Volume XVI, No. 1

SEPTEMBER 2003

RING MY BELL

Potential visitors to New Zealand from around the world can now talk to a real live Kiwi when they have a question about our country.

Until 2002, consumer inquiries on New Zealand were dealt with by local, in-market call centres and Tourism New Zealand staff. But in June 2002 "AM PM Calling Limited" was contracted to provide a call centre based in New Zealand. The operation began receiving calls from Australia, Canada and the United States and in May 2003 expanded to German- speaking countries and the United Kingdom.

"One of the key benefits of bringing this service to New Zealand is that callers are now talking to New Zealanders who know the country from their own travel experience," says George Hickton, Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive. "Overseas callers love the fact that they are talking to a real live Kiwi and there has been very positive feedback from callers on the friendliness and knowledge demonstrated by our call centre team."

1,350 calls are received by the call centre in an average month, with requests for maps, brochures and assistance with timetable information the most common inquiries.

"The call centre provides an information sign post service for people thinking of travelling to New Zealand," says Mr. Hickton. "Wherever callers have internet access they are referred to www.newzealand.com and other appropriate sites."

Tourism New Zealand's free holiday brochure can be ordered and the Automobile Association's Where to Stay and What to See and Do guides are offered at postage cost. Consistent with Tourism New Zealand's overall role, a commercially neutral infor mation service is provided.

A 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week service is provided in English and a German language service is

provided weekdays in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

KIWIS TURN TO RELIGION ON THE NET (XTRAMSN)

New Zealanders are turning to God... but they're doing it on the internet.

Internet intelligence company Hitwise says there has been a jump in the number of kiwis setting off on their spiritual journeys along the information super-highway.

The organisation says the most popular religious sites have been Parachute Music, the Angli can Diocese of Dunedin, and Radio Rhema's website.

Hitwise spokeswoman Tessa Court says young people are using the Internet to define their spiritual journey and beliefs without having to set foot in a church.

She says it's little wonder that congregations are aging and attendances at church services are down.

The most popular sites in this country are mainstream Christian, while internationally, most traffic is directed to the Mormon church.

And it seems the Christian tradition of involvement in social issues continues on the web- last week a massive 8.8% of visitors to The Churches Agency on Social issues left with the intention of returning by adding this site to their "favorites" list.

NEW FINDS FOR THE AMERICAN

TRAVELER found on a 3 month summer 2003

explore - by Eric McFerran

(South Island this issue, North Island last issue)

Many repeat travelers to New Zealand often concentrate on the South Island as it offers such a wide array of scenery, walks, arts and activities and can be covered comfortably on a motoring trip. My 6 week explore of this large island uncovered new areas

with unique accommodations, helped determine which 3 to 6 day walks were the most challenging and unveiled the origin of those New Zealand wine labels that are appearing more frequently now in USA wine stores.

Flying directly from Auckland to Nelson is an easy way to position you at the top of the South Island. It is so stress free to use these modern smaller airports that have excellent facilities, car rental and transfer options, and scenic drives as soon as you depart the airport for your new adventure. Nelson, now New Zealand's second most expensive place for housing, has taken off with the attraction of its favorable sunny climate in an attractive large town with surrounding orchards, beautiful beaches, a growing artist community, a wine trail, easy access to National Parks and interesting sailing in nearby Marlborough Sounds.

Nelson is somewhat typical of many smiller New Zealand cities in that it offers attractive "Main Street" shopping pleasures with small shops, friendly staff and tempting bakeries featuring New Zealand's unique pies, savory snacks, and great selections of cookies and cakes. Often older bank buildings and other historic structures have been turned into trendy restaurants or galleries. Yes, KFC, McDonalds, Starbucks can also be found on the New Zealand landscape but mainly in the larger cities.

Staying with Graham, a good Kiwi mate, and his charming wife for a couple of nights in the Nelson area I was treated to green lipped mussels with pre

dinner drinks. Fresh, delicious and uniquely New Zealand these mussels wash down well with superb local chardonnays.

Many Americans have chosen Nelson and Motueka areas as their place to retire or to start new businesses which often are in the hospitality fields. One such location is the Lodge at Paratiho Farms. A true super luxury lodge set in a beautiful valley where every animal iooks like a fine pedigree specimen. The setting with interesting outdoor sculptures and unique splendid art and furnishings throughout the suites and main lounge and dining areas attracts the rich and famous. Like most such establishments in New Zealand, though, the atmosphere is casual. Profess ional and owners and management relate on a very friendly manner with guests. And men can leave their ties and jackets at home as the stuffiness and protocol of similar British establishments is not practiced in Kiwi land.

