TORQUEMONSTER and MrsMonster....

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

School us lazy, overweight, and greedy Americans :lol: on life and government in New Zealand... Some of us might may consider fleeing this economic shit-hole soon, especially if a certain "Messiah" is elected president. :suicide:

At that point I believe that even a parliamentary government would be an upgrade! From what I understand, most of you all do quite well for yourselves down there; at least thats what the national average income reflects compared to the rest of the world...

So, if you dont mind, tell us about taxes and laws and such... What are the prominent trades and industries way down under? :cheers:

And oh yeah, BigMike probably wants to know "what do ya'll have to eat?" :rofl:

Dont get me wrong... I am an extreme capitolist and patriot and I think that the United States is by far the best country in the world to live and work in. The entire world's economy is suffering right along with us and that says alot about our impact on the world. I am just curious to learn of some things that other places might be doing right or maybe a little better... :shrug:

[MrsMonster]

GREAT BEER HERE!!!

:cheers:

[torquemonster]

:cheers: happy to share a little about how this part of the world is doing.

It's funny that you ask because it has occurred to me recently just how much US$ I see coming out here recently. One of the things I do is connect good business ideas with people that have money and are looking for things off the normal radar... after-all few wealthy people want to go through the normal brokers because they don't want the sales pitch nor the rubbish that most listed businesses offer.

We've been affected by the global credit squeeze, however the one source I've personally seen that is actively investing here (besides cashed up local wealthy people) are Americans looking to divest out of the US and wealthy people from Europe and the UK looking to have a stake over here because they love to visit and have a base here.

Company tax rate is 30%. Individual tax rates start at 15% net and run up to 38% but the top rate is supposed to fall eventually to around 33%. The welfare state is big here - but despite more advanced socialism, I would have to say there is more REAL freedom here than in the USA having lived in both. Not that most people of either country would likely notice because few live near the boundaries of freedom.

It is harder to make it here because there are too few people to create the size market that makes easy wealth, therefore those that do have to do something extra-ordinary or leverage beyond these shores. We only have 4m people in a country about the same size as Japan and the UK.

However standard of living is good because the country is beautiful and varied and enjoys a non hostile climate. It is without doubt the best nation on earth for people that like boating, it has beaches that will rival anywhere (sadly only hot in summer... but that means we don't have tropical diseases, bugs or poisonous things, no snakes, nothing but politicians to be scared of). Many people here can work till 5pm, get their boat and be on the water fishing or skiing or sailing in the sunshine now it is daylight saving time.

The rich and famous come here all the time but always low key - Bill Gates was here driving around a beach in a quad with his son recently... rock stars buy land here, it is quiet paradise where many wealthy people come and go without the press and attention they get in their homelands. One island is available for $100,000 per day if interested.... lol but most things here is very affordable for those spending US$ or GB pounds or Euro.

A lot of Asians here now - but get used to it, the global power base is going to change like it or not. There are people trying to stop the shift, I very much doubt they will do anything more than slow it down. The US has been eaten out from within as much as attacked from without (economically) and the long term outlook for the dollar is not good. Look for talk about a new currency within the next few years (months) called the Amero. If in doubt, ask your local congressman if was sworn to secrecy about this.

The US govt will face bankruptcy sometime in 2009 - that does not mean it will go down, but it will be a crisis. Nothing prophetic there - lots of people know this... including your local congressman.. if they're willing to acknowledge that is another thing.

Therefore - for those that can - putting yourself into a position where you can CHOOSE more than one country, and have a peaceful place to come to - well, it certainly can't hurt, and might be a huge thing should the US really implode into a depression... which I hope it does not but things are not good. Your infrastructure is old, there is not enough funding to get it back up... society is fragile now, basic needs are dependent on things out of the people's control... it will be interesting how it plays out... rambling now

have to go - will come back later

[The Former PFR]

:cheers: happy to share a little about how this part of the world is doing.

It's funny that you ask because it has occurred to me recently just how much US$ I see coming out here recently. One of the things I do is connect good business ideas with people that have money and are looking for things off the normal radar... after-all few wealthy people want to go through the normal brokers because they don't want the sales pitch nor the rubbish that most listed businesses offer.

We've been affected by the global credit squeeze, however the one source I've personally seen that is actively investing here (besides cashed up local wealthy people) are Americans looking to divest out of the US and wealthy people from Europe and the UK looking to have a stake over here because they love to visit and have a base here.

