoil at Johannesburg Airport which has now totally outgrown itself. In addition, everywhere they went they felt the pervading atmosphere of fear and tension in the wake of the ant-immigration violence that started in the country just before they arrived.

His advice to all new immigrants is: “Start at the bottom and work hard. Try to integrate into the “Kiwi Way” as fast as you can. Before you know it, you will be accepted by your peers.”

Thank you, Stephen; you are an inspiration to all of us.

The offices of Dr Stephen Kruger, 212 Wairau Rd, Glenfield

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Stunning Charlize Theron…..how else do we describe

this iconic beauty that has been the ONLY South African to win an Academy Award? And strangely enough, she won the Oscar while playing someone ugly! She received the award in 2004 for her dramatic portrayal of an unattractive sociopath, real-life serial killer Aileen Wuomos. For the role, Charlize had to wear special facial make-up and she had to put on weight. Fortunately she lost the weight after the making of the movie and went on to be nominated as the “Sexiest Woman Alive” in a new poll derived last year by Esquire magazine. Our sultry Charlize fought off competition from fellow screen beauties Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie to qualify for the prestigious nomination.

The only other South African to achieve a similar movie award was Gavin Hood, who was director of the home-made drama “Tsotsi,” which won “Best Foreign Movie” at the Oscars in 2006.

Charlize was born 32 years ago on a sleepy little farm in the Benoni district of Transvaal, South Africa, which is modern day Gauteng. Growing up as the only child in the family, her inner instincts must have told her that she was going to be an American movie star. Her first language was Afrikaans, so her early schooling was in the Afrikaans medium, with English as her second language.

But this did not deter young Charlize.Watching American sitcoms on TV in the family lounge she used to

mimic the American accent until it became second nature. She had set her sights on the big silver screen and Hollywood fame from an early age.

Her family relates the story of Charlize as a NINE year old, falling in love with Tom Hanks in the mermaid movie “Splash.” She hated Darryl Hannah, who acted opposite Hanks, saying to her folks: “I could have done that part so much better. That should be me!”

Eleven years later, at the tender age of twenty, she appeared in Tom Hanks’ directorial debut movie, “That Thing That You Do.”

As a child, Charlize takes to ballet dancing and attends classes right up to her teenage years. Recognizing her natural beauty her mother enters Charlize in a modeling contest when she turns sixteen. Snapped up by an Italian talent scout, she is drawn away from South Africa to the bright lights of Milan, where she starts her life as a ramp model. But Charlize wanted more. So she

moves to Manhattan and enrolls at the Joffrey Ballet School.

A knee injury quickly ends her aspirations as a dancer, so she decides to move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. After all, this was her heart’s desire from those early days when she watched Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah cavorting together.

When Charlize arrived in Hollywood she was looking and sounding like she had been born on “the Boulevard.”

But getting into the movies and becoming a star wasn’t easy for the newbie South African farm girl with the acquired American accent. Fortunately she was discovered, quite by accident, by a talent scout John Crosby in 1994 when he spotted her ranting and raving inside a Los Angeles bank. The inquisitive Crosby moved in closer as this obvious beauty was in the process of venting her spleen at the bank teller for refusing to cash her cheque. He admired the “passion” of her performance and offered her some movie roles, much to her relief.

In the early part of her career she earned minor roles in some forgettable movies like “The Devil’s Advocate” opposite Keanu Reeves in 1997 and a little later she almost beat out Elizabeth Berkley for the lead in the box office bomb “Showgirls.” Interviewed after the demise of the movie, Charlize declared: “It was like I had some guardian angel protecting me from that role.”

Fortunately her career takes a lift later as she is cast in the 1998 release “Mighty Joe Young” and she receives further accolades for her performance in “The Cider House Rules,” a 1999 release.

Charlize’s star continues to rise as she comes out trumps in the flashy, star studded 2003 remake of “The Italian Job,” a much beloved 1969 comedy caper starring Michael Caine. The 2003 version features Mark Wahlberg in the starring role. That same year Charlize switches gears and dives headlong into the “serious actress” category by taking on the role of prostitute Aileen Wuornos in the smash box office hit “Monster,” which earns her “Best Actress” Oscar in 2004.

Charlize is today a very happy, well adjusted American actress who does not deny her South African roots. She has often drawn her mother into her social occasions. Unfortunately her mother hasn’t quite mastered the American accent like her daughter, but so what?

Charlize has had a 5 year long relationship with boyfriend Stuart Townshend and despite the fact that they have never officially “tied the knot” they regard each other as husband and wife. Rumours are abounding that they may be splitting after Charlize has been spotted attending recent showbiz bashes like the Baftas and the Oscars without Stuart by her side, but her publicist has denied the rumours.

Charlize, whatever you do, we South Africans are extremely proud of you. Keep up the good work!

SOuTH AFRICAN ICONS IN FILM

Charlize Theron

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Charlize as Wournos in “Monster

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It was in 1995 that Penny and David Gordon made the decision to emigrate from South Africa. They chose New

Zealand because they had several close friends who had moved here and settled really well. Whilst it was sad leaving all their family as a well as lifelong friends, they looked forward to their new life in their new country and it was a decision they are certainly glad they made.

Penny was born in Johannesburg but moved with her family to warm sub-tropical Durban where she completed her schooling and then qualified as a

pharmacist. David was born in Matatiele in the Transkei and went to school in Pietermaritburg. He attended Natal University in Durban and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

On arrival in New Zealand in September 1995, both David and Penny started work in their respective fields almost immediately although both were required to write re-qualifi ation exams. Penny worked as a pharmacy technician at Northshore Hospital until she wrote her exams and did a 6-month internship which then qualified her as a pharmacist in New Zealand. She continued to work as a pharmacist at Northshore Hospital after passing her exams in 1996.

