the south african 16
DESCRIPTION
"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 be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in NZ to integrate socially with their own community and to advertise their products and services."TRANSCRIPT
South AfricanThe
FreeCONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND
Issue number 016
SA Music PJ Powers -see page 11
August/September 2010
Soccer World Cup Special - see page 14
SA Comedy Special
Leon Schuster -see page 12
Stepping into the future is always hard to do,
especially when one is confronted by a montage of
so many different outcomes.
Do we believe the doomsayers who have predicted
a “double-dip” recession or do we believe in ourselves?
As South Africans we need to focus on our skills and our incredible ability
to “bounce back” when times get hard to become even stronger than we were
before.
We have survived the Zulu Wars, the Anglo Boer Wars, two World Wars and the
Apartheid struggle, so why aren’t we now the winners?
Embarking on our new journey in a new country we should be the winners
in every walk of life because we are coming in as well qualified people, with a
genuine will to improve our circumstances. This mindset will spin off on to the
work situations that we encounter, making us sought out employees.
As new immigrants we should understand that we are on totally new soil
when we get off the ‘plane from our exhausting flight from SA, and that things
are certainly quite different here.
In this issue on page 6 we have some good insights from Anton Terblanche in
his article on the “Kiwi Style” of managing businesses which has become a major
stumbling block for a lot of new immigrants who have lost their jobs because they
couldn’t understand the mindset of their new Kiwi managers.
On page 9 we have started a brand new series that highlights the progress of
ex-pat South Africans who have come to NZ and made good in the business world.
If you think that you have the same qualities, please contact us, regardless of the
size of your business. We want to hear from you.
To all of our regular advertisers, a big thank you. We would like to acknowledge
your support by running regular editorials next to your ads that contain a human
interest story.
This is a good way of promoting your business. If you have had good results
from advertising in our mag, PLEASE TELL US!
We would love to feature you on our “Letters to the Editor” section that
normally appears on Page 3, a thumb push away from the front page, giving you
free exposure to a lot of readers.
.
Regards
Peter Woodberg
editorFrom the
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.
Mike Hackner Architects Ph. 09- 580 1914 mobile : 021-459 110
Email: [email protected] Website: www.hackner.co.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 be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in
NZ to integrate socially with their own community and to advertise their products and services.”
South AfricanThe
EDITORS
Peter Woodberg [email protected] mob: 0274 520 794
Ted Woodberg [email protected] mob: 021 027 03011
ADVERTISING
Norma [email protected] mob: 021 043 7342
ADDRESSThe South African, P.O.Box 300-155, Albany. AUCKLAND 0752
www.samag.co.nz
CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS
The South African Social Group – Richard Pearce Mob: 0275 357535 e-mail: [email protected]
Die Afrikaanse Klub – Thys [email protected]
THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION, WELLINGTON
Tel: 04 815 8484 level 7, State Insurance Tower. 1 Willis St.Wellington.
Front cover: Painting by Zimbabwean Artist Kudakwashe Gavi
entitled “Going to Town”
Click on thesouthafrican.wordpress.com then click on the facebook logo
South AfricanThe
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The recent budget has delivered the biggest tax changes
in New Zealand in the past 25 years, affecting taxpayers
across the board and especially those with property assets in
LAQC (loss attributing qualifying company) structures. One
of the most significant changes has been the reduction in the
corporate tax rate to 28% which clearly illustrates the intention
of the current Government to make New Zealand competitive
and attractive to foreign investors.
The specific changes announced are as follows:
Tax ratesPersonal tax rates will change from 1 October 2010
Company tax rate will reduce from 30% to 28% from 1 April 2011.
Trust tax rate remains unchanged at 33%.
Investment tax rates including PIE’s to be largely aligned to the company
tax rate of 28%.
GSTTo increase from 12.5% to 15% from 1 October 2010.
Working for family’s eligibility:Eligibility criteria will be altered to prevent rental and investment losses
being offset against taxable income when determining benefit eligibility.
Changes to the depreciation treatment of
plant, machinery and buildings:These changes are complicated and will not be addressed here.
LAQC’sLegislation is to be introduced soon that will require LAQC’s to be taxed
as if they are limited partnerships.
The reduction in the company tax rate was surprising, given that New
Zealand invariably follows Australia’s lead and not the other way around. It
is not unusual for business owners to have their companies owned by family
trusts. Considering the 5% difference between the 28% corporate tax rate
and the 33% trust tax rate, directors may opt to retain and reinvest profits
within company structures rather than distribute profits as dividends that
will be taxed at 33% in the shareholder’s hands.
The reduction in the personal tax rate of 5% for those taxpayers earning in
excess of $70,000 is significant. It should also be noted that many taxpayers
with investment properties are currently in the top personal tax bracket.
Although there will possibly be extra tax payable as a result of the removal
of depreciation allowances on buildings, this should be compensated for by
the tax cut referred to above.
There is no doubt that treating LAQC’s as “flow through” entities, taxed
under a similar regime to limited partnerships, will have a significant
impact on all LAQC’s whether they are used for property investment or not.
Under the current system, losses from an LAQC flow directly back to the
shareholders who take advantage of the losses at their personal tax rates
(soon to be a maximum of 33%). However when an LAQC produces profits
those profits can be retained in the company and taxed at only 28%. It is this
perceived notion of potential tax avoidance that has given rise to the limited
partnership proposal as this “flow through” entity requires both profits and
losses to flow out, meaning that profits from LAQC’s will effectively be taxed
in the shareholders’ own hands at their own personal tax rates.
Due to space constraints, I have only briefly touched on some of the more
significant tax changes proposed. I recommend that if you have an LAQC,
you should consult with your professional advisor sooner rather than later
in order to put appropriate strategies in place having regard to the matters
discussed above.
Please feel free to contact Ian Mellett (BComm LLB H Dip Tax) at Auckland law firm
Quay Law for more information, or if you have any questions regarding your taxation
or other legal needs visit our website www.quaylaw.co.nz for more information.
QUAY LAW LEGAL UPDATE
In this issue, Auckland lawyer Ian Mellett discusses some of the sweeping tax
changes announced recently and particularly those affecting investment properties.
% %
New Rate Old Rate
0 - $14,000 10.5 12.5
$14,000 - $48,000 17.5 21
$48,000 - $70,000 30 33
$70,000 + 33 38
by Ian Mellett of Quay Law Solicitor
Ian Mellett
South AfricanThe
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Advertorial
FRONT PAGE ARTIST
Kudakwashe Gavi“The young abstract African painter who tells parables
through his interpretation of the people and nature
that he sees around him.” Our next front page artist hails from
Zimbabwe but his work is openly displayed in all of the major
South African galleries and he paints a picture of Africa that
reminds us of the delicate and wonderful fabric of the culture
of our beginnings as South Africans.
Born and raised in the bustling town of Bulawayo in 1981, Kudakwashe
Gavi always appeared very aware of his surroundings, watching, admiring
and absorbing all in his environment. Showing raw talent from an early age,
Kudakwashe was encouraged to portray his interpretation of his world in the
form of art. This sparked an inherent desire within him to turn this talent
into a career.
Following his completion of school in 1999, Kudakwashe went on to study
Art at the Mzilikazi Art and Crafts Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe from 2000
to 2001. During his studies, Kudakwashe was introduced to many influential
artists and art associations.
After completing his course, he was invited to participate in what turned
out to be his first group exhibition - held at the Visual Artists Association
of Bulawayo in 2001, which officially launched his professional career as an
artist.
At seeing the budding potential of this local artist, in January 2002 the
National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo awarded Kudakwashe with a
sponsorship, offering him a working studio, including all the art materials
needed for a year. This bolstered Kudakwashe’s determination to succeed
and develop as a noteworthy
artist. He stayed on as a resident
artist at the gallery studios from
2002 to 2004, during which he
participated in a number of local
and national exhibitions.
Kudakwashe’s work is about
people and experiences of the
past and events that he sees happening in daily life. He draws his inspiration
from people, nature and situations around him; sometimes evolving them into
abstract parables. His art displays the use of rich colours and bold images.
