Helena's Blog

Count Down to Rugby World Cup

2011-08-30T19:25:00.012+12:00

For More information on Rugby World Cup in Napier ...

http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/havingaball

Napier is hosting two pool games in the international tournament - France v Canada on September 18 and Canada v Japan on September 27. Both games will be played at McLean Park, the region's premium rugby venue.

Close to 300 volunteers will be turning out to help make Rugby World Cup in Napier an enjoyable experience for everyone taking part.

The visiting teams are to receive mayoral welcomes, visit marae, take part in open team practices and meet schoolboy rugby teams. The Canada team will be in town for 15 nights, Japan for six and France for three...

Banners fluttering from atop 336 power poles - including those flanking the city's scenic Marine Parade - will ensure Napier is well 'dressed' for the duration of the Rugby World Cup. So the city will be looking its best for a showcase occasion, with a predicted 85,000 - 95,000 international visitors in New Zealand for an average stay of 22 days. (Short summary of full article on Napier City Council website).

See Also events Calendar NZ/Hawke's Bay ==>http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/whatson/events/hawkes-bay-gisborne

New Zealand will be in celebration mode for the next six weeks, with great rugby games and festival events happening all over the country. Opening ceremony is on Friday 9th September followed by the opening test match Tonga vs All Blacks in Auckland.

For more on rugby celebrations throughout New Zealand

==> http://www.nz2011.govt.nz

For latest results and games played today

see the official RWC site ==> http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/index.html

for 4 minute video of each rugby game highlights ==>
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/video/index.html

For video highlights from the opening ceremony ==>
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/video/index.html#v=2049605

Statistics New Zealand update.

2011-06-09T09:25:00.006+12:00

New revamped Statistics New Zealand homepage: http://www.stats.govt.nz/

Some key changes are:

Our latest releases are easier to find
Our search is now powered by Google
Our homepage is easier to navigate with coloured boxes clearly defining different areas

Time Use Survey 2009/10 results coming soon
On 21 June, the first results from the country's second Time Use Survey will be released. The first Time Use Survey was run in 1998/99.

The release will include a wealth of information, such as:

the amount of time people spend doing paid and
unpaid work
the amount of time people spend watching television
how much time people spend in the company of others.

Head to the Time Use Survey 2009/10 web page to find out more and read some interesting results from the last survey.

Next census to be held in March 2013
Statistics New Zealand has welcomed the Government's decision to hold the next census in March 2013 and has begun work on the project.

The 2011 Census was called off following the 22 February Christchurch earthquake. It could not have been successfully completed given the national state of emergency and the probable impact on census results.

The Government and Statistics NZ had considered holding the census in March 2012. However, the risk of a census not being able to be run properly in that short period of time was too high.

The exact census date is expected to be announced later this year, after Parliament approves legislation required to hold a census in 2013.

International guest nights down in South Island
Guest nights fell 5.4 percent in March 2011 compared with March 2010, the latest Accommodation Survey results show. The decrease was driven by a fall in international guest nights in the Canterbury region and throughout the South Island.

Due to the earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011, less accommodation was available in Canterbury. Available capacity was down by half for hotels and by a third for backpacker accommodation, compared with March 2010.

All five South Island regions had fewer guest nights in March 2011 compared with March 2010 whereas the North Island recorded an overall increase in guest nights.

Trade surplus reaches new high

In April 2011, there was a trade surplus of $1.1 billion, or 24 percent of the value of exports. This is the highest monthly surplus ever recorded and the highest in almost 20 years as a percentage of exports.

The total value of goods exported in April 2011 rose $691 million (17 percent) from April 2010, to reach $4.7 billion – also a new high.

The total value of goods imported in April 2011 rose $238 million (7.2 percent) from April 2010, to $3.5 billion, led by increases in petroleum and products values.

The annual trade balance for the year ended April 2011 was a surplus of $1.2 billion (2.6 percent of exports). This is the largest surplus for a year ended April since 1994.

Go to the Overseas Merchandise Trade: April 2011 information release for the latest trade figures.

Estimates and projections added to Interactive Boundary Maps

You can now use Interactive Boundary Maps to view your neighbourhood's estimated and projected population.

Find out your area's estimated population for 2010 and projected population for 2031. Information is available for all area units, territorial authorities, and regions.

Interactive Boundary Maps is a free online tool that provides information such as number of people, median age, and median personal income, from the regional level right down to the street level.

The estimated and projected population figures are based on the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings.

A unique look at NZ's economic progress

The 2011 Economic Development Indicators report provides a unique overview of how New Zealand's medium-term economic performance compares with other OECD countries.

Chapters include:

New Zealand's economic relationship with Australia and its states
Auckland – an internationally competitive city
Wellbeing and prosperity
The composition of the New Zealand economy.

The report is a joint publication between the Ministry of Economic Development, the Treasury, and Statistics NZ. Questions and requests for hard copies can be sent to info@med.govt.nz.

Profile of New Zealand in 2011 This takes a bit of time to download in pdf. There is a chapter in here on current average wage levels.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/snapshots-of-nz/nz-in-profile-2011.aspx

Slideshare

2011-04-06T12:29:00.012+12:00

Slideshare

New Zealand animals and birds

View more documents from Helena Mc Keever

I was introduced to this technology over a year ago by two different sources at once. I liked it and have been meaning to post something myself; the next time that I write a paper, I would like to upload to slide share also.

Just tried it out by transferring some photos to a word document and uploading, a good result, although I also need some original text ideally, I was interested to first just try the upload to see layout... So what are the names of these animals. Did you spot the yellow eyed penguin, the tuatara, the black swan, the Kea, the nearly dead jellyfish, the ancient Moa bones, possum on the road, deer, sheep?...

I also have photos of red beaked black stilts I must share another time.

Additional source: slideshare blog ==> http://blog.slideshare.net/
....Most popular presentations ==> http://www.slideshare.net/#

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SlideShare

Slideshare

Art Deco Festivities - Commemorating 80 years since the Feb 3 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake

2011-02-16T12:09:00.003+13:00

Art Deco Festivities

==> http://www.artdeconapier.com/Art-Deco-Weekend-Home-Page_120.aspx

Art Deco Festivities

Government datasets online

2010-12-06T15:03:00.006+13:00

Government data sets online.

Data.govt.nz is a directory of publicly-available, non-personal New Zealand government datasets. This site does not host data, instead it links to datasets held on other government websites.

Official Statistics are produced by government departments to provide information for government and government departments, local government, businesses and the general public.

www.data.govt.nz

Government data sets online.

Government data sets online

Google image swirl.

2010-11-26T15:59:00.008+13:00

Google Image Swirl

http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/html?q=advent%20calendar#1052

http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/html?q=salad#1143

http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/html?q=space%20pics&pq=space&ps=4ff41b87862323b9&cluster=1194#1214

Google Image Swirl

Who can I vote for in the Local Elections?

2010-09-22T11:15:00.003+12:00

Local elections

In this website you can search who is standing for the October 9 local body elections in New Zealand in your locality.

elections2010.co.nz

Local elections

Christchurch Earthquake

2010-09-04T10:02:00.038+12:00

Earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand this morning. (7.4). Ongoing Aftershocks.

http://lists.geonet.org.nz/pipermail/eqnews/2010-September/003218.html

More details, since revised to (7.1):
http://www.geonet.org.nz/news/article-sep-4-2010-christchurch-earthquake.html

30 most recent NZ quakes:recent quakes

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf

We Had An Earthquake!

**http://www.mapquake.co.nz/

***http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/

* www.niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/canterbury-wave-conditions

Since the devastating February 22 2011 earthquake in Christchurch which claimed lives, huge media focus has been on Christchurch. A national state of emergency was declared and remains in force. It reminds us of our vulnerability to the forces of nature and we take the steps we can to protect our families and strengthen our personal and business preparations for disaster. It is uplifting to see the great community support for the citizens of Christchurch and our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with those who tragically lost lives.

There is a hugely expensive rebuilt ahead for Christchurch ahead and we grieve the loss of iconic buildings and critical infrastructure. I look forward to visiting Christchurch and seeing the changes for myself at a future time. Kia Kaha Christchurch.

These additional resources are posted elsewhere on this blog but are as relevant as ever.

==> http://hbemergency.govt.nz

==> http://www.getthru.govt.nz

==> http://canterbury.eqc.govt.nz/news-releases

==> http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/02/christchurch_earthquake.html

*********************************************************
==> http://www.quakestories.govt.nz

copy and paste above URL into address bar to view or highlight link, right click and select open link. (October 2011).

A place to remember and memorialise the quakes, their victims and the city's lost heritage and landmarks, one form of 'living memorial' (www.quakestories.govt.nz), which is designed to collect and preserve people's memories and other digital material relating to the earthquakes.

Christchurch Earthquakes/Canterbury Quakes

Digitised reports from selected volumes of the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives. A to Js online

2010-09-04T09:21:00.000+12:00

The National Library has released their first offering of AJHRs online at http://atojs.natlib.govt.nz

Digitised reports from selected volumes of the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives.

Getting Involved as a RWC Volunteer.

2010-07-15T17:54:00.018+12:00

Rugby World Cup 2011

I learnt a little more about volunteering for the Rugby World Cup just lately after attending one of the road show presentations earlier this week.

The World Cup will run from the 9 Sept to the 23rd of October and twenty national rugby teams will be here in New Zealand in a variety of newly built or refurbished stadiums in several localities in New Zealand.

5000-7000 specially trained volunteers are needed. This is in addition to some 20,000 other jobs created by the rugby tournament.

At the road show I found out the following:

Volunteers commit to a minimum of 3 days/shifts of 6-8 hours in duration.
Volunteers must be at least 17 years of age.
Volunteers need to speak English
Volunteers need to Understand NZ and NZ culture
...Undergo a police check for some jobs
....Commit to a volunteer agreement and agree to terms and conditions.
....Qualities wanted include Committed, Passionate and Motivated; Proud and Positive; Hard working; Committed Team Member. Patience and Tolerance. Leadership. Manaakitanga (good hosts).
Fluency in other languages (for example in our region, French, Japanese and Canadian French/English were also skills advantageous for some RWC volunteer roles).

There are very few roles in the Stadium. No free tickets. Volunteers are unlikely to meet any rugby stars or see any games while volunteering.

Volunteers will get meals provided and a uniform that they can keep that will be issued in August 2011.

They will undergo some training beginning in May 2011 with some general training and orientation on-line.

Then in July/August there is job specific training in a classroom and venue specific training at the venues.

When applying on-line you are asked to pick three roles that interest you. You will then have a walk on, face to face, relaxed meeting/job interview to decide if the role you have been assigned fits you.(allow approx 10 minutes).

Some of the roles include: Festival hosts, Tourist Information Hosts, Transport Hub hosts, VIP Hosts, VIP administrators, Work force squads, Ceremony support, Spectator Services Squad, Drivers, Catering Standards Monitor, Attendance recorders, Media Assistants, Hotel Hosts, Airport Welcome Hosts...

So its very interesting to be informed and to volunteer if you are available for a minimum of 3 days during the 9th of September to the 23rd of October 2011 time frame.

Who Wants to be the Best Hosts in the World?

https://volunteer.rugbyworldcup.com

Rugby World Cup 2011

Individual tickets prices and dates for RWC

*You can read the specifics for each role before choosing them on the website for signing up. There are some roles where volunteers are needed as early as Feb 2011. These may be in the bigger centres.

Census Advisory Update/ Interactive Boundary Maps

2010-03-09T20:29:00.007+13:00

Census advisory update

The latest Census Advisory newsletter is now available at:

http://search.stats.govt.nz/search?af=&w=census+advisory+newsletter&date=

http://www.stats.govt.nz/tools_and_services/services/newsletters/census-advisory-newsletter.aspx

If you are having trouble following the link please copy and paste it, in its entirety, into your browser's address bar.

Contents:

2010 Census Dress Rehearsal

2011 Census products and services

Census CURF consultation - closes 17 March 2010

Asian profiles

New subnational population projections

New Census Advisory coming soon

Census advisory update

Postscript 10 August:
Please Do check out this new feature :Interactive Boundary Maps from Stats NZ

Topic from a friend - DEGROWTH

2010-01-19T17:34:00.004+13:00

Decroissance - Degrowth
http://www.degrowth.net/What-is-DEGROWTH

Degrowth carries the idea of a voluntary reduction of the size of the economic system, which implies a reduction of the GDP. However degrowth is not simply about challenging the centrality of GDP as the overarching policy objective but proposes a framework for transformation to a lower and sustainable level and mode of production and consumption. Degrowth is about finding a path or a transition to social justice, well being and ecological sustainability. It involves a range of actions at the individual and collective level based on a change of values and democratization of societies. Degrowth is about people rather than technology deciding on the direction of societal evolution. It is also about giving meaning to human life which is not per se associated with conspicuous consumption and materialism.

This is interesting although I am committed to personal growth and to economic growth as well as ecological sustainability, well being and social justice. Of course there is this conflict in many areas of governance of natures resources. In the instance of the overfishing by industry below you can see where this philosophy is a helpful addition to a framework for thinking and strategy for acting. Good to have the debate.

Decroissance - Degrowth

Best Fish Guide 2009-2010

2009-12-09T13:28:00.004+13:00

Best Fish Guide 2009-2010

Well sustainable fishing is a challenge these days it would seem.

Please do use this best fish guide to make a good choice for our oceans.

This assessment combines the latest government and published information on the biology, status and management of fish stocks, habitat damage and ecological damage caused by fishing methods to seabirds, marine mammals, corals, sponges, turtles and other marine life.

For Fish Choices _Ecological Rankings ==> Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 from here click on the word 'rating' to get to see whether you need to avoid a type of fish (there are many you must avoid!) or if there are concerns about sustainability. Important reading for consumers as well as fishers.

New Zealand fisheries are not as healthy as some claim. If you choose ecologically sustainable seafood you will help improve New Zealand's fishing practices and return our oceans to an abundance and health.

Help Protect our Natural Resources. See also ==> Forest & Bird: Giving Nature a Voice

***http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Press/Largest+Haul+of+Undersize+Paua.htm

Best Fish Guide 2009-2010

Concentration. book recommended, view in google books

2009-10-12T10:33:00.031+13:00

The Power of Concentration

I have recently been recommended this book written in 1918 called The Power of Concentration. Instead of buying an ebook, I have searched google books for this text (the author is Theron Dumont) and there are 46 of the 188 pages of this book here as a tester. Enough to get the motivation...

I think this is a good idea to use google books for this purpose, because it is free. This is basically an old style (1918!) self help book. Seriously a get off your chair old time classic.

Of course not to worry about gender. I mean don't feel excluded but think of the circumstances surrounding this writer. Think she if you read he, and woman when you read man if you are not a man. The ‘he’ in this narrative should stand for ‘he’ and ‘she’:
Man/Woman in a broad inclusive 21st century sense. 1918 and such clear ideas post war! Theron Dumont also good for a wikipedia search, he wrote under 3 pseudonyms, his real name being William but his chosen name so French. He also wrote under an Asian name. Fascinating. :-)

Now I just did that wikipedia search on Theron Dumont. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theron_Q._Dumont.
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_Atkinson

Gosh sounds very different, certainly prolific, a great writer? well..could be dodgy, sounds a bit racy, has limitations, don't believe in crystals..not a hindu... yet Thermon Dumont's work about CONCENTRATION has impact, interesting insights and practical value.

Copy and paste to address bar to view.

http://books.google.co.nz/books?q=Theron+Dumont&btnG=Search+Books. The first 9 pages of the table of contents are in smaller print.

By following a link on the early wikipedia link above I also realise now that Project Gutenberg has a full copy of this text.
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext98/prcon10.txt

from here either download ( I prefer in uniform plain text...) or simply read online see link at top of page.

Reminds me a little of Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) Card Players Paintings. The Card Players

The Power of Concentration

2009-10-06T14:24:00.005+13:00

Latest Statistics New Zealand Seminar

Download in Google documents this great presentation.

You will need to sign in to google docs with your google/gmail password then you can view whole presentation some 50 plus pages about using the Statistic New Zealand tools table builder and infoshare (Census and Key Statistics data). Specialised for Hastings.

Web stats Hastings

regards,

Helena

What's in Season

2009-09-16T11:37:00.009+12:00

What's in Season

Fruit

Apples
Tamarillos
Lemons
Avocados
Grapefruit
Oranges
Tangelos
Pears

Vegetables

Crown pumpkins
Jerusalem artichokes
Globe artichokes
Swede
Fennel
Leeks
Yams
Witloof
Kale
Kumara
Taro
Kohl rabi

Herbs

Chervil
Chives
Nasturtium
Thyme

From www.radionz.co.nz/popular/recipes

Blossom Festival

2009-09-12T13:47:00.004+12:00

Blossom Festival Programme.

Blossom Parade Route Saturday September 12th 2009. Start Time 1.30pm.

1) Map 2) Associated events until September 20th.

http://www.blossomfestival.co.nz/content/view/3/5/
http://www.blossomfestival.co.nz/content/view/4/6/

http://www.hastingslibrary.co.nz/index.htm#blossom%20festival

2009-09-01T18:38:00.008+12:00

Update: As of 6 September my blog is now marked free of the Malware by google. I'm so pleased. The changes I made, plus summitting for the review and it appears the problem is solved. Great work everybody :-).