Company tax rate is 30%. Individual tax rates start at 15% net and run up to 38% but the top rate is supposed to fall eventually to around 33%. The welfare state is big here - but despite more advanced socialism, I would have to say there is more REAL freedom here than in the USA having lived in both. Not that most people of either country would likely notice because few live near the boundaries of freedom.

It is harder to make it here because there are too few people to create the size market that makes easy wealth, therefore those that do have to do something extra-ordinary or leverage beyond these shores. We only have 4m people in a country about the same size as Japan and the UK.

However standard of living is good because the country is beautiful and varied and enjoys a non hostile climate. It is without doubt the best nation on earth for people that like boating, it has beaches that will rival anywhere (sadly only hot in summer... but that means we don't have tropical diseases, bugs or poisonous things, no snakes, nothing but politicians to be scared of). Many people here can work till 5pm, get their boat and be on the water fishing or skiing or sailing in the sunshine now it is daylight saving time.

The rich and famous come here all the time but always low key - Bill Gates was here driving around a beach in a quad with his son recently... rock stars buy land here, it is quiet paradise where many wealthy people come and go without the press and attention they get in their homelands. One island is available for $100,000 per day if interested.... lol but most things here is very affordable for those spending US$ or GB pounds or Euro.

A lot of Asians here now - but get used to it, the global power base is going to change like it or not. There are people trying to stop the shift, I very much doubt they will do anything more than slow it down. The US has been eaten out from within as much as attacked from without (economically) and the long term outlook for the dollar is not good. Look for talk about a new currency within the next few years (months) called the Amero. If in doubt, ask your local congressman if was sworn to secrecy about this.

The US govt will face bankruptcy sometime in 2009 - that does not mean it will go down, but it will be a crisis. Nothing prophetic there - lots of people know this... including your local congressman.. if they're willing to acknowledge that is another thing.

Therefore - for those that can - putting yourself into a position where you can CHOOSE more than one country, and have a peaceful place to come to - well, it certainly can't hurt, and might be a huge thing should the US really implode into a depression... which I hope it does not but things are not good. Your infrastructure is old, there is not enough funding to get it back up... society is fragile now, basic needs are dependent on things out of the people's control... it will be interesting how it plays out... rambling now

have to go - will come back later


I think it would be between New Zealand and Northern Europe for me. I know Northern Europe is heavily taxed, but I know a fair number of people there and they all seem generally happier than Americans here. Plus, the ladies in Sweden....

[MrsMonster]

Having been in New Zealand for a few years now, I find I've gotten used to many aspects of NZ living, though I'm a strong hold-out on other things.

Moving here was a shock to many of my senses...in both positive and negative ways (as I'm sure you can imagine). But I'll start with what I noticed right away...

First...no squirrels. That's right, not ONE squirrel!! Can you believe that? I feel hard-done-by. Enough said about that.

Second...no snakes! Now that's a good one! Especially since there are hundreds of miles of gorgeous hiking trails (they call them bush walks) through wild and native bush. You can't drive more than a few miles without coming across another one! Even in the central cities...hike past streams and waterfalls, under beautiful tree canopies, view native birds and other wildlife, and usually the shoreline and/or mountains and valleys...and all for FREE!!! And all right at your fingertips pretty much.

Third...no bitey red ants! That's right. Amazingly, you can enjoy your picnic in peace as you lounge on the grass and let your day fade away on the beautiful beaches of New Zealand - and it is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL here. Sun yourself but use care because the rays are sharp and deadly. Skin cancer is prevalent here. I've learned the value of a hat and virtues of using copious amounts of sunscreen. Swim in the clear blue/green waters (which happen to be frigid to my southern-girl skin) and dive for yummy crayfish.

OK...maybe now I'm rambling. I'll come back and write more about NZ if there is interest in the more "practical" side of life from an American's point of view.

Until next time...
:cheers:

...did I mention how good the beer is???

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

... no poisonous things, no snakes....

SOLD!!! :nana:

Haha, seriously though, some good information. Its one thing to read about a place but theres no comparison to it actually coming from a persons own perspective that lives there every day. One great thing you have to add to the table is that you have lived both there and here.

