NEW ZEALAND EDGE

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2013-08-01T17:00:00.000+12:00

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Visit www.nzedge.com to explore a new way of thinking about our identity, people, stories, achievements and place in the world.

122 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 4 Dec 2009

2009-12-04T14:05:00.000+13:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Left: All Black captain Richie McCaw; retiring Oxford Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hood; soprano Kiri Te Kanawa; film producer Tim Bevan; entrepreneur Wade Thompson (1940-2009)

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in The Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Brisbane Times, The Baltimore Sun, Geo, The Sydney Morning Herald, Telegraph, BBC, The Australian, The Age, Courier Mail, The Times, Guardian, BBC, Empire, Irish Times, Oxford Gazette, The Japan Times and The Sacramento Bee include:

• Richie McCaw “hunter of midfield backs, wrecking ball”, and “the man”
• John Hood gives retiring Vice-Chancellor’s Oration at Oxford
• Kiri Te Kanawa performs in DC, urges students to find their voice
• Tim Bevan, film producer, honoured by Gotham Independents, NY
• Wade Thompson, innovator of American travel and transport, dies , 69
• All Whites into 2010 World Cup with 1-0 win over Bahrain, Wellington
• All Blacks “overwhelm” France 39-12 in Marseille; “best display” in '09
• New Zealand 2009 ski season best yet; 1.5m hit slopes
• New Zealand relaxes migration policy; enticing foreign entrepreneurs
• Robert Wade, economics professor, predicts more recession
• New Zealand, a Lonely Planet Top 10 country to visit in 2010
• Temuera Morrison, sought by Ray Winstone in latest film Tracker
• Elizabeth Knox’s sequel to Vintner’s Luck, published to strong praise
• Ian Grant, Wairarapa, says NZ newspapers have a strong future
• New Zealand ideal place to “gain maximum from everyday life”
• Tekapo-Aoraki night sky World Heritage bid accepted; awaits final ok
• Whale Watch Kaikoura, winner of Virgin Holidays Tourism Awards
• Stuart Dryburgh, cinematographer, brings essential artistry to Amelia
• New Zealanders understand underplayed luxury; “unpretentious”
• ASR Limited’s Bournemouth artificial reef opens; first of kind in EU
• Robbie Deans, Wallaby coach, in purgatory until he beats All Blacks
• Charlotte Dawson, The Contender co-host, talks about men in her life
• Dan Carter sublime Man of the Match against Welsh in All Black win
• Dr Greg Browne, geologist, discovers dinosaur tread, NW Nelson
• Challenge NZ sees UK contestants blog way round country to win
• Otago University researchers study effects of abortion on 500 women
• Peter Dengate Thrush heads “biggest change” since internet began
• Jonah Lomu, 2019 World Cup ambassador and in “best shape ever”
• New Zealand’s low production costs mean US milk ad shot here
• Brenda and Robert Vale, authors, compare SUVs to pets in new book
• University of Auckland develops ice cream to stem chemo side-effects
• Jane Campion’s Bright Star “work of an auteur in charge” of her craft
• Jemaine Clement, Conchord, talks live shows and Predicament
• All Blacks win over Wallabies 32–19 in front of 44,030 in Tokyo
• New Zealand Land Transport act bans drivers using hand-held phones
• Rotorua “think Yellowstone” but with zorbing, caving and luges
• Owen Glen’s NZ-trained Monaco Consul wins $A1.5m Victoria Derby

DENIS O’REILLY: NGA KUPU AROHA/WORDS OF LOVE, BLOG #36
IT'S THE PUTTING WHITE THAT COUNTS
Den reckons it's alright to be white in Aotearoa. He says he's comfortable in his skin as a card-carrying Pakeha, a member of Tangata Tiriti, and a paid up subscriber to the Treaty of Waitangi. He's a Kiwi, belongs here, and is subject to conservation and protection orders. He recalls past dealings with Hone Harawira but concludes that despite some frustrations with him Hone has an important role to play in our nation building. Den suggests that if he can't be included in Parliamentary politics he returns to the politics of the street and focuses on politicising the brown proloteriat. Responding to Winston Peters' challenge he could join the Maori gangs and lead them past their self defeating behaviours and Gonville lifestyles to become a new form of Nga Tamatoa. Following the death of Martyn Sanderson, Den reflects on this man's life and his use of theatre to resolve Black vs White conflicts and to right wrongs. He concludes "it's the putting white that counts". (3,442 words)

LOS ANGELES SCREENING FOR
THE TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS
Screening at The Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles 90048, (323) 655-4010
Fri 4th 7pm / Sat 5th 3pm / Sun 6th 3pm / Mon 7th – Thurs 10th 7pm

Presented by Diva Films, NZ Film Commission, NZ On Air, and SweeneyVesty

“A doco that has you falling in love with two of the crazier people you’ve never met.” Variety (LA). “It takes a very special documentary to deny Michael Moore a top festival prize, but to see The Topp Twins is to fall in love with it.” Screen International (London). “Enormously likeable, warm-hearted, moving and very funny. The Twins have mastered the difficult art of being very funny without excluding anyone from the joke. Part sing-along, part concert, part comedy show, their act covers all the bases.” Eureka Street (Melbourne).

Director Leanne Pooley, Producer Arani Cuthbert
Cadillac Peoples’ Choice Award – Toronto International Film Festival 2009
Audience Award – Melbourne International Film Festival 2009
Best Feature (under $1million) – Qantas NZ Film & TV Awards 2009
Best Original Music in a Feature – Qantas NZ Film & TV Awards 2009

Here are the Top 10 titles for November:

Kea – Mountain Parrot, NHNZ 1993 – Our beloved avian prankster
Close to Home, TV 1975 – Roger Hall-created soap of the Heartes
Face of Fashion, music video 1989 – Chris Knox's classic facial clip
Best of Billy T James Collection, TV 1992 – Billy T at his non-PC best
Gliding On, TV 1981 – Series satirising the pen-pushing working life
Gloss, TV series 1987–1990 – Yuppies, Walkmen; "cult glitter soap"
Face to Face With Kim Hill, TV 2003 – Showdown with John Pilger
Not Given Lightly, music video 1989 – Another beaut from Chris Knox
Aeon, short film 2004 – Wellington gets the 'time-scape' treatment
In a Land of Plenty, doco 2002 – Story of unemployment in NZ

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui.

Top image, Motuotau Island, Mt Maunganui; above, Palliser Bay from Wharekaukhau. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

121 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 Nov 2009

2009-11-05T14:04:00.000+13:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

From left: choreographer and writer Douglas Wright; historian James Belich; virtual engineer David Ten Have of Ponoko; writer and academic Denis Dutton; director Colin McColl (px Robert Catto)

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in Daily Express, Newstrack India, BBC, Telegraph, Newsweek, The Times, Maldon Standard, Hindustan Times, Inc. Magazine, Washington Post, The Star-Ledger, The Kansas City Star, The Scotsman, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Fox Business, Vogue, Guardian, The New York Times, Sun, The Age, The Salt Lake Tribune and Horse & Hound include:

• Douglas Wright's Ghost Dance, one of ‘50 Top Gay & Lesbian Books’
• James Belich uncovers “troubled history of Imperialism” in new book
• Ponoko, Wellington co., “designing a factory for the 21st century”
• Denis Dutton, academic, muses “impressive” price tags of concept art
• Colin McColl’s Italian Girl in Algiers not bound by European tradition
• Silver Ferns, win inaugural Fastrack World Series beating Jamaica
• New Zealand accent most attractive and prestigious outside UK
• Suzie Moncrief, WOW, took “art off the walls" and put it on people
• Burt Munro, salt flats speedster, smuggled fuel disguised as wine
• Samantha McIntosh, showjumper, 34, wins at UK's Horse of the Year
• Daniel Vettori “doughty batsman, skilful bowler and shrewd captain”
• Denis Dutton, Art Instinct author, bento boxes elevated to “art”
• Surf City, Auckland band, play NY CMJ Marathon; “buzz band” status
• Stoneleigh enables NZ pinot noir to gain foothold in US
• Fallon Simchowitz, 17, Kansas, bilingual in sign language
• Napier “offers engaging ... concentration of provincial 30s edifices”
• New Zealand tramping “best & most economical way” to see country
• Rhythm & Vines, NYE; Hot Water Beach, 2 of 6 best things to do
• New Zealand base-jumper leaps 421m off KL’s International Tower
• Dr Rob Young, Respiragene, says fear motivator for kicking habit
• FOTConchords’ new album out in UK; “told you they were funky”
• Jane Campion’s Bright Star one of her best films; Oscar contender
• Cliff Curtis, Trauma star and “super hero”, 41, shuns stunt double
• Txt2Quit, 26-week quit smoking programme, offers mobile support
• Matt Reed, US-based triathlete, 34, wins Toyota Cup series, Dallas
• Alyn Ware, peace activist, awarded Nobel alt for anti-nuke stance
• Myfanwy van Hoffen, Zimbabwean immigrant, proud to be a NZer
• New Zealand has “good ideas” when it comes to tort reform
• Dunedin “quirkiest” in NZ with Nude Blacks; Jaffa race; “love train”
• Erebus 30th anniversary sees Air NZ apologise to victims’ families
• Claire Bulman, author, publishes debut children’s book, UK
• Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones to screen for Queen
• Lake Tarawera’s sizzling sandy edge a new sensation for journo
• Jessica McCormack, jeweller, designs 2009 Fashion Fringe trophy
• Kevin Roberts, nzedge co-founder, quizzed on state of the ad industry
• Atconz Real Estate to spend $100m on Iraqi housing development
• Sunil Kadri, Male Entrepreneur of the Year for salmon “fish disco”
• Coromandel “magical”; author Fay Weldon’s favourite place
• Anna Paquin, True Blood star, less Baywatch more Erin Brokovich
• Liam Finn, musician, “forging his own way” in tenor-falsetto, USA
• New Zealand cricket: “meagre resources; better record than England”
• Rodd & Gunn raise bar of excess with AU$30,250 crocodile-skin bag
• Fat Freddy’s Drop compared to 70’s funksters Ave. White Band; War
• Sirocco, randy kakapo, filmed mating with wrong species, a zoologist
• Jonah Lomu, takes on bodybuilding ahead of return to French rugby
• Jane Campion, director, “a friskily spontaneous breeze”, Harvey Keitel

RUGBY COMMENTARY WITH 'REAL BALLS'
The Alternative Rugby Commentary and its’ host Jed ‘Jedi’ Thian embark on another Northern Hemisphere jaunt in November, following the All Blacks on their end of year tour of the UK to give a fresh, frank and funny look at our national game. For five weeks the House Bar in Wimbledon will play host to the ARC with five confirmed shows for the All Blacks’ autumn internationals against Wales, Italy, England, France and the Barbarians. “If you are a Rugby lover but the guy on the TV has been giving you the s****, then the Alternative Rugby Commentary is where you want to be for this November’s autumn Internationals.” With growing fame all over the world as the driving force behind Alternative Rugby Commentary, Thian has been in the hot seat since 2005, bringing his unique brand of bombastic bluster and acerbic verbal jousting to the staid world of sport commentary. The ARC is simulcast on the web at www.arcrugby.co.nz for “real sports fans all over the world who want sports commentary with real balls.”

Top image, Walter Peak, Queenstown; above, Mana Island, Kapiti. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

120 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 21 Oct 2009

2009-10-21T16:42:00.000+13:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

SAMOA AND TONGA TSUNAMI RELIEF – Help NZ's Pacific neighbours by donating to World Vision or Oxfam, both working on site with local organisations, or bid at the Artists for the Tsunami Relief art auction at Webb's.

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Pictured: Sir Howard Morrison, Ohinemutu Maori village in Rotorua, Hayley Westenra, Toast Martinborough, Caitlin Smith

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in Bradenton Herald, WA Today, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Scottish Sun, The Times, The Salt Lake Tribune, Horse & Hound, The Korea Herald, ESPN, Billboard, Courier Mail, Examiner, The Herald, The Independent, Time, Frankie, Earth Times, Northern Territory News, Star Tribune, CNN, Guardian, New York Times, The Independent on Sunday and The Age include:

• Sir Howard Morrison, entertainer and man of the people dies, aged 74
• Rotorua, “the centre of Maori culture” with hangi pits of smoky kumara
• Hayley Westenra, soprano, 22, to become UK Forces Sweetheart
• Toast Martinborough now in 18th year; 10,000 tickets sell in minutes
• Caitlin Smith, singer, included in Queenstown JazzFest line-up
• 100% Pure campaign tops UN international branding survey
• David Tua, boxer, 36, K.Os Shane Cameron in "smashing fashion"
• Ladyhawke, 30, delirious after scooping six Tuis at NZ Music Awards
• Sir Edmund Hillary still the “greatest living New Zealander”
• Sacha Jones, tennis player, 18, earns biggest career win at in Darwin
• Peter Jackson, director, grapples with lofty expectations − his own
• Margaret Moth, camerawoman, ‘Fearless’ in CNN documentary
• Kerry Fox, actress, ‘Jane’ and ‘Sarah’ in Lantana adaption, London
• Ben Ruffell, cameraman, to make film about US journo come vintner
• Kate Sylvester “the country’s best kept fashion secret”
• New Zealand’s island ecology intrigued Hitchhiker’s Douglas Adams
• Bryan Gould, former UK Labour luminary, counsels Party members
• Robert Fair’s juvenile pranks behind Beano boy Dennis The Menace
• Daniel Vettori and his Black Caps; a team “punching above its weight”
• Cliff Curtis, actor, 41, plays daredevil medic ‘Rabbit’ in NBC’s Trauma
• Kathryn Wilson, shoe designer, opens apartment to Frankie
• Glenn Martin, jetpack inventor, auctions flight on eBay
• Kauri Cliffs, "Pebble Beach but better"; “coolest perk ... hunting”
• Graeme Solloway, trade commissioner, Seoul, promotes tech. ties
• Fashion Week “not an edgy scene so much as on the very edges”
• Stanley Makuwe, playwright, premieres latest work in Zimbabwe
• WOW, Wellington, 21st year, “glorious rebellion against the mundane”

DENIS O'REILLY: BLOG #35, BREATHE THROUGH THE NOSE
While this website charts the achievements of the nation's go-getters, we also provide breathing room to those who are dispossessed and socially excluded. Of the 238 nations in the world, New Zealand slots in at #125 in population size, yet in the top quartile (#57) in terms of our (racially skewed) prison population. New meaning to the cliché “punch above our weight.” The eloquent rage of Hawkes Bay's Denis O'Reilly – protestor, priest, and poet rolled into one – is felt in each of the 35 Nga Kupu Aroha columns he has written for nzedge.com since September 04. Not much stands in the way of Denis this month – our nation's thinking (“dominated by talk-back rant, angry invective, intolerance, and sensationalist tabloid journalism”), Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws (”a populist white knight, clad in vitriolic armour”), the triviality of political life (“an appearance by the PM on Letterman's talkshow is accorded the significance akin to a huge oil find in the Southern Basin”), white collar criminals (“whilst we call these Maori gangs 'organised criminal groups' they're a far call from the really organised criminal groups, particularly those 'banksters' in the Pakeha financial sector"), and our “criminal justice industrial complex” (“What we are doing now is dumb. It's wrong economically. It's wrong in terms of the human wealth and health of the nation. It's wrong in terms of social justice, and our international obligations around human rights. It is going to poison our society.”) I met Denis in 1979 at Waikato U, giving stage to his views and voice. In my pol sci studies I became aware of one of New Zealand's great civil servants, Secretary of Justice John Robson, whose work is archived in the Napier Public Library. Robson was significantly responsible for the abolition of the death penalty in New Zealand, and was the leading voice for restorative justice and prison reform. In many ways Denis is channeling Robson in his advocacy for strong communities and a just society. Den is a radical optimist; his latest column is Breathe Through the Nose (6,500 words).

BIRDS OF PARADISE
Jeremy “Newsboy” Wells (Eating Media Lunch, The Unauthorised History of New Zealand) tackles unfamiliar territory in a new TV series Birdland (TVOne Saturdays, 7pm), which has him celebrating New Zealand’s unique bird life and, true to form, it is not your typical wildlife show. Wells freely admits that he’s no expert when it comes to birds and his reasons for undertaking the project are typically atypical. “Sadly every other subject for a television show had been taken. Lush took trains, Hamish Keith stole art and Radar mucked about on a farm. As far as I'm aware birds were the last subject of national importance left to milk,” says Wells. The show takes viewers on an unconventional yet informative journey that soaks up some of our most beautiful scenery, our most glorious birds and some wonderfully eccentric characters of the birding world. During the series, Wells visits the Moa graveyard of Karamea (found only after a eight hour underground caving expedition), meets Woof Woof, the talking Tui of Whangarei, and explores the arcane world of poultry and pigeon breeders at their annual competition. “After six years scratching around insulting minor celebrities on late night television it’s been a revelation to get outdoors and rub shoulders with people passionate about something other than themselves.”

