The SA issue 27

The

Issue number 027 June/July 2012

South African

CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Free

Inside: Fiddling my Head see page 9

Sons of Play SA BAND:

see page 20

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The

South African

From the editor I am writing this before the budget so please bear with me on some of the issues I touch on. Greece is hanging on the edge and threatening to leave the European Union. If this happens there could be a few countries following Greece because of their precarious financial situation. This will definitely affect New Zealand as these are our trading partners. I cannot understand why a government, including ours, cannot see that it’s not sustainable if you are paying out more on welfare and pensions than you are collecting in tax.

The books would not balance and you have to borrow money. Imagine if you, as an individual, could borrow from the bank whenever you could not pay your debts. This is a very simplistic view but explains the financial crises in a nutshell. So if we did not pay our bills what do we do? We would stop going out to restaurants and concerts. We would stop buying clothes and spending on luxuries. In fact, to survive, we would not spend on anything that is not a necessity. So countries have to do the same and they call this “austerity measures”, cutting back on certain expenses, but the public do not like that so they riot and burn down buildings.

What should the government of the day do? If we keep on borrowing we are back to where we started, you cannot keep borrowing more than you collect in taxes. It means your society is not working. Some of you will remember the job situation and what had to be done after the Second World War. Roll up your sleeves and get back to work. Germany of all the countries did well at this; this work ethic has stood them in good stead in these uncertain times. So what does New Zealand do? No one likes to take medicine but our medicine, as distasteful as it is, means we need to cut expenditure and when the government does this under very trying circumstances, everyone is up in arms. Look at the discussions about teachers pay and class numbers going to an average of 27.7 pupils per class. What is wrong with that? Is it ideal, maybe not, but this can change once the financial crises is over and we have a booming economy again. No government wants to cut pensions or increase GST but in hard times some hard decisions need to be made.

Advertising is one of those costs that are often the first to feel the knife. Some companies cut their advertising cost to the bone and forget that when times were good how much they advertised to keep the turnover up. If you want consistent sales you have to have consistent advertising. If you sell cars does the individual buy a new car every month? The answer is, no, of course not. But when you do want to buy a new car you need to remember who advertised and what deals they were advertising.

Consistent regular advertising works, not erratic up and down advertising. Why do McDonalds and Coca Cola advertise all the time when everyone knows who they are? Because consistent regular advertising means they are on the forefront of people’s minds. So when you want a burger, will it be McDonalds or Burger King? If you are buying a house, is it Barfoot & Thompson or Harcourts? If you are painting the house, is it Dulux or Levine’s? I thank those of you who understand this concept because there are two great things about the South African magazine. Firstly, it goes to a very tight target market, the South African immigrant, and secondly, with our distribution to doctors’ rooms all across Auckland and being in selected I-Site locations, lots of Kiwis are now reading the South African Magazine, as well as other new immigrants. Please support the SA Mag. This magazine, issue 27, is dedicated to my father, Jimmy Woodberg, who passed away on Saturday 19th May at the North Shore Hospital. He was 87.

Regards

Peter Woodberg

The

South African PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Peter Woodberg e-mail : jepwood@xtra.co.nz; mob: 0274 520 794 ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR

Sherelee Clarke e-mail: sherelee.samagazine@gmail.com; ph 09 281 5069 ADDRESS

The South African, P.O.Box 300 155, Albany, AUCKLAND 0752 17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, AUCKLAND, 0630 JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!

Click on http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-SouthAfrican-Magazine/194177903992955 and continue “Like” this page CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

The SANZ Charitable Trust – George Deeb Tel: 09-486 1415 e-mail: george@georgedeeb.co.nz The SANZ Social Club – Natalie Sparg Mob: 021 659069 e-mail: info@spargsautotune.co.nz The SANZ Biznet Group – Richard Pearce Mob: 0275 357535 e-mail: r.pearce2@barfoot.co.nz Die Afrikaanse Klub – Thys Oosthuizen e-mail: die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz THE SOUTH AFRICAN HIGH COMMISSION, WELLINGTON

Tel: 04 815 8484 Level 7, State Insurance Tower, 1 Willis Street, Wellington. e-mail: consular@sahcwellington.co.nz Cover: Big Five by Janel MISSION STATEMENT

“The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant editorial on subjects relating to the links between South Africa and New Zealand.

It shall be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in NZ to integrate socially with their own community and to advertise their products and services.”

All rights reserved “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part without the consent of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

                                                                                 find out more contact Sherelee  Clarke       To on email: sherelee.samagazine@gmail.com

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The

South African LEGAL UPDATE: EMPLOYMENT LAW

Trial or no trial: mutual agreement is a prerequisite

T

he jury is still out on whether the 90-day trial period legislation has made much difference to the economicand business landscape in New Zealand. It is now a little over three years since the 90-day trial period legislation was first introduced in March 2009 on a limited basis. In April last year it was extended to cover all businesses. Typically the majority of employment agreements now include a trial period, which can be shorter, but may not be for longer than 90 days. This means it can be agreed with full-time, part-time or casual employees, and provides a mechanism for assessing the suitability of an employee for a particular business operation without the risk of the business being sued for unfair dismissal.

Trial periods are voluntary and form part of the written employment agreement only once they have been mutually agreed. Thus for the trial period to be considered valid, the employee must have been told that the employer wants to put them on a trial period, that the employee will be unable to bring a personal grievance claim during the trail period for unjustified dismissal, and the employee must agree to this.

Another critical requirement is that the employee must be a new employee. The trial period runs from the day the employee is employed.

Once employed, the employer cannot subsequently seek to gain agreement to implementing a trial period, as the employee is legally no longer “new”.

Two cases which illustrate this are Smith v Stokes Valley Farm and Blackmore v Honick Properties. In the Smith case, the employee had been given an employment agreement before starting employment, but she only signed the agreement on her second day at work. The Court held that the employee was therefore not a “new” employee at the time she signed the agreement and that the trial period was not enforceable. In the Blackmore case on the other hand, the employee had been made a verbal offer of employment which he had accepted, but he was only given a written agreement during the first hour of working for the employer. The agreement included a trial period. The Court held that although the employee had only worked one hour, he was by then an existing employee, and again held that the trial period was therefore unenforceable.

What has become apparent from the case law is that all the requirements of the legislation must be strictly complied with, or it will simply fail.

During trial periods, good faith still also comes into play. As part of the principle of good faith, the Court has held that if asked by an employee, an employer is required to give reasons or an explanation for a dismissal made during a trail period. Performance issues also cannot simply be ignored, but must be addressed during the trial period, failing which an employer who dismisses an employee during the trail period may be sued for breach of good faith and for unjustified disadvantage.

So if not followed to the letter, employers cannot successfully rely on the legislation to terminate employees’ services during trail periods, and in circumstances of non-compliance, a challenge by an employee will readily result in a successful personal grievance claim for unjustified dismissal against the employer.

Eska Hartdegen

In any event during the trial period, employees are not precluded from bringing personal grievance claims for disadvantage, discrimination or harassment.

The stringent legal requirements should encourage employers to provide written agreements which clearly set out the trial periods, and the implications and consequences of them. This should always happen prior to the start of employment at the time the offer of employment is made, so as to allow employees sufficient time to seek advice on trial-period provisions in employment agreements.

The moral of this tale is: use it correctly or lose it!

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The

South African

Pete’s Best restaurants on the Shore.

1) Steakhouse/ribs - Serengeti, Murrays Bay 2) Thai – Khunpun, Albany 3) Fine dining – Totara, Albany 4) Italian – Portifino, Takapuna 5) Indian – Bolliwood, Takapuna 6) Tapas – Bolero, Albany Mall 7) Pizza/pasta – GPK, Albany

Above: Portifino, Takapuna

Finding a better tomorrow.

Rudi du Plooy has joined the team at North Shore Immigration Services and brings with him a wealth of experience. He studied Law at Waikato Law School and graduated in 2011.