Im not much for the socialism type of thinking. I generally tend to believe that the only things I need the government for are people to actually represent the majority, enforce laws (not make more!), provide feedback, provide emergency assistance, and provide a military. Taxes can go to roads and infrastructures such as certain types of public transit as well. Other than that, I dont want them. I really like what I know about NZ though. It sounds like a wonderful place to be. I will definately at least visit at some point in my lifetime. Im not big on spending any time in Europe, much less living there, but New Zealand just seems different.

I kinda figured as much on only a few people being able to capitolize on the few big industries there though. Thats simly due to area and population. Auckland is a major air hub, so I am sure you all have no problem when it comes to variety of goods and foods.

What types of laws are in place there that are contrary to what Americans are used to? Do you have alot of drinking problems? Gun crimes of any sort? Are the gun laws comparible to Australia's gun laws? There is surely some clause in place for sport and hunting...

It will be hard to compare any crime rates other than on a per capita basis... Thanks for sharing so far Barry. :cheers:

[TexRob]

First...no squirrels. That's right, not ONE squirrel!! Can you believe that? I feel hard-done-by. Enough said about that.

If you would like,I can Fed-Ex you a couple Texas Squirrels,they will rapidly multiply to over a Million in just a few months. :rofl:

[MrsMonster]

If you would like,I can Fed-Ex you a couple Texas Squirrels,they will rapidly multiply to over a Million in just a few months. :rofl:

It's possums here...but not the kind you are thinking of. You know...those gorgeous creatures that look a lot like large albino rats.

In NZ, they are furry creatures whose pelts sell for good money and are used to make some of the most beautiful winter wear you've ever seen.

Unfortunately, they are a menace, if not a blight, on many so are hunted and/or caught in large tree traps...or they are poisoned. Sad really. But they destroy the native bush and fauna (and gardens) so... ???

And that brings me to THE native bush/fauna/cave creature of renown...the native NZ WETA.

Scary bug royale! :bow: Would you like to see pictures? EEEK! :yikes:

[torquemonster]

nah - the Weta is harmless - think giant cricket that has spikes on their legs and jaws that can crush hardwood... so you wouldn't want to find one in your shoe, but better a cut toe than a scorpion sting (we have none of those either)

the weta are fantastic to scare people with tho :D :lol: dangle one of those suckers around any female or unaccustomed male and you are guaranteed to hear a scream followed by a very rapid retreat once they get traction past the wetspot :lol:

The Weta workshop is the company that did the special effects for Lord of the Rings and King Kong movies, and the creature that it is named after we will put some images up later

[torquemonster]

http://www.eagle.co.nz/flyers/images/Weta.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/504931903_db76e8c3c0.jpg?v=0
That's two species of weta - tree and giant. Size? The giant weta is one of the worlds largest insect by weight. Big ones will fill your hand :yep: but hey - they are shy so you won't find many, and if you do, they'd sooner not bother you and would let you pick them up if careful.

[torquemonster]

Variety in NZ? Well sometimes you do not need to travel far - the following shots are all taken from the same place - the decks at my old home on the Coromandel Peninsula - every day was different... Auckland is behind where the sun sets in these shots

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home5net.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/home6.jpg

[torquemonster]

Don't want to bore people - but here's a couple of contrasts of New Zealand - its endless due to how much there is here to see - but this will give you an idea of contrasts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/Auckland.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/NZScenesnet.jpg

Anyways, thanks for showing some interest in our country. We love to travel, but this is home.

[torquemonster]

:D ok just a few more . this time of Auckland where I now live...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/AucklandGold.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/AucklandSkyline.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/Auckland-City-Sunset.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/Auckland2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/auckland-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/skyline2.jpg

I live where I can see these go by and I love it!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/QM2Auck.jpg

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

Barry, those are some great shots. Especially this one: :hump:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v14/Torquemonster/New%20Zealand/AucklandSkyline.jpg

[torquemonster]

SOLD!!! :nana:

Haha, seriously though, some good information. Its one thing to read about a place but theres no comparison to it actually coming from a persons own perspective that lives there every day. One great thing you have to add to the table is that you have lived both there and here.

Im not much for the socialism type of thinking. I generally tend to believe that the only things I need the government for are people to actually represent the majority, enforce laws (not make more!), provide feedback, provide emergency assistance, and provide a military. Taxes can go to roads and infrastructures such as certain types of public transit as well. Other than that, I dont want them. I really like what I know about NZ though. It sounds like a wonderful place to be. I will definately at least visit at some point in my lifetime. Im not big on spending any time in Europe, much less living there, but New Zealand just seems different.