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

I've noticed that google have marked my blog as having malware on a google search. I'm not sure which widgets I need to remove, but am working on this problem.
I am working to see what I need to remove to keep my blog free of malware.

I'm using this resource
http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/10/malware-we-dont-need-no-stinking.html

So far I have removed the bloglinker.com and also removed my nav bar as I found an i-frame in it. (Searched iframes have width="0" Height="0" in HTML souce code).

Good news is my site "did not appear to function as an intermediary for the infection of any sites" and "No this site has not hosted malicias software over the past 90 days".
How did this happen? "In some cases, third parties can add malicious (or suspicious) code to legitimate sites which would cause us to show the warning message". Now to inform blogger, clean up any remaining probs, get advise to keep things secure and to apply for a review from the google team.

My apologies.

Helena

Census-advisory-newsletter Aug-09

2009-08-22T00:17:00.001+12:00

http://www.stats.govt.nz/methods_and_services/newsletters/census-advisory-newsletter/21-aug-09.aspx

2009-08-10T19:34:00.002+12:00

***Roger Hall, successful NZ playwright and UNICEF Ambassador visits Hastings Library!***

Roger will give a talk entitled
"The Ones That Got Away--the plays and TV series that you never got to see."
Wednesday 23 September 7.00pm
Hastings Library
Tickets $5.00 – on sale from Monday 17 August, at Hastings Library. Numbers are limited so be in quick to catch this great opportunity. All proceeds will go to UNICEF.

I remember reading Mr Hall's book, Bums on Seats, an autobiography of his times, teaching, then later writing plays etc. It was a comedy. Looking forward to attending this.

Network security

2009-07-26T14:44:00.005+12:00

Been checking out this website about network security.

Advise to check credit report history

Use a schredder

Ensure your wireless network is secure

Update your security updates on windows etc

==> es-es.net

note: this is not an nz based company but interesting free content and demonstrations for a home user.

Montana Book Awards

2009-06-16T10:55:00.001+12:00

Vote for readers choice in the Montana book awards online below. You have a chance of winning $1000 worth of books. Very quick and easy to vote and enter.

http://www.booksellers.co.nz/vote_form.php?award=92

Deleting facebook posts

2009-03-09T17:08:00.010+13:00

Deleting facebook posts

To delete a post on facebook just go to the EXTREME RIGHT CORNER of the post which you need to delete. You'll find a small pencil icon and an option to Edit. You can choose to delete any wall post by using that particular Edit option.

regards,

Helena

Deleting facebook posts

# With the new facebook layout the options to edit are reduced. To delete just go to the extreme right corner of the post and you'll find a small boxed x (...now an icon that says 'delete' that is visible when you mouse over it). This will delete your post. The option to minimise the post or reduce it to one line has disappeared.
The new facebook layout is apparently modified to take in aspects of twitter and myspace. Will take some practise using the new formats.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

I have been reading this article about joining networks on facebook and what this does to your 'only friends' privacy settings. This is worth a read to understand how joining a network does affect your privacy. ==>

*http://pascal.vanhecke.info/2007/12/18/
network-privacy-settings-on-facebook-i-wouldnt-co
nsider-a-country-a-close-knit-community/

Also here is the link to Office of the Privacy Commissioner ==> www.privacy.org.nz for privacy related topics and ideas in New Zealand.

Art Deco

2009-02-10T17:46:00.005+13:00

Art Deco

http://www.artdeconapier.com/

Upcoming Events in Napier for Art Deco Weekend! Well worth a look if you are in the locality.

Art Deco Weekend Events in Chronological Order ==>

http://www.artdeconapier.com/Programme_in_Chronological_Order_43.aspx

Ready with my pleated frock, my fur handbag, my pearls and shoes, just need a hat to complete.

warm regards,

Helena

Art Deco

Scholarly Commons

2009-01-23T20:32:00.005+13:00

What is Scholarly Commons?

ScholarlyCommons@AUT provides a platform for the collection, organisation, access, annotation and preservation of the University's research outputs in digital formats.

What we're trying to do is collect together, in one place, the research produced by members of AUT University and make it accessible via the Internet to a world wide audience. This is an example of what is known as an " Institutional Repository".

From the Scholarly Commons website FAQs...

Link to Scholarly Commons; AUT, Auckland University of Technology repository for depositing an academic thesis.

http://www.aut.ac.nz/library/library_resources/scholarlycommons/

aut/newlibrary/study/workshops/database-week#Research

Contains theses published since 2002.

Scholarly Commons

http://www.scribd.com/

2009-01-19T10:09:00.009+13:00

scribd.com

Just been exploring this web site. Very with it. Well worth a look. Great sample books, documents, resumes, articles etc. You can upload your own or download from the vast archive in word, adobe reader etc.
50 million plus readers.

"Scribd is the place where you publish, discover and discuss original writings and documents.... sharing ebooks, creative writing, research papers and even sheet music and recipes on Scribd.com..."

I have summited a short paper to trial the upload. After a month it has had 11 reads! I have not shared the information to my networks which would be easy to do.... I really recommend this software because of the clarity, ease of upload and the potential to share within facebook and twitter. Those who know me can search for the paper if they wish.

warm regards,

Helena

scribd.com

Another forum for writers is http://www.helium.com/

Just Trialing this new application ==> Twitter

2009-01-17T17:54:00.008+13:00

Now on Twitter

http://twitter.com/_Helena

Need some Twitterati followers. Will be interested to learn from you too here. Just starting at this and may not update to often but interesting to try it and read whats is available from the public to read on Twitter.

Twitter founded in USA, less popular in UK but increased use means it is worth understanding the formats and using it as it suits you.

Being a local to New Zealand I try to promote NZ content on my blog where possible but also to try these globally popular applications,

regards,

Helena

Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act.

2009-01-13T19:02:00.002+13:00

The Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 will come into force on 25 January 2009.

http://www.bdm.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Births-Deaths-Marriages-and-Relationships-Registration-Amendment-Act?OpenDocument

National library update

2008-11-27T14:14:00.010+13:00

Recommended websites from National Library seminar.

o Digital New Zealand
www.digitalnz.org

o Directory of New Zealand Libraries
http://directory.natlib.govt.nz/library-symbols-web/

o Publications New Zealand
http://publicationsnz.natlib.govt.nz

o Index New Zealand
http://innz.govt.nz/content/index

tip - Try searching for eg. "colin McCahon" + " http" to get resources with urls to follow up - good for students who visit at last minute and can access recommended website from home.

o http://innz.natlib.govt.nz/content

o http://findnzarticles.natlib.govt.nz

o http://nzresearch.org.nz

o Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand
http://rsnz.natlib.govt.nz

o http://www.natlib.govt.nz/about-us/news/media-releases/manuscripts-pictorial-
website
(Link to the New Donald McLean archive - great example of use of metadata from
various repositories)

Of special interest to me because I saw the gifting of treasures trunks of McLean records and memorabilia (photos, letters, check books) to the Napier Museum in 2004 thanks to Mr. A Scarfe who completed his masters thesis about McLean and Maraekakaho. He is now close to completed a book. I studied with Mr Scarfe at Massey from 2000-2003, attending extramural block courses in Albany and Palmerston North so am interested to read more about the primary sources now available widely thanks to the collaboration of many people. Great maps, photos, full text letters from 19th century in the national library manuscripts-pictorial-website.

o See also http://www.natlib.govt.nz (Home page)

o And try search for National Union Catalogue from here.

o Google Books
Books.google.co.nz

o World Cat
www.worldcat.org/wcpa/odc/126254

Introduced to new accronymn ==> GLAM: Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums!

New Zealand Election Results.

2008-11-09T15:34:00.001+13:00

http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/

What is the Takitimu Festival ? Takitimu Festival 2008

2008-11-09T14:54:00.007+13:00

FAQ
What is the Takitimu Festival ?

A huge international celebration is being planned for November that will bring together over 1500 performers and artisans from the South Pacific and New Zealand showcasing the traditional and modern arts and culture of Takitimu.

Who is expected to attend ?

Thousands of descendants of the Takitimu canoe from the Islands of Samoa, Rarotonga, Fiji and Tonga are expected to meet their distant New Zealand Maori relatives, for the first time at the 5 day event.

Ngati Kahungunu , the host of the inauguaral celebration, has invited other Takitimu iwi to join them including Ngati Kahu, Ngai Tahu, Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Ngati Ranginui.

Kingi Tuheitia, the Maori King has accepted an invitation to attend and will be joined by Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount chief of Tuwharetoa and other Maori and Pacific Island leaders.

Why Celebrate ?

It's the first time in 500 years, descendants of the Takitimu canoe have come together to strengthen their communal ties, and it's set to be a reunion to end all reunions. The public are welcome too.

What's Been Planned ?

•· Powhiri by 2,000 strong welcoming party

•· Five stages of entertainment in song, dance, music and comedy including major acts

•· Spectacular nightly pageants by with a cast of hundreds

•· Massive fireworks display

•· Indigenous Food & Craft Village, art trail and exhibitions

•· Kiddies Zone

•· Forums in alternative healing, star navigation, arts marketing, ta moko, films and more

•· Early-morning wananga includes Takitimu whakapapa, history, waiata and karakia from each area of the waka

When and Where ?

12 to 16 November 2008, Waikoko Gardens, Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings. $30 for a 5 Day Pass. Under 5 free. $30 for a Single Day Pass.

Also one associated event I am attending ==>

Kahungunu Hikoi Whenua Whanau Challenge.
Saturday 15th November.

The Challenge is to walk up Kahuranaki Mountain

Kahuranaki te Maunga * Ngati Kahungunu te Iwi * Takitimu te Waka

Varying Levels to Suit Everyone

level 1 2.4 km
Level 2 4.4 km
Level 3 6.0 km
Level 4 8.0 km
Level 5 9.0 km

Starts Kahuranaki Rd, Havelock North 7.30 - 1.00pm. Approx 310 attendees. Registrations necessary.

Proudly supported by Hawke's Bay Health Providers.

Rules for scholars of the Vatican Library. Some good ideas!

2008-11-07T14:41:00.013+13:00

Rules for scholars of the Vatican Library (Not complete, also translated from Italian to English via google language tools so the errors in the translation are my responsibility with the limits of my google translation!) I enjoy to see how the rules work in a big institution, with restrictions on what you can bring to the library, advice about your computer, and the rules that are necessary to keep things functioning effectively. I would like to visit, one day. It would be great to visit as a scholar as described below.

Index for consultation

INTRODUCTION TO REGULATION BACKGROUND TO THE RULES
I. Nature of the Vatican Library
II. Tasks of the Vatican Library
RULES FOR SCHOLARS
I. Admission
II. Obligations of scholars to the Library
III.Rules for the frequency of the Library
IV. Standards for Sale Consultation
V. Safety standards
VI. Penalties
VII. Reproductions
VIII. Copyright
IX. Discharge of liability
X. Hours

Foreword to the Regulation Rules
I. Nature of the Vatican Library
The Vatican Library is the Pope's library, set up, according to the intention of Nicholas V, "pro communi doctorum virorum commodo" (short of 30 April 1451) and the thought of Sixtus IV realized that, "to decorem militantis Ecclesiae , Fidei catholicae augmentum, eruditorum quoque ac litterarum studiis insistentium virorum commodum et honorem "(bull of 15 June 1475).
In the centuries since its foundation was open to eminent scholars and was open to qualified scholars in 1883 under Leo XIII (see letters Saepenumero considerantes, August 18 1883, and Augustum sanctis-simumque munus, 1 Oct 1888), which facilitated the procedures Admission at the same time, he prepared, of the Vatican Secret Archives. .
The Library is in close contact with "the exercise of the government and the ministry of the Apostolic See" (John Paul II, Address of 15.I.2000), it is one of the bodies of ancient origin, "while not doing the proper of the Roman Curia, however, provide various services necessary or useful "to the" Supreme Pontiff, the Curia and the Church Universal and in some way connected with the Apostolic See. " "As such, the Library will hold" according to its laws As the establishment and administration "(Apostolic Constitution. Pastor Bonus of 28.VI.1988, Arts. 186 and 190).
The Vatican Library remains inalienable property of the Supreme Pontiff, which is its sovereign provision that it is open to consultation. The Vatican Library, therefore, not a library of public law. It has the character of specialized library in the philological and historical subjects: the back-respectively, even in those theological, juridical and scientific. It is reserved for scientific research work, based on the study of manuscripts, printed matter, coins and medals, prints and other graphic and cartographic material.
II. Tasks of the Vatican Library

The task of the Library, which is both institution and conservation research institute, is primarily to guard and preserve with all care the cultural treasures entrusted to it, it also has the following duties:
1. increase the manuscript collections, printed and numismatic with purchases, exchanges and gifts, according to the subjects represented in the funds and the purpose of the institution;
2. conduct the study and promote knowledge of this material through the work of ordinary and extraordinary staff and through publications;
3. make available to qualified scholars from around the world, with the necessary caution, both originals and reproductions in various forms of relics preserved, with every possible assistance and appropriate scientific and technical research, constantly updating the tools and assistance necessary or useful in this work.
Hence the commitment of the Library to create the conditions that allow scholars to study properly allowed the material to them. The library is completely free to select scholars prior to and following on the basis of compliance with Regulation below, considering as an ideal place for study and research an environment of strict silence, respect for people and the place that welcomes.
The Rules below serves primarily to ensure that students admitted working conditions worthy of a place of study and research, so scholars are invited to read it carefully and scrupulously respect the rules.
The Library, while offering to scholars, as far as possible, hospitality decent, is aware that the building and the old structures do not allow a space availability and convenience of working with all the latest library.
Limits on the availability of consulting the material can be represented by the temporary unavailability of documents (because being restored, the cycle of pest control in public exhibitions or the like), their failure to inventory, the precarious state of conservation or other reasons at the discretion of the Prefect of the Library. All material can be consulted and studied only in situ into the salt.

Regulation Rules for Scholars

I. Admission

They are frequently admitted to qualified researchers and scholars from around the world, without distinction of race, religion, origin and culture, especially teachers and university researchers or institutions of higher learning, and other erudite people, known for their licenses and scientific publications. The conditions for admission are the availability of seats, adequate preparation, documented and guaranteed by renowned academic institutions. It requires, as per tradition, to indicate the research project. Are not normally admitted students. Exceptionally can grant entry to graduate students preparing a thesis for a doctorate research or able, for example, philosophiae doctor (Dr. phil. / PhD) students and graduates who are in particular need to consult manuscripts, other material stored in the Library only. To be eligible, they must submit a letter of malleveria and the Library reserves the right to ensure that they have the expertise and experience necessary to treat the precious material with due care. For them, the deadline for acceptance of the card is a few weeks earlier, as established by the annual schedule of the Library. Scholars wishing to consult numismatic material must not only be in possession of the card for admission, in advance of their visit Numismatic Director of the Cabinet.
Allowed to scholars is issued a card that entitles the holder to enter the Vatican City through the Porta Sant'Anna. The card is personal and can not be sold to third parties. The loss of the card must be reported immediately to the Office of Admissions Library. The holder of the card responds personally for damages caused by misuse of the card. By accepting the card and signing the form of Admissions, the scholar undertakes to comply with these Rules, which receives a copy.
They must therefore be produced for admission to the library the following documents:
1. A letter of recommendation (especially for scholars who request admission for the first time) or evidence of academic qualification, the Library will retain the original or copy it;
2. a valid ID which shows the residence, the Library makes a copy.
3. at its option (but also for students), the Library will require a letter of malleveria.
II. Obligations of scholars to the Library

Scholars admitted to frequent the library agrees to:
1. observe these Rules;

2. treat all stock entrusted to them, especially the manuscripts and old printed, with the greatest respect and with extreme delicacy, and preserving the relics from any type of damage;
3. to send a copy to the Library of publications concerning the material consulted or received for playing, especially if the contributions appear in collections and magazines not owned by the Library.

III. Rules for the frequency of the Library

1. General rules of conduct General rules of conduct
Firstly the ADMITTED Library scholars are obliged to strictly observe the silence not only in the halls of study, but in all of the interiors, and to carry out their conversations always in the garden or in the bar of the Library. It is forbidden to disturb, in any way, the activity of study and work, such as studying and talking loudly or using noisy equipment.
Scholars must have a suitable clothing to the dignity of an ancient institution of culture and education. Mobile phones must be switched off at the entrance. Mobile phones must be switched off at the entrance. It is strictly forbidden the use of any electronic means of communication in all indoor Library. All students are strongly advised to present themselves and always behave in a manner appropriate to the decorum of the place. In particular, it is prohibited to take an attitude, individual or group therapy to the dignity of the institution. Photographs, films, sound recordings and any other type of reproduction are not allowed. It is strictly forbidden to introduce cameras in the library of any kind, cameras, mobile phones with embedded digital cameras, recorders, dictaphones, scanners and digital or other similar equipment that can reproduce material in the Library or photograph the rooms or the building. It is strictly forbidden to carry and use in Library scissors, knives, blades, razors, matches, adhesive paper, adhesive tape, glue, bottles of ink, correction fluid, and generally any kind of liquid and any other object or substance that may damage the collections of the Library. Scholars admitted in the Library are required to follow, without discussion, the provisions given by the staff of the Library.
In all the local interior of the library is forbidden to smoke and eat and drink. Smoking is permitted in the garden, food and drinks can be consumed only in the bar of the Library. Access to the deposit of manuscripts and other stores library is closed to the public. It is also prohibited without permission to enter the premises where they have established offices and staff to use equipment and materials allocated to staff of the Library. Finally, it is not possible to access the Library all'Archivio secret, nor vice versa, if not through the main entrance of the two institutions.

