The SA issue 04 by The South African Magazine

The

Issue number 004

August 2008

South African

CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Free

Inside Walking the Waitakere

Destination on your doorstep see page 4

South African Sportsmen Ernie Els see page 16

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From the

editor

The

e have only published three issues to date and now we have Issue No 4 of the South African magazine. The response has been overwhelming. A big thank you to all of you who have wished us well and have supported this exciting endeavor. We have lots in store for you and we are trying new things all the time. This month, for the first time, I sent an e-mail version of the magazine to over 50 people and asked them in turn to forward the copy to their friends and family. Well, the response has been very good and I will continue doing this. The South African has been sent to Canada, UK and South Africa. It is a large file, but if the recipient has broadband, it can be downloaded easily. So we are now international. Once again thank you to the block advertisers. We are getting new interest from advertisers every month with Telecom coming on board contractually this month. We would like to keep the magazine topical so if you have any ideas that you think we could use please feel free to send in your articles or ideas for future magazines. We are trying to stay away from some of the doom and gloom that you see on TV and the press at the moment by providing you with the positive success stories of some of our entrepreneurs. We are in an election year so some politics might feature in The South African closer to the time. We have a new series of restaurant reviews which I will be doing on a regular basis being the foodie that I am. I am enjoying the diversity and quality of the restaurants in Auckland. There are some exciting places to visit like the Bracu restaurant in the middle of an olive grove in Bombay Hills. I hope you enjoy this issue and keep the letters coming in.

Regards, Peter Woodberg

South African EDITORS

Peter Woodberg

email. e-mail: jepwood@xtra.co.nz

Ted Woodberg

mob: 021 791 284 e-mail: ted.samag@gmail.com

ADVERTISING Jan Coetsee

mob: 021 153 4418 e-mail: jan.samag@gmail.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES ph: 09-520 4107 Fax: 09-520 4127

Postal Address

The South African P.O. Box 303 250, North Harbour, AUCKLAND 0751

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS SANZ Chairman - Brian Casey ph. (09) 476 1996 email. sanzba@xtra.co.nz SANZ Business Group - Lesley Langer ph. (09) 970 3837 email. lesley.langer@apl.co.nz Die Afrikaanse Klub - Phillip Langenhoven email. die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

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 also be a platform for South African immigrants living in New Zealand 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.

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Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, LETTER OF THE MONTH Each month we will highlight a specific letter from a reader that we feel deserves special recognition. This month we were blown away by a poignant report from a South African immigrant teenager who wrote a story about her dad as part of a school assignment. She achieved an ‘excellent” award for her assignment. To preserve its originality we have not made any changes to the text. It is reproduced in its entirety on page 12.

Dear Editor,

I have recently seen copies of the South African magazine in my doctor’s waiting room. I have been a member of SANZ for a number of years since arriving here and would love to be on your mailing list as I miss the “Connections” publication. I work with a number of South Africans and try to help them settle in. I found your magazine very interesting and well presented. Many thanks,

Kind regards,

Susan Evans North Shore AUCKLAND

Our family, (my husband, 2 children and I) emigrated here nearly 2 years ago. The process has been amazing and we love New Zealand. When we left South Africa my sister wrote me a very moving letter. Unfortunately she is still in Johannesburg and I miss her like a part of my soul is missing. I am sure that everyone who has emigrated feels the same emotions ….both bitter and sweet. I would just like to say to all the “expats” that they are NOT alone when it comes to the “loss” that you feel after emigrating.

Thank you,

Penny Stockenstroom AUCKLAND

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“DESTINATIONS ON YOUR DOORSTEP”

Walking along the Waitakere We continue our fascinating series on recreational venues close to home…

For those of you who enjoy tramping in areas of stunning natural beauty, there is much to see and experience along the rough and rugged coastline of western Auckland, The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is about 50 minute’s drive west from the centre of Auckland, situated along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Here you can see wild surf, rugged bush-clad hills, hidden waterfalls and pools, gurgling streams, primeval forest, beaches decked with black sand, bleak towering cliffs, breathtaking vistas …….need we say more. One has to experience the invigorating sea breeze and beautiful bird life for oneself in order to appreciate the ambience of the area. There are several documented routes that one can take that are prepared walkways with stunning view sites all equipped with benches to avail the weary tramper of a welcome rest and a look out on to a vista of incredible beauty. There are a number of picnic spots, many with tables, games areas, barbecue pads and toilets. The Waitakere Ranges have gone through a fascinating history of deforestation and ultimately of conservation, in order to preserve this pristine area of natural coastline. In 1894 Sir Algernon Thomas convinced Auckland City Council to create a park of 3500 acres in the Nihotupu area, forming the nucleus of what is now the Waitekere Ranges Regional Park. At the time much of the area was covered in kauri trees, the timber of which made excellent spars for sailing ships. The wood is straight with an even grain, has few knots and is easy to work; so the abundant forests became an ideal target for the logging industry. Soon timber mills had sprung up all over Auckland from Henderson to Onehunga, Whatipu, Karekare, Pararaha and Nihotupu. Felling the timber was one thing, but getting it down to the coast for transportation along the coastline to a wharf at Paratutae was another. This is where the ingenuity of the timber men came to the fore. The massive

trimmed logs were sent careering down greased chutes, or, where possible, took a watery route. One of the great tragedies of the felling of the kauri in the Waitekere Ranges – apart from the catastrophic loss of primeval forest – is that it was enormously wasteful. In some areas only half of the timber felled was actually taken out of the forest, and a large number of logs driven downriver became waterlogged or were severely battered, rendering them useless. By the time the timber millers had finished, they had taken 1.2 million cubic metres of timber and left only bare hills and a few small, remote stands of mature kauri forest. Today the forests once denuded by the timber men are well on their way to recovery. There is a variety of flora and fauna to observe and enjoy along these magnificently rugged coastal walks. All of the trees shed colourful flowers that will decorate your walkway and the songs of the birds in the trees as you traverse the tracks will echo in your head long after you have left the verdant canopies of kauri and kahikatea forestthat line the routes.