I kinda figured as much on only a few people being able to capitolize on the few big industries there though. Thats simly due to area and population. Auckland is a major air hub, so I am sure you all have no problem when it comes to variety of goods and foods.

What types of laws are in place there that are contrary to what Americans are used to? Do you have alot of drinking problems? Gun crimes of any sort? Are the gun laws comparible to Australia's gun laws? There is surely some clause in place for sport and hunting...

It will be hard to compare any crime rates other than on a per capita basis... Thanks for sharing so far Barry. :cheers:

Agreed. Fortunately, if you decide to go into business for yourself instead of employment then there are tax breaks that can ensure you pay a lot less tax than salary and wage earners will. What is deductible comes down to your ability to make the connection between expenditure and its relationship to business income... :yep: :D

One bad thing here is we have no right to have any self-protection weapons, like guns. Sure you can get a license for hunting or even for private collections etc, but the rules are so tight they are no good for self protection.

On the other hand, You could walk up to the Prime Minister of NZ and say hi and likely get an answer....

"Fuck off" is an answer isn't it? :lol: j/k

You are right - a huge variety of goods and services per capita here - far more than in the US where your range of imported goods is limited to protect local industry more than we do... We used to protect local business, not now - we have to compete with the rest of the world (like China) so guess what that means for many industries? But we're on the other side of that now so the pain is past for most.

As a small country, we are used as a guinea pig for all sorts of policies and theories that are later introduced to the rest of the world... because if it goes wrong - well, we're in the middle of the ocean and who cares ....except us.. :rolleyes: However I consider that like Switzerland, the rich and powerful will not want this paradise on earth ruined, so we are buffered somewhat from the worst things that go on around the world... I see NZ as being kept as a sanctuary in times of great global unrest, but no place is completely safe.

We lack the culture of Europe as we are a young country, but we have a lot less people and crowding and therefore you can find a beach where the first footprints of the day can be your own, or the first ski tracks, or you can lose yourself in places nobody else is... I like that sometimes.

Americans living here - my wife can best speak on that as she is American. We've always been pro american as we are allies. However pacific alliances have steadily grown closer to China and not helping is the fact that Bush has done far more damage to America globally than you can realize until you travel and talk to people all over the world.

Having said that, kiwis are still pro-american for the most part... but anti Bush and anti US war etc... mainly because our media is more international. Like the rest of the world, we knew Iraq never had WMDs long before the US people were finally told that was a lie... But we also get propaganda too - I doubt there is any nation on earth we can escape it totally.

Kiwis tend to blend in pretty well and are harder to get close to than Americans who are more open with strangers, but once you break through that initial conservatism, we're pretty normal people... :D However, I would not advise going into local restaurants and loudly complaining about the food and whining in a US accent as that does not go down well here. Here we are expected to accept what we pay for and be happy, unless it has pooh in it.

:rofl:

j/k - but close - call it the British conservatism we inherited.

Alcohol abuse is no worse here than the US, the beer is better on average here (at least no chemical / natural is much easier to buy), and drink driving rules are tight.

Petty crime is bad in touristy places - so leaving passports in car while walking about is not a great idea. You could trace 80% of local crime to 4 or 5 families in just about any given community (and predict the race too - and I am not racist - that is a simple fact). Laws do not allow police to single out whole families and deal to them to set an example to the rest of the fuckers that should also have their fingers smashed.

Someone should start a security firm run by ex special forces people and take care of things the police can't or won't. :cheers:

Having said all that - it is nothing like South Africa or even downtown in any big US city. There's no where I'd be scared to go or hang out during the day here. At night just use common sense, a late night stroll through a narrow alleyway is probably not the smartest thing in any city of the world. Per capita though I think the UK and parts of Europe and the US would be safer... but because we have so few people by comparison the number of crimes is way less.

NZ is a great country for innovation and prototyping. We cannot compete on mass production scales, but we are leaders in technology, innovation etc, and you will find kiwis around the world that have done very well because of that.

One of my clients makes what is one of the very best alloy blocks in the world - most of them are exported to the US and rebranded. NZ is perfect for developing stuff like that. Once it reaches a certain point then it becomes sensible to look at setting up a production facility in the main market, leaving NZ to stay ahead out of the limelight in new developments and one offs.

