Volume II, Number 3

MARCH 1990

(-phile: {Greek--philos, loving} meaning one who loves, likes, or is favorably disposed to. Webster)

COROMANDEL'S KIWI DUNDEE

Doug Johansen of New Zealand's superbly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula went out on pheasant and pig hunting trips when he was only 4 years old. From his earliest days he was tauglit bush survival skills by Maori elders, friends of his parents. They introduced Johansen to a world he could never have found on his own. This lore is his specialty now and has saved his life, at times, as well as the lives of a few of those who have accompanied him on his adventure tours.

In 1988 Doug Johansen acquired the unofficial title of "Kiwi Dundee" by coming out on top among 1,000 applicants in a competition to find New Zealand's answer to the famed Aussie "Crocodile Dundee." His name was entered without his knowledge by his wife Sharon. The Auckland Sunday News, which ran the competition, declared that Doug Johansen made Crocodile Dundee "look like a church choirboy." One big difference between Johansen and the movie character is that the former's achievements are real.

Actually, Doug is something of a legend in Coromandel. Nature blessed him with something besides his bush sense. He has the gift of gab and he enjoys people. Not only at home in the bush, Kiwi Dundee is equally at home on the sparkling waters around the peninsula--spearfishing and dodging huge whaler sharks. His advice on sharks? "The thing you have to do is swim right at them. Never turn your back on a shark." That's easy enough to say'

He guides participants in his tour groups through old gold mines and Maori ruins. They learn about unusual plant life, such as ferns that taste like lettuce or apples and leaves that can cure seasickness or be used as soap or shampoo.

Doug Johansen is a serious environmentalist, reluctant to see his land used for logging, mining, or commercial explora- tion of any kind. He believes there's more gold to be made from tourism than from exploitation of the land. He's trying hard to get the NZ government to declare the spine of Coromandel Peninsula a national park. There's considerable opposition, including that by American mining companies.

Visitors are impressed by his spirit. His energy and enthusiasm are boundless. He truly loves his country and wants to share with visitors from everywhere.

Johansen made a successful tour of the US last year telling audiences all about New Zealand and, in particular, about Coromandel. He received encouraging response to his efforts and has been asked to return in 1990. We'll try to keep you informed.

Recently he has organized tours all over New Zealand as far south as Milford Sound. If you opt for the South Island tour, Doug will pick you up in Auckland. He suggests the best time to visit is between February and April. Write or call for information.

Doug Johansen's Scenic Treks and Tours

P.O. Box 76, Pauanui Beach NZ

Tel. 843)48-731 or 48-859. FAX (843)47-138.

WELLINGTON HOME HOSPITALITY

Word has come to us that Elizabeth and Peter Fry are now operating Harbour City Homestays. This business was formerly directed by Margaret and Don Hoare, under the name Cottage Meals and Tours Ltd. Please remember that Don Hoare still conducts personal tours of both islands and can be reached at 6a Rex St., Wellington, P.O. Box 14-345 (tel. [04]- 889-124).

Harbour Homestays offers accommodations and deli- cious home-cooked meals with New Zealanders in the city of Wellington, as well as visits on farms in the Wairarapa farming district just outside Wellington. City B&B prices range from NZ$50.60 to NZ$84.40, including GST. Contact Elizabeth Fry, Harbour City Home-stays, P.O. Box 14345, Kilbirnie, Welling- ton.

IMMIGRATION POLICY OVERHAUL

A new policy of immigration has been proposed by the NZ Minister of Immigration Mr. Roger Douglas. The present requirement for people wishing to emigrate to have a New Zealand job before arriving in the country is expected to be dropped in favor of allowing people to enter on the basis of their skills. The government expects people to have the potential for jobs upon arrival. Having a job offer in hand would likely help an applicant to be accepted, however.

The number of people granted residence visas and permits has jumped from 8,680 in 1985-86 to 27,462 in 1988- 89. The government hopes to develop a points system that will consider such factors as skills, age, English language ability, NZ family connections, etc. This system would allow those attaining a certain number of points to settle in New Zealand almost automatically, though health and character would be checked.

