“Don’t Shoot The Messenger”

Journalist Peter Bills has written a lively and good natured riposte to the avalanche of criticism and support attracted by his article, “NZ:100%  Pure Rip-off.” The official ‘backlash’ is very reminiscent of the reaction that previous travel writers have caused whenever they’ve dared to offer up criticism of New Zealand, no matter how constructive (Read…

Ministry Of Defence Houses “Freezing”

This news item may be of interest to people thinking of emigrating to New Zealand and working for the NZ defence force. Defence housing appears to have exactly the same problems with lack of insulation, damp and heating that other homes have in New Zealand. The women have gone public with their concerns because they’re…

“NZ: 100% Pure Rip-Off”

Oh dear, bet the guys who coined the “100% Pure NZ” are cringing right now. It will be interesting to see how well the brand’s image survives this latest onslaught on the slogan that lends itself so easily to abuse. It is currently being used to highlight how expensive New Zealand has become. It all…

New Zealand’s Health System Plunges in Rankings

New Zealand has moved from first to fifth place in international health rankings of seven countries, carried out by the Commonwealth Fund The slide is  due mostly to issues of access, high costs preventing people from visiting doctors or filling prescriptions, safety and management of chronic illness and New Zealanders being the patients most likely…

More Suburban Shoot Outs In New Zealand – Updated

Just days after two policemen were shot and a police dog killed in Christchurch, there’s been a similar shoot out on a suburban street in New Zealand, this time in New Lynn, West Auckland; plus an armed police operation in Dunedin. in the New Lynn incident a man was taken from the scene with a…