“Taking up a role in Christchurch in 2008 made me realize that moving to another country certainly is one of the most arduous things any human being can be involved in. All the paperwork and certified copies of qualifications Rudi du Plooy was enough to make me understand that without professional help this would have been an even more daunting exercise.

My entire career has been one of serving my community and I am passionate about helping South Africans finding a better tomorrow. I want to use my skills and legal knowledge to make the transition easier and less stressful for South Africans who want to come over to New Zealand.

I have come to New Zealand with my family to make a new life for us.

The freedom and exceptional lifestyle has to be experienced in order to understand why South Africans fall in love with this country. I am satisfied that our son has exceptional opportunities to study and work here. This is what parents do; we sacrifice today so that our children can reap the benefits tomorrow.”

Rudi is fully bilingual and insists that you go to a braai and not a barbeque.

Jobs in New Zealand

Right: Serengeti, Murrays Bay

Needed: Qualified * Electricians * Plumbers From South Africa Send CV to rudiduplooy@vodafone.co.nz

Sh’Zen,

began with a specific hand range specializing in the care of hands, nails and cuticles.

S

h’Zen means ‘natural’ in Japanese - and was chosen as it reflected the philosophy of the company - products whose active ingredients are primarily natural - plant extract and essential oils predominate in each product! The Nail Buffer Kit was the cornerstone to the range and spearheaded the reintroduction of nail buffing in South Africa.

    

                    

Sh’Zen for Feet was launched one year later, offering therapeutic solutions to typical foot problems, and within another four years, Sh’Zen for Body was welcomed aboard - deeply nourishing products to help arrest the damage that comes from living a busy, stressed and often sun-exposed life. Included in the body range is the cellulite treatment - giving ladies highly effective results.

In 2007, in response to years of requests, a facial range par excellence was launched! Sh’Zen with PhytoExquisitesTM - a high treatment range that promises, and delivers healing, glowing results. Currently the Sh’Zen range consists of almost 100 highly effective treatment products, all offering specific solutions for a beautiful body, from head to toe.

Sh’Zen also enjoys support from beauty therapists, chiropodists, podiatrists and even medical doctors - proof indeed of the efficacy of our products!

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The

South African

SA born artist Janel Colle

Our new SA cover artist

I

n this issue we highlight the stunning work of SA born artist Janel Colle. You will see an example of her paintings on our front cover, entitled “The Big Five.” This is her story:-

“The fascinating world of art and creativity has opened my mind, heart and soul to experiencing life in a new and profound way. My passion for art has extended my ability over time and has taken me through a journey and led me to find fresh inspiration here in New Zealand.

I discovered my artistic talent in South Africa while I was growing up and I carried on studying fine arts at the University of Pretoria. After two years I decided to make a career change and completed a diploma in fashion design.

This introduced me to using colours, textures and fabrics in an advanced way which has shaped my existing style of painting today.

I enjoy painting from previous encounters in life and express my senses of taste, smell, sight, sound and touch on the canvas.

African wild life and its vibrant culture is a favourite of mine which creates warm colours that bring a sense of composure. My subject matter ranges from portraits, nudes and figures to landscapes and still life. At the moment I am experimenting with abstract still life which has become a new source of inspiration for me.

I am a member and part time student at Mairangi Bay Art Gallery and take part in exhibitions throughout the year to receive satisfaction from people’s positive feedback from my work. In addition I am happy to do commissions for individuals and paint whatever they fancy and see the joy

on their faces when I deliver the final product.

My paintings are for everyday people; they are easy to understand, recognise and identify.

I hope you will enjoy my art and join me on my exciting journey into a future of new and inspirational ideas.”

Contact Janel Colle on her mobile: 0211632847 and check out her website www.janelcolle.com.

 

    

                        

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The

South African

Overseas / Offshore Investments

W

hile it may appear to be a great idea to ‘repatriate’ your investments from an overseas investment you should be mindful of your obligations as a New Zealand resident. Actually, if you have an investment that you have decided to retain as an offshore investment your obligation in terms of declaring this to Inland Revenue Department may already be expected or required.

Residents earning money overseas: If you are a New Zealand resident, you are taxed on your worldwide income. This means you will need to declare any income you earn outside New Zealand. You will need to complete an IR3 individual income return at the end of the tax year (31 March) and will need to include proof of any overseas tax paid.

Now for the interesting part: Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) income: A foreign investment fund is an offshore investment held by a New Zealand resident taxpayer who holds: • Less than 10% of the shares in a foreign company • Less than 10% of the shares in a foreign unit trust •A n interest in a life insurance policy where a FIF is the insurer and the policy is not offered or entered into in New Zealand

• An interest in a foreign superannuation scheme It does not include interest earned from term deposits, bonds, debentures or money lent.

What is foreign investment fund (FIF) income?

Under the new rules, you have foreign investment fund (FIF) income when you have an investment that is an attributing interest in a foreign investment fund (FIF). This occurs when income from your investment is attributed to you, even though you may not have received any income at that point in time.

Please ensure that you receive the correct advice when considering overseas investment/s. A company or individual cannot ‘remove’ themselves from their obligation under the Financial Advisers Act 2008 and Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act 2008 by indicating that they do not offer investment advice. This law is specific as to investment categories and who can advise clients on certain products.

The obligation to declare your worldwide income is your responsibility.

All the information herein is readily available from the www.ird.govt.nz and the http://www.fma.govt.nz/ website.

Note: Detail provided as a class service and for information only by Neil Clarke – Authorised Financial Adviser – FSP10261. HWP Financial Services. Visit http://hwp.co.nz/ Disclosure+Statement++Authorisation.html Next issue: Obligations under The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED INSURANCE RATES AVAILABLE

Less than standard market insurance rates for: Insurance: Medical: Mortgages: Investments:

Life Cover; Trauma Cover; Income Protection Hospital; Specialists & Tests; General Practitioner; Dental & Optical Access to Bank & Non-Bank options Unit Trusts; Managed Funds; Kiwisaver

Financial Services Phone: 09 915 0100, Mobile: 021 609 247 Email: enquiry@hwp.co.nz www.hwp.co.bnz www.hwp.co.nz (12 years in NZ - HWP Ltd trading since 2001)

Neil B Clarke

ex Durban.

Authorised Financial

Adviser (AFA)(AFA) FSP10261 Adviser

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The

South African

O

n one of their first vacations together, Mike Wallis took his South Africanborn fiancée Inge Rademeyer to the South Island of New Zealand, to show her his heritage and the land on which he grew up. He revealed he had long yearned to make a Kiwi version of a ‘Spaghetti Western’.

Later, the pair reminisced about that conversation when faced with the decision whether to buy a house. Deciding against the ‘sensible’ decision, the couple then spent the next six years making the dream a reality, pouring everything they had into self-funding and producing their first feature film, Good for Nothing.

Quitting your job to realize your lifelong ambition is a lovely thought in theory, but in practice, self funding your own film meant for the first few years, Rademeyer and Wallis needed to hold down two jobs – by day, full time jobs at Academy Award winning visual effects studio Weta Digital and by night, fastidiously writing, planning and scripting Good for Nothing.

After three consecutive years of location scouting during their annual Christmas break from Weta Digital, Wallis and Rademeyer headed south with a crew of 18 and a horse called Red into the McKenzie Country and Central Otago. The area, in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand, had starred as a backdrop in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Now it was time for the landscape to shine as the High Sierras.

A first cut of Good for Nothing drew attention from Academy Award winner Jamie Selkirk, who funded the film’s post-production. Acclaimed composer John Psathas (known for composing the opening and closing ceremonies’ music for the Athens 2004 Olympics) came on board to compose his first film score - fantastically performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

‘The Man’ is played by award-winning Kiwi star Cohen Holloway (BOY, Eagle vs Shark, Until Proven Innocent) - recipient of the New Zealand Qantas Film and Television Award for Best Actor 2010.