New Zealand wishes to adopt a program which will insure a good mix from all nationalities and to encourage the migrants to settle in parts of the country other than just Auckland. At this time, a survey shows that 71% of business migrants have settled in Auckland, 16% have gone to other parts of North Island, while South Island has received only 13%

Some experts say that New Zealand could comfortably accept double the present number of immigrants, and that this would only benefit the country's economy. An expanded and selected inflow of people to the country should improve both employment and the expansion of production over the long run

FREIGHTER TRAVEL

For $12.50 a year you can be a member of "the world's largest association of cruise and freighter enthusiasts." You'll receive bi-monthly issues of TravLtips , the group's official publication, Invitations for special and unusual cruises, a book Roam the World ByFreighter, access to their reservation department, and other services. Their magazine is full of members' stories of their adventures, and you'll learn what to expect in going by freighter. There is almost no country in the world that can't be reached by ship, including NZ, of course. Write to: Cruise & Freighter Travel Assn., 163-07 Depot Rd.,, P.O. Box 188, Flushing NY 11358 - (718)

939-2400.

HOW DO WE RATE WITH THE KIWI?

According to a recent Gallup survey carried out in NZ, the US doesn't fare too badly in New Zealanders' affections. In the "Like a Lot" category the British came out on top with 30%, Americans with 14%, Germans with 7%, Russians 4%, French 5% and Japanese 7%.

In the "Strongly Dislike" column, the British ended up with only 1%, Americans with 2%, Germans with 2%, Russians 3%. The French got the highest percentage with 13%, and the Japanese came out with 5%.

This survey consisted of 1,000 personal interviews with "heads of households," an almost equal proportion of men and women.

KIWIphile FILE VISIT TO NZ

John and I plan to spend several weeks revisiting our favorite spots in New Zealand as well as seeing new sights and having some new experiences on this go-around. We leave on Friday, March 9, and will return around the middle of April. Someone will attempt to keep track of K.F. mail while we're gone,

but if you write during those weeks, it might be that our response will be delayed. Please be patient. We'll handle everything when we get back--relaxed, refreshed and re- kiwi-ized.

MARUIA SOCIETY

This is a rather new society of New Zealanders that incorporates the Native Forests Action Council and the Environmental Defence Society. They will attempt to demonstrate to the world the way to a sustainable future--a way out of the continuing degradation and destruction of the earth's precious natural environment.

The group considers its most important role, and the one at which they excel, to be the persuasion of decision- makers. They have a reputation for submission of impressive and well thought out policies. They have a highly respected legal capacity which puts forward draft laws and environmental litigation, and has brought precedent-setting court cases. They have an active and experienced environmental lobby group.

The big campaign for the Society in this next decade is the global issue of the greenhouse effect, a project in which New Zealand can logically take a Lead.

Many people involved are on a volunteer basis...lawyers, scientists and campaign helpers--but Maruia needs to be able to pay salaries to a few full-time staffers in Nelson and in Auckland, the people who do the actual day- to-day work of research and campaigning. The Society needs cash donations as well as regular membership contributions. They can be contacted as follows: Maruia Society, P.O. Box 756, Nelson, NZ. Tel. (54)83-336 or (54)87-525. FAX number - (64-54)87-525.

A friend has sent us a copy of the Society's beautiful new spring catalog which features colorful and useful items such as posters, NZ native forest calendar, T-shirts and sweatshirts, books, hand-painted tiles, native bird finger puppets, etc. All proceeds are used for conservation of the earth's resources

The Society has quite a number of overseas members who receive copies of the bi-monthly newsletter 'Bush Telegraph," and also details of their fund-raising appeals and copies of the trading catalog. Membership fee for overseas members is NZ$40 which includes airmail postage. Membership year runs from Feb. 1 to Jan. 31. You can receive a copy of the beautiful catalog only, by writing to the Nelson address above..

FAMOUS NZ DOLPHINS - OPO

Opo was the name given to a young female bottlenosed dolphin (genus Tursiops ) which throughout the summer of 1955-56 frequented the beach at Opononi, Hokianga, inviting repeated human contact and playing with bathers and children in a manner not previously recorded for a wild dolphin since Roman times.

The dolphin was first noticed by Hokianga fishermen in early 1955, when it followed their boats, alone. During that year it was found to enjoy being scratched with an oar, and closer contact began to be made. It frolicked around small

boats and followed them to the shore, and with the coming of summer it began to encounter humans in the water. Being presumed a male ft was at first named Opononi Jack, by association with Pelorus Jack. This was later shortened to Opo.