Exhibitions Include:
Ilanga nya 2002 – Zimbabwe
Planet Arts Studios 2002 – United Kingdom
African Images 2002 – United Kingdom
Private Positions 2003 – Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Mobile Heritage 2003 – Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Cotton Quest 2004 – Zimbabwe
Khululeka “Be Free” 2006 – Zimbabwe
I Notice Nature 2006 – South Africa
Gallery on the Side 2007 / 2008 / 2009 – Fourways, Sandton, South Africa
South African Art Collection Gallery 2008 / 2009 / 2010 – V&A Waterfront,
Cape Town, South Africa.
Visit our website to view our collection of over 4000 original artworks.
Worldwide shipping gladly arranged.
[email protected] | www.fineartportfolio.co.za
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: [email protected]
Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz
Kudakwashe Gavi
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South AfricanThe
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John and Hannie BenschTHE EVER POPULAR “PICKLES ON APOLLO” NOW HAS NEW OWNERS!
If you are traveling along Apollo Drive you
will find “Pickles” on the corner of Antare
Drive and Apollo. This venue is well renowned
as a meeting place for Auckland North Shore
movers and shakers – business people at
seminars; freelance operators doing deals;
couples making dates; nanna’s meeting their
grandkids……they are all there!
On the 1st April 2010 John and Hannie
Bensch, new millennium immigrants from
South Africa, stepped over the threshold of
the front door and became the new owners
of this famous restaurant oasis.
They faced a forbidding challenge: taking
this already popular venue to greater heights
of service and customer satisfaction. And have
they achieved their objective?
Why don’t you take the time to visit them and find out?
John and Hannie hale from Gauteng, South Africa, where John was a
municipal officer and Hannie was a teacher. In 2001 they decided to emigrate
and when they arrived here they bought the “Settlers Motel” in Palmerston
North where they honed their jointly acquired skills in business management
and “people psychology” to create a unique facility that has now become an
establishment.
In 2007 John was offered a senior official position in a municipality in
Australia so the family packed their bags, crossed the Tasman and settled
in for the two year contract offered to John. When it expired John turned
down the renewal option offered to him because his heart and soul belonged
in New Zealand. So the family re-located again back to the North Shore
of Auckland and after a short period of
looking out for a business to buy, John
and Hannie found “Pickles” and they
haven’t looked back since!
They are able to create completely
separate sub-venues for specific
occasions like “business breakfasts “or
“ladies coffee clubs” where a feeling
of complete privacy is offered to the
patrons while the rest of the premises
carries on with business as usual.
There is bags of parking around
the venue and John has, on occasions,
closed the restaurant down completely
in order to cater for a huge wedding
function.
John has a full liquor licence and in May he started a “happy hour” on
Thursdays and Fridays where the drinks were sold at discount prices from 4
to 6 pm. Needless to say, the innovation has been well supported.
Another initiative started by Hannie recently is a catering service which
she learnt while running a guest house in Phalaborwa, South Africa, some
years ago. There is no function too big or too small for Hannie and with her
dedicated team at Pickles they are able to handle the catering for all types
of business or social meetings by bringing the food and drink to the venue
of your choice.
Do not hesitate to contact John or Hannie on Tel:09-479 5814 or e-mail info@
picklescafe.co.nz should you wish to take advantage of their catering service. Come
and support them at 1 Antares Place for a sociable drink or a friendly meal.
John and Hannie Bensch
South AfricanThe
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South African General Manager, Anton Terblanche, a new immigrant
himself, provides some valuable insights into this perplexing problem that
will impact immigrants from all walks of life. Here is his advice:-
In June 2005 I arrived from South Africa to a cloudy Auckland. It was a
decision made in January of the same year that brought me here.
After 9 years in a retail business in a small town called Tweespruit in the
heart of the Free State, I needed a change. Although we were earning well
from the business, we had reached maximum growth and my wife and I
decided to call it a day.
I was an impetuous 33 year-old in search of my next challenge.
International work experience in New Zealand was the decision! We were
going to stay for at least 2 years and then make up our minds as to what
to do next.
When I arrived in NZ I enjoyed the hospitality of Joe Scaramuzza (an
Italian Immigrant) and his wife Gladys (an English rose). I had never met
them before I arrived in NZ and I was overwhelmed by their generosity. They
expected nothing in return for allowing me to stay with them for 4 weeks
and I learned a lot from Joe’s own experiences in NZ. He has a long and
distinguished career in management and owns and operates a very successful
business.
I investigated and applied for every available job opportunity that came
along without any success.
In late July 2005 I received a job offer from Rik
Scaramuzza, Joe’s son. At the time he was a young
up and coming residential home builder and MD of
a company called RPS Homes.
His aim was to grow the business to the next
level.
Rik needed someone who could help him
develop the business into one of the biggest non-
franchised residential building companies in the
Waikato Region.
He offered me a role as Business Development
and Marketing Manager. My business development skills gained through
operating my own business in SA, together with my University Degree in
Marketing and experience in Business Development with Stannic Asset
Financing made me the ideal candidate for the job.
New immigrants from SA who enter the workplace here
in NZ are often unprepared for the way in which they
are treated by their new Kiwi bosses…
I basically had to draft my own job description.
This was a typical NZ owner-operated outfit where the business could
not run without the owner. There was an existing “all Kiwi” staff of 8 persons
made up of 3 which had been with the business since its inception and 2
staff members which had been employed about 2 months before me. In this
environment a new immigrant from SA with an Afrikaans background will
always struggle to fit in and adjust.
It was no different for me.
A SA friend warned me that I would have to be careful of the way I
managed people and operated in a NZ business environment because in a lot
of cases South Africans are perceived as being arrogant.
It is so sad to see new South Africans coming into this country
and wanting to impose their ways onto the Kiwi people whether
as managers or employees. It is a road of self destruction in my
opinion, which could put an immigrant back several years if not
handled correctly.
I had to work very hard on the way I came across when dealing
with people and to be less forceful in my approach. I had to step
out of my comfort zone and not be afraid to reach out to my Kiwi
colleagues, business associates and social friends in an attempt to
understand their way of thinking.
Willingness to change and having respect for Kiwi achievements
as a country and in the business environment is a key to success. There is no
doubt that they built up this country with much less natural resources than
those that we were blessed with in SA.
Also, making a success out of this new role would not have been possible
without Rik’s support and patience as an employer.
I can strongly recommend to new immigrants to attend a short training
course focused on people skills. In August 2005 I attended an 8 week course
which was presented by the Dale Carnegie Group.
This was of immense help to me during my adjustment period in the
sense that I worked closely together with New Zealanders in an informal
environment where we focused on how to improve the businesses we were
involved in through the way in which we dealt with people.
I can only stress that a willingness to change is the key to success. Hereby
I do not imply that one has to change one’s make-up as a human being and
not be aware of your internal strengths, however it is our direct, forthright
and often aggressive approach to life that lands us in discomfort when we
deal with people in NZ.
Some of the highlights during my time with Rik are that we outgrew the
residential building industry by significant margins and we won both the
categories that we entered during the Waikato Business Awards in 2008.
When Rik and I got together we had a mutual commitment of 3 years.
INTERPRETING THE
“Kiwi management style”
Anton Terblanche
“I had to make the
decision to adjust to
my circumstances and
respect the Kiwi way
even before I started
with Rik!“
South AfricanThe
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Following the successful Football World Cup held in
South Africa, South African Airways (SAA) is ready to
welcome first time and repeat visitors from New Zealand in
the coming year.
According to SAA’s Head of Australasia, Thevan Krishna, SAA has seen
big increases in the level of inquiry about visiting Africa later this year and
into 2011. “South Africa has been on show and with major public and private
investment in the tourism infrastructure through improved airports, better
transport facilities and new and refurbished hotels and resorts, the country
has never been in better shape,” Thevan said. “For our part, SAA is working
with the travel trade and land operators to put the best packages together
to meet demand from recreational tourist, business and VFR travelers,”
Thevan said. New Zealand passengers can choose from six flights each
week via Sydney and seven
flights a week through Perth
to Johannesburg, connecting
into the largest network on
the African continent. For
more information please
call 64 9977 2240 or visit
www.flysaa.com
South Africa
after the
Soccer World Cup
Let the experts take you on Safari.Making tracks to Africa? South African Airways offers direct non-stop flights out of Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg, with convenient code-share connections from New Zealand. We can get you to South Africa faster. Once you’re there we offer more African flight connections than any other airline so you can easily get to where you need to go. So visit www.flysaa.com or call your local travel agent or call us on 09 977 2237 to get started on your adventure today.