While Penny enjoyed her time at the hospital, she always wanted to run her own pharmacy. So, one day at the end of 1998, whilst driving down Rosedale Road en route to the “Pick Your Own” strawberry fi lds on the old Albany Highway, she drove past the apple orchards and noticed on her left a little shopping complex “Rosedale Mews” with an empty shop right in the middle. Right then and there, she said to her daughter Michelle, “I am going to put a pharmacy in that little shop “

The rest is history! She opened Rosedale Pharmacy in May 1999 much to the interest of the locals who were amazed to see this new little chemist amongst “orchards and paddocks “. Two years later the pharmacy was moved to bigger premises across the road at 372 Rosedale Road and ,” fortuitously” according to Penny, the premises next door to the pharmacy became vacant last year so she could take over that space to upgrade the pharmacy to the destination pharmacy it is now.

Having just celebrated the 9th anniversary of opening the shop, Penny has really enjoyed the Albany community in all its facets which despite its immense growth has retained its spirit. She has always been encouraged by the positive attitude of the locals. She fondly remembers the babies and

SOuTH AFRICAN BuSINESSMEN AND WOMEN IN NEW ZEALAND

The success story of Dave and Penny Gordon

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children and has enjoyed watching them growing into little adults, a lot of them still remembering how they used to come in for lollies and to play with the toys in the large toy box - topped up regularly by toys donated by children who have got “too big” for their toys. The toy box frequently lost a few to children who wouldn’t part with their new found “friend “whilst waiting, with their parents, for their prescriptions.

Penny is passionate about healthcare and feels that her customers have become friends over the years. She also has a number of loyal ex-South African customers and enjoys meeting their families who come to visit and then often immigrate. Her knowledge of S A medicines has proved invaluable on many occasions where many a doctor has been known to ring her for this expertise when converting SA patients to local medicines.

As a pharmacist, she is very up to date with knowledge of the New Zealand health system and welcomes any queries about this from new arrivals and would-be immigrants who often worry that they won’t be able get same medicines as they have been getting in SA and also whether they would be able to afford them. They are always pleasantly surprised to find that most medicines are fully subsidised to New Zealand residents and that usually a 3-month supply will only cost them $3.00! She has 2 consulting rooms in the pharmacy where she can discuss heath issues in private.

Both David and Penny’s children are now also qualified. Jonathan is a Chartered Accountant and Michelle, a pharmacist so that says something about how they have grown up seeing how well both David and Penny have

adapted to the New Zealand way in their respective professions.

David has enjoyed a very different professional life to that in South Africa, where he was a Financial Manager in a multinational manufacturing and distribution company. New Zealand offers the opportunity for people to work as contractors on short term assignments and David worked in various business and accounting roles for a number of years. There was an unfulfilled desire to become a New Zealand Chartered Accountant, though this required the writing a number of University papers in order to meet the New Zealand CA

admittance requirements. After all that effort David decided set up an accounting practice in the offices above the Pharmacy, and here he practiced for six years with many of his clients being fellow South Africans. Towards the latter stages, the professional demands on a sole practitioner were becoming very onerous and would have necessitated joining with another firm to meet these increasing demands. David valued his independence and reluctantly closed the practice; however, he still kept a few clients. David is now able to devote more time to helping Penny with the business side of the Pharmacy as well as enjoying the freedom of contract roles once again.

Their advice to new arrivals from South Africa is to find work in an environment that they are used to and be open to adapting and changing, if need be, to the new circumstances.

Well done David and Penny! We are sure that there are many newbies here that will take your excellent advice. Contact: Rosedale Pharmacy, 372 Rosedale Road, Albany, Auckland.Tel: 415 3065 Fax: 415 3067 e-mail: offi e@rosedalepharmacy.co.nz

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OuR INTREPID EDITOR HAS BEEN TRAMPING AROuND EuROPE AND HE’S MADE SOME INTERESTING DISCOvERIES…. HERE IS HIS STORY:-

Peter’s European AdventureWe all have different ways of going on holiday, some laze around on the beaches;

some go sightseeing whilst others check out the local culture to see how the other half live. We went on a tour to Europe recently to do business and also to visit relatives and friends. This is my personal travelogue of the places we saw and our impressions and observations.

Just for a change we travelled on Korean Airways. We have used most of the other airlines going out of Auckland and now we are convinced that Singapore airways are the best from New Zealand to South Africa as well as Europe.

We arrived in Seoul, our first stop over and stayed the night in the luxurious Hyatt hotel compliments of the Airways after a grueling 10.5 hours from Auckland. This was a relief as you could recharge your batteries and have time to look around at a most fantastic city. The technology is astounding, way ahead of New Zealand with broadband being 3 to 4 times faster. The other thing that you notice immediately is that everyone is hard at work and no one is begging or trying to steal your stuff.

The service and variety of the buffet breakfast at the hotel was excellent.Our next stop from Seoul was the bustling, romantic city of Paris. This city does not have abject poverty

but there are people living there that survive from hand to mouth. The average worker in Paris lives in a very small apartment compared to the middle class homes occupied by the average New Zealander. The rich are quite conspicuous in Paris and you can see them in their chauffeur driven cars going to restaurants that cost $1,000 for a meal.

We had to do the tourist thing and go up the Eiffel tower. My son, not happy with going up the elevator, challenged me to climb the stairs to the half way point and then catch the elevator to the top. Well, half way to the top my legs were burning so much I had to stop and take a breather, to the great amusement of my son. When you reach the top of the Eiffel Tower you can see how well the city was originally planned and laid out. All of the roads fan out in wide long boulevards. Remember Paris was built hundreds of years ago. There are still remnants of the Romans in Paris with the decomposing aqueducts. I was told that these huge structures had a drop of only 6cm over vast areas and ran nearly across the whole of Europe supplying clean, fresh water to the villages and cities.

