Volume XVI, No. 4

JUNE 2004

"I can see the shining colors of the rainbow above us over the mountains and across the sea. I can see the shining colors . .

FIORDLAND - THE SOUND OF SILENCE -

from Destinations Magazine

Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound might look close together on the map, but they present two highly different moods to the traveller.

Up until now travellers have not been able to reach both in one day. Now Air Fiordland have intro duced its "Two Sounds in One Day" trip.

The day begins with a coach trip from Queenstown to Lake Manapouri, or you can save time and fly there. You board a launch for the trip across the glistening dark water of the lake from Pearl Harbour to West Arm, before transferring to a coach for the descent into the bowels of the Southern Alps to see the impressive, giant turbines of the Manapouri hydro-electric power station.

Your coach takes you over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest and down into Deep Cove, where you embark on a three-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound by catamaran.

"Doubtful Sound is completely remote, with many changing moods. Sometimes basked in sun, clear and bright, often mysterious and shrounded in mist, broody and still," says Susan Sawyer of Air Fiordland. "It is the sound of silence. The engines are turned off so you can experience the "Sound of Silence" in the wilderness, all you can hear is birdsong and cascading waterfalls."

The dense rainforest reaches the sea, and crested penguins, Dusky dolphins and fur seals ripple the water as they come up for air.

On your return to Pearl Harbour. you transfer to an Air Fiordland plane for a flight past the Sutherland Falls, one of the highest in the world, into the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound and back to Queenstown.

"This is nature on a grand scale," says Sawyer. "As you fly over Mitre Peak you will be struck by its majestic grandeur. You may be a hundred metres away, but it feels so close you could touch it- almost a tactile experience in size and human scale. It will leave you with spectacular impressions and ever lasting memories."

The day takes between 11 and 12 hours and costs $NZ805.

Fans of Lord of the Rings can enjoy a totally different experience with Air Fiordland. Wings over the Rings-the Fellowship Flight, takes in the Middle- earth locations used by Peter Jackson in his movies.

The flight uncovers some of the secrets of the mystical Middle-earth within the lush rolling hills, hanging valleys and craggy peaks of the Wakatipu and Southern Lakes region. The area above "Paradise" Glenorchy with the spectacular Mt. Eamsiaw towering above the Isengard, the Kawarau (Anduin River) and Arrow River (Bruinen), and Greenstone Valley (Armen Hen) are a small sample of the locations to be seen.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT TRAIN TRIPS - Taieri Gorge Railway

"I arrive at our departure point, Dunedin's magnificently restored railway station, in the heart of the city, and board one of the panorama carriages. The train travels over the fertile farms of the Taieri Plains and into the Taieri Gorge. We cross magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts and I gasp at the sheer drops to the river below. We pass through a series of tunnels with the rock walls only inches away from the

side of the train Standing on the open platform gave me a thrill.

Souvenirs, light food, tea, coffee, wines, ales and other drinks are available on board and an informative live commentary is given on the journey You'll hear how determined railway engineers built this line, against all odds, and of goidmining ventures, farming, devastating floods, and much more.

Wheelchair access is normally available- please reserve this in advance. Take lots of film- disembark for wonderful photos to take home.

I have travelled railways in the USA, Europe and Australia, but this trip is a must on your visit 'Down Under'. TAKE MY WORD!"

---- another satisfied customer

WHAT IS A NEW ZEALANDER? (Written by editor Kiwinews.co.nz)

To me, a New Zealander is:

A person born in New Zealand. A person who came to New Zealand tens of generations ago in an ocean-going waka. A person who came to New Zealand a year ago in a jumbo jet. Someone who came here in a canoe, even though other people told them not to go over the horizon because taniwha would eat them. A person who came here in a sailing ship even though other people told them not to go over the horizon because cannibals would eat them. Someone whose forebears signed the Treaty of Waitangi. Someone whose ancestors were on the other side of the world at the time. Someone whose ancestors were there but declined to sign.

arrival in this land. Someone who has surfed this beach every summer since they were a kid. A Rotarian. A Maori "activist" A Labour voter A National voter, Even an ACT voter. A warrior. Someone who fought for this country in a world war A conscientious objector. A member of Grey Power. A member of Black Power. Helen Clark. Don Brash.. Mickey Savage. Rob Muldoon.