We both honored this and at the end of 2008 after a careful look at the
expected future market and economic situation we decided to part ways.
In November 2008 I got offered a job by Jan Gouws, as General Manager
for Alcopanel NZ Ltd.
Jan is a SA expat and a qualified QS who has been in the ACM
(Aluminium Composite Material) Cladding industry for a number of years.
He is well known and respected in the industry.
Jan had the opportunity to buy the Alucobond business from Skellerup
Industries and was going to need my expertise in getting the business up
to the next level.
It was expected that the business was going to grow significantly
through the acquisition of 2 of the main competitors in the market
in the space of 5 months. Therefore he required someone who could
assist in strategic business development and implementation; and the
human resource management of 18 staff members and a number of
subcontractors.
Again, I had to be careful of being too straight up and autocratic in my
management style. A very strong focus on people skills, understanding
the personality profiles of our staff and the matching management style
required, was of paramount importance.
To achieve results as manager in NZ, I had to learn to be a lot more
focused on managing people and understanding what motivates them and
communicating clear goals to them. Often one had to leave it up to the
individual to get the job done without further interference.
This is significantly different from a SA business environment where
a more autocratic management style is used to get results. Staff in SA
are used to a reporting hierarchy with several layers of management and
regular staff meetings. A strong focus on procedures and systems to
achieve results was either developed or provided as part of the business
management strategy.
South AfricanThe
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6 Steps to Massive resultsStrategic design and implementation of activities is the key to take your
business through the following steps;
1. Mastery - “Creating a COMMERCIAL Enterprise”
The first stage of growing any business is about making sure it delivers its
products or services profitably, productively and with enough information to
make great decisions. It’s about building a foundation before engaging in an
effort to acquire new business. It’s about the owner taking back ‘control’ of
the business and removing any chaos.
• Time Mastery - most business owners invest a lot of time in the
day to day activities of the business yet they seldom invest time
working on their business. This requires about 4 hours per week
working on the strategic plan of the business developing growth.
Completing a daily “To Achieve” list each evening for the following work
day is fundamental in achieving time mastery and closely following a
Default Diary.
Delegate or outsource most /all of the admin and low value/ low
enjoyment work is a simple time management exercise that allows the
business owner to concentrate on the 20% of activity that gives 80%
of the results.
• Delivery Mastery – consistently deliver your core product/
service in a way that meets your customer service standards.
Regularly survey customers to obtain feedback.
Define customer service standards and have the team follow a code
of conduct.
Ensure that all team members use the same telephone answering
script and have a working script for greeting and servicing customers.
Build your brand through a dress code and name tags for all team
members.
• Team Mastery – hold regular scheduled team meetings, ensuring that
each member of the team has a clear set of performance goals with
regular performance appraisals and celebration of achievements.
• Money Mastery – pay yourself first.
Have a monthly budget and revenue goals, track cash flow and update
it at least monthly. You wouldn’t drive your car without a dashboard so
why risk your business by not keeping the business dashboard current
with up to date financials in all key areas.
Produce a breakeven analysis and link it to your profit & loss and
balance sheet to ensure that the business remains profitable and
manage any foreseen risk in advance.
2. Niche – “Creating a Commercial, PROFITABLE Enterprise”
Niche is all about Marketing. At this step you define your uniqueness
and guarantee, articulating the value of your product or service, getting and
keeping customers and moving them towards higher loyalty levels making
them ‘Raving Fans’.
3. Leverage – “Creating a Commercial, Profitable Enterprise,
that WORKS”
Leverage is about implementing systems and controlling the effects of
Supply and Demand, ensuring quality and increasing profitability. At this
step, you leverage finances, systems, people and your marketing.
4. Team – “Creating a Commercial, Profitable Enterprise, that
Works, WITHOUT YOU”
During this step, you work on developing an amazing team. T.E.A.M.
means ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’. Everyone is in the right position,
doing the right things at the right time.
5. Synergy – “Freedom” At this step, everyone is in the right position, even a General Manager,
doing the right things at the right time, in ‘massive amounts’. You, as the
business owner, are spending your time working solely on strategic issues
and your income is largely passive coming from the business. You have the
freedom to explore new business opportunities and begin to think about
exiting the business or diversifying or duplicating the business.
6. Results – “Invest Your Time and Money”
Now you can turn over the operations to others and be free to become a full-
time investor, investing in businesses, real estate or other opportunities.
Call Denis Carver today and find out how you can qualify for a 90 minute
complimentary profit finding session.
(09) 416 6549 027 222 4301
Small Businesses are Really Big Businesses in Training
Big businesses and
small businesses are
actually similar.
People often separate
small business from
big business. As they
should – there are legitimate differences between big corporations
and small Mom-and-Pop, homegrown shops.
But what people don’t realise is small businesses are really just big
businesses in training. Think about it – they each have common
goals, and the biggest one is the goal of succeeding.
Big businesses tend to have an easier time targeting markets and
generating leads because they have a more well-known brand
presence. Sometimes small businesses need to think like big
businesses… and other times, they need to think smaller to really
focus on their target markets and generate the most leads from the
most possible places.
What are ways small businesses can think like big businesses?
A free coaching session can help you discover some ways that
might have been over looked.
Call Denis today and find out how you can qualify for a 90 minute complimentary profit finding session.
(09) 416-6549 027 222-4301
South AfricanThe
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Lindsay Chemaly, co-owner of “Living at Home” home
interiors store in Remuera
1) What was your career history in South Africa?
I worked at the United Building Society in East London and Durban for 6
years as a teller and enquiry clerk. Then I got married and had 3 children and
was able to be a full time mother and housewife.
2) When did you first arrive in New Zealand?
February 1986, arrived directly from East London.
3) Describe how you settled into the business world of New Zealand
and give us details of any adjustments that were required to make it
work?
I started the Biggie Best Fabric Shop in Howick in 1990, sold my share
and started Biggie Best in Remuera in 1995, which we renamed Living at
Home in 2005. We then relocated our store from 319 to 336 Remuera Road
in October 2007.
I have been in business with a New Zealander, Susan Webber, for the last
15years. I felt that having a New Zealander as a business partner made sense
and this balanced partnership is comfortable, feels right and works well.
Together we share ideas and coming from slightly different backgrounds,
we pool our ideas and the blend of skills and tastes seems to offer more
diversity to the business.
I have always experienced positivity with regard to my nationality and
find New Zealanders very accommodating, very polite and gracious to me
when referring to the South African community. I never get into tricky
conversations like S.A. politics, or racial issues, as it’s very difficult for others
to get a full understanding of the idiosyncrasies of life in Africa.
4) Tell us about how your family made the “Kiwi integration” process
work for them.
My husband Robin Chemaly, from the start, embraced the kiwi way of
life, loves the All Blacks but still has a place in his heart for the Springboks.
He has slowly, but surely made his way up the corporate ladder, with some
hiccups on the way. He was made redundant twice, but got back up, dusted
himself off....and is now General Manager( Retail) at Foodstuffs N.Z (one of
the largest retails supermarket outlets in N.Z).
My children have adapted well to life in New Zealand and are successful
Insights... Personality profile of...SA BUSINESS PEOPLE IN NZ
Lindsay ChemalyIn this issue we profile a South African businesswoman who has proved that it takes guts and
determination to succeed in a foreign environment
individuals. Raoul (36) is a builder, Meagan (27) a nurse and Marc (24) an I.T.
technician.
5) What are some of the things that you love about your new life
here?
I love the fact that we really live in peace, walk home at night with
very little fear of being attacked. I love the fact you can be a tradesperson,
be respected, have great freedom and experience so many different
opportunities.
6) What are your favourite recreational destinations in New Zealand?