That night we walked in the streets of Paris with the lights of the Eiffel tower in the near distance looking for an authentic French restaurant, used by the locals. We found a few and settled in to enjoy the ambience, the people and the quality of the food. All the locals could see a mile off that we were tourists but treated us well and helped with the translations as the staff could not speak English. This was the real thing, drinking local Vino De Casa from a carafe like everybody else. A popular choice by my wife, Simona, was steak tartar when it was on the menu. Well, I have never seen so many steak tartars, sold in one sitting. All the people around us ordered steak tartar as a starter and some as a main. I had the steak bouff with boiled potatoes and veggies and fin shed off with a delicious cream broule. For sweets Simona chose a chocolate mouse that was so rich and full of actual chocolate that she had to eventually put it aside.

Dr Bernie BrennerMB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro GynaecologistSpecialising in:•Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic

Assessments•Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking•Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy•Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including

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Endometriosis

Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz

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Sadly, we had to leave Paris and catch the flight to Bucharest, Romania. When we arrived at Bucharest’s new upgraded airport we were blown away. I was last in

Bucharest 8 years ago and it certainly has taken on a modern, more organized look. The roads have all improved but unfortunately so has the traffic volume. Romania joined the European

Union in 2007 and you can see the obvious improvements. There are now too many cars for the large 3-lane boulevards created by Causescu and the small side roads are like being in Italy. Parking is at a premium as town planners in those days catered for trams, underground trains, buses and scooters. Now, cars just park on the sidewalk. The police are so corrupt that a small donation will avert a fi e, whether parking or speeding. Romania was recently dubiously recognized as the most corrupt nation in the EU. (Has anybody ranked South Africa for corruption?)

Romania is still an interesting country to visit as it has all the trappings of an old world country, trying to join the modern world. Bucharest was once known as the Little Paris of Europe and that can be seen by the rows and rows of apartment buildings interspersed with some magnifi ent architecture going back hundreds of years. All over the capital you will see fantastic old buildings being renovated and restored, returning them to their former glory. Gold topped and silver domed buildings of old stand next to huge new buildings of glass and chrome.

Once the Romanian people get their head out of the sand and accept that communism has long gone, Romania will be a great new country, with its very proud people. Generally speaking, Bucharest with its 4.5 million people is a very safe city, night or day, but you need to be on the look-out for the local Gypsy pickpockets who roam the streets at night. There are taxis everywhere so it is easy to get to the late night clubs and restaurants.

There are a number of English and Irish pubs, and, just like New Zealand, lots of ethnic restaurants which have proliferated over the last ten years. Finding a traditional Romanian Restaurant is quite difficult. The well known “Mamas restaurant” serves up the local fare, supported mainly by the locals because of the cheap prices. They serve food that the Romanians understand, like the Chorba, a local sweet & sour soup served either hot or cold. The Mamaliga (Polenta/pap) which is molded and served with sour cream and dill sprinkles is a favorite starter. Main courses include a variety of Chorizo and bean dishes with pork dishes in abundance. From grilled trotters to eisbein, called something else in Romania. Beef goulash is another favorite which the Romanians say is their dish, but the Hungarians made it famous, hence the name Hungarian goulash. We cannot leave out the schnitzel, strange that it is the most popular dish served in any Romanian home. We still think of it as a German dish. You can get chicken, pork or beef schnitzel and if it does not stack up to expectations, then the restaurant is doomed. It is served with a very smooth mashed potato and a potent side of garlic source, which would kill a vampire ten miles away.

The most annoying thing about Romania is that they do not adhere to the smoking rules, like most countries except for the USA. New Zealand has accepted and enforced the smoking rule in all public and work places. The whole of Europe thinks the smoking rule is a joke, so when we travel to a place like Bucharest and stay in a 4 star hotel, one would expect them to abide by the rules. In the reception area there is a no smoking sign that you cannot miss, but leading off the reception is a bar where everyone is smoking including the barman. The smoke cannot read the sign, so it gently wafts its way into the reception area and everything smells like smoke. It was so bad at times that our eyes started watering. When I have these experiences I am glad that I am a New Zealander.

There are a lot of travel excursions in and around the city and one can travel to Transylvania over mountains to visit Dracula’s birthplace. There was talk of a Dracula theme Park being established in the capital like Disneyland, but if you know the Romanians as I do, they talk a lot but the job never gets done.

If you are into skiing Romania has some of the cheapest ski runs in Europe. The interesting headlines that were in the local newspapers while we were there was “No Recession

threat for Romania.” The annual infl tion rate was over 8% but there were promises that it would start coming down in the next six months. This was obviously before the horrific increases in petrol prices which we have seen recently and which will affect everyone, even though Romania produces large amounts of oil which is sent directly offshore.

Before I close, I must admit that very few people have been to Romania and it is still not considered as a desired tourist destination, but I think that it has much potential, like Croatia. The broadband in Romania is 10 times as fast as New Zealand, and for a perceived backward country, they are right up there in the technology stakes. Bill Gates visited the country recently and he co-opted 300 Romanians to work for him in Silicone Valley in California. He respects the “no barrier” thinking of the Romanians and how well they have adapted to the new technology of the 21st century.

To visit Romania and Eastern Europe,contact Adventure World on 522 5923 or thelmal@adventureworld.co.nz

Peters Travelogue to Romania

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Canada: Grand Western Circle

17 days $6,825 pp share twinAn air inclusive package ex Auckland

Visit the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, the vast Colca Canyon, colonial Lima, the markets and ruins

of Cuzcu, Machu Picchu - the lost city of the Incas and Sun Island, Lake Titicaca. Complete your journey

in La Paz, Bolivia with its fascinating markets andthe Valley of the Moon.