For more on these spectacular walks refer to the following:Dench & Parore, Walking the Waitakere Ranges, New Holland 2004 Harvey, B . Untamed Coast – Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges and West Coast Beaches Exisle Publishing, Auckland, 1998. Waitakere Ranges Protection Society: www.waitekereranges.org.nz

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IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FOR NEW KIWIS

Provided by North Shore Immigration Services as a guide to new immigrants

We present the third item in this series which deals with finding a place to live

Renting a House W

hen you arrive in New Zealand it is a good idea initially to rent a home while you decide where you wish to

live.

Since New Zealand has a high level of home ownership, the stock of rental housing is less extensive than in most other developed countries. Prices and quality vary and it is always advisable to visit a property personally before signing a Residential Tenancy Agreement. First appearances can be deceptive – make sure you check the basics. Parts of New Zealand can be cold and houses that do not get a lot of direct sun may have problems with dampness during the winter months. Factors such as proximity to transport, shops and schools, as well as the general feel of the neighbourhood, also need to be taken into account. It is a good idea to find out about all your legal rights and responsibilities well before signing a lease. The Tenancy Services division of the Department of Building and Housing can help you with this. Most rental properties are unfurnished, apart from an oven, a laundry facility and things like curtains and carpet. The landlord does not have to provide a heater so, in some cases; you may have to provide your own. Demand for good quality rentals is high. It may take some time to find a suitable property and, when you do, you will usually have to make a quick decision.

Finding a Rental Home WHERE TO LOOK The To Let columns in the newspaper, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are a good place to start. You need to phone about places early, as the best flats/apartments and houses go quickly. You can also search online Property to Rent in the NZ Herald newspaper, or the TradeMe Property- To Rent Section of TradeMe online.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS Many real estate agents also deal in rental properties. Their commission charges are due only once a rental contract is completed, and these should not exceed one week’s rent.

LETTING CENTRES These centres will usually charge a fee for you to look at their listed properties. The fee is generally less than that charged by real estate agents, but it is worth the expense.

TENANCY AGREEMENT It is the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with a Residential Tenancy Agreement. The Tenancy Agreement sets out the conditions of the lease. This should be in plain language and a tenant should never sign anything he or she does not understand. Both the tenants and landlord sign the agreement and keep a copy. However, anything in the agreement which is different from the law has no effect. For example, if the agreement says tenants can be given a month’s notice, this cannot be enforced, as the law says tenants are entitled to either 42 or 90 days’ notice, depending on the situation. A landlord cannot enforce what is outside the law and tenants cannot give away their legal rights.

TYPES OF TENANCIES Periodic tenancies Any tenancy that is not for a fixed time, and continues until the landlord or the tenant ends it by giving notice, or the Tenancy Tribunal orders that the tenancy is over. This is the most common form of tenancy. Fixed-term tenancies These finish on a date recorded in the agreement, and neither the landlord nor the tenant can end the tenancy earlier. Fixed-term tenancies not fully covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986: • tenancies of less than 120 days • tenancies of five years or more, in which the Tenancy Agreement states that the Residential Tenancies Act does not apply. It is a good idea to seek advice from Tenancy Services before signing a contract for these types of tenancies.

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South African

The Peens Family in their shop :from L to R - Daughter Aletta, son-in-law Danie, wife Nellie, daughter Alida and big daddy Fred.

SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSMEN IN NEW ZEALAND

Fred Peens of “Fred’s Fine Foods” By Ted Woodberg

y first impression of Fred Peens when I spoke to him on the telephone was that of a young, energetic businessman in his early forties. His enthusiasm was electric and I was amazed by his high degree of business savvy.

Fred is the powerful figurehead behind a huge food and grocery outlet in Auckland simply known as “Fred’s Fine Foods.” So I decided to write him up as our next “SA Businessman in NZ.” I went through our regular list of questions with him and we got on famously until we came to the question of his age. When he told me that he will be EIGHTY in September 2008, I laughed and said “Yeah, right!” But he was quite serious, and once I had his full life story, I believed him. Fred Peens was born in Benoni, Transvaal, South Africa during the 1920’s. He grew up during the recession years of the 1930’s and his instincts of frugality and economic survival were engrained on his personality from his experiences during this era of international hardship. There was a demand for technical skills in those days, so Fred became a boilermaker and he began his career as such in 1951 with the national S.A. steel manufacturer ISCOR. He continued studying and after a 7 year course he became a design draughtsman. His promotion led him down to Iscor’s plant in Newcastle, Natal, where he became a senior manager, but the young Fred Peens was not destined to progress his work career as a “company slave.” No way.

In 1969 he left Iscor and started his own engineering company, “Boschpick Engineering,” with its core activities relating to the foundry industry. Fred had absolutely no formal training in business management, but he learnt the hard way…from the school of “hard knocks!” Fred wanted to make it a family business, so he brought his sons into Boschpick after they had done the relevant apprenticeships in the industry. The business prospered and over the years it became an integral part of the Northern Natal engineering sector. As the South African political arena began to change, Fred and his family became more and more frustrated and concerned about safety and security. Fred and his son Carel came to New Zealand for the first time in 1994 as part of a Rugby tour by the Springboks. He was very impressed with this country and it sat in his mind as a possible immigration destination should he decide to move away from the home country. He eventually made the decision in February 2002 to emigrate here and he brought with him his wife Nellie and two daughters, Alida and Aletta, with their respective spouses. His three sons decided to stay behind and they are now the mainstay of Boschpick Engineering.

