New Zealand grieves for the loss of 29 coal miners lost in the Pike River Coal Mine explosion on 19th November, 2010. Any hope of rescuing the miners evaporated when the mine exploded a second time....and now there have been 4 big explosions and a fire is burning fiercely.
Located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, Pike River mine disaster is not the first in an area where mining is one of the main industries.
The stories that unfolded about these wonderful men show a side of humanity we don't hear about often enough.
Mining tends to run in families where sometimes three generations are all working in the same industry.There were many father and sons, and/or brothers working together.
The youngest of the 29 men had just turned 17 the day before, starting his first day of work early because he was so excited to have this job. There were more young men...one about to be married, others with pregnant partners....family men with young children. And then there were the older fathers and grandfathers.... each with an interesting life story.Not all were miners.....ten were in the construction industry and contracted doing building work.
Hopefully the support of the country, and indeed from around the world, will help their families, friends and loved ones as they grieve and come to terms with their loss.
It will be hard for those miners left behind too. Their mates are gone, their work place closed and uncertainty as to whether their jobs will ever be there again makes it very difficult, especially in such a small community.
Coasters...as we call them, are a resilient, hardy bunch.They still have the old school ethos of helping others in need, willingly and selflessly.
As we watched the events unfold on the news and saw the contributions so many locals made to help where they could, I was reminded of the wonderful response to our personal need on a caravan trip a few years ago.Everyone offered help and some gave up quite a lot of their time to help us on our way.
There have been numerous volunteers working for days to prepare for the Memorial service tomorrow when around 7,000 are expected in Greymouth.One caterer has provided meals for families and site crews....and is organising the catering for this huge gathering. Everyone pitches in.
It is this wonderful community spirit that will get the miners families through the next weeks and months. Many lessons can be learned from this disaster. Not just about mining and mine safety....but about the human spirit and the importance of being there for each other.
Peter Whittall...the mine CEO who had worked in the mine until recently promoted to CEO working in Wellington, and Superintendent Gary Knowles for the police, have been responsible for some daunting decisions.....and had to front the large media mob. They have done and continue to do, an amazing job.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Christchurch is on the Road to Recovery
Christchurch ....New Zealand's second largest city, has been very shaken over the last 10 days. The 7.1 Richter earthquake has done plenty of damage, but fortunately due to the hour the big quake happened, around 4.30 am on Saturday 4th September, there have been no deaths and surprisingly few injuries.
With well over 300 after shocks it has taken a few days for the city to get up and running again.But this week the children are back at school...except for 2 schools that will have to be demolished and rebuilt.Businesses are all back bar 81 that have no where to go.These were mostly housed in old, often historic buildings, which are the buildings where the worst damage has occurred. The remaining businesses are looking forward to getting back to normality.
The government has set in place agencies to help, and freed up laws to give people the opportunity to start repairs and rebuilding without the usual hindrance from consents. The city is buzzing as every hand is on deck to get buildings either demolished or repaired.There is years of work ahead....but as far as tourists are concerned.... they can plan to visit Christchurch as they would have before the earthquake.
There are a few places that will not be open. Th Arts Centre is closed with damage, and some of the inner city may be a little less attractive. But the Botanic Gardens will be bursting into spring flowers, the Gondola is back in action,and the beaches and mountains still beckon.Wild Life Parks, wineries,and dozens of other activities and attractions are up and running. Christchurch needs tourism to help them recover.
You will probably be surprised to see that the televised photos give a slightly false idea of the state of the city....as most of the city survived unscathed.Many of the buildings were earthquake proofed years ago. So include this lovely city in your holidays in New Zealand itinerary. Have a look at all the possible activities and attractions you can enjoy http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/christchurch-travel.html
With well over 300 after shocks it has taken a few days for the city to get up and running again.But this week the children are back at school...except for 2 schools that will have to be demolished and rebuilt.Businesses are all back bar 81 that have no where to go.These were mostly housed in old, often historic buildings, which are the buildings where the worst damage has occurred. The remaining businesses are looking forward to getting back to normality.