2. Access to the Library
The scholar admitted to the frequency of the Library, joining in: - In Porter:
a) return the card;
b) withdraws the key with the number
c) For your deposit locker coat, umbrella, bag and all that is irrelevant to the study; - In the Hall of Manuscripts consulting room or in consultation with Print: -
d) return the key to the bench
e) writes the name printed on a sheet of presence next to the number corresponding to the key;
f) chooses the place of study that seeks to occupy exhibition;
g) returns to the bench and writes the number of the place of study next to their name.

At the end of the working session and when to leave the library, even if you plan to return for the day, the scholar:
- In the Hall of Manuscripts consulting room or in consultation with Print:
a) return the manuscripts, printed stock and withdraws the key;
- In Porter:
b) shows the books of personal property carried/brought with him;
c) withdraws dall'armadietto objects deposited;
d) return to the key goalkeeper
e) receives in return the card.

IV. Standards for Sale Consultation

1. 1. General
The sale is insured service to scholars. The monitoring is done with the use of technological tools. In every room there is a specific own rules. The scholar is required to bring with it the minimum necessary to carry out the work of study or research, and at the time to deliver the key, notes to the staff room of the existence of material that does not belong to the Library. The scholar answered personally entrusted the life of the material, should immediately examine the relic to its delivery, and report immediately any damage to the staff room. This measure serves not only to safeguard the collections of the Library, but also to protect the scholar from unjust claims. In the absence of an alert by the scholar is to assume that he has been working in good condition. In case of loss or damage must compensate for the entire cost of restoration or new purchase and its restoration. The Library reserves the right to adopt appropriate measures to compensation for damage to the scholars who are responsible for damage. The observance of silence in the halls is a conditio sine qua non that must be absolutely guaranteed. In all consultation rooms is strictly prohibited introduce overcoats, umbrellas, bags, briefcases, closed plastic bags of any kind, even transparent; the few items that the scholar brings with it must be outside of any envelope. Are allowed personal computers without custody, the paper strictly necessary, tabs open, zoom lenses, meters tape non-rigid (plastic or soft cloth). Not, that what was said generally to all circles of the Library (for example with regard to food, drinks, mobile phones): - Reserve the posts read and fill them more than necessary; - Improper use in furniture, equipment and environments;
- Study or consult manuscripts, printed in two or more persons; - Consult material entrusted to another scholar and vice versa forward to other material entrusted; - - Consult the material entrusted with their hands dirty - Write, even in pencil, relying on handwritten, printed or other documents of the Library
- To highlight signs or even a pencil, in manuscripts, in printed or other material; -
- Follow ligatures, watermarks or any other material.
For the use of special tools reading (Wood lamp, reader watermarks, microfilm and microfiche, CD-ROMs, etc.) Scholars should apply to the Employees of Sala. There are of course allowed only consultations microfilm, microfiche, CD-rom etc.
2. Sala consultation room consultation Manuscripts
Permanence in Room Manuscripts is justified only by consultation of the manuscripts; not allowed to attend the Hall just to see manuscripts printed. In Sala allowed only the use of erasable pencil. It is prohibited to stylograph pens, ball markers, markers, colors and any other type of instrument for writing or mark that leaves indelible trace.

Nobody can take away a manuscript from the room or transfer a manuscript from the consulting room to room adjacent Manuscripts or "Hall of inventories."

For manuscripts stored in Manuscripts Deposit: scholars can take three manuscripts in the morning (between 8.45 and 12) and two in the afternoon (between 14 and 16).The documents stored in the Archives Section must be requested by 12:00. Request and consulting manuscripts must be contextual course, is not allowed to request that the manuscript be in the room and after a period much longer than expected for removing the manuscript from the Deposit. Each scholar shall have only three manuscripts simultaneously; the request of the other two manuscripts may be permitted only after the return of two manuscripts. The scholar can bring to the table a manuscript at a time, and only in special cases, the need for the collation of texts and scriptures of confrontation, request permission to bring to the table two manuscripts simultaneously. For consultation or reading the code must remain always resting on the lectern and kept open by setting the sheets by the relevant poles.....

See link to Vatican Library at right... http://bav.vatican.va/

2008-11-04T12:06:00.003+13:00

From the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 3 November 2008

NEW TOPICS

Armistice Day (90th anniversary)
After four terrible years the First World War finally came to a close
with the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918. Parades were held
throughout the country, though the spread of the influenza pandemic
dampened celebrations at home and abroad:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/armistice-day

Melbourne Cup
A quick overview of NZ's participation with links to some of our
greatest moments - includes a quiz:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/the-melbourne-cup
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/quiz/melbourne-cup-quiz

Influenza Pandemic (revamp)
We've substantially expanded our feature on the influenza pandemic to
mark the 90th anniversary. Between October and December 1918 New Zealand
lost about half as many people to influenza as it had in the whole of
the First World War. No event has killed so many New Zealanders in such
a short time:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/influenza-pandemic-1918

ALSO IN THE NEWS

Movember - check out our Men and their moustaches topic (featuring a
moustache timeline!)
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/men-and-their-moustaches

Le Quesnoy 90th anniversary
On 4 November 1918 the New Zealand Division saw its final action of the
First World War.
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/le-quesnoy/new-zealand-and-le-quesnoy

The Election:
Election Days
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/election-day

Road to MMP
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/fpp-to-mmp

Maori and the vote
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/maori-and-the-vote

REVAMPED DATABASE

We've recently relaunched our South African ('Boer') War embarkation
database with more sophisticated search options:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/897

We hope you enjoy reading these features.....

********

Armistice Day and digital collaboration
Wednesday, 12 November 2008, 10:53 am
Press Release: National Library Of New Zealand

11 November 2008

Commemorating Armistice Day through digital collaboration

The First World War was one of the most disastrous events in human history. New Zealand experienced the highest per capita casualty rate than any other country with 16,700 dead and over 40,000 wounded.

The coming of peace on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 brought relief and Armistice Day on 11 November has since become a time of commemoration.

To mark this occasion two new internet tools using the latest web technologies are being released, so that all New Zealanders can access and interact with digital content about New Zealand at the end of the First World War. These tools are the first results of collaborative projects developed as part of Digital New Zealand, which is managed by the National Library in its role of collecting and preserving New Zealand’s documentary heritage and ensuring it is accessible to all.

The Coming Home search widget, developed with the National Digital Forum, will show how previously undiscovered New Zealand digital content can be found with new search tools. This forward release of the widget is currently being tested by content partners and can be viewed in its early stages at www.natlib.govt.nz/cominghome.

John Garraway, National Digital Forum says “This widget will enable New Zealanders anywhere to connect with our history and understand how this has informed the nation we have become. It provides local and global access to a selection of digitised treasures and memories held by libraries, archives, museums and galleries throughout New Zealand. All National Digital Forum members have been asked to feature the widget on their websites from Armistice Day and we are encouraging more content to be added as it gets digitised for people to discover.”

Digital New Zealand’s second project, a video mixing tool called the Memory Maker, is being hosted on the Auckland War Memorial Museum website. This Memory Maker will enable visitors to craft their own expression of what Coming Home means to them by remixing photographs, graphics, film clips and music provided by members of the National Digital Forum, then share this new footage with friends and family.

John Truesdale from the National Library says “Digital New Zealand will offer all New Zealanders interactive access to a variety of rich taonga, resources, knowledge and stories from a range of organisations, communities and individuals. It will make New Zealand content of all types more discoverable, accessible and usable”.

Digital New Zealand is a collaborative project led by the National Library and funded by the New Zealand Government. It was established as part of New Zealand’s Digital Content Strategy. For further information about Digital New Zealand visit www.digitalnz.org

‘Coming Home’ will continue to be commemorated until March 2009 with events, talks, movie showings, exhibitions and recitals throughout the country.
The National Library Gallery exhibition Welcome Sweat Peace: Returning home after the Great War, 2 December 2008 to 14 March 2009, draws from the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library to show how New Zealand was transformed during and after the conflict.

Other organisations participating in 'Coming Home' include the National War Memorial, Archives New Zealand, Army Museum Waiouru, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, New Zealand Film Archive, the Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Royal New Zealand Defence Force, Armistice in Cambridge and local councils.
For more information go to www.NZLive.com

Or see this national library blog post with coming home search widget and some more useful background and descriptive information about the Coming Home project ==>

http://librarytechnz.natlib.govt.nz/2008/11/first-digital-new-zealand-products-go.html

Search: Content from WW1 and after

Keeping Kids Safe Online, from the facebook blog - See also www.netsafe.org.nz

2008-10-31T09:15:00.001+13:00

Yesterday the President signed into law the KIDS Act of 2008, "Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators." This law takes an important step in dramatically reducing the opportunities to harm children online, by requiring all convicted sex offenders provide their email and instant messaging addresses as part of their registration with the National Sex Offender Registry. Websites can then voluntarily use the KIDS database and determine how matches would be handled.

At Facebook, we've long barred registered sex offenders from our service. Currently, we work cooperatively with individual states' attorneys general to check users against state-registered sex offender lists. Unfortunately, we both consistently find that these registries lack the essential email and IM data for comprehensive and rapid screening. The process is also less efficient and less effective than anyone, especially concerned parents, would like, which is why we're such ardent supporters of the KIDS Act Registry.

Our goal is to connect people online in a safe and secure environment. We'll add the KIDS Act registry to our many existing safeguards and use the database as vigorously and comprehensively as we can. Specifically, we will check new users at sign-up and review existing users as regularly as the technology allows. Anyone on the list will be prevented from joining Facebook. Anyone already on Facebook who is added to the list will have his or her account disabled forever. End of story.

We see KIDS as an important tool to prevent inappropriate outreach from ever occurring. The penalties and consequences for registrants violating KIDS' provisions are so severe, we hope they'll deter potential predators from coming online altogether. This is a vital step in protecting children online, and it is by no means the end of our efforts. We will continue to enhance our partnership with law enforcement to find and prosecute sexual predators who violate this new law with fake names, addresses or handles.We're constantly looking for innovative approaches, both internally and in full cooperation with law enforcement, to screen and block any individual or group who would use our service to hurt or exploit a child. We believe that safety innovations matter as much as innovations that make our service exciting, fun and useful. Our ability to assure the former strengthens our ability to deliver the latter.

As for what comes after this step, this an industry-wide concern that calls for industry-wide approaches. It's imperative that other websites and services that count minors among their most important users proactively, creatively and responsibly confront this challenge. Predators seldom hesitate to exploit gaps and vulnerabilities in efforts designed to protect children. This challenge requires a new consciousness by entrepreneurial and established companies alike. Protecting children is a global concern, not merely a domestic one.

Chris is hoping that the KIDS Act can be a model for international cooperation in addressing how to effectively deal with sexual predators online.

Wordle - screen capture of the blog on wordle, Highlights most commonly used words :).

2008-10-25T08:37:00.003+13:00

This is a link to my wordle. Interesting tool for analysing frequency of words visually.
title="Wordle: Helenaswebpage.com"> src="http://wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/268890/Helenaswebpage.com"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">

Primary students use laptops for reading and writing

2008-10-10T08:17:00.001+13:00

Learning English - Words in the News

08 October, 2008 - Published 12:34 GMT

Laptop learning in Italy

Children at a school in Italy have today begun an experiment to replace all their books with personal computers. The pupils involved will each be given a special laptop that contains their entire curriculum. From Rome our correspondent Duncan Kennedy reports:

Listen to the story
Until today, the Don Milani di Rivoli elementary school in central Turin was like any other. Children turned up, got out their books and pens and began the process of learning. But now, in what's being described as a unique experiment, 60 fifth-grade pupils and a number of third-graders, will start using computers only.
The mini-laptops, which run Windows software, all have a full curriculum programmed into them. The pupils will use the computers to do all their reading and writing. Security systems within the laptops mean the children's access to the internet is strictly controlled. The machines weigh less than a kilogram, can be dropped from a height of 1.5 metres and are waterproof.

Instead of spending the equivalent of 700 dollars a year on books, the laptops, built by the Italian company Olidata, cost less than 400 dollars. One of the teachers involved in the scheme says that, for the first time, schools will be able to verify in a scientific way how a computer alone can improve the learning process. The experiment, which has the backing of parents, is due to last a year.

Duncan Kennedy, BBC News, Rome

Listen to the words
elementary school
a school that provides the first part of a child's education (usually for children aged 5 - 11)

turned up
here, came to school

grade
a class or group of classes in a school where all the children are of a similar age and/or ability

curriculum
all the subjects taught at a school, college, university etc. The word 'curriculum' can also be used to mean the same as 'syllabus', i.e. the topics or books studied within a subject

access to
here, ability to surf/search/use

are waterproof
cannot be damaged by water

the equivalent of
the sum of money that amounts to/equals

involved in the scheme
taking part in the experiment

to verify
to prove that something is true or not

backing
support, encouragement

New Blog URL

2008-09-27T12:12:00.010+12:00

Dear Readers and Friends,

I have decided to update my blog's url.
Under Publisher I have changed my name from www.whats-up-helena.blogspot.com to==>

http://www.helenaswebpage.com/

Please do update your shortcuts and favourites!

The way it works is you pay $15 a year (NZ dollars=US$10) for the .com.

The old url continues to feed viewers to the new one.

So right now my blog is in transition

"Your blog's new address is http://www.helenaswebpage.com/. Since it takes time for this new address to be available all over the Internet, you can still get to it at http://whats-up-helena.blogspot.com.

Your new address should work for everyone after at most 3 days. At that time we will redirect your readers from your old address to the new one."

I decided to change it because more people were viewing my blog and I didn't want them to think I had any problems. Like Hey Whats Up Helena. Do you have any issues? (Excuse the library pun)...
Please do visit my web page :).

It is so easy to make this change with blogger these days. Hope this helps.

Best regards,

Helena

New Zealand Online Collections and Repositories

2008-09-22T12:03:00.011+12:00

Searching for the right image for your publication or website. From PHANZINE - Newsletter of the Professional Historians' Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa Vol. 14 No. 2, p.15, August 2008.

Matapihi - http://matapihi.govt.nz

Matapihi now searches for images from the collections of fifteen institutions, including the Alexander Turnbull Library, Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland City Libraries, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira, Christchurch City Libraries, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand Electronic Text Centre, The New Zealand Film Archive Nga Kaitiaki o Nga Taonga Whitiahua, Otago Museum, Puke Ariki, The University of Auckland Library, University of Canturbury Library and University of Otago Library. Some institutions, like Archives New Zealand have added only specific collections to Matapihi, while other institutions such as the Turnbull have added their entire collections.

Timeframes - www.timeframes.govt.nz

Integrated into Matapihi is Timeframes, the Alexander Turnbull Library's online catalogue, which contains over 25,000 digitised images from the Library's collections - Turnbull Library Pictures, the Photographic archive, the Ephemera collection, the Prints and Drawings collection, the Map library and cartoon archive. When you are in Wellington you can flick through the Turnbull Library Pictures drawers on the ground floor - you never know what you'll find.

Tapuhi - http;//taphuhi.natlib.govt.nz

If you still can't find what you are looking for amongst the Turnbull's digital collections, then Tapuhi is the next place to look. Tapuhi allows you to delve into the non-digitised collections, giving you the physical location of prints - usually to be found in Turnbull Library Pictures or the Photographic archive. Sometimes the catalogue record will just give you an indication of what treasures might be hidden - albums for example are often not fully catalogued due to the number of photos contained within.

Papers Past - http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast

Papers Past now allows a full text search on 107,812 newspaper issues, dating from 1839-1920. You can view as a text document and also in the original newsprint format. The newspapers are printable and downloadable.

Auckland War Memorial Museum - www.aucklandmuseum.com/59/collection-&-research-databases

Auckland War Memorial Museum's collections databases are divided into three categories: human history, natural history and library services. If you are looking for historical photographs, head to the Library Services database. The new Library database website allows you to search for photographs under the advanced search function. If you are on the search for objects, have a look at the human and natural history catalogues. These have been further split into categories such as decorative arts, Korean collection, entomology and land invertebrates.

Te Papa Collections Online - tepapa.govt.nz

In the last couple of months Te Papa's art, photography, history and Pacific cultures catalogues have been made available through Collections Online (128,000 records). There are also around 16,000 Taonga Maori records available online. Be warned though - only about a fifth of these records contain images, so you are more than likely to come up dry when searching for objects in a general way (e.g. when searching for "shoes"). Searching under specific collections will yield more results than a general search - for example, the Photography collection holds a large cache of images, both historical and modern. Around 30,000 images are available online, and images are being added constantly as copyright and iwi clearances are obtained and more objects are photographed.