Other favorite recommended places to stay in the area include one of our favorites, Wairepo House located within a large apple orchard and overlooking

splendid gardens, pool and tennis court, Copper Beech Gallery B&B, and a little further afield, the Collingwood Homestead. Here, you are hosted by a couple in their fine Dutch like heritage lodge with furnishings and decor to match. These stays remain a pleasant memory of this different and spectacular area yet unfound by most American travelers. It was here where I fulfilled my fantasy of fly fishing in an isolated area with splendid scenic backdrops of the Kahurangi National Park in the northwest area of the South Island. My fishing guide Alan Curnow, local farm owner, whose family had lived in this area for generations really made this one of the highlight days of my trip. Heading off from Collingwood on a sunny morn we four wheel drove over beautiful countryside and then hiked with our rods to deserted streams and staLked many fish from the distant banks. The absolute thrill and exhilaration of the trout taking the fly in such settings and the zinging of the line as the four pounder brown trout heads downstream is what makes American fly fisherman return again and again to New Zealand.

Nearby Nelson is the beautiful beach of Kaiteriteri where the famous three day Abel Tasman National Park guided walk or kayaking commences. What a delightful way to spend time in one of the scenic spectacular near coastal areas of New Zealand. Beautiful Caribbean like seascape vistas and coves, with moderately challenging day hikes or kayaking options over a three day period, amidst unique flora and very comfortable en suite lodgings is a wonderful travel experience. A motor launch takes your personal belongings on this walk each day so only a small day pack is needed for camera and water.

Continuing east to Marlborough country via the Pelorous Bridge and Rai Valley you become immediately aware of the potential of this area. As local population expands or wishes to retire to such attractive landscapes as this (becoming globally renowned through its successful wine industry and labels such as Cloudy Bay) you can only wish it was closer to your homeland, Timara Lodge in Blenheim continues to remain a recommended traditional favorite because of its setting amidst beautiful vineyards and gardens. Jeremy your host is a superb chef and conveys his wide knowledge of New Zealand wines through print and broadcast media to New Zealanders. There are numerous other accommodation options in the area including a convent turned into a spacious B&B with magnificent grounds, several comfortable motels and a lovely B&B owned by a

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Dutch/Afrikaner Kiwi family that also operate a cut flower business on their site.

One growing popular option for visitors is to stay in the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park area which offers unique accommodations amidst coastal fiord like settings ideal for hiking, fishing, sailing and mountain biking or just lazing and admiring the unique outlooks. Lodge resorts have recently rebuilt or upgraded to world standards and offer spa treatments, fine cuisine and a myriad of leisure options. Two of my finest one day walks in New Zealand were taken out of the Raetihi Lodge and The Portage Resort both well managed and located in areas of Kenepuru Sound easily reached by water taxis or scheduled motor launch service out of Picton or Havelock. A moped (motorized bicycle) 3 hour round trip excursion from the Portage north to Punga Cove was just spectacular as was a 4 hour hike on the famous Queen Charlotte Wallc.

Flying South 50 minutes to my hometown of Christchurch to attend a niece's wedding I was able to update myself on recent happenings in this garden city still quite English in posture, set on the River Avon with its Gothic style Cathedral Square and pristine suburban house and garden settings. New fmds in the Victorian Arts Center was Rutherford's Den (a laboratory setting in original design of one of New Zealand's famous citizens and Nobel Prize winner Lord Rutherford whose research helped "split the atom)." Also there is a fine Repertory small theatre on the site of the original Canterbury University where excellent plays are performed and tickets easily obtained. Christchurch has recently opened their new centrally located Art Gallery in a glass-like enclosed massive setting. This together with a visit to the main Canterbury Museum , Victorian Arts Center and the Botanical Gardens can make for a splendid days outing all within comfortable walking distance or one can take a transfer on a vintage tramcar to see it all.

Driving south via eastern highway towns of Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru reminds one how flourishing the wheat and sheep agricultural business still is in New Zealand. The wealth earned over the years has enabled farmers and landowners to upgrade their properties and construct larger, interesting to the eye, architecturally designed homes. A burst of new retirement cottages can also be seen in these towns most with pleasant landscaping and gardens. Overall, retired folk have many comfortable options open to them.