Holloway is joined by co-star Inge Rademeyer in her break-out feature role as ‘Isabella’ and introduced as “a lovely newcomer” by The Hollywood Reporter.

Good for Nothing is an entertaining and ironic look into the emotional confusion of an outlaw with strong unfamiliar feelings towards a woman who he has kidnapped! This deadpan Western has a fantastic collection of

characters including a wild and unpredictable posse that are hot on the trail of The Man and Isabella after mistaking Isabella for an accomplice to the outlaw.

Six years in the making, with a large helping hand from friends and family (and a serious delay in the wedding) Wallis and Rademeyer have successfully emerged with their debut - a feature film that had it’s critically acclaimed theatrical release in North America in March 2012 (it’s considered New Zealand’s first self funded feature film to achieve a theatrical release in the US) followed by releases in other territories around the world including the New Zealand release where it opened in the Top 10 NZ Box Office.

Being an ex-Durbanite, Carol understands what South African’s are looking for when buying and selling houses.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, please get in touch for a friendly chat.

M: 021 308 035 P: 481 0930 Licensed Agent REAA 2008

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The

South African

REMEMBER WHEN..... said in South Africa sometime in the 60’s

“I

’ll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a week’s groceries for R10.00”.

“Have you s een the new cars coming out next year? It won’t be long before R2,000.00 will only buy a used one”.

If cigarettes keep going up in price, I’m going to quit. 20 cents a pack is ridiculous.

Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 4 cents just to mail a letter?

If they raise the minimum wage to R1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.

When I first started driving, who would have thought petrol would someday cost 20 cents a litre. Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in the garage.

I’m afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL or DAMN in it.

I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas .

Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000

nt too long

entially the most ver, we find there remain vacant for

Licensed REAA (2008)

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tions apply.

a year just to play ball? It wouldn’t surprise me if someday they’ll be making more than the President.

I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric.

They’re even making electric typewriters now.

It’s too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.

It won’t be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work.

I’m afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.

Thank goodness I won’t live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government.

The fast food restaurant is convenient for a quick meal, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.

There is no sense going on short trips anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly R2.00 a night to stay in a hotel.

No one can afford to be sick anymore. At R15.00 a day in the hospital, it’s too rich for my blood.

If they think I’ll pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it.

‘Reasonably clean’.

Understanding the Gap! When it comes to a property being presented to a new tenant, or a tenant vacating a property it is a legislative requirement the property be ‘reasonably clean’.

So what is ‘reasonable’? This term can be hard to define but can be seen as what a reasonable person would agree as being generally clean. We do find the members who oversee tribunal hearings have differing opinions when presented with a cleaning dispute and dare we also say differing moods, so there can be varying degrees of what ‘reasonable’ can be when trying to win a cleaning claim against a tenant.

However it is important to understand that there is a gap where sometimes money needs to be spent to bring a property back to a right standard. For example, if we are presented a ‘sterile clean’ property at the start of the first tenancy, and each tenancy has tenants leaving a property reasonably clean despite our best efforts to get it back to ‘sterile’, sometimes we need to spend the landlord’s money to get a property back to very high cleaning standard again, closing the gap between very clean and reasonably clean. We can push with a tenant the best we can however in some cases this isn’t possible.

We believe this is simply part of having to put money back into the property just like with repairs and maintenance and to ensure the property is kept in the highest standard possible to attract and retain the right tenant!

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South African

Fiddling my head

by Charlene Smith

C

ambridge, Massachusetts - Yesterday as I turned into the driveway of my rented home, a wild turkey walked by. He was full of importance, his head forward like a pastor about to tick off a wayward congregant, I am sure he had the holy book under a wing. As I stepped onto my porch a copper bunny looked up with some annoyance from where he was eating my apple mint.

Tonight my cats refuse to come in.

After two weeks of rain; the air is now soft and warm.

I ate fiddleheads with melted butter for dinner. Fiddleheads are fern before they open; it grows just in New England and is available only in May. Native Americans showed it to the first settlers as an important source of iron. But by the time fiddleheads had raised their heads from ground warming after the snow had melted, half of the Pilgrims had perished. Most of the Native Americans would follow in the years to come.

I became a dual citizen of South Africa and the United States two dec ade s ago after marrying an American journalist. I never wanted to live here. I always said that if you scratched my skin there would be red African soil instead of blood. Even after I was raped and stabbed in 1999, I refused to leave, choosing to stay and very publically battle President Thabo Mbeki to get better rights for those raped and those with HIV. But in April 2010 a friend was murdered. Not long after, I volunteered in public hospitals after doctors and nurses walked out on their patients during a strike. At one hospital some babies in intensive care died when the nurses left them and refused to allow the mothers in. Finally the sadness within turned to anger.

I never wanted to be like the Rhodie s , we’d s een c ome over our border years before filled with seemingly interminable rage. I love my country and my people, how can I, after so long, ever hate?

So here I am and although I am the poorest I’ve been in years, I’m safe and there is no price on that.

Far from fear, South Africa nestles in my heart again.

It’s hard in the United States. On Tuesday the husband of a South African I met on Facebook will stay here for two days. He lost his job a month ago, two months ago she had their third child, today their car was repossessed.

He’s catching the bus here from another State for two job interviews.

My nephew (although divorced I remain close to my in-laws) graduated with an honours in accounting a year ago, but he still can’t find a job, and so he’s doing what thousands are doing – going back to college.

After having name recognition in South Africa here I am nothing. I see it as a positive; it has made me a much better writer. Today the android version of a smartphone app I wrote (and selffunded) went live. ITunes is already selling South Africa Travel: The Rainbow Nation (SutroMedia) and I’m working on the update. A promise by Brand South Africa to buy several thousand in return for their branding on it has yet to materialize, but I remain hopeful.

An improved version of my book, Mandela: In Celebration of a Great Life (Random House Struik) hits the shelves at the end of this month, and my selfpublished book, Whispers on My Skin (about relearning intimacy after rape), and which is available on Kindle and Amazon is getting great reviews and sales are lifting.

Just this week Beliefnet, Latitude News and Moneyweb (in South Africa) contracted me to write regularly for them. I’m still earning peanuts but slowly I’m making progress in the home of the brave. I’m here where I need to be, and grateful for my blessings.

Have you been fired, harassed at work or made redundant?

We offer sound, thorough and sympathetic advice and guidance on how to deal pro actively with all employment issues of any nature for employers and employees

We have a high success rate at: * exit package meetings (meetings with employers to discuss terms of termination of employment) * disciplinary meetings and mediations where we will represent you at any of the forums.

We are familiar with all the various employment procedures and will provide you with efficient and stress free service.

Advice on how to move forward and to deal effectively with any employment issues.

Please feel free to contact Allan Silberstein at: A.S. EMPLOYMENT LAW CONSULTANTS 964 East Coast Road Browns Bay AUCKLAND

Ph: 09 473 8115 Fax: 09 473 8157 Mob: 021 172 2519

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The

South African

South Africans teach English on the Shore

V

olunteering as an ESOL home tutor has brought great satisfaction to people like Carine Malherbe and Louise Iseke, both originally from South Africa.

Carine and Louise volunteer with English Language Partners North Shore (ELPNS), an NGO who train ESOL home tutors and provide a free in-home ESOL service to migrants and refugees who need assistance with basic English in order to cope with their new lives in NZ. Carine was motivated to become a home tutor because she wanted to help others: “When you see that flicker of understanding in their eyes – you feel like you’ve given a gift – that’s the magic moment.”

She and her learner Kayla Jung, originally from Korea and now living in Albany, meet once a week for their lesson. “It’s flexible but usually an hour’s enough. Sometimes we just sit and chat. She just wants English for everyday life”, says Carine.

The two are around the same age and have become warm friends as a result of the partnership. “I have gotten more out of it than I expected, I have learned so much about a new culture that I only had assumptions about before. I have made other Korean friends through her, and now would love to see Korea.”

