TRAFFIC WOES?

Auckland Traffic

Opotiki Traffic










A visit to Auckland to see my son at the Taste Festival, and to catch up with other family members, led me to consider the time I spent behind the wheel.

I set out last Thursday p.m. fooling myself that it would be a restful four-hour journey, tops. Silly me. Why had I not been personally advised that every town I either approached, or just left, had road works happening in varying degrees?
I know that the time of year, and of course budget dictate when these repairs, rehabilitations, corrections and downright inconveniences can occur, but why is it when I am on the road? I admit that at times my emotions swayed from minor frustration to darn near disappointment that I had chosen such a time, day, and month, or even year in which to travel. And I am sure even the hardiest of motorist can appreciate my reaction when finally making it to the Southern Motorway at the same time as the ‘peak hour’ traffic.

I found no solace in my can of V, my Michael Buble compact discs, or the fact that I had arrived in Auckland, albeit in five hours rather that four, because I knew I still had three more days of navigating the wonders of Auckland’s highways, traffic lights, roundabouts, multiple lanes and byways.

Overall I think I must have spent 14 –16 hours travelling about those few days. Obviously anyone in the travel/traffic/transport industry would think that fairly insignificant. But let me assure you, as I do regularly, I live in a township that is five minutes from anywhere of any importance, has no traffic lights, only two roundabouts and has just won for the second year in a row the Bike Wise month Mayoral challenge in the under 11,000 population category.

So for me 14–16 hours in a car is a very long time, when two or four wheels in our town can get you to and from your destination in a lot less time.

You may wish to spot the difference in traffic flow in the above photos. See how many differences you can find between Auckland traffic and Opotiki traffic. Sorry there is no prize, just a comparison of lifestyles, and we believe we are the winners all round.

Hail Glorious St Patrick

I do remember having to sing that hymn with great fervour at High School. Not only did we celebrate the day, but attending St Patricks Girls College (outfitted in our green and cream uniform, which included nifty airforce style caps for winter, and wide brimmed boaters for summer) in Wellington St, Ponsonby, everyday was St Patricks Day.

Whilst paying homage to the patron saint of the Emerald Isle has changed for me over the years, there is a family connnection back to County Cork that has me genetically linked forever. A few great grandfathers ago, on my mother's side, one Daniel O'Sullivan, decided to purloin a barrow of butter and as a consequence the young man was transported to Tasmania for his trouble, I knew my penchant for butter went deeper than mere taste alone. Although it is in my DNA, I do fess up to finding it hard to resist the golden spread dripping from hot crumpets, scones, hot cross buns, and sweetcorn purely for the indulgence, well I am sure you get the picture.

St Patricks Day is also acknowledged here in Opotiki, my eclectic images show some of the tributes to the history of another land. We may not have a Blarney Castle, Bantry Bay,Drombeg Stone Circle or the 8000BC history in our township, but here we offer as green as hills, access to ol'briney, no potato famine, a wonderful sense of humour and some would even say, the "luck of the Irish".

p.s. just skiting, I have included a very nice comment added to my blog today, from a vendor. As the comment was added to my very first blog and may be hidden away, I thought I would bring it forward to the appropriate day.

Glennice has left a new comment on your post "Oh so new!":
Having just sold and settled a small investment property with the fabulous assistance of Noeline I would gladly recommend her to any prospective buyer or seller. We had a rather bumpy ride from day one with the purchaser but Noeline was wonderful and sooo helpful throughout. The fact that we (the sellers) lives in Australia made it all just that much more difficult. Go Noeline. Great work.

At A Glance

There is potential everywhere you look

The NZ Herald's weekend property magazine, Home truths column of 7 March 09 stated that economists are unanimous that the central bank will again cut its cash rate. Now of course we have the potential to believe that economists agree. The column did go on to advise that the economists did not agree on the amount of the point cut. So who do we believe as to the extent of the recession? And now is probably a good time to throw in an old joke, economists have forecasted 9 out of the last 5 recessions.

New Zealand proudly boasts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world advises the NZ Immigration Service in their Immigration Packs, regarding the cost of living. Of course for new New Zealanders there is the potential to believe that the cost of living in Aotearoa is of such a standard that is too good to miss. And we would concur regarding lifestyle, but if we are to be realistic, our home ownership rating's when compared globally may see a fall over the next few years, based on the cost of living.

On a light hearted note we know that the cost of living, has never affected it's popularity!

So when I say that we in the East Coast of the Bay of Plenty, only have to deal indirectly with economists, and the cost of living here makes home ownership a real possibility, surely you can see the potential at a glance.

How's Your Work Place?

I would like to to lay claim to some of the best working conditions in the world.

The environment being one.

Pity poor me having to drive along the coastline of the Eastern Bay of Plenty yesterday with my colleagues, to list a property in wonderous Whanarua Bay, stopping for a coffee/hot chocolate at a place where the backdrop alone is worth a million dollars. Gosh it's a tough job.

After 30 years as a government employee confined within the four walls of an office for 40+ hours a week, I really do appreciate the freedom my new career and locale provides. Living in a area surrounded by bush, rivers, sea, orchards, farms and ranges one does not have to go far to enjoy a plethora of lifestyle options.

And it would seem that fewer people are smoking in the town's outdoor public places. Perhaps you are wondering where this comment came from considering the previous paragraph made no mention of butts. Opotiki has just marked the one-year anniversary of going smokefree in public places, they were the first council in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts to adopt the smokefree policy. It has been confirmed by the Toi Te Ora health promoter who had the task of reporting the findings to the council, that Opotiki residents care about the future of our children and young people and want to provide a healthy place to play.

So as you can see, not only do we look good, living here is good for you.

What's the view from your workplace?