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

Saturday 19 June 2010

Moving in

View of house front/side and back

At last, we could move in to our new house and stop living out of suitcases!

Matt was able to borrow a works van, to help us transport all our stuff and new furniture that we had acquired! the house looks really sparse as there is hardly anything in it!


Its tradition here to introduce yourselves to the neighbours. but they actaully beat us to it and popped round to say hi. they are an older couple from S.Africa and are living in the 5 bed. house next door. what kind and generous people they are!
having emigrated themselves they know the predicament of waiting for the container to arrive, and have basically lent us loads more stuff to tide us over. they had 3 households worth of furniture coming to one house, and therefore had a stash of excess stuff we were told to help ourselves from...

so after raiding their garage, we now also have a microwave, pillows, thick duvet, coffee table, heater, tool kit, bedside table and lamps... and best of all, a gorgoeus sofa with 'lazy-boy' action! we quickly ditched the acquired moth eaten and somewhat smelly sofa from Trade me, in favour of their lovely 2 seater!.. we kind of hope our container will be delayed as we love reclining back on their luxury couch!

also we can help ourselves to lemons from their tree and spinach or rhubarb from their garden!


we took them around, a nice bottle of wine the next day to say 'thanks', and 3 rounds of drinks and lots of chat later, we staggered back home!
Doncha just love neighbourly neighbours!



Decking area (back garden)
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown14 May 2013 at 13:40

    It's good to hear that you had a good start after the move. Sounds like you have a great neighborhood. Life is easier if you have a good relationship with the people you are with. If you're new in a particular place, socializing and making new friends can have a lot of benefits for you. Time will come that you will need a recommendation for a dentist, a plumber, or a roofer nearby maybe. Almost three years have passed and there must be a lot of changes. We'd love to see some updated photos of the house. Keep the blog updated. :)

    Saundra Wordlaw

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