Louise, a retiree, found that one leaner wasn’t enough, and now teaches three: 2 Serbian women and a Russian woman. She enjoys watching their progress. Louise finds that she can’t help getting involved in their lives as the English lessons are always around what is happening for them.

“I really enjoyed the Tutor Training-we had fun and learned something every session”, says Louise about the course she took to become a Home Tutor.

ELPNS, based in Takapuna, has a waiting list of learners and urgently need more volunteer tutors. Please contact the office on 489 2078 if you are interested in becoming an ESOL Home Tutor.

Opening this June!

Bushman’s Grill wild about good food

Steaks, Ribs, Chicken, Prawns & Lots More Family Restaurant Focusing on Excellent Food, Great Prices & Good Times Kids Room with Cartoons and X Box’s.

Kids Menu $12 Includes Free Juice & Dessert

Opening Beginning of June Open 7 days 12pm - Late

31 Northcote Rd, Hillcrest (Between Gengy’s & Poenamo hotel) Tel 09 418 0056 www.bushmansgrill.co.nz

There are moments in every carnivore’s life that the call for a steak cooked and served to perfection in the skillet with all the yummy bits is a must. Or mouth-wateringly, succulent, sticky ribs that fall off the bone. But for food this special, you need a special touch. This family team are passionate foodies who, after 24 years in the Zimbabwean/South African Restaurant, pub and grill industry, have finally brought their skill and expertise to our shores with the creation of their brand new family Steakhouse and Grill. Bushman’s Grill is located just 7 minutes from the central city at 31 Northcote Road.

‘We’ve gone back to basics with New Zealand’s finest, freshest ingredients cooked in our deliciously unique way,’ say co owners’ Shane and Dee who ran DV8 Restaurant in Harare for 17 years - a restaurant which was reputed to have ‘steaks you leave home for’. Our Bushman’s secret rib recipe will drive your taste buds wild. We have an exciting menu to suit every palate and pocket.

Bushman’s Grill, opening in June 2012, is tailored to families’ needs, with a kids’ room so everyone gets to have their fun in peace. Plus every child under 12 gets a free ice cream with topping and fruit juice of their choice.

Bushman’s Grill is also available for functions and we are happy to consider most reasonable requests!

Check out www.bushmansgrill.co.nz for opening hours, and a peek at the menu.

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The

South African

Doing your homework makes home work easier

by Heather Douglas

W

e are often asked, “What is the ideal set-up for a home office?” - an almost impossible question to answer as home businesses come in so many different shapes and sizes, and offer an incredible variety of products and services. What we can do, is offer some suggestions which you can adapt to suit your own environment and needs. In a previous article we looked broadly at setting up an office in your home (you can find it online at http://www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/article.php3?ArticleID=320).

In this article we look more closely at the kinds of workspace your business may need, and some additional considerations for specific types of business.

Where will you do most of your work?

The first consideration is whether the type of work you do takes you out of your home office, for example onto clients’ premises, requires a specialised facility, for example a workshop, or whether the majority of your work will be done from the area you set aside as your home office.

The mobile office If much of what you do takes you away from your home office, Heather Douglas especially if your service is mobile or you are travelling for extended periods or substantial distances, or you wish to be “on call” to your customers even when out of the office, you will probably want to consider some kind of “mobile” office. The nature of this will vary depending on whether you are offering a mobile service, in which case it could perhaps take the shape of a van, kitted out with equipment and perhaps a work surface and chair, necessary telecommunications facilities and any other specialised adaptations required. Alternately, it could be as simple as having a mobile phone handy, but if the nature of your business is more sophisticated and you work away from home a lot, it is likely these days to include at least a PDA, and could extend to a laptop or handheld PC, with a mobile internet connection and remote access to your desktop computer and the World Wide Web from just about anywhere you may find yourself.

In some cases, Internet access from Internet cafés, libraries or other locations will also help you keep in touch with your business.

A dedicated, customised, workspace On the other hand, many home-based business operators are trades people or crafters, whose work requires a dedicated work area with specific requirements. A curtain-maker, for instance, would need a large, clean flat area to lay out and cut the fabric, and one or more sewing machines permanently set up. A cabinet maker would need a workshop with space to work, and a range of woodworking tools. An antique watch repairer may require only a small workspace, but excellent lighting and specialised equipment to be able to see the intricate details he works with. A foodoriented service may use some existing kitchen space (but regulations in this respect are stringent).

Such customised workspaces vary significantly depending on the type of product or service offered but the general considerations are the same: the area must offer sufficient space and light for both work and storage; sufficient specialised equipment must be on hand for the owner to work efficiently and to the standard expected by his or her customers; and health, safety, the family and neighbours must be taken into account in terms of equipment usage, smell, noise, dust, chemicals, and so on. You may be able to use a spare room, rumpus or garage, but the layout of the workspace should allow for efficient workflow, the health and comfort of the operator, storage of equipment and supplies, and any other specific needs of the business

operation. If you are working with equipment, chemicals or food, there are likely to be council, health, safety or industry regulations you will be required to follow.

The home office itself If the work you do revolves around your specialised knowledge, a serviceoriented business, computer skills, small volume product sales or sales in which the product is virtual or drop-shipped, you are likely to be based, for at least a significant proportion of your time, in your home office. Even if you work away from home or in a specialised workspace, you are likely to want some dedicated office space at home, although in the scenario outlined above it may form part of your customised work area.

What part of your home you set aside as your office and how you equip it will vary depending on the kind of business you operate. (There is more detail on this aspect in our previous article referenced in the first paragraph above). Overriding considerations are likely to be finding an area that allows you space to work efficiently with minimum disturbance to your family, good light, sufficient storage, the right mix of technology and telecommunications options and an ergonomic layout.

Storage No matter what kind of home business you operate, storage is likely to be an issue - and the longer you have been operating, the more you are likely to have to store! Businesses handling product will probably need much more storage space than those providing services, and it’s important that product is stored so it reaches the customer in perfect condition. Depending on the kind of product, this may include preventing it from getting damp, hot, cold, tatty, dusty, exposed to sunlight, or damaged in any other way. Investing in proper storage facilities - even if this amounts to a second-hand steel cabinet in the garage - makes good sense. It should also be stored in such a way that it’s easy to find, pack and despatch (it’s not so easy to extract a particular item from a carton stacked with others on the top rack of the cupboard!)

Some forethought and regular housekeeping goes a long way in this regard.

Even if your business does not handle product, you will have books, software, files, envelopes, documents, receipts, promotional material and general office paraphernalia to keep on hand. It is worth spending some time looking at the variety of storage options available, before deciding what will work for you. It’s also worth going through your office regularly, throwing out what you no longer need. And a little prevention could be in order too. The paperless office may be a bit of a pipe dream - but you can cut down significantly on the amount of paper you need to find space for by storing documents and conducting as much of your business as possible, electronically.

Whether, like Harry Potter, you occupy the cupboard under the stairs or are lucky enough to have a large, dedicated workspace, you will be able to work more efficiently - and more profitably - if you create a workspace which facilitates workflow, is suited to your own particular needs, in which you are comfortable, which complies with regulations and where everything you need is on hand.

Heather Douglas is a co-owner of Home Business New Zealand, which provides free information, resources, support and networking opportunities to home businesses nation-wide. For more articles, visit www.homebizbuzz.co.nz

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The

South African

Eight thousand people are enjoying the wonderful warm weather camping in the Drakensberg.

Splashy Fen A farm owned by Peter Ferraz nestling in the Southern Drakensberg was the setting for Splashy Fen, the longest running music festival in South Africa. It’s been going since 1990 with 1 000 people braving the weather and the outdoors. An unexpected 8 500 people pitched up in April this year to chill out for four days to the amazing sounds of local artists, including Albert Frost, Arno Carstens, the Van Coke Cartel, December Streets, Zebra and Giraffe, and the recent SAMA winners, Shadowclub, to name but a few.