Includes: return economy class airfares, fuel surcharges, 14 nights accommodation, most meals, sightseeing with local English

speaking guides, ticketable air taxes, and all transfers.Price Valid for departures 01 Oct - 30 Nov, 2008.

visit www.adventureworld.co.nz/south america for a detailed itinerary

.

Highlights of Peru & Bolivia

9 days $2,693 pp share twin*An air inclusive package ex AKL/WLG/CHC

Uncover the different regions of this rapidly changing country travelling by plane, coach, traditional junk and cyclo! Explore Saigon and the Mekong Delta, cruise the Perfume River in Hue, stroll the ancient

streets of Hoi An and soak up the atmosphere of Asia’s oldest capital city - Hanoi.

Includes: return economy class airfares, 7 nights accommodation, economy class flights Saigon/Hue and Hoi An/Hanoi, some meals, sightseeing & entrance fees, services of local guides and transfers.

Price valid for departures 01 Jul - 31 Oct, 2008.

visit www.adventureworld.co.nz/vietnam for a detailed itinerary

.

Highlights of Vietnam

For all your travel arrangements callThelma LockeryPh: (09) 522 5923

Email:thelmal@adventureworld.co.nzwww.adventureworld.co.nz

Adventure WorldOur World, Your Way.

*Excludes airline taxes & fuel surcharges, subject to availability.Standard Adventure World Terms & Conditions apply to all tours

13 days from $4,969 pp share twin*An air inclusive package ex Auckland

This self-drive independent package is perfect for those wishing to discover unspoilt scenery,

abundant wildlife, and some of the best vineyards while travelling between the West Coast of Canada

and the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Vancouver, Sun Peaks, Jasper, Banff, Lake LouiseIncludes: return economy class airfares, 10 nights accommodation,

11 day mid-size rental car, 6 sightseeing admissions & Nat Park Fees.Based on travel 23 Jun - 02 Oct , 2008.

visit www.adventureworld.co.nz/canada for an itinerary

.

.

16 days $4,193 pp share twin*An air inclusive package ex AKLand CHC

Explore four stunning Greek Islands on the “Essential Cyclades” tour. Travel to Athens and embark on three glorious nights on Mykonos,

two nights on each relaxing on Naxos and Paros,ending with three nights exploring the spectacular

island of Santorini.

Includes: return economy class airfares, 12 nights accommodation, hydrofoil tickets Athens/Mykonos/Naxos/Paros/Santorini/Athens,

daily breakfast and transfers.Price valid for departures 01 - 30 Sep, 2008.

visit ww.adventureworld.co.nz/europe for a detailed itinerary

.

Greek Island Hopping

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When you play international netball, height is always

regarded as an advantage. It gets you closer to the net.

Irene Van Dyk is 1.9 metres (6ft 3ins) tall, which might have been an accident of birth, but it certainly has helped her in her illustrious netball career.

Irene hails from the Gauteng city of Vereeniging where she started playing netball as a schoolgirl in the 1980’s.

Today she is one of the world’s best known and celebrated netball players and is the MOST CAPPED netball player of all time.

She was recently voted the most popular sports person by the New Zealand public which has certainly been a rather unexpected honour for her.

She formerly captained the South African national netball team, representing them a total of 72 times. Her debut was in 1994 and she was part of the team that beat New Zealand in the 1995 semi-fi als of the World Netball Championships, only to lose to Australia in the finals. In 2000 she moved to New Zealand initially to play for the Capital Shakers for one season, but she enjoyed the lifestyle and work opportunities so much that she decided to stay with her family for a few years. Ultimately the safety and beautiful surroundings that is so much a part of New Zealand prompted Irene and her family to plant their roots and in 2005 she became a New Zealand citizen.

She competed in the 2002 Commonwealth games and received a silver medal as part of the New Zealand team that lost in the final against Australia. This defeat, however, was avenged in 2006 when New Zealand came up against defending champions Australia in the finals of the Commonwealth games which were held in Melbourne. In that final, the girl from Vereeniging

proved her mettle by performing with incredible skill and determination against Australian goalkeeper and home town girl Bianca Chatfield whose defense was remarkable, but not good enough for the mighty Irene.

New Zealand went on to win the final match 60-55, with Irene’s shooting percentage of more than 90% being a major factor in the stunning victory over their arch rivals, Australia.

Currently she plays for the national New Zealand team, the Silver Ferns, and on a local basis, for her home team the “Waikato Magic.” In 2005 she spearheaded them to their fi st National Bank Cup title which broke the six year stranglehold that the “Southern Sting,” a team from Invercargill, held over the title.

Irene is an intermediate teacher at Fergusson Intermediate School in Upper Hutt, Wellington where she teaches 11 – 12 year olds.

In order to maintain her shooting skills, Irene shoots 300 goals a day just for fun and as part of the process, husband Christie analyses her play on a regular basis during these shooting sessions and helps with her technique

Irene has a hectic schedule, squeezing in her sporting commitments to both her

national and local netball teams with her duties as a teacher and as a mother at home, which include looking after her daughter Bianca who is now 10 years old and who is obviously a chip off the old block , because she loves playing netball.

Well, Bianca, all we can say is that you have one of the most qualified coaches in the world!

Irene, keep up the good work. All ex-South Africans living in New Zealand are proud of you.

GREAT SOuTH AFRICAN SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN

IRENE vAN DYK

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The ferry from the main quay in Quay Street takes just under 30 minutes to traverse the patch of ocean between

Auckland and the port of Matiatia, which is the gateway to Waiheke Island, one of the most superb holiday destinations in the Auckland region.