A stopover at Centrewood Historic Home in Palmerston proved interesting. Conveniently located

near the Moeraki Boulders and Otago Peninsula it is an excellent stopping point en route to the Catlins area or Fiordland. Owned by two professors from the University of Otago (the wife is the granddaughter of Lord Rutherford) the homestead is set in 50 acres of farmland and native bush. The accommodation suite and meals are very appealing in historic charm, comfort and style. The selection of CD's in the suite, great books and magazines, our private billiard table, stimulating conversation, and an open fire makes you wish you had a few extra days there just to layback in colonial comfort and privacy. We were fortunate also to see a somewhat lost yellow eyed penguin seaside by the property.

Continuing south via Kaka Point in the Catlins region we inspected the new deluxe motel suites our friend Mike, owner of Nugget View motels had built. Most rooms have outstanding coastal views in this fishing and scenic village which has just been discovered even by South Islanders. Property prices are on the rise. A great place to walk, watch penguins and suck in the spirit of the sea. Carrying on through the most southern city of Invercargill where local oysters are a must if in season and then onto Fiordland and Lake Manapouri where the comfortable two guest suite Beechwood Lodge is located overlooking the lake. Angela, the owner hostess, knows the area well and directed us to a number of spectacular walking areas, some where the Lord of the Rings was filmed. We chose a three hour hike on the start of the Keppler Track commencing with an awesome walk over a swing bridge looking down onto raging waters. The fresh forest smell, the singing tone of the Bell birds, lake vistas and a moderate physical challenge makes for a perfect day with nature. My personal choice of fiordland boat trips is on Doubtful Sound close to Lake Manapouri as I just love the excessive waterfalls that one can see most times. The overnight cruise is especially appealing.

Nearby is Lake Te Anau, stepping-out point for Milford Sound excursions and coming into its own now that the unique Fiordland Lodge has officially opened.

A dream of owners and locals Ron and Robynne, the lodge is like a very large log cabin with first class comfort, spectacular views and unique public lounge areas. I was taken with the large chandelier featuring fishing flies. Great food, and a wide selection of wines and drinks, this is heaven for the traveler not wanting over the top luxury but one who appreciates comfort, personal touch and wilderness natural views. Ron offers the best of fly

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fishing guiding services and even if you are not an experienced fisherman do make the effort to arise early and have a morning fishing experience in this area.... a lifetime memory assured!

Traveling to Queenstown next I was amazed by the growth in this area of more lodgings, vineyards, artist's studios and sporting opportunities. We pride ourselves on inspecting most places we send our clients to, particularly when there has been owner or management changes as in most cases this is a trip of a lifetime for our travelers and we try to make every day perfect and exceed their expectations.

We stayed overnight in two separate lodgings St. Moritz an Accor Mercure branded upmarket

hotel with many oversized rooms having spectacular views overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the nearby Remarkable mountain range backdrop. Convenient and yet distant enough to be away from the bustle of this alpine village it was just splendid to have a perfect martini while chatting to other travelers while observing the vintage SS. Earnslaw steam up the lake with a growing sunset.

The other establishment location in a valley setting with mountain surround was Millbrook Resort. At first glance it appears to be an American style golf and country club but not entirely so. The well-trained staff, friendly manner, comforts and options for couples or families is immense. I personally loved our private, quiet lodge room overlooking one of the greens with a colorful garden entrance and easy access to parking, dining area options and the spa, swimming lap pool, gym and tennis courts.

Queenstown has some quality artists with their convenient studios displaying primarily landscape art. New Zealand has so many world class scenic natural icons, it makes for a wide selection if you are inclined for an art souvenir. Prices have increased considerably over the past three years but still represent value when compared to international prices even with a stronger rising New Zealand dollar.

I made a phone call to Peter Beadle's home studio near Arrowtown and arranged an appointment that afternoon. (I had taken twenty of my friends there on the last day of the previous century and they had a hugely successful shopping spree of Peter's paintings). I was fortunate to sight a quite large recent painting he had done of the Milford Sound fiord and now it stands proudly above our den's fireplace. Peter's art can be seen in many of the lodges and corporate board rooms throughout New Zealand and he is occasionally commissioned by overseas folk to visit them and paint their home palaces, favorite golf courses and boats.

A charming gentleman who also enjoys a frequent game of golf in an area which boasts several challenging courses with outstanding vistas.

Now for the commencement of the grand six day guided walk challenge. A few years back I took my son when he graduated from college on the Milford Track. What a wonderful experience but I wanted more of the same. This time I signed up for a combo of the Greenstone and Routeburn Valley treks.