A full moon added to the vibe in the Grant Erskine marquee on Friday night when Arno Carstens and Albert Frost took to the stage to the delight of the 8 000 strong crowd. Albert is an incredible guitar player who complemented Arno’s brilliance on stage. It was great to hear those old Springbok Nude Girl tunes.

Frontman Graeme Watkins, of The Graeme Watkins Project, in full flow.

With the awesome weather, revellers used the river to cool down. A gathering around a plastic sheeting slide brought endless cheering and laughing as people chose crazy ways of entertaining the happy, sun fuelled spectators lazing on the banks. One even made a spectacular dive stark naked to the delight of the crowd.

A variety of food stalls kept the bellies full especially a delicious vegetable potjie at BJ’s Potjie Palace. Colourful Arts and Crafts stalls sold everything from coloured hair wigs to fancy gumboots to tie dye clothing and sarongs.

Splashy Fen had something for everyone; in fact there’s nothing else in South Africa quite like it!

Dr Bernie Brenner

MB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro Gynaecologist

Specialising in: • Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic Assessments • Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking • Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy • Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including Laser • Office Hysteroscopy for diagnosis of menstrual problems • Gynaecological Ultrasound • Laporoscopic Surgery - for removal of Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts and Endometriosis Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford

Free Review of Your Insurance Products • • • •

Life, Disability and Trauma.

Commercial and Residential Mortgages.

Fire and General.

Assistance with SA Retirement Annuities and policies.

Contact Bernard or Michelle De Wet 09 9636291 bernard@fincare.co.nz or michelle@fincare.co.nz

www.fincare.co.nz (FSP 14663)

For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz

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The

South African

Above: full moon over Splashy when music lovers crammed the main Grant Erskine marquee

Albert Frost and Arno Carstens

Lead singer Francois Van Coke.

Lead guitarist, Jedd Kossew, from Van Coke Cartel.

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The

South African

Formal emigration assistance J

ulian Haw has been in the Financial Services Industry in South Africa for 27 years. Before that he was in business in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare Zimbabwe – of course). Julian has been arranging the formal emigration of clients since

2001.

In 2008 when SARS changed the tax laws to allow formal emigrants access to 100% of their Retirement Annuities at any age, he saw that there was a huge number of people who were previously in South Africa and who had written off their Retirement Annuities until age 55. However, their options were limited to drawing a maximum of 1/3rd in cash and receiving a Rand denominated pension. Even then they would still have to emigrate formally from South Africa to get their 1/3rd and monthly pension (annuity).

Julian therefore decided to use his expertise as a registered Tax Practitioner with the South African Revenue Services to help those former South African residents to get their own cash sent to them. This cash can be from Retirement Annuities, inheritances and any other funds or investments which remained in South Africa.

Julian has an office in Pinetown, Durban with fully trained staff who give you advice and guide you as to which forms to complete and when

they should be completed. His office arranges the following services when completing your formal emigration : • Facilitate the opening of your bank account in South Africa • Reactivates your SARS tax account • Establishes if any taxes are outstanding with SARS • Lodges your Tax Clearance Certificate application with SARS • Lodges the SA Reserve Bank application • Arranges the surrender your Retirement Annuities • Keeps you informed every step of the way • Advises you when payment is in your South African bank account with instructions on getting these transferred For more information you can email Julian at jrhaw@iafrica.com or Julian@julianhaw.com or visit his website at www.julianhaw.com.

                      

          

    

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The SA issue27.indd 14

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The

South African spraytanz

®

absolutely stunning

The South African Travel Club Benefits: “The unexpected never takes a holiday”.

While the airlines are vying for the Christmas Travel trade we are conscious of the terms that are attached to many of the special airfares that are being booked at present. Once ticketed the conditions are activated and so it is important that you consider an insurance that covers cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances or unforeseeable circumstances outside of your control.

SOUTH AFRICAN TRAVEL CLUB MEMBERS GET DISCOUNTS ON ALL THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES PURCHASED. And while we are in protection mode remember the EMERGENCY ACCIDENT TRAVEL BENEFIT for all current financial member of the South African Travel Club Members.

But wait, there’s more!

As from 01 June members will be entitled to discounted parking rates at Auckland International Airport as well as special concessions for pre- and post flight accommodation in the vicinity of the airport. These arrangements are an alternative to very, very early pre- flight transfers or the opportunity to rest after your long flight and return home refreshed and in a leisurely manner.

The ‘Friendship Gift’ service for family and friends has been extended to be supplied throughout the year enabling you to remember and recognise special occasions. Save time and money with an email to us and we order deliveries to be made by courier service to the recipients door in South Africa.

For membership applications and benefit details contact: travel@lionworld.co.nz.

Renew now! travel@lionworld..co.nz Phone: AKL 921 5100 or ex AKL Freephone 088277477 Skytrain Lion world Travel P.O.Box 12 Auckland 1140 View: on www.skytrainlionworld.co.nz

Carin’s Spraytanz (SA/Kiwi owned and operated) Spraytanz sunless solutions provide a Golden colour of a NAturAl tan without any harmful sun effects.

Ideal for special occassions or simply to look good and feel great everyday We provide a 1 on 1 service or alternatively we offer a group discount “HoSt A tANNING PArty” and save $$ (Discounts apply for groups of 6 or more) “HoSt A tArty” - Invite 6 or more of your friends to your home* and have great fun with a tanning party at your place (* subject to location)

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To book an appointment or find out more Call or Text Carin on 027 292 1874 or Email tanyou@xtra.co.nz

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                                 

          

      

                                      

   

    

 

15

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The

South African IMMIGRATION ADVICE

Changes to the Immigration Family Policy R esidence visa applications under Adult Child/Adult Sibling category are no longer accepted effective 16 May 2012. This category has been completely removed from the immigration instructions.

Applications for residence for parents will not be accepted anymore after 16 May 2012 until July 2012.

Several changes will be made to Parent Category requirements and processes after July 2012: • P eople will need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) before they can apply under the category (No documents required at that stage).

• There will be a two tier system for applications, with different requirements and priorities given to each tier.

• There will be new requirements that people will need to meet in order to gain residence under the category. These are different for each tier and are discussed below.

Fees It will cost NZ$420 to submit a Parent Category EOI. In addition to this, the application fee for the Parent Category is NZ$1,350 (offshore fees may be different).

An EOI system means that a person will need to submit an EOI and be sent an invitation to apply for residence (ITA) before they can make a residence application. EOIs submitted will be entered into a pool and drawn later, depending on the number of places available in the New Zealand Residence Programme. Pool draws will occur every three months.

How will the EOI pool draw work and how will EOIs and applications be prioritised?

A limited number of EOIs will be drawn every three months, based on their tier and in date order. The number of EOIs will be enough for approximately 1,000 people, depending on the New Zealand Residence Programme.

The two-tiered system for the Parent Category means that tier one EOIs, existing Parent Category applications and tier two EOIs will be assessed in order of priority. Tier one EOIs will be drawn first to fill available places, in date order; if places are available, existing applications (accepted on or before 15

May 2012) will be processed second, also in date order; if further places are available, tier two EOIs will be drawn after this, also in date order.

What will be the requirements for each tier?

The two tiers will have some common requirements and some that are specific to each particular tier.

In both tiers, applicants will need to meet common requirements to: • h ave an acceptable standard of health • b e of acceptable character • d emonstrate the relationship between the applicants and their sponsor • meet a minimum standard of English (meet at least two competencies of International English Language Testing System Level 4), meet an equivalent requirement or pre-pay English language tuition, and • n ot have any dependent children.

The specific requirements for each tier are outlined below:

Tier one • Tier one applicants must: • have a guaranteed lifetime minimum income of NZ$27,203 per annum for a single person or NZ$39,890 per annum for a couple, or • bring at least NZ$500,000 in settlement funds to New Zealand, or • have a sponsoring adult child who has an annual income of at least NZ$65,000, or NZ$90,000 when combined with their partner’s income, and • Tier one applicants will not be subject to requirements preventing them from gaining residence based on the location of any other adult children they may have.