By Christmas 1955, at the height of the holiday season, Opo could be relied on to appear almost every day, and could be summoned by the sound of an outboard motor, audible to her from a great distance. Certain children, especially, established friendly contact. She permitted stroking and scratching, and even short rides by smaller children. One girl, Jill Baker, was notably successful and believed that the dolphin recognised and enjoyed her presence. Children or adults who were rough were avoided. As in the last known similar case (at Hippo, about AD. 100, described by Pliny the Younger) the dolphin drew large crowds to the tiny township. They were not, as at Hippo, an embarrassment to local resources but a source of profit. A committee of protection was formed and notices were erected asking for careful behaviour.

It was found that Opo enjoyed playing with a rubber beach ball. She would toss it high in the air with her snout, rushing forward to let it fall on her back. She also turned over, rolled the ball along her belly and flipped it upward with her tail. She played similar games with a beer bottle, and alongside a boat would present her throat for scratching with an oar. A movie film records that on one occasion when schoolchildren formed a ring by linking hands, Opo entered the ring, tossed a beach ball, and gently swam out again. No child was injured by her movements and no one was bitten during about four months of frequent contact.

As with Pelorus Jack, official protection was asked for, and this was promised early in March 1956. By Order in Council the Fisheries (Dolphin Protection) Regulations 1956 were tO become law at midnight on March 8. On that day the dolphin did not appear as usual, and a search began. On March 9 she was found dead, jammed in a rock crevice where the tide issues from a large rockpool at Koutu Point. Local belief was that, either deliberately or accidentally, she was stunned by a gelignite blast. (Explosives are illegally used to obtain fish).

You haven't seen splendid isolation until you've visited Mark Zuckerman's three acres of partly wooded land some miles inland from the town of Hokitika on South Island's west coast. Mark, his wife, and their two children, live in a weathered board and batten house which he finished building in 1978. Considering this man was educated for a career as a geologist, with no training or background as a builder--he can't even draw plans--this home is beautifully constructed and finished. The property is so covered by trees that the house is not even visible from the road until you are well up the driveway.

Behind the house, a walk through deep green grass brings the visitor to a small river bordered by thick trees and shrubs. This is where the Zuckerman children have spent many play hours. Mark told us that the country round about is so safe that they never worried when their small children walked S or 6 miles down the road to their friends' homes. The family loves the wildness of the west coast. The mountains in this part of New Zealand don't even have highways, and there are very few tracks to suggest it has even been explored.

Zuckerman left the United States nearly 20 years ago to accept a position in Australia as a geologist. He found the climate in Australia much too hot for him, and there were too many flies in the bush. After a few months he took a job on New Zealand's South Island.

The Zuckermans felt fortunate to find a good friend, a former associate of Mark's, who would sell them the acreage for their home. He learned that MCoasters,w as west coast natives are called, are reluctant to sell any land to people they consider "strangers" (anyone who isn't a relative, in other words.) They are a tightly knit group, deeply suspicious of outsiders. That situation has been improving in the last few years, however, with some of the natives beginning to see that it might be advantageous to open up the community.

In 1975, Zuckerman, loving the area and wanting to remain, but aware that mining geology work would not last there forever, quit his job. He and a friend had finished constructing a large workshop which he needed for building the windows and doors for the house he envisioned on his property. If he did the work himself, he had enough money to build the basic part of the house without ending up with a

mortgage. He had no definite plans for employment after the house was finished. For a time he considered a native plant nursery, but he found himself so involved in woodwork that he gradually began to think of building for other people.

At the end of his home-building project, the Zuckermans spent six months in the US. A rather small investment he had made years before paid off and enabled the family to finance their expenses for the 6-month period. Having spent seven years in a small country community, he had felt the need to go home to the US. After their long visit, when they returned to NZ, they found they were able to live their lives as they wished, disregarding "what other people think." They were glad to be back in New Zealand.

The day after his return, Mark was asked by a friend, "When are you going to start on mx house?" That house was just the beginning of his woodwork jobs and included the first of the 8 or 10 solid timber kitchens he constructed. Soon people started wanting furniture, and that's when Mark Zuckerman came into his own. Now he exhibits his furniture in Christchurch each year and has acquired a well- earned reputation as one of the top woodworkers in New Zealand. He teaches a short design course at a polytech, but he doesn't want to be a teacher. He wants to make furniture, and what he makes is stunningly attractive and original.