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In order to obtain permanent residence, Fred wrote a business plan for a food and grocery outlet and presented it to the immigration authorities. He needed to obtain immigration points in order to qualify as a skilled migrant. The immigration department was so impressed with the business plan, that they gave Fred and his family immediate permanent residence. They used the business plan to start “Fred’s Fine Foods” and the family

G E O R G E

has not looked back since. Fred has always been a good cook and his love for food is manifested in the skillful way that he runs the business. Today Fred is a highly respected businessman in Auckland with an extremely successful food outlet at 52 Oteha Valley Road which is run by his extremely capable daughters Aletta and Alida and son-in-law Danie. Alida and Danie are no strangers to running successful food businesses. While in South Africa they bought the Longhorn / Steers franchise and ran it extremely well for about 12 years before they decided to emigrate. Fred still retains dual citizenship with both South Africa and New Zealand due to his business ties with both countries. He recently became involved with the Massey University Business School as a presenter of papers on the subject of “Immigration Entrepreneurs.” This is a far cry from the boilermaker from South Africa but it certainly is an indication of how pure grit and determination can turn the mediocre into the giant success that Fred Peens is today. Congratulations Fred! Let’s hope that your octogenarian years bring you more success and happiness than ever!

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KIWI-BORN AUSSIE AUTHOR LOVES SOUTHERN AFRICA!

An interview with Tony Park By Ted Woodberg

ild safari game parks and busy city car parks are all part of a day’s work for best selling Australian author and PR consultant, TONY PARK.

Why? Because this renowned writer spends half of his life in the stark savannah plains of Southern Africa and the other half as a city slicker in the sweet suburbia of downtown Sydney, Australia.

What a hard life! Tony has no children, otherwise the varied life as a jungle junkie and city dweller would be difficult to manage with school going kids. His wife Nicola loves it. It encompasses an enviable lifestyle that few in this world can enjoy and still afford. “It is both dangerous and exciting,” she says, “because you never know what is going to happen when you encounter the wildlife in their natural habitat. I remember once being woken in the middle of the night by some young lionesses that had accidentally walked into our camp. We lay frozen with fear in our sleeping bags as they sniffed around our tent poles, coughing and pawing at the ropes. They must have been after more accessible quarry because they soon lost interest in us and moved out into the night, much to our relief.” Nicola is a qualified information technology consultant, so when they aren’t hitting the hunter’s trail in Africa, she is involved in IT contract work in Sydney. 0349 have SA ASB Ad.pdf PM of the globe and in The couple made good 4/8/08 friends on2:08:45 both sides

Tony Park in a Zimbabwe Reserve

the process acquired a working knowledge of politics and current affairs in sub-Saharan Africa without losing touch with the events taking place in the western world. They have a lovely home in Sydney where they spend six months of the year living in the “real” world. Tony works as a freelance writer, trainer and public relations consultant which allows him to take his long breaks every year in Africa without affecting his income stream in Australia. Come the dry season in Africa, Tony and Nicola lock up their home in Sydney and head off for the heavily populated waterholes of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mapumalanga and Mocambique. They have a tent stored permanently in Africa on a trailer that they dust off once a year and connect to their Series 111 Landrover, which is also kept in storage while they are in Sydney. Then they look for a part of this wild subcontinent that they haven’t explored yet and set off for their annual safari. The pleasure of the African Safari also becomes the tools of Tony’s trade. Whilst on “holiday” Tony meticulously studies the local affairs and politics of the area that he is visiting as part of the research for his books. During one of his expeditions he came across a group of game rangers in Zimbabwe who were nursing a young rhino male that had been orphaned by poachers. Once the little rhino was able to fend for itself they released it back into its natural environment, but they had to make regular calls on the guy to make sure that he was coping alright. During these visits they obviously offered him something to eat. As he grew up he identified the Parks Board vehicle as a source of food. Eventually the rangers left him to his own devices and he grew up to be a fine specimen of black rhino. If we think that the only African animal that never forgets is the elephant, think again!

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Tony Park in Land Rover - stranded!

Once during a recce of the area where the rhino had his territory, Tony came across the animal while traveling in his own green Land Rover, which resemled a Parks Board vehiclea Parks Board vehicle. The rhino mistooko immediately recognized Tony’sthe vehicle as his dinner ticket and started chasing it with all his might. He must have been hungry! Fortunately they were able to escape from the fury of the wild animal who eventually gave up the chase. I have personally seen huge holes in vehicles that have been caused by rhino horns, so Tony and his entourage were lucky to get away unscathed.. Tony’s books are truly amazing. I have already read two of them and I am blown away at his knowledge of the local culture; the flora, fauna and geography of the region hat he is writing about. I do not know of a single South African author who can so vividly describe places and events in Southern Africa with such incredible accuracy. His books capture the desire and desperation of this most beautiful country that has been ravaged by war, famine and most recently, evil despotism. His writing is dramatic and serene, leaving the reader with a taste and feel of the mud and dust of the trampled waterholes populated by animals that are as desperate for survival as the poor black people who live around it. No wonder he is the second best selling author in Australia. Tony gives no apology for his stark portrayal of government corruption and greed that has turned this part of Africa into a “no man’s land” for the foreign tourist. Rampant inflation in Zimbabwe

has driven local tour operators and hospitality organizations to revert to the use of American dollars as the most acceptable form of currency. But the dearth of foreign hunters and proper culling operations has lead to an imbalance in the animal population which is now being exploited by poachers. Tony has used this development as a key element in his book “Safari.” Yet the question still remains. Why did this man who was born in Taupo, New Zealand and brought up in Sydney, Australia, decide to develop his writing skills in Africa? “We decided one year to go on holiday to South Africa,” says Tony. “We immediately fell in love with the place and started making regular trips there.” One thing led to another and today Tony has produced five action packed novels based on his experiences that read like tomorrow’s newspaper. Tony also spent some time in the Australian Army Reserve which has given him military insights which he uses effectively in his writing. Tony’s books are available everywhere in New Zealand. His publishers are MacMillan’s and you are welcome to visit his website at www.tonypark. net. His personal message to all of his fans: “Thank you to everyone from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia who has identified with the stories in my books. Your positive feedback has been a great inspiration to me.” And thank you Tony, for enriching our lives with your lovely stories.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The poignant story of a teenage immigrant