Here are the Top 10 titles for September:

This Is Your Life – Sir Howard Morrison, TV 1989 – Tribute to 'The Sinatra of New Zealand'
Flare – A Ski Trip, NFU short film 1977 – Funky promotional doco featuring snow 'ski ballet'
Heavenly Pop Hits – The Flying Nun Story, TV 2002 – Run-down on iconic indie music label
Best of The Billy T James Collection, TV 1992 – Swansong for much-loved comedian
Moa's Ark, TV series 1990 – Investigation into our unique flora and fauna by David Bellamy
Woolly Valley, TV series 1981 – Low-tech children's puppet show with rustic charm
Britten – Backyard Visionary, TV 1993 – Homage to maverick DIY motorcycle designer
Open Door – M.E, TV 2008 – Community-based show looking at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Peter Snell – Athlete, NFU short film 1964 – 800m gold medalist's lead up to Tokyo
Kaikohe Demolition, feature film 2004 – Florian Habicht's 'far out' Far North demo derby

Top image, Raumati South; above, Wellington's central cityscape. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

119 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 2 Oct 2009

2009-10-02T09:55:00.000+13:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured: Richard O'Brien, Melanie Lynskey, Ursula Bethell, Suraya Singh, Gin Wigmore

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Variety, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Indian Country News, Sky News, The Miami Herald, The Ecologist, Wall Street Journal, Guardian, The Age, Drift Magazine, The New York Times, The Georgia Straight, Courier Mail, Dumbo Feather, The Independent on Sunday, Los Angeles Times and The Australian include:

• Richard O’Brien, Rocky Horror writer; career began in Tauranga
• Melanie Lynskey, 32, actress, has "pivotal" roles in three films at TIFF
• Ursula Bethell, a “seminal figure in 20th century NZ poetry” – Guardian
• Suraya Singh, 30, Filament editor, first to publish erection pictorial
• Gin Wigmore, 23, singer, releases Holy Smoke; dedicated to dad
• Jason Wynyard, 36, lumberjack, chops to first place in World Champs
• Topp Twins, Toronto darlings, massage NZ identity with affection
• Scott Dixon, 29, wins Indy Japan 300, tops leaderboard, one to go
• Jonah Lomu, 34, 114kg, second in +90kg class at bodybuilding comp
• Robert Pearson gains 2nd in IPA's Abstract Pro section for ‘Entrophy’
• Taieri Gorge a Telegraph one of the ‘world’s most remarkable places
• New Zealand a campervanning mecca, scenery like the Lake District
• Auckland University scientists develop $122,000 wireless heart pump
• Dan Simon, art collective leader and squatter “with serious purpose”
• Linda White Wolf, Chickasaw and Maori US TV host, discovers roots
• Wanganui now Whanganui; spelling debate dubbed the ‘H’ bomb
• Ewan Kingston, on limited budget forgoes air travel from UK to NZ
• Julian & Camilla's World Odyssey broadcasts to 117 countries
• New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Review “green PR gone wild”
• Ladyhawke and artist Sarah Larnach, 30, collaborate on Becks label
• Brendon Hartley, 19, Red Bull F3 driver, wins maiden Euro race, UK
• David Trubridge, furniture creator, considers localising quality design
• New Zealand researchers find living with animals wards off sneeze
• ASR Ltd, Raglan-based reef designers, create waves with geotextiles
• Black Mag one of 23 independent “style bibles” featuring on FTape
• Hoki, McDonald’s filet-o-fish staple; “bounty it seems, is not limitless”
• Nick & Val Martin, Pelorus posties, deliver to “people varied as terrain”
• Jane Campion, to adapt Munro’s Runaway in current vein of love
• Dr Kerry Spackman, The Winner’s Bible author, to help ABs rewire
• Haast’s eagle, extinct predator, not scavenger, attacked moa
• Andrew Prieditis, 30, published in 60 global papers in past six weeks

DIGITISING OUR CULTURE
Set up in 2002, the New Zealand Electronic Text Centre (NZETC) is a fantastic and precious resource initiated by the Victoria University of Wellington, with the aim of creating a digital library providing open access to significant New Zealand and Pacific Island texts and materials. The standards-based collection is delivered through an Open Source framework and offers full and free access to a range of materials in multiple formats for download or online browsing. Today the NZETC collection contains over 2,600 texts (around 65,000 pages) and receives over 10,000 visits daily. To read the news on developments at the NZETC visit their blog. There you can find out what texts have been added to the collection and what projects they have been working on.

NZEDGE.COM ENDORSES WHANGANUI

Top image, Mount Tutuko, Fiordland; above, clouds above Raumati South. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

118 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 18 Sep 2009

2009-09-18T09:55:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured: Martin Henderson, Lizzie Gillett, Adam Turnbull and David Melling, Josh Emett, Kris Bright

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in BBC, Wine Spectator, Daily Mail, Guardian, Economist, Billboard, AdFreak, Hollywood Reporter, Big League, Condé Nast, China Daily and Telegraph include:

• Martin Henderson, 34, Battle in Seattle star, signs six-figure ABC deal
• Lizzie Gillett, 31, “ran a crew of 105 in 6 countries for 2 years”
• Turnbull & Melling, 23, cross Cook Strait in floating Toyota Van
• Josh Emett, 36, Ramsay’s right-hand-man, stars in Chef de Cuisine
• Kris Bright, 22, striker, signs with Shrewsbury; likened to Ole Gunnar
• New Zealand runner-up best destination on the planet
• Air New Zealand asks Twits for comment on Grab-a-seat campaign
• New Zealand wine industry for sale; foreign ownership over 45%
• Grant Ryan’s YikeBike “collision between mantis and child’s scooter”
• Mark Baldwin, Rambert artistic director, inspired by Darwin and birds
• R. Bank, “first to pass hard-and-fast rules for liquidity since crisis”
• Danielle Miller, Warriors cheergirl, voted no. 1 in the NRL
• Midnight Youth, Ladyhawke nominated in upcoming NZ Music Awards
• Short-haired bumble bee queens in NZ help reintroduce insect in UK

NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept 25, 6pm, Len Lye Book Launch, Govett-Brewster

Director Rhana Devenport and the team at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery celebrate the launch of Len Lye, the most comprehensive presentation of Lye’s art to date. Co-edited by Govett-Brewster Len Lye Curator Tyler Cann and critic and poet Professor Wystan Curnow, Len Lye throws fresh light on the inventive vitality of one of our most celebrated artists. Visit Govett-Brewster website for further details.

AUCKLAND Sept 26–Oct 31, Tempo New Zealand Festival of Dance

Artistic Director Mary-Jane O’Reilly choreographs an entire festival of dance across several Auckland venues featuring contemporary showcases, hip hop and urban dance, film, studio open days, late night burlesque, student productions, and workshops. Presentations by Footnote and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Personal highlights include the launch of the book Black Milk, a collaboration between choreographer Douglas Wright, photographer John Savage and publisher Craig Potton based on Wright’s acclaimed 2006 dance-theatre work (pictured); honoring the career of Limbs’ foundation dancer Debra McCulloch; and the late night performances by four stunning veteran performers Marieke Marygold, MJ O'Reilly, Lyne Pringle and the always extraordinary Kilda Northcott. http://www.tempo.co.nz/

Top image, cloud formations above Raumati South; above, Gibbston Valley, Queenstown. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

117 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 12 Sep 2009

2009-09-12T09:53:00.001+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured: Lynda and Jools Topp, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, Mahe Drysdale, Tall Blacks' Lindsay Tait and Kirk Penney, Zöe Bell

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Nylon, Toronto Star, USA Today, BBC News, Financial Director, Financial Times, Examiner.com, Guardian, Times Online, Philippine Star, Vogue Australia, Daily Mail, The Sydney Morning Herald, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Telegraph, Nhân Dân and Wall Street Journal include:

• Topp Twins, singers, yodelers, Untouchable Girls film plays at TIFF
• Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, poet of Sth Pacific complexities, dies, 84*
• Mahe Drysdale, 31, unbeatable in Poland; 4th single-skulls title
• Tall Blacks thump Boomers 100–78; earn spot at World Champs
• Zöe Bell, “stuntmaster turned actor of the moment” in Angel of Death
• Fonterra’s vast areas of clean grass; clear competitive advantage
• Meridian Energy buy US solar facility to explore potential in NZ
• Emirates Team NZ “back to their best” winning back-to-back regattas
• New Zealand wine, favourite for Australians; exports up by 31%
• Rob McCallum, veteran explorer, leads search for Amundsen’s plane
• Kevin Hayes, London-based Man Group’s FD and hedge fund maestro
• Jan Nye, development advisor, Dili, 59, cycles inaugural Tour de Timor
• Anna Paquin, who “has an Oscar and a cool accent”, talks to Nylon
• Judy Millar, artist, “at home where the world ceases to exist”
• Uni of Otago study shows boys perform best in single-sex schools
• Neil Finn, Liam, Elroy, brother Tim, Wilco create album of “real gems”
• Jane Campion’s The Piano, “a seminal moment in Australian cinema”
• Mark Blumsky, former mayor, on Slippers: Service and Selling
• Kiri Te Kanawa no “elitist”; opera sung by“ordinary” people
• Ian Yeoman, travel futurologist, predicts robot service, space tourism
• Dave Murray one of four NZers in grueling 1000km Mongol Derby
• Rachel Reid, 17, wins US scholarship, and time to be with ill sister
• Jossi Wells, 19, skier, silver at Winter Games, “big news overseas”
• James Kember, ambassador to Vietnam, earns medal for friendship
• Shane Bond, 34, back to international cricket after two-year hiatus

* In Wellington Alistair Campbell associated with a rebellious set of young writers who became known as the Wellington Group and published his first book of poetry, Mine Eyes Dazzle (1950), which was hailed by the New Zealand poet James K Baxter as "one of the defining events of recent New Zealand poetry". Its greatest poem, Elegy, memorialises a friend killed in a mountaineering accident: "The shattered cliff's sheer/ Face spurts myriads/ Of waterfalls, like tears/ From some deep-bowed head/ Whose colossal grief is stone." (Guardian)

Here are the Top 10 titles for August:

Flare – A Ski Trip, NFU short film 1977 – Snow 'ski ballet'
A Haunting We Will Go, TV 1980 – Enter Count Homognized
Revolution – Fortress NZ, doco 1996 – 80s economic reforms
Trio At The Top, doco 2001 – McLaren, Hulme and Amon
Play School, TV series 1975–1990 – Preschooler's programme
Top Town, TV series 1977– Town against town, TV Gold
Billy T James – Live, TV 1990 – Swansong for non-pc comedian
Ten Guitars, doco 1996 – Roots of "national anthem of Patea"
It's In The Bag, TV Series 1973–1990 – Popular TV quiz show
Patu!, feature film 1983 – Doco about 1981 Springbok tour

Top image and above: Raumati South. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

116 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 2 Sep 2009

2009-09-02T09:50:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured: Jemaine Clement, surfers at Piha, Neil Finn, Black Ferns, Chad Taylor

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Times Online, Bust, Globe and Mail, Dexinger, ABC News, The Weekly Times, The Argus, Brisbane Times, BBC News, Phnom Penh Post, Fox News, The New York Times, The Toronto Star, Guardian, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald include:

• Jemaine Clement, Conchord, Bust’s favourite cleft-chinned comedian
• Piha beach secures 2010 Quiksilver World Junior Surfing champs
• Neil Finn join Wilco, Radiohead on The Sun Came Out for Oxfam
• Black Ferns, to play November double-header with ABs, Twickenham
• Chad Taylor, writer, pens new book The Church of John Coltrane
• Christopher Banks’ 13min Teddy first NZ film to screen at Iris Festival
• Rob Hamill, Olympic rower, confronts brother’s murderer at KR trial
• New Zealanders vote ‘No’ in smacking debate; “law is working”, Key
• New Zealand and Australia; “alot of differences”, union not the answer
• Badtown, West Auckland punks, sell possessions for Brighton tour
• Coronet Peak, perfect piste for international Winter Olympic training
• Jeremy Clarke, NJ-based chopper pilot dies, 32, “skilled, professional”
• Lloyd Watkin’s Tirau farm, a “peaceful middle of nowhere”
• Fat Freddy's Drop, Dr Boondigga album, “infectious loping grooves”
• New Zealand to Australia flights soon as cheap as domestic
• Omar Slaimankhel, Afghan, now Warrior, signs 2-year NRL contract
• New Zealand type exhibit tells stories in “our own local accents”
• Short-tailed bat, endangered walker, evolved from Australian relatives
• Andrew Adamson, director, to take helm on adaptation of Mister Pip
• New Zealand earthquakes triggered by deep water beneath plates
• Napier’s Art Deco Weekend, the city’s “expression of pride, identity”
• Sidhe Interactive, Welly gamesters, launch Playstation game Shatter
• Michael King, Toronto impresario, renowned for charm, accent
• Rhys Darby, comedian, takes Park Ranger, UFOlogist to Edinburgh
• Sam Neill, actor, plays ruthless railroad baron in mini-series Iron Road
• David Short, Fielding farmer, invents portable shearing handpiece
• Harold the Giraffe, mascot, first NZer and giraffe to go to space

TALES FROM THE SOUTH

If New Zealand is at the edge of the world, then there is no place geographically ‘edgier’ than the province of Southland (Murihiku). Radio and television broadcaster Marcus Lush presents a very personal offering on the grit, charm, and heart that makes up the fabric of the Southern region, in a new seven-part series South, screening 7pm Sundays on TV One. The jaw-dropping scenery is the obvious star of the show but its inhabitants also play a lead role. Characters such as pioneering aviator Herbet Pither, and Peanut, the finder of this country’s largest piece of space junk. The series may be a thank you note from Lush (who fell in love with the region before moving to Bluff six years ago) but it could also be a nod from the rest of the country to an area that delivers more than its fair share of epic geography, pioneering spirit and good old-fashioned heart.

Top picture, Lake Hayes; above, north of Paekakariki. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

115 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 20 August 2009

2009-08-20T09:34:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: Kiri Te Kanawa, Valerie Vili, Lucy Lawless, The Black Sox, and Sam Neill

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The New York Times, Brisbane Times, Xinhua News, Bust Magazine, Financial Times, San Francisco Gate, The Independent on Sunday, ShortList, Thaindian News and Times Online ABC News, WA Today, Los Angeles Times, Vogue Australia, Telegraph, Art & Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Korea Times and Guardian include:

• Kiri Te Kanawa, 65, to retire after Der Rosenkavalier, April ‘10
• Valerie Vili, 25, throws shotput 20.44m, takes gold at World Champs
• Lucy Lawless , 41, Spartacus star, "being naked on-screen no fun"
• Black Sox, NZ softball team, perform "scary" haka at World Champs
• Sam Neill turns down knighthood for being "just far too grand"
• Sarah Walker, BMXer, 21, wins World Champs, Adelaide
• Lisa Reihana, artist, alternative reading of her work put forward
• Ngaire Woods on recession and theory of “global regulatory capture”
• Peter Jackson's District 9, "rarity" for not being an adaptation, remake
• Swheeb, pedal-powered monorail, a direct response to future traffic
• Peter Yealands, to wrangle miniature sheep as lawnmowers
• Ted Jessep, All Black then Wallaby in first ever Bledisloe match in '34
• Wellington's "glam beer hall" Mighty Mighty, BATS Theatre, profiled
• David Jeffries, recent UK émigré, misses nothing about home
• Peter Jackson on Dam Busters: "bombing raid in 3D would be neat"
• New Zealand from a camper van opens doors to local conversation
• Rhys Darby, comedian, 35, stands up in London and soon Edinburgh
• Dr Kevin Burns, says NZ trees evolved camouflage to cope with moa
• Waiheke, Martinborough, Waipara Valley tempt epicurious Aussies
• NZ Fashion Week, to showcase Pamela Anderson's eco-swimwear
• Jim Eagles, NZ Herald journo, takes to Korean karaoke in Seoul
• New Zealand leading world in fight against overfishing
• New Zealand Syrah and Sav, best in the world at 2009 IWC
• St Mary's Bay property, Auckland high-end real estate for foreigners
• Kaikoura's Dolphin Encounter, swimming with "tarts of the ocean"

Top picture, Dunstan Range, Central Otago; above, Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

If your email address has changed you can update your details here.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

114 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 10 August 2009

2009-08-10T17:38:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: Peter Jackson, Eleanor Catton, Kevin Roberts, Jonathan Porritt and Jenna Sauers