With 20 others and 4 youthful attractive guides we coached to Glenorchy which is at the head of Lake Wakatipu and after taking a short boat ride across the lake, started in earnest our six day hike which included one other Yank (Roy an enthusiastic hiker and fly fisherman from the Poconos, PA, some Aussies (including eight Sydney ladies and some of their partners who had all met at a gym and each year took a "challenging hike" together, four Japanese, a British lady and my brother Dave the local Kiwi.) Six perfect days, a little more physically challenging than I expected, very comfortable accommodations, lovely hot showers, efficient drying rooms and quality meals with the opportunity to purchase Kiwi beers and wines.

I had packed for a variety of climatic changes but apart from a half day of misty rain it was overall sunny, warm and sand fly bug free for me at least. My son had given me Patagonia thermals for Christmas and I must stick to this brand as I fmd their clothing for outdoor challenges just perfect. I had my sturdy well sprung Leki stick with me and I surely needed it for those downhill mountain climbs. Often stepping over huge rocks (where my worn out knees, due to competitive running over the years, couldn't take the steep descents without pain) I managed to keep up with the younger set. At night my brother and Roy shared a bunk room with me and after a full day of magnificent hiking, we went immediately into a sound sleep.

Cell phones do not work in this area and the only regret we had was not being able to hear the results of the ongoing America's Cup challenge. Jeremy, our guide, solved this by a radio call nightly to home base and near the end of the hike we learnt the sad news that the Kiwi boat had lost to other Kiwis who were sailing for a Swiss sponsored team. Oh well, I bet the New York Yacht Club were not happy after sponsoring Dennis Connors to lead a very expensive challenge effort!

The scenery in the Greenstone Valley and Routeburn offers different spectacular scenery and experiences each day. Roy often moved away by

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himself to fly fish but the huge size of those trout in the Greenstone River proved who was the smarter.

Dave and I discovered so many wow vistas to take our lunch, often overlooking "Lord of the Rings" type settings, mountain meadows with occasional cattle eyeing us with suspicion, isolated rivers with captivating moods and at the base of cascading waterfalls. It was all a feast of nature. I decided that each of the twentyfive long hikes that I have taken now in New Zealand are all wonderfiil and I find it impossible to "best rate" them. One of the true uplifting joys on all of these tracks is to see the smiling healthy faces of walkers from all over the world (many self guiding and using modest mountain cabins as shelters).

Returning to Queenstown, a little fttigued in my case, via Glenorchy for our achievement banquet before going our independent ways we had a celebratory few beers in the Glenorchy pub. This smallish hotel and restaurant/bar is conveniently situated for Dart River trips and day hikes or fishing trips is worth a visit to soak up the local atmosphere or possibly stay a night or two in their very inexpensive comfortable rooms. I also pointed out to our group the location of the luxurious world famous Blanket Bay Lodge with a commanding view on the lake and managed by Philip Jenkins who I consider to be the best Lodge Manager New Zealand has.

I was keen to show off the rest of our trip to my brother as he was unaware of the many beautiful spots in Wanaka, the Haast and the West Coast. We took the newly contoured Cardrona Pass on a 50 minute scenic awesome drive from Queenstown to Lake Wanaka where things are booming in construction of new luxury vacation homes. A much quieter village than Queenstown, Wanaka has its own charm and style and I was keen to check out the many walks available with many starting from lakeside. We each had haircuts from a local barber. Mine cost NZ$8 (approx US$5 and my brother's was half price as he has little hair left)! We stayed at River Run Lodge owned by Meg and John and had a sweeping view of the Southern Alps from our spacious room. After a great dinner with local wines we were happy to rest up watching some classic movie videos in our room.

Next day we mounted the lodge's mountain bikes and rode the 420 acre property through paddocks (one full of bulls which raised our blood pressure) to the swift flowing mighty Clutha River. Early March and the trees were already gaining signs of autumn colorings.

I tried a few casts but the wind was up so I retreated to the sunny banks for an hour and wished we could stay longer in this comfortable scenic retreat. Wanaka is an excellent place for family outdoor options wanting to be away from the high testosterone activities found in Queenstown.

The drive through the Haast Pass should not be rushed. There are so many short attractive walks. Photo opportunities and the mood of the valleys, lakes and forests are quite different from those you'll fmd when bursting through the end of the Pass and reaching the Western side of the island. Pause for a while and view the Tasman Sea from convenient vista spots on the West Coast highway. Stop off for short visits to the many artisan studios along this route. We had inspiring chats with a Maoci bone carver who originated from Rotorua and had family ties with the famous Maori Guide Rangi whom I had met as a younger man. Feeling peckish, we came across an enterprising North Island Maori young lady operating a fresh fish and chips restaurant out of a caravan with a million dollar view of the sea. What a treat... spectacular views, soaring gulls entertaining us and a fresh sea food lunch costing us under US$4.00 each.