Tier two • Tier two applicants must have a sponsoring adult child who has an income of at least NZ$33,675 per annum, and • Any other children the applicant has must live outside the country in which the applicant lives.

If you fall into this category & you are concerned about your immigration status please contact Sergey at sergey@nsis.co.nz or Simona at sim. woodberg@nsis.co.nz or call 415 3392 North Shore Immigration for an appointment.

Immigration Stress part 2 People under 18 years experienced the separation from friends and families as the most negative experience. Other factors which aggravated the immigration experience were:1. High real estate prices.

2. Medical problems experienced in NZ. 3. People being exploited by their “own” people.

4. Unfinished business in SA. 5. The weather in NZ. 6. Difficulty in settling into the right church.

7. The fact that people form little secluded groups.

8. Receiving false/incorrect information.

9. Feelings of guilt; i.e. being safe in NZ whilst friends and families were left behind in SA to face the crime.

10. Family/friends in SA who comment on the fact that people have immigrated, which make them feel guilty.

11. Lower income than in SA. 12. Weak exchange rate.

13. Inefficiency of the NZ Immigration department.

14. Stress on a marriage and family.

Tips to make immigration easier:The respondents came up with the following suggestions that would assist in making the immigration process easier. These suggestions are listed below from the most to the least important: 1. Make sure to do proper research from reliable sources.

2. New immigrants could be assisted with setting up house until their own possessions arrive.

3. Getting temporary accommodation at a reasonable price will be helpful.

4. Become involved in church activities ASAP. 5. Join a culture/sports or any other club.

6. Join a network which makes job opportunities more accessible.

7. Try to become part of a “buddy” family that has undertaken to take care of new immigrant families.

8. Join immigration support groups.

9. Stay positive and be “open minded”.

The positive role that friends, family, the church and culture organizations play to assist people in adapting as new immigrants is of the utmost importance. So many people also mentioned that their faith in God carried them through!

On P21 we have our regular Upcoming Community Events column. Please refer to this column to find out where you can fit in.

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The

South African

There are lots of reasons to get good financial advice. Here’s one: your family.

F

or over 150 years Westpac has been helping people make astute, forward-thinking decisions on building and securing their wealth. Today, Westpac’s Financial Advisory Service administers over $3.3 billion of investments on behalf of New Zealand families, enabling them to enrich their lives and provide a legacy for the next generation.

Importance of trusted financial advice You may be a fir st-time investor with a small lump sum to invest, or a high net-worth individual with an existing portfolio of shares – whatever your financial situation, it’s important to get advice you can trust.

Help is what we do at Westpac – and we believe your investment needs are as unique as you are. That’s why our advice process focuses on providing a personalised service that’s committed to helping you build a secure financial future.

It’s your Westpac Financial Adviser who can provide full details on our range of investment options, including helping to work out your risk profile and decide which solution is best for you.

Our experienced and knowledgeable team of more than 50 Authorised Financial Advisers includes South African expat and Westpac Executive Financial Adviser, Quintin Budler.

Before moving to New Zealand six years ago, Quintin completed more than 15 years’ financial experience in South Africa. During his time with Standard Bank in South Africa, Quintin became a Certified Financial Planner, held a variety of roles including National Sales Manager for its investment arm, and was an Investment Adviser for the bank’s general management and senior management.

Now a Certified Financial Planner and Authorised Financial Adviser for Westpac, Quintin uses his years of wealth-building experience to help

Quintin Budler.

Sanet Drury.

customers in New Zealand work towards achieving their financial goals – especially those individuals and families who have migrated here from South Africa.

“There are plenty of aspects to consider, like correspondence, taxation and currency valuation,” says Quintin. “There are also plenty of options and things are constantly changing - we’re here to help and work with customers to find the best options for them.”

Another member of the team keen to help you explore your investment goals and options is Sanet Drury.

Sanet has been in New Zealand for seven years, joining Westpac in 2005.

Prior to this, she worked in various roles with Absa Bank for 17 years. Sanet joined Westpac’s Financial Advisory Service in 2007 and hasn’t looked back.

Sanet is an Authorised Financial Adviser and is working towards becoming a Certified Financial Planner – and, like the rest of the team, she’s passionate about helping customers achieve their financial goals, whatever they might be.

Quintin and Sanet are keen to talk through your financial goals and our range of investment solutions that make it easy for you to invest in your future, from direct investments and managed funds, to customised investment portfolios.

For more information contact Quintin Budler - 09 415 1188, 027 220 3315 or email quintin_budler@westpac.co.nz, Sanet Drury - 09 426 2702, 027 480 2448 or email sanet_drury@westpac.co.nz

This material is for information purposes only and should not be relied on. Disclosure statements under the Financial Advisers Act are available on request and free of charge from a Westpac Financial Adviser.

Westpac’s financial advisory services and products are only available to persons in New Zealand.

Would you buy your own business?

A s business brokers we are talking to business owners every day and it’s amazing how few know the value of their business or that there may well be a queue of buyers if their business came to the market. Surprisingly (to many it seems), demand for businesses is very strong.

This demand comes from several independent sources; migrants looking to meet immigration requirements, returning NZ ex-pats, companies growing through acquisition, individuals looking at leaving their jobs and owning a business, among others. Because businesses are most often valued on the basis of a ROI (return on investment) the actual multiples of earnings have not changed and in some cases have actually increased due to a shortage of available businesses.

Determining the likely selling price for your business, and what drives this value is very important. With the right information you can make an informed decision about whether you should continue to own this business, buy another business, retire, or do something entirely different. Value drivers are varied, but the following are the most influential; barriers to entry, risk profile, sunrise or sunset industries, customer base, location, likely buyer demand, ease of operation, how long the business has been operating and comparable market evidence. All of these factors will determine what multiple of earnings a buyer might pay.

If you are considering selling your business, it is also important to consider whether you would buy the business yourself. Are your books in

order? Are your premises clean and tidy and well organized? Is your stock in good order? There are many aspects to preparing your business for sale, but the important point to note is that you should probably be running your business like this anyway.

Kevin Atkinson, Franchise Manager of the LINK network.

(09) 555 6007. kevina@linkbusiness.co.nz

The authority on selling businesses

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Sell your business with LINK Today!

17

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The

South African

I could swear my dog is psychic

by Eve Hemming

P

ooch is the kingpin of our diabolical doggy brigade, which lends itself to us experiencing high-voltage mayhem in an otherwise serene sanctuary. He’s our precious, besotted, idiotic Staffie with mascara-lined brown soppy eyes that have the ability to make me melt. He gets away with murder and does unthinkable things, like sneak into our bed in the middle of the night. We wake up in the dark hours hanging 10 on either side of the bed, while Pooch has centre stage with his four paws skyward, airing his balls to the nocturnal world.

He’s a couch potato, not a rabbit hunter. Jock of the Bushveld would totally disown him. When we watch a movie on the box he gets the best seat.

I am going away and Pooch has smelt a rat. Okay, well there are a few suitcases around and some boxes that he’s tripping over in the passage. That may be a bit of a giveaway, but heck, I could swear that he’s psychic. I mean I do talk to my dogs a lot and I’m particularly inclined to ask Pooch advice about deep existential stuff, like — “What do you think, Pooch?” He’ll tilt his head to one side and give a nonsensical response. And that completely satisfies my need for a profound opinion.

I haven’t told him a thing — not even a hint or a whisper of what I have up my sleeve. I haven’t consulted with him one iota. But he’s assimilated it via osmosis. He just knows.

Tonight when I had my bath he came and sat at the side of bath, climbed up and doggie-groaned at me, as though to ask if he could jump in too. And he hates water. He has also taken to climbing into my bedroom cupboard and sitting on all my shoes, making them squashed and misshapen.