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, The News Star, Guardian, Daily Mail, Travel + Leisure, Alaska Journal of Commerce, Sydney Morning Herald, Bloomberg, Irish Times, American Medical News, The Independent, Samay Live, News Miner and New York Times include:

• Peter Jackson praises fan's enthusiasm, hopes it will rub off on execs
• Eleanor Catton, 23, author, in Iowa writing "fantastical", epic novel
• Kevin Roberts, nzedge.com co-founder, awarded Honorary Doctorate
• Jonathan Porritt, "sustainability ninja", leaves SDC after nine years
• Jenna Sauers, 23, model and fashion insider reveals 'hidden' identity
• Fiordland earthquake shakes NZ 12 inches closer to Australia
• Hew Mcleod, historian and world-renowned Sikh scholar dies, 77
• Carol Diebel, former Te Papa director, to head Alaskan Museum
• NZ Wine Industry's "growing glut" threatens Australia's wine exports
• Team New Zealand win "difficult" MedCup Sardinia Trophy on Mistral
• Wellington, place where film geeks satisfy cinematic cravings
• Cheryl McKnight's 8cm-high Maltese pup potential Guinness Record
• Ivan Yukich, Brancott, Montana wine "visionary"; NZ's "star rising"
• Classic Campers' VW Kombis make for "up-close and personal" travel
• Anna Paquin in LA's Gjelina's, not nervous, but "offbeat and wry"
• Kauri Cliffs' The Lodge, voted no.1 in region by Travel + Leisure
• P750 XTOL, Hamilton-made aircraft, to rival Cessna over Alaska
• New Zealand enticing destination for US doctors seeking change

CONCEPT MUSCLE: JULIAN DASHPHER 1960–2009
Our friend Julian Daspher, artist, died on 30 July, aged 49, in Auckland. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. What he leaves is his art – his early paintings and a substantial body of conceptual art exploring location and art itself. Julian signed up with nzedge early, a decade ago. He was already making the local/global trip. Curator Christina Barton has written that Julian had "the unique perspective of attending to an internationalist art history from a distance, enabling him to devise strategies to work around his geographical isolation whilst simultaneously articulating its effects." He undertook a project in three editions of the premier international contemporary art magazine, Artforum. "Julian was not at ease with the institutions of art, and rightly so, maintaining a distance which was energising. Distance becomes us, and, in 1992 he inserted an exhibition-as-advertisement in Artforum magazine. Artfrom New Zealand comically defied the politics and constraints of the one-way conversation, and marked out the possibilities of the self made guy" (Natasha Conland). Julian was a connector, a hustler in Texan boots, an internationalist from West Auckland. The list of his international exhibitions are the story of his working life: Trieste, Leiden, Topolove, Canberra, Aachen, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Kluzé, Saskatchewan, Sydney, Versa, Copenhagen, Tokyo, London, Marfa, Berlin, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Houston, Oxford, Los Angeles, Athens, Brussels, Sioux City, San Luis Obispo, Lincoln, New York City, Wichita, Melbourne, Oslo, Birmingham, Vienna, Basel, Toowoomba, Den Haag, Durban, Staten Island. A true edgster, Julian worked from remote locations. Of his 2005 Iowa exhibition, Larry Taylor wrote "Sioux City is just off of about everyone's map, even in an era of MapQuest. Perhaps that, ironically, makes it the place to begin reasserting some concept muscle: less hampered by the standard coastal baggage, such a locale offers its artistic self tabula rasa." Indeed. And just to confound the notion of what a conceptual artist is or should be, Julian was a big fan, nay, a believer, in the Warriors aka the Auckland-based rugby league team that delivers ecstasy and agony in equal measures. During his illness Julian would fortify himself with a video of Ruben Wiki hammering a Roosters player ("he's in Disneyland!"). Big Ruben visited Julian in hospital a few weeks before his death, with the message "stay strong and keep going." He did, and his art ensures he will. Tears and cheers to Marie and Leo.

BEATRICE TINSLEY – QUEEN OF THE COSMOS
Cosmologist, violinist, teacher, mentor and nzedge Hero, Beatrice Tinsley, is the subject of a new 20-part series on Radio New Zealand Concert called The Stars are Comforting: The Letters of Beatrice Tinsley. Produced by Adrienne Baron, the series airs Wednesday nights at 7pm, and is based on the internationally-recognised scientist's letters to her family. Beatrice Tinsley was a truly extraordinary New Zealander whose work on how the evolution of galaxies affects the origin and size of the universe had a profound effect on scientific knowledge. But tragically she died of cancer in 1981 aged 40. Bob Brockie's tribute to Tinsley's life in the Dominion Post this week encapsulated her as "daughter of a one-time mayor of New Plymouth, she overcame almost insuperable odds to become a scientist and professor of astronomy at Yale University." For further information on this stellar New Zealander's story be sure to have a look Christine Cole Catley's fantastic biography Bright Star: Beatrice Hill Tinsley, Astronomer.

NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL DATEBOOK

RECLAIMING THE PAST
LONDON, September 10 – October 10 2009: 'ethKnowcentrix: Museums Inside the Artist'. October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AL.Artists Shigeyuki Kihara, George Nuku, Rosanna Raymond and Lisa Reihana present mixed media and performance work exploring the idea of the ethnographic gaze in a major exhibition – the first of its kind in London – next month at the October Gallery. 'ethKnowcentrix: Museums Inside the Artist' reconsiders the spaces of meeting, looking and representing across cultures, and explores how the ethnographic gaze has been reciprocated and challenged. "With acerbic wit, these works promise to radically subvert the European legacy of museum classification, reclaim popular imagery of Pacific Island culture, and offer fresh perspectives for a shared global future."

AUCKLAND, 21 August, 7pm, CBD-Connect, Rendevous Hotel

YMCA hosts its inaugural 'CBD-Connect' fundraiser event with nzedge.com co-founder Kevin Roberts as guest speaker. There will also be music performances by Tama Waipara and a poetry recital by 'slam poet' Courtney Meredith. For more info or to book a table, contact Michelle Delahunty at the YMCA, email michelle.delahunty@nzymca.com or phone 09 306 3750.

LOS ANGELES, until 29 August, Wall Drawings – Group Exhibiton

1301PE gallery hosts 'Wall Drawings', a new exhibition featuring work by Angela Bulloch, Kate Ericsson, Mel Ziegler, Jorge Méndez Blake, and New Zealander John Reynolds. Visit 1301PE website for further details.

Here are the Top 10 titles for July:

1. Flare – A Ski Trip, NFU short film 1977 – Snow 'ski ballet'
2. The Leading Edge, feature film, 1987 – Extreme 80's thrill-seekers
3. Peter Snell – Athlete, NFU short film 1964 – 800m Gold Medalist
4. Britten: Backyard Visionary, doco 1993 – DIY designer John Britten
5. Trio at the Top, doco 2001 – Legends McLaren, Hulme and Amon
6. Games 74, NFU film 1974 – 1974 Chch Commonwealth Games
7. Gloss, TV series 1987 – Yuppies, Walkmen; 80s cult "glitter soap"
8. Play School, TV series 1975–1990 – Iconic show for preschoolers
9. Kaikohe Demolition, feature film 2004 – Far North demo derby
10. Bred to Win, NFU short film 1968 – Racehorse breeding in NZ

STEINLAGER ON THE EDGE
The "They're drinking our beer here" ads for Steinlager in the 1980s were a benchmark for internationalism-from-the-edge. Cultural cringe be damned, in the fanciest bars and swankiest hotels in New York, LA and London, "they" were drinking "our" beer. The brand wandered off in the late 90s, but has made a comeback with Steinlager Pure ("the taste of paradise in a bottle") and now with Steinlager Edge – "the beer for people not prepared to compromise on any aspect of their full lives. Steinlager Edge is built on a belief that finding balance in life isn't about doing less, but about doing everything." Perhaps Lion have provided the basis for a new tourism proposition for New Zealand: Pure Edge. The TV ads are a little, er, metrosexual, for me, but I'd like to like to try a bottle or three. Thanks Lion – level 14, 100 Willis St, Wellington.

Top picture, Raumati South; above, Paekakariki Hill. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

113 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 24 July 2009

2009-07-24T14:31:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: Zane Lowe, Lt. Col. Jeremy Ramsden, Simon O'Neill, Jerry Collins, Stuart Parker

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The Independent, Sky News, Classic FM, Radio Australia, NME, Telegraph, Guardian, Edmonton Sun, San Francisco Weekly, Star Gazette, San Francisco Examiner, All That Jazz, Islands, Dwell and WA Today include:

• Zane Lowe, DJ, 35, piloting "radio with pictures" for BBC's Radio 1
• All Blacks win first in Bledisloe, Tri Nations series vs. Wallabies 22-16
• Scott Dixon, 28, Indy star, "driver to catch" ahead of Edmonton race
• Seddon Bennington, 61, Te Papa CEO, dies in his beloved Tararuas
• Saffron, Queenstown, at forefront of homegrown produce "revolution"
• New Zealand tourists 14th best in the world, as well as 6th 'stingiest'
• Simon O'Neill, 37, opera singer, among the world's top 10 tenors
• Warwick Freeman, jeweller, exhibiting new wares in Melbourne
• Lt. Col. Jeremy Ramsden, awarded NZ's first NATO Medal, Belgium
• Stuart Parker, dairy farming astronomer, discovers supernova
• Ladyhawke plays Glastonbury crowds ahead of one-off UK charity gig
• Pakiri Beach horseriding; a BBC 'Thing To Do Before You Die'
• David Cone, Baa Blacks trainer, lets racing sheep loose in Methven
• Alka Patel, former engineer, now gourmet pie baker, San Francisco
• NZ String Quartet honor Haydn's death with Ithaca performance, NY
• Jerry Collins, back-rower, 28, swaps Toulon shirt for Welsh Ospreys
• Ford/Tipping/Wise Trio's latest jazz album "impressively creative"
• Waiheke, ranked 6th in 2009 list of 'World's Best Islands to Live On'
• Andrew McKenzie, musician, shows off sustainable bachelor's pad
• Queenstown and Wanaka; head-to-head in deep south showdown

SEDDON BENNINGTON, 1948 – 2009
A brief tribute to Seddon Bennington, CEO of Te Papa, the national museum and art gallery in Wellington, who died of hypothermia during a snow-hit tramping expedition in the Tararuas, along with friend Marcella Jackson, on July 14. Seddon was an outstanding New Zealander whose intellectual depth, engaging presence, and commitment to storytelling made him an ideal leader of Te Papa. I met Seddon in 1981 when he was Director of the City Art Gallery in Wellington, I was with the NZ Students' Arts Council and we were producing a tour of Mervyn Thompson's song play about Maori land rights, Songs to the Judges. It was a hair-raising tour in more ways than one – raw emotion on stage and off. Seddon was the perfect host, committed and calm. He went on to an international career in science museums and returned to New Zealand to lead Te Papa in 2003. A year or so ago I was on a selection panel he chaired, and saw him as a consensus leader in a challenging role, needing to balance scholarship with populism, local stories with global ones, authenticity with consumer engagement. That Te Papa has been the most visited museum in Australasia over the past five years is a fine statement of his leadership.

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE, #34, BY DENIS O'REILLY
An ongoing social commentary on the affairs of Aotearoa and the tribe of Nga Mokai.

THE STUB OF YOUR CHEQUE BOOK, JULY 2009
The D writes that it's what is recorded on the stub of our national cheque book that indicates the relative value we put on issues. In the area of criminal justice, despite the Government's stated commitment to 'top of the cliff' interventions rather than reliance on prison, "crush and crate 'em" is the flavour of the day. D praises the leadership of Dr Pita Sharples as Minister of Maori Affairs for getting 'buy in' from Maori street leaders towards a quest for peace on the streets of Aotearoa and for his advocacy of Maori learners getting access to tertiary education. There is korero about a possible spike in the availability of P, an account and reflection on the death and burial of Nomad's leader Denis "Mossie" Hines, and celebration at the graduation of Te Rangatira Jack Tuhi "Ranga" from Massey University. (3,657 words) Read more.

Top picture, Government Gardens, Rotorua; above, Western Lake Road. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

112 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 14 July 2009

2009-07-14T14:29:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

You can now follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Simply register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: The Datsuns, Dick Frizzell, Francis Upritchard at Venice, Martin Jetpack, Royce McClure

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The New York Times, Telegraph, Daily Mirror, San José Business Journal, Paste Magazine, The Guernsey Gazette, The Times of India, The Australian, St Croix Valley Press, The Northwestern, Telegraph, Habitus, The Scotsman, The Times, RonnieWorld and The Age include:

• The Datsuns, "from playing in backyards to all this hoopla"; tour US
• Dick Frizzell's 'Faraway' house "picks up salty tang of Pacific"
• Royce McClure, jigsaw guru, assembles 25,000-piece in Indian mall
• Mason Maddox wins Guitar Hero gold at Cyber Games, Singapore
• Saatchi and Colenso billboards, effective in war on vehicle fatalities
• Henry, Smith, Hansen reappointed until end of 2011 Rugby World Cup
• Billy Apple, pop artist, stages exhibition at Witte de With, Rotterdam
• New Zealand companies look to the Valley's tech investors for growth
• Niki Caro, David Lynch, Cat Power make dreamy film for 42Below
• Tony, Lynnette Mallard, car enthusiasts, drive '34 Hudson across US
• Moa feather DNA reveals bird "not unlike a giant chicken"
• Robert Scott, Bats, Clean; talks Flying Nun, new albums, fallen stars
• Roger Hurst, discovers blackcurrant extract improves athleticism
• David Kirk, ex-Fairfax head, now leads Hoyts; looks to digitisation
• Chinese community, Auckland, online and "keeping stories alive"
• Craig Ling, Minus5 creator, opens portable ice bar in Minnesota
• Glenn Martin, jetpack inventor, 49, at US AirVenture '09 conference
• Nelson Honey seeking approval to sell bee venom product in UK
• Westport couple auction bed for $302,600, with free house thrown in
• New Zealand rowers win gold at Henley Regatta; Drysdale "incredible"
• Radio New Zealand awarded Gold at NY Festival for Sir Ed doco
• Eleanor Catton, author, 23, praised in leading UK newspapers
• NZ artists Millar, Upritchard on show in Venice Biennale photo blog
• Malcolm Cook, architect, on inspiration and 40 year career – Habitus

Here are the Top 10 titles for June:

Trio at the Top, doco 2001 – McLaren, Hulme and Amon
Peter Snell – Athlete, NFU short 1964 – Gold 800m runner
Beauty and the Beast, TV 1982 – classic panel show
The Living Room, TV 2003 – 'worthy' arts magazine show
Gloss, TV 1987 – Yuppies, shoulder-pads, Walkmen
Once Were Warriors, trailer 1994 – domestic violence drama
FFDrop – Based on a True Story, doco 2006, European tour
Score, NFU short 1980 – AB's vs France, cut to Tchaikovsky
Circuts of Gold, NFU short 1987, speedway guru Ivan Mauger
A Dolphin's Story, NFU short 1974, quest to train a dolphin

Top picture, Palliser Bay, Wairarapa; above, Lake Wairarapa. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

111 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 2 July 2009

2009-07-02T10:19:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

You can now follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Simply register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: Janet Frame, Anna Paquin, Rachel Paget, Boh Runga and Eleanor Catton.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Daily Mail, WA Today, Time Out New York, Self, The Boston Globe, Brisbane Times, The Times of India, Hollywood Reporter, The Age, USA Today, Deseret News, Financial Times, PJ Star, Byron Shire News, The Independent on Sunday, Telegraph, Adelaide Now, The New York Times, The Australian, Wimbledon Guardian, and Bloomberg include:

• Janet Frame's struggles mirror Towards Another Summer's Grace
• Junior All Blacks retain IRB Championship title beating England 42-28
• Mt Ruapehu a skiers' paradise either side; tops Australian fields
• New Zealanders frank, friendly but prefer not to talk about religion
• Banks & Jalfon's Teddy "wins over audiences" in San Francisco
• Boh Runga, singer, takes on US with new solo album Right Here
• Acorn HQ, planting oaks for iPods in North Canterbury
• New Zealand vistas inspire US artist Dan Welden; evoke McCahon
• Maori heads to be repatriated by French; in "expression of regret"
• Dave Dobbyn loyal to NZ at London's Toast Festival of bbq and beer
• New Zealand sees number of Australians visit exceed 1 million mark
• Jonah Lomu, 34, "will decide when [career] ends"; joins Marseilles
• Anna Paquin, 26, cuter the outfit, the more gore on True Blood set
• Rachel Paget, 37, She's Got the Look star, "fun, silly, great dancer"
• Queenstown's Winter Festival revellers 'bare all' over Lake Wakatipu
• Tongariro National Park raises "questions of aesthetics" in Nat Geo
• Terry Sturm, literary scholar and Professor, passes away aged 67
• Eleanor Catton, author, 23, awarded £8,000 Betty Trask Award
• New Zealand "lamb whatever the occasion", UK chef Delia Smith
• Queenstown a tippler's paradise with one bar for every 75 people
• Anna Paquin, sex symbol; '50s belle in Self magazine shoot
• New Zealand rated highly by UK expats for property prices, weather
• Quade Cooper, once a Tokoroa Pirate, now in gold on Wallaby side
• Karla Brodie, NZ yoga teacher, bids farewell to husband on Ganga
• Peter Jackson to head review of NZ Film Commission
• Urewera, Mount Tarawera; meanings source of mirth for Australians
• All Whites secure first ever point at FIFA tournament without a goal
• Bay of Islands "important crucible for NZ's human history"
• Sir Keith Park and NZ dairy farmers thanked for war efforts, and butter
• Kim Smith, 27, wins 4-mile race in US; third fastest in circuit's history
• West Coast "windswept, isolated and utterly beautiful"
• André Hodgskin, architect, his latest foldaway 'iPAD', "prefabulous"

Top picture, Palliser Bay, Wairarapa; above, Lake Wairarapa. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

110 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 24 June 2009

2009-06-24T10:13:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

You can now follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Simply register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge

Pictured above: Kiri Te Kanawa, Teddy Tahu, Margaret Mahy, John Walker and Doug Howlett.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Guardian, Telegraph, The Washington Post, Wine Spectator, The Star, The New York Times, The Times of India, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, International Business Times, The Independent, The Age, Irish Times, Jane's, Cincinnati Enquirer, Los Angeles Times and Art World include:

• Kiri Te Kanawa, diva, inducted into Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame
• Teddy Tahu Rhodes, baritone, "dashing, roguish" in Cincinnati Figaro
• Margaret Mahy's Bubble Trouble best picture book, US Book Awards
• Formway, design co, have office chair "test-driven" in Fast Company
• Bill Phillips' economic invention, "fresh as the day it began gurgling"
• Fotc NZ's "biggest thing"; "wonderful ambassadors", Tourism NZ
• NZ Defence Force, small makes big on world military stage – Jane's
• Uni of Auckland develops test to measure cancer risk in smokers
• New Zealand "unpretentious"; huge range of natural treasures
• Michael Parekowhai, artist, coins title for latest work in Sydney
• Don Sullivan, 'Pestbuster', and team of trappers snag 530, Nelson
• New Zealand knocks Iceland off top spot; most peaceful on planet
• Michael Brajkovich, Kumeu winemaker, 47, on screw caps, Burgundy
• New Zealand no longer "the cousin at the party in short trousers"
• Zespri ad campaign encourages Malaysians to eat two kiwifruit daily
• 100% Pure NZ, a decade old; Australians crave same success
• Doug Howlett, 30, Munster wing, on family, return to NZ and celebrity
• Peter Jackson to attend San Diego's Comic-Con, promoting District 9
• Cloud9, luxury $1700 a night bach in Bay of Islands, "best of the best"
• Roger Dickie NZ offers carbon credit shares, profit, in Onslow Forest
• Dan Carter returns to NZ after sojourn in Perpignan "hungry to play"
• Christine Jeffs, director, explores sisterhood in Sunshine Cleaning
• Ricki Herbert, All Whites coach, sure of a point at Confederations Cup
• Judy Millar, painter: "no one really gets what I'm doing; they never did"
• Andrea Hewitt, triathlete, 27, nabs photo finish victory in Madrid
• Sir John Walker, 57, Olympian, legendary miler, now Knight
• Court Ruler, John Wheeler-trained stead, wins Queensland Derby
• David Bain, 37, "Without Joe [Karam] I wouldn't have made it this far"
• Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers, bags US milk subsidies in WSJ

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui

Top picture, Mt Maunganui; above, looking towards Paekakariki from Poplar Ave, Raumati South. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

109 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 10 June 2009

2009-06-10T10:11:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

NZEDGE.COM VITALS: 12 million pageviews since inception. 65,000 visitors monthly. Subscribers in 1000+ global locations. Average length of visit: 7.04 minutes. 71% of recipients opened the last newsletter.

Pictured above: Flight of the Conchords, Anna Paquin, Mils Muliaina, Helen Klisser During, David Thodey

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in Earth Times, NYArtsmagazine, The New Yorker, Guardian, The Times of India, The Toronto Star, Financial Times, The Age, Las Vegas Sun, National Post, The Age, Telegraph, Guelph Mercury, Los Angeles Times, Guardian, The Washington Post, HAMPTONS, The Statesman, Wall Street Journal, Exclaim, The New Yorker and Granta include:

• Conchords near end of Spring tour in Vegas, "riotous 90-minute set"
• Anna Paquin, actress, 26, relishing her role in HBO's True Blood
• Mils Muliaina, Chief, to skipper All Blacks home games in June
• David Thodey, NZ-born businessman, takes over CEO role at Telstra
• New Zealand 80's indie music scene honoured with two-disc tribute
• Bruce Connew, photographer, explores censorship in Granta #105
• Suraya Singh launches Filament, UK erotica magazine for women
• New Zealand birth rates highest since '91, average per woman, 2.2
• Kiwi Paradise, hard "to understand [NZers'] mysterious mentality"
• Helen Klisser During, arts advisor, excited about Hye Rim Lee, Kihara
• New Zealand banking system healthy for Australian dominance
• Marie Jones, UK-based visual effects producer wins Bafta for Dr Who
• Billy Bowden, umpire, breaks silence, backs cricket review system
• White Island tour guide urges group not to attempt to outrun lava
• Martinborough's Kusuda Wines an example of Japanese perfection
• Kaikoura, Zero Waste district, no curbside collection, "eco-friendly"
• Bernard Beckett, teacher and author, Genesis promoted on WOW
• New Zealand given rave reviews by writers from The New Yorker
• Pipi Quinlan, 3, bids and wins $20,000 earthmover on TradeMe
• Jane Campion urges female directors to take on "old boys' network"
• Albiston and Sutherland awarded Cannes distinction for $6.50 Man
• Palmerston North City Council banishes no. 13 from mailboxes
• Pip Gibbons, RNZ Navy Lt Cdr, poster girl for UN Peacekeepers Day
• Richard Gow, renovator, builds house in Canada from bits and bins
• Unite, NZ's newest union, calls on bosses to "Supersize" youths' pay
• Fiordland kea robs tourist of passport; fear of "fraudulent claims"
• Annabel Alpers, aka Bachelorette, latest album "bright, transcendent"
• Phillip Wilkins, Mitsubishi, free "hardy" goat with every Triton sold
• Montana Winery employs seasonal "vintage" harvest hoppers
• Fisher & Paykel signs $75m deal with Chinese appliance maker Haier
• Jenny Shipley, former PM, lectures Yemeni women in politics
• Richard Nunns, taonga puoro expert, recites Gillian Whitehead piece
• Queen Charlotte Track "what Ritz-Carlton is to a homeless shelter"
• Michael Hill, finalist in Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year

INSPIRATIONAL EDUCATION ABOUT NZEDGE HEROES

A new schools' resource on Katherine Mansfield is the fifth education feature prepared for nzedge by Liz and Russell Shaw of Starters & Strategies from Turangi: "Discuss the idea of KM using a mask or several layers of masks when associating with her literary friends. Why would she do this? Can students find any evidence of her not fitting in well and of being regarded as an outsider?" Other world-changing New Zealanders featured in our education series are mathematician Alexander Aitken, suffragist Kate Sheppard, China revolutionary Rewi Alley, and aviator Richard Pearse.

RECENT NEW ZEALAND PUBLISHING

Generous publishers have been sending me books and journals which I am pleased to showcase here.

The Double Rainbow: James K. Baxter, Ngati Hau and the Jerusalem Commune by John Newton (Victoria University Press) is a compelling examination of the community established by poet and seer James K. Baxter on the banks of the Whanganui River. The Jerusalem commune proved to be more than an experiment in idealistic living; indeed, The Double Rainbow is a story of a Pakeha community earning acceptance by living alongside local Maori. It's a situation that bicultural Aotearoa may yet strive to imagine. Readers of nzedge.com social commentator Denis O'Reilly will know him as a "Baxterite".

Me and My Little Blokes: How fatherhood changes life for the better by Graham Lowe (Random House) is a heartwarming book revealing the gentler side of the legendary league coach. The only coach to win championships in three countries, Lowie finds that coaching his own little blokes throws up insights about his own mortality, and the preciousness of family love.

Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary by John Daniell (Ebury Press) is a riotous confessional of professional rugby in France. A Wellington, NZ and Oxford rep, John Daniell takes us deep inside a French provincial scrum to the dark world of the journeyman player as his team ricocheted between fear and ecstasy, battling to save the club from relegation and their careers from the scrap heap.

New Zealand Geographic was founded 20 years ago by John Woods and Kennedy Warne to do for New Zealand what National Geographic has done for the rest of the world. The journal celebrates this land—its geography, its wildlife, its natural heritage—and salutes its people and their pursuits, in science, culture, leisure or adventure. The current issue features kelp forests, the great white shark, Auckland's unique and adored West Coast, and the Wren of Murchison, New Zealand's avian mountaineer.

Landfall, New Zealand's foremost and longest-running arts and literary journal, founded by poet Charles Brash in 1947 and published continuously by Otago University Press. Issue #217 is edited by international New Zealand writer Paula Morris from New Orleans and in fair edge form is titled "Flung"; an entire diaspora issue featuring Max Gimblett and Jenni Quilter from New York, Michael Jackson from Harvard, Nick Ashcroft from Oxford, Martin Edmond (Sydney), Paul Ewen (London), Jolisa Greenwood (Connecticut), John Kinsella (Cambridge), Robert Sullivan (Hawaii), Marcus Truver (Hong Kong), Francis Upritchard (London), and several other luminaries including Peter Wells, Richard Von Sturmer, C.K. Stead, Gregory O'Brien, Owen Marshall, Peter Ireland, Charlotte Grimshaw and Hinemoa Baker.

Here are the Top 10 titles for May:

Score, short film 1980 – AB's vs France, cut to Tchaikovsky
The Living Room, tv series 2003 – 'worthy' arts magazine show
Tangata Whenua – Waikato, doc 1974 – roots of King Movement
Billy T Live, tv series 1990 – last hurrah for much loved comedian
New Zild, doc 2005 – evolution of New Zealand English
Trio at the Top, doc 2001 – Legends McLaren, Hulme and Amon
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, trailer 2009 – Topps biopic
Peter Snell – Athlete, doc 1964 – Gold Medalist 800m runner
The Governor, tv series 1977 – historical epic on Governor Grey
Gallipoli, doc 1984 – the pick of the ANZAC Collection

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui

Top picture, Flatbush, South Auckland; above Westhaven, Auckland. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

108 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 3 June 2009

2009-06-03T10:08:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Pictured above: Karl Urban, Brendan Hartley, Jane Campion, Francis Upritchard, Phil Keoghan, Fire Poi

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines appearing in this sampling of global media from Time, The New York Times, Victoria Advocate, The Kansas City Star, Guardian, The Age, British Vogue, Variety, The Australian, The Boston Globe, Forbes, The New York Times, Guardian, Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, Grazia, ABC, San Francisco Examiner and Ski Rebel Magazine include:

• Janet Frame's Towards Another Summer critiqued in New York Times
• Phil Keoghan, amazing racer, rides US on bike, raises money for MS
• Xero, Hyperfactory, win at 19th Annual Webby Awards, NY
• Brendon Hartley, 19, earns racing super-licence, reserve for Red
• Niki Caro, Peter Jackson "local helmers poised to soar again," Variety
• Jane Campion returns to Cannes with Bright Star and "few dry eyes"
• Sir Keith Park statue in Trafalgar Sq salutes Battle of Britain ace
• Maori poi set alight for exercise in Hollywood, alternative to jogging
• Andrew Mackintosh, glaciologist, studies difference in hemispheres
• Karl Urban, Eomer in LOTR, is Dr Leonard McCoy in 2009's Star Trek
• FOTConchords US shows attract rave reviews, thousands sing along
• Graeme Hart, reclusive billionaire, tops Australasian wealthy list
• David Trubridge's Baskets of Knowledge lights, "water droplets", Milan
• Upritchard and Millar, Venice Biennale pair ready for June opening
• Queenstown paragliding, "fear worth it", "breathtaking experience"
• Auckland Art Gallery gifted $115m of art by US Robertson family
• The Datsuns release 4th album, and anagram, Head Stunts in US
• Christchurch's contemporary side is SOL Square and Segway tours
• Emilia Wickstead, fashion designer, 25, Chelsea, "one to watch"
• Treble Cone's unsealed 7km road unnerving, now a shuttle option
• Karen Walker's latest eyeware lookbook, pairs fangs with shades
• Heather Begg, mezzo-soprano, "mistress of comedy", dies NSW, 76
• Jaeha-Alex Kim, designer, 23, wins spot in Spanish store Mango
• Martin Phillipps, Chills frontman, on British aversion to NZ 80s sound
• Brian Boyd, English professor, defends the art of fiction in new book
• Anchor butter "from NZ!" not UK; Sex Pistol promotes local spread
• New Zealand ski fields reviewed including Mt Hutt and The Stash
• Rawiri Paratene, actor, 'Koro', plays Friar in R&J at London's Globe
• Kate Sylvester Takes a Hike at AFW with gaiters, pink Docs, bones
• Matt Watson wrestles marlin in Discovery's Extreme Fishermen
• Keisha Castle-Hughes, Vintner's wife, 19, signs up to save whales
• Terenzo Bozzone, triathlete, 24, wins 26th annual Columbia Triathlon
• New Zealand pinot noir second only to sauv blanc in popularity
• New Zealand wine preferred by Brits over EU equivalents in Tesco's
• Queenstown ready for bumper season, result of cheap Tasman flights
• New Zealanders shorter, fatter, but happier, reports OECD
• Anna Wilding launches charity for talented, underprivileged children

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui

Top picture, Mt Ngauruhoe; above Dunstan Range. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

107 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 28 May 2009

2009-05-28T10:08:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Pictured above: Peter Arnett, Daniel Vettori, Lisa Reihana, Lorraine Moller, Euan McLeod, Samantha Collett

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The Peterborough Examiner, Australian Stage, Independent, Golfweek, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, BBC, Jamble Mag, Bloomberg, Ocean Sentry, Suite101, Bangor Daily News, Farming UK, CBS News, Reuters, Palm Beach Post, New Zealand Times, Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Scientific American, Telegraph, Times Online, The Age, Entertainment Weekly, Jewish Exponent, Indian Express, Oyster, The Mainichi Daily News, Hindustan Times and USA Today include (principally from April):

• Lisa Reihana, artist, makes friends in Sydney exhibition Double Take
• Peter Arnett, journalist, VIP at 50th of Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
• FOTConchords US shows attract rave reviews, thousands sing along
• Ngai Tahu 32 educates audiences at Tasmanian Arts Festival
• ENZA Jazz apples to export a record 1.2 million cartons in 2009
• Daniel Vettori, Delhi Daredevils spinner, reads batsman's mind in IPL
• Bob Rigg, disarmament campaigner, analyses new US foreign policy
• Temuera Morrison lives in sci-fi world "comfortably", refer Barb Wire
• Ladyhawke, 30, plays Paris with "Burning" drawing devoted queues
• Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones "murderous and optimistic"
• Danny Lee, 18, turns pro with $US10m deal, debuts in New Orleans
• Jamie Wood, Otago post-grad, finds moa coprolite and ancient DNA
• Samantha Collett, 19, jockey, 1 of 3 women to race in Doncaster Mile
• Erin Boag, dancer, 33, UK-famed, star of reality show Ballroom High
• Lorraine Moller, marathon marvel, in Boston for 25th anniversary of win
• Stoats, introduced to take on rabbits, turn to kiwi; DOC fight to save
• Jonathan Dowling, reality show king, plans foray into new show
• Barrie & Yvonne Payne win Loro Piana Record Bale for merino wool
• Aaron de Mey, make-up star, 35, brings bold, Paris back at Lancôme
• Witi Ihimaera, author, rewrites earlier fiction, extending Tangi by half
• Rod Easthope, Craggy Range vintner, attends taste-off vs French
• Anna Paquin stars as heroine in Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler
• John Minto, activist, in Capetown backing 127 evicted families
• Lester Waugh, aeronautical engineer, bestowed "rare honor" by NASA
• Kakapo, native parrot, stages mini comeback, numbers reach 125
• South Island Tieke, native bird, joins others at Orokonui Ecosanctuary
• Yellow Pages 'Tree House restaurant' glows in LA Times
• Three native bird species added to the endangered list
• New Zealand, perfect place to tie-the-knot, according to newly-weds
• Hokitika quadruples population for 20th Wild Food Festival
• Plant and Food Research produces 16 new varieties of potato
• Eskimo lollies cause furore when visiting Inuit claims sweet racist
• John Edgar, sculptor, to exhibit 'Ballast' at Edinburgh Arts Festival
• North and South Islands may be officially renamed in Maori next year
• Rupert Holborow, NZ Ambassador, India, hosts WOW event at home
• Kate Sylvester's 'Take a Hike' collection at Australian Fashion Week
• Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest giant, has sister tree, a cedar, in Japan
• David Walker, WTO ambassador, appointed as chair of Doha round
• Euan Macleod wins Australian Gallipoli Art Prize for trench depiction
• Mahé Drysdale and NZ rowing team to Henley Royal for Olympic prep
• Malcolm Rands, Ecostore CEO, promotes green in US chain Meijer
• Francis Upritchard, launches book Every Colour By Itself in London
• Richard Webby, virologist, Memphis, at world outbreak science center