The Glacier region in this area offers unique opportunities to see glaciers on the move up close and take 'Kodak Moment' type photos of reflection lakes, Alps and beech forests.

Hokitika is a small west Coast town and we were fortunate to be passing through there on a sunny Saturday when a Wild Food Festival was taking place. Over 200 motor homes were visiting from all over New Zealand, many of them appearing to be a cross between an Irish Gypsy caravan and a World War II military truck. Even Parliamentary leaders were in attendance, some brave enough to sample Hu Hu bugs live which seem to nest and live in rotting logs. In Greymouth we popped in to see Uncle Frank recently widowed and still tuned into his beloved Ham radio set, communicating across the miles to international pals. What a sense of humor and, if he had been born in the USA in this current generation, I feel he would have been an electronic marvel. Another visit with my cousin Tony and his wife who has had an excellent year grazing cattle. Tony and I reminiscenced over lunch about our early pre teen boyhood years gold mining, shooting deer, possums, wild goats and trout fishing with his lumberjack dad who taught us early on about safety with fire arms.

We drove an hour north to take in an afternoon visit to the Punakaikai Rocks before

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backtracking a little to stay over and visit with Frank and Barbara who own The Breakers, a lovely bed and breakfast. They were thrilled to show off their two new suites furnished in Kiwi Bach style offering long ocean views with striking sun sets and star filled nights. Seeing the canopy of stars and the Southern Cross formation in the heavens reinforces the saying "that the best things in life are free". New Zealand certainly offers a myriad of these "free" best natural wonders.

Homeward bound we opted to travel via the more northern Lewis Pass route. We stopped for gas in Reefton, an old coal mining town. I noticed an artist's studio on the main street and wandered over and met with local artist Allison Hale. Her studio had been hit by a recent moderate earthquake somewhat twisting the hardwood floor and causing window damage. She had a very large oil painting of a Pioneer woman and daughter with a West Coast beech forest backdrop. I was smitten but "what would the wife think?" I decided to take a photo of the painting and think about it. The memories of the painting over the next few weeks haunted me and I eventually recommunicated by E. mail from the USA with Allison and now proudly hang this fine painting in our vaulted hallway at home.

My brother and I opted to stop in Hamner Springs for the last night together. It was Saturday night on a lovely sunny weekend and no rooms in the Inn. We settled for the only thing available, a bed in the local Youth Hostel which was quite new and offered a very comfortable room for US$10 each. We celebrated our successful journeys and hiking adventures together. First with a good soak in the local hot springs pools and then over many beers in a crowded local bar and restaurant, watching a live broadcast on a huge screen of our favorite Canterbury Rugby team being soundly beaten by Auckland.

I kept the Grand Finale of this extended explore until my wife arrived for a two week visit during her vacation break. Every visitor to New Zealand should plan on spending a few days at a sheep station. With sixty million sheep normally spread throughout the country there is no shortage of such ranches catering to every pocketbook. Luxury hideaways such as Wharekaukau Country Estate out of Wellington in Palliser Bay or more moderately priced places such as Katoa Lodge in Gisborne and Mount Prospect in Te Anau also offer access to farm life in splendid settings. Grasmere Lodge is one of my favorite luxury high country retreats as it is operated and owned by local Kiwis Oliver and Vicky who each

season fine tune their property and services to the changing needs of American travelers and yet maintain that close one on one with their valued guests. Located near Arthur's Pass National Park it's a great stayover place for a few days en route to the glaciers or the southern lakes.

My special place though to share with my wife was Inverary Station in Mt. Somers in Canterbury. Because of the current demands farming their very large station, owners John and Anne, unfortunately are not taking guests this coming season. Located near many of the sweeping valleys and mountain lakes featured in The Lord of the Rings movies, the homestead is positioned on a plateau, with superb views across the extensive garden to the pastureland and snow capped mountains beyond. Anne is an avid book lover so the selection Gf books and interesting New Zealand magazines could keep us there comfortably for weeks but alas two days was all we could spare before retreating back to nearby Christchurch for family and friend farewells.

For many years American travelers tried to squeeze New Zealand, Australia and the South Sea islands into one life time trip. Most came back and spread the word that they should have spent more time in New Zealand because of its "world in miniature" scenic offerings and extremely friendly people. It's wonderful now with easier access to air travel, often through frequent flyer loyalty programs, and very positive publicity originating from New Zealand's film industry which often features the grandeur of the landscape that Americans are making return trips and staying longer.

