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Dear
homesick Kiwi,
I'm
sorry to keep banging on about the weather, but with
today's storm in Wellington being compared to the Wahine
storm I can't really let it pass - check out the news
links below. Also, Kiwi athletes are in action at the
Olympics so watch this space for medal news next time
(I hope).
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| NEWS |
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If
this is winter's last throw of the dice, it's rolled
a double-six. The whole country has been subjected to
the most appalling weather imaginable since Friday,
with first the
big chill bringing heavy snow through the
South Island, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay and then the
big blow, bringing near-Wahine speed wind
gusts to the Wellington region. The Basin Reserve
has lost its windows, part of the airport has lost its
roof, trains and motorways have been shut down, landslides
are wiping out roads and trees are disappearing like
umbrellas.
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| ...
and to think that despite it all the
Reserve Bank is actually proposing new, lighter
coins. |
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| The
Government's biggest defence spending decision
has been roundly criticised. The plan to spend $500 million
on seven
new ships for the navy, including a troop carrying
ship which can only launch soldiers (many of whom are
chronically
unfit anyway) in calm seas, has been criticised
by the opposition for being hurried and misguided and
by the losing contractor for being unfair. |
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| A
Whangarei man is leading an exhibition
to Turkey to uncover Noah's Ark. Ross
Patterson, computer programmer and Christian, is planning
to use video cameras to penetrate a mound on Mt Ararat
to look for Noah-related clues, such as a large wooden
ship. |
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| The
country's crystal meth drug problem shows little
sign of abating with Customs uncovering
several million dollars' worth in some incoming Bailey's
bottles this week, and 9kg worth hidden in lava lamps
earlier this month. |
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And
the Government is criticising
the Destiny Church's decision to ring in
busloads of children to protest the civil unions bill.
The Destiny Church, evangelical church a fledgling political
party, is joining the United Party as the most vocal
opponents of the bill, which they see as effectively
legalising gay marriage.
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| SPORT |
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| Braving
reports of Al-Qaeda
threats was about as impressive as the All
Blacks got on their recent trip to South Africa, losing
their final Tri-Nations match of the year, 26-40.
After last week's sorry
defeat, 23-18, to the Wallabies in Sydney the
ABs are out of Tri-Nations title contention and the rumblings
about Graham Henry's future as coach have already started....
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| New
Zealand's 151 Olympic athletes, with the women's
hockey team pushed to the front, entered the Olympic arena
behind an emotionally flag-bearing Beatrice Faumuina,
at the Athens 2004 opening ceremony. (Not that we saw
it, TV
cropped Beatrice, and opening ceremony coverage
started at 5.30am.) |
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| So
far, the Kiwis have been out of the Olympic spotlight
with reliable heats from the
rowers, a semi-predictable loss
to China for the basketballers and a nail-biting
pool game defeat for the mens hockey team the
main stories. |
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| But
the big Kiwi events are still to come, with American authority
Sports
Illustrated picking a respectable six-medal
haul for the New Zealand contigent in rowing, kayaking,
triathlon, cycling and windsurfing. |
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| And
back to New Zealand, Bay of Plenty kicked off the NPC
season with a startling 33-28
victory over Auckland netting them the Ranfurly
Shield. The wild parties in Tauranga are likely to
die down next weekend with the strong Waikato team paying
a visit. |
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| ONLY
IN NEW ZEALAND |
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| An
extreme kayaker is reportedly "a
bit bummed" after dropping 23m down a
waterfall on to his back. With only one vertabrae broken
he is expected to walk again soon and is planning to get
back on the water ASAP. |
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| And
four dim Invercargill thieves were convicted
of burglary thanks to a damning video tape
they made themselves which showed them in the act of stealing,
wearing the stolen clothes and bragging about their recent
stealing. They were arrested before they had a chance
to send the video to Crimewatch and report themselves. |
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| Featured
products : |
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Paua
Jewellery
Gorgeous,
iridescent Paua necklaces reflecting the colours
of the Pacific.
These
individually handcrafted necklaces, of fine wire
with silver fasteners, measure approximately 41cm
(16 inches) in circumference.
Necklace
- Ovals, 3 drops, NZ$45
Orderpage
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| Kiwi
Survivor Hamper
A
selection of staples, spreads and sweets to remind
you of home.
Wattie's
Tomato Sauce (330g), Weetbix (24), Toffeepops,
Moro bars (3 x 65g), Vegemite (250g), Rata honey
(500g), Pineapple Lumps (140g), Bell Tea (30),
Milo (350g) and Snifters (140g).
NZ$37.50
Orderpage
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Send
me your comments!
elaine@homesick-kiwi.com
Visit
Homesick-Kiwi.com:
www.homesick-kiwi.com
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