here was no way that we could edit this story down to a short letter. Here is the unexpurgated report of 14 year old Claudia Twine:It was a Wednesday afternoon, and my mom and dad had just arrived early from their work. As my mom browsed through the day’s mail, she noticed a large envelope. As she didn’t know to whom or what it was for, she curiously opened to find the ‘The South African Magazine’. As I am an animal lover the cover with the elephants caught my eye. Me being only 14 and picking up and flicking through the pages seemed almost strange to my parents. As I flicked through the pages two articles in particular caught my attention. My mom, sister, grandma, and I are all huge fans of Charlize Theron. No surprise that I started reading immediately. As I am also a huge fan of netball, the article about Irene Van Dyk caught my attention. My hero. Being a Goal Shoot in all my teams I represent, I try to learn from her great skill. Later on when I had finished reading the Magazine, I overheard my parents talking about the advertisement in the Directory. View Road Panel Beaters, Riaan Twine. Proud Dad and Daughter That’s my dad. As my parents work together to run the business I thought it would be kind of cool to go see how possible. What was once a one-man business is now a family business. He the business worked. During school (Orewa College), I have been taking an now co-owns the shop with his wife, Rene. At the age of 43 he is happy optional course about business economics and enterprise. I surprisingly loved with what he has done, and hopes to make his life and the business more the experience, until my last assignment. It was to choose an enterprising worthwhile, and his last quote was to think about, “Nothing is impossible, person and evaluate them. As I sat there thinking how I would pull this off, no guts no glory”. it hit me. My dad. My family had previously owned a panel beating company Overall I think the person I interviewed was a great entrepreneur. His in South Africa, so he was determined to bring his passion and love for the success came from experience and knowledge, not many people can say occupation to a new country. My parents fell in love with New Zealand and that they have been in the same type of trade their whole life, and not many so did I. Leaving all my other relatives was hard but the new home and new people can say they have started their own business after moving into a friends were worthwhile. Being only 6 when I moved here, it was hard for me completely different country. The market research was not only appropriate to learn how to read and write a new language, as I had just started learning but also contributed widely to the success of the business. His problem how to read and write in Afrikaans. So there I was in front of the computer solving skills helped a lot during certain obstacles while his people skills with the cursor flashing. When I knew what I was going to write about advantaged his networking. His piece of advice is both inspirational and nothing stopped me. I didn’t come out of my room until I was completely helpful to any young people interested in the business field. Although his done. I didn’t know if I was going to pass as my evaluation was written on advice is unusual it is true and is worth thinking about.” such a personal angle. My parents knew only briefly about the assignment, 0350 SA Directlink Tax said Ad.pdf 2:05:59 He gave me a teary eyed hug and “Thank4/8/08 You, I Love you!” PM as I had to interview my dad. Little did they know that this mark was going to go on my report card at the end of the term. About 3 days later my teacher, Mr Butler, gave me back my evaluation. He had kept it for last to hand out. I was anxious and worried whether I had passed or not. He gave it to me then smiled. I glanced at the cover and saw an “E” written in red. I was so excited to go home and tell my parents that I had received an excellence! I read my concluding paragraph to my Dad: “Riaan grew up knowing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and he knew he wanted to start his own enterprise. He has worked his entire life in the same trade. With experience in knowing about co-ownership he still had weaknesses such as lack of administration skills due to doing work in a more practical sense. Because he moved to New Zealand in 2000, like many immigrants he had to familiarise and stabilise him and his family before moving on with his career. After leaving his family business in South Africa there was only one thing he wanted to accomplish. To establish another. After having many offers from various business owners, he settled on a steady job. Whilst working, he kept an open eye on available commercial properties. After finding a suitable location he had to relocate in order to make his goal

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SA Born Joan Lardner: Making her Mark on New Zealand Social Culture Introduced by Jan Coetsee

oan Rivlin was born in the small Eastern Cape hamlet of Jamestown near Aliwal North where her father was the District Surgeon. Joan’s parents spoke Russian at home, with Yiddish and German as alternative languages, but the young Joan was also exposed to another language, Afrikaans, because that was her nanny’s home language. However, she recollects that her parents spoke Afrikaans to her on occasion.