Someone who claims that there is no food that cannot be improved by liberal application of Watties' tomato sauce. Someone who has experienced the in describable pleasure of rolling jaffas down the aisle in the movies. A Good Keen Man. Man Alone. A hard- case Sheila. An All Black. A Silver Fern. Mark Todd. David Tua. Kin Te Kanawa. Rachel Hunter. Ed Hillary. Janet Frame. Billy T. James, James K. Baxter. Hone Tuwhare. Jake the Muss. Possum Bourne. Dave Dobbyn. Colin McCahon. Selwyn Toogood. Prince Tui Teka.

A schoolkid who wears a bone carving. Their classmate who wears a cross. Another classmate wear ing a headscarf. Someone with a tan mark on their feet from wearing jandals. Someone with the hair rubbed off the back of their legs by their gumboots. Someone who wears Zambesi and Karen Walker. Someone who wears Ugg boots. Someone who drinks Tui. Someone who drinks Martinborough pinot noir.

Someone who thinks of Christmas and immediately thinks of pohutukawa trees, hot summers and Christmas dinner off the barbecue. Someone who feels a lump in their throat when they watch that grainy old footage of Jack Lovelock. Someone who thinks of David, not James T. when you say "Captain Kirk". Someone who knows that Phar lap was a New Zealand horse. And that pavlova is a New Zealand dessert. Someone who knew that Keisha Castle Hughes and Peter Jackson were the biggest stars to ever hit Hollywood.

Someone who sings Pokarekare ana, pissed at 3 am in a London pub. A member of a school kapa haka group in West Auckland. A kid who goes to Christ's College. A kid who goes to a kura kaupapa in South Auckland. A baby. A grandmother. A chief executive. A solo mum. A millionaire. A beneficiary. My mother and father. Your Mum and Dad. My children. Your children. Their children's children. You. Me.

Someone who thinks everyone deserves a fair go. Someone who will give anything a go. Someone who doesn't have much truck with airs and graces and social status. Someone who likes to have a bit

of a whinge, but at the end of the day knows that being a Kiwi is the best thing in the world.

WELCOME TO ORANA WILDLIFE PARK

Orana Wildlife Park was established in Christchurch in 1976 by a small group of dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. The Park is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust. Orana Wildlife Park has been developed as a sanctuary for endangered animals with a strong emphasis on con servation, education and recreation.

Orana Wildlife Park participates in international captive breeding programmes for endangered exotic species such as Rothschild's Giraffe, Cheetah and White Rhino. The Park is also involved in captive breeding programmes and research relating to New Zealand's own rare fauna such as the Kiwi, Blue Duck (Whio). Tuatara and Mohua (Yellowhead).

Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House

Discover the beauty and diversity of New Zealand's waterways and bush, right in the heart of Christchurch. See, touch and learn about NZ's aquatic species. Watch the diver feed the marine fish or huge eels. Help feed the trout and salmon. Learn more about Kiwi as they forage naturally in the new Kiwi House.

Southern Encounter is now owned by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a 'not for profit' organisation which also runs Orana Wildlife Park. Southern Encounter is located in Cathedral Square. Enter via Christchurch Visitor Centre or Pathway Shop.

(Orana Wildlife Park. PO Box 5130, Papanui, Christchurch, NZ. Phone 03 359 7109.

Web: www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz)

SWEET SUCCESS FOR KUMARA EXPORTERS

With help from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Delta Produce Co-Operative has breathed new life into kumara growing by selling into prominent UK supermarket chain ASDA, and taking a big chunk of dominant US sweet potato growers' market.

Delta's general manager David Jones, who has been instrumental in setting up an export market for Dargaville's sweet potatoes-as the kumara is known outside New Zealand-says over the past 20 years it has been a "boom and bust" crop.

Delta is a cooperative of 22 kumara growers who have found strength in joining forces. Dargaville is New Zealand's main kumara growing area, but only 20% of the land that could be used is planted.

Mr. Jones went to NZTE to help research potential export markets and then fund a move into the UK.

John Waugh. who was Senior Trade commissioner in London for seven years, says that Delta's ground-breaking shipment of four containers (20 tonnes) to the UK last year was the first large export of kumara ui its raw state that he knew of.

With NZTE support Mr. Jones went to the UK in October last year to check on the quality of the first export crop and he was excited by the response.

Kumara is virtually fat-free, cholesterol-free and verry low in sodium. They are a source of potassium, calcium and iron, as well as vitamins A and C. Vitamin A and C-rich foods are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers.

While New Zealanders like to roast sweet potatoes, in the UK, Mr. Jones says, they are a popular summer treat in salads and on the barbecue.