It is extremely popular during the main Summer season, especially around Christmas and Easter and the population on the island increases substantially due to the number of holiday homes being rented out, corporate functions and dance parties being held all over the island. Special functions timed for the holiday season include the Wine Festival and the Jazz Festival that attracts weekend trippers from around the country and the world. It is safe to say that the population increases signifi antly, rent goes up, almost all homes and baches are full and a festive atmosphere exists.

Socially the island is highly diverse, with the creative sector, such as artists, musicians, scientists, writers and poets, actors and eccentrics strongly represented.

Approximately 1 000 people commute daily to Auckland for work as the career opportunities is limited on the island. The main employment sectors are horticulture (wine, olives and some livestock) tourism, construction, food services, retail and real estate. Waiheke’s climate has proven to be well suited to growing Bordeaux wine-type grapes, though some Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties are also considered to be good. The local wines are relatively pricey due to the limited size of many vineyards.

During World War 2, three gun emplacements were built on the eastern edge of Waiheke to protect Allied shipping in Waitemata Harbour, in the fear that Japanese ships might reach all the way to New Zealand. The guns were never fired in anger. The empty emplacements and the extensive tunnels beneath them can now be visited as an historical site.

Waiheke Island became part of the territorial authority of Auckland City

From 1989 when it broke away from the Waiheke County Council, which was the island’s governing body since 1970.

The island has less infrastructure than mainland Auckland City. The roads are mainly narrow and in many places unsealed and unlit, especially on the eastern half of the island. Each house must maintain its own water supply and manage human waste, so most island dwellers collect rainwater in cisterns and have septic tanks and septic fi lds to handle sewerage. This is now a requirement in every building consent.

The Waiheke public is served by three weekly newspapers and it has its own radio station, Beach FM, broadcasting on 99.4 and 107 FM.

As a holiday venue, Waiheke is well equipped with an array of Bed and Breakfast establishments mostly set on the beach, because the coastline is so beautiful and the sea sand so white. Some of the more notable B & B establishments are: - Te Toki Retreat; Iluka Luxury Boutique Accommodation; 121 Lakefield, Oneroa; Eco Lodge, Ostend and the stunning 372 Estate on Onetangi beach.

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Wonderful Waiheke Island

Onetangi Bay, Waiheke

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The Fuller’s Ferry on its way to Matiatia Harbour

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Emergency Immigrationand Insurance Medical Services

Excellent rates.During and after hour service.Free follow up consultation.Family discount rates.Best X-ray price and service.

IMMIGRATION MEDICALS0800 4 MEDICAL 0800 463 342

Call Christel for all yourImmigration Medicals.

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Chicken Pie - The South African WayBy Christa Welgemoed

Home means different things to different folks. For most South

Africans though, it involves food! Hearty, nourishing dishes to share among friends and family are popular and are the way to show your hospitality. Why not try a steaming chicken pie next time you have a house-full of guests!

Before getting down to the cooking, let’s discover the origins of pies. We know a pie as a baked dish which is usually made of a pastry dough shell. It covers, or completely contains, a filling of fruit, meat, fish, vegetables, cheeses, creams, chocolate, custards, nuts, or other sweet or savoury ingredients. Pies can be either “fil ed”,

where a dish is covered by pastry and the filling is placed on top, or “Top-crust” where the filli g is placed in a dish and covered with a pastry/potato mash top before baking, or “two-crust,” with the filli g is completely enclosed in the pastry shell.

Chicken pie has a colourful history, dating back to the 1800s. There is a legend about Emperor William I of Germany visiting Queen Victoria of England. His favourite pie, chicken pie, was served upon these visits. It contained a whole turkey stuffed with a chicken, the chicken stuffed with a pheasant, the pheasant stuffed with a woodcock.

This amounted to far too much stuffing, so today, in order to reduce the stuffing, we have a far more economical method, which, if applied will make it taste real “lekker!”

SOUR CREAM CRUSTED CHICKEN PIE

1 whole chicken (about 2.5 kg), broken up intoportions and access fat removedSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste6 whole cloves1 onion, chopped1 carrot, chopped125 ml chicken stock250 g button mushrooms, slices

SOUR CREAM CRUST:250 ml all purpose fl ur (cake fl ur)5 ml baking powderPinch of salt125 ml butter, cubed50 ml sour cream1 egg, lightly beaten

METHODprepare the filling: Place chicken in large saucepan and season with

salt and pepper. Tie cloves in a muslin cloth and add to chicken. Add onion, carrot and heated stock. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until juices run clear. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Remove cloves, bone chicken, discarding the skin if so preferred. Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Thicken gravy with a little cornfl wer.

prepare the crust: Sift the dry ingredients together. Add the butter and rub into flour mixture until it resembles corn flour. Add sour cream and egg to make soft dough. Leave to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll out dough (5 mm thick) and cover chicken. Brush with a little milk and bake in a preheated oven of 180 º C for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with rice and minted peas before placing chicken in an oven-proof dish.

(6-8 servings)

Options:• Use the chicken filli g to make individual chicken pies.• Use store-bought puff pastry when in a hurry.• Use scone dough rather than the crust. Sprinkle with a little cheese

prior to baking.• Use sago (tapioca) to thicken the chicken gravy.• Use carrots and peas to the chicken rather than the mushrooms.• Use left-over turkey, leeks and ham.

Christa Welgemoed (Riekert) studied dietetics at the University of Pretoria prior to working at provincial hospitals. This was followed by 11 years with the Meat Board of South Africa when she taught and wrote many articles for popular magazines. She was the author of “Cooking for a crowd” and” The Seven Ingredient Cook Book”. Both were published by Human & Rousseau. She was also co-author of ‘The All South African Meat Cook Book” and wrote an Afrikaans cookbook on healthy ways with red meat. She lived in the USA for nearly 10 years and resides in Auckland at present.