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui

Top picture, Aoraki, Mt Cook; above, Ladies Mile, Queenstown. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

106 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 12 May 2009

2009-05-12T09:53:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Pictured above: Dame Silvia Cartwright, Lucy Lawless, Richard Chandler, Ryan Nelsen, Nesian Mystic

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in The Australian, Examiner, Guardian, Times Online, Dexinger, Telegraph, The Capital, CNN, Billboard, Guam Pacific Daily News, Chicago Tribune, The Age, Daily Herald, Telegraph, Bleacher Report, Idaho Statesman, The New York Times, The National, The Phnom Penh Post, China Daily, The Gadsden Times, Arty Daily, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Tribune India, The Independent, The Economic Times and Mindfood include:

• Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc "taking the yawn out of sauvignon"
• Richard Chandler, intrepid global investor, buys stake in Russian bank
• Fonterra's "Whole" water campaign shot in continuous 650-frame shot
• Silver Fern Farms, Canterbury, stop using sheepdogs say UK's Tesco
• NZTE woos hundreds of Indian students at education fair in New Delhi
• Unimarket, e-procurement company, open offices in Maryland
• New Zealanders, nine out of 10, rank Quality of Life good or better
• New Zealand: sport and lifestyle favoured over religion and politics
• New Zealand the "second Eden" with a "pristine landscape"
• Hobbiton scenery "so beautiful I thought it to be computer generated"
• Nesian Mystik, Auckland R&B group, snaffle MTV Australia Award
• Black Grace dance in Guam and roam NZ with 'Gathering Clouds'
• Strike, percussion group, play Singapore with "recession-proof" music
• Lucy Lawless 'Lucretia' in Auckland-made slave drama Spartacus
• Dame Silvia Cartwright, KR Tribunal judge, criticises Cambodian PM
• David Hovey, Chicago-based architect, would build dream home in NZ
• Aaron De Mey, artistic director at Lancôme, inspired by sand at Piha
• Kate Sylvester, fashion designer, has a home, not a "minimalist box"
• One Day Sculpture series features goldfish on flight over Tasman Sea
• Clarke Gayford, presenter, finalist for World's Top Job on Hamilton Is.
• Pangaea Expedition makes NZ stop-off en route to Antarctica
• Rebecca Wiig, photographer, finds aesthetic appeal in Sydney's RSLs
• Helen Clark, gives valedictory speech to House, saying "averse" to Sir
• Hone Mihaka, oral historian, shows reporter around Ruapekapeka pa
• Helen Leach, academic, adds new pavlova recipe origins to debate
• Team Hillary vs. Team Tenzing in highest ever cricket match, Nepal
• Ryan Nelsen, footballer, 31, NZ's lifeline to English Premier League
• James Meredith, 19, Boise State tennis freshman, "blazing" future
• Danny Lee, 18, golf's "new blood" plays Augusta before turning pro
• Nick Evans, Harlequins fly-half, the new Dan Carter, thanks very much
• Jock Veitch, Wanganui-born journalist, dies in France, 81
• John Maling, soldier, spy-catcher, Sikh Light Brigade founder, dies, 94

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE, #33, BY DENIS O'REILLY
An ongoing social commentary on the affairs of Aotearoa and the tribe of Nga Mokai.

STEPPING BACK FROM THE PRECIPICE, MAY 2009
Napier has seen an awful tragedy unfold, and Den reflects on these events and salutes his local Maori copper Len Snee (picture via NZ Herald). Den argues that it's time for quiet support and reflection; to give space to the grieving, respect to the dead, and prayers for the injured. Commentary on amendments to the New Zealand Bill of Rights; Labour's achievement of increasing the prison population by 70%; a reflection on the launch of John Newton's book Double Rainbow telling the story of 'nga mokai', Jimmy Baxter's notional tribe and the commune movement that he built at Jerusalem, Hiruharama, on the Whanganui River, not long before his death in 1972 – and some disorientation on Victoria St as Black Power members, on their way to the launch at Unity Books, run into the local constabulary. (1,830 words) Read more.

TOPP SHOW
Between 1981 and 1987 I worked with two extraordinary (and identical) New Zealanders, Lynda and Jools Topp, as their agent and tour producer. It was an exhilarating time. The Topp Twins have created a wonderful career and performance record, and a fan base reaching into the hundreds of thousands, in New Zealand, Australia and soon-to-be everywhere else via their film Untouchable Girls, produced by Arani Cuthbert and directed by Leanne Pooley. The film has had five star, 10/10 reviews and even the magazine they lampooned with the immortal line "push it, shove it, stick it in the Women's Weekly" said "Heart-warming... It's a hilarious musical romp... this film will leave you feeling proud to be a New Zealander". TVNZ said "Brilliant entertainment, everyone will love it, the best Kiwi film in years" and hometown paper The Waikato Times said "How often is a film punctuated by laughs and clapping and ends with an ovation? ...it has a deserved 5 star rating. This film is not to be missed." Jane Vesty and I have supported the production of the film, we are delighted to be associated with it, and hope it is coming to a cinema near you in 2009. The TT's start a tour – 100 Years of the Topp Twins – in Westport on October 14 and concludes in Auckland on November 7. I booked the first West Coast tour by the Twins in 1986 – the itinerary was Greymouth, Punakaiki, Westport, Karamea and Blackball. Sorry Hokitika. Few other New Zealand artists – Sam Hunt and Rick Bryant principal among them – could span such local geographies. Untouchable Girls is now four weeks in the NZ movie top 10 box office and rising, having just broken the $1 million mark at the New Zealand box office. http://www.topptwins.co.nz/

KEITH PARK COMMEMORATION
Keith Park was an extraordinary New Zealander who is attributed with having saved London during the Battle of Britain. A precision airman in WW1, his genius in logistics and preparation was called upon in full during the decisive air battles of 1940. In 2000 nzedge included Keith Park's story in our "Heroes" page and subset of three Warriors – along with Charles Upham and Nancy Wake, arguably the singularly outstanding man and woman soldiers of WW2. There are many other inspirational warrior stories to read tell – see Patrick Bronte's http://www.ngatoa.com/ for an indepth and eulogistic representation. This week the City of Westminister approved the placement of a statue of Keith Park in Trafalgar Square – on the fourth plinth – for six months until moving to a permanent home in Waterloo Place. This is a great result from an enlightened and determined campaign led by British banker Terry Smith and many distinguished persons from the UK and NZ. http://www.sirkeithpark.com/

JULIAN DASHPHER IN LONDON
LONDON, to June 18: Julian Dashper 'Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue'. lauregenillard, 2 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HB. Exhibiting with John Nixon. International New Zealand artist Julian Dashper's work focuses on the histories, theories and more general or popular ideas of abstraction (in particular abstract painting), conceptualism and minimalism as a working methodology. The geographical positioning of New Zealand globally and how his country receives and disseminates visual information is also a core subject in Dashper's work. His practice manifests itself in various forms, including paintings, unique photographs of paintings, found objects that he infuses with abstract images. For his exhibition, Dashper will show new works based on the legendary pieces of Barnett Newman.

Here are the Top 10 titles for April:

1. Circuits of Gold, doc 1987 – speedway champion Ivan Mauger
2. Britten: Backyard Visionary, doc 1993 – DIY inventor John Britten
3. The Governor, tv 1977 – historical epic on Governor George Grey
4. The Living Room, tv 2003 – 'worthy' arts magazine show
5. Peter Snell – Athlete, doc 1964 – Gold Medalist 800m runner
6. Gloss, tv 1987 – popular "glitter-soap"
7. Double Booking, tv one-off 1998 – stag and hen night comedy
8. Billy T Live, tv 1990 – last hurrah for much loved comedian
9. Queer Nation, tv 1996-2004 – 'out and proud' lesbian and gay series
10. Maori Battalion – March to Victory, doc 1990 – 28th's war stories

PINEAPPLE LUMPS
From the sublime to the ridiculous, nzedge.com, shop now stocks Pineapple Lumps – seducing NZers since 1935.

THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui

Top picture: Raumati South. Above, Manukau Harbour and Heads. The fern we use in our logo was commissioned by Lloyd Morrison as the symbol of New Zealand for our flag. See http://www.nzflag.com/. A big shout out to you Lloyd from your friends at nzedge.com. Kia kaha. Rock on. From Brian Sweeney, in Boston.

121 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 Nov 2009

2009-05-11T14:01:00.000+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

Top image, Walter Peak, Queenstown; above, Mana Island, Kapiti. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

105 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 24 April 2009

2009-04-24T17:33:00.001+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, www.nzedge.com

Pictured above: Jonathan Porritt, John Key, Melissa Lee, Pip Brown (Ladyhawke),
Keith Urban

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES www.nzedge.com/media

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in The Australian, Backpacker, Bloomberg, Energy Current, Los Angeles Times, Telegraph, The Village Voice, Paradizo, Golf Digest, Brisbane Times, Environmental Leader, The New Republic, Solomon Star, 20 Minutos, Philippine Star, Times Online, Bleacher Report, The Canberra Times, The New York Times, The Age, Teen Vogue, Dwell, Australian Financial Review, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Herald, Forbes, San Francisco Chronicle, Sports Illustrated, Popular Science Australia, Newark Advocate, CNN, and Wall Street Journal include:

• Jonathan Porritt – "Prosperity without Growth?"
• Keith Urban, country musician, 41, #1 in America, Defying Gravity
• John Key on market-based approaches to the global recession
• New Zealand's vulnerability is high external debt – Forbes
• Bryan Gould, says governments only ones to counter recession
• New Zealand creating 74% of its energy from renewables
• New Zealand could run 2.5 million cars off wind
• AgResearch scientists discover ways for cows to produce more milk
• Carbonscape, Blenheim, makes FT shortlist of 5 in global comp
• Chatham Islands, pop.600, turns off diesel generators for Earth Hour
• Albany the new home for eco-migrants fearful of UK's rising waters
• Government intiates 3 billion dollar high-speed broadband project
• Creative Freedom Foundation victorious with scrapping of Section 92a
• Owen Thor Walker, hacker, 19, hired as security consultant
• Milford Track among the world's best, Backpacker Magazine
• Eagles Nest, Russell retreat, "back-to-nature with rock 'n' roll"
• Cape Kidnappers, Tom Doak golf course, "scenic but challenging"
• Kerosene Creek, Rotorua hotpool, one of "five best freebies"
• Zak Feaunati to play Jonah Lomu in upcoming film on 95 World Cup
• Rugby Sevens could boost medal haul in 2016 Olympics
• Graeme Lowe, ex-Warriors coach, says rugby union no spectacle
• Dick Lancaster, Blind Sailing NZ, wins silver on Lake Rotorua
• Levi Sherwood, 17, wins freestyle motocross event in Mexico on debut
• Ladyhawke, singer, says NZ, is "like being in Iceland"
• Ladyhawke reveals grunge-era acts as big influence on her sound
• David Trubridge, designer, on the consumer binge, objects, identity
• Paul Middleditch, TV ad director, on 200+ awards, beer ads, success
• Rodney Bell, dancer, wins 'Izzie' award in SF: "volatile intimacy"
• Adam Friend, territorial with PhD in viticulture deployed to Solomons
• Melissa Lee, National MP, one of the most beautiful women in politics
• American doctor compares NZ/US health systems
• Darren Tyquin, Australian/NZ horseracing announcer, preacher, 41, d

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE – BY DENIS O'REILLY
#32: DANGEROUS UTOPIAS, APRIL 2009

Denis O'Reilly's penetrating critique of social justice in
New Zealand
"The poet and creative genius Alan Brunton once described Dr Ian Prior as having 'blood dangerous with utopias'. Ian has died and left us, grieving, yet still propelled by his legacy of action into continued efforts towards social justice. Den tells the story of Sandeep Chawla, Director of the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime who, after a robust discussion with NZ gang members and drug dealers and users, suggests that one way for them to avoid disproportionate attention from the Police and media might simply to be a "little less annoying". Another St Patricks Day Hui & Huilli has gone off with great effect and a sense of locus for those who visited the ancient pa site, Otatara. There is praise for the continuing efforts of Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples who is out engaging Maori gang leaders and encouraging them to lead their crews away from criminality and anti-social behaviours and move towards a lifestyle built on a sense of identity as Maori, as whanau, and as members of community. Den gets the chance to talk to benches of judges and shares O'Reilly's lore: " Focus on the good", "Assume the best", "You'll see it when you believe it". (4,108 words) Read more.

KEVIN ROBERTS ON RUGBY: THINK SMART TO BEAT THE RECESSION, APRIL 2009

It seems that nothing is recession-proof in this new world order and the game of rugby is no exception. Teams are without sponsors, stadium attendances are shrinking - plus tournaments are all too predictable, too boring and are consistently losing audiences in traditional rugby countries. What does this environment mean for New Zealand looking ahead to the 2011 World Cup? "Everyone involved in rugby should pull together over the next 12 months to come up with innovative ideas and solutions so that we can make this tournament the best ever in terms of passion, spectator appeal, spectacular running rugby and fan experience." USA Eagles preview including 2009 games vs Wales and Canada, new coach Eddie O'Sullivan, and the importance of Sevens – "a vital foundational tool for the US as this helps our players in terms of fitness, game awareness, defense, and instinct. It also helps develop team spirit, team belief and a winning attitude." And the campaign to have Sevens added to the 2016 Olympics. Progress is that the game has made the short list along with baseball, softball, karate, squash, golf and roller sports. Noting also that the USA are the current Olympic Champions! Read more.

EDGE OF PARADISE Two items of personal "reaching out" as is said in New York. I have a new photoblog www.paradiseroad.com featuring new work and archival – of New Zealand and America, landscape and street, art and commerce: beautiful and banal, edge and center. About 40 photos up now, two added most days. Enjoy. And a video of a speech to Thrive Wellington in late 08 about the New Zealand Edge – the idea, the operation, the need for global perspective in what we do, and what I have learned as an exporter in international markets. 30 mins. http://www.nzedge.com/speeches/

Top picture: South Taranaki Bight. Flying North.

