Tonight the NZ clocks go forward an hour to summer time. This is a symbolic moment much wanted by those who are starting to experience SAD. Apart from the physiological and psychological effects, there are some practical issues that readers should take into account. FOR UK readers – From 1 October NZ will be 12 [...]

It’s appropriate as I start work at the Ministry of Social Development that I share with you New Zealand’s defining moment rated number three from their top 20 list. NZ has an international reputation for progressive social policy – the Social Security Act of 1938 provided for a comprehensive, modern welfare state that provided social [...]

There are some people who call themselves my friends who are waiting for me to fall from grace and abandon my vocation to become a full time domestic executive. To reassure them and myself that I am still on track this is a weekly countdown towards that marvellous day. The first week in a proper [...]

Here is a picture of our treasure close to home (taken from the front door step). It’s not quite the Red Lion Pub which was about the same distance from Holly House but serves a similar purpose. Instead of beer we can get wonderful wine, brunches and other foodie meals. It provided much soul food [...]

I’ve just finished the first day on my new job and I’ve been overcome with all the information swimming in my head. You forget how exhausting it is to be the new person and not knowing simple stuff can be debilitating Luckily the morning tea ritual saved the day and the warm welcome from all [...]

Wellington has been playing host to one of the country’s art extravaganza. It’s a cross between an art and fashion show and has been wowing the crowds. I didn’t actually get to see the show this year it’s definitely on the must see list for cultural interludes next year. www.worldofwearableart.com The closest I came to [...]

It’s good to get my blog stats each week – this tells me how many people are reading my blog and where they are reading it from. This is essential feedback as so far none of my readers have taken the plunge and left a comment on the site. Nevertheless feedback comes in from other [...]

You may remember that I talked about the depths that politics has sunk here a couple of weeks ago. I’m afraid we are still travelling downwards as politics has become personalised almost to a point of no return. The Prime Minister, Helen Clarke, called the opposition Don Brash, corrosive and a cancerous growth in politics. [...]

Having finished my contract last Friday I’ve been enjoying the life of a domestic-executive. It’s been a lovely interlude and one which has reminded me of the potential of things to come next year. So what I have I done with this time away from the office. You guessed it, cleaning, shopping, washing and house [...]