I’m neither a great traveler nor a great outdoors person, however, its great
to have a winter destination fairly close by and our snow-ski destination of
choice is the Wakapapa ski-field at Mt. Ruapehu at Tongariro National Park
in the North Island.
7) If you were to give one piece of advice to a new immigrant about
how to succeed in the business world here, what would it be?
Be humble, be polite and have lots of patience!
Lindsay Chemaly can be contacted at: Living At Home. 326 Remuera Road,
Auckland. Ph. 09. 524 9986 or [email protected] .
336 Remuera Road Auckland | Phone 524 9986 | Fax 524 9692
Sue Webber Retail Manager Lindsay Chemaly Soft Furnishing Consultant
• curtains• roman blinds• sunscreen blinds• holland blinds
• wooden venetian blinds• shutters• headboards• bedspreads
• furniture• cushions• lampshades• upholstery
South AfricanThe
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“The tall brunette, already standing 1.85m tall, stares at
the high jump post and mentally calculates how she
is going to execute her jump. She twirls her fingers together to
show herself how her body is going to roll over the crossbar
that is set higher than the average NZ doorpost.”
She then springs into action and leaps effortlessly through the air,
twisting and rolling through space like a lunar capsule. To thunderous
applause she hits the canvas on the other side without touching the bar. She
leaps up, punching the air with glee. Hestrie Cloete is about to make SA high
jumping sports history by walking away with another Olympic Silver Medal
at the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens.
Four years earlier at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics she also came
away with silver, putting her at the top of her game as a South African. Her
other high jumping achievements were 2 gold medals earned at the Athletic
World Championships in 2001 to 2003. She was judged “World Female Athlete
of the Year” in 2003 by the International Athletics Federation and in the same
year she was awarded the “Order of Ikhamanga in Silver” by SA President
Thabo Mbeki for excellence in her sports performances.
Today Hestrie is a happily married and retired sportswoman, now living
on the North Shore of Auckland with her husband, singer Jurie Els and their
2 kids, Chrizette (3) and Jason (2). She gives back to the community by
voluntarily acting as a sports coach at the NorthSport Academy, training the
GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTSWOMEN
High jumping Hestrie helps Kiwi kids
“Bays Cougars”
athletes at the
Millennium
Institute.
Academy
manager Dave
Norris says that he
is very excited that
Hestrie and her family chose the North Shore as their home, and that she is
so keen to share her knowledge and experience with their athletes.
“We are in the process of selecting athletes from the Bays Cougars club
for regular training in Hestrie’s squad,” he adds, “and we invite others to
join in.”
The NorthSport Academy coaching team has 27 coaches, many with
international experience and success, over the entire range of more than 20
different track and field events.
Hestrie was born in 1978 in Germiston, South Africa and was discovered
at the tender age of 13 by her long-time coach Martin Marx, who encouraged
her through her senior school years at Lichtenberg High School and later
introduced her to the world stage.
She has always put great significance on having a strong mind, much of
which she attributes to her faith.
She recently wrote an autobiography of her life in Afrikaans which she
entitled “My Pyn, my Glorie.” The publication can be ordered by sending an
e-mail to [email protected]. We are indeed fortunate to have someone as
professional and successful as Hestrie here in NZ to contribute to the future
of our own young up and coming athletes. Thank you, Hestrie!
Those wishing to become members of the NorthSport Academy should phone
09-477 2035 and ask for Dave Norris.
Source: North Shore Times. Editorial by Ted Woodberg.
Step aside Gary, Ernie and the ‘Goose’ – here comes Shrek!
Little known South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen (nick
named “Shrek”) has amazed the crowds at this year’s
British Open by putting himself within range of winning the
competition at St Andrews.
He is upstaging the world’s best by holding a five shot lead atop the leader
board. His best ever finish at major was 73rd at the 2008 US PGA.
Well done, Louis! Go for it and take the title!
Jurie Els is currently planning an NZ tour with popular South-African
singer Gerrie Pretorius for December 2010. He is also collaborating
with musical director Edwin Randall to produce a big musical theatre
production called “SA Gold / SA Goud” which will tour New Zealand
and possibly also Australia next year. If you are a good musician or
singer who wants to be part of this, get in touch with Jurie at 09-
4146336 or [email protected]
Hestrie Cloete
South AfricanThe
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If you close your eyes while watching this dynamic lady
perform on stage you will instinctively think of that
powerhouse of rock’n’roll, Janis Joplin. P J Powers has that
same wide ranged raspy voice that made Joplin so famous and
which branded PJ as a top flight entertainer, catapulting her
fairly and squarely on to the international music stage during
the 80’s and the 90’s.
PJ Powers became an icon during this period because she crossed over
into the world of African music that had already been successfully explored
by Johnny Clegg, Mango Groove and others. Her nickname was “Thandeka”
which is a Zulu word meaning “the loved one,” given to her by the black
people that she sang with during the darkest years of apartheid and the
“awakening” years after the release of Mandela. P J often collaborated with
black artists like Ladysmith Black Mambaza, Miriam Makeba and Harry
Belafonte. Her blatant anti-apartheid views often got her into trouble and
in 1988 she was banned from radio and TV for a year by the SA government
for her performance at a charity concert for war orphans in Zimbabwe.
During this setback Nelson Mandela sent her a letter from Victor Verster
Prison in Cape Town, encouraging her to continue with her music, which was
becoming a mouthpiece for the disenfranchised black people of Southern
Africa.
Her most famous song was World in Union, which was performed in
front of an enthusiastic crowd at the opening of the 1995 Rugby World Cup
at Ellis Park in Johannesburg together with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The
live TV link was watched by millions of rugby fans around the world.
Then PJ gave us incredible hits like Jabulani, Feel so Strong, You’re so
Good to Me, There is an Answer and Home to Africa, all self-penned. The
songs reflected a strong African influence and showed her passion and
patriotism towards the country that she loved.
PJ Powers was born Penelope Jane Dunlop on 16th July 1960 in Durban,
KwaZulu-Natal and started out in the music business at the tender age of
19 as the front singer for an all-girl pop group known as Pantha. She later
became the lead singer of a Johannesburg group called Hotline that formed
in 1980, and through PJ’s influence the group adopted an Afro-rock style
that landed them a handful of good, solid number one hits. When the group
disbanded in 1987, PJ launched her solo career.
She has shared the stage with Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Hugh
Masakela, Divine Divas, Sibongile Khumalo, Janet Suzman and other big names.
She has sung for Queen Elizabeth, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Beatrix
of the Netherlands. She performed at the inauguration of President Nelson
Mandela and also wrote a song for him to celebrate his 85th birthday which
she sang at a special function for Madiba in 2003 that was attended by Bill
Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.
PJ has garnered a number of awards during her musical career spanning
some 15 years. In June 2003 the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
honoured her and singer Sibongile Khumalo with their prestigious annual
award, given to those who promote peace and reconciliation through music.
Later that same year she received Pick’n’Pay’s
“Stars of Charity” award for “making a difference in uplifting the youth
of South Africa.”
She has had an active involvement in the Reach for a Dream Charity
Foundation as well as the Hamlet Foundation.
In 2004 she was voted by the South African public in a widely publicised
popularity survey as number 93 in the Top 100 Greatest South Africans of
all time.
After more than 25 years in the limelight, PJ is still coming up with new
ideas and she pleasantly surprised her ardent fans in 2006 with her 15th
record release, a brand new album featuring a hatchful of songs simply
entitled Sondela, which means “come closer” in Zulu. Recently re-released
and created by prodigious SA record producer Victor Masondo it reflects PJ’s
truly African soul. Always the first lady of racial equality, she has surprised the
critics with this larger than life album revealing her aspiration to pay homage
to the country of her birth. Her lyrics are thought provoking and honest and
tracks like “When Madiba Dances” and “Rolihlahla” bring out the patriot in
us through the love and respect that she pays to our beloved ex-president
Nelson Mandela.
Well done, PJ. South Africans all around the world are proud of you. Keep
up the good work.
Source: PJ Powers Facebook.