Another place to look for images is under specific exhibitions - www.tepapa.govt.nz/TePapa?English/WhatsOn/Past Exhibitions
Exhibitions dating back to 2003 are searchable - many have their own mini site with images, or a showcase showing images from the exhibition. This is useful if you are sure you've seen that image/object somewhere before...

Puke Ariki - http://www.pukeariki.com

Puke Ariki's online database allows you to search the artefact, pictorial and archive collections, drawing out a wealth of objects and images. Searching in the different collections is easy in the advanced search mode, and you can also search for only records with images. The online exhibitions also show case a variety of objects.

Auckland City Libraries Heritage Images Online - www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/heritage/photographs/heritageimagesonine.htm

Heritage Images Online showcases over 20,000 images from the Library's photographic collections. Also worth a look are the online exhibitions entitled Real Gold, which explore various themes and images from the collection.

Christchurch City Library -
christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Photos

A large collection of images is available online. You can search for images through their general library catalogue, by limiting your search to photographs. The Christchurch City Library has been very useful for finding early agricultural images, and contains a number of scans from newspapers, including the Weekly Press. The catalogue now brings up the actual image as well as the catalogue record for those images which have been digitised.

Pataka Ipurangi: Manawatu Memory Online
citylibrary.pncc.govt.nz/digital-library

Launched earlier this year, Palmerston North City Library's new online image database is great. It includes a large variety of digitised images relating to the social, agricultural and business life of Palmerston North and surrounding areas. It is beautifully catalogued, with thorough key wording and details about the images where available.

Upper Hutt City Library -www.upperhuttcity.com/page/108/CommunityArchive.boss

Launched under the title of Community Archives is the Upper Hutt City Library's online collection. The collection is made up of a wide range of original heritage material, including photographs, newspapers, archives, manuscripts, maps, oral history tapes, and other material relating to the history of Upper Hutt and its people. Almost 2,000 of the 2,500 photographs in the collection have been digitised and an advanced search allows you to search though either the digitised or undigitised collection. The photographs range form shops fronts to rugby teams.

The Fletcher Trust - www.fletchertrust.co.nz

The Fletcher Trust manages the Fletcher Trust Collection of New Zealand artwork, and the Fletcher Challenge Archives of material from the former Fletcher Challenge Group. Both the art collection and archives are available online in digital form. The artwork collection includes works of a range of artists from John Kinder to Darcy Nicholas, as well as a vast number of ceramics. The archives include ephermera, documents and images relating to many facets of New Zealand's economic history. Companies such as Winstones, Wright Stevenson, Dalgety, Tasman Forestry and Fletchers itself are represented in the archive. Not all of the images are available digitally, but it is still a useful source, and covers a wider variety of themes than you might expect, including agriculture, employment, building, architecture, consumerism, rural life, shipping and technology.

University of Canterbury Digital Library - library.canterbury.ac.na/home/archives

Around 1000 images are available to view online as part of the University of Canterbury's Digital Library. They range from the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company collection to the Canterbury Mountaineering Club collection. This is just a small proportion of their 20,000 images, but it's a great start. The art collections are not yet available online, but you can also browse the documentary archives and architectural drawings collection.

Many more institutions out there have online material - this is just the start. Here are a few more:

* Wairarapa Archive - http://202.174.163.68:81/archives.html
Online catalogue available

* Hocken - www.library.otage.ac.nz/hocken/guides.html
Online guides only available

* Tauranga City Libraries - www.library.tauranga.govt.nz/localhistory/historic-
photographs/photo-gallery.aspx Around 6 000 images are available in their photo
gallery

* Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki - www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz/
Online catalogue available

* Dunedin Public Art Gallery - www.dunedin.art.museum/collecion.asp
Online Catalogue available

* Te Puna o Waiwhetu Christchurch Art Gallery -
www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz/Collection/
Online catalogue available

Back Pain at the Office

2008-09-07T22:09:00.003+12:00

Back Pain at the Office

It's getting to be so bad that by Monday afternoon, you're already tired of being at the office. You're not even thinking as far ahead as Friday. Just getting to today is going to be challenge enough.

In reality, it's not the people you work with who are getting you down -- they're tolerable, mostly, although there is that one dude in accounting. Where do they find these people?

It's not even your boss, who, if he knew even half as much as you do, WOULD be a shoo-in for Executive of the Year.

No, the biggest pain in your neck is actually located a bit lower. And it's really what's making working where you do seem a lot worse than it actually is.

Face it. It's your aching back that's sucking the joy out of your 9-to-5 existence and making you feel 10 years older to boot.

Sure, you've learned to tolerate the bad coffee, pointless meetings, and lame jokes in the course of your day. But you just can't tough it out when it comes to back pain, which can range from dull, nagging aches to those unexpected twinges that feel like you've been hit with a taser gun.

If it's any consolation, you're not alone. Million of people have low back pain at any given time. The bad news about back pain is that it not only lives with you all day at the office, but it also comes home with you at night. It may even dog your weekends.

How do you develop pain?

If you are experiencing back pain at the office, you may think that it is coming from all the sitting, standing, and lifting that you have to do. And, indirectly, it does. But it is actually more about how the body has to adapt to all the sitting, standing, and lifting than the activity itself. Let's take sitting as an example.

Because of the amount of time you spend sitting, your body must gradually adapt itself to that position. This happens in a number of ways. The first thing it must adapt to is how the weight goes through your hips and pelvis. Then, there is the way you sit -- upright, slouching, or something in between. Most importantly, it's what happens to the muscles while you're sitting. For example, your hip flexors will get tight from being in a shortened position, and your butt will get weak and flabby from being in a relaxed state.

That simple combination of tight hip flexors and weak glutes is called a "muscle imbalance." The result of these muscle imbalances will be postural dysfunctions of your pelvis and spine. These imbalances send both your spine and pelvis into abnormal positions, the combination of which can be devastating to a person with a healthy back and catastrophic for a person suffering from any form of back pain.

What can you do about it?

What you must also understand is that your imbalances are the result of what you do in your everyday life -- your workouts, sitting, the activities of your job, and your own personal habits. I'm not going to tell you to stop going to work. But what if you changed the way you present yourself at your desk?

* Instead of sitting at your desk, try kneeling. I kneel at least 30 percent of the time I spend at my desk. I have a small foam pad that puts me just high enough to type and see the monitor.
* I sit on a therapy ball -- and guess what? I don't sit still. I move my hips in every direction, which means I'm working on my core balance all day long.

Action steps to take

Because you have to work and because the quality of your life depends on your career, you need to be able to make the most of your situation. Let me give you just a few tips to help you through the day:

Sitting
When I sit, I sit with my legs in all different positions -- sometimes bent, sometimes behind me, other times stretched out in front or even to the side of me, keep the legs moving.

Every 10 minutes or so, I will work my body in some way -- and, yes, that includes walking away from my desk. But more than that, I make it a habit to stand up when the phone rings. I also stand when I have to read something or when I'm rearranging the stack of stuff on my desk for greater productivity.

Standing
If your job requires you to stand all day long, be sure you have quality footwear and a neutral shoe insert. Our body mechanics start when our feet hit the ground. It is best if your feet are in the most neutral position possible.

One negative body pattern that many people fall into is to continually shift their weight from one foot to the other. The problem with this is that most people find eventually that one leg will be more comfortable than the other, and then that leg will get most of the weight most of the time. This will wreak havoc on the pelvis and spine. Better to put equal on each foot as much as you can, and learn to correct when you catch yourself shifting your weight or leaning on one leg too much.

Lifting
A third obstacle on the job can be situations where you have to lift anything over 10 pounds repeatedly. Again, it's not the activity itself that puts you in jeopardy; it's your body's inability to tolerate the stress of the weight. In other words, you should be able to lift anything you want to and not have any difficulty doing it. The problem occurs when your body is suffering from the muscle imbalances and postural dysfunctions that we talked about earlier -- and you don't even know it.

So, when you lift that object and you get injured, think of it as the straw that broke the camel's back. Your body was already in a compromised state, and it just needed that last bit of stress to send you in to a painful condition.

Stress
It's an unavoidable fact of life at the office, and it can also play a role by causing your muscles to tense up, which makes you more prone to injury. Stress also lowers your tolerance for pain. In some cases, minimizing stress on the job can be a daunting task, but deep-breathing exercises, walking around the block, or even talking about your frustrations with a trusted friend can help.

In closing, I want to leave you with this message: Even though the workplace can be a hazard to your health, if you do find yourself having back pain, remember that your thoughts and your beliefs about your situation will have a direct impact on your ability to recover and how fast you recover. That's why it's critical to learn all you can about your condition and take action as soon as you can.

New Zealanders at the Beijing Olympics

2008-08-04T12:20:00.003+12:00

New Zealanders at the Beijing Olympics

A record 182 New Zealanders will compete at the Beijing Olympics which
begin in less than a week's time. Amid the building excitement, we've
compiled the inspiring history of New Zealanders at the Olympics in the
century 1908 to 2008:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics

We include 16 Olympic stories covering topics from the pioneering
efforts of Harry Kerr, Violet Walrond and Arthur Porritt to the great
track triumphs of Lovelock, Snell and Walker, and the golden
achievements of our rowers, canoeists, equestrians and yachties.
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics/16-stories

The stories also cover the boycotts of the 1976 (Montreal) and 1980
(Moscow) Olympics, media coverage of the Games and a 'Best of the best'
list compiled by well-known sports writer Joseph Romanos.

The Classroom at http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/olympics/classroom
invites teachers and students to examine not only the place of the
Olympics in New Zealand's history but the many intersecting historical
events that have contributed to the international fascination with the
Olympics - the political wrangling, boycotts, controversy and tragedy.

Once you've read the history, an Olympics quiz tests sporting smarts
with 20 questions and a virtual gold medal for those who score over 80%:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/quiz/olympics

New Zealanders at the Beijing Olympics

Topic Link on Library Page ==>

http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/libraries/featureOlympics.htm

SIMPLIFY

2008-07-28T17:48:00.000+12:00

simplify

Mâori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Mâori

2008-07-21T12:38:00.011+12:00

This amazing exhibit, Raranga Atu Whakakitenga/Weave On Exhibition marks NZ Reo NZ Pride Maori Language Week and is now on at the Hastings Central Library until the 11th of August. This is a must see!! Absolutely fantastic work by all weavers involved. Such beautiful Taonga.

My homework vocabulary:

Pikopiko
Harakeke
Karearea
Hieke
Muka,
Pingao
Jute

Iwi: Ngati Kahungunu
Ngati Pahauwera

Mâori Language Week - Te Wiki o te Reo Mâori
21-27 July 2008

Want to know the history of Mâori Language Week? Find out at www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/maori-language-week

The future of the Mâori language was the subject of a claim before the Waitangi Tribunal in 1985. Find out how the resulting decision helped the resurgence of te reo Mâori from late last century: www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/2281

Now over 130,000 people of Mâori ethnicity speak and understand te reo Mâori. Read about the language’s decline and revival: www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/968

Learn 100 Mâori words every New Zealander should know, from greetings to place names. Read the word and its translation and hear to how it should be pronounced: www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/966

Once you've read all this, you'll be ready for the Mâori Language Week quiz!:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/quiz/maori-language-week-quiz

Hei konâ râ !
NZHistory.net.nz team

These updates are useful. I am archiving this here for myself and others who might be interested in these resources/taonga. Ka pai!

A te wa, Helena

www.korero.maori.nz
www.temana.co.nz
www.kahungunu.iwi.nz
www.speakmaori.com

http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/libraries/maori_language_week.htm

WYD08

2008-07-18T13:56:00.009+12:00

World Youth Day is actually a week and involves the Pope's visit to Sydney.
Pilgrims/Tourists/Participants gather from all over the world. New Zealand is sending 4000 New Zealand youth.
My sister is attending this with her husband. Actually she was one of the 100 New Zealanders who attended in Italy three years ago in 2005. So I hope they and everyone attending have a great time. Preparation for the trip involved a lot of community work and fundraising so it is a great achievement to make this commitment.

Some online sites to visit include:

www.xt3.com
www.connect.org.nz
americancatholic.org (then click seasonal features, wyd)
www.ewtn.com/wyd2008

So when I get some space I will check out these sites.

Helena

www.worldyouthday.org.nz
www.welcom.org.nz (nz catholic newspaper)

World Youth Day

Keyword search - new data released at google

2008-07-11T17:59:00.003+12:00

Hey Helena,

Google has just done it!

They have revealed the somewhat
secret search volume numbers that
they've been withholding for so
long.

Now you can see exactly how many
searches a keyword phrase gets
right ON Google.com

Go here now to see the thread and
let me know what you think about
this startling news:

http://www.nichebot.com/blog/155/googles-reveals/

I'll look forward to seeing your
comments on the blog... ;o)

Best for success,

Jim Morris, Founder
NicheBOTclassic.com -- "Finds exactly
what people search for."

Thankyou for this update Mr. Morris. Helena
Friends view this link here ==> https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

More feedback:
http://foliovision.com/2007/11/05/adwords-expanded-broad-match/

Census Advisory update

2008-07-11T13:38:00.002+12:00

An update to the latest Census Advisory newsletter is now available at:

http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/newsletters/census-advisory/11-July-2008.htm

Contents

1. Final days of 2011 Census content consultation

2. New Zealand: An Urban/Rural Profile Update

....
Find out about your local area at www.stats.govt.nz/QSAboutAPlace

Wages - median wages in New Zealand - this is due for update and release shortly. Below is last Junes summary.

2008-07-08T13:13:00.030+12:00

"Earnings from wages and salaries" Last years figures from www.stats.govt.nz

Source: 'Profile of New Zealand 2008' this is found on the Main home page in the left column of home page, within this report there is a chapter on wages.

2007 (last year)

Average hourly earnings 21.41

Average weekly earnings 796.00

Median hourly earnings 18.00

Median weekly earnings 710.00

Embargoed until 10:45am – 4 October 2007

New Zealand Income Survey: June 2007 quarter – Media Release

Wages/salaries and investments drive increase in income

In the June 2007 quarter, the average weekly income for all people from all sources was $667, Statistics New Zealand said today. This information comes from the annual New Zealand Income Survey, which is run during the June quarter (April to June). The survey provides a snapshot of income statistics on people and households.

The $667 average weekly income (mentioned above) was an increase of 9.4 percent from the June 2006 quarter average of $610, and was the highest annual percentage increase since the June 2002 quarter. This change was mainly due to a rise in wages and salaries and investment income.

Increases in the number of wage and salary earners were similar for males and females, up 2.0 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. For those receiving wage and salary income, the average weekly wage and salary income increased more for males (up 8.7 percent) than for females (up 6.0 percent). The larger increase for males was due to a combination of factors, including more males being represented at the higher wage and salary income levels, and more males in full-time employment.

Median (half receive more, and half receive less than this amount) hourly earnings for people receiving income from wages and salaries rose from the June 2006 quarter to the June 2007 quarter, up $1.00 to $18.00 (5.9 percent increase). Males increased by $0.97 to $19.10 per hour and females increased by $0.90 to $16.78 per hour. All industries and occupations experienced increases in both average (mean) and median hourly earnings compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

Over the year, average weekly investment income for those receiving investment income increased by 29.1 percent (to $137). Age groups with the highest average weekly investment income were the 60- to 64-year age group and the 55- to 59-year age group ($265 and $232, respectively). Both these age groups also received the highest average weekly investment income for all people.

Geoff Bascand
Government Statistician
4 October 2007.

More on salary rates ==>Update from Trademe jobs (please feel free to add comments for further sources):

Average salaries on the increase
Jul 25, 2008 11:28 AM

Average salaries in New Zealand have increased substantially, according to the analysis of 73,000 jobs listed on Trade Me Jobs in the first half of 2008.

"Since the last quarter of 2007, we have seen the average salary increase 3.7% from $55,583 to $57,664," said Trade Me Jobs head, Jimmy McGee.

"The labour market has definitely eased, with applications per job up 8% over that period . However, wage inflation was strong,'' he said.

IT continues to dominate the highest paid professions with IT architects, project managers and functional consultants, all averaging pay rates over $100,000.

"Outside of IT, the top five paid professions are doctors ($106,823), construction project managers ($95,378), engineering managers ($92,843), in-house legal counsel ($90,440) and financial controllers ($89,081)," McGee said.

Wellington remains the highest paid location, buoyed by the large number of public servants and service companies, followed by Auckland and new entrant New Plymouth. Regional and secondary urban areas such as Central Hawkes Bay and Timaru saw the greatest salary softening.

"We are seeing two distinct trends at present. Pay rates for unskilled and semi-skilled are flat, while pay rates for mid-level earners and the highly skilled are increasing at rates above the national average."

Unfortuneately this blogger, a Reference Librarian with six years experience and an honours degree plus all ongoing work based training receives less than the average wage for women. I received a small annual increase this month but the hourly rate still falls just below the average median wage for woman in 2007.