There are three varieties-red, gold and orange-with the Beauregard (orange) being the preference in the UK and Europe. However, famous UK food chain Sainsbury's wants to try New Zealand's red and market it as a baking potato, Mr. Jones says.

NZTE is assisting the co-operative in looking at its next export market, Australia. A few months ago Delta set up a processing plant to do something with crop excess. It is now marketing frozen packs of kumara rosti, croquettes, hash browns and chips, which, Mr. Jones says, will be ideal for the Australian market. "There are no frozen sweet potato products there and a lot of Kiwis living there!"

(Editor: We love eating Kumara in our campervan. A good way to enjoy them is to boil and mash them and add a generous amount of cream cheese.)

AIR NEW ZEALAND - NEW NON-STOP SERVICE WITH SPECIAL FARE

Air New Zealand is making Middle-earth more accessible than ever. To celebrate its new non stop service from San Francisco to Auckland, commencing on June 30, the airline is offering non stop, round-trip flights at a special fare of $898. Enjoy a 12-hour overnight flight and awaken in New Zealand. The warm and friendly land has never been so close, with Air New Zealand eliminating the need to connect in Los Angeles or Honolulu.

"We invite San Franciscans to celebrate this new service. In 12 hours, passengers will be in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoying New Zealand's lovely, mild winter and spring," said Air New Zealand Vice

President - Western Region. Gerard Gilmore. "This special inaugural fare makes a dream vacation possible at a very down-to-earth price."

Tickets may be booked through travel agents or directly with the airline by calling 1-800-369-6867 or by visiting http://www.airnewzealand.com/usa

No one brings you closer to New Zealand. Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline, including a total of 36 flights per week from Los Angeles and Honolulu to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa.

MORE FROM AIR NEW ZEALAND

Air New Zealand is to offer a new non-stop service from Los Angeles direct into the South Island city of Christchurch from November 2, 2004.

"South Island tourism is now directly connected to New Zealand's two biggest inbound long-haul markets of the USA and the UK," said Gerard Gilmore, Air New Zealand's Vice President, The Americas, UK and Europe.

"Visiting the South Island is a must for most Americans during their time in New Zealand with Canterbury and Otago two of the most popular regions visited. For the first time, Air New Zealand is now able to directly connect them into the wonders of all the regions in the south. The new service also offers visitors wishing to make the most of their trip to New Zealand the option of flying into Christchurch and out of Auckland, or vice versa," he added.

"With more people travelling to New Zealand comes demand for greater choice, convenience and availability, so direct services to and from Christ- church are definitely needed, and as New Zealand's flag carrying airline, we are very excited to be the first to offer it," said Mr. Gilmore.

Standard economy airfares will match Air New Zealand's current fares from Los Angeles to Christchurch via Auckland

The three new services are made possible by a reschedule of the 17 Los Angeles to Auckland return services a week to a double-daily service. Utilising a 392 seat Boeing 747-400 will place more than 60,000 additional seats each way annually into and out of Christchurch.

Visit Air New Zealand online at www.airnewzealand.com/usa for web specials or call: 1-800-369-6867.

A PADDLE ON THE WILD SIDE - Neal Wallace

New Zealand fur seals lazed on rocks, Casually they opened one uninterested eye to wearily watch two visitors paddling a sea kayak just a few metres away.

They hardly stirred as we quietly paddled our way around Taiaroa Head, soaking up the wildlife and the weather-beaten coastline in the most unobtrusive way possible.

A seal floated on its back a few metres away. another dived into water so clear you could follow its dark shape as it swam away.

Shags flew over our heads just out of arms' reach, their gangly style almost defying the laws of flight.

A school of fish broke the surface just in front of us, setting off a feeding frenzy among the birds.

We were watching wildlife on Otago Harbour going about its business in the most natural way, almost oblivious to us.

It is easy to see why sea kayaking is quickly becoming a popular pastime-no noise, It is not stren uous, you stay surprisingly dry, and it is so unobtrus ive.

Wild Earth Adventures director Andrew Thompson describes Otago Peninsula (Dunedin) as ideal for sea kayaking. It is a massive stretch of coastline with an abundance of wildlife and fascinating rock and geology formations.

Even Dunedin's notorious reputation for wild weather is not the obstacle you might think. There is usually a sheltered bay to paddle and those calm, cool, mid-winter days are ideal.

But the coastline needs to be treated with respect, and having a guide with 15 years experience as a kayak and outdoor trainer was comfort to this land-lover. Andrew knows the conditions, where it is safe to go and where it is not.