Our company New Zealand Travel, Inc has just been awarded exclusively by Conde Nast Traveler's magazine for the third year running recognition as THE Company to deal with for the best of customized trip planning for New Zealand visits. We arc grateful to the New Zealanders who maintain their very noticeable friendly outgoing spirit in these more stressful times, and their conservation efforts to keep their absolutely beautiful landscape clean and green.

(Eric McFerran, President: New Zealand Travel, Inc.) 118 So. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne, PA 19047, USA. Tel: 215-741-5155. Reservations toll free from USA/Canada: 1-800-367-5494. Email:nztravel@aol.com

Website: www.newzealandtravel.org )

SPORTS - TODAY - Steve Mangum

JONAH LOMU AILING: Messages of support and

respect are pouring in from around the globe for New Zealand union superstar Jonah Lomu. The 28 year-old All Black winger is currently undergoing dialysis

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treatment three times weekly and on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Jonah burst onto the world rugby scene as a 19-year-old at the 1995 Rugby World Cup with a brilliant four-try performance against England. Since then his pulverizing running style has thrilled fans and exhausted opponents around the world. The 6'5", 260 pounder has been the most visible face of the rugby union game. Lomu is the all time World Cup try scoring leader with 15 and is tied on the All Blacks try scoring list with John Kirwin on 37.

Jonah was originally diagnosed with nephrotic kidney disease in 1996 but was able to resume his outstanding career under medical supervision.

Kiwiphiles: Let's all wish him well. Kia Kaha, Jonah.

ALL BLACKS UPDATE: The 2003 squad chosen by coach John Mitchell and the selectors is awesome offensively and features a lot of younger faces. The backs, led by Carlos Spencer at fly-half, show phenomenal pace and scoring potential. Richie McCaw and Greg Somerville lead a forward-pack which is world-class. Overall this team is very good defensively, but not yet great.

The season opened with a 15-13 loss to Eng land rated number 1 in the world. The test was played in rainy, windy conditions at Wellington and was dominated by a whistle-happy referee.

The AB's then blasted Wales 55-3 at Hamilton, running in eight tries. The following week New Zealand defeated France in a rather pedestrian effort at Christchurch.

New Zealand is now in the driver's seat to win the Tri-Nations and reclaim the Bledisloe Cup. The boys hammered South Africa 52-16 at Pretoria on July 16th. The great pace of the New Zealand backs was simply too much for the outclassed Springboks. One week later the Men in Black crushed Australia 50-2 1 at Sydney. Both were record wins for New Zealand.

After two home games vs. South Africa at Dunedin and Australia at Auckland. the All Blacks will rest and prepare for the Rugby World Cup starting Oct. 10 in Australia.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: New Zealand is co-favored with England to win the William Webb Ellis trophy in the fifth Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks have four games in Pool D competition: Oct. 11 and 17 vs Italy and Canada in Melbourne, and Oct. 24 and Nov. 2 vs. Tonga and Wales at Brisbane. The AB's would then probably face South Africa in the quarter-fmals. The winner would then most likely match up with

Australia in the semi-fmal at Sydney on Nov. 15. The winner should end up vs England in the final.

Australia, France and South Africa could surprise the experts. Most see England and the All Blacks as the top two facing off in a classic final matchup. England is more experienced, has good defense and leadership, and superior kicking with Jonny Wilkinson at fly-half. New Zealand is simply loaded with talent and could overpower any team in the tournament.

Other teams in the RWC competition are Argentina, Fiji, Japan, the US, Namibia, Ireland, Scotland. Romama, Uruguay, Georgia and Samoa. May the best team win.

BLACK FERNS, RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007, SUPER 12: The New Zealand national women's rugby team has agreed to play two matches against a World XV squad in Oct. 2003. Both tests will be played prior to NPC games. The matches will take place on Oct. 4 in Auckland and Oct. 11 in Whangarei. These are the first matchups for NZ since winning the Women's Rugby World Cup in Barcelona in 2002.

France has been selected to host the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The French proposal for a traditional 20-team tournament was chosen over England's for a two-tier 36-team cup. Matches will use the same venues as the 1998 soccer World Cup. Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh will also host some of the matches.

The Auckland Blues defeated the Canterbury Crusaders in an exciting hard-fought match to win the Super 12 Championship. Final score: 21-17.

Until next time, Play On!!

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS - 2003 (Compiled by Annie Rose Lawler)

Survivor of longest fall down a lift shaft. Stuart Jones (New Zealand) fell 23 stories, a distance of 229 ft 7 in (70m) down an elevator shaft while carrying out structural work on the roof of a temporary elevator at the Midland Park Building Wellington, NZ in May 1998. Jones survived his dramatic fall, but sustained multiple injuries, including a broken hip, a compound fracture in his left leg a broken left kneecap, and a broken rib.