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104 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 9 April 2009

2009-04-09T16:21:00.001+12:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, www.nzedge.com

A big shout out to New Zealanders across the world who have registered at nzedge.com following our promotion to members of www.oldfriends.co.nz – 1000+ people from 165 international cities and towns and 42 in New Zealand – big responses from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and the United States of America – plus call-ins from New Zealanders in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bangkok, Berlin, Brignoles, Brussels, Dubai, Dublin, Dundalk, Durban, Ho Chi Minh City, Jerusalem, Jinja, Johannesburg, Madrid, Mexico City, Morioka, Mumbai, Norfolk Island, Nuku'alofa, Oostende, Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, Oxapampa, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Singapore, St Jean De Losne, Suva, Texel, The Hague, Turin, Vientiane, Vilnius, and Yangshou. nzedge.com's subscriber list now reaches New Zealanders in 1042 international cities and towns and 200 in New Zealand. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite aonui – the global community of New Zealanders. See the full list at http://nzedge.com/mailbox/about_you.html

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

Pictured above: Max Gimblett, Helen Clark, Theresa Gattung, Peter Jackson,
Bob Charles

New Zealand headlines in this month's sampling of global media, appearing in Art World, Washington Post, WA Today, ABC News, DC Examiner, The Age, University World News, Northwest Arkansas News, Telegraph, Guardian, The Seoul Times, Ski Rebel Magazine, Scientific American, Irish Sun, The Australian, and Los Angeles Times include:

• Helen Clark, former PM, 3rd in charge at UN, heads development
• Max Gimblett, NY/Auckland artist, in Guggenheim Museum show
• Theresa Gattung leading NZ wool as premium world brand
• Peter Jackson works on custom-made iChat system with Spielberg
• Bob Charles "oldest golfer to make the cut on non-senior tours."
• Jane Peak, Southern Alps, "begging for a beating" by heli-skiers
• Lincoln University to merge with AgResearch in unprecedented move
• David Gendall, judge, approves serving papers on Facebook
• Kakapo, now numbering 100, "evolution's pitiable errors", Stephen Fry
• Cut Off Your Hands, play America's largest festival in Austin, SXSW
• Frank Yukich, Montana founder, celebrates 30 vintages with sculpture
• Rangiora, coastal development near Hokianga, lifestyle replaces pine
• Mt Hutt's new snow makers and groomers most up-to-date in NZ
• Tuatara baby found at Karori Sanctuary, first in 2 centuries
• Matilda Hanlon and Beryl Baguley, identical twins and now 100
• 25% of NZers with tertiary education live abroad, highest OECD rate
• Roger Hill, naval architect, designs catamaran for Gold Coast moguls
• Ayrlies Gardens, Auckland, part of private tour for US gardeners
• Greytown, NZ's first planned town, a mix of Victorian and modern
• Karen Walker dresses Barbie in 'she's cracked' for 50th anniversary
• Le Folauga, contemporary mixed-media Pacific exhibition, in Taiwan
• Sonny Fai, Warriors player, remembered with wreaths on Te Henga
• New Zealand popular destination for 'ecomigrants' from the US

THE LIST: In addition, people and places referenced in nzedge international stories from 01 January 2009 include Zoë Bell, Sam Neill, Judy Millar, Francis Upritchard, Tim Finn, Robert Bruce (RIP), Dave Currie, Natasha Bedingfield, Miles Darby, Rhys Darby, Nadya Vessey, Cliff Curtis, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Ivan Clarke, Scott Gray, Malcolm Campbell, Edmund Hillary, Kapka Kassabova, Jock Freemantle, John Wareham, Jack Yan, Air NZ, Te Waka Huia, Christian Pearce, Greg Broadmore, Jane Campion, Danny Lee, Jay Shaw, Kerry Fox, James Flynn, Waikato U, Tekapo, Russell Coutts, Hannah O'Neill, Phillip Gibson, Weta Workshop, Ngati Toa, Denis Dutton, Stolen Girlfriend's Club, Cloudy Bay, Malcolm Rands, Hokianga, Sara Seruvatu, Herman Seifried, Paul Snowden, Chuck Berry, Sean Marks, Lucy Hockings, Andrew Roy, Gordon Dryden, Mo Zhi Hong, Great Barries baches, Central Otago, Taika Waititi, Margaret Austin, Hanna Frederick, FleurAdcock, Jill Worrall, Martin Henderson, Curt Perano, Daniel Vettori, Jetblack, The Datsuns, Simon Denny, Milford Track, Flight of the Conchords, Christchurch School of Medicine, Abel Tasman park, Greg Locke, Hayden Godfrey, Heath Raggett, Arrowtown, CK Stead, Bic Runga, Gin Wigmore, Katherine Mansfield, Neil Cross, Margaret Mahy, Pelorus, Lindauer, David Hovey, Phil & Ted, Anna Paquin. See http://www.nzedge.com/media/ for full stories.

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE – BY DENIS O'REILLY
#31: REGGAE'S DOING FINE, FEBRUARY 2009

Denis O'Reilly's penetrating critique of social justice in New Zealand.
"It's a new year and D is right into work. Feedback about the Parihaka Peace Festival, engaging festival goers as participants and bridging the cultural divide between Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti. Den discusses the tragedy around Halatau Naitoko, a young Tongan father, accidentally shot dead by the Police. He commends the Minister and Commissioner for their restorative approach and encourages the gunman to face the Naitoko family and unload his burden. Den sticks up for Social Development Minister Paula Bennett who supported the gang member father of her granddaughter when he was before the Courts. Den reckons she has modelled good whanau leadership, and improved the chances both of a rehabilitated offender, and of loving, respectful relationships between the daughter, granddaughter, and father. Te Ururoa Flavell, stung by the tragic events in Murupara, has voiced his pain, saying that perhaps gang members shouldn't be allowed on marae, or shouldn't be gifted the tradition of tangihana. Den reckons that with leadership from within gangs and from within the body politic New Zealand Maori gangism can pass, and be replaced by a widely shared positive focus on personal achievement within a whanau hapu tribal complex. With Ragamuffin coming up, and the Marley whanau in town, Den reminisces about what happened after Bob's visit to Aotearoa in 1979 and tells the tale of the Keskidee Aroha project, the rise of aggressive black consciousness, and the whakapapa of reggae and Rasta in Aotearoa. Waitangi Day or Bob Marley's birthday, reggae's doing fine. (7,151 words) Read more.

NEW ZEALAND EDGE INTERNATIONAL DATEBOOK

Washington, D.C. 14 April, 'Wars Without End' Book Launch
Victoria University of Wellington Professor Danny Keenan gives a guest lecture at Georgetown University, for the launch of his new book Wars Without End. RSVP: CANZ@georgetown.edu

New York City, 18 April – 5 May, The Sleeper Awakens
NY-NZ playwright Julie McKee hosts a season of her L. Arnold Weisberger Award nominated play, The Sleeper Awakens at the HB Playwrights Foundation, West Village (122 Bank Street). Reservations call 212- 989-7856.

London, 23 April, ANZAC Day / Spring Drinks
The NZ Society hosts spring drinks to commemorate ANZAC Day at New Zealand House. Bring your camera for the best central London view. Click here for tickets.

Zonnebeke, Belgium, 25 April, Exhibition at Memorial Museum Passchendaele
New Zealand's Official World War I Artist, George Butler, features in a Belgium exhibition beginning ANZAC Day. Sculpture by New Zealand artist Helen Pollock will also feature. See website, ends 15 November.

Melbourne, 29 April, 7pm, Major New Zealand artworks on Auction
Deutscher & Hackett's forthcoming auction will feature works by two of New Zealand's greatest painters, Charles Goldie and Bill Hammond. Visit auction website for info and to view paintings.

Paul Ward, who for several years was chief writer for nzedge.com, is the editor of a fantastic NZ ON AIR-initiated site NZ ON SCREEN http://www.nzonscreen.com/ – hundreds of titles, all free to watch. It's an amazing team achievement. Congratulations everyone. Here are the March Top 10 titles:

Easter Goodwill, Passover Goodwill, from New York. Nga mihi nui koutou.

Top picture from Raumati South looking south, Pukerua Bay on left, Cook Strait in foreground, Seaward Kaikouras, Mana Island on the right. Horizon/edge is just south of Kapiti Island. March '09.

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103 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 November 2008

2008-11-05T14:30:00.006+13:00

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, www.nzedge.com
This has become a mini-magazine. Pour a coffee. The view is from Raumati South, Kapiti, looking towards the top of the South Island.

It's a great Saturday coming up – a New Zealand general election, and an All Blacks test match (vs Scotland). Having a vote is a right, an obligation, and opportunity to influence the future. See how Americans have just taken their democracy seriously. New Zealanders living overseas can vote from now until Election Day, Saturday, 8 November (NZ time). You can still enrol online from anywhere in the world (takes an estimated three minutes), download your voting papers, and post or fax. Your vote must be received in New Zealand by 7pm NZ Daylight Time on Saturday 8 November. Do not waste a moment. Vote now. Go to http://www.everyvotecounts.co.nz (thanks Kea) to check your elegibility and process your enrolment.

ECONOMY ON THE EDGE
Edge is a useful metaphor, in fair times and foul. The paper by the NZ Stock Exchange (NZX) and the New Zealand Institute "Economy on the Edge" is the response by their respective CEOs Mark Weldon and David Skilling, to the extreme volatility of the international financial system, and the risks and must-do's for New Zealand.

Weldon and Skilling say they have been compelled to put forward urgent ideas that represent a material response to the global economic situation. With doctorates from Columbia and Harvard respectively, they know a thing or two. Weldon has been leader of the NZX since 2002 and has consistently staked positions designed to strengthen the fundamentals of our economy. A politician with guts and imagination would appoint Skilling as Secretary of the New Zealand Treasury to rev up our local and global economic position. "Economy on the Edge" should be read as a primer for the type of bold responses that New Zealand's under-performing economy needs to take in a rapidly changing world. For the past five years Weldon and Skilling have provoked and pushed against a general climate of no-can-do-ness and macro-economic inertness.

Their proposals include: more dynamic management of the taxation system to encourage greater investment; more dynamic management of the $25b government-owned commercial sector; investing some of the $30b of state financial assets at home to maximize the national interest; more dynamic stimulus to our savings environment (including making saving compulsory); encouraging resourceful international New Zealanders to turn their brains and energy; ways to manage credit and capital channels to overcome heavy reliance on foreign capital.

To their proposals I would add a punchy global marketing campaign promoting New Zealand's uniquely skilled people, innovation culture, sophisticated worldview, terrific global timezone for international operations, stable and non-corrupt systems, ease of doing business …I'm talking double-page spreads in The Economist, TV ads on CNN, sponsoring Davos, direct marketing to the world's top 1,000 CEOs. Being known as a pretty place to visit is a pretty thin marketing proposition in these new economic times. Right now is precisely the time to be repositioning New Zealand in the world – smart edgy ideas amidst the chaos of the center. 1000% EDGE. Read More

PURPOSE FOR NEW ZEALAND
If New Zealand had a US-style Cabinet, then Lloyd Morrison would surely be in it. He and his HRL Morrison team have built an outstanding company, Infratil, investing in New Zealand and international infrastructure including airports, transport, energy, ports and public utilities – and he has several alt careers including being an invaluable New Zealand classical music producer, and instigator of a national dialogue on our identity as expressed in the New Zealand flag (which nzedge.com adopted as its symbol). He has now initiated a search to define and drive towards a national goal which will define a world-changing national purpose. Acting with purpose leads to a more fulfilled life. He cites Ireland, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan as examples of national purpose in action. Conversely, in the absence of purpose, current forecasts have New Zealand's GDP per capita slipping below Kazakhstan and Botswana by 2025. "There is no clearly articulated goal we are pursuing and no solid plan of how we can get there. As a result, there is no definition or accountability for policies or policy-makers. Consequently, we continue our steady decline. NZ needs to embrace a common objective that will provide the means to deliver what we are seeking as a nation. This goal must be catalytic in terms of driving positive change that makes the outcome achievable." Lloyd Morrison's starter-for-ten is that New Zealand should aim to be back in the top 10 countries in the world based on GDP per capita by 2025. I believe such a goal is possible and is congruent with the goals of nzedge.com. The collective intelligence of New Zealanders everywhere could make this happen. There are other goals, of equivalence and of a subsidiary nature. You can email Lloyd at measurablegoal@hrlmorrison.com with your ideas for a national goal, and contribute to the forum on www.blog.nzx.com. The presentations in the 7X7 videos listed below are instructive about the actions and activities to get this country going forward, not in reverse.

ARCHIBALD MCINDOE – "SURGERY'S HEALING EDGE"
#43 in our series of New Zealand Edge Heroes. 5800 words. Story by CJ Williams

Motivated by a desire to be more than just an ordinary doctor, Archibald McIndoe pursued greatness – and became much more than an ordinary surgeon. Appointed Plastic Surgeon to the Royal Air Force in the midst of World War II, McIndoe brought plastic surgery to the forefront of burns treatment and became a pioneer of what is known today as 'therapeutic community'. McIndoe was born in Dunedin 1900 and educated at Otago University. He started his world-changing career at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota ("He was the quickest man to open and shut a stomach that I ever saw"). In London, in a fortuitious stroke of luck in the midst of a personal despair, he formed a partnership with the pioneer of plastic surgery himself – fellow New Zealander (and cousin) Harold Gillies. During World War II he challenged outdated methods for treating severe burns, and pioneered the 'therapeutic community' which saw him dispense with hospital rules in order to meet the psychological needs of his badly deformed patients, and help them re-form their lives in society.

CJ Williams is a BA, BSC (Hon) and MSC graduate of Victoria University, with majors in History, Sociology and Psychology. He is a social and behavioural scientist, multi-media producer and writer of various forms. His main area of interest is the interplay between free choice, fate, individual behavior and social environment. He wrote the nzedge.com hero story on Harold Gillies.

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE – BY DENIS O'REILLY
#28: TAMA HEIHEI KAHI MARO, November 2008

Whanganui River. Photographer: Mark Brimblecombe

The Whanganui River wends its way through the lives of many people. For Den it has been the feature of the past month as he recalls some of its sons, Rangitihi Rangiwaiata Tahuparae MNZM, 'Tahu', and Gabe Tawhiti, separated both by time and type but linked by their mutual awa. Gabe was a street warrior, stabbed to death in Wellington. Then, as now, there was anger and hurt. The River elders encouraged redress through the law and a quest to find ways for healing and peace. The 'Gabe', a fiercely contested Black Power rugby league trophy, was the result. Den recounts the build up to the 2008 match up at Mamaku. Tahu was a tohunga knowledgeable both in ancient tribal lore and the protocols of Parliament and the Crown. He translated Winston Churchill's riposte to Hitler, when the latter said that he would wring England's neck like a chicken. Churchill reportedly said "Some neck, some chicken". Tahu's rendition was "Tama heihei, kaki maro" and Den reckons that stiff necked roosters, both sinners and saints, better get ready for difficult times. He shares thoughts from prison reformist Kim Workman, criminologist John Pratt and counter-terrorism expert Dr Pete Lentini, examines the issue of free market behaviours and our suppressive approach to those who dare to be different. Lots of Baxter. Read More

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE – BY DENIS O'REILLY
#27: LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN , September 2008

Signs of the Times – Denis at work 1973

Portrait of the activist as a young man; Paulo Freire, Latin America liberation theology and reflective action; pro-social change, community action, personal responsibility, and making change yourself; criminalisation of gang membership, differential sentencing tariffs; Black Power, the UN, their Waitangi Treaty claim, and Moana Jackson – jurisprudence expert; negative expenditure in the criminal justice sector; growth of the Maori family and the gang environment; moving forward, becoming engaged, less alienated and less marginalised leading to the end of "gangism" through a natural and sustainable process in contrast with the present "make war" suppressive approach; turning your life around and second chance education; Maori volunteerism; the political use of the court of public opinion; James K Baxter – "Ballad of the Junkies and the Fuzz", "Ballad of Calvary Street"; "Zion". (3,079 words) Read More

NGA KUPU AROHA: WORDS OF LOVE – BY DENIS O'REILLY
#26: JURASSIC ROAR, August 2008

New prison, Horsham Downs, north Waikato

Sir Brian Lochore's "Jurrasic Roar" about belting kids; a 71% increase in New Zealand's prison population; Government's views on Maoriness as a "criminogenic"factor; the late Laurie O'Reilly, champion of the primacy of children's rights in law and his promotion of non-violence within the whanau of our nation; sitting down with the FBI (Full Blooded Islanders) and the Darksiders/Black Power in Wellington with Police to work out an action plan; research with Edge Te Whaiti on the family, education, employment, lifestyle and community aspirations of Mongrel Mob Notorious chapters in Tokaanu, Putaruru and Auckland; (they are similar to most New Zealanders); breaking the cycle of failure to stop young people getting emeshed in the criminal justice-industrial complex. (5,664 words) Read More

7X7 is an ideas forum I started in Wellington in 2000 with media and cultural producer Jan Bieringa as a way of presenting innovation and radical thinking in the capital's technology, entertainment and design industries (the idea came from TED in 1998). Jan and I have recently produced the 2008 of 7X7 series "The Big Think: Transforming the New Zealand Economy" is now online – featuring 35 videos (of roughly seven minutes each) over five themes – Foundations, Trailblazers, Directions, Connections and Imaginations. Moderated by economics journalist Rod Oram, generously sponsored by the Wellington City Council (Absolutely Positively Wellington, Creative Capital, Heart of the Edge) and presented by SweeneyVesty and Blair Wakefield Productions. Provocative, insightful, and at times mind-bending.