And as I write this, he is sitting on my feet. It’s like having the FBI trailing my every move. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has tapped my phone and has a far better knowledge of English than I have given him credit for.

We do make our lives difficult by being animal lovers. Besides the dogs, we have seven resident guinea fowl, two geese, two muscovies and two mallards. It means that every time we go anywhere we need animal sitters. This requires a page of instructions of who to feed what to, in what containers and at what venues, as each pet has acquired an impressive CV of eccentricities.

Life would be dull without them, but gosh there’s a down-side to getting attached to them all, particularly to Pooch.

The other canines, Gypsey, Paddy-Stix and Scallywag, seem oblivious of what’s going on. But Pooch … mmmh?

   

I am going far away for a while and I can’t take Pooch with me. That makes for a bitter-sweet sort of poignancy about our time left together. But big, inordinately clumsy Staffies don’t fit into suitcases and aren’t allowed on aeroplanes. He has surmised all that and is seriously miffed.

• Eve Hemming is a local educationalist. “ This article was written shortly after I was offered a permanent position in NZ... the packing up had just commenced, and I felt that an initial subtle way to let my readers know that we were migrating was through Pooch, as I was at the time a freelance columnist for The Witness in KZN, SA.”

                                                       

    

 

                18

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The

South African PROPERTY CORNER This regular feature is written by Richard Pearce of Barfoot & Thompson, Residential. In this issue we present practical advice on:-

Keeping warm this winter

W

inter has arrived, and this is a good time to review our options to keep our homes warm this winter.

Insulation Thanks to current building regulations, modern homes are properly insulated with insulation in the ceiling, walls and under the floor. But if you are living in a home more than 10 years old, it is worth checking.

For homes built before 2000, the government Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority “energywise” subsidise 33% of the cost of installing ceiling and under-floor insulation up to a maximum subsidy of $1,300. Go to www.energywise.co.nz for info.

Home Ventilation Systems (Smartvent/HRV/DVS/MoistureMaster/DryMaster and others) I think these systems are fantastic as they have low operating costs and give you a warmer, drier, healthier home. There are numerous brand-names available, which all have their own unique designs and you can do your own research on which suits you the best. I have included the basic information from Smartvent as an example….

A Smart Vent Positive Pressure system draws fresh, drier air from the roof space or from outside and passes it through a medical grade filter before gently distributing it around the home via diffusers set in the ceiling. This process positively pressurises your home, forcing out moist stale air around gaps in windows and doors or through special exhaust vents. Continually cycling your home with fresh, dry air removes air borne toxins, harmful pollutants and dust and dust mites.

The diagram below shows the system on a day when the sun is heating the air in the ceiling cavity. The system can thus heat your home, but only on sunny days.

Heat Pumps / Air Conditioners Heat pumps are basically space heaters. They provide convenient, efficient, thermostatically-controlled heating that can be set to switch on and off automatically at different times of the day.

A heat pump works by extracting heat from the air outside your house and bringing it indoors. It’s like a refrigerator in reverse. By trying to cool the world it can extract heat, or vice versa. The diagram below shows the basic components and operation of a heat pump.

Heat pumps shift more heat than the electrical energy consumed in compressing the refrigerant and running the fans, making them highlyefficient methods of heating – up to 3 times as much in the right conditions.

Owners of homes built before 2000 can apply for a $500 subsidy from the EECA “energywise” for installing a heat pump, but this is only available if the ceilings and under-floor have already been insulated.

More details, product c ompari s on s and advic e on installing heat pumps can be found on www.consumer.org.nz/reports/ heat-pumps.

Traditional Electric Heaters Traditional electric heaters such as bar heaters, blow heaters and oil fin heaters are cheaper to buy but more expensive to operate. They are fine for occasional heating, but consider a heat pump if you use them regularly.

Gas Heaters and Wood-burners Properly installed gas heaters with flues are cost effective. Woodburners are fantastic if you have a free supply of wood, but can be expensive if you have to buy the wood.

Stand-alone gas heaters have the disadvantage that the by products, carbon-di-oxide and moisture vapour stay inside your home.

So, think about and decide on your heating solutions and enjoy a warm home this winter.

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The

South African

Sons 0f Play

Left to right: Jean-Pierre Senekal, Conrad Kühn, Tobie Marais, Frikkie Senekal, Elmar Marais Picture by: Maegan McDowell

T

he wheels are now in motion for the heats of the 2012 Battle of the Bands National Championships which run from mid June with the regional and national finals in August 2012. One of the bands who will be fighting to win is South African band Sons of Play.

SONS OF PLAY is an Auckland pop rock bad who have been together since early 2011. Their music is a unique mixture of own individual styles combined with a variety of other styles ranging from pop to rock. Their signature sound of a mix of catchy melodies, smooth vocals, punchy bass, drums, and the odd guitar solos is easily recognizable.

The passion, originality and drive of these five hard working musicians, all from South Africa, explodes in their live performances - whether they are playing 60’s rock such as their song ‘City Lights’, or the more pop/rock orientated song ‘The Ship’.

Band members are Tobie Marais (guitar and vocals), Conrad Kuhn (lead guitar and backing vocals), Jean-Pierre Senekal (Bass), Elmar Marais (keys and percussion) and Frikkie Senekal on drums.

Their musical influences include artists such as Cold Play, Jack Johnson, Train, Avalanche City and Mumford and Sons. Part of the success of this band relies on their mutual respect for and understanding of each others

musicality as each member plays an active role in the song writing process.

The diverse musical background and taste of each member adds to the creative mix during their jam sessions where most songs emerge.

Their gig list has included numerous performances to pub and club based audiences - the recent being a great success in which they performed their latest song ‘New Day’.

While taking every opportunity to gig, these guys are also working on new material to present at this year’s Battle of the Bands National Championship, with sponsors Juice, Converse and The Rock FM. This annual event promises to highlight a vast array of musical talent within New Zealand, and no doubt SONS OF PLAY will be in their element as they battle to gain a place representing their region in the National Final held in Auckland in August.

SONS OF PLAY will be live at the Juice Bar on Thursday, 21 June Check out their details on www.facebook.com/sonsofplay

“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.” Suze Orman



At Kingdom Financial Services and with over 20 years of financial experience, we have been helping individuals and companies (large and small), develop good financial principles and planning.

Our seven fold structure includes: -

Protecting your loved one’s Financial Freedom Mortgage Structuring Health Care

- Restructuring of ACC levies - Peace of Mind - Seven Sound Business Principles

For more information contact Braam Swanepoel 09 440 9029 Email braam@kingdomfs.co.nz Web www.kingdomfs.co.nz

                   

           

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The

South African

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS Come and be a part of the vibrant ex-pat SA community here in auckland.

Join in the fun and help each other by networking effectively.

SOCIAL EVENTS: NORTH SHORE - We have a monthly fun social get together at the Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay on the first Friday evening of each month starting at 6pm. Kids allowed. A cash bar is available and a light meal will be on sale.

OUR NEXT SOCIAL This is due for Friday 1st June and is going to be where we get together and ‘chew the fat’. There will be pizzas for supper and we will have laidback music to entertain you. It is a good time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.

The next meetings to be held in June will be on Wednesday 6th and 20th and in July the 4th and 18th.

If you would like to be on our North Shore business mailing list, please contact Richard Pearce on r.pearce2@barfoot.co.nz or on 0508 742 4273.

He will make sure that you are informed of all business events.

If you are aware of any other SA Clubs in the Auckland region, please contact the editors.

We would like to get new chapters up and running in Central, East and West Auckland.

If you know of suitable venues, please let us know.

BUSINESS NETWORKING: As new immigrants you will be given a chance of introducing yourself to our regular attendees and we will ensure that you are entered on to the SA Biznet data base in order for all members to be able to access your details. Bring some of your business cards!

NORTH SHORE - Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Browns Bay Bowling Club, Bute Road, Browns Bay commencing 6pm.