and in her role as volunteer community worker since her retirement is hardly possible. How she keeps up the busy pace, is an inspiration to many much younger people.Her current “roles” include: Chairperson of Committee of M a n a g e m e nt A u c k l a n d A c c e s s Community Radio and presenter of Radio Shalom (Sundays at 9.00am on 104.6PlanetFM); member of management committee – North Shore Citizen’s Advice Bureaux; Trustee NorthcoteBirkenhead Facilities Trust; Trustee Takapuna Community Facilities Trust; Chairperson North Harbour Budgeting Service; Secretary Auckland District of Social Services; Secretary PHAB; Life From a very early age, Joan was member PHAB; Life member Takapuna exposed to an academic and intellectual CAB; Life member of NZ Association Joan Lardner-Rivlin receives the Queen’s Service Medal from New environment. However, Jamestown had no of CABs; Life member of North Shore Zealand Governer-General, Anand Satyanand during a ceremony in public library and her childhood memories Council of Social Service; Life Member Government House, Auckland. include how her late father taught her WIZO (Jewish Women’s Group); Member to create her own library – complete Injury Prevention Forum Auckland with a card system that catalogued every story book in the family’s book City Council; Volunteer Co-ordinator of Senior Unit of Ministry of Social collection.Joan also fondly recollects how the family – father, mother, Joan Development (in which capacity she frequently flies to Wellington to attend and Michelle (a younger brother) regularly engaged in debates around the meetings!); Member Age Concern Council; Member Management Committee supper table and discussed stimulating themes.Her father’s duties as District North Shore CAB; Life member YMCA; Volunteer worker at Northcote office Surgeon included making house calls to patients on farms in the district. of CAB . Joan often accompanied him on those trips and acted as the official “hekIn addition to being awarded the QSM, Joan is also the proud recipient oopmaker” of the numerous farm gates en route.Needless to say, those early of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, which is the highest recognition for childhood experiences probably honed the young Joan’s sense of community outstanding personal service by Rotary International. involvement that would eventually influence her choice of profession. Spending time with Joan Rivlin-Lardner is a unique experience.She The idyllic platteland lifestyle was eventually exchanged for a few years is inspiring, amusing and a reliable source of bits of valuable history of in Benoni where Joan matriculated and enrolled for a course in social work community development in and around Auckland that desperately need to at Wits.Her formal education was completed with a diploma course at the be recorded for the next generations. London School of Economics after which she worked as a social worker Joan’s enduring love of Afrikaans is still evident in her frequent “reciting” specialising in community development in England, South Africa, Zambia from well-known Afrikaans poetry and prose, and her ability to express her and Hong Kong before settling in New Zealand in 1971 where Joan worked inner emotions in that language. for the Auckland Regional Authority as Social Advisor. We sincerely hopethat she enjoysherfuture years in order that she can Married to Derick Lardner, and by now the mother of David, Judith and impart invaluable gifts of knowledge and experience to the next generation. Vigdor, the young family moved to a house in Beachhaven where Joan still lives in the same happy community of friendly neighbours after 3 decades, and surrounded by her eclectic book collection and dozens of welcoming Dr Bernie Brenner colourful pot plants. MB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA) Gynaecologist and Uro Gynaecologist In the ensuing 36 years, Joan Lardner-Rivlin’s name became synonymous with several initiatives that would lead to her being awarded the Queen’s Specialising in: • Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic Service Medal (Services to the Community) at the age of 80! Assessments She initiated the establishment of the Auckland Youth Workers Association, • Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking introduced the Citizens Advice Bureauxto the North Shore, established PHAB • Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy (an organisation providing services to hundreds of physically handicapped • Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including able-bodied young people based on a model she got to know in London), Laser • Office Hysteroscopy for diagnosis of menstrual problems and was instrumental in establishing many similar community spirited • Gynaecological Ultrasound organisations. • Laporoscopic Surgery - for removal of Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts and Even in her retirement, Joan Lardner-Rivlin’s diary reads like that of Endometriosis a busy CEO of a large public company.Regularly attending meetings of a Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford diverse range of organisations keeps her busy and alert – and extremely well For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz connected with public and political decision makers. Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz To compile a complete list of Joan’s achievements in her chosen profession,

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7/8/08 1:23:38 PM

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South African social evening at Browns Bay IN HIGH SPIRITS!

ho says the South African community in Auckland can’t have fun together?

On the 4th July (Independence Day?) a whole heap of “oulanders” descended on Browns Bay Bowling Club for a fun, social evening.

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The live music was provided by Craig Newth and his band and by the looks of things, a great time was had by all. For dates and venues of future fun events please contact Peter Woodberg on jepwood@xtra.co.nz

11:10:25 AM

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7/8/08 1:37:44 PM

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South African

Norma Vaz and Chris Thom.

Above: Anne Wales and below Josik Smith with some other guests.

The band:”DNA” - Andrew Miller (Sax), Craig Newth (Giutar & Vocals) and Dave Tobeck (guitar), Drummer: normally Terry Taylor! ( here Graeme Bruton’s son fills in during a break!)

JIM PRETORIUS B.Ch.D M.Ch.D (Pret)

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7/8/08 1:25:40 PM

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GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN SPORTSMEN

ERNIE ELS - “Mr Big Easy” By Ted Woodberg

“I

’ve never been a very technical player,” says Ernie. “I don’t get caught up in swing positions and mechanics. When I work on my swing, I’m looking for feels. I get all kinds of people telling me I have the best swing in the world – I know it’s beautiful and effortless….”

And SO EASY! Ernie Els, by far the best South African golfer since the inimitable Gary Player, has been dubbed “The Big Easy” because of his size (1.9 metres) and

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the easy way that he swings and strikes the ball with so much success. Ernie towers over his arch nemesis, Tiger Woods, six years his junior; and his constant competitor on the PGA and European Tours. Tiger has reigned supreme as world No 1 golfer during the latter part of Ernie’s career and has always posed a challenge for Ernie. In 2002, arguably Ernie’s best year, he went to America after winning the Heineken Classic at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. He then totally outplayed Tiger Woods to lift the Genuity Championship title. He then took home his fourth World Match Play title, along with his third Nedbank Challenge in the last four years, dominating a world class field. 2003 gave Ernie his first European Tour Order of Merit. He also performed well in the United States with back to back victories at the Mercedes Championship and Sony Open. To top the season Ernie won the World Match Play Title for a record tying fifth time. 2004 was another successful year as Ernie won 6 times on both the PGA and European tours including big wins at Memorial, WGC-American Express Championship and his sixth World Match Play Championship, a new record. This year was the start of the “Big Five” era, which described the period in golf history where Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Phil Mickelson dominated the game. But where did all this fame and incredible fortune start?