Session 1: Seven Foundations
7X7 co-producer Brian Sweeney on developing global edge in everyday life
Journalist Rod Oram with seven synergies to transform New Zealand's future
Economist David Skilling makes the case against merely "keeping on keeping on"
Economist Brian Easton questions whether affluence leads to well-being
Journalist Michael Field on the possibilities of a Pacific Union to enhance our region
Scientist Jacqueline Rowarth on attracting brains and creativity to NZ's primary industries
Ecologist Morgan Williams on harnessing and managing our natural capital

Session 2: Seven Trailblazers
Xero entrepreneur Rod Drury on why broadbrand is vital for reaching global markets
CEO Nick Lewis on how their Celsius website encourages sustainable action
Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett on the possibilities for NZ in the global "wellness market"
Grove Mill Winemaker Dave Pearce in support of a voluntary carbon market
Aquaflow's Barrie Leay on a wild algae biofuel solution to world energy supply problems
NIWA marine scientist Craig Stevens on clean energy for population, climate pressures
Chef Martin Bosley on New Zealand dining rituals, pleasures and global aspirations

Session 3: Seven Directions
Engineer Gerry Te Kapa Coates on what carbon neutrality means for New Zealand
Fonterra's Andy Shenk on innovation and sustainability for global dairy
Trade Union President Helen Kelly provides a direction for the workplace of the future
Venture capitalist Nick Gerritsen on connecting world-changing people and networks
Development leader Chris Pickrill on Christchurch as an internationally competitive city
Scientist Peter Gluckman on national ambition in science, research and technology
NZ Post CEO John Allen celebrates diversity, reframes our thinking on achievement

Session 4: Seven Connections
Maori businessman Paul Morgan on learnings from Wakatu Inc, inter-generational business
Business leader Charles Finny on a national export strategy playing to our strengths
Victoria U's Sally Davenport on attitudes for creating the New Zealand powerhouse
Entrepreneur Branton Kenton-Dau on embracing our identity as "the Land of New Zeal"
Environmentalist Guy Salmon on collaborative governance process in Nordic countries
Designer Megan Hosking on the power of the Internet to transform sustainability
Poet, artist Greg O'Brien on the deep questions of McCahon's Storm Warning

Session 5: Seven Imaginations
Mobile surgeon Stu Gowland on innovative ways to provide future health services
Scientist / MoRST CEOHelen Anderson makes the case for creativity and innovation
Scientist Paul Callaghan declares the power of optimism, self-belief to fuel success
Radio NZ Political Editor Brent Edwards on the Australia-New Zealand relationship
Geo-spatial expert Gary Nairn on capitalizing on a spatially enabled infrastructure
Wendy McGuinness on aligning industry and national brand with sustainability
Waitangi Tribunal Chief Judge Joe Williams looks out fifty years at our changing culture

Photos Above: Scott Dixon, Sophie Pascoe, Jemaine Clement and Sam Neill.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES, SEPT–OCT 2008

New Zealand headlines in this month's sampling of global media appearing in Los Angeles Times, Swimming World Magazine, Variety, Yorkshire Post, Christian Today, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bloomberg, The New York Times, Telegraph, Chicago Sun-Time, Freeskier, Science Daily, The West Australian, The Phnom Penh Post, Khaleej Times, The Japan Times, The Washington Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, New Mexico Business Weekly, Bangkok Post, Deseret News, The Independent, Women's Wear Daily, Houston Chronicle, Washington Post, BBC News, The Epoch Times, Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Oyster, Weston & Somerset Mercury, The Norway Post, National Geographic Adventure, Metro UK, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Indian Express, The Guardian Irish Independent , Telegraph-Journal, Daily Mail, The Economic Times, USA Today, Times Online, Stars and Stripes, Metro UK, San Francisco Bay Guardian, The Age and The Boston Globe include:

EXPORT, INNOVATION & STYLE

Canterbury opens first retail outlet in Europe, plans for store in NY

Living Cell gets go-ahead for human pig-cell transplants

Air New Zealand at global "forefront" in reducing carbon emission

Michael Hill buys 17 jewellery stores in Chicago and Missouri

Peter Newport, Airsports CEO, takes virtual Sky Challenge to Spain

Karen Walker influences hipster NY mag with eyewear collection

New Zealand Fashion Week reviewed in Australian Vogue

Rebecca Taylor, Nolita NYC designer, has movie star following

Jamie Fergus, jeweller, part of Coast-garde '09 exhibition, Sydney

Icebreaker's customers able to trace origins of garment to sheep

Grant Harrison behind US bike-share programme, Freewheelin

Minus 5 ice bar chain opens in Las Vegas complete with chapel

FEW, surf fashion label, shows spring '09 collection in San Diego

Rachel Hunter launches budget fashion label 'Rachel' at Warehouse

Jeremy, Simon, Dareen Doherty win with 'Swarovski Mouse'

Darrell Poole's neck protection device an invention from the shed

Don Subritzky auctions his WW2 spitfire to fund more restorations

LEADERSHIP & ISSUES

New Zealand's anti-nuke stance praised in NY Times editorial

New Zealand defence repeats history with closer US relations

Georgina Beyer one of 31 GLBT icons, including Mapplethorpe

Christchurch a model municipality according to Canadian expert

Anand Satyanand, Governor General, on state visit to India

Kevin Roberts keynotes with Nobel laureates in Buenos Aires

Sian Elias, Chief Justice, explores indigenous rights in US

Fonterra experiences melamine-in-milk nightmare in China

ART, FILM, DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER

Ross T. Smith, photographer, exhibits images of 'Paraha' in Alabama

Justin Pemberton's doco Nuclear Comeback wins at eco film festival

Te Papa's Whales, Tohorā exhibition opens in Washington DC

Francis Upritchard, sculptor, tells Guardian "art needs to be used"

Dead C, Dunedin noise-rock trio, making money and records

Naked and Famous amongst four NZ bands at CMJ Marathon, NY

Rhombus, Wellington band, to headline at NSW music festival

Rhys Darby first NZ comedian to go global with stand-up DVD

Gin Wigmore, Ladyhawke applauded on Hollywood gossip blog

Ladyhawke releases "melodic", "dramatic" debut album in UK

Shigeyuki Kihara, artist, debut exhibit at NY's Met Museum of Art

Anne Noble's 'Ice Blink: Antarctic Photographs', beyond conventions

Dean Spanley "immaculately cast" and "nicely handled", Variety

Parachute Band, Christian rock group, to release album in UK

Jemaine Clement, actor, gives "hipster cred" to teen fantasy film

Max Gimblett paints in black for Berlin 'Edges of Darkness' exhibition

Craig Johnson to direct film about Dubai's "modern-day emigrants"

Ruth Harley, new chief of Screen Australia, "extremely capable"

Tim Finn on solo album 'The Conversation' and his 40-year career

Anna Paquin gets a tan in Louisiana for role in HBO vampire series

TRAVEL & TASTE

New Zealand's pies sampled in 2-week gastronomical jaunt

Kay McMath, sensory scientist, proves ice cream better in cone

Overlander a scenic "fuss-free ride from Wellington to Auckland"

Coromandel Peninsula, tourist mecca for pottery and glow-worms

Queenstown and surrounds finds tourists "perpetually awestruck"

New Zealand geography "trumping religion" in magazine spread

Nick Wood, entrepreneur and now owner of luxury destination club

Shotover Jet part of Queenstown's "adventurous atmosphere"

DOC does "brilliant" job creating outdoor gym with Great Walks

New Zealand a "wonderful combination" of global cuisine

Mollies, Auckland 5-star boutique hotel, "unashamedly romantic"

Possum fur a lucrative luxury for Oregon-based company

Canterbury by train; mesmerised on the TranzAlpine

Kaitiakitanga and high environmental standards keys to tourism

Waiheke Island "pastoral and pinot" 20 minutes from Auckland

INTERNATIONAL SPORT, ADVENTURE & KIWI ADRENALIN

Rod Dixon, 58, readies to run NY Marathon 25 years after victory

Phil Keoghan wins 5th Emmy as 'Amazing Race' leader

Wendy Smith, skydiver, leaps from plane at record 9000m over Everest

New Zealand wins four of six titles on offer at Golden Shears, Norway

Silver Ferns win series against England, now bound for Australia

Earl Bamber, Wanganui teenage racing driver, 2nd in China's F1

All Blacks to don new Adidas-sponsored shirt for HK Bledisloe

Rob Thomson, completes cross-continent solo skateboard odyssey

Byron Kelleher, Toulouse No 9, "multi-dimensional" on field and off

Lake Rotorua to host 2009 World Blind Sailing Champs

David Pocknall, Texas-based geologist and amateur golfer tees off

Graham Henry, ponders Tri-Nations win and "those vexing" ELVs

Byron Kelleher, Toulouse scrum-half, Top 14 player of the season

Nick Willis, 25, Beijing bronze medallist wins Fifth Avenue Mile, NY

Waitemata Harbour, location of inaugural Louis Vuitton Pacific Series

All Blacks retain TriNations title beating Wallabies 28-24

Paige Hareb, 18, Taranaki surfer, no. 2 junior in world wins in NSW

Sophie Pascoe, 15, wins four swimming medals at Paralympics

Scott Dixon nets 2nd US IndyCar Series championship in Illinois

Glenn Turner, "fast-scoring strokemaker", honoured in London

Alistair Eason, Janina Kuzma, plummet for wins at Treble Cone

Nick Evans has debut as fly-half for Harlequins, at Twickenham

NATURE

James Fraser, founder of Avant Gardener UK, digs London jungle

New Zealand's 2,065 native plants grow alongside 22,000 exotic

Cook Strait weta walk long distances for amorous encounters

Fox Glacier trekking awe-inspiring challenge on crampons

EDay sees 15,000 carloads of electronic waste saved from landfill

OBITUARIES

Duncan Laing, Olympic Gold Medal coach of Moana Pool; Dunedin, 77

Rob Guest, OBE, singer, musical star, Phantom; Melbourne, 58

For full stories see http://www.nzedge.com/media, a 7,000-story whare of international activities by New Zealanders 2000-08.

NEW ZEALAND EDGE INTERNATIONAL DATEBOOK

All Blacks Grand Slam Test Feast and a match with Munster
Scotland (Edinburgh, Nov 8), Ireland (Dublin, 15 Nov), Munster (Limerick, 18 Nov), Wales (Cardiff, 22 Nov) and England (London, 29 Nov).

New York City, 6 November 6-8.30pm
'Third Gender' in the Pacific: Art and Human Rights' Panel discussion featuring Auckland Samoan- born multimedia and performance artist Shigeyuki Kihara, currently exhibiting at the Metropolitan Museum, and Joy Liddicoat, Comissioner, New Zealand Human Rights Comission) 116 East 16th Street.

New York City, Wed 19 November 4-8pm Essenze – New Zealand Inspired Design
Opening of new showroom, Metropolitian Design Center, 909 Broadway @20th St; "The edge of the world is closer than ever before".

Dave Dobbyn "Anotherland" tour
Amsterdam (Sugar factory, 22 Nov), Edinburgh (Cabaret Voltaire, 26 Nov), London, (Carling Academy, Islington, 27 Nov, 12 Acklam Road.

Taiwan, 13 December, 'Le Folauga' exhibition opens at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts;
a snapshot the current state of contemporary Pacific art from New Zealand, featuring Edith Amituanui, Fatu Feu'u, Niki Hastings McFell, Ani O'Neill, Michel Tuffery, Jim Viviaere and other artists.

World's Edge 42º South Wellington 2009
Cumulus World's Edge 42º South is an international design conference to be held in Wellington November 2009, convened by the Victoria University School of Design in association with the University of Otago Institute of Design and Auckland's UNITEC. Referencing nzedge.com – "Radical stuff starts at the margins, change comes from the fringes, innovation happens on the edges"- the conference promises "a design conversation about a future world – about innovation, progress and sustainability, and about our cultural, social, economic and spiritual well-being." A subtext of the conference is "our search for identity which has long driven cultural production in New Zealand and given life to new bodies of work across literature, design, film, music and fashion."

Send International Datebook event details to isobel@nzedge.com.
See also http://www.keanewzealand.com/events/index.html.

Best regards from Wellington. Brian Sweeney, Producer, nzedge.com

If your email address has changed you can update your details here.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

102 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 September 2008

2008-09-05T10:26:00.011+12:00

Photos above: Merino Kids, Patterson Associates' "Mai Mai" house, Phoenix Foundation and Te Reo Google interface.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this past month's sampling of global media appearing in Daily Mail, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Rockford Register Star, The Monthly, The Washington Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, Denver Post, The Boston Globe, The New Yorker, Horse & Hound, Daily India, PhotoIcon, Art World Magazine, The Age, Moscow Times, Travel + Leisure, The Age, Los Angeles Times, Guardian, Telegraph, Post-Bulletin, International Herald Tribune, The Australian, Times Online, The Seattle Times, Irish Arts Reviews, Poetry London, Art Daily, National Post, The American Spectator, Independent and Fashion Week Daily include:

INNOVATION

Patterson Associates finalists in World Architecture Awards, Barcelona
Merino Kids founder Amie Nilsson's Cocooi Wrap goes global
Glenn Martin's jetpack launched at aerospace show in Wisconsin
Ed Mumm's Colorado earthmoving sandpit Dig Thisa US first
2C Solar Light Cap, "perfect" in the dark on the Mississippi River
ASR Limited, Raglan marine consultants, design Bournemouth reef
Victoria University researchers add pure gold to fine merino
Waitangi Park Wellington environmental model for urban renewal
Jock Freemantle to launch '08 version of BMW V8 Hulme supercar
ZESPRI scientists consider kiwifruit's potential as biogas
Wayne McIlwraith, veterinarian and world authority on equine joints
Wellington and Ottawa compared as "younger, new world" capitals

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

Valerie Vili, 23, throws shot put 20.56m and wins gold in Bird's Nest
Evers Swindell twins beat German rivals by 0.01sec for gold medal
Tom Ashley, 24, relieved at windsurfing past rivals to earn gold
Nick Willis' 1500m bronze "outstanding performance" - Walker
Bevan Docherty wins men's triathlon bronze - "I'll be back"
Rotorua's Danny Lee youngest ever winner at US Golf Amateurs
Jonah Lomu's final try in "greatest" Bledisloe match recalled
Pete Bethune, Earthrace skipper, smashes round-the-world record
Anna Wilding on tennis champion Antony Wilding in New York
Kathryn McPhee, freediver, 28, holds breath to clinch world record
Michael Pickens, speedway driver, 25, dreams of NASCAR future
Scott Campbell, 23, a Toronto Blue Jay, plays Yankee Stadium
Barbara Kendall, windsurfer, 41, to Beijing and fifth Olympics
Dion Lane, Auckland lumberjack, saws to victory in Rochester, US
Jonah Lomu will play Twickenham match in aid of UK soldiers
Mark Todd revels in competition, considers London Olympics, 2012
Mark Todd jumps surprise hor concours at UK amateur event
Marina Erakovic, 20, tennis No 1, an "amazing striker" at Wimbledon
NZ under-20s win with "intelligent rugby" at world champs in Wales
Michael Campbell dodged sheep on rural courses before US Open win
Phar Lap's mysterious 1932 death confirmed: arsenic poisoning

TE REO

Maori art part of Musée du quai Branly Pacific exhibition, Paris
New Zealand advances the land rights lantern into the future
New Zealand's military culture "proudest and toughest of 20th Century"
Te Reo interface goes live on Google with 8750 words translated
Maori population in Australia, dubbed "Maussies", numbering 110,000
Maori taonga part of extensive Pacific collection at Dublin museum
Mountain Landing example of "undiscovered" land aimed at US buyers
Charles Royal, chef, creates outdoor Maori feasts with ferns, tawhara

TRAVEL, TASTE, STYLE

New Zealand's "wondrous" winter sunsets, tempt photographers
Nigel Coventry, travel editor, earns PATA Journalist of the Year award
Alan Blundell-designed/owned Wellington boutique Ohtel reviewed
Ataahua, design company, create "must have" coffee sack trilby
Jessica McCormack, jeweller, designs "meticulous" diamond creations
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers makes Travel + Leisure 2008 "It List"
NZ wineries preferable to French and Californian says wine guru
Far North Olive Oil finds its way to US farmers markets
Matt Moss, caterer, in charge of feeding 10,000 athletes, Beijing
Julianne Frith, 21, selected as barista for NZ Olympic team in Beijing

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Stephen Jennings, CEO Renaissance Group, "phenomenal story"
Graeme Hart tops NZ rich list surpassing Trump and Branson
James McArthur takes CEO reins at Harrod's reporting to Al Fayed

LITERATURE, ART, FILM, DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER

Janet Frame's 1954 A Night at the Opera features in New Yorker
Janet Frame's novel Towards Another Summer, "numinous", "piercing"
Kiri Te Kanawa "sang and conquered" with the Chicago Symphony
Et al.'s "altruistic studies" at Basel, sparks curiosity about group
Toa Fraser feature Dean Spanley for Toronto Festival premiere
Joy Cowley, "genius of her place" like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Cut Off Your Hands' frontman Nick Johnston "the new Iggy Pop"
Lemi Ponifasio, choreographer, and MAU perform 'Requiem' in NY
Elizabeth Knox's Dreamhunter Duet highly recommended in Canada
Melanie Lynskey to star in Taranaki-based film, Show of Hands
Shane Cotton's latest paintings "perversely beautiful", Art World
BillyApple continues making art, life in 'The Bruce and Denny Show'
Indian Ink Company's "enchanting" Candlestickmaker on in Brisbane
Ladyhawke, indie rocker, 28, likened to Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks
Fat Freddy's Drop latest 9-minute single 'The Camel' "ambitious"
Martin Campbell, director, filming Edge of Darkness, stars De Niro
Ruth Harley appointed CEO of new film agency, Screen Australia
Ken Rea, Guildhall drama teacher, honoured for 30-year contribution
Daniel Crooks, wins $100,000 Australian art prize for 'Static no. 11'
Russell Crowe "mercurial, irreverent" in lipstick on cover of PhotoIcon
Bret McKenzie, actor, enjoys moonlit rollerdiscos and pies in LA
Phoenix Foundation promotes album, Happy Ending in Australia
Rozi Demant, artist, has international debut in US with Lovebirds
Francis Upritchard, Judy Millar, to represent NZ at '09 Venice Biennale
Bill Manhire features on the cover of London literary magazine
Ruby Suns, Auckland pop band, fuses NZ and Californian sounds
New Plymouth's 3-day music festival WOMAD "truly remarkable"
Kerikeri pub setting for romance between US author and foundryman
Sharon Finn's debut exhibition 'The Gilded Cage' opens in Sydney

NATURE

Auckland U marine biologists solve sonorous reef mystery
Firth of Thames mudflats a feeding-ground for flocks of godwits
Tuatara may become all male with global warming patterns
Muttonbird nest reveals salmon tag, 10,170km from US origin
Little Spotted Kiwi moved to the mainland for first time in 100 years

OBITURARIES

Charles Dempsey, champion of NZ soccer's '82 campaign, dies, 86
Brian Purchase, actor, cult reputation for "Dr Who" role, dies, 69

For full stories see http://www.nzedge.com/media, a 6,000-story whare of international activities by New Zealanders 2000-08.