He has no plans ever to leave New Zealand. He told us he doesn't find anything in the States to make him want to move back. One thing is certain, he does not want to live near a nuclear powerplant. He does need to return to thern States periodically to get his "brain sparked." Even with an ample supply of books and magazines, he does need stimulation from other sources at times. He wishes he could afford to visit New York City once a year. He enjoys the Madison Avenue furniture stores, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Craft Museum. He finds inspiration there.

Having once been a little boy growing up in a 3-room flat in Brooklyn, sharing a divided bedroom with his sister, his parents sleeping in the dining-room, he finds the beautiful expanse of New Zealand dazzling. He loves the peace and freedom. Most importantly, he feels as though he's in control of his life here on the South Island west coast. He loves his work, often spending ten hours a day in his workshop simply because he's enjoying himself. It hasn't been easy for the family to get established, but with the security of Mark's income from furniture-making and people "waiting in line" to buy his work, they now feel secure.

The children will have an opportunity to attend college In NZ without their parents having to save for a lifetime to pay the costs. If they don't go directly to university after high school, they can go back at age 21 and get paid while there. Anyone can attend a university and receive a small sum after 21 years of age. That makes a second chance possible for almost anyone.

Laughing, Mark said that when he first set out for Australia he thought of New Zealand as just a place for tourists - that "nobody really lived there." In Samoa, on their way to Australia, they met an interesting New Zealander who was quite different from most of the Australians they had met. Mark and his wife began to wonder, "ARE WE GOING TO THE WRONG COUNTRY?" It turns out they were.

HELP YOUR FELLOW KIWIPHILES!

Some of you must have been in New Zealand during the last year. Have you written down some of your experiences and/or observations? Even if you feel that your notes aren't in what you consider to be suitable condition for publication in the KiWiphile FILE, please let us be the judge of that. We'll print what seems to us to be interesting reading for others. So send something along to us. Thanks.

TELL THEM YOU SAW IT IN THE

KIWIphile FILE!!

AWARE TRAVELER'S DIRECTORY

The serious international travelers among us might want to consider a subscription to the Aware Traveler's Directory, published by Travel Aware, Inc., 7658 RoysLon St., Annandale VA 22003; tel. (703)354-6600. This international travel directory provides information in over one- hundred various categories, including: accommodations, general information, publications and products, sophisticated travel, special travelers (handicapped, singles, seniors), sports and transportation.

Listed are organizations which will help you rent an apartment or house overseas, air and discount travel clubs, over 100 sources for travel newsletters (such as the K.F.), books, maps and videotapes--and much more.

At a cost of $80/year, the directory includes 4 quarterly updates, and renewals at $50/year.

PEACE EDUCATION IN NZ SCHOOLS

As most of us know, the small country of New Zealand has for some time been in the forefront of the of the worldwide peace movement. Visitors to the country are now wondering how it has happened that the authorities have been willing to officially incorporate peace education into the NZ school system. As a matter of fact, the whole school system is being restructured. Each school will be independent and will be run by Boards of Trustees elected by the local community. They have all been advised by the Minister of Education that their curriculum should contain a peace component, not as a separate subject but incorporated into the curriculum.

This remarkable development has been preceded by quite traumatic events in New Zealand's recent history, beginning with protestors on the streets while the country reluctantly sent a token force to Vietnam to help the American ally.

Meantime, throughout the Pacific nations anger was growing against use of their territories as military bases and/

or nuclear testing grounds. Resentment grows even stronger as France, after 3 decades, continues to test bombs there. As early as 1970. a NZ Labour Government sent a warship to a test site in protest, and took action against France in the international Court of Justice, without success.

In 1985 members of the South Pacific community adopted the Treaty of Raratonga, which established a South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, with prohibitions against the use, manufacture or stationing of nuclear weapons in the area.

It was the people of New Zealand, including many of influence, who voiced their concern about visits of nuclear warships to their harbors--and who organized flotillas of small protest boats to meet the ships. These people kept the new government, elected in 1984, to their resolve to keep nuclear ships away from NZ. It was the people who reminded their government of its promise "to develop programmes of education for disarmament and peace studies at all levels." The government appointed two sympathetic ministers—the late Minister for Education and a woman Minister for Disarmament.