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THE SOuTH AFRICAN MuSIC SCENE

Durban’s World Class Gospel/Rock Band

There are a few select bands from Durban, South Africa, that have made a real lasting Impression on the world

music scene.As a born Durbanite, two bands come to mind. The Flames and Just

Jinger.The Flames were a sixties group that did a good copy of Motown music;

turning it into a soul/rock combination that had instant appeal amongst the youth of that era. They covered and re-arranged numbers from early Motown that put them on the world music map. At the time they were competing with the Beatles and the Stones, but they held their heads up high when it came to local and international album sales.

Just Jinger’s lead singer and composer Art Matthews grew up in the Bluff area of Durban. When their new brand of progressive orchestral/rock music exploded onto the airwaves in the mid-nineties their CD’s became overnight best sellers.

There are probably other groups or single artists from Durban that I could mention, but today we have a group that is world famous, yet they still regard Durban’s North Beach as their home.

They are iconic in both the gospel and rock music genres and they hit the headlines when they made their simultaneous debut album release in the U.S. and SA in 2001.

Simply called “Tree 63,” the gospel newcomers put out a debut album that was unashamedly Christian in its context and content. It was well received locally by both of its conventional rock and Christian fan base and songs from the album like “Treasure,”

“A Million Lights” and “Stumbling Stone” hit number one on the South African mainstream Top 40 charts.

But this album’s impact in the U.S. was more signifi ant.It was entered in the annual international Dove Awards for top Christian

album of the year for 2001. And Tree 63 won hands down!This is an extremely prestigious award that has continuously been won

in the past by powerhouse U.S. Christian music performers. Thank you, Tree 63. You have proven to the world that South African

gospel music can be the best.The band is made up of three members, John Ellis (lead vocals and lead

guitar), Darrel Swart (drums) and Danny Ornalis (bass). When you watch the band perform on stage you wonder how three

musicians can produce such an unbelievably complete sound from their sparse resources. John Ellis, who does all of the lead vocals has the remarkable ability of evoking both lead and rhythm functions from his guitar.

We often ask the question, how the band arrived at the name “Tree 63?”

The name evolved over a period of time and was spurred by their popularity.

In mid-December 1996, an un-named band got up on stage at a rock festival on Durban’s North Beach with no intention other than to play the songs that they knew and then leave in a hurry.

By the end of the fifth song, the audience response was phenomenal. Whether they liked it or not, John Ellis and his sidekicks had made their mark on the extremely critical North Beach audience and a new band had been born, judging from the response of the crowd.

It had began as a minor experiment when John Ellis phoned Darryl Swart in late 1996 to talk about life, faith and rock’n’roll. After the success of their fi st stage appearance they continued jamming as a group into 1997, rehearsing the songs that John was writing at the time. A few more live

TREE 63 By Ted Woodberg

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RAFFLE

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SEPT 29,

2008

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appearances in Durban later and they began to realize that something special was happening.

So they had to think of a name. John Ellis came up with “Tree” because he was forced to do so at their fi st appearance in Durban.

“Well,” he relates, “I looked above me and found that I was standing underneath a tree, so I gave the name of the group as “Tree.” This negates the conclusions of most Christian fans who thought that the “tree” reference related to the cross of Jesus Christ.

The use of the name “Tree” caused some conflict because another band already existed in the U.S. with the same name. So John decided to change the name to “Tree 63” based on Psalm 63 from the Bible, which quotes God’s love as being “better than life.”

A few months later, 1000 copies of Tree’s debut album “Overflow” were pressed and packaged to much national acclaim after broadcaster 5FM gave them their much deserved airplay.

Tree 63 made their mark on the United Kingdom audiences when they accompanied local Christian band MIC to Europe in early 1998 as part of the ‘Soul Survivor’ tour.

The response was incredible, so they returned to South Africa armed with

a record Deal with Survivor Records. Work began in April 1999 with the follow-up record, “63.” Released in July 1999 in the UK and in December of that year in South Africa, the album met with huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. It was unreservedly rock’n’roll, yet fresh and compelling, and unabashed about its spiritual message and Christian convictions. The album spawned the hits “A Million Lights,” “Stumbling Stone” and “Treasure.”

This same album went on to earn the band its Dove award in 2001.

A South African tour in early 2002 saw the band selling out all

the venues they played.Tree 63 were once again back in the studio in mid-2002 to begin the

follow-up to the “63”Album. “The Life and Times of Absolute Truth” was released in October

2002 and the album turned platinum.Tree 63’s recording of Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name” on their

first album led to the song being rated by The Countdown Magazine as the third best Christian praise and worship song of all time.

Well done, Tree 63. All of us ex-Durbanites are extremely proud of you. Keep up the good work.

The SA 07 08.indd 21 8/7/08 3:17:44 PM

“Making it easy on new South African Immigrants”

From 1 September 2008, immigrants from South Africa who are in possession of a valid light vehicle licence, will no longer have to pass a theory test before being issued a New Zealand driver’s licence.

This will also apply to immigrants from countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and USA, amongst others.

The rules of the road are very basic here and for newcomers, there may be only two new items that they need to take heed of:-

1) What to do when approaching and moving through a circle. The rule is indicate whether you wish to turn right or left when approaching a circle. Choose the outside lane if you are going straight through or turning left, and the inside lane if you are turning right. As you move through the circle indicate to others whether you are continuing through the circle or turning off.

2) ALWAYS yield to someone who wants to turn right into an intersection where you wish to turn left into the same intersection.