P J Powers
South AfricanThe
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by Ted Woodberg
THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE
P J PowersShe’s got the power!
by Ted Woodberg
South AfricanThe
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The wacky looking Indian greengrocer looks previous SA boxer
Mike Schutte in the eyes and tirades about the damage
he has caused to his street vegetable stand. Mike pleads his
innocence, but the Indian, taller than his adversary, starts
finger-pointing and advancing on Mike who is backing up and
tripping over the cabbages in the road. But then Mike becomes
angry and retaliates with a string of Afrikaans expletives that
are bleeped out of the movie. Now it is the Indian’s turn to back
off, because he knows that one punch from this angry man
could send him into orbit. Just at the right moment, the wig
comes off, and the Indian screams:-
“Hey, Mike, stop! It’s me…..Leon Schuster!!”
The confused boxer stares at Leon and then bursts out
laughing.
SOUTH AFRICAN COMEDY MAESTROS
Leon Schuster Who can forget this classic scene from the movie “You Must Be Joking”
written and produced by the comedy king of South African movies and music,
the maestro himself, Leon Ernest Schuster. Although some of his gags involve
celebrities and the situations he creates are often embarrassing, he always
somehow manages to get consent from the hapless celebrities to include the
clips in his movies. He is obviously a good salesman.
Leon was born in 1951 and from an early age he loved to play pranks on
people. He started at home with his brother and an old home movie camera.
The butt of his jokes was his parents and often the results were not only
hilarious, but also painful for the two boys after the prank when they received
the punishment that was due to them!
After completing high school in Vereeniging he went on to study a BA at
the University of the Orange Free State. He began his working life as a high
school teacher in Bloemfontein. One wonders if the students he taught ever
had a chance to play any pranks on their teacher? Probably not. Knowing
Leon, he would have made the students rather laugh at themselves than at
him.
In 1975 Schuster moved on to a radio job with the South African
Broadcasting Corporation, and together with Fanus Rautenbach started an
Afrikaans talk show where he would disguise his voice and take the mickey
out of unsuspecting victims.
Besides his natural comedic talent, Leon is also an accomplished singer
and it wasn’t long before he was singing “rugby songs” for his adoring
Afrikaans sports fans. Starting in 1982 and working with Decibel Records he
produced CD’s like Leon Schuster, Broekskeur and Briekdans; all laced with
the usual ‘tongue-in-cheek’ idiocy and irrepressible humour that became
his bench mark.
After the 1995 Springbok Rugby World Cup victory, Leon jumped to the
opportunity by producing his most successful CD to date, “Hier Kom Die
Bokke” which was voted as the Best Selling CD of 1995 and earned him an
FNB Sama music Award.
This was followed by “Gautvol in Paradise” which sold more than 125
000 units and spawned the hit song Gautengeling which many Afrikaans
Jo’burgers have voted as the unofficial anthem for Gauteng.
Leon never forgot the old movie camera that he enjoyed as a child and
so his movie career jump started in 1986 with the release of “You Must Be
Joking,” which was a slightly different take on the American “Candid Camera”
theme, although the idea was the same. The movie was made up of a series
“Leon lives to make you laugh... And loves it!”
by Ted Woodberg
South AfricanThe
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of pranks where Schuster was dressed up in a variety of
ethnic disguises, taking the mickey out of South Africans,
especially across ethnic lines, which made South Africans
look up and see that their inter-cultural differences were
not so drastic, and when exposed, produced hilarious
results. This was the genius of Schuster – making South
Africans laugh at themselves.
Leon’s success in the movie business became
exponential as he carefully rolled out a notable series of
releases like “Here Comes Untag,” Zoeloe on my Stoep,”
“Short and Sweet,” Panic Mechanic” and “The Millennium
Menace.”
His movies were greeted with much success overseas
because they all contained the essential magic ingredients
for a laugh – the successful prank. In Germany “Zoeloe on
My Stoep” became the second biggest box office earner
after Bruce Willis’s “Die Hard” series, but only after they
changed the name of the movie to “Yankee Zulu.” Why?
Who knows? I thought the word “stoep” had Dutch/
German origins.
The Schuster stable of movies was eclipsed in the new
millennium by a universal blockbuster that was directed
by Gray Hofmeyr and produced by Anant Singh. The movie
“Bones” became a box office hit overnight in 2001 earning
R33 million for the stable. It appealed to audiences
worldwide because of its typical “African” theme.
Since then Schuster has drawn on the despair of
all South African people living there; watching as their
precious homeland disintegrates into a nation of rampant,
violent crime and questionable governance. This was
vividly portrayed in his 2004 movie “Oh Schuks .........I’m
Gatvol,” which loosely translates into “Oh Damn, I’m Fed
Up!”
A follow up movie on the “Bones” theme produced another SA box office
hit “Mama Jack” in 2005 that kept the stable cash tills ringing.
Leon couldn’t resist doing “Bones” again, so in 2008 he brought out “Mr
Bones 2: Back from the Past” that was well received by the SA public at
large.
There is no doubt that our very own Leon Schuster holds the most
prestigious and sought after crown as the most successful SA comedic mirth
maker of all time.
And there are no signs that he is standing still in his career right now. Who
knows what dark and dastardly pranks are currently being cooked up by this
genius for his next movie?
Well done, Leon. You are a hero wherever the SA flag is flown. We wish
you well in your future career.
See www.leonschuster.co.za.
Leon Schuster, Vanashree Singh and AnantSingh
The Super Soccer Twins
The All White soccer team from NZ were extremely
fortunate to be accompanied by two highly accomplished
female sports physicians that were both blonde and beautiful.
And besides that, they are both SA ex-pats born on the same day! The
Super Soccer Twins, Celeste and Liesel Geertsema, both 41, are identical not
only in looks but in the careers that they chose, i.e. sports doctors.
They were very excited to be chosen to support the team because they
would be returning to their hometown, Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg,
where the All Whites were based for training purposes.
The two ladies were fated to do many things together, even the act of
immigration, which they did on the same ‘plane from London, where they
had both worked previously as obstetricians.
Celeste has been involved with the All Whites as team physician since
2003 and Liesel is currently medical director of national cycling organization
Bike NZ. Liesel was particularly excited to join her twin sister on this campaign
because she hasn’t been back to South Africa since 1999.
People often ask them why they chose the same career. They both laugh
and say, almost with the same voice:
“We don’t know! But why go separate ways when at the end of the day
we love being together?”
Well, done girls! The trip must have been a lot of fun, and besides that,
you both got paid for it!
Editorial by Ted Woodberg. Source: Woman’s Day Magazine.
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Neil B Clarke CFP (SA)- ex Durban
Phone: 09 915 0100, Email: [email protected] www.hwp.co.nz
(10 years in NZ - HWP Ltd trading since 2001)
South AfricanThe
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2010 WORLD CUP SOCCER REPORT
Welcome home, the undefeated All Whites!Match Results:
Vs Slovakia – 1:1 Draw;
Vs Italy - 1:1 Draw;
Vs Paraguay – 0:0 Draw.
Despite being totally “gutted” by their first round exit from
the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, the All Whites can
hold their heads up high.
This has been their first opportunity to qualify in the 32 team contest
since 1982, so their appearance as “minnows” did not make them the most
likely contenders to end up in the final! After all, they lost every single first
round game that they played in 1982, so their undefeated performance at
this year’s contest was remarkable to say the least.
To have held the current World Champions Italy to a 1:1 draw in a fiercely
competitive and defensive game was admirable.
All Whites coach Ricki Herbert says that he is enormously proud of his
team’s unbeaten record but equally disappointed that it was not enough to
make the knock out stage.
Skipper Ryan Nelson’s only comment was that he was “gutted” by the
outcome, especially after having the whole country behind them including
Prime Minister John Key who made a special flight to South Africa to watch
the Paraguay match after the superb encounter with Italy that had every
Kiwi overwhelmed with excitement and hope for the team’s progress in the
competition.
Nelson apologised to the Kiwi public for “coming so close and not getting
there,” but his apologies were swept away when they arrived at Auckland
airport to a heroes’ welcome.
Unfortunately South Africa also got knocked out in the first round despite
their win over France in the last match of the group.
Match Results: Vs Mexico – 1:1 draw; Vs Uruguay – 0:1 loss;
Vs France – 2:1 Win.