With so much happening to educate the public against war In the l960s and 1970s, the school systems slowly began to invite speakers who, under the banner of social or liberal studies, spoke on such topics as 'alternative views on defence", and "solving conflicts nonviolently."

A small group of people formed themselves into a non-party political society called The New Zealand Founda tion for Peace Studies . This Foundation soon began supply- ing educators with teaching aids--books, films, speakers. One dedicated speaker, on his own initiative, spent 18 months driving a mobile peace van through the country, visiting isolated communities and distributing teaching materials. The work of the Foundation has expanded its work now into the primary and pre-school areas, and has recently enhanced its impact through association with the medical profession.

At the present time there are unanswered questions regarding the future of this peace movement, but there is great hope that tomorrow's children will learn to solve problems without resorting to violence and will make for themselves a happier and more peaceful world environment.

(Condensed front the December issue of Friends Bulletin of the Pacific and Intermountain Yearly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends).

ENJOY SUMMER

IN THE WINTER OF 1990

Dr. Irving Tannenbaum of Northridge, Calif., will lead a group to the South Pacific, leaving the US the day winter break starts, 1990-91, and returning in time to start the New Year in school. If you book as part of the original group, you'll get all discounts and go at cost.

For about $1991 you will get tours, accommodations and many meals for:

3 days in Fiji (at Nadi and exotic Beachcomber Island)

10 days in New Zealand (Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch)

3 days in Sydney, Australia (OR spend less time in

New Zealand and visit Australia's Great Barrier Reef)

In addition you have the following free options:

"Take your time, extend the trip for as many weeks as you want, up to one year.

"Visit Tahiti, Cook Islands and the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii).

"Spend extra time in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji. Customize your trip by adding any or all of the following modules at slight extra expense

"Tour the North and South Islands of NZ as you wish.

"Include the Milford Track. Southern Alps, The Glaciers, Bay of Islands. . and more.

If you're interested, get in touch with Irv Tannenbaum at 8354 Etiwanda Ave., Northridge CA 91325 (tel. 818- 886-7035).

CELEBRITIES HELP NZ CELEBRATE

"Roots" author Alex Haley, opera singer Beverly Sills and paleontologist Professor Stephen Jay Gould will be celebrity guests in NZ in 1990 to help celebrate the nation's 150th birthday. The trio has been invited down under by the NZ Government which has asked foreign governments to send their great men and women as "gifts" during New Zealand's birthday year. "The normal procedure is for countries to send material gifts to anniversary celebrations, but we're taking a more practical stance," says NZ Prime Minister Geoffley Palmer.

"Living treasures such as Haley, Sills and Gould are are giants in their fields. Their presence in New Zealand will do much to stimulate young talent."

During her visit Ms Sills will travel the country lecturing singing teachers, while Mr. Haley addresses writers and Professor Gould speaks at museums and universities.

Some 25 "treasures" from II different countries will visit the country during 1990. They range from anthropologist/adventurer Thor Heyerdahl from Norway. artist Friederich Hundertwasser from Austria, and mountaineer Chris Bonnington from Britain, to Olympic swimmer-turned- Member of Parliament Dawn Fraser from Australia.

You can get a detailed 1990 calendar of events free from any office of the NZTP.

WRECK OF THE

MIKHAIL LERMONTOV

The best shipwreck in the world for divers to view lies 100 cold and murky feet down in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds between Cape Jackson lighthouse and the cape itself at the northern tip of South Island.

On our last ferry trip from Picton to Wellington we passed the site of the wreck which occurred 3 years ago. The Mikhail Lermontov, a Russian cruise ship on its way around the South Island past Milford Sound, went down just minutes after the last of her 400 elderly Australian passengers and 350 crew members had been taken off. One crew member went down with the ship.

It is still not known why the 20,000 ton liner was guided through a narrow and impossibly shallow gap which

tore massive holes in her hull. It was equally mysterious why the ship's captain sent out messages that he did not want assistance as the ship drifted aimlessly for six hours. In its meanderings, the ship was blown by the wind to a safe beach, but the captain chose not to anchor.