This has consistently been the case during my period of employment. It is unfortuneate that more employers are not guided by national statistical figures indicating average hourly pay rates. Particularly as a library is seen as a centre of education and advancement. I find this demotiviating. I do enjoy almost all aspects of my job but question how Council wage rates of this level are truely responsible. Particularly in a region where women fair worse in health statistics (such as breast cancer - Hawke's Bay is the worst region of all NZ health boards * I have read some excellent reports from skilled individuals working in this medical field here locally however) woman in a role such as mine should be getting a fairer deal. Valuing workers with fair pay should be a council priority as living costs increase. Imagine if I were to earn as much as the average males hourly rate - gosh - maybe then I would be getting a fairer deal. Is the alternative to change jobs? - but then council looses a valuable experienced educated worker. The pay scale needs updating and or my contract needs to be updated with a wage increase that reflects at least the average wage, but lets face it I am better educated that the average. Actually this is irritating as every 3 1/2 hour shift when the library opens on Sunday I earn $17.50 approx less than the average new zealand person earned for time per hour last year.

What actually can happen in a job that is well liked like mine is that people accept to little for too long because being in a Library is such a priviledge, dealing with people and literature of real value is a priviledge. However, I know this year when I needed to upgrade my pc I had real problems funding that. Imagine if over six years I had recouped that $17.50 dollars for every Sunday - I had worked and then had received the average national wage for as analysed by statistics New Zealand, why that would be the cost of a new lap top two times over. It might not be a laptop upgrade either maybe a dentist repair bill, an appliance repair bill, a rates bill, a new bike or the cost to sponsor a child in the developed world etc. Point is my labour should be rewarded, and my profession should not be undervalued. It 's important to think about why this is happening so I may talk to some more people about this. Of course there are other perks in a job that you need to weigh up in your overall satisfaction with employment conditions but I think that wage rates are important to get right and its true that if no one complains things stay static so I am doing some additional research of resources...

Helena

*Some sources I have found about low wages and support for workers include:

Brochures providing the following contacts:

Department of Labour: "For information on minimum employment rights or other employment relations issues visit www.dol.govt.nz or phone 0800 20 90 20(from the brouchure, 'Your minumum employment rights a guide for employees April 2007).

New Zealannd Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi: www.union.org.nz call O800 MY UNION 0800 698 646. See campaigns such as SuperSizeMyPay.com "to increase the minimum wage and end youth rates...to win decent pay increases for all workers and achieve a high wage economy.

The PSA(Public Service Association) www.psa.org.nz

www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz

Pay and Employment Equity (PaEE) from the brochure:

Why is PaEE important?

==> Woman earn 14% less than men.

==> The gap is widening.

==> This means a woman will lose about $400,000 over her working life.

==> Women's skills, resources and potential are limited by the narrow range of female-dominated occupations.

My brochure also outlined;

Key reasons for the pay gap

Government's Five Year Action Plan:

Unions and employers will jointly review pay and employment equity

Gender Neutral Job Evaluation (GNJE)

Does Your workplace have a Pay Equity Issue

Plus from Building Better Businesses :

How do you go about motivating staff? Are there any benefits in motivating? Can you name say four simple techniques to gain improved motivation?

Motivation can be improved by offering staff tangible benefits, for example:

Shares in the company
Bonuses for performance
Free education courses to improve qualifications
Extra leave for study purposes
Promotion
Free holiday somewhere
Dinner for two
Unexpected Gift.

Decent pay increases for all workers needs to be a priority for Council so that we can better move toward the goal of a high wage economy, with the associated health benefits and lifestyle benefits this allows. This months July 2008 increases don't reach the median hourly rate of New Zealand woman in June 2007, this is of course less than the average hourly rate of New Zealand woman in June 2007, the average hourly rate of New Zealand men and the median hourly rate of New Zealand men in June 2007.

Helena

2008-07-06T15:10:00.010+12:00

Six Years of Sundays.

Today I celebrated working for six years as the Reference Librarian at my Library.
I was first employed to staff the Sunday shift in Reference as a new graduate in 2002
I must say I am proud to reach another yearly anniversary. I do enjoy the variety that this job brings and will go out to drinks with other staff members after todays weekend session.
/
\
/
There is the problem that maybe I need to begin a new topic (not so much a work diary?). Or maybe the solution is a new interface? I would like to begin a wordpress blog and I would like to put it on its own domain name - I know where to find the tutorial to do all of this.

Another new interface which I notice many of friends using, is Facebook.(www.facebook.com)
This seems more popular with people I know, than MySpace or Bebo. (Myspace is very music orientated whilst Bebo is mainly for teens with a video focus and bad colours)
However, in terms of Privacy it can be too intrusive and the minute by minute commentary can become kind of banal plus take up too much time. Sometimes better than a phone book to find a person's email address however, or if you really want to know their birthday (but when you have too many friends there can be too many birthdays!)

I just read a comment from another facebooker that, 'there are a lot of people trying to build their friends list like trophy hunters'. His advise was 'don't just add names. Take the time to build some relationships'. This can be business, social or family relationships. It's up to you because you have control of your privacy settings which I recommend that you really do explore carefully first up. But really it is an amazing tool for networking and has been popular globally. There are groups that you can join for education or politics, for example. Its over to you how clean you keep your pages and to avoid clutter whilst engaging the people you write for.
I think the blog is still best for the shorter article posted online for multiple readers.

Heli.

Sound of Music at the Opera, Carpet Upgrade

2008-06-28T11:10:00.009+12:00

Hi All,

The Week has flown by.
I am currently painting my corrogated iron back fence at home(Colour grey - dulux colour tory channel)it looks much better painted.

Attended the "Sound of Music" at Hawke's Bay Opera House. This was excellent show. With a fantastic lead almost a Julie Andrews double, custuming and stage props and overall theatrical effect were excellent. Great performance by the von Trap children.
Great work with the "doe, a deer, a female deer" vocals and the beautiful "doh re mi fa so la ti's " and favourite things and excellent voices, lights, colour and the almost 3 hours seemed to fly by. Fantastic work. I'm glad I got to go.

At the library there is continuing work with the library carpet upgrade. I think this gives the place a great lift so it has been a busy month for staff and patrons have been so patient which is great. Its good that the library has remained open throughout the month alloted to the carpet upgrade ( as I note the Taradale library is closing for 6 months this year for its upgrade). The colour of the carpet basically remains the same industrial blue, but it's definitely cleaner and brighter and now has library logos.
The new prepay Internet Caffe/Cyber Caffe with digitised log in and out is also working a treat for internet research.

Have a peaceful weekend!

(Am avoiding but reading about such topics as the Hastings Hikoi to stop violence and the political situation in Zimbabwe).

Regards,

Helena

2008-06-13T10:16:00.002+12:00

Today is World CouchSurfing Day 2008

An online network that aims to connect travellers and help them better connect with the people and places they visit is celebrating its success.

Today is World CouchSurfing Day 2008.

CouchSurfing is a movement involving more than half a million people worldwide, with the idea of helping travellers experience places and cultures by introducing them to the people who can really show them how the locals do it - the locals themselves.

And experiencing the lifestyle in Hawkes Bay is a young German working holidaymaker who has used CouchSurfing to help her make her way around Australia and New Zealand.

S W, from Cologne, decided in 2006 she wanted to spend a year in the Southern Hemisphere.

While researching how best to do this on a minimal budget she came across the CouchSurfing website.

Couchsurfing travellers can go and stay, free of charge, in the homes of people they meet on the website.

Knowing she would be asking strangers for the occasional bed when she set off on her adventures, Sonja started hosting people at her Cologne flat.

She said couchsurfing has made her trip.

"I hosted quite a few people especially during the (soccer) World Cup in 2006, and it was good for me to meet new people.

"It taught me travelling was a normal thing and not strange like my friends said."

Finding places to stay is only one thing couchsurfing offers.

"It's not necessarily about sleeping over.

"That's how it came into life but there are also meetings where people get together and do things, like go to a concert."

S came to Hawkes Bay in early February to work in an orchard, and until her job started was adrift and on her own.

Feeling lonely, she checked out the couchsurfing website and found another member here, contacted them and had a place to stay and some company until the job, which came with accommodation, began.

"My loneliness was over."

S said the couchsurfing community was not a "wonderland" of safety and security, but there were plenty of things in place like vouching and references to help people decide if they would be a good fit.

"Normally it's not a last minute thing, you exchange emails and know if you'll get along.

"If you're not rushing it's okay."

Today is World CouchSurfing Day 2008

Postnote: I read in this month's September 2008 edition of Consumer mag a 2-3 page article about couch surfing. Worth a read if you are thinking about using this service or are just interested. I've already posted the link to the main home page of couchsurfing.com in my right hand column - either under "links" or "my learning folder". :)

Flowers :)

2008-06-07T15:57:00.002+12:00

Flowers :)

2008-06-07T15:50:00.000+12:00

Ancestry Library Edition, Brookers Online

2008-05-19T12:08:00.008+12:00

Ancestry Library Edition, Brookers Online

Hi All, recently I completed a training session on our subscription database, Ancestry Library Edition.

Ancestry covers topics such as:

Historical Records
Census & Voter Lists
- U.S. Federal Census
- UK Census Collection

Birth, Marriage & Death
- Social Security Death Index
- UK & Ireland Parish & Probate

Immigration & Emigration
- New York Passenger Lists

Military
- WWI Draft Registration Cards
- Civil War Service Records

Directories & Member Lists
- New York City Directory, 1890
- Early UK and U.S. Directories

Court, Land, Wills & Financial
- Texas Land Title Abstracts
- Middlesex, MA Probate Index

Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & Reference
- Genealogical Library Master Index

Stories & Publications
Stories, Memories & Histories
- AGBI
- Slave Narratives

Newspapers & Periodicals
- Virginia Genealogical Society Qtrly
- Railway Gazetter Worldwide

Photos & Maps
Pictures
- U.S. School Yearbooks

Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Trees & Community
- Ancestry World Tree
- Message Boards

The Scope of this database is truely exciting with new information added daily.

This week, in our work based training we focused on immigration and emmigration and searched for information from the passenger lists. We also looked at photo and map archives in this truely huge and growing database. Because of my recent studies on African Americans and History (when I helped leading New Zealand author, Alan Duff with some book selections and information sourcing) I was really interested to read the "Slave Narratives" listed above in the stories and Publications part. We also briefly looked at adding your family tree and the live discussion threads from geneologists from all over the globe...

Previous to this I also attended a refresher course on the database Brookers Online which provided up to date information on

NZ Law Partner Legislation and Cases
Bills, Statutes, Regulations
Caselaw: Briefcase with Viewcase links
Building Law in NZ
Local Government Law in NZ
Resource Management.

This training involves some hands on testing and answering of questions to assist to orient us around the programme. I think this may have been my fifth training session on this, as we get a refresher once a year, however they are always welcome because my use of this database in rather intermittant and needed refreshing. Also the scope of the database is consistently being upgraded and updated.

I would encourage you to try Ancestry Online at your library next time you visit. I imagine this is available in many countries. NZ readers can access Brookers Online in NZ Libraries!

Helena

Ancestry Library Edition, Brookers Online

Languages, NZSL

2008-04-30T14:55:00.016+12:00

Languages

Human Rights Comission 2007 annual report: chapter on languages.

New Zealand Sign Lanugage in now one of New Zealand's Official three languages. In New Zealand over 27,000 people use New Zealand Sign Lanugage. It is the twelfth most frequently spoken language in New Zealand. NZ Sign Lanugage Week is in the first week of May 2008.

The chapter on languages in the Human Rights Commission's annual report was released on 21 February 2008 at Te Papa, Wellington by the Race Relations Commissioner Joris De Bres, to mark the UN International Year of Languages.
New Zealand Sign Language is recognised in the New Zealand Curriculum as one of the three official languages that may be studied as a first or additional language.

New Zealand Sign Language(NZSL) in the New Zealand Curriculum was launched in March 2007. This comprises guidelines for teachers to plan and implement relevant programmes. The NZSL Curriculum: - provides the basic information about the history of sign language and New Zealand Deaf culture.

The New Zealand Deaf Film Festival was also held in May 2007 in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. The festival promoted Deaf culture and language via the medium of short films.

For more information:

http://www.tki.org.nz/e/search/retrieve_search.php?element_array_data=DC.Subject.Keyword%3A%3A1611

(Good to follow the above link to search tki for any other language resource also)

Phone Infoline 0800 496 877
TTY: 0800 150 111 (Tele type writer, you need a special keyboard attached to your phone; know at TTY Internationally.
Email: infoline@hrc.co.nz
Website:www.hrc.co.nz
(hrc = human rights commission)

If you would like to find out more about New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association contact:

email: info@nzslta.org.nz
Website:www.nzslta.org.nz

For online lessons, see: http://www.nzsign.co.nz

To download the Fingerspelling diagrams see:
http://www.nzsign.co.nz/FingerspellingAlphabt.aspx
Fingerspelling is a useful starting point as it is used to spell names and places and words for which there is no direct translation.
See also on this page how to introduce yourself; My name is ----. And how to say Thankyou.

I attended a one year course of this about 15 years ago as a student at night school, but I must confess I have not used it much since, however I always enjoy to revisit this skill. I still have a folder of handouts and handwritten notes taken. The Tutor was deaf and some in the class were deaf or had family members who were deaf. Both parents and children attended this night class.

Update: Found this contact info in a later library display in 2009.

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand Tangata Turi.
Deaf.org.nz
2 White Street, Taradale Napier 4112 , New Zealand.

TTY 06 845 9007
Fax 06 8441208
Phone 06 845 9008.

Surprised about the fax- less than 20% use in NZ now.
I decided to stop paying the 2.50 per month for mine this month.

Languages

Need an Interpreter?
From the Office of Ethnic Affairs Te Tari Matawaka 0800 656 656
Language Line Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm

I need an interpreter

I speak ____________

Translation Service 04 4702920

Languages

Anzac Day Sources, comprehensive

2008-04-24T12:48:00.008+12:00

Anzac Day Sources, comprehensive
Dear all, you are welcome to view this update from the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 24 April 2008 of which I am a subscriber.
ANZAC Day is this Friday (tomorrow). Schools here currently have a holiday for two weeks which is great. To see my post on this from this time in 2007 which reviews some additional great sources, search "anzac" in the search archives field at top right of blog. Kind regards, Helena

NEW TOPIC
Military Mascots
New Zealanders have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world.
Wartime was no different. Take a tour through this menagerie of military
mascots - dogs, cats, donkeys, monkeys, pigs, goats and birds. There's
the famous white bull terrier Major 'Major', along with the less
well-known - but very cute - slow lauris adopted by the 1RNZIR in
Borneo. See them all here:
www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/mascots

ANZAC DAY RESOURCES
Check out the range of Anzac Day material available through Ministry for
Culture and Heritage websites:

Anzac Day (www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/101).
History of the day and the Anzac tradition.

Gallipoli Campaign (www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/711).
Discover how British (including New Zealand) and French forces battled
the Ottoman Empire - modern Turkey - for control of the Gallipoli
peninsula for nine months in 1915.

Memorials Register (www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/3927).
Make a virtual visit to your local memorial through our register of over
450 memorials - tell us if you can't find it here.

Anzac Day in The Classroom (www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/4118).
Activities and a quiz to help with teaching students about Anzac Day and
the Gallipoli Campaign.

War and Society (www.nzhistory.net.nz/war-and-society).
A huge range of material about the experiences of New Zealand and New
Zealanders at war in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Anzac Day - A Guide for New Zealanders (www.anzac.govt.nz).
Information on the significance of Anzac Day, how we commemorate it
today and a virtual guide of the Gallipoli peninsula. It features a
searchable database of all New Zealanders who died at Gallipoli.

Anzac Day Events
Find out what is going on in your area on Anzac Day at NZLive.com:
www.nzlive.com/en/index?type=event&sort=ranking&what=anzac&search_action
=search

In addition this page has been very well developed at the Hastings District Library ==>
http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/libraries/topic_ANZAC.htm

Plus this is listed as a hot topic on the tki website.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/hot_topics/anzac-day_e.php

We went to the service in HNth and were suitably impressed with the turnout. Nice to see families wearing the badges rewarded for service, the remaining soldiers. Speeches honouring the dead and those who continue to serve in the military, plus an equally if not stronger message of peace and non military response to problems which is only appropriate in my view.
Public Holiday in NZ and Australia.

Anzac Day Sources, comprehensive

Re: cluster map update!

2008-04-14T20:34:00.007+12:00

All my dots are well and truely gone from the cluster map at right! Thanks so much to my avid readers in New Zealand the United States, UK, Australia and Canada (These were the areas showing where readers who read the blog most came from) as well as the the many other viewers from so many countries: Asia, Southeast Asia, South america, continental europe etc.
See Cluster Maps explaination below of their archiving policy. As I am on the free membership I have not saved a copy of my "big map" covered in the red dots but know that it did plot the travels of some friends of mine and it is always interesting to see a hit in a country where you know your friend is visiting!!

I see a note saying "This map was (or will be) archived", or I've noticed that my lovely dots are gone. What does this mean?
This notification (and the sudden disappearance of dots) means that a regular (normally yearly) archive has either just occurred or is imminent (for some users, this happens monthly or weekly, as explained below). Your old thumbnail maps (or bigger maps for ClustrMaps+ users) will remain available in a stored archive, which is accessible as follows: when you zoom in to the world map, you'll see (high up on the page) a line labelled:

Navigation: Map with smaller clustrs | Maps Archive | Notes | Full Map Key

The second link ('Maps Archive') will take you to the page where your previous thumbnail map is stored (ClustrMaps+ users have a large list of complete earlier maps, including all the zoomed-in maps). You can click on the dates shown or 'turn thumbnails... on' to see the earlier map....