The best result of all was the tight security at each venue and the complete
lack of any notable violence associated with the whole event. Minor reports
of petty crime were considered normal for an event of this magnitude. South
Africa can be truly proud about the way in which they prepared for the Cup
and how well each event was organised.
EX-SOUTH AFRICAN?
Access your retirement annuities now!Take it all in cash at any age
Visit www.julianhaw.com for more details
CONTACT: JULIAN HAW ACIS; CFPAuthorised Financial Services Provider No. 6082
Email: [email protected] Box 10672, Marine Parade, 4056, South AfricaTel: 2731 207 6295 Fax: 2731 207 6298
South AfricanThe
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SOLVING THE
SA RETIREMENT ANNUITY DILEMMA
Dave Upfold is happy!
Dave is a former respected independent financial
advisor from Durban. He is now a Kiwi. Like many
South Africans Dave immigrated to N.Z without the hassle
of formally emigrating from South Africa.
At the back of his mind he knew that “one day” he would do
something with his Retirement Annuities.
Dave is very happy because he has found a solution to his Retirement
Annuity problem and it is easier than he thought.
A. The South African government has changed the rules so that he
can now get all his retirement annuity surrender values without
having to purchase a lifetime pension which has no guarantees of
future exchange rate changes.
B. He found that Julian Haw, a former colleague of 25 years still
residing in Durban does everything for him.
Dave is now a well known busy entertainer who specializes
in magic/hypnosis fund raising shows in New Zealand and he is
also a motivational speaker. Any charities, schools or businesses
who are interested in hosting a magic/hypnosis show, contact
Julian Haw - [email protected].
This is the catchy slogan of new ex-SA immigrants Gary
and Antonella Hodgson who have embarked on a new
business venture that will bring a smile to all households
and businesses that have smelly, unhygienic wheely waste
containers.
This resourceful couple have come up with an idea that is probably totally
unique in New Zealand; the on-site cleaning of your refuse wheely bins. They
have designed a unique system whereby they can draw up alongside your
GARY AND ANTONELLA HODGSON
“Wheely Kleen is really clean”wheely bin in the street with a trailer and give it a high pressure wash and
a chem-clean that will leave it smelling like a pine forest with the added
advantage of incorporating a chemical that will repel cockroaches, ants,
spiders and even chase away vermin! In addition, the chemicals used by
Wheely Kleen are completely environment-friendly.
Gary has already received a positive response from the local business
community who find the hygiene of their refuse containers very important,
especially those involved in the food industry. Always ready to collaborate
with other ex-SA entrepreneurs, he first approached the newly established
“Serengeti” restaurant which has become hugely popular amongst our ex-pat
community for its ability to replicate the ‘Golden Spur’ formula in its unique
menus and restaurant layout features. And….voila! Gary had their full support
and they were his first customers!
Gary and his family arrived as new immigrants from Cape Town in early
2010 with their two boys Dijon age 11 and Alessandro age 7. In SA Gary
had his own business in the commercial and industrial property sector and
Antonella was in the promotional world.
Their mission statement is:- “We look forward to the opportunity of
making a difference in people’s lives, albeit in a small way, by alleviating a
mundane task such as washing and sanitizing your refuse bins.”
Remember ...WHEELY KLEEN IS REALLY CLEAN!
For more info on this unique sanitary service contact:
Gary or Antonella on Tel: 09-476 4506 or mobile 021 181 0080 or
e-mail them on [email protected].
Check out their website www.wheelykleen.co.nz
If you are a new arrival in NZ you are likely to meet up
with other ex-SA settlers who have been here a few years.
Naturally the conversation turns to finding common ground:
immigration experiences and expectations.
With a few years experience of living in NZ behind them, the latter
group will have many views about how life is in NZ or what Kiwis are like.
These opinions about settling in NZ are mostly shared with the intention
to encourage new arrivals with either optimistic comments or to prepare
them for realistic obstacles ahead. At times however new arrivals could
be painted a bleak picture about how difficult it is to form friendships with
Kiwis, or the loss and costs of settling in NZ are emphasized. I don’t dispute
that many ex-SA migrants have been through a hard time or may still be
struggling a few years after arriving in NZ. Like most new SA immigrants
they likely started out with high hopes and clear plans for personal progress
in their immigration process. Often the aim at the outset is quickly getting
to a similar standard of living as they had in SA. This may include setting
definite milestones by which success is measured, such as, how long it should
take to own a home again, how many Kiwi or other friends they will have,
deadlines for financial recovery to pre-immigration levels and being happily
settled in a great job etc.
For many valid reasons, such as unresolved SA traumas, personal factors,
social, economic or work environments or just bad breaks, life in NZ may
not work out as smoothly as planned. Not reaching set milestones and
timelines can result in feelings of failure, regret, disappointment, stress and
unhappiness. For example, after a few years of trying to integrate, many ex
SA’s find that they have no close Kiwi friends. Understandably discouraged,
such individuals could cynically conclude that efforts to establish friendships
with Kiwis are futile or forming friendships with other SA expats is the only
alternative.
Some new SA immigrants, anxious to find certainty (predictability) at this
stage of their lives, may unwittingly take these bleak views on board. This
could shape negative perceptions of their NZ immigration experience and set
up self-fulfilling beliefs or prophecies for their future experience. In this way,
adjustment of new SA immigrants could be artificially hampered, making the
immigration experience more difficult than it already is.
For those ex-SA’s who have been here a few years; it helps to be aware of
your actual personal experience which should be separated from a second
hand collection of perceptions by disgruntled ex-SA settlers. Whatever
your experience may be, difficult or easy; if you express it as your personal
experience it will be insightful and helpful to new arrivals. Remember to also
include your highlights and successes, which will give both you and your
listener a more balanced perspective.
If you are an SA expat who has struggled to settle for a long time, your
outlook and circumstances could still improve with minor adjustments.
However, if after trying to adjust for a few years in NZ, you remain negative
about living here; are depressed; stressed; not able or prepared to move back
to SA or elsewhere; then maybe it is time to seek professional help.
Finally, successfully surviving immigration and thriving in NZ is clearly
not a smooth, consistently even road but, just like life, it may take a number
of unexpected twists and turns. So enjoy the ride wherever you are on your
journey. If on a bumpy stretch at the moment, there is bound to be smooth
downhill sections waiting around the corner.
Parts 1 and 2 of this highly informative series can be found in past Issues
numbered 13 and 14 respectively.
Cecil Wiehahn is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and has lived in NZ with
his wife and two children for six years. Practice address: Unit T, 6 Rosedale Rd, Mairangi
Bay, North Shore, Auckland. Tel: 09-626 9612 or Mobile: 021 071 7442.
E-mail: [email protected].
South AfricanThe
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Cecil Wiehahn
PAVING THE WAY FOR NEW ARRIVALS:
Psychological challenges facing
SA ex pats in NZ We present the final part of this three-part series written by
ex-SA Cecil Wiehahn, Clinical Psychologist, on the challenges facing
new immigrants
Immigration to New Zealand has been on top of the agenda
for our politicians in order to make the move out of the
sludge of the last world recession a reality. OK. So how does
New Zealand attract more immigrants? We bring them in on
the basis of their skills, their business acumen and how much
money they have.
If you own a business in SA and are looking at ways of doing the same in
NZ or if you are toying with the idea of setting up or buying a business in NZ
as an option to seeking NZ permanent residence then read on…….
One of the pathways to gaining residency status in NZ is via the
Entrepreneur Category. Under this category you would be able to apply
for a 3 year business (work) visa called a “Long Term Business Visa.” Then
after the first two years, provided that all is going well with your business
and you have also met the conditions of “benefiting NZ”, you can apply for
residence.
What does this mean?For the Entrepreneur Category (Long Term Business Visa for 3 years) the
criteria requires that:
a] You have been self employed in the business for a minimum of two
years, and
b] you need to prove that the business is “benefiting New Zealand”, in
other words it would promote New Zealand’s economic growth. This can be
achieved by showing proof that the business:-
• has introduced new, or enhanced existing technology;
• requires specialised management/technical skills;
• has introduced new, or enhanced existing products/services;
• has created new, or expanded existing export markets;
• has created employment for a New Zealand citizen or resident; or
revitalised an existing New Zealand business.