Lifeboats were launched, almost too late, and the passengers were picked up by two ships which were standing by even though their offers of assistance had been refused by the Lermontov's captain.

Experienced divers can don scuba gear and go down to view the wrecked vessel by participating in a guided dive from the Little Mermaid, a salvage boat from Wellington.

KIWI LETTER BOX

A copy of KiWlphile FILE, Sept. 1989 issue, has been passed over to me for my attention, and I was most inter- ested in, its contents. I even learned about some aspects of New Zealand that I, as a native, am not even aware of!

However, the reason I am writing to you is that you may be interested in our voluntary host program that exists here in Auckland. We are a group of around 100 families who enjoy inviting overseas visitors to our homes just for a few hours during the day or for an evening, so as to give them an opportunity to meet New Zealanders and learn at firsthand about our way of life.

We do not provide overnight accommodation, nor do we charge for our hospitality, which can include lunch or dinner depending on the time of the home visit. We feel that we want our guests to feel tiuly welcome, without there being any financial motive.

As New Zealanders, we feel that this is our contribu- tion towards promoting international friendship and goodwill with visitors from other countries and hopefully to make good friends.

Unfortunately we are not supported by our local tourist industry, because they feel we do not earn any of those "valuable tourist dollars", but we do appear in some overseas travel books (extracts below), and also we rely on visitors returning to their own countries and spreading the word.

I would certainly like to receive future copies of KiWiphile FILE, and enclose $I2US.

(Mrs.) Polly Ring, Secretary

AUCKLAND TOURIST HOSPITALITY

775 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 5, NZ

If you care to meet an Auckland family, please telephone any of the following:

Mrs. Polly Ring - 556 655

Mrs. Eve Swanson - 53 58098

Mr. Trevor Holloway - 278 8434

Mrs. Meryl Revell - 53 55314

Mrs. Jean Mahon - 860 342

Mrs. Valerie Blackie - 659 342

Excerpt from Frommer's Guide : "One of Auckland's (and Indeed, New Zealand's) very best attractions is offered by the Auckland Tourist Hospitality Scheme, and it doesn't cost a penny. Do this at the beginning of your trip if possible--it will give more meaning to every Kiwi contact you make thereafter."

Excerpt from Maverick Guide to New Zealand: "Last, how about a visit to a genuine Auckland home and a chat with a friendly family? Nothing could be easier. Just ring up Polly Ring and she'll take care of the rest. This volunteer group has taken pleasure in meeting overseas visitors for several years. The charge? Don't be silly. It's absolutely free."

BITS AND BITES

* You can get a free brochure "How to Select a Package Tour," which might help you to match your needs to the right tour. Write: U.S. Tour Operators Assn., 211 E. 51 St., Ste 12B, New York NY 10022.

* Anyone in a position to participate in an around-the-world travel and study program, which includes NZ, contact The International Honors Program, Bard College, 19 Braddock Park, Boston MA 02116--Phone 617-267-8612. Course work includes world ecology, social systems, economics, and more.

* Have you noticed how outstandingly handsome New Zealand men are? For some reason, on the whole, they are an attractive lot.

* Old Blue was the name of the world's last remaining female black robin during the past decade. With the help of Don Merton, a NZ wildlife officer, she bred her species back from extinction. At last count there were 50 living birds descended from Old Blue.

* I now own a copy of the latest edition of The Maverick Guide to New Zealand" by Robert W. Bone (Pelican Guide Series). Excellent book--which I must add to my small list of indispensable books to read before you travel to New Zealand.

* A reminder: we have a directory, "Clubs & Organisations of New Zealand. If you want to make contact with New Zealanders in your field of interest, employment or expertise, please let us help you. Call or write us.

* Another reminder: Though left-hand driving can quickly become familiar, especially in NZ where traffic is light and relatively unhurried, one cannot be too casual about it. According to NZ traffic experts, visitors from right- hand driving countries do well in heavy traffic, but on the open road they sometimes relax and let down their guard. When confronted with the unexpected they tend to revert to lifelong habits, and that's when casualties can occur. An alert co-pilot is helpful.

* The latest sports venture in Queenstown is called "parapenting." Imported from Switzerland, it's a cross between parachuting and hang-gliding. Now one can float and dream high in the air, but with a more relaxed mind, having the protection of a small, filmy parachute.