If it helps to explain things to your own readers, you can always copy and paste the archive map referred to above (right-click and Save as... or right-click and View Image and note the URL and use that), and add that in to the appropriate page near your current active ClustrMaps thumbnail map with a suitable commentary (e.g. "Last year's totals:"). Note that for users of the free ClustrMaps service, only the thumbnail maps, i.e. NOT the large maps, are saved in the archive! This news does not do you much good after-the-fact, but we're trying to make it more obvious in advance in other places throughout the site, and as of October 2007 we have added advance warning emails to let you know when this is about to happen so you can save a snapshot of your older map.

2008-04-14T12:07:00.002+12:00

Social Cognitive Theory Albert Bandura 1925 - present

3 types of Modelling

Direct Modelling

Simply attempting to imitate the models behaviour

Symbolic Modelling

Imitating behaviours displayed by characters in books, plays movies or television

Synthesized Modelling

Developing behaviours by combining parts of observed acts

Functions (effects) of Modelling

1) Learning new behaviours

2) Facilitating exhisting behaviours

3) Changing Inhibitions

4) Arousing Emotions

Effectiveness of Models

1) Similarities

2) Competence

3) Status

4 processes involved in Learning

1) Learning is a change in the mental processes that creates the capacity to demonstrate special behaviours.
1) Attention
2) Retention
3) Reproduction
4) Motivation

4 Aspects of self regulation

1) Setting your goal thats challenging and realistic
2) Monitoring Progress (keeping track) (chats journals)
3) Accessing Extent that goals are met (peer check, back of book)
4) Self Reinforcement. Good Feeling we get (Administering Self rewards/review) when goal is met.

2008-04-08T11:41:00.007+12:00

Well I've just returned from attending the best wedding ever.

My sister N, and her new husband A, were married in Welly on the 4th of April.
I got to attend with lots of my other family and attending a church service in Lower Hutt and fantastic reception in the Brierley theatre, near the Basin Reserve.

The Speeches at the reception were excellent, three bridesmaids and bridegroom, parents of the bride and groom. Then Caeli dancing which was a success and had many people on the dance floor. Also attended a Hen's night/bridal shower and stag do, plus church ceremony practise. I was the first reader and my reading was beautiful. It was good to see so many people supporting N and A. Also the food, wine and music were just terrific really and there was good comedy. Everyone was dressed beautifully. A's mum wore a sari. Our mum wore her beautiful blue going to the races hat. The men were polished up and all in suits.

I'll post my photos in another forum for family to view. But really a spectacular weekend and all the preparations paid off. Thanks to all the friends and family who supported magnificently by being their in force and making this a very special wedding day. They met just under two years ago.
"A" was now the "The richest man in the world" said the best man! (after reading the fortune 100) in the plane on a trip from London!! My sister was a very beautiful, clever and kind bride and spoke exceptionally well also. They are honeymooning in the South Island which is a good idea I think because they have only a week off work (both have good full time work) and will enjoy some of the best scenery and a naturally beautiful playground just a short plane trip or ferry ride away. My sister is a Solicitor and her husband an Engineer.

On my return I find my pet cat had pulled through his surgery, which I booked him in for just before leaving, at a cost of $800. So I am pleased to have a live cat at the end of this unexpected but necessary and very expensive treatment.
He had an unidentified large insect stuck in his intestine, so forced starvation without intervention. He has regained some weight again now. He is aged about six, and I got him from the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) about four years ago.

Nine days later and he had been thankful for his nine cat lives. He's at home now on antibiotics with stitches to be removed soon. Doing a lot of sleeping. Also I expect now he will continue to live another six years. Fingers crossed.

Heli

2008-03-30T22:27:00.009+13:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Covey

Interesting sources regarding self help and motivation.
I was asked who the author of the seven habbits of highly effective people was at the beginning of the month. That's Steven Covey! I knew, I think I have a good general knowledge when it comes to books and authors really. This book isn't actually on my shelf at home but sure I have read it, and from time to time I shelve it at the library.
Looking at my book shelves I've read a few, however I don't necessarily reread them and find biographies and great fiction can often provide the desired increase in vocabulary or language acquistion to keep with it and current (Both entertained and informed of life and news and all that is bizarre in it).

I am currently enjoying this blog from my e - coach Mike Litman. He is a modern day writer on motivation, business growth and self development.
www.MikeLitman.com

Previously I have read the Road Less Travelled and Beyond by M Scott Peck which I did like. Steven Coveys has a recent book out called "The Speed of Trust, the one thing that changes everything". One of his older ones was The Power Principle: Influence with Honour ( about "heart-centered visionary leadership). He has written at least 10 top sellers.

Self help books do sell in volume and some great writers have made their name well known this way and provided good instruction.

Some of my favourite examples of truely great writers came from an honours history course I did on historiography. I particularly liked the Annales school historians. Also the Feminist Historians. This writing and reading was such a step up from my current self styled reading programme but I can revisit the readings if I wish anytime. With blog writing I am looking mainly for a paragraph, I don't know if its worth while to write about such mundane stuff but then its sharing something and writing something. so...

Best, Helena

Defn: Bizarre: adj. strange in appearance or effect; eccentric; grotesque. bizzarely adv. bizzarreness n. [French, = handsome, brave, via Spanish & Portuguese
bizzaro from Basque bizarra 'beard']
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annales_School">

2008-03-30T20:44:00.008+13:00

Quarter-acre dream history, says institute
By BEN FAWKES - The Dominion Post | Friday, 28 March 2008

The quarter-acre dream for first-home buyers should be relegated to the history books, according to the Real Estate Institute.

Instead, wannabe home owners should be steered toward apartment living to get a foothold on the property ladder.

Institute president Murray Cleland told a housing policy forum in Wellington yesterday that policies aimed at putting people onto the quintessential quarter-acre section were anachronisms.

"We need to gently dispel the myth every New Zealander deserves the quarter-acre dream.

"It's somewhat misty-eyed and trying to deliver a modern-day version of the 1930s state housing nirvana."

Mr Cleland said the growing shortage of affordable housing meant there was a need to look beyond expanding cities outward.

New Zealand's land use had traditionally been lazy, he said, and prime agricultural land had been squandered in a haste to develop.

"Drive through the Auckland airport area; the developments there are sitting on the most fertile land in New Zealand."

Mr Cleland said that higher-density housing was crucial in order to maximise limited land availability and to keep costs down for buyers.

He acknowledged the concerns over "shoe box" apartments, which he said were an aberration, but conceded they had not helped the argument in favour of inner-city apartment living.

Wellington City Council director of urban development and transport Ernst Zollner said concerns over smaller apartments were driven by middle class attitudes toward housing.

"It's a well-meaning middle-income benevolent attitude ... Part of it is because we have always had quarter-acre [sections].

"Some people are happy to have Scopa cafe as their living room. They don't want to be able to have friends around, they use cafes and pubs instead."

If the council were to clamp down too heavily on the size of apartments, it would price many people out of the inner-city market, he said.

The main challenge to encouraging apartment living was they were seen as an unattractive option for families.

"Most New Zealanders are completely shocked at bringing children up without a backyard."

Mr Zollner said infill housing was the best solution to affordable housing concerns, as it made the best use of existing infrastructure, alleviating pressure on local and central governments.

New developments required amenities such as roads, sewerage, water supplies and schools, which ultimately would have to be paid for by ratepayers, he said.

PS all: I first wrote about this topic in 2002 for a paper as part of my honours thesis in history. For this I used the Real Estate Institutes back issues of its own magazine which is has a great collection of historic holdings in their freezer archive space at their Auckland Offices. I titled my thesis, Houses and the Real Estate Industry post 1950: Selling the 'New Zealand Dream'. The Institute retained a copy along side other publications gifted them made over the years. I also gave a copy to the Hastings Library. So I do like to keep an eye out for topical articles of this type to archive. I wrote about the topic at a time I was personally struggling to save the deposit for a house. It allowed me to read alot of relevant literature about housed in New Zealand within the time frame of 1950-2000. Great and interesting topic..Subsequent to this I worked as a valuers assistant in a very busy small office and was able to go into the finer details of describing many houses in detailed valuation reports. I wonder did Institute president Murray Cleland read my earlier student work?

For more to read on this topic please visit my back link blog ==>
http://origami--world.blogspot.com

With regards,

Helena

2008-03-17T10:39:00.004+13:00

Hi all,

This morning I am at home catching up with some things. At 11 I am heading over to EIT to help a friend with a international food exhibit a spin off of the International Food Day held at Cornwall Park last weekend. Hers is a Czech/German food stall but the weekend event was incredibly diverse with Chinese friendship society, Maori foods, such as battered mussels, smoked fish, plus sweetcorn, apples, Indian specialities, Samoan dancing etc. It's also Saint Patricks Day today and incidentally the United Nations' International Year of the Potato.
I thought it may have been a good idea to contribute with seed Potatoes but to be honest I would have to be quick to the garden store to get some before I meet with my friend with the stall this morning.

Coming up next Wednesday 26 March is the third of the Landmarks Public Forum Debates for 2008 at the Shakespeare Room in the Hawke's Bay Opera Precinct.
The themes were Gardens, Trees and the final One I'm attending History.
Time Wed 26 March 5.15-7.00 pm.
The Community are invited to participate in...discussion forums. No booking required, just turn up. We need your voice.

Moot
How can we increase awareness and protection of our rich history?

How can we celebrate it in innovative ways?

How can we form linkages with these celebrations and compatible events?

" Our local heritage buildings are being sympathetically repainted and appreciated. Interest in their history; our earthquake experiences - a wish to exhibit our peoples' artifacts successfully and celebrating our close rural ties are worthy of debate".

It not always you have time to attend these types of events, but certainly the refurbished Opera House is a great venue and I'm sure the evening will be well worth the effort to attend and learn from.

The Cliche and what you can do to reinvent it

2008-03-03T11:06:00.013+13:00

The Cliche and what you can do to reinvent it. from "cliches must die workshop"

The dictionary defines a cliche as a "phrase, an expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of loosing its intended force or novelity". The appearance of cliche in writing or speech can indicate a lack of creativity, innovation, or sincerity on the part of the author/orator.

Common Cliches

when pigs fly
fall head over heels
rotten to the core
an uphill battle
he's all thumbs
throw gasoline on the fire
a shot in the dark
get off your high horse
no guts, no glory
white as snow
running on empty
a fish out of water
penny for your thoughts
airing dirty laundry
in glass houses, don't throw stones
through thick and thin
life is like a box of chocolates
thorn in your side
you are my heart and soul
love you to bits and pieces
Darkness is looming
From here to Timbuktu
The whole nine yards
A fly in the ointment
Ugly as sin
Put it on my tab
Dimond in the rough
Lost in no mans land
See you later alligator
Life is a bowl of cherries
Flat as a pancake
A good man is hard to find
Idle hands are the devils workshop
Rome wasn't built in a Day
It doesn't cut the mustard
I will have the last laugh
Never look a gift horse in the mouth
Cuts like a knife
Armed to the teeth

Try to reinvent a simple idea and saying for eg.

cliche: "get off your high horse" ==> "Your stride is as high as the horse you can't get off".

You can use these cliches in a poetry exercise.

You incorporate the cliche somewhere in your poem. Use the cliche wherever, however, and whenever you want. You don't have to use the whole line as it is printed. Just try to reinvent the cliche. Write as if the idea is brand new to you, make it brand you to others. Make bizarre comparisons to it. Compare it to your life. Compare it to someone else's. Play around with it like cold mashed potatoes. Roll with it take your time, Don't be afraid to share your poem with others.

Heli: this is somewhat of an Americanised and potentially dry word/vocab exercise. (From a poetry mag in the usa) Although, when you think carefully about language aquisition there are many corny yet connecting cliches and in some particular styles of writing there is a place for reinventing them and using them for any desired effect, or for trying to avoid them having recognised the cliche. In New Zealand our cliches, out slang and our sense of identity expressed via language are very much influenced by a changing and incoming flux of ideas from various markets, voices, texts and imagery. Historically this is not new news and in my opinion, writers eager to preserve a place in the discourse need to keep looking both forwards and to our pasts for making their written contributions relevant to their purpose and to an audience/or reader that is so diverse and unique.

2008-01-31T12:51:00.001+13:00

Protecting yourself from scams.

See the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Scam Alerts page: http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scamwatch/protect-others/scam-media.html

For more see their Scam Watch page: http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scamwatch/index.html

The following page is describes the many different types of scams around:
http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/scamwatch/protect-yourself/no-the-scams/

scam busting website: http://www.scambusters.org/

Digitised Sources Updates

2008-01-25T14:09:00.000+13:00

Digitised Sources Updates

Royal Society Proceedings
Royal Society of New Zealand

" Plenty of historical works drifts towards the scientific, particularly the ethnographic/anthropological end of the spectrum" Catch it at:

http://rsnz.natlib.govt.nz

NZETC New Zealand Electronic Text Centre

Launched in 2002, the NZETC offers a free online archive of New Zealand and Pacific texts and heritage materials, and was a partner with the National Library on the above-mentioned Royal Society Project. The NZETC is part of Victoria University's library... NZETC collaborated with the National Library to put Te Ao Hou - the bilingual quarterly published by the Maori Affairs Department from 1952-1977 - on line.

http://www.nzetc.org

Early New Zealand Books

The early New Zealand Books Project is an initiative of the University of Auckland Library. It provides searchable texts of books published about New Zealand in the 19th century. The ENZPB is concentrated on the accounts of early travellers and British settlements, and is scanning books from its own collection. As of last year, 39 books are online but it plans to continue extending the collection. See Early New Zealand Books at:

http://www.enzb.auckland.ac.nz

Wellington City Archive

To make an inquiry, click on the Archives Search button for a pop-up window.

'New on-line facility and in development'. Impressive collection.
Rudimentary image search facility, as the site moves to own platform the scope for digitising and presenting information is enormous.

http://wellington.govt.nz/services/archives/#Aa.

New Zealand Gazette

1993 onwards. The online version is offered by the Department of Internal Affairs, which publishes the Gazette.

1841 to present day, has been digitised only available for free at present at the National Library.

http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-New-Zealand-Gazette-New-Zealand-Gazette-On-Line?OpenDocument

Now searchable from your computer and they keep coming. Great Work

HAWKES BAY EVENTS (Hospitality, food and wine)

2008-01-23T08:31:00.000+13:00

SOME KEY UPCOMING HAWKES BAY EVENTS (Hospitality, food and wine, art and culture) in February.

Church Road Jazz Concert: Sat 2 Feb 2008
The Church Road Jazz concert is part of the annual Harvest Hawke's Bay festival and always features a fabulous collection of musical entertainers each year in its open air environment. This years artist is New Zealand’s best jazz export, Nathan Haines.

Harvest Hawke's Bay: Sat 2 - Sun 3 Feb 2008
This exciting event is designed to please all wine and food lovers. This stunning weekend in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay allows Hawke’s Bay wineries to showcase their award winning wines to visitors, whilst being entertained in all sorts of ways!!

Geon Brebner Print Art Deco Week: Tue 12 - Sun 17 Feb 2008
Napier's Art Deco Weekend is held every year on the third week of February. Join the hectic programme and enjoy wining, dining, jazz, dancing, film, theatre, house tours, vintage cars, plane rides, and much, much more.

WETA Wine & Food Festival: Sat 16 Feb 2008
Soak up the ambience of the WETA Wine Festival in Central Hawke’s Bay, with the best of Hawke's Bay's wine, tantalising tastes & summer jazz.

Sea, Sky, Bush Walk: Sat 23 - Mon 25 Feb 2008
The Waipukurau Rotary Club's popular 3-day guided walk across beautiful Central Hawke's Bay farmland. Take in the awesome coastline, river lands and natural bush.

CJ Pask Great Long Lunch: Sun 24 Feb 2008
Dine on the region's finest cuisine in a magical seaside setting, whilst sipping award-winning Hawke's Bay wine from CJ Pask Winery. This unique alfresco dining experience accommodates 800 guests at a table nearly 300 metres long.

Mission Estate Winery Concert: Sat 01 Mar 2008
The kind of magic only Hawke's Bay and the geographical uniqueness of Mission Estate can conjure up. A natural amphitheatre, which is unrivalled anywhere in the country, leaves even the most traveled and world wise artist gasping accolades. This years headlining international artists are Tom Jones and Jimmy Barnes.

Hone Tuwhare, Poet.

2008-01-16T23:29:00.000+13:00

Hone Tuwhare has died today and oh what wonderful writing has he left as his legacy.

To salute him I have reread his poems from my Anthology of New Zealand Poems in English (eds. Jenny Bornholdt, Gregory O'Brian and Mark Williams), and picked out a few to retype and read...

About Hone Tuwhare..
Born in 1922 in Kaikohe, Tuwhare belongs to the Ngapuhi hapus Ngati Korokoro, Ngati Tautahi, Te Popoto, and Uri-O-Hau. An Active trade-unionist, he worked as a boilermaker before becoming a full time writer and performer of his poetry. His collection No Ordinary Sun (Blackwood & Janet Paul, 1964) was the first book of poems by a Maori to be published. In recent years he has read his work in Germany and the United States. He has also written a film script, a play and a short fiction.