Most latex feet made for a single film. More than 1,600 pairs of latex feet were used during the shooting of the film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Each foot had to be glued on and then ripped off at the end of the day's filming, so they could only be used once.

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Longest bowls marathon. Six members of Dune Hill Bowling Club, Wanganui, NZ, played outdoor bowls for a record 40 hr 8 min from April 13 to 14, 2001. The attempt was hampered by torrential rain, but a pump kept the surface playable.

talents of first-time actress Keisha Castle-Hughes. More importantly, it provides hope that every generation will come with resilient individuals ready and capable of assuming their role as leaders among their peers."

LETTER BOX

Phil and I were in NZ in February and March 2002. We were on both islands. We loved everything, but our most favorite and most memorable place was Coopers Beach (Beach Lodge). Margaret treated us like we were her family and gave us a going-away party! She is adorable, and it's a great place to stay. Very clean, great beach. We plan to go back in 2006 for a few months for our 20th wedding anniversary. We love New Zealand! That was our second trip.

Thanks for keeping up and writing your news letters.

"Zoolie" and Phil, NC

MATANAKA FARM - from Heritage This Month

Stark and darkly clad, the evocative Matanaka farm buildings high on a windswept seaside cliff in Otago could be the subject of a Graeme Sydney painting.

The unique three seat privy, schoolroom, stables, granary and store are also believed to be the oldest farm buildings in New Zealand. Visitors reach this historic complex by turning off the main highway (Hwy 1) north of Dunedin. It is open during daylight hours.

The farm buildings were erected in the early 1 840s by Johnny Jones, an ex-convict turned whaler, farmer, businessman and settler. After whaling slumped, he bought large tracts of land from the Maori and settled on his own farm in Matanaka in 1843.

On a visit it is easy to recapture the era when the buildings were part of the first farm in Otago, then a remote and sparsely inhabited corner of the young colony of New Zealand.

Recently, New Zealand Historic Places Trust architectural adviser Guy Williams and the Dunedin Department of the Conservation Corps upgraded the access track and car park,, and birdproofed one of the farm buildings that had become a popular nesting place.

When you make inquiries about and/or reservations for anything In New Zealand, if you saw it here please mention that you saw it in the KiWIphile FILE!! Thank you..

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1984 HIT 'POI E'

Does anyone remember the New Zealand hit song in 1984 "Poi E" recorded by the Patea Maori Club? I do. I still have the cassette we bought while we were there that year. I took it to my dance class not long ago, and it rather startled many of my friends.

The song is to be re-released this year as a tribute to the club's founder, the late Dalvanius Prime.

"Poi E" reached number one in the New Zealand charts in 1984, and the re-release of the single coincided with a three-day performance by the Patea Maori Club at the Devon Hotel in New Plymouth.

DRIVEN TO DRINK

An enthusiastic drinker was arrested after being caught speeding down a road on a motorized bar stool. What made the sight particularly shocking was that the driver's nether regions appeared to be on fire. John Sullivan of Tauranga, New Zealand, admitted that he had "had a few" and shouldn't have been zooming down a road on his bar stool. But he remained proud of the home-made chair, which he says can reach a speed of 50 kilometres an hour. He apparently added the flames for effect, by sitting on a newspaper that he had set alight.

He was annoyed that public money had been wasted to prosecute him, since he was just having some fun. "One cop wasn't too happy but the other two were laughing their heads off," he told the New Zealand Herald. Sullivan was sentenced to 200 hours' community service. He should have been given an award for adding to the general hilarity of life in New Zealand.

BED AND BREAKFAST WEBSITE

Please note that there is a very successful internet Bed and Breakfast advertising network:

http://www.bedandbreakfastplanner.com/linking.html

This is team effort that lists over 8,000 unique Bed and Breakfasts throughout New Zealand

BOOKS ABROAD

Also please note that New Zealand Books Abroad, once mentioned in the KIWIphile FILE has a website and a new email address as follows:

Email: info@nzbooksabroad.com

Web: www.nzbooksabroad.com

New Zealand Books Abroad, P0 Box 17-244,

Wellington 6003, New Zealand

Phone +64-4-475 3327

Fax: +64-4-475 4040

MAORI CULTURE ON SHOW

AT WILLOWBANK, CHRISTCHURCH

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch now offers Ko Tane (Maori god of the forest), a cul tural performance set within the natural environment of Willowbank.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a long established privately owned and operated attraction that specialises in New Zealand rare, endangered and introduced animals with an interactive theme.