The government has set in place agencies to help, and freed up laws to give people the opportunity to start repairs and rebuilding without the usual hindrance from consents. The city is buzzing as every hand is on deck to get buildings either demolished or repaired.There is years of work ahead....but as far as tourists are concerned.... they can plan to visit Christchurch as they would have before the earthquake.
There are a few places that will not be open. Th Arts Centre is closed with damage, and some of the inner city may be a little less attractive. But the Botanic Gardens will be bursting into spring flowers, the Gondola is back in action,and the beaches and mountains still beckon.Wild Life Parks, wineries,and dozens of other activities and attractions are up and running. Christchurch needs tourism to help them recover.
You will probably be surprised to see that the televised photos give a slightly false idea of the state of the city....as most of the city survived unscathed.Many of the buildings were earthquake proofed years ago. So include this lovely city in your holidays in New Zealand itinerary. Have a look at all the possible activities and attractions you can enjoy http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/christchurch-travel.html
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Top 10 New Zealand Walks
Choosing the Top 10 New Zealand walks is not an easy task. With so many fabulous walking tracks taking you through beautiful bush, stunning mountains, alongside rivers and beaches, over farmland...each has special features to enjoy. Some walks may take several days, while others can be enjoyed in as little as an hour.
I will suggest a mix of well known and loved walks, that are enjoyed by thousands each year.Nine of these walking tracks are known as the New Zealand Great Walks. Of these the Tongariro Crossing is probably the only day walk...and considered our best day walk. If time is limited you can walk part of several of the tracks below.
A walk in from either end of the Heaphy Track is easily accessible. The Abel Tasman National Park walk is also possible....perhaps walking one way and getting a water taxi back to save time.
North Island Tracks
Tongariro Crossing - This is a wonderful day walk in the Tongariro National Park. You need a reasonable level of fitness and need to be prepared for all weathers. The weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Lake Waikaremoana - This is a remote area with stunning lake views and bush.This is a relatively untouched part of the country...the walk would take 4-5 days....but it is also possible to do a day walk and organise transport back by water taxi.
Whanganui River - People tend to kayak or canoe this river which takes 4-5 days rather than walk it.
South Island Tracks
Abel Tasman National Park - Considered probably the easiest of the Great Walks this 4-5 day walk is beautiful. Not only do you have the bush, but you are alongside the crystal clear water with golden sandy bays around every corner. You need to book campsites as kayakers as well as walkers can fill the camps in the main season.Again water taxis can get you back to your starting point quickly.
Heaphy Track - Located at the top of the South Island the Heaphy Track is a popular 3-4 day walk.Most people will start in from Collingwood and finish at Karamea at the tip of the West Coast. You walk through a variety of lovely scenery with the Tasman Sea in view, and beautiful beech and nikau forests as well as tussockland.You can get transport back from the end of the track to Karamea. You need to book the cabins.
Milford Track - New Zealand's most famous walking track is a wonderful 4 day walk through forest,over alpine passes...past the Sutherland Falls the 5th highest in the world, through beech forests with clear trout filled rivers rushing by. You need a reasonable level of fitness and can do this walk as part of an organised group or as a freedom walker. You do need to book huts and the walk itself. You will also need to book the boat which takes you back from Sandfly Point.
Routeburn Track - The Routeburn Track is a popular alternative to doing the Milford Track with stunning scenery.With amazing variety in scenery you cross the Humboldt Moutains which like Milford Track are in the Fiordland National Park. Lakes, mountains, beech forest...this is an untouched part of New Zealand and a unique experience.
Greenstone Track - The Greenstone Track can be combined with the Caples track.... and also connects with the Routeburn Track. Considered one of the easier walks on its own it is a 3 day loop walk through tussock river valley. Another magnificent scenic walk.
Kepler Track - Another Fiordland treasure with the typical mix of beech forest, mountains, waterfalls and lakes...this track can be done in 3-4 days.You can either take a taxi back to Te Anau from Rainbow Reach or carry on and finish the circuit.