Monologue

I like working near a door, I like to have my work-bench close by, with a locker handy.

Here, the cold creeps in under the big doors, and in the
summer hot dust swirls, clogging the nose. When the
big doors open to admit a lorry-load of steel, conditions
do not improve. Even so, I put up with it, and wouldn't
care to shift to another bench, away from the big doors.

As one may imagine this is a noisy place with smoke rising,
machines thumping and thrusting, people kneading,
shaping, and putting things together. Because I am nearest
to the big doors I am furtherest away
from those who have to come down to shout
instructions in my ear.

I am the first to greet strangers who drift in through
the doors looking for work. I give them as much information
as they require, direct them to the offices, and
acknowledge the casual recognition that one worker
signs to another.

I can always tell the look on the faces of the successful
ones as they hurry away. The look on the faces of the
unlucky I know also, but cannot easily forget.

I have worked here for fifteen months.
It's too good to last.
Orders will fall off
and there will be a reduction in staff.
More people than we can cope with
will be brought in from other lands:
people who are also looking
for something more real, more lasting,
more permanent maybe, than dying...
I really ought to be looking for another job before the axe falls.

These thoughts I push away, I think that I am lucky
to have a postion by the door which open out
to a short alley leading to the main street; console
myself that if the worst happened I at least would have
no great distance to carry my gear box and tool-box
off the premises.

I always like working near a door. I look for a
work-bench hard by - in case an earthquake
occurs and fire breaks out, you know? 1964.

Papa-tu-a-nuku (Earth Mother)

We are stroking, caressing the spine
of the land

We are massaging the ricked
back of the land

with our sore but ever-loving feet:
hell, she loves it!

Squirming, the land wriggles
in delight.
We love her. 1978.

A Fall of Rain at Mitimiti: Hokianga

Drifting on the wind, and through
the broken window of the long house
where you lie, incantory chant
of surf breaking, and the Mass
and the mountain talking.

At your feet two candles puff the
stained faces of the whanau, the vigil
of the bright madonna. See, sand-whipped
the toy church does not flinch.

E moe, e te whaea: wahine rangimarie

Mountain, why do you loom over us like
that, hands on massive hips? Simply
by hooking your fingers to the sea,
rain-squalls swoop like a hawk, suddenly.
Illuminated speeches darken, fade to metallic
drum-taps on the roof.

Anei nga roimata o Rangipapa.

Flat, incomprehensible faces: lips moving
only to oratorical rhythms of the rain:

quite please, I can't hear the words.
And the rain steadying: black sky leaning
against the long house. Sand, wind-sifted
eddying lazily across the beach.

And to a dark song lulling: e to whaea, sleep. 1974.

See more online poems by Hone Tuwhare at: http://www.honetuwhare.co.nz/history.php

Google Videos

2008-01-16T00:58:00.000+13:00

Google vids is really comparible with the u-tube videos I have previously posted to this weblog and because I have not searched them until today I was pleased to find this video in my first keyword search of "teaching history" + "new zealand".
Its basically a talk given about an Antartica visit to search for Meterorites and really this PHD grad of astro physics speaks so well. So I will be using this service again to search and learn visually.
The link to google to post your vids is:

http://upload.video.google.com/

From here you sign in using a google or gmail account and upload your video to google in one of two ways...

1. Web-Based Uploader
Use for files smaller than 100 MB
Upload using a web-based form
Instantly view your video online

2. Desktop Uploader
Use for files larger than 100 MB
Upload using the Google Video Uploader
Upload multiple files at once....

I'll just stop there and show the video I watched and liked.
Best wishes, Heli

2008-01-12T16:42:00.000+13:00

The NZ History web team have compiled this profile of Sir Edmund Hillary who died yesterday. I recommend you copy and paste this link to your browser to view. ==>

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/edmund-hillary

Hillary was the first man to climb Mt Everest, the world's highest mountain. He also travelled to the South Pole and travelled the Ganges River. He was the New Zealand High Commissioner to India and was the only living New Zealander to have his face on a monetary note (the $5 dollar kiwi) for 15 years. His humanitarian work in Nepal is well respected. He built 30 schools, several hospitals and bridges...

"The work of Hillary’s Himalayan Trust, established in 1964, would become his greatest contribution to the region he loved. Over the next 30 years, with the help of hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers from New Zealand and other countries, the Trust would build more than a dozen schools, two airfields, two hospitals and several medical clinics, as well as repairing monasteries, replacing bridges, installing water pipelines and undertaking numerous other projects. These efforts helped earn Hillary the title ‘Burra Sahib’ (‘Big in Heart’) among the Sherpa people."

He is being accorded a state funeral which will be televised here and will lie in state probably at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on the 22nd, also in the Anglican Cathedral... He died in Remuera, Auckland New Zealand aged 88 and is survived by his children and his second wife, June. RIP.

For further in depth info see also Christchurch libraries profile and catalogue of sources:
http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/People/HillaryEdmund/

or Hastings Central Library for research shortcuts on this topic:
http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/libraries/featureEverest.htm

Or try this update from a nepal based blogger, www.nepalnow.blogspot.com...:
"Hillary schools are a beacon of efficiency and offer one of the highest standards of mass education in Nepal. The Sherpa people--most people in the Khumbu--are among the most prosperous in Nepal due to the efforts of Sir Ed's Himalayan Trust. Whenever you are in Kathmandu, give a visit to their offices in Dilli Bazaar...and leave a donation. The money will not be wasted. If you can't do that, look up or mail a donation, on Sir Ed's behalf to:

Himalayan Trust
P.O. Box 224
Kathmandu, Nepal

email: himalaya@trust.mos.com.np

There is a photographic memoir to Hillarys life, era and experiences available to view at the Auckland Museum link I regularly link to, which celebrates Edmund Hillary's contribution in many fields in my list of favourites at the right. I would expect this to only grow over time.

Here is the Link to New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clarks Eulogy at Edmund Hillary's State Funeral. Nice to see this site where speeches are archived.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/eulogy+sir+edmund+hillary

Warm Apples and Ice Cream

2008-01-10T22:04:00.001+13:00

Warm Apples and Ice Cream
Serves 4

Ingredients
4 large green apples
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch ground cloves or 1 whole clove
1 litre/or close to a pint of vanilla ice cream
1 spray container whipped cream/ or bottle which you whip up.
Freshly grated nutmeg

Preparation
Pre-heat a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat.

Peel and quarter the apples. Core each quarter. Slice the apples up. Add butter to the skillet, then apples. Sauté 7-8 minutes, add sugar, cinnamon and cloves and cook 2 minutes more.

Spoon the sautéed apples into dessert dishes and top with ice cream, whipped cream, and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Another idea for apples is to fry apple rings in butter in the frypan. This is a dutch method I think? Also you can make apple fritters (kind of like in New Zealand we purchase pineapple rings from the fish & chip shop, you can just make a light sweet batter for apple rings and fry in the fry pan. But just plain with butter is fine too. Heli

Day walk at White Pine Bush

2008-01-09T09:27:00.000+13:00

Great time with my family after Christmas going to a traditional walking trip. I have forwarded the remaining photos of my family to them.

There are several walks to choose from, pictured is the second big water fall you can see here.

Tainui Reserve Walk, off Tainui Road (recommended entry) is also a great local walk I recommend. Here you can see Hikanui Pa, plus the water reservoirs. The walk has a number of loops so you can choose a short or a longer walk, plenty of nicely positoned seating, huge trees, birdlife, good for walking the dog.

Good Day out at the Beach

2008-01-08T14:26:00.000+13:00

Above: 5 Shags

6.8 Earthquake centered in Gisbourne, felt in Hawke's Bay

2007-12-21T09:22:00.000+13:00

Gisbourne Earthquake

Just finished watching the Breakfast show showing the damage.

Below is a link with many comments from around New Zealand.
Earthquake felt in Wellington, In Gisbourne, several buildings collapse, felt in cars, damage to property...

In Hawke's Bay felt for some forty plus seconds, We went under the kitchen table, no damage to picture frames or ornaments falling off shelves like the pictures in Gisbourne.

New Zealand Earthquake Report - Dec 20 2007 at 8:55 pm (NZDT)

Magnitude 6.8, Thursday, December 20 2007 at 8:55 pm (NZDT), 50 km south-east of Gisborne.
Quake Details

Information about this earthquake:
Reference Number: 2839343/G
Universal Time: December 20 2007 at 7:55
NZ Daylight Time: Thursday, December 20 2007 at 8:55 pm
Latitude, Longitude: 38.86°S, 178.52°E
Focal Depth: 40 km
Richter magnitude: 6.8
Region: Hikurangi Trough
Location
* 50 km south-east of Gisborne
* 400 km south-east of Auckland

see http://www.geekzone.co.nz/tonyhughes/4287 for some posts from people affected.

From http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/latest.html
Also see: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/at00476771.php

Gisbourne Earthquake

Te Poho, Porangahau, the land the people and their TaongaIn Review

2007-12-18T11:05:00.001+13:00

It's been a busy week with many Christmas functions to attend at work. I am looking forward to catching up with my family for a few days.

I enjoyed checking out the new Opera Kitchen with the reference team at the refurbished Hastings Opera House and can recommend the fruitsalad, lemon tarts and peppermint tea. We sat outside in the main foyer with the roof open to the sun. This way we avoided the radio inside, which was too loud to speak over and could talk and enjoy the opera courtyard environment. The inside has a very contempory Hastings feel, with large tables like they've came from the freezing works. Chairs are not wide so just suit an average sized person and a very large person might prefer the option of a bench. However it is great to be in a cafe within the Opera Complex with good colour scheme and design and the food and beverages were up to standard with a good selection of fresh local produce.

Christmas in the Domain, Havelock North was another true highlight, the band and singers were outstanding with good support from sponsers and the community, free sausages and softdrink. There have also been some great school breakups and prizegivings which I have attended.

Te Poho, Porangahau, the land the people and their Taonga.

There is a very good exhibition on at the moment at the Hastings Exhibition Centre called Te Poho, Porangahau, the land the people and their Taonga. Porangahau is a rural coastal village and community in Central Hawke's Bay. It's about an hours drive south of Napier and is thirty miles from its nearest township, Waipukurau. I particularly enjoyed the large wooden carvings (Takitimu canoe prow) plus the flax work, the piupiu and korowai (flax skirts worn around the waist and around the shoulders as cloaks). Photographer Sal Criscillo (www.criscillo-photo.com) has captured some wonderful photography for the images in TE POHO of local people from Porangahau (Central Hawke's Bay. In their introductory brochure/pamphlet he writes, "The images in TE POHO started almost by accident. Assisting the two writers, Hilary Pedersen and Marina Sciascia in assembling their book " Haikui, Mothers of Porangahau", the Te Poho images grew out of the preparations, research and assembly of their second book "Tuhine, Sisters of Porangahau". However I did notice that there were several to many men photographed as well for example white baiters in the rivers with nets , shearers at work, interestingly some fox hunters plus many people with intricate moko and tatoos, historical photos of people gathered on Marae (Te Poho derives its name from Te Poho o Kahungunu, the meeting house situated on Rongomaraeroa Marae at Porangahau), and even pictures of Peter Sharples and Tariana Turia (MPs) with folk expressing their political support of the Maori Party. Also as I recall social club rugby shields as well as a display of greenstone (Paunamu) patu and mere, gourds decorated with flax and toi toi. At the front door is an very intricately carved oval shaped wooden vessel for holding taonga. I have seen these at Marae when there is a funeral next to the body. Inside are white feathers and tea tree leaves. I am not sure how old it is but I suspect I have seen it before next to a body on a Marae! Or perhaps one just like this.
The exhibition centre is located next to the Hastings Central Library.

Below are photographs of the piupiu and korowai

Porangahau: At the coastline is an eight mile stretch of sand interrupted only by the outfall of the Porangahau river which has a relatively large inland catchment across CHB farmland. These features, combined with a large estuary at the beach make for an ancient natural resource that has seen many generations of human occupation....
Porangahau (hapu) plus co-exhisting Pakeha rural community) also has a long relationship with Heretaunga, that continues today...
Hope you get to see it and enjoy like I did.

Best, Kia Ora

Of Note: The Parihaka International Peace Festival is coming up after New Year from the 11-13.
Helena

Latest Comment: Hello helena, I am Marina Sciascia, we have been wanting to know how to get our exhibition out to the world and found you. So thanks, you have done it.

AND

"hello helena , thanks for your comments on our exhibition . from the gallery's feedback been probably their most attended offering in years . glowing comments all round.your comment about too many male photographs ? the pics grew from the two 'mothers and sisters' books probably 40 or so featured in the publications .. some of these are featured in B/w in the foyer but rather than repeat all ,the exhib photographs were an extension of the families i met and the land and sea scapes of the area.there was never any intention to show only the mothers and sisters for the wider exhibition . hardly a misreading of the exhibition itself but questioning your comment only. glad to see your recommendation to view. closes jan 20th so hopefully lots of holiday makers will also access. mille grazie
salcriscillo/photographer."

:)
Te Poho, Porangahau, the land the people and their Taonga.

Recommended Reading: How To Make a Piupiu by Leilani Rickard.

Also if you ever visit Te Papa in Wellington, there are many beautiful Piupiu to see there.

2007 New Recipe Books - popular Christmas gifts or simply for yourself!

2007-12-10T21:50:00.000+13:00

Christmas cook books

Cook books are a popular gift choice at this time of year. Please enjoy the selection below. Most are new books first printed in 2007.

Shortcuts to Asian Cooking

Complete Book of Indian Cooking: 350 Recipes from the Regions of India

Jamie at Home: Cook Your Way to the Good Life

Eat Fresh: Cooking Through the Seasons

New World Provence: Modern French Cooking for Friends and Family

The Italian Grill: Fresh Ideas to Fire Up Your Outdoor Cooking

Nigella Express

Kia ora, arohanui,
Have a safe and happy summer break.

Helena

Christmas cook books

Music Selections, Christmas 2007

2007-12-10T21:39:00.000+13:00

One Chance - Puccini, etc / Paul Potts

Interesting Feedback on the blog... this thinking reader writes;:
"I have heard that writers have a deep desire to write and can’t not. So I understand your posting various material on your blog. It struck me that a blog is like an advertisement. Except that we are used to people marketing a service, so we might sell our ability to do research. A blog seems like it is more than the selling of a service but also the marketing of oneself. Posting interests, abilities, movies seen, books read, knowledge gleaned, background, as well a profession. It is different – you know."

Thankyou! I agree, the blog allows you to document and share ideas. I've heard some describe it as scrapbooking! But it does develop your IT skills and anything that you do write that is of interest (such as my health and safety/first aid training, or ezine scripts or explanations, of RSS, wikis, google reader and also the nice photos) can be easily shared with others. I can also change the level of my privacy down the track and restrict readers if I choose by changing my settings. I am trying to avoid becoming one big advertisement whilst promoting the occassional affliate product. But I think the nature of short blog posts does allow for a diverse and different range of non demanding yet personalised writing. So it should be a showcase of whats going on somewhere at sometime. But it doesn't have to be a life monument or to encapsulate more than the 10 minutes or so you've devoted to the blog. It should assist with your ability to do research and assist with the marketing of yourself that is true.

With you.

Helena

This day in History: Chases.com

2007-12-03T11:34:00.000+13:00

As a reference book for world history the latest volume of Chase's Calendar of Events is an articulate read and provides comprehensive coverage of many key events in a succint, compact and illustrative way. The matching website(see extract below)also provides good monthly coverage of then and now; this time in history.

Holidays and Events

Dec 3 2007

150th birth anniversary of Joseph Conrad (1857-1924). (Heart of Darkness et al..)
In 1947, A Streetcar Named Desire opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Tennessee Williams' play starred Marlon Brando and Jessica Tandy.
In 1967, Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first successful heart transplantation at Cape Town, South Africa.

Dec 4 2007

The 50th anniversary of Chase's Calendar of Events....

Dec 7 2007

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Dec 8 2007

In 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City by a deranged fan.
In 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved.

Dec 9 2007

Tanzania: Independence and Republic Day
National Day of the Horse

Dec 10 2007

Human Rights Day
Birth anniversary of American poet Emily Dickinson (1830-1886).
There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry . . .

Dec 11 2007

In 1936, uncoronated King Edward VIII of England abdicated his throne to marry "the woman I love," Wallis Simpson.
In 1946, UNICEF was established.
International Mountain Day

Dec 12 2007

Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Birth anniversary of Frank Sinatra (1915-1998)

ARCHIVES NZ - NEW AUDIO VISUAL WEBSITE

2007-11-30T09:35:00.000+13:00

Archives New Zealand's new audio visual website is now online at
http://audiovisual.archives.govt.nz

The site showcases over 100 film clips sourced from the National Film Unit and is a big step forward in making Archives New Zealand's audio visual collection more accessible and visible to New Zealand and international viewers. Films featured on the site include Weekly Review and Pictorial Parade newsreels as well as one-off documentaries. Historic events covered include Queen Elizabeth's visit to New Zealand in 1953, New Zealanders leaving for Europe at the beginning of World War Two and the opening of the Rimutaka Tunnel.

A wiki feature gives visitors the opportunity to add descriptive detail and share their comments about the films with others.