He offers four trips on the harbour and has both single and double kayaks. After a lesson on paddling technique and safety you are on the water. The kayaks are surprisingly easy to operate and responsive to paddle.

Andrew took me on two of the four trips he offers. The first, called the eco-marine tour, took us from Portobello to the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, where local marine biologists give a brief talk on plants and wildlife in the harbour.

Visitors to the Centre facility and those lucky enough can participate in research and conservation programmes.

From the centre you paddle around Quarantine island and can see much of what you learnt at the manne centre This trip lasts between five and six hours.

The premier of his four trips is the Taiaroa ocean tour in which Andrew takes one person in a two-person kayak around the headland which guards the entrance to Otago Harbour.

We launched from Aramoana and paddled across to Pilots Beach. then picked our way around Taiaroa Head.

Unfortunately, there were no royal albatross flying on the day we visited, unlike Andrew's last visit when he saw six. But there was plenty to look at- adult and juvenile seals, shags and alL sorts of other bird life. The water was so clear, in places you could see crabs on the bottom.

Seeing the geology from the sea makes you appreciate the forces of nature and the history of the area, from the weather-battered rocks and cliff-faces to the towering rock formations overhead with the various structures settlers built on this inhospitable outpost.

The sea off Taiaroa Head is dangerous but even on the gloomy, overcast day with a gentle swell I felt completely safe.

Andrew offers early morning and evening trips. He includes stops for provided refreshments, which double as time out to soak tip the wildlife and the environment that is the magic of Otago Peninsula. It was a gentle and peaceful way to foster my interest in this special playground literally on the city's back door and a magic way to spend a few hours.

in our work. With this relationship, University will make a major contribution to antibiotic development and the treatment of infectious disease"

The contract is valued at approximately NZ$4 million (US $ 2.5 million) per year.

BOOKS (From NEXT)

The Penguin History of New Zealand by Michael King.

"This volume is directed at curious and intelligent general readers. Maori and Pakeha, who are not historians. It focuses on things readers ought to know"-Michael King.

Writer, historian and well loved New Zealander Michael King and his wife, Maria, were tragically killed in a car crash in March. This prestigious, new hard-cover edition of his best-selling book is a fitting tribute to him. Highly readable. thorough and thought-provoking, the narrative encompasses the history of our country from pre-human times, through early Maori settlement and into the new millennium.

King read widely, researched assiduously and recounted clearly. In this landmark volume he illuminates all the major events, controversies and challenges in our society and culture with cohesion and a balanced perspective. This work is his memorial. (Penguin, NZ$59.95)

KIWINEWS (email: kiwinews@kiwinews.co.nz )

The All Blacks - The All Blacks suprised most of the country when they trounced the touring English side 36-3 in the first test at Carisbrook, Dunedin, recently. While a win was anticipated, it was the margin that created the surprise considering that England holds the number one spot in world rugby and our team's in different play last season.

Meteorite lands in Auckland - An Ellerslie family got a shock at the weekend when a 1.3 kilogram (2.8 pounds) meteorite crashed through the roof of their house and onto their leather sofa before rolling onto the floor. The rock, now attracting interest and bids for thousands of dollars from around the world, has probably travelled as much as 700 million kilometres from the asteroid belt between Mars and Juipiter. Scientists consider it is probably a chip off an asteroid and would be older than anything else on earth.

NZ FLag - Many prominent NZer's are getting behind a group seeking to change our national flag to one more relevant and identifiable of the country.

A suggested design of a stylized fern in white on a black background is gain ing support and it is intended by the group behind the change to gain 300,000 signatures in a petition thus forcing a national referendum on the issue. Such a simple design would, in time, make our flag as identifiable to the country as is the case with the maple leaf and Canada.

LETTER BOX

Enclosed is our check for the renewal of subscription.

We just returned from New Zealand where we had a marvelous two weeks. One of our great finds was the White Shadows Lodge in Queenstown that is owned and operated by two gentlemen from the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. They only have 2 rooms, but the accommodations are fabulous. We also had one great night at the Huka Lodge. We could only afford to stay there for 1 night ... but it was a great time.

We enjoy your newsletter. Thank you.

John W. House, MD, Calif.

Eva: New Zealand. It will always be a part of you. It will never leave you. You even carry the spirit of New Zealand with you here in Glendale, and you have enough of that spirit to spread to others. You are like an ambassador on a mission to represent New Zealand here. I think it's a blessing.

R.O., Calif

AIR TAHITI NUI PARTNERED WITH

Air Tahiti Nui, the international flag carrier of Tahiti and her islands has announced that it has become a partner in Northwest Airlines' Worldperks Program effective May 1.