Rakiura Track - Stewart Island is as remote as you will get and the Rakiura Track is partly coastal, while inland you have boardwalks. Rimu forests and lush rainforest vegetation, sea, sand and amazing birdlife make this a very special 3 day circular walk.
You can get more detail of these and many more New Zealand walks at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/new-zealand-walking-holidays.html
I will suggest a mix of well known and loved walks, that are enjoyed by thousands each year.Nine of these walking tracks are known as the New Zealand Great Walks. Of these the Tongariro Crossing is probably the only day walk...and considered our best day walk. If time is limited you can walk part of several of the tracks below.
A walk in from either end of the Heaphy Track is easily accessible. The Abel Tasman National Park walk is also possible....perhaps walking one way and getting a water taxi back to save time.
North Island Tracks
Tongariro Crossing - This is a wonderful day walk in the Tongariro National Park. You need a reasonable level of fitness and need to be prepared for all weathers. The weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Lake Waikaremoana - This is a remote area with stunning lake views and bush.This is a relatively untouched part of the country...the walk would take 4-5 days....but it is also possible to do a day walk and organise transport back by water taxi.
Whanganui River - People tend to kayak or canoe this river which takes 4-5 days rather than walk it.
South Island Tracks
Abel Tasman National Park - Considered probably the easiest of the Great Walks this 4-5 day walk is beautiful. Not only do you have the bush, but you are alongside the crystal clear water with golden sandy bays around every corner. You need to book campsites as kayakers as well as walkers can fill the camps in the main season.Again water taxis can get you back to your starting point quickly.
Heaphy Track - Located at the top of the South Island the Heaphy Track is a popular 3-4 day walk.Most people will start in from Collingwood and finish at Karamea at the tip of the West Coast. You walk through a variety of lovely scenery with the Tasman Sea in view, and beautiful beech and nikau forests as well as tussockland.You can get transport back from the end of the track to Karamea. You need to book the cabins.
Milford Track - New Zealand's most famous walking track is a wonderful 4 day walk through forest,over alpine passes...past the Sutherland Falls the 5th highest in the world, through beech forests with clear trout filled rivers rushing by. You need a reasonable level of fitness and can do this walk as part of an organised group or as a freedom walker. You do need to book huts and the walk itself. You will also need to book the boat which takes you back from Sandfly Point.
Routeburn Track - The Routeburn Track is a popular alternative to doing the Milford Track with stunning scenery.With amazing variety in scenery you cross the Humboldt Moutains which like Milford Track are in the Fiordland National Park. Lakes, mountains, beech forest...this is an untouched part of New Zealand and a unique experience.
Greenstone Track - The Greenstone Track can be combined with the Caples track.... and also connects with the Routeburn Track. Considered one of the easier walks on its own it is a 3 day loop walk through tussock river valley. Another magnificent scenic walk.
Kepler Track - Another Fiordland treasure with the typical mix of beech forest, mountains, waterfalls and lakes...this track can be done in 3-4 days.You can either take a taxi back to Te Anau from Rainbow Reach or carry on and finish the circuit.
Rakiura Track - Stewart Island is as remote as you will get and the Rakiura Track is partly coastal, while inland you have boardwalks. Rimu forests and lush rainforest vegetation, sea, sand and amazing birdlife make this a very special 3 day circular walk.
You can get more detail of these and many more New Zealand walks at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com/new-zealand-walking-holidays.html
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Zazzle - a Design Experience that could be Addictive
I have finally started designing Zazzle products. I signed up some time ago but needed to spend the time on my websites. But now I have started.....and am already addicted! Loving anything creative, I am enjoying using my own digital photographs, creating, resizing and designing in Picnik before using the photo on the Zazzle product range.
It is best to browse a few Zazzle sites to see what others produce and how they set up their Site. Then it is really a trial and error learning experience. As you need to do new things... you go and do more reading and research.There are certainly plenty of very useful tools for Zazzlers,and a wealth of help on the forums.