7/8/08 1:25:47 PM

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South African Way back on October 17, 1969 in Kempton Park, east of Johanannesburg, South Africa, Mrs Els gave birth to a miracle son. He was named Theodore Ernest Els, and as a boy he played rugby union, cricket and tennis. He also enjoyed playing golf and started his involvement with the sport at age 8. He did excel in tennis and won the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships at age 13. However, at age 14, after beating both his father and his older brother at golf, he decided to give his full attention to the game. He goes on to achieve prominence at the tender age of 15 by winning the Junior World Golf Championship in the Boys 13-14 category. In 1989 Ernie won the South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship and turned professional the same year. Ernie’s first big international win took place in 1994 (at age 25) when he won the U.S. Open at the Oakmont Country Club. Unlike most of his contemporaries, Ernie is known for his willingness to participate in tournaments all around the world. He regularly plays in European Tour-sanctioned events in Australasia, Asia and his native country of South Africa. He says that his globe-trotting schedule is in recognition of the global nature of golf, but it has caused some friction with the U.S. PGA Tour, an organization that would prefer Ernie to play more tournaments in the U.S., for obvious financial reasons. Ernie has chosen to ignore these overtures, which emphasizes his love for total independence from organized golf. After all, he doesn’t really need the money. Records indicate that during his career to date he has earned over 30 million American dollars on the PGA tour and over 20 million Euros on the European Tour. Not bad for a “boy from the bush” east of Joeys! Ernie’s passion for golf extends beyond the game itself and he has been instrumental in designing some of the most stunning golf courses in the world including the course for the Mission Hills Golf Club in China, The Whiskey Creek course in Maryland USA and the Oubaai course on the Garden Route, Southern Cape, South Africa. He has also embarked on the setting up of a charitable foundation which supports golf among underprivileged youngsters in South Africa and a highly regarded winemaking business. Ernie married his wife Liezl in Cape Town in 1998 and they have two children, Samantha and Ben. When Ben turned five he displayed symptoms of autism, and Ernie has been a protagonist for the disease ever since. Their main residence is at the Wentworth Estate, which is close to the Wentworth Golf Club in the south of England; but the family plans to move to Jupiter Island, Florida soon, in order to get better treatment for Ben’s autism. While living at Wentworth, Ernie was responsible for the refinement and modernization of the West Course, which became part of the burgeoning golf complex that has grown out of the Wentworth Club. For a homegrown boy, Ernie has certainly shown to the world that we South Africans have a lot to offer. Especially the little known fact that for 700 weeks Ernie has been in the top ten in the World ; nobody has been in the top ten for longer than this. This is quite a unique record, and it belongs to Ernie, nobody else. Well done, Ernie. You have continued what Gary Player started in inspiring young South Africans to look at golf as a sport of choice. Golf is unique, because if you play well, you are rewarded. The “team” can NEVER let you down. YOU are the team!

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The South African Shop www.saproducts.co.nz ✔ nationwide delivery

✔ groceries ✔ biltong ✔ boerewors ✔ liquor and much much more • 74 Clyde Road,Browns Bay Ph: 479 3647 • 170 Wellington Street, Howick Ph: 533 7085 • 2B Arklow Lane, Whangaparaoa Ph: 09 428 0850

7/8/08 1:25:54 PM

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Introducing a new series on restaurant reviews written by Peter Woodberg. OUR FIRST RESTAURANT IS

Palace of India

s part of an ongoing restaurant review this is a new segment for all those epicureans who love to eat out.

I love curry and being a Durbanite I am addicted to a good mutton curry. When I was 10 years old, I was introduced to good curry by the Indian ironing lady that came in once a week. In between her ironing chores she used to cook up an incredible curry that all the family could enjoy. Our food at home was typically British with a limited amount of spice and mostly boiled food, but once I had the taste of spice and garlic, that was it for me. I have eaten anything that can be curried, but my favorite is still a well-cooked mutton curry. When I first came to New Zealand I travelled far and wide trying to find the perfect Rogan Josh that suited my mutton palate. I went to Kingsland, Sandringham, City Central, New North Road & Symonds Street. Today we are reviewing one of my favourite eateries - “The Palace of India” in Huron Street Takapuna. The restaurant has a special lunch menu which caters for the most discerning curry lover, including chicken, beef, mutton and fish dishes with some very tasty rice dishes, my favorite being the chicken briyani. The speciality of the house is the Tandoori Chicken that is basted with all the spices, flavours and sauces overnight and cooked in a traditional Tandoori Oven that is visible from the dining area of the restaurant. The chef can be seen preparing the Tandoori chicken in his oven.

If you have never tried this, it is a delight. The chicken falls apart and the flavours tantalize the taste buds. Most dishes can be ordered mild, medium or hot and then there is “Indian hot”, not recommended for the faint hearted. The lunches are normally served with rice, a roti bread and salad. A complete meal! Also available is an impressive range of vegetarian dishes, so most people are catered for, even the kids. There is a reasonable range of drinks and wines to choose from, The Palace of India is also BYO. They have two very good Indian beers, Thaj Mahal and Kingfisher, both with unique flavours. There is also a very strong Kingfisher beer that has 7.5% alcohol. The popular perception seems to be that a plate of curry should be a cheap meal and some of the restaurants do have $10 meals, but normally there is more sauce or gravy than meat. Naturally, you always get what you pay for. The quality of the meat dishes at the Palace are right up there with very little fat and cooked to perfection. This restaurant comes highly recommended. Lunches are from $15.50 to $20.00 for a Tandoori platter. Dinner from an average of $19.00 for the main meal, with an abundance of entrees for $6.50. Most fish dishes are $20.00 The Palace of India is situated off the corner of Huron Street and Auburn Street in Takapuna. Tel number for bookings 489-9911 or e-mail info@ palaceofindia.co.nz to look at the menu, google Palace of India Takapuna.