Under the current Driver Licencing Rule, all overseas licence holders, including those who wish to convert to a New Zealand Class 1 (light four wheeled vehicle) and Class 6 (motor cycle) licence, are required to pass an appropriate theory test when converting their overseas licence to a New Zealand driver licence. This requirement will be done away with on 1-9 -08. The proviso is that they must have held their licence for at least two years prior to immigrating to New Zealand.

In addition, new immigrants are allowed to drive on their existing licences for a maximum period of one year before being required by law to take out a New Zealand licence.

“New Zealand is the Moviemaker’s Scenery Destination of Choice”

For moviemakers who are looking for exotic scenery to spruce up their backgrounds, there are few who will disagree that New Zealand’s unbelievably beautiful countryside ranks amongst the best in the world. It could have something to do with our huge silver ferns that give the countryside a “Jurassic” feel.

We have only to ask Peter Jackson, New Zealand’s most successful movie director, why he chose local scenery for his hit movies, “The Lord of the Rings” and “King Kong.”

The seventies movie “The Piano” was fil ed on our Waitekere, Auckland, west coast beaches.

Other hit TV series that were filmed exclusively on location in New Zealand are “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules.” The last two series were filmed in “Auckland Regional Parks” which proves that those looking for great scenery don’t necessarily have to go travelling all over north and south islands to get the best in the world.

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PROPERTY WATCH

The median number of days to sell a property in the current market is 45 days (as reported by the REINZ

for May 2008). I cannot beat around the bush. This has stretched out from 28 days in May 2007.

We are selling some properties within a week or two of listing and of course some are taking more than three months and some will remain unsold after our agency period. It is a well known fact that any property is hottest when it is new to the market and being realistically priced with a high profile in media advertising should beat the competition. In the market of say a year ago, profile advertising was used as an opportunity for a premium sale price. In this market, profile advertising is simply an opportunity to secure enquiry. It is a base requirement now, not an “icing on the cake” factor. Note also that the days on market figu es reported to the REINZ that makes up the 45 days above for instance, is the number of days it took the selling agency to sell a property. It does not take into account the previous agency/agencies that a property was previously listed with. Time on market has an inverse relationship with sale price and now more than ever, meeting the market early on price, seriously considering that first offer and closing a sale fast etc is paramount to a vendor’s good result.

On a completely different note, multi-culturalism is part and parcel of the charm of New Zealand. Coming, as I do, from strife-torn Africa I fi d it truly inspiring to see how people from vastly different cultural backgrounds can work together as a cohesive team. One of the pleasantest aspects of working at the Sunnynook branch is the mutual respect the salespeople have for one another. So please do wish me luck as I embark on my very first shared listing with Jane Dong of China.

By Carlene Du Toit of Ray White Real Estate

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ACCOMMODATIONBeach Stay Waiake T: 442 1492, M: 021 264 2701Newstart Guest HouseGerhard & Linette van Wyk www.newstart.co.nz FOR A SOFT LANDINGElsewhere HousePeter Kok T: 473 0360 M: 021 334423www.elsewherehouse.comBrowns Bay Guest HouseLouis & Daleen IandoliT: 476 4148 M: 021 048 7714Seaviews Guest House Andre & Marlize LiggettT: 473 7152 M: 021 909 131

ALARMSEagle AlarmsWayne Pearson T: 486 2332 M: 027 5752120wayne@eaglealarms.net.nz

ARCHITECTSMike Hackner ArchitectsMike: M: 021 459110TSE GroupWalter Mc Donald: T: 09 525 2214

AUTOMOTIVEAuto DiscArthur: Tel 473 4091Burger’s Motor WorksBurger Oosthuizen T: 444 3965Geoff Parkin MotorsGeoff Parkin T: 479 5822Rolch Automotive LtdLanny Hokoza Tel: 443 6805Startech Enterprises LtdJorg Kempka Tel: 915 6914United Truck PartsNorman Forté Tel: 09 268 6115Steve’s WheelsStephan M: 027 687 5143On The LimitIvan Tel: 442 4997Forrest Hill MotorsBruce Blair Tel: 410 7089Torbay Service StationMike MacLeodT: 473 6408

BAR & BRASSERIEThe StadiumDavid de Klerk Tel: 415 5910 M: 021 02700905

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTIONCBSBrendon Lockhart Tel: 416 1953

CAR SALES &/ RENTALCATS Gary Bull Tel: 09 428 3899CHEAP CABSJohan/RenetteM: 021 066 2260SANZ CAR SALES & RENTALTheunis van LoggerenbergTel: 442 2433 M: 021 370 777

COUNSELLING SERVICEPathwaysLizette van Zyl Tel: 479 3571

DENTAL SERVICES Dr Willie Steenkamp Tel: 478 1300Dr P James Pretorius (Orthodontist) Tel: 479 7963Dr Peter Neumann

T: 524 8399

ELECTRICALAlex Pedersen (Electrician)M: 021 1652 100East Coast Bays Electrical ServicesBrad Seaman T: 442 1482 M: 021 645 839IDC ElectricalJohn van der SpuyT: 442 5290 M: 021 504621

ENGINEERINGRodeon EngineeringRob T: 021 0235 3404Bravo EngineeringDeon M: 0211362384

FINANCIAL SERVICESApollo AccountingRoy Gormley/Mike Nienaber T: 448 0506AI Financial Services Richard PiechazekT: 479 8449 M: 027 222 2116Glen Gilbert & AssociatesGlen Gilbert T: 476 1670M: 021 214 2449Easy Factors InternationalHenry Bosman T: 375 4270 M: 021 905 322Health Wealth PreservationNeil Clarke T: 915 0100APEX Advice GroupAnne WakehamT: 520 9441 M: 021 533 265