Some Zazzle Features
The Quick Design process is good to get started....you do need to then go and rework each one individually, ensure any writing is within the bleed lines and that the photo is well placed. Items like mugs may need another picture uploaded to fill empty space... or you can fill with colour and outline....all making a very professional look.Be prepared to delete any design that is not working. I think putting quality products up is important.
One great feature is buyers can customise the item with writing and colours of their choice.
New Zealand Themed Products
I wanted some New Zealand themed items to go with my Holidays in New Zealand website. I have one T shirt that I am happy with featuring Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and I plan to do a range to match. I am also very pleased with my New Zealand FerNZ FroNZ range.You can see this full range at kiwitraveller's Store at Zazzle although I will be redoing this soon. I am playing around and learning at the moment.
I have practised with a few other designs and love the fun of designing ties! I hope someone will want to wear them. My first was a gardenia design which was tiled. It was amazing how choosing a blending green for the white bits really made this pattern work. I have also done a Fern design and a Tiger design.
Products Designed This Week
I have done a range of gardenia designed products,New Zealand FerNZ FroNZ products, Tiger products...with a picture taken at the zoo which I love.
Some miscellaneous products including a couple of Mother's Day T shirts, and some Father's Day products as it seems it is Father's Day in the US soon.
Mother's Day in UK is March and in New Zealand and many other countries in May. How nice to give a personalised item.
More Zazzle Products
T shirts come in so many designs, styles and colours. Cards can be created for any occasion with postcards an excellent way for me to feature Holidays in New Zealand.
Not only is there clothing and cards but lots of small souvenir type goods - buttons, magnets, bumper stickers, stickers, key chains...all in different sizes.
Then you can get to such items as ked shoes, pet clothing .....and even skateboards. How cool is that!
Got to go....I am raring to get another design under way. But do take a look at the Panel on my blog or click the links and see what you think.I welcome feedback!
It is best to browse a few Zazzle sites to see what others produce and how they set up their Site. Then it is really a trial and error learning experience. As you need to do new things... you go and do more reading and research.There are certainly plenty of very useful tools for Zazzlers,and a wealth of help on the forums.
Some Zazzle Features
The Quick Design process is good to get started....you do need to then go and rework each one individually, ensure any writing is within the bleed lines and that the photo is well placed. Items like mugs may need another picture uploaded to fill empty space... or you can fill with colour and outline....all making a very professional look.Be prepared to delete any design that is not working. I think putting quality products up is important.
One great feature is buyers can customise the item with writing and colours of their choice.
New Zealand Themed Products
I wanted some New Zealand themed items to go with my Holidays in New Zealand website. I have one T shirt that I am happy with featuring Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and I plan to do a range to match. I am also very pleased with my New Zealand FerNZ FroNZ range.You can see this full range at kiwitraveller's Store at Zazzle although I will be redoing this soon. I am playing around and learning at the moment.
I have practised with a few other designs and love the fun of designing ties! I hope someone will want to wear them. My first was a gardenia design which was tiled. It was amazing how choosing a blending green for the white bits really made this pattern work. I have also done a Fern design and a Tiger design.
Products Designed This Week
I have done a range of gardenia designed products,New Zealand FerNZ FroNZ products, Tiger products...with a picture taken at the zoo which I love.
Some miscellaneous products including a couple of Mother's Day T shirts, and some Father's Day products as it seems it is Father's Day in the US soon.
Mother's Day in UK is March and in New Zealand and many other countries in May. How nice to give a personalised item.
More Zazzle Products
T shirts come in so many designs, styles and colours. Cards can be created for any occasion with postcards an excellent way for me to feature Holidays in New Zealand.
Not only is there clothing and cards but lots of small souvenir type goods - buttons, magnets, bumper stickers, stickers, key chains...all in different sizes.
Then you can get to such items as ked shoes, pet clothing .....and even skateboards. How cool is that!
Got to go....I am raring to get another design under way. But do take a look at the Panel on my blog or click the links and see what you think.I welcome feedback!
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