SOURCES FOR HOME & FARM VISITS

Here are several sources of help in arranging farm and home stays for your visit to NZ:

(I) New Zealand Farm Holidays, Ltd., 177 Parnell Rd., Private Bag, Auckland NZ. Accommodations on working farms with all meals provided or self-catering in cottages. About $36 per person/double, plus GST.

(2) New Zealand Travel Hosts, 279 Williams St., Kaiapoi, Christchurch NZ. Arrange for home & farm stays--rural town, city--about $25/per person/double for B&B.

(3) New Zealand B&B Federation Group, Sahara Guest House, 619 George St., Dunedin NZ.

(4) Kiwi Tourist Group, Norhihana Guest House, 20 Toko St., Rotorua NZ.

Contact travel agent or NZTP.

(info, from Culture*Wise Travel, 3030 Covington St., Fairfax VA 22031, (703)280-5816.)

Thank you for mentioning KiWiphile FILE

when making Inquiries to other publications,

NZTP,, travel agents. etc. We need recognition!

UNDERWATER JOURNEY, KIWI

STYLE

Visitors to Waitomo's glowworm grotto take a tranquil and silent boat ride under a canopy of shimmering glowworm lights. Their more venturesome companions can enjoy a unique blackwater river voyage in another of the 3 caves. Twelve at a time, wearing helmets, wet suits and rubber boots, the cavers disappear through a hole in the ground which leads to Ruakuri Cave.

An underground stream takes the group, each person safe in an individual inflated innertube, through narrow passages, over miniature waterfalls, past stalactites and stalagmites, under clusters of glowworms sparkling overhead--much of the time in total darkness. On the whole, the travelers glide over gently rippling waters, but sometimes the stream picks up momentum, providing some thrills.

Besides the three caves at Waitomo, there are many worthwhile above-ground adventures. One bluff walk will give you views of the tiny glowworms at night, but you must be cautious and quiet. An alternate route takes you to the Marakopa, a magnificent waterfall.

The earliest guides through the main Waitomo Cave were Maori. Chief Tinorau and his wife Hut They lived near the entrance of the cave at the time of its discovery in 1887 by Tinorau and an English adventurer named Fred Mace. A small fee was charged for the trip.

The THC Waitomo, a rather magnificent old country-club style hotel above the caves, provides rooms at varying rates beginning at around US$40, double occupancy.

To phone ahead for a blackwater rafting reservation, call Waitomo Museum of Caves at (813)87640. People in their 70's have participated, and the lowest age limit is 12 years. You are asked to disclose any medical ailment or disability.

NZ COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN

Last year the appointment of New Zealand's first Commissioner for Children was announced. Ian Hassall, named for the post, is responsible for seeing that the new "Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act" is implemented. This act includes all young people below the age of 17.

The Commissioner, with a staff of three, will deal with matters of child abuse and neglect, but also hopes to be accessible to all young people, and yet not interfere with family privacy. Hassall has noted the success of peer counseling groups in Christchurch and Auckland schools. He is working on expanding this type of outreach for children in other vicinities.

Ian Hassall is a pediatrician and former medical director of the Plunket Society, a state-subsidized organization which provides free baby care to every NZ family. (The Plunket Society also provides the restrooms you may find all over the country, open to all women and girls, tourists included.)

RECIPE - Betty Croft's PIKELETS

Betty Croft of TePuru, NZ, is a person you will not forget should you be so fortunate as to meet her! We, our children, and our grandchildren think of her as one of our dearest NZ friends. Pikelets, served with homemade jam and a hot cup of tea are one of the delicious things you would be served at her table:

Into a bowl put: I egg, I cup milk, 1 c. flour (plain, not self-rising), 1/2 cup sugar, pinch salt.

Beat well and add 1 tablespoonful melted butter. The mixture may seem thin--if so, you may add more flour. Add 2 good teaspoons baking powder and mix in

(BAKING POWDER MUST BE ADDED LAST). Pour

mixture by tablespoonsful into medium hot pan. When it bubbles well, turn it over. Enjoy, like tiny pancakes-- second cousins to French crepes. Good eaten later, rolled up with jam inside.