NEW: NGA KUPU AROHA: BLOG #25 BY DENIS O'REILLY, JULY 2008

"Low Blow": Friends and whanau of friends pass into the long night: Tam Wong Shi, Joe Dread and Paris Magdalinos. A cross-cultural hari-mate at Waiohiki, Jacob Scott and Para Matchitt provide sculptures, Jimmy Baxter and Aeschylus the words. Denis reviews Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori and likes what he hears. Asian apprehension about crime unleashes the fury of the tiger and Mr Low invokes the threat of the Triads. Baroness Vivien Stern claims NZ is creating criminals by redefining problems of poverty as problems of crime. Denis believes we need to forget about tougher sentences and rethink the destination and application of our "justice dollars". Winter solstice means time for planting and maybe some early crops, but like the outcomes of our community action, "ma te wa", we'll wait and see. (3,105 words) Read More

NEW ZEALAND EDGE INTERNATIONAL DATEBOOK

Rotterdam, Netherlands, 15 July - 30 November, Matariki Exhibition
Semi-permanent exhibition of Maori and Pacific art at the Groot Handelsgebouw, Rotterdam. Visit www.matariki.nl/News/GHG.php for more info.
United States (Various Locations), 30 August -14 September, Tim Finn
New Zealand music royalty, Tim Finn, plays across the States as a precursor to his latest album 'The Conversation' set for release in October www.myspace.com/timfinnmusic.
New York City, 10 September, Auckland Youth Symphony Orchestra
60-strong contingent perform the likes of Strauss, Ravel and Tchaikovsky on their two-week North American Tour. Starts 8pm at The New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street). Email to ayo@xtra.co.nz for more info.
London, 27 September, Toast New Zealand
New Zealand food, wine and beer, with entertainment from Supergroove and OpShop. Tickets £30. Email to info@toastfestivals.co.uk for more info.

Send International Datebook event details to isobel@nzedge.com.
See also http://www.keanewzealand.com/events/index.html.

New Zealanders living overseas have been vastly under-represented as voters in past General Elections – and so our friends at http://www.keanewzealand.com/ have launched a global campaign to encourage them to vote in this year's election.
"It's estimated that half a million of the Kiwis living overseas are eligible to vote," writes Kea co-founder Stephen Tindall. "In the 2005 election, only 28,000 of them voted." Kea's Every Vote Counts campaign is an independent, non-partisan, non-government campaign launched to help redress that imbalance by reaching tens of thousands of eligible voters overseas and encouraging them to enrol and vote.

Any New Zealand citizen who has visited New Zealand in the last three years is eligible to vote – by Kea's stats, that's up to 90% of New Zealanders living overseas. Enrolling and voting is easy. The Every Vote Counts website http://www.everyvotecounts.co.nz/ shows you how to enrol, and has other election information and links to the political parties.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Yum. Martin Bosley Cooks Award-winning Wellington chef and restaurateur Martin Bosley has launched his first book – down-to-earth recipes and stories that reflect Martin's food philosophy of eating fresh, eating what's in season, eating local, that food should please the eye as well as the palate, and that dining is a social event, not just a culinary one. Chapters from Bread to Liquid Assets. Photography by Jane Ussher. NZ$45.00 from www.martin-bosley.com

Gum. Connecting the Clouds by Keith Newman documents the rise of the Internet in New Zealand and looks to the future as it becomes an increasingly vital part of our economic and social infrastructure. "From promising beginnings – New Zealand was the first nation in Asia-Pacific to fully connect to the US-based Internet backbone – we're lead to the question of what went so wrong that a nation of early adopters of technology and the Internet plummeted to the bottom of the OECD scorecard for broadband, research development and technology reinvestment. We look at just why New Zealand has had to re-regulate the telecommunications market and, looking ahead, examine what happens when telecommunications, broadcasting, entertainment and computing converge on a common platform." Writer Keith Newman has conducted over 100 interviews with visionaries and scientists, computer programmers, telecommunications experts, engineers, business leaders and politicians who have played a part in the rise of the Internet and those who will drive it forward into the next wave. 720pp www.nethistory.co.nz

Hum. Rock from the Edge. The story of New Zealand artists and bands from the 50s through to the 80s who made an impact of one kind or another beyond these shores. This is an encyclopedic romp through the cream of our showbands, rock 'n rollers, crooners and soul and pop outfits footing it in Australia, the USA and the UK. Also features jazz, classical and crossover. Also produced by Keith Newman. http://www.wordworx.co.nz/

Best regards from Wellington. Brian Sweeney, Producer, nzedge.com

If your email address has changed you can update your details here.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

101 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 15 July 2008

2008-07-15T09:44:00.003+12:00

Photos: Vincent Ward, Matariki, Shocking Pinks and Janet Wilsmhurst.

New Zealand headlines in our recent sampling of global media appearing in The Star, Independent, Leader-Post, Economist, International Herald Tribune, National Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, National Geographic, CNN Money, Movie Web, Guardian, The Age, Solomon Times, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, South African, ABC, The Malaysian Star and Adelaide Now include:

Vincent Ward's Rain of the Children "more than the film I set out to make"
Matariki and Maori culture conservation discussed on ABC
Shocking Pinks, Auckland pop band, sign four-album deal with NY label
Janet Wilsmhurst, paleoecologist, decides debate about settlement in NZ
NZ scientists to combat stock flatulence, methane emissions with vaccine
Max Merritt of Meteors fame, inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame
James Watson, Ig Nobel prize winner, explains exploding pants
Sir Ed Hillary and Tenzing's '55 ascent honoured with Google logo
Thomas North, 13, spelling champ, competes in Scripps Bee, D.C.
Jerry Collins, "ferocious flanker", retires from New Zealand rugby
Queenstown, backdrop for $2 million corporate teambuilding
Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers earn reputation for golfing luxury
Peter Jackson, Del Toro, chat online with fans about Hobbiton
GNS Science to harness low-temperature geothermal energy under 150°C
Peter Cooper, develops historical land "at the edge of the world"
Auckland trio recruit online to create crowd-produced "OurBrew"
New Zealand first English-speaking nation to ban smacking, EU to follow
Sydney Shep, lecturer, uncovers emoticon pre-history in UK library
Bloomsbury & Co go global selling "trendy chocolate with a conscience"
Kieran Crowley, ex-Taranaki rugby coach, takes on Canadian team
Robbie Deans earns Wallaby praise: "going to be good for Australia"
Jeremy Coney on UK Test Match Special, an "accomplished raconteur"
NZ Film Festival opens in Beijing, includes No.2 and Eagle vs Shark
Peter Marshall sworn in as Acting Police Commissioner in Solomons
Air NZ plan eco test flight fuelled on oil from poisonous jatropha tree
Wellington is "the undisputed cultural centrepiece of New Zealand"
Remuera Primary School teaches classrooms of Korean "wild geese"
Victoria University Malaysian alumni recall the 70s at reunuion in KL
Bevan Docherty, Samantha Warriner placed at world triathelete champs
Auckland number five on 2008 "WorldWide Quality of Living" survey

For full stories see http://www.nzedge.com/media, a 6,000-story whare of international activities by New Zealanders 2000-08.

NEW: NGA KUPU AROHA: BLOG #24 BY DENIS O'REILLY, JUNE 2008
"Thud and Blunder": Social commentary from Hawke's Bay-based community leader Denis O'Reilly about malaise in Aotearoa; about a nation on edge over a spike in gang violence and series of vicious assaults and murders; about a bankrupt criminal justice system that imprisons Maori men at a rate of 3:1 over other New Zealanders; about a country acting without purpose. Is Australia a better place to be Maori than New Zealand? Ombudsman Mel Smith says our incarceration system - growing faster than GDP - is unsustainable economically and socially. Denis delves into behavioural economics, principles for policy makers, UK conclusions about retributive vs restorative justice, community-building and empowerment. Frontline feedback from Flaxmere's 'Enough is Enough' march, Otatara Pa a "must-do", Matariki feasting and a little whiskey. (7,021 words)
Read more

NEW ZEALAND EDGE INTERNATIONAL DATEBOOK

London, 19 July- 2 August 2008, Pacific Playhouse
Shaky Isles Festival of Aotearoa - a feast of New Zealand and Pacific arts and culture. Tickets from 7 pounds through Ticketweb. www.shakyislestheatre.com
Auckland, 21 July, 6pm, Kevin Roberts at AUT-Idealog Innovation Series
Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide CEO and nzedge.com co-founder at Sky City http://idealog.co.nz/events
Wellington, 22 July, 6.00pm, Ilott Theatre, Town Hall
7X7 The Big Think, New Zealand 08. 7 People, 7 Ideas, 7 Minutes Each. Ideas forum about NZ economic transformation, innovation, export and policy www.7x7.co.nz.
Sydney, 26 July, Sydney Marae Appeal breakfast launch
Fundraising launch to build a marae in Sydney as a centre for Maori of all tribal groupings and peoples. Maori people have been coming to Sydney since the 1780s. With a community of 100,000-plus, Sydney is a major centre of Maori population. Launch on day of All Blacks v Wallabies http://www.bebo.com/sydneymaraeappeal.
Amsterdam, 25 July, 9.30pm, Pitch Black, at Winston Kingdom
Michael Hodgson and Paddy Free have spent the last eleven years rousing dance floors, generating rave reviews, winning awards and gaining thousands of fans across the world. Organic ambient meets thumping rhythmic grooves; visually in another dimension; warmly embraced by England's Big Chill community www.pitchblack.co.nz. Tickets 10 Euro on the door.

Send International Datebook event details to isobel@nzedge.com.
See also http://www.keanewzealand.com/events/index.html.

JULY RECOMMENDATIONS

Photos: Windy City Strugglers' Shine On, Image from Gabrielle McCone's photoblog, Parsons' New Zealand Room and Untitled, 2007 by Reuben Paterson.

Shine On, by the Windy City Strugglers: vintage proletarian blues, jug, country soul; hurt, pain, love and the gift of making music www.smokecds.com/cd/43510.
Gabrielle McCone's beautiful and unexpected photoblog that starts at Karaka Bay Wellington and fans out from there; a daily meditation and random wandering www.gabriellemckone.com.
Parsons' New Zealand Room, Wellesley St/Lorne, Auckland: serious backroom of New Zealand books, showing the deep imagination and quality of New Zealand writers, artists, editors and publishers www.parsons.co.nz.
GowLangsford's new gallery, Lorne St, Auckland: uber-space from contemporary art meisters, showroom for Shane Cotton, Max Gimblett, Sara Hughes, Judy Millar, Reuben Paterson and others www.gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz.

Best regards from Wellington. Brian Sweeney, Producer, nzedge.com

If your email address has changed you can update your details here.

You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

100 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 June 2008

2008-06-05T17:30:00.003+12:00

Image: Victory Over Death 2, 1970. Courtesy of the Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust.

"The Luminary" For our 100^th letter we publish the story of

New Zealand'

s most revered artist who reconceived Aotearoa "as the land of the long black shadow". At every turn, Colin McCahon's uncompromisingly individual works were underpinned by a deeply felt sense of place and a search to find symbols that might represent this sense. His deep introspections about the New Zealand landscape, and its relationship to universal spiritual truths, leached into his abstract. Standing before the canvas, McCahon's needs were binary. "Most of my work has been aimed at relating to an acceptance of the very beautiful and terrible mysteries that we are part of. I only need black and white to say what I have to say. It's a matter of light and dark." Walking on the wild edge of

New Zealand

, Colin McCahon was our "signwriter for God". The story (4,500 words) is by Paul Ward, nzedge.com editor-at-large and author of several of our "Hero" stories including those of Edmund Hillary, Richard Pearse, Janet Frame, Jack Lovelock, and John Britten.

New Zealanders in Global Headlines

Photos: Scott Dixon, Lucy Lawless, Mark Simmons, Andrew Adamson.

New Zealand headlines in this week's sampling of global media appearing in U.S. News, New York, Telegraph, BBC World Service, Rocky Mountain News, Sunshine Coast Daily, London Time Out, Times Online, Empire, Guardian, National Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, Independent, Maxim, Los Angeles Times, Film Stew, PR Week, Deutsche Welle, Reuters and Travel Mail include:

Scott Dixon makes history with first NZ victory at Indianapolis 500

Lucy Lawless performs live at London's Carling Academy

Mark Simmons, contestant in Top Chef, aims to serve NZ cuisine in NY

Andrew Adamson's Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens wide

James Flynn, moral philosopher, rethinks intelligence in 21st Century

Bill Phillips' Economic modelling machine still at work in UK

Youngest country, the new focus of Tourism NZ global branding

New Zealand number four on 2008 Global Peace Index of 140 nations

Anna Paquin, one of the world's most beautiful women, Maxim

Emily Perkins, author, comes home to write London novel, About My Wife

Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, home to "strongest rowing squad in the world"

The Great Romance, 1881 sci-fi novella, dusted off in Dunedin

Lance and James Morcan, Tauranga, to make Precious McKenzie film

Robbie Penny, Auckland greensman, arranges on-set nurseries in Narnia

NZ scientists discover "Brittlestar City" on Macquarie Range peak

Christopher Chandler, tycoon, philanthropist, funds $50m business school

The Conchords clone themselves and release "genre-bending" LP in UK

Otago University asthma, obesity study results published in US journal

From Takaka, journo Peter Foster celebrates autumn's long shadows

Escape to NZ, BBC radio doco, interviews with eco-refugees in Wanaka

Matt Reed, world's tallest triathelete, wins place on US Olympic team

Mihirangi, singer, films No War clip on an iceberg in Antarctica

Neil Berkett, Virgin Media CEO, 8 weeks into the job and pragmatic

The Mongrel Mob argue their "warrior" culture in BBC gang documentary

Jacob Oram, "stretch limo version of fast bowlers" ready for UK Tests

NZ's favourite wizard Sir Ian McKellen to reprise Gandalf role in Hobbit

Tame Iti, activist, heads to Europe to star in NZ production, Tempest II

Hector's World, NZ software, teaches London children about cyber-safety

Sir Richard Hadlee "dodged his father's shadow" to bowl own records

NZ dairy farmers profit from worldwide demand in "best year in history"

Napier's Art Deco and artisan produce "still a bit of a secret", SMH

Nick Evans signs with Harlequins, NZRU think contract strategies

Christchurch to cater for Israeli tourists with first kosher restaurant in NZ

Ruby Suns, Brunettes, two of NZ's "top five" bands signing US, UK deals

Queenstown is "Aspen on Acid", "dramatic" and "visually arresting"

Anton Oliver moves to Oxford, UK for "academic rigour and thought"

For full stories see http://www.nzedge.com/media, a 6,000-story storehouse of international activities by New Zealanders 2000–08.

Best wishes on this 100th letter from New York and New Zealand:
Brian Sweeney, Kevin Roberts – Partners and Carla Hofler, Isobel Kerr-Newell, Paul Ward, Jane Nye – Contributors