M&J Down Under: May 2010

Kia Ora

Kia Ora

Interesting facts.

NZ. or Aotearoa In Maori, means 'The Land of the long white cloud'. It is quite a young country, geologically active, with tectonic faults and volcanoes, glaciers and rivers constantly building and eroding land. It consists of many islands, the main ones being the North and South island. It used to be part of one land mass, Gondwana, and split off 80 million years ago, taking with it its unique plants and bird life. The first Eastern Polynesian settlers arrived 750 years ago, and the first Europeans to settle arrived in 1769 after discovery by James Cook.

As it is a long thin country, there are several climates and micro climates within, from sub tropical in the North and temperate (similar to UK) in the South. The total population is around 4.2 million ( UK has nearly 63 million) of which 1 million are based in Auckland. Auckalnd also known as the 'The city of sails' (due to a high proportion of boat ownership) is the biggest city, though not the capital, which is Wellinton. Auckland’s weather is warm/hot long summers with mild and wet winters. (average annual sunshine hours= 2050. Manchester=1200 hrs) and (annual average rain=1240mm. Manchester=810mm!) most rain falling as heavy tropical showers in the winter months of June-July

Sunday 23 May 2010

Farewell BBQ

today is the morning after the night before... slightly hungover (Matt VERY hungover!!) from our Farewell BBQ street party yesterday.

what a wonderful gathering we had, and didn't good Ol' Blighty came through with the weather?. it was a scorcher of a day with temps of 25 degrees, perfect for eating burnt Snags and glugging a cold beer.

we actually bought a crate of Speights beer, which is THE beer of NZ, so everyone could have a taste and be in keeping with the theme.

so lots of photo taking, hugs and teary goodbyes were done as we probably wont see most of these people for a very long time. and a big thankyou to everyone that came and made our day so special.

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Blue Stickers

Here is a scan of our blue stickers. Expensive buggers these, total cost was probably over £2k, but worth it we hope :)

Was a long process but not as long as some peoples, especially if you get medically referred.

From memory here is a breakdown of the biggest costs.

Visa Fee £705
Migrants Levy £240
Medicals £595
Police checks £150 (including Aussie one)
EOI £200
Postage, photos £50