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7/8/08 1:26:01 PM

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Getting back to basics! Christa Welgemoed, our in-house cookery advisor, continues her fascinating series on cultivating a keen culture of kitchen ethics

veryone is in agreement that today’s busy lifestyle leaves little time for family and domestic chores. It is therefore no wonder that preparing home cooked meals has become something of a novelty. If the ingredient list for the meal is furthermore as long as your arm, it is time to get back to the basics - quick, easy yet nourishing meals in a jiffy. A cookery book that I wrote published by Human & Rousseau (Pty) Ltd addresses just that! It is called “The Seven-ingredient Cookbook”. It provides family favourite dishes made with only a few, everyday ingredients. This book provides handy buying tips and recipes for breakfast, easy soup and accompaniments, vegetarian dishes, pasta, chicken, meat and braai recipes as well as something sweet to finish the meal. The following recipe was taken from “The Seven-ingredient Cookbook”.

This simplified recipe for Spanish paella promises to be a hit with both young and old and can be prepared in under an hour. It is enough for four persons but can easily be doubled to serve more.

Paella 250 g uncooked long-grain rice 1 can chopped tomatoes in tomato juice 400 ml clear apple juice 3 ml turmeric

250 g boned, skinned chicken breast, cut into strips 500 g frozen seafood mix 1 can peas, drained

Method Place rice in a saucepan and add tomatoes, heated apple juice and turmeric. Season to taste. Heat to boiling point, then reduce heat. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes or until nearly cooked. In the meanwhile, fry chicken over low heat until light golden browned and cooked through. Add seafood mix and fry for a few minutes. Add chicken mixture and peas to cooked rice and toss lightly to mix. Cover and simmer until peas are thoroughly heated. Serve immediately.

Variations: • Fry 250 g mushrooms in a little butter and add to paella. • Fry red or yellow capsicum in a little butter and sprinkle over paella for a colourful alternative. • Use apricot or peach juice if apple juice is not available. • The health conscious can use wild or brown rice rather than white rice. The seafood mix can be replaced by salmon to boost the omega3 fatty acids!

For the vegetarian, there’s a tasty vegetable dish to try. This dish will serve 4 and is ready to serve within 30 minutes.

Mediterranean Vegetable Bake 1 large brinjal, cut into rounds 1 large onion, cut into rings 3 cloves garlic, crushed 50 ml olive oil

2 green and 2 red capsicums, seeded and cut into julienne strips 250 ml Cheddar cheese spread

Method Sprinkle brinjal with salt and leave to drain in a colander. Sauté onion and garlic in heated oil until the onion is transparent. Add capsicum and fry for a few minutes. Rinse the brinjal under running water, pat dry and brush with a little oil. Place on the rack of an over roasting pan and grill on either sides until golden brown. Add brinjal to other vegetables and mix lightly. Place in a shallow baking dish, season to taste and place spoonfuls of cheese on top. Return to oven and grill until cheese bubbles.

Variations: • Add grilled or fried baby marrow (courgettes) and mushrooms if desired. • Use blanched broccoli and cauliflower rather than brinjal • Replace cheese with 250 ml thick cheese sauce • Mix dried bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over dish prior to grilling. • Sprinkle with roasted nuts rather than using cheese spread. For more information, please visit: http://www.nb.co.za/ or Christa at christawelgemeod@gmail.com.

IMMIGRATION MEDICALS 0800 4 MEDICAL 0800 463 342 Call Christel for all your Immigration Medicals. Excellent rates. During and after hour service. Free follow up consultation. Family discount rates. Best X-ray price and service.

Emergency Immigration and Insurance Medical Services 19

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7/8/08 1:26:09 PM

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THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE

Seether By Ted Woodberg

or those of you who are into post-grunge, progressive heavy metal and hard rock music, Seether will certainly appeal to you. Their driving lyrics are hardly audible, but who’s listening to the words? This is true “head banging” music, so if you don’t have a wall nearby to bang your head on, use a friend! I must confess from the outset that I am not a heavy metal fan, but I found the history behind this band quite intriguing and worth a story. They began on the small scale party and minor nightclub venues of Pretoria, South Africa, where they were born. Their popularity grew and they soon found themselves on the University stages playing to the tukkies and the maties of the Western Cape. The original front men of the early band, known as Saron Gas, were Shaun Morgan, Tyrone Morris and David Cohoe, all of Pretoria. The name that they chose, Saron Gas, did not survive due to its close reference to “sarin gas” which is a deadly nerve agent. This substance has probably been used in chemical warfare to instantaneously disable its victims. Maybe the choice was inspired by their music, who knows? South African record producers, Wind Up Records, asked them to change the name because of this unfortunate reference. They “seethed” with anger at the suggestion that their music was poisonous and so they adopted the name “Seether.” Their first album as Saron Gas, Fragile, on Musketeer Records was released in 2000 and instantly charted. This instigated the move to the bigger role players Wind Up Records who helped them to launch their first major release in 2002 with the album Disclaimer.

Dr Peter Neumann DENTIST • B.Ch.D. (PRET)

Formerly of Pretoria and Durban. For friendly service and a high level of professional care. Consulting rooms: 18 Morrow Street Newmarket Auckland Telephone: 09 524-8399 All enquiries welcome

This highly successful album sparked a nationwide tour which nearly ended up in the studio for their next recording. But, as fate would have it, they were commissioned by Evanescence, an American group, to join them on their world tour of 2003 which postponed their recording plans for a year. On this tour, the band reworked into electric the acoustic ballad “Broken” and had Amy Lee of Evanescence share vocal duties with Shaun Morgan during live performances. Inspired by the positive reaction that the duet got on the road the band headed into the studio and quickly recorded their version of “Broken” which, along with a new song entitled “Sold Me” was featured on the sound track of the 2004 film The Punisher. These songs brought massive success to the band in the US, UK and Australia in particular. Disclaimer 11, an alternate version of the first album with many of the songs re-done and including eight extra tracks, was released to much acclaim in 2004. By now the band had gone through some changes and was fronted by Shaun Morgan (guitar and vocals), Dale Stewart (bass guitar and harmony) and John Humphrey (drums). In 2005 the band released their follow up album Karma and Effect. It debuted at number 8 of the US Billboard 200 album charts and was certified gold in the US and Canada. The album spawned three singles, “Remedy,” “Truth” and “The Gift.” The song “Remedy” reached number 1 of the US Mainstream Rock Charts, becoming the band’s first number 1 single. Shaun Morgan went into rehab for alcohol and cocaine addictions in August of 2006. In October 2007 Seether released their new album “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces” which shot to number 9 in the Billboard 200 album charts, selling 57 000 copies in the first week. The first single on the album “Fake it” reached the top position in both US Mainstream Rock Charts and Modern Rock Charts, remaining on top for a staggering nine weeks on both charts.