Dave Brennan (formally of Nga Hau E Wha National Marae) will be managing the operations of the Maori cultural performances at Willowbank.

"I remember as a child coming out to Willowbank as part of the opening of the Maori Village and have always felt an affinity to the place. This is a fantastic opportunity for local Maori employment, to showcase our culture and incorporate many of the elements of nature that are so important in our culture's development," says Brennan.

"Ko Tane" includes a powhiri (welcome), poi (action dance), haka (war dance) and waiata (Maori song). In future 'Ko Tane' may include a guided night tour of the wildlife reserve on which visitors will learn about New Zealand's flora and fauna in a purely Maori way including myth and knowledge about traditional natural medicines.

Performances held nightly at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm are set amongst the native bush on a purpose built stage in the shape of a fern. Visitors are encouraged to have a go at poi and haka, fitting with the interactive theme already established at Willowbank.

NZ CAR TO RUN ON WATER - NZ Herald

Seven years design work in Auckland, Detroit and the UK was recently brought to realisation when a new design of car was launched at the London dockyards.

New Zealand millionaire Alan Gibbs launched an amphibious sports car, the Aquada, which he plans to put into commercial production in October.

The first production models of an initial line of 200 vehicles is planned to roll off the production line at his British plant in the first year.

9

Mr. Gibbs said, "It will be equivalent to a premium-priced sports car. Think of something pretty good but certainly less than a Ferrari Enzo."

Fifty engineers headed by a team of former Jaguar technical experts have already produced 10 test prototypes at Gibbs Technologies plant in Nuneaton, which is part of the Coventry hub of the British car industry.

The Aquada has a stainless steel and alumin ium frame and a glass reinforced polyester shell.

Mr. Gibbs plans to license the intellectual property to other vehicle manufacturers. "Ultimately our aspirations are that thousands be produced... but by licensees."

His dream is that the technology will eventually be used for 4-wheel drives, buses or even military vehicles. But he conceded that Gibbs Technologies would not know how successful the Aquada would be until the orders were placed. "We will find out by test."

Gibbs plans to bring it back to New Zealand in December this year and launch it at Westhaven.

The Aquada is powered by a Rover 2.5-litre V6-K series engine. It has a top speed of 169km/h on land and 48km/h on water-fast enough to tow a skier.

As it takes to water the wheels retract and a jet unit propels the machine. The process is reversed when it reaches land. It has a range of 480km on land and about 80km on water.

PACK THE RIGHT WAY

Here are tips for navigating new checked- luggage regulations and U.S. airport checkpoints, from the Transportation Security Administration. Compre- hensive guidelines are posted at www.tsa.gov.

Place film in carry-on luggage, because new checked-baggage screening equipment can damage und:velcped film.

Pack footwear at the top in checked bags. Shoes and boots are high-density items that may prompt a closer look, a TSA spokesman says. Placing them at the top makes a search easier and less intrusive.

Avoid overpacking checked bags so screeners can easily re-close them. Put items you don't want handled in clear plastic bags to lessen that chance.

Don't lock checked bags. Locks will be broken if a bag is searched. The TSA plans to provide disposable plastic seals at check-in. If a bag is opened, screeners will replace the seal with one of another

color. (Seals also are available from some airlines and at outlets, including the Magellan's catalog.)

To ease passage through security checkpoints, shun shoes with metal in shanks, heels or toes. Take off metal hair clips or barrettes. Be aware that body piercings may trigger a pat-down or a trip to a private area to remove studs or ornaments.

To report screening problems or issues, con tact the TSA consumer response center at 866-289- 9673 or telltsa@tsa.dot.gov. (Reponse can be spotty; the TSA says improvements are underway.)

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS - Do you have some thoughts to share with fellow travelers to New Zealand? Please send them in and we'll print them in the next KlWlphile FILE. Thank you.

TONGARIRO! From Tales of an Angler 's El Dorado" by Zane Grey (1 920s)

Tongariro! What a strange beautiful high- sounding name! It suited the noble river and the mountain from which it sprang. Tongariro! It was calling me. It would call to me across the vast lanes and leagues of the Pacific. It would draw me back again. Beautiful, green-white thundering Tongariro!

KiWiphile FILE

Published quarterly by Eva Trapani

La Crescenta CA 91214-3804

E-mail: KiwiET1 @aol.com

See past issues at: www.kiwiphile.org

Copyright 2003 by Eva Trapani

Subscriptions are $10.00 for one year (4 issues), $18 for 2 years, $25 for 3 years. If you live in Canada $12 per year; in other countries $18 per year.