Whether you’re new to NZ or starting to sound like a Kiwi, let’s talk.

You don’t have to be born a local to be treated like one. You can apply for a personal or business loan with the team at your local Westpac branch, so you can get a straight answer, straight away.

Riaan Wilson Business Manager L3 Corinthian Towers 9-11 Corinthian Dr Albany Phone (09) 448 0926 Mobile 027 498 0756

Eddie Biesenbach Mobile Mortgage Manager Westpac Birkenhead 29 Birkenhead Ave North Shore Phone (09) 478 0676 Mobile 027 208 8968

Michelle Hutchens Personal Manager Westpac Albany 219 Don McKinnon Dr Albany Phone (09) 414 3928

Applications for finance are subject to Westpac’s applicable lending criteria. An establishment charge may apply. See www.westpac.co.nz for further details. Westpac New Zealand Limited

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The

South African

Leaders and Misleaders

by Andre van Heerden Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue. Duc de la Rochefoucauld

I

n an age that loves to debunk heroes, leadership models can be hard to find. Thomas More, beheaded on the orders of Henry VIII in 1535, is today criticised for worldliness and ambition. However, flawed and fallible like the rest of us, he nevertheless died for a principle that was as important then as it is now: power should not be abused.

Who was the leader, Henry or Thomas More?

Today, the Machiavellian Henry, is remembered for six wives and a frequently wielded axe; More, by contrast, still inspires people across the political spectrum becaus e he refused to accept that the king could do as he Andre van Heerden pleased, and that wrong could be made right through legislation. The implications for leaders today are compelling.

Understanding leadership begins with definition, which is problematic given the clutter of opinions. Consider three well-known definitions: “Leadership inevitably requires using power to influence the thoughts and actions of other people.” Abraham Zaleznik Leadership is provided “by enabling, by teaching, by coaching, and by helping people to excel.” Michael Feiner “Leadership defines what the future should look like, aligns people with that vision, and inspires them to make it happen despite the obstacles.” John Kotter Zaleznik’s definition matches Henry VIII, while Feiner’s would not fit Napoleon, for example. Kotter’s thoughtful contribution might apply to either of those rulers, and others, yet there are many workplaces where vision, alignment, and inspiration draw commitment from people whose interests are thereafter violated on the altar of expediency. That is not leadership; it is misleadership.

“To mislead” is the opposite of “to lead”, and the dictionary defines ‘to mislead’ as “to deceive, or to misrepresent reality”; in other words, to lie. If it is true that “the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality to oneself and to others”, as leaders are challenged to do hundreds of times each day, then seeking personal advantage through dishonesty cannot be leadership.

Leadership stands or falls on personal integrity. We should not even use the distinction between good and bad leaders; we should simply

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distinguish between leadership and misleadership. This approach enables us to understand the concept of leadership more profoundly.

Ironically, Peter Drucker once claimed that Hitler, Mao and Stalin were the only great leaders of the twentieth century. The reality is that quite apart from the misery and destruction wrought by these men, their so-called utopias proved ephemeral. Significantly, Drucker also said that leaders had to have followers. Hitler, Mao and Stalin never had followers – they only had the bribed, the broken, the beguiled, and the bad. Coercion, intimidation, and exploitation are antithetical to leadership.

Teddy Roosevelt believed America “wouldn’t be a good place for anyone, unle s s it was a good place for everyone”. His dictum encapsulates the essence of true leadership: respect for the dignity of all people and the honest dealings that exemplify that respect.

In the light of these insights, the following definition seems to afford a better understanding of what we should aim for in leadership development: “Leadership inspires people to be the best they can be in mutual pursuit of a better life for all.”

Human imperfection means that no one could ever be the perfect leader in every situation, but we are all capable of instances of great leadership; leadership development is about multiplying those instances. History reveals few true leaders, but the unrecorded history of ordinary people would reveal many, particularly among parents and teachers.

Leading is less about skills and ability than it is about attitude and character. Skills and ability are important, but not sufficient: they can be misused or left unused. Attitudes and character are dynamic qualities determined by personal choice. Sound judgment in one crisis does not preclude the possibility of failure in another. Leadership happens in the present moment, and depends on wisdom and character there and then.

Asked to identify the qualities they admire most in leaders, the culturallydiverse participants on my program always give the same responses: integrity, honesty, respect, wisdom, confidence, compassion, vision, courage, perseverance, fairness, humility and self-control. What they all admire are, in the final analysis, the essential qualities of leadership. That’s why selfleadership has to be the first step.

The above is a précis of Chapter One of Leaders and Misleaders by Andre van Heerden.

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The

South African

Lamb Curry Recipe • Cook time: 3 hours

METHOD

Add to shopping list

1 Preheat oven to 300° F. On stovetop, add the ghee or the butter-and-oil mixture to a large covered pot or Dutch oven and turn the burner to medium-high.

Brown the meat well and remove it from pan.

INGREDIENTS • 2 lamb shanks AND 2 lamb shoulder steaks (yielding about 2 lbs of meat without the bone) • 1 large onions, chopped, about 3 1/2 cups • 3-5 cloves of garlic, crushed • 2-3 Tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or 1 Tbsp olive oil with butter • 2-3 Tbsp curry powder • 2 tsp salt • 1 Tbsp black pepper • 1 Tbsp ground coriander • 1 Tbsp cumin • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped • 1 tsp thyme, dried • 1/2 Meyer lemon sliced (with rind) • 2 peeled and chopped apples (tart green granny smith if possible), about 2 cups • 1/4 cup of raisins (my addition to Maria’s recipe) • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth* • 8-12 small potatoes, quartered, about 1 1/2 pounds • Chutney, yogurt, rice *If cooking gluten-free, use homemade chicken stock or gluten-free packaged broth.

2 Add curry powder to the ghee or oil, turn the heat down to medium and cook gently for a minute or two. Add onions and garlic and cook 5 minutes. Return lamb to pan.

3 Add coriander, black pepper, cumin, rosemary, thyme, sliced lemon, apples, raisins, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Cover the pot and put it in the oven.

Cook for 2 hours. Check at 2 hours to see if the meat is falling off the bone.

It should be starting to do so. Add the potatoes and cook for another 45 minutes.

4 To serve, you can pull the meat off the bones or leave it on. Taste for salt and add some more curry powder or cayenne if you want things spicier. Serve over rice with chutney and yogurt.

Yield: Serves 6 Source: Simplyrecipes.com

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       

              



                        

   

    

                                                       

         

    

                    

  

     

    

     

        

                

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The SA issue27.indd 23

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17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland New Zealand

Immigration Service you can Trust (established 1993)

New Zealand is slowly coming out of the recession and there are now more skilled jobs being advertised in most of our cities.

Christchurch will be needing hundreds of skilled people to assist with the rebuild, so trades people as well as civil and other engineering posts are now becoming available.

North Shore immigration with their wealth of experience & sound reputation can assist migrants relocate to New Zealand as providers of highly personalised service, from temporary, permanent and business visas.

For those business people that would prefer to work for themselves, they can either start a brand new business in New Zealand or buy an existing business via the Long Term Business Visa. There are also two investor categories of $1.5 million & $10 million. Please contact us for more info at email: sim.woodberg@nsis.co.nz

We provide specialist immigration solutions for: U Residence (Skilled Migrants, Business, Family) U Business Visa (Entrepreneur and/or Investor Categories) U Work Visa (for those who have a job offer, based on their skills & experience) U Work/Student visas for their immediate family members U Student Visas for those who wish to study in New Zealand, and U Job Search Visas for students who have completed their NZ studies.

We also offer help and assistance with: U unabridged birth certificates U police clearance certificates U passport renewals U translations U assessment of overseas qualifications U obtaining NZ registration for occupations where this is required. website: www.nsis.co.nz

The SA issue27.indd 24

email: info@nsis.co.nz

Simona Woodberg

ph: 09 415 3392

31/05/12 11:45 AM