Last but not least, the business needs to be trading profitably on the
date the residence application is lodged or you can prove to Immigration
that the business clearly has the potential to become profitable within the
following 12 months.
Another option is via the Investor Category. If you have NZ$1.5 million
to invest in New Zealand, by purchasing shares, a business, or commercial
property – as a passive investor - you would then be able to immediately
apply for New Zealand permanent residence, conditional to your investment
being held in NZ for a period of four years.
There are so many immigrants who are trying to come into NZ using the
“Skilled Migrant” category and the “points” system that they have forgotten
about this category that could make their journey much easier.
With the recession losing its grip too slowly there are many NZ businesses
that have not been able to recover fast enough and so the owners have given
up the struggle and put their businesses up for sale; or the owner could be
a baby boomer wanting to retire.
This is creating a huge opportunity for new immigrants who have some
capital to invest in a business in New Zealand. If they have any expertise in
the business that is being sold and they can prove this to the immigration
authorities, they have an open door.
Certain conditions apply for both options above, health and character requirements
will need to be met, and proof of English Language proficiency may need to be provided.
If you would like to know more, it is important that you get expert advice from a qualified
licensed immigration adviser. North Shore Immigration can provide this service and
specialises in these policies.
E-mail North Shore Immigration [email protected] or
call us on : (+649) 415 3392.
by Simona Woodberg
The Entrepreneur Category:Is this the “easy access” route for new migrants?
South AfricanThe
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Immigration service you can trust
Immigration service you can trust
We specialise in all forms of Immigration policies from
Student permitsLong term Business Visas,
Family Work.Permits, Investor
Category, Permanent Resi-dence. Work Permits,
Family Category, Student permits
Call now on 09 415 3392North Shore Immigration Services
www.nsis.co.nzEmail: [email protected]
Address: 17 Corinthian Drive Albany North Shore
Help for new immigrants
The “Auckland Regional
Migrant Services Charitable
Trust” (ARMS) is a non-profit
organizat ion which ass ist s
migrants to settle successfully in
the Auckland Region.
Are you looking for Job Search
Assistance? The “Auckland Regional Migrant Services” is offering Job Search
Workshops in Three Kings, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere City. The
workshops are held ones a month at the above centres, from 9.30am to
1.00pm. To register for any of our employment assistance seminars and
workshops, please call on 09.652 2440, or email at reception@arms-mrc.
org.nz.
ARMS’ Job Search Seminars, both generic and specialist, along with
individualised employment follow-up support, are particularly suitable for
newcomers on Permanent Resident or Work to Residence visas, but are open
to all newcomers, including those from the Pacific Islands.
Also run at the ARMS Three Kings and Manukau centres are Interviewing
Skills Workshops (Career Services), a volunteer work experience scheme, and
Job Search Support Club, all useful opportunities for newcomers to obtain
more targeted advice and up-skilling.
Our programmes include Migrant & Refugee Employment Assistance,
volunteering opportunities, referrals to other organisations/programmes and
an English Advisory Service (user pay).
Website: www.arms-mrc.org.nz or contact Shoma Prasad, Public Relations Officer,
532 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings Plaza, Three Kings, Auckland. PO Box 27 367, Mt Roskill,
Auckland. Phone: 09-625 2440 ext 735. E-mail: [email protected].
MSc MB ChB FCS(SA) FRCSC FRACSTristan de Chalain
Specialist Cosmeticand ReconstructivePlastic Surgeon
Consulting in Auckland, Tauranga, Pukekohe andnow Botany Downs
Immediate Past PresidentNew Zealand Foundation for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery NZACPS
www.cosmeticsurgery.org.nz
0274 531 [email protected]
021 440 [email protected]
Authorised by Alan Woodford, 51 Medallion Dr, Albany www.candr.org.nz
Introducing... Albany Ratepayers’ Candidates
Linda Cooper & Josephine Kim
What we stand for:• Lowest possible rates and charges
• Communities making local decisions
• Investing in effective public transport
and critical road links eg.Penlink/Weiti
Crossing
• Focusing on core council business
• Building clean, safe and secure
neighborhoods
• Providing quality community facilities
in the right places
• Putting people first
• Encouraging economic prosperity
• Teamwork at the council table
• Making the Auckland region succeed
Josephine has worked as a senior lawyer for two premier law firms
in Auckland, Russell McVeagh and Brookfields Lawyers, specializing in
commercial property, trade and investment. With over a decade of New
Zealand legal experience, she believes that she can make positive contributions
as a councillor towards the economic prosperity and sound planning of
Auckland. She has a good knowledge of how the system works, especially
when it comes to resource management.
Linda has served two terms as a City Councillor. She has extensive
community governance experience and is currently Chairman of both
West Auckland Hospice and Western Refuge. Linda is also Chairman of the
Waitakere City Council Northern Area Urban Development Committee and a
Director of Waitakere City Holdings Company. She has significant experience
working at a regional level in local government.
We are standing for election to represent our community on the Auckland
Council and we would appreciate your vote.
It will be our priority to protect citizens and ratepayers from waste,
inefficiency and to ensure transparency in council.
Please feel free to contact us anytime. We are happy to answer any of
your questions or meet at any time to hear what is important to you.
Authorised by: Alan Woodford, 51 Medallion Dr, Albany
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SA Superstar Dozi heads for our shores!
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With an enviable clutch of South African music awards
under his belt this amazing performer is now ready
to turn on NZ audiences with his unique style of popular
Afrikaans/ethnic music.
Dozi is a South African musician who first appeared on the Johan Stemmet
hosted show on SATV “Noot vir Noot” as a guest artist. With his popularity
well established he was invited by the SABC to host and perform in a show
of his own entitled “Kom ‘n Bietjie Binne” and he is also known for being
a celebrity coach on the second and third seasons of the SA reality talent
show, “Supersterre.”
Since the age of 12 Dozi has been performing on stage, singing and
playing guitar. In 1999 he recorded and released his first self-penned album,
“Mercy” which received a SAMA nomination for best newcomer. The CD had
undeniable Zulu/gospel threads that gave it immediate recognition amongst
the emerging SA African ethnic music market.
His follow-up album, “Op Annvrag” hit the charts and made him an
overnight success with sales in excess of 100 000.
Dozi has had successful collaborations with other SA stars like Anton
Goosen, SA Pop Idol Bianca and Irene van Wyk but his crowning achievements
were being appointed as an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation
and a highly successful tour of the USA, both of which took place in 2005. In
the same year he achieved the “Vonk Music Award” in the ‘Song of the Year”
category for his own composition “Grassade in die Wind” as well as ‘Best Solo
Artist’ for his 2005 release “Kruispad.”
The good news for all local Dozi fans is that he will be visiting New Zealand
for an exclusive tour from the 13th to the 24th October 2010 that will include
venues across both islands with the main show taking place in Auckland at
the Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna on Saturday 16th October.
Dozi will be hosted by the Afrikaanse Club of New Zealand so watch their website
http://www.afrikaans.org.nz for more details closer to the time.
SETTLEMENT SUPPORT NEW ZEALAND (SSNZ) AND LINKZ
Adapting to the Kiwi way of life
When you first arrive in New Zealand you may need
immediate and ongoing settlement support. Settlement
Support New Zealand connects migrants and refugees with
existing services in local communities.
There are settlement support offices represented in all of the major centres around
New Zealand that have dedicated staff willing to help you via workshops, meetings,
discussions, brochures, magazines, advisory booklets, job searches etc.
Each local Settlement Support initiative
• identifies local settlement support needs and the services that can meet them
• connects individuals with information and services that support their
settlement
• supports mainstream services in meeting the needs of new migrants and
refugees
• ensures there is a clear local point of contact for migrants and refugees to access
the information that they need to settle.
Please phone 0800 SSNZ4U (0800 776 948) to contact your nearest settlement
support initiative. This number is free to call from New Zealand.
Also helpful to new migrants is LINKZ magazine, which is published by Immigration
New Zealand. It is distributed free to new migrants each quarter and has a whole host
of useful tips for new migrants including immigration rules and regulations, income
tax, the NZ banking system, employment and education etc.