Sumner noted that Air Tahiti Nui's global reach now includes partnership through code-share arrangements with Air France, Japan Air Lines, QANTAS Airways and through mileage redemption in the frequent traveler programs of American Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

Boasting an all Airbus-340-300 fleet. Air Tahiti Nui flies 12 times per week from Los Angeles to Papeete and 3 times weekly from Los Angeles to Auckland, with connecting service to Sydney. In addition, the carrier serves Paris 5 times weekly nonstop from Los Angeles. All flights feature 3 classes of service and friendly Polynesian hospitality.

To redeem Worldperk miles, members should call l-800-44Perks For more information about Air Tahiti Nui's services and flight schedules, the public is invited to call the Reservations Center at (877)824-4846 or visit the airlines's website at: http://www.flyatn.com

BRIAR DELL LAVENDER FARM

Briar Dell lavender farm, Cromwell, Central Otago. We specialise in lavender, lavender oil and products. herbs and old roses. Set amongst a formal herb garden. Spend time wandering around the garden with its formal herb garden. old roses and lavender paddock which is in flower from mid-December through until harvest in late January. The garden and nursery is open from October until March and open by appointment throughout autumn and winter.

Phone +64 34450068 Postal: SH6. Cromwell

Email: hollyhock@nzsouth.co.nz

Website: www.nzsouth.co.nz/briardell

NEW ZEALAND MARINE STUDIES CENTRE

(Hatchery Road. Portobello. Otago Peninsula, Dunedin)

From seaweed and shellfish to sharks and seabirds, the marine environment of southern New Zealand is rich and diverse.

The New Zealand Marine Studies Centre rolls back the tide to introduce the secrets of the Southern Ocean to visitors. Peek inside a shark egg, get up close to an octopus or try eating seaweed!

Pigfish, seahorses, and octopus are some of the special animals showcased in the Aquarium. Help feed the fish or take a look behind the scenes with knowledgeable staff.

Guided shore walks, harbour cruises, slide shows and other unique group programmes are available to complete your marine experience.

Phone: +64 (03) 479 5826

Freephone: +64 3 479 5826

Postal: PO Box B, Portobello, Dunedin

Email: marine-studies@otago.ac.nz

Website: www.otago.ac.nz/MarineStudies

PIM DODGE-October 2004

Guided trip to NZ and Australia

From pim Dodge. travel host: I'm putting out an extra newsletter this month because there is just so much to tell about our upcoming (October 21st) tour of Australia and New Zealand. As many of you on my mailing list know. I have made so many trips there that 1 feel right at horne-G'dve to you too-and many of you have been on that tour with us and would recommend it most highly. As a matter of fact, four couples and two singles have done the trip with me more than once

It is a 19 day trip. One couple called and said they would like to go but that it was just too long' B UT those who have been there will tell you that NO trip Down Under is tong enough. There is just SO SO much to see and do.

We still have some openings so am hoping that those of you who have put off making your reservations with us will put pen to paper, fingers to email or pick up the phone and give me a call'!!

By now all of you going on the trip have sent for your visas-or have received the word that visas are NO LONGER needed. On the first of July, Australia became the 23rd country to sign with the US Visa Waiver Pilot Program. We now simply have to call the embassies, give them the needed information and it is fed into a computer, to be checked when going into a country! Isn't that great news'

(Contact pun pim Dodge, PO Box 769, Frankfort, MI 49635, 231-352- 6013. Email: pimd@benzie.com)

MODERN MAORI

For years New Zealand has been promoted as a country of racial harmony. though there's consid erable unrest and ongoing land disputes between some Maori and Pakeha-problems that date from the treaty

of Waitangi.

The Maori population grew rapidly with improved health opportunities and social education, but the adjustment to urban life further weakened Macn culture. By 1962 the Maori annual growth rate was more than twice the Pakeha rate-and one of the highest in the world, Pakeha had to adjust to an

increasingly assertive, fast-growing Maori and Polynesian population.

Maori language. arts anc crafts. and song and dance are being taught in schooIs all over the land, and many Maori are looking back to the ways of their ancestors. searching for their identity and regaining a culture till recently submerged in the ways of the Pakeha. Although many New Zealanders are showing a renewed interest in Maoritanga, the Maori Way of life, resentment between Maori and Pakeha continues to escalate.

Despite protest from present-day Pakeha landowners, an increasing number of Maori plan to reclaim land they believe was wrongfully stolen years ago. They have rejected government intervention in the form of a lump sum payment. They want only the land they believe is rightfully theirs.