Mutual Financial ServicesHerman Roodt T: 473 0880 M: 021 736 030Insurance and Lending GroupGreg Frittelli T: 448 2092 M: 75 100 401FinSolve Holdings LtdChris Cloete T: 475 5737 M: 021 269 561Taxation Consultants LtdBrian Blakebrough T: 473 4097 M: 021 109 5212WHK Gosing ChapmanBelinda Van Den BosM: 021 254 0004Prendos (Valuations)Tony Carlyle Tel: 486 1973Lyons & CoLiam Lyons Tel: 489 5329Easy Factors InternationalHenry Bosman T: 375 4270 M: 021 905 332

GIFT BASKETSNice & Sweet BasketAngela SilbersteinT: 473 8115

HAIR & BEAUTYHair d’ ArtPam T: 479 9197Essence of BeautyChristina T: 415 3223Escape SpaTel: 486 1231

HOME IMPROVEMENT/MAINTENANCEWarmupBryan van den Bergh T: 444 2114 M: 021 535411 ACE Carpet Overlocking Patricia Rohland T: 482 0893 M: 021 0237 1259

Rapid Fix-a-Home Chris Thom T: 476 1483M: 027 2246213Long Run Concept RoofinBrian Foord T: 449 1702 M: 021 2700 200Mr RooferVincent Lehartel M: 021 231 6903

IMMIGRATIONNorth Shore Immigration ServiceSimona Woodberg/ Robert WhiteAndy King T: 415 3392

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT Masslift LtdAngelo Tel: 482 3155 M: 021 1683 415

IT/COMPUTINGGroup StationJames Robinson M: 021 751345InfoplanDavid Foster Tel: 476 4428 M: 021 401 177

JEWELLERY AND SERVICESSeaJays Brian Ledeboer T: 534 5640

LEGAL SERVICESGeorge Deeb T: 486 1415Stevenson Campbell Pieter KrugerT: 477 0388 M: 021 0474 701Quay LawIan Mellett T: 309 6660Donald Webster T: 489 3015Brookfields Lawyers Richard Evans T: 979 2184M: 029 979 2190 Gaze Burt LawyersAnton Heyns T: 414 9800Baker LawT: 476 8000 M: 0211 534 418Employment Dispute ServicesAllan SilbersteinT: 362 0015 M: 021 172 2519

MARKETINGSwitched On Deborah van Wyk Tel: 476 6914M: 021 024 32016

MEDICAL SERVICESAuckland Metro DoctorsDr Judy Gill T: 373 4621Bernie Brenner GynaecologistDr Bernie Brenner T: 486 0182General Surgeon Dr Luigi Sussman T: 486 5486Michelle Trumplemann T: 477 3700Health for You Estelle Kruger T: 443 7905Emergency Immigration & Insurance Medical ServicesAlbert & Christel van NiekerkTel: 0800 463 342Dr Mairi Wallace GynaecologistTel : 09 523 5959

PLUMBINGH & A Plumbing & DrainageHans Willemse M: 02111 66510Arrow Drain Unblocking LTDJames Rodley M: 021 514 631

PANELBEATINGVIEW ROAD PANELBEATERSRiaan TwineTel: 443 2239 M: 0274 294 653

PRINTING Printplanet Gavin Kaminer T: 426 6466 M: 021 023 34158SURE Print Management Michael DiedricksT: 478 6139M: 021 471 851

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTProject Management Techniques LtdIan Warren M: 021 615 025

RETAIL Janssens Butchery Wim Tel: 476 0042Phatt Bagel Coffee ShopMaureen Smith Tel: 476 6813Fred’s Fine Foods Fred T: 475 54034 U shops Beat Suess T: 414 4466 M: 021 416 691The South African Shop Jaco Browns Bay: T: 479 3647Rosedale: T: 478 8016Stanmore Bay: T: 428 0850Howick: T: 533 7085Inside Africa Albany: T: 443 0548Botany Downs : T: 273 5242Henderson: T: 837 0101Penguino’s Browns Bay (Ice Cream)Mally & Ann T: 476 8380 M: 021 545 292Stationery World David Vorster T: 414 4238 M: 021 614 628

REAL ESTATE AGENTS SectionsRus Richard Pearce T: 09 428 2208M: 027 5357535 Bayleys Carmen Holtz AREINZTel : 415 4513 M: 021 633 992Ray White Real Albany VillageLynne Royston T: 415 5244 M: 021 443 036Barfoot & ThompsonPeter Woodberg (Commercial)T: 489 3880 M: 0274 520 794RECRUITMENTBridge Personnel Doreen Bennett T : 479 9499M: 021 501 672Crown Recruitment Kathy T: 476 4036Quest Recruitment Ltd Zelda Engelbrecht T: 447 1560M: 021 2294606Lifeskills Recruitment Mike McKeownT: 0800 367569 M: 021 854 054 Zest RecruitmentLisa van De VenTel: 940 0996 M: 021 185 5140SECURITY SERVICESIcon GroupAndre Liggett09 522 9350

SHUTTLE SERVICES Active Shuttles Molane Krynauw T: 473 0055 M: 021 626 214Airport ExpressMaarten SchoemanT: 489 2445 M: 021 174 3354

TUITION Read Auckland (Dyslexia)Jenni Wles T: 09 529 1381 M: 021 264 270

TRAVELSouth African Travel ClubRoger Glynan T: 0800 277 477Adventure WorldThelma Lockery Tel: 09 522 5923

VET BAYVET Kit Lill T: 479 3918

WEDDING PLANNER The Wedding Coach Nicky Gomes-Luis T: 413 9660 M: 021 1814 847

RATES: Display Advertises Directory only $25 per month for a minimum contract period of 6 months in advance. ($150+GST)

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