The South African Magazine was recently requested to participate in the June
2010 issue of LINKZ by contributing an article on the South African Community.
In addition, our very own Kevin and Belinda Van Den Berg were profiled as a new
immigrant family who had experienced the trauma of immigration and they
contributed their story.
Sharon Williams & Natalie Sparg
SA social
’The South African’ Editorial Team:
L to R – Ted, Peter and Norma with John.
Visit by Mayor John Banks
Prime candidate for Mayor of the new Super City of Auckland, John Banks, made a visit
to our regular social evening on the 2nd July to meet and greet the SA community. He kept
us in fits of laughter with his banter on the current antics of our high profile politicians but
he drew attention to his election campaign that would place him in a good position to serve
and protect the interests of the entire City of Auckland with his special brand
of good governance.
and protect the interests of the entire City of A
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to ou
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’The SSouthth AAffriican’’ EdEdiitoriiall TTeam:
Photos by John-Wesley Franklin
Ann McDonald with John
South AfricanThe
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We were well entertained by our own SA music band “Synergy” who are:
Bob Sadler - Rythm & Lead Guitar & vocals
Graeme Bruton - Base Guitar & vocals
Terry Taylor -Drums
Maynard Reyes -Rythm Guitar
Craig Newth - Rythm & Lead Guitar & vocals
Once Issue One had hit the streets and the new magazine
was well received by the SA community in general, the
two Woodberg brothers felt confident that they had ‘filled
the vacuum’ that was left behind after the closure of the
“Connections” magazine.
However, Issue Two was not born without travail. At the time, Peter had
to go overseas on a business trip, so the production of the whole issue was
left in Ted’s hands. As a first time publisher, he was totally out of his depth
and he literally hacked his way through the media thoroughfare to get Issue
Two with its beautiful front cover of the African Cheetahs prepared, edited
and distributed before the return of his older brother from overseas. At that
stage it was decided that the magazine would be published every two months
with six issues per annum.
During 2008 the popularity of the magazine grew in leaps and bounds.
Patrons were coming into the various distribution outlets of the magazine
and asking for copies well after the entire stock had been depleted. On this
basis, Peter and Ted were able to secure medium term contracts from their
advertisers which gave the magazine a modicum of stability, but it was an
exhausting job that drew inordinate demands on their spare time. Ted recalls
spending entire week-ends piecing together articles and squeezing in adverts
in order to keep the paying customers happy. At that stage the worldwide
recession was starting to bite and it was becoming harder and harder to keep
advertisers on board.
In early 2009 Peter and Ted realised that they needed an extra pair of
hands to help them with the advertising, especially someone with media
experience. Then along came Norma Vaz, who had spent most of her life in
newspaper and magazine advertising and who was happy to use her spare
time to take over this important portfolio.
Norma has been a valuable member of our team and has tirelessly pushed
through one of the most difficult recession years in New Zealand history with
impressive advertising results, as all readers of our magazine will testify.
As we progress through 2010, the “triumvirate” (Peter, Ted and Norma)
want to say to the South African ex-pat community at large in New Zealand
a huge THANK YOU for your invaluable support in keeping this precious
magazine on the streets and on the computers of the many readers around
the world who receive electronic copies.
If you want to advertise in “The South African” contact Norma on 021 043 7342 or
From small beginnings
How the South African Magazine started
We present the last part of this two part article on the birth of this publication.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Come and be a part of the vibrant ex- SA
community here in Auckland. Join in the fun
and help each other by networking effectively.SOCIAL EVENTS: We have a monthly fun social get together at the
Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay on the first Friday
evening of each month starting at 6pm. Our next social will take place
on Friday 6th August and after that on Friday 3rd September 2010.
BUSINESS NETWORKING: As new immigrants you will be given a
chance of introducing yourself to our regular attendees and we will
ensure that you are entered on to the SANZ Business data base in order
for all members to be able to access your details. Bring your business
card!
Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the
Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay commencing 6pm.
Next meetings: Wednesdays August 4th, 18th; September 1st, 15th.
SA NEW ARRIVALS CLUB: In order to help you settle in to your new
life in NZ this club holds meetings on the SECOND Wednesday evening
of each month at a superb venue in a park like setting that will allow
your kids to have fun while you listen to some good advice. The venue
is the Kawai Parapura Retreat Centre, 14 Mills Lane, Albany off Oteha
Valley Road.
Next two meetings: Aug 11th, September 8th. Time: from 6pm to 8 pm.
A NEW CLUB ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF AUCKLAND
Thanks to Ian Mellett of Quay Law this club is now a reality! The first
meeting took place on 30th July 2010 and we will show you pictures of
this great event in our next issue.
All SA ex-pat Aucklanders living in the prestigious South Shore area are
welcome to attend these club meetings that will take place regularly on
the last Friday evening of each month. There will be the normal traditional
SA fare, good music and a great opportunity to meet other members of
the SA community living here.
The venue is Remuera Bowling Club, 6 Market Road, Remuera and the
fun will start at 6.30 pm, so bring the whole family along. There will be
facilities provided for young children. The next meetings will take place
on 27th August and 24th September. For more details contact Ian Mellett
on 09-523 2408 or the editors.
MAIRANGI BAY SANZ COFFEE CLUB
Calling all SA housewives or retirees who are looking to socialize with
others and share their stories! This club meets once per month on the
2nd Thursday of each month. The Venue: Café Windsor, 542 East Coast
Road, Mairangi Bay, in front of the Baptist Church opposite the entrance
to Hastings Road. Travel down a little road next to Kentucky Fried Chicken
where you will find plenty of safe parking. Time: 10 am to 12pm. Next
meetings: August 12th, September 9th.
By Peter and Ted Woodberg and Norma Vaz
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This South African born hunk started his acting career in
TV commercials, but after being bitten by the acting bug,
his career took off and now he takes the part of Daniel Potts in
the popular local TV series, Shortland Street.
Ido first arrived at these shores from South Africa with his parents when
he was only eight years old. After getting a good old fashioned Kiwi education
he moved on to Massey University where he took up studies in business and
began working in the property development industry.
While at school Ido did a little dabbling in Speech and Drama and later
he featured in six TV commercials, two of which advertised “Weet Bix” and
“KFC.” In 2007 he decided to take his acting career seriously and enrolled in
the 2 year Meisner Acting Course. Right now he is in New York City having a
good look at how professional actors do it on Broadway.
Ido says that he has been given an awesome opportunity here in New
Zealand at the young age of 22 and he believes that his role in Shortland
Street will be a stepping stone into the wild and wonderful world of
professional acting that he loves so much. His father, Dirk Drent, is also quite
famous. He is a highly respected urologist, with his own consulting practice
operating from various centres across Auckland.
When asked about his most embarrassing moment while being filmed, he
blushes and recounts the story of the day when the set was full of extras and
IDO DRENT TELLS US…
How he became a ‘Shortland Street’ star!
IDO DRENT TELLS US
while the cameras were rolling he accidentally broke wind. All of the actors
carried on as though nothing had happened, and all the producers had to do
afterwards was erase the sound! Needless to say when the cameras stopped
rolling there were a few guffaws, and Ido felt a bit silly, but everyone on the
set knew it was the most natural thing in the world!
The good news for all the ladies out there is that Ido doesn’t have a
serious girlfriend, just a whole bunch of good friends from his acting circles
and University days with whom he hangs out and drinks loads of coffee. In
his spare time he plays tennis, rugby and cricket and his advice to all young
aspiring actors here in NZ is…”believe in yourself; ignore your critics; start
acting, start learning, watch movies, read books…. and just start.”
Thanks for the advice, Ido, and we wish you well in your future acting
career.
Editorial by Ted Woodberg. For more information on Ido Drent or ‘Shortland Street,’
contact Rachael Keereweer on [email protected].
Mezzanine level office - area of approx. 41m2 . Shared facilities ...Storage available.Off Constellation drive in Vega Place. Mairangi Bay. North Shore Auckland.
phone owner Allison Milne
(09) 479 9603 or 027 2493804
Office to Lease
Ido Drent (centre) with co-stars from Shortland Street.
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