[TexRob]

One bad thing here is we have no right to have any self-protection weapons, like guns. Sure you can get a license for hunting or even for private collections etc, but the rules are so tight they are no good for self protection.




That right there is one of the Main Reasons my Home won't be anywhere but Texas,Keep the Pics coming,The wife and I will have to make a trip out there one year. :cheers:

[torquemonster]

That right there is one of the Main Reasons my Home won't be anywhere but Texas,Keep the Pics coming,The wife and I will have to make a trip out there one year. :cheers:

I hear you TexRob - the criminals have guns of course :rolleyes: so do the police, though they have to store them under lock and key unless they have authority to actually carry them... but then that is a good thing because most of them would be incapable of being responsible with a weapon anyway. I suspect there are quite a few private handguns that nobody knows about, not that I would know of course :nope:

Let us know if you make it out here - be great to meet. That goes for anyone on this site that makes it out here - give us a pm and we'll hook up! We'll introduce you to some really good beer and wine. The food here is not bad either :D If you like fresh Maine lobster, you'll love fresh crayfish out here - it is sweeter and closer to Alaskan King Crab in taste :yep:

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

... The food here is not bad either :D If you like fresh Maine lobster, you'll love fresh crayfish out here - it is sweeter and closer to Alaskan King Crab in taste :yep:

We got those bad boys all over down here. Probably a dozen in my yards at any given time... I would imagine yours may have a fresher taste as ours here tend to live a little on the dirty side, and our water temperatures are a bit higher here. I know this is gonna make Vettetr hungry... :yep:

Here ya go... I bring 'em inside sometimes for the dog to bark at... (crappy phone pics)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/4236/0405080026gb4.jpg

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/9679/0405080030sy6.jpg

[torquemonster]

Crawfish?

My wife says she wants to come and visit your place!! She adores those suckers - esp cooked in good ol Nawlins crab boil

We call them Koura (fresh water crayfish) and they are protected species - bloody natives can eat em we cannot. But surprisingly a few found their way into the pot when I be tramping. :D

The Aussies call them Yabbies. Whatever you call them - they be fine eatin! If a little on the get hands dirty and fiddly side - :hitit: - please pass the cayene pepper

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

Crawfish?

My wife says she wants to come and visit your place!! She adores those suckers - esp cooked in good ol Nawlins crab boil

We call them Koura (fresh water crayfish) and they are protected species - bloody natives can eat em we cannot. But surprisingly a few found their way into the pot when I be tramping. :D

The Aussies call them Yabbies. Whatever you call them - they be fine eatin! If a little on the get hands dirty and fiddly side - :hitit: - please pass the cayene pepper

Go catch some of those critters and order yourself some of this: HERE (http://shop.zatarains.com/zatarains®-crab-shrimp-boil-pre-seasoned-16-oz-p-1600.html?=)

[torquemonster]

ah yes - we have some of that in our pantry, and when it runs out we be importing another red-cross parcel ex USA to our door. There's some American products we can't get here so have to bring it in, and that is one of them. :D At least we can get Tabasco hot sauces at local supermarkets :yep:

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

As the days to Nov 4th draw nearer, those pictures of Auckland you posted, Barry, look sweeter and sweeter...

[torquemonster]

sobering times for sure, yet to be honest with you, a buddy and I were sharing the other day and agreed that this was the most amazing times we have ever lived in, not only that, but I have never been more excited about the future than I am now.

I think the key is to swim against the tide. No doubt there's a lot of pain downstream, just one reason why it is better to go the other way.

As a wise man once said - "never seen times so bad a bunch of people did not manage to do extremely well. Never seen times so good that a whole bunch of folk didn't manage to completely cock it up." :lol: :yep:

[N2 TRBL]

http://www.eagle.co.nz/flyers/images/Weta.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/504931903_db76e8c3c0.jpg?v=0
That's two species of weta - tree and giant. Size? The giant weta is one of the worlds largest insect by weight. Big ones will fill your hand :yep: but hey - they are shy so you won't find many, and if you do, they'd sooner not bother you and would let you pick them up if careful.


:scared: jeebus, head for the hills!!!

You should peep our helgramites (or dobson flies)

larva:

http://www.flytyingforum.com/uploads/gallery404ba859cbbfa.jpg




adult:

http://www.windsofkansas.com/dobsonfly.JPG