The Minister responsible for Archives New Zealand, Hon Judith Tizard,launched the new website at a function in the Beehive to mark 50 years since the passing of the Archives Act 1957. You can read her full press release at:

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=31405
http://audiovisual.archives.govt.nz

ARCHIVES NZ - NEW AUDIO VISUAL WEBSITE

Gobi Desert

2007-11-25T21:10:00.000+13:00

This is a bactrian (two humped camel). A one humped camel is called a dromedary

Ulan Bator

2007-11-25T21:06:00.000+13:00

Mongolia (2) Ulan Bator (3)

2007-11-25T21:00:00.000+13:00

Great Wall of China

2007-11-22T22:20:00.000+13:00

Census seminar

2007-11-20T12:02:00.000+13:00

I feel lucky to have attended one of the Census seminars and have recorded the updates provided post course below. This was an interesting and well run seminar presentation and "table builder" is a truely powerful tool, allowing a multitude of statistial variables to be created into graphs for ease of understanding and to allow comparison and contrast. I would like to use this much more in the future.
I have attended these seminars in the past annually where there was more of a user focus, with modules for attendees to follow online. This time around we did not use the programme on pcs at the time of the seminar but viewed a powerpoint and listened to four very good speakers, including someone from the call centre, a Maori statistical specialist and another person focusing on a regional update of Napier largely (with some attention to Hastings). The venue was the Napier Council buildings and this was a very good venue for this type of presentation. The libraries have a partnership with statistics New Zealand and we are encouraged to contact the department freely on their freephone for any assistance to work at accessing any statistics.

2006 Census seminars
Regional census seminars were held between 23 October and 9 November in 25 locations throughout New Zealand. These seminars were very successful, with approximately 1,300 people attending. The seminars were an opportunity for Statistics New Zealand to promote the range of information available from the census, how it can be used, and to provide instruction on how to access this information. They were also a chance to meet users of census data face to face, and to respond to users' issues and queries. Thanks to all those who attended the seminars, and for the interesting comments and questions that were raised. We recognise and appreciate your continuing role in promoting and disseminating census information to your local communities.

The seminars also provided a useful opportunity to highlight the planning underway for the 2011 Census....

The presentation content has been posted on the Statistics NZ website, and can be accessed here:
http://www.stats.govt.nz/census/about-2006-census/2006-census-seminars.htm

You can access the location specific content from all 25 seminars from the above link. A demonstration of how to use Table Builder will also be available on the web by the end of the month.

Due to technical difficulties, interactive QuickStats About a Place web pages are not available at present. PDF documents covering the full range of information are available on the Statistics NZ website. http://www.stats.govt.nz/census/census-outputs/quickstats/aboutAPlace.htm

Who responded as New Zealander?
During the seminars a number of questions were raised about the review of the measurement of ethnicity and the New Zealander output category. For more information on the review and for the report, Profile of New Zealander Responses, Ethnicity Question: 2006 Census go to: http://www.stats.govt.nz/analytical-reports/review-measurement-ethnicity/papers.htm

We also plan to publish shortly a set of guidelines for the use of 2006 census ethnicity data. These update and expand on guidelines included in the current ethnicity standard, and seek to establish a consistent and robust approach to comparing census ethnicity statistics with those derived from other sources. They include guidelines for the production of time series and have been developed in consultation with expert users and producers of ethnicity data.

Census Update - 13-12-12

QuickStats About Unpaid Work
The eighth QuickStats About a Subject from the 2006 Census – QuickStats About Unpaid Work –is now available. This QuickStats looks at unpaid work within households, unpaid work outside households, and voluntary work. It also provides information about a range of related factors, including age, sex and ethnic group.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/census/2006-census-data/quickstats-about-unpaid-work/quickstats-about-unpaid-work.htm

Table Builder –Incomes
The Incomes Table Builder module is now available. This module includes information on total personal income, family income, and sources of income.Three new tables providing information about hours worked per week have been added to the incomes module today.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/table-builder/2006-census-tables/incomes.htm

2006 Census seminars follow up...

1. Table Builder videos
A series of four videoclips with audio commentary are now available to assist with the use of Table Builder. These videoclips provide instruction on how to access and use Table Builder using 2006 Population Census information. The videoclips are aimed towards new and intermediate users of Table Builder.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/table-builder/table-builder-help.htm

2. Geographic hierarchy
Information about the geographic hierarchy used by Statistics New Zealand, including information about meshblocks.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/statistics-by-area/regional-statistics/geography-mapping/default.htm

3. Programme of Official Social Statistics (POSS)
POSS has been established to provide a coherent system of official social statistics across the government sector. Key elements are consolidating existing surveys, introducing new surveys to fill information gaps, exploiting other sources of data, and improving analytical capability, dissemination of information and access to data.

Information about this programme is available at:
http://www.statisphere.govt.nz/about-official-statistics/the-programme-of-official-social-statistics.htm

4. Guidelines for Using Ethnicity Data: 2006 Census This paper provides good practice guidelines for users of ethnicity data from the 2006 Census following implementation of the 2005 ethnicity standard. Census 2006 used the 2005 ethnicity statistical standard which enables, among other things, the separate classification of New Zealander responses.

To view this paper go to:
http://www.stats.govt.nz/analytical-reports/review-measurement-ethnicity/papers.htm

5. Survey of Dynamics and Motivations for Migration in New Zealand (DMM)
This survey investigates reasons for internal migration and provides insights into demographic characteristics of people who have moved or not moved, as well as satisfaction ratings for living conditions.
http://www.stats.govt.nz/products-and-services/info-releases/survey-dynamics-motivations-migration-new-zealand.htm

6. Standards development
A number of standards are being developed or reviewed for use in Statistics NZ surveys and collections across government. These reviews cover the topics of: dwelling type, tenure, income, usual residence, qualifications and household and family. The reviews have a range of completion dates through 2008 and 2009.
The purpose of standards is to define variables in a consistent way. This enables comparison between surveys and makes it possible to integrate data from different surveys.

For more information about classifications and related statistical
standards, go to:
http://www.stats.govt.nz/statistical-methods/classifications-and-related-statistical-standards/default.htm

2007-11-08T22:27:00.000+13:00

Comedy Cake Walk - 1903

2007-10-22T16:04:00.004+13:00

http://library.christchurch.org.nz/ProjectResources/CivilRightsMovement/

My PBWiki contains more resources.

Personal Privacy

2007-10-10T14:33:00.000+13:00

Personal Privacy

Ten tips on Personal Privacy

1) Think before you give out personal information, and ask what it will be used for.

2) You can ask to see any personal information held about you. If it's wrong you can
ask for it to be corrected.

3) Don't like people trying to sell you things by mail or over the phone? Contact the
Marketing Association (0800 222 332) to ask about its Name Removal Service.

4) Help keep your kids safe online by encouraging them to talk to you about what
they're doing.

5) Protect yourself from identity theft by ripping up your personal letters and
bills, and putting bits in different rubbish bins. Even better - use a shredder.

6) Limit your risk when buying online. Have a seperate, low - limit credit card.

7) Posting personal information on the internet? Use a nickname if you can.

8) Check security procedures in internet cafes and make sure you log out before you
leave.

9) Get a free copy of your credit record once a year to check that nobody is applying
for credit in your name. Visit www.mycreditfile.co.nz or www.dnb.co.nz for
details.

10)Make sure you've got up-to-date software on your computer, especially if you're
doing banking online.

Personal Privacy

2007-09-26T16:39:00.000+12:00

Kia Ora Helena and todays kupu is Kia Mau te wehi, its a ki waha or everday talk meaning grab onto that which is strong, Ka pai e hoa for showing me how to blog

Vineyard photos, sunny weekend

2007-09-25T12:58:00.000+12:00

Wikis in Plain English

2007-09-14T20:03:00.002+12:00

Wikis in Plain English

This video again is excellent and well worth watching. It gives a quick concise introduction to Wiki's.

Wiki providers:
www.pbwiki.com
www.wetpaint.com
www.wikispaces.com.

Personally I am using pbwiki.

This video it but one in a serious of videos about "web 2.0" applications all "in plain (united states) English. The visual aspect of teaching is well done. There are further videos about Twitter, social networking, blogging, RSS, pods etc. You can search the related videos by viewing the other video posts by Le Le Fever.

With best wishes, Heli.

Wikis in Plain English

Kathmandu, Tibet

2007-08-30T16:37:00.000+12:00

Kathmandu, Tibet

Kathmandu, Tibet

Tibet

2007-08-30T15:44:00.000+12:00

Tibet

Tibet

New Zealand Writer's Handbook

2007-08-27T18:33:00.000+12:00

New Zealand Writer's Handbook

Dear All,

This is a book I have recently purchased. It is described at "an indispensable guide to getting published in New Zealand" and is great value with chapters covering:
Getting Started
Technology
Research in New Zealand
Presentation
Photography and Illustrations
Writing for a Market
Writing for Children
Writing for an Overseas Market
Contracts
New Zealand Copyright and Defamation
New Zealand Taxation
Publish Yourself
Metropolitan and Daily Newspapers
Other Newspapers
Magazines and Periodicals
Book Publishers
Awards, Competitions and Financial Assistance
Organisations
Courses for New Zealand Writers
Common Style Problems
Marking Up.

Great Value. This link links in to a New Zealand based
company which pays a small affliate fee per referral. (Our Amazon!)The prices are competitive (with the addition option to purchase a book second hand for less if necessary).
This is one book I do
believe is a great all round handbook for writers with the up to date and revelant contacts needed to get ahead and publish your writing. Also when you have clicked on the image of the book you have the possibility to purchase online any other book from this reputable firm with New Zealand and Australian content as well as general international fiction and non-fiction, DVDs New York Bestsellers etc. For eg. At the right of the Home Page you can browse the following categories...

Top 10 Authors

Fishpond Picks 2007

NZ Bestsellers

NZ Post Finalists

Hot Book Pre-orders

Preschool Classics

Matariki (Maori New Year)...

Cheers,

Helena

New Zealand Writer's Handbook

Video: RSS in Plain English

2007-08-17T11:11:00.002+12:00

RSS demonstration video, how to subscribe, google reader recommended

I hope you benefit from learning about RSS from this U-tube video. I have feed buttons at the right of my blog. Please sign up for the feed when you sign up for google reader if you wish.

Later;
Now with the benefit of practise, I was able to sign up to my blog quickly and easily through google reader (www.google.com/reader), click on subcribe icon at the left and then type in either my exact url: www.whats-up-helena.blogspot.com and then ok/enter or type in keywords, "Helena's blog" and then you get a range of blogs; identify mine hit ok/enter and you've subscribed. I then searched for a few of my favourites. Great exercise, I recommend you try google reader to get the benefit of understanding how you can use and utilise feeds. It has some benefits in further customising your google home page, (Google reader remains customised on your google home page) and it allows you to know when your favourite blog/s and news sites are updated. Anything that allows you to sift, customise limit or expand - to basically control your online reading is welcome in an environment of text saturation. The help page and FAQ page on the google reader site is easy to follow and worth a quick look.

http://www.whatisrss.com/

Regards, Heli

www.whats-up-helena.blogspot.com

RSS demonstration video, how to subscribe, google reader recommended

India

2007-08-15T15:58:00.000+12:00

India

India

India

2007-08-15T15:52:00.000+12:00

India

India

India

2007-08-15T15:44:00.000+12:00

India

India

2007-06-19T15:49:00.001+12:00

Men still better paid than women - census
New 2:15PM Tuesday June 19, 2007

Men in New Zealand are still better paid than woman, according to the latest census figures to be released.

Three-quarters of those earning more than $70,000 a year were men while 63 per cent cent of those with personal income below $5000 a year were women, the March 2006 census found.

The median personal income of all adults in New Zealand on census night in 2006 was $24,400. The median means half received more than that and half received less.

The 2006 median was up from $18,500 in the 2001 census and $15,600 in the 1996 census. Rises in personal income outstripped prices in the period.

The census income data also confirms there are big disparities between regions.

The highest median personal income is in Wellington at $28,000 and it is also the region where the highest proportion -- 24 per cent -- earn more than $50,000 at year.

Auckland had annual median personal income of $26,800 and Waikato followed with $24,100.

The West Coast had the lowest median personal income of $20,400 and the highest proportion -- 49 per cent -- with personal income of less than $20,000 a year.

The census measured personal income from people aged 15 years or more who usually live in New Zealand and included income from all sources.

On census night the median income for all men was $31,500 compared to $19,100 for women.

However, women's median income increased by 32 per cent from the previous census, which was more than the increase in men's income of 27 per cent.

People aged between 45 and 49 years had the highest median personal income of $35,200 and 50 to 54-year-olds were second with $34,600.

Those aged between 15 and 19 years had the lowest median personal income of $3100, while 70 to 74-year-olds had a median income of $14,800.

- NZPA WGT

2007-06-18T15:01:00.000+12:00

Low wages blamed for house price crisis
1:35PM Monday June 18, 2007
My Source: NZ Herald.

Low wages are at least partly to blame for house prices becoming out of reach of many people, the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) said today.

In the three years to 2007, house prices increased by 38.5 per cent while wages went up by just 8.7 per cent, union economist Peter Conway said.

It is urging a parliamentary select committee considering housing affordability to look at New Zealand's low rates of pay as a key reason home ownership is being pushed out of reach.

Mr Conway said: "If house prices are outstripping wages by four to one, then it's no wonder that home ownership is increasingly out of reach for low and middle income New Zealanders."

Last week, in its submission to the commerce select committee, the Reserve Bank proposed introducing a capital gains tax on investment properties.

The bank's governor, Alan Bollard, has raised the capital gains tax issue several times recently in his monetary policy statements and in speeches when he has talked about the need to curb the boom in house prices, which he largely blames for rising inflation.

The submission suggested the Government should consider a policy more in line with Australia's, where realised capital gains on rental properties are taxed, but at half the normal rate.

Mr Conway said the CTU also supports a capital gains tax on investment housing.

He added that it "also suggests introducing stamp duties for higher priced houses and removing the offsetting of expenses for rental properties against income".

Its submission to the parliamentary committee also suggests more state housing and subsidised home lending programmes.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and the National Party have rejected the idea, but the suggestion has gained support from the Green Party.

The Green's co-leader Russel Norman said the party supported measures to stabilise the housing market such as a capital gains tax but said it would have to exclude family homes.

National's finance spokesman, Bill English, said his party did not support a capital gains tax and it was the wrong time to think about imposing it on investment properties.

To have an effect it would have had to be introduced when house prices started going up, not as they were flattening or dropping, he said.

Miss Clark said today the bank and its governors had been suggesting a capital gains tax for years, but the Government had continually ruled it out.

- NZPA

Low wages blamed for house price crisis

2007-06-11T11:53:00.000+12:00

Thar desert

Photos from India - Thar desert

having "crossed the all country from east to west; from Calcutta in Bengal to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, in the Thar desert (the photos are from there). I went after to New Dehli and I am now in Kashmir. I am going next monday to Laddakh and Zanskar, where I would like to do some trekking."

Photos from India

2007-06-11T11:45:00.000+12:00

Photos from India

Photos from India

2007-06-05T17:29:00.000+12:00

Directory of Lawyers in New Zealand

Now here’s a tip for finding a lawyer in New Zealand.

Try this website of the Auckland District Law Society

http://www.adls.org.nz/public/legallinks/newzealand/

There is a tab at the top that says “find a lawyer”

Click here then use the search functions to search lawyers

by lawyer type, surname, town, or district within New Zealand.

The New Zealand Law Society also has a useful web page.

You can Google search using this keyword phrase to see.

There is also a directory of lawyers put out by Brookers

So you will need to visit this url: http://brookers.co.nz

A directory like this is useful if searching for addresses

to post a sales proposal or a mail out to many lawyers.

Alternatively you can use the NZ yellow pages or the

NZ white pages in the telephone directory:
http:www.whitepages.co.nz

Auckland Law site url : http://www.adls.org.nz

Directory of Lawyers in New Zealand

Legislation sources - how up to date are these Reference Team memo summary below, of interest to others who deal with the public...

"In Hastings Library we hold printed copies of NZ Statutes and Regulations and these are updated several times a year. We received reprinted Statutes and Regulations a couple of times a year.

==> Interim website of New Zealand Legislation (hosted by Brookers) - updated monthly Acts and Regulations -current versions with amendments incorporated. Search and browse.

==> Knowledge Basket: - Has only unconsolidated legislation, i.e, not updated within legislation.

==> Bills and Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs) Browse only.

==> Acts -- original versions (amendments not incorporated), and reprints published
since 1/11/04. Browse only.

==> Regulations -- original versions(amendments not incorporated), and reprints
published since 1/10/03

Our Brookers New Zealand Law Partner Legislation and Cases Database is the most up to date version, being updated within 1-3 days of receipt of assent copies of Acts and hard copies of Regulations...."

Public Access to Legislation (PAL) Project - almost there.

"The PAL Project is designed to improve the way in which New Zealand Legislation is made available to the public. The aim of the project is to provide public access to up-to-date official legislation in both printed and electronic forms. Electronic versions will be available free via the internet." More at http://www.pco.parliament.govt.nz/pal/

2007-05-23T14:57:00.000+12:00