RENEWALS:

Please check the expiration

date on your mailing label. We can send you one reminder, but it will save postage if you will automatically renew. We're proud of our renewal rate--and want to keep you on our list. The KiWiphile FILE gives a lot for very little money --so don't miss out!

THRIFTY TOURS AND

FARMHOUSE STAYS

A program of individually designed tours using bus, train and ferry services at very reasonable prices is offered by Thrifty Tours of New Zealand. They have tours extending 8 to 13 days, as well as add-on short tours and day trips.

If you're interested in farmhouse or country home visits, this can be arranged for you no matter what your mode of travel--tour group, public transport on your own, or in a rental car. You will receive a full directory of homes to choose from.

Contact your travel agent for brochures and information, or call Baird Reynolds Ltd.: US-800/228- 8727; Calif.-818/707-0184; FAX-818-707-9756. The address is: Baird Reynolds Ltd., Plaza Reyes Adobe Center, 30315 Canwood St., Ste JO, Agoura Hills CA 91301.

OPEN DAYS AT AIR NEW ZEALAND

A replica of the Southern Cross, the plane in which Kingsford-Smith made the first crossing of the Tasman in 1928, will be a nostalgic addition to the static and air display at a show held to celebrate Air New Zealand's 50th anniversary in 1990. But a trip down memory lane is only one aspect of the open days. The airline will be showing off its technological prowess--letting the public have a look through its engineering bases. The Air New Zealand catering division will also give a glimpse of how the airline provides the meals which are consumed at 35,000 feet above the ground. You'll see old uniforms, photos and other memorabilia.

The dates for the open days are Wellington on March 11, Christchurch on March 18, and Auckland on March 25.

BOOK REVIEW

Pelican Publishing Co. has just come out with a 1990 edition of a book I have written about in an earlier issue of K.F., The New Zealand Bed & Breakfast Book. It had been published previously in NZ by Moonshine Press. If you have any interest in New Zealand bed and breakfasting, you couldn't consult a better volume than this. The new edition is even more enchantingly illustrated than it was before. The information about each of the more than 280 listings is written by the host, and you'll be intrigued by the warmth, charm and hospitality so obvious in each of the descriptions.

Campervans are welcome at many B&B's, as you'll note in the listings. Laundry, bathroom, electricity and even meals are offered to campervanners at reasonable rates.

We plan to make good use of this guide on our upcoming trip and will give you a report on our findings. In the meantime, look for the book in bookstores, or contact Pelican Publishing Co., Inc., P.O. Box 189, 1101 Monroe St., Gretna LA 70053; tel. 504/368-1175. Price $9.95 plus $1.50 postage & handling.

PLEASE NOTE: New to us is this information from the book: All telephone numbers in NZ are being changed during 1990 so the numbers listed may not be current Ring 018 for directory assistance if you cannot contact your hosts.

VISIT 50 ACRES OF WINE GRAPES

If you'd like to observe how wine grapes are grown in NZ you are welcome to visit Don Kingsbeer's 50 acres near Gisborne on the east coast of the North Island. His phone number is Gisborne 25868, but it is just as easy to drop in. His grapes are gold medal winners. He also has about 200 macadamia trees, The grapes are picked in March and April. Don Kingsbeer, Back Ormond Rd., Gisborne. Don is the brother of our Kiwi friend Clive Kingsbeer of Papatoetoe.

BOATING HOLIDAYS IN NZ

At any time of the year you can experience a boating vacation in New Zealand. Though sailing conditions vary from season to season, it's possible to enjoy a few days or a week cruising. Everything is provided for you. Just bring your suntan lotion and your favorite sailing partner. If you have not boated before you will be fully instructed in everything you need to know to experience yacht or motorcruiser travel in New Zealand's Bay of Islands or Hauraki Gulf. You will be the skipper, your friends or family the crew.

Information and bookings: Rainbow Yacht Charters, 2618 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach CA 92663. Tel. (outside Calif. 800-231-1468; in Calif. 714-675-2250. FAX 714-675-0679.)

(Reader Michael Giannone of New Jersey tells us that he has used Rainbow Charters several times and would give them an AAA rating--he can't say too many good things about the company.)

THANKS FOR YOUR LETTERS AND NZ TRAVEL HINTS. WE WELCOME MORE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF KIWIphile FILE.

UNTIL NEXT TIME - KIA ORA