IDYLLIC SETTING FOR PERFECT STRANGERS

- From West of the Alps

Gaylene Preston's new dramatic thriller "Perfect Strangers" has been described by one critic as "a gorgeous looking film, with several layers of surprise and mystery"

The latter is to Preston's credit as writer of the screenplay. while the look of the movie confirms the wisdom of her choice of the coastline around Punakaiki as the setting.

Most of the action involves Rachaet Blake (Melanie) and Sam Neill (The Man) on an island with topography as dramatic as the film's plot.

Although there is a small island not far north of Punakaiki, the director in true movie style used features of the mainland instead, Blake and Neill's en chanting "island hideaway" is in fact a small holiday house just metres from the main highway.

It isn't the first production that's used this part of the country and there are surely more to come. However, as people who live in the seaside resort will tell you. the beaches and bays are just part of a totally magnificent area

Behind the impressive coastline cliffs is Paparoa National Park, 30,000 hectares of mainly limestone landscape with canyons, caves, disappearing and resurging streams, cliffs and mountains clothed in several distinct types of native forest.

It can be reached via a good network of walking tracks, a narrow forest road up a limestone gorge (take care) or on a guided walk, horse trek or caving trip.

NZ LONELY PLANET'S TOP DESTINATION

(from Stuff.co nz)

Once a year Lonely Planet, which publishes 650 books in 17 Languages, asks its staff to vote for the travel "hot spot" of the coming year New Zealand was named the world's top travel distination for the second year running.

Global travel editor Don George said it was "pretty extraordinary" for one country to top the list twice in a row.

He put the double down to a "perfect storm of spectacular pristine scenery. hospitable citizenry, compelling culture, perceived geopolitical safety and free global big-screen advertising-courtesy of (Oscar-nominated movies) Lord of the Rings."

About 100 staffers voted in the publisher's four offices around the world, citing New Zealand's strong sense of culture. its relaxed attitude and its nuclear-free status

Others said the "great New Zealand flick" Whale Rider would entice more visitors to the East Coast of the North Island, where highlights included watching rugby at Ruatoria, catching crayfish for dinner and staying on a marae.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said the accolade was excellent news because people were making increasing use of guide books.

Last month Tourism Minister Mark Burton said tourism already contributed $16.2 billion a year to the economy. He said it was well placed to give dairy a run for its money" as New Zealand's No. 1 export industry.

The rest of Lonely Planet's top-five destinations for 2004 were filled out by Australia, Peru, Croatia and Thailand.

SLUG FENCE

(from No. 8 Wire. The Best of Kiwi Ingenuity)

Humane protection for buttercups and super-toms

Just as the electric fence caused innovation in farming techniques, it also set off reverberations in other areas of the fencing market in New Zealand, particularly in the tricky invertebrate fence industry.

In 1992, after years of trial and error, Bob Tait of Auckland came up with a way to keep slugs and snails off his lettuces without killing them. A simple wire loop, laid around the perimeter of the lettuce area, attached to a nine-volt battery, served to repel the gastropods by giving them the kind of shock you get when you lick a nine-volt battery (except imagine your whole body is a tongue). The slugs and snails slink away disappointed, stunned and sore, still hungry, not dead.

Let's look at it this way. Keeping slugs and snails off lettuces without killing them (and without employing a student to just sit there picking them off) is a perfectly good invention. What stops it being a great invention, rich-and-famous-making, mana bringing giant of simple thought and clever engineering? Just one thing-that while quite a few people care if slugs and snails are on lettuces, very few people care whether the slugs and snails that are not on Lettuces are alive. It's not the invention itself, but our attitude towards slugs and snails that holds this invention back. Bob is just waiting for a huge slug-and-snail attitude swing. It might not happen soon, but when the slug-and-snail rights movement gains a foothold, Bob Tait will live like a king!

A BEER BY ANY OTHER NAME...

From Fairfax New Zealand Limited

New Zealand Milk primarily sells its products under the Anchor brand in Asia, according to the company's Asian sector managing director Mark Wynne.

The exception is around southeast Asia where the Fern leaf brand is used instead, Why? Because in these countries Anchor is better known locally as a brand of beer.

"It would be a bit like trying to sell Steinlager infant formula in New Zealand," Mr. Wynne said. "Not many mums would buy that".

KIWIphile FILE

Published quarterly by Eva Trapani

E-mail: KiwiET1@aol.com

Copyright 2004 by Eva Trapani