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7/8/08 1:26:17 PM

The

South African Seether is currently on tour with Flyleaf, and they are soon due to appear on the main stage with Kiss, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Disturbed and Kid Rock at the Download Festival in the UK. Seether have also just completed a homecoming tour to South Africa, playing Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth in June 2008. Shaun announced after the show that 2009 would be their tenth anniversary and they intend celebrating the event with the release of an album with old unreleased tracks and demos, including the old Saron Gas demos. For a few local boys from the backstreets of Pretoria, Seether have certainly proved themselves as total icons on the international music stage. Congratulations, boys!

The Best U18 Hockey Team in the land!

Time for a laugh There is an old adage that says “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” We agree. Here are some funny letters that have been written by mentally challenged tenants to their equally stupid landlords:-

To: The Boss of this Place 1) The toilet is blocked and we cannot bathe the children until it is cleared. 2) This is to let you know that there is a smell coming from the man next door. 3) The toilet seat is cracked. Where do I stand? 4) I am writing on behalf of my sink which is running away from the wall. 5) I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen. 6) Our lavatory seat has broken in half and is now in three pieces. 7) W ill you please send someone to fix our cracked pavement? Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant. 8) O ur kitchen floor is very damp, we have two children and would like a third, so will you please send someone to do something about it? 9) Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny colour and not fit to drink. 10) Could you please send someone to fix our bath tap? My wife got her toe stuck in it and it is very uncomfortable for us.

he North Harbour Under 18 A hockey team (pictured above) recently won the National U18 boys premier hockey tournament which was held in Hamilton between the 7th and 12th of July this year. They scored a total of 57 goals and conceded only 5, a remarkable record for players so young. Their coach is ex-South African Greg Fritelli and other ex-SA stars in the team are Garrick Fritelli (his son, who also happen to be the captain) and Richard and Brendon Wild. Well done boys! Next stop – the Olympics!

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7/8/08 1:26:29 PM

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Snippets “Emigration the reason for selling” The number of South Africans who give emigration as the reason for selling their home has shot up in recent months as high crime levels and political and economic uncertainty spur the flight of whites from the Rainbow Nation. A survey by First National Bank showed the proportion of homeowners who said they were putting their homes on the market because they were emigrating had doubled between the last quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008, from 9 to 18 per cent. Further research into emigration statistics has revealed that an increasing number of Black South Africans are considering emigration as an option to escape crime and violence, and to afford their children better opportunities.

“South African Jews are moving to Israel” On Monday 21st July 2008, a plane carrying 100 Jewish immigrants landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This was a ground breaking event because it was the first ever single charter by a group of South African Jews who wanted to re-settle in the homeland of their ancient forefathers. Israel lost its identity as a Jewish state prior to its re-instatement in 1948 after many years as an Arab enclave known as Palestine. Jews from all over the world are now returning to Israel as part of “aliyah,” the Hebrew word representing the “gathering of the people” back to the land of their origin, which has huge significance for Jews who acknowledge ancient biblical prophesies.

“New Zealand is a giant transit lounge for Australia” New Zealand has been described in political circles as “a giant transit lounge,” with ex South Africans leading the charge across the Tasman. In 2003, 4187 New Zealand citizens born outside of the country moved to Australia. By last year that figure had climbed to 7 159 people. The country of origin of most of the departures to Australia was South Africa first, followed by India and then England.

PROPERTY WATCH

By Carlene du Toit of Ray White Realty Solutions

“M

igrating to New Zealand could mean foregoing the joy of home ownership.”

This is the implied conclusion of a recently released report commissioned by the government, The Economic Impact of Immigration from 1991 to 2016. The study reveals a significant decline in New Zealand’s home ownership figures over the period from 1991 to 2006, with migrants being particularly hard hit. Home ownership amongst migrant couples dropped from 77.1% to 62.4% over this period. For single migrants the picture is even bleaker with only 48.9% of them owning homes in 2006, down from 61% at the start of this period. Recent arrivals from South Africa will not find these statistics surprising, given high interest rates, the considerable direct and hidden costs of migration, and a punishing exchange rate. The overall decline in home ownership is inevitable, it seems, if one is to believe screaming headlines such as the one in the NZ Herald of 22 July 2008 which claims that “Buying a house is now more than twice as dear as renting.” Andrew King, vice-president of the Property Investors Federation, claims that a 90% mortgage on a house worth $345,000 over 25 years would currently cost a new home buyer $745 a week, including rates, maintenance, insurance and other costs which he contrasts with the national median rent last month of $305 per week. However, this picture is somewhat simplistic because, as King himself points out; rents are set to rise as people perceive themselves to be better off renting. Nor is he correct, in my experience, in asserting that renting will allow a couple to save $20 000 per year. So what should immigrants do who have enough money to buy a house but not one that is adequate for their needs? I would suggest they rent something to their liking whilst investing in their own cheapie rental to get their foot in through the door and to get the tax benefits.

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7/8/08 1:26:33 PM

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