I don't have an iPhone (yet).
I wish I did :)
When I do, you can bet I'll be heading to KIWI-ISE, a collection of tricks and mods to make your iPhone more "Kiwified".
Culture
Things I’ve stopped feeling since moving to New Zealand
photo credit: weegeebored
Locking my car doors as I get in
In South Africa, it’s common sense to keep your car doors locked at all times. I was in the habit of getting into the car, starting the engine, and locking the doors (with my elbow).
I’d feel vulnerable driving around with unlocked doors.
Why I stopped : [...]
Spot the Kiwi accent – Amy Walker
Here’s an amazing display of accents, courtesy of actress Amy Walker.
You might think it’s a little ridiculous, until you hear your OWN accent portrayed, very convincingly
Look out for the New Zealand accent, in between the two Aussie ones – it’s very well done, even the cud-chewing “tcht” of hesitation..
YouTube – 21 Accents
8 essential phrases for speaking New Zealand-ish
There are a broad range of phrases and expressions that are unique to New Zealand. Here are 8 essential phrases you’ll need to know for Kiwi-to-non-Kiwi communication.
Read full story »
Previous Stories
New Zealand smells (like truth?)
Photographer says “toughen up” to immature Kiwis
Kiwi accent explained by Miss-Verständnis
All The Kiwis On The Bus go, “Yip Yip Yip”
New Zealand smells (like truth?)
photo credit: jurvetsonAccording to UltraCrepidate, New Zealand has a unique, uncomplicated “truthful” smell. He writes:
Every once a while, I’d catch a whiff of a very familiar scent. A scent that forever defines a country. A country where hills are greener than green, skies bluer than blue and the people nicer than nice: New Zealand. [...]
Kiwi accent explained by Miss-Verständnis
The beautiful and videogenic Miss-Verständnis runs a “Germification” sort of blog. She’s a Kiwi, relocated to Germany, and trying (like myself here in New Zealand) to get to grips with the local language and culture. In fact, we’re both Antipodeans. (I learned a new word today!)
Miss V presents this educational and entertaining clip explaining the [...]
Tattoo your passport on your face: Tā Moko
“Tā Moko” is the Māori word for the art of tattooing. The finished product, the tattoo, is simply called a “Moko“.
Why tattoo your face?
More effective and long-lasting (plus less maintenance!) than face-paints, a moko is more than simply asthetic.
It’s also, contrary to popular opinion, not simply to “look intimidating”. [...]
Things I've stopped feeling since moving to New Zealand
In South Africa, it's common sense to keep your car doors locked at all times. I was in the habit of getting into the car, starting the engine, and locking the doors (with my elbow).
I'd feel vulnerable driving around with unlocked doors.
Why I stopped : It just feels unnecessary here. (And the locking mechanism in our current car requires more than an elbow!)
Other posts in Culture
- Spot the Kiwi accent - Amy Walker
- Tattoo your passport on your face: Ta Moko
- 8 essential phrases for speaking New Zealand-ish
- New Zealand smells (like truth?)
- Photographer says "toughen up" to immature Kiwis
New Zealand's Hunky Hollywood Hotshot, Cliff Curtis
Cliff Curtis, the man who jets home to New Zealand from LA for 24 hours, and rubs shoulders with the likes of Bruce Willis, Johnny Depp, and Anthony Hopkins, would rather sacrifice making it "big-time" in Hollywood, than live outside of his native New Zealand.
Star of River Queen, Whale Rider, Sunshine, Die Hard 4, and a dozen other Hollywood blockbusters, Clive Curtis says he doesn't want to be "pigeon-holed" into his typical bad-guy terrorist, drug-dealer, gangster role.
NZ Herald reports that Curtis is still paying off a mortgage in his home town of Rotorua. (Now that sounds a bit silly to me.. while choosing not to become a Hollywood "mega-star", surely you make enough money to wipe out a mortgage?)
Other posts in People
- Hayley Westenra, New Zealand's Pure, Angelic Superstar
- World Loves New Zealand's Nuts (Flight of the Conchords)
- Happy Birthday, Lucy Lawless, New Zealand's Favorite Cylon!
- Brooke Fraser, New Zealand's Hottest Export
Why petrol lawnmowers stink (yet manly Kiwis love them)
I borrowed a friend's lawn mower over the weekend, to finally trim our increasingly shaggy lawn, but unfortunately, after 10 minutes the engine seized and died. (due to no fault of mine, I was relieved to discover)
My friend has since purchased another lawn mower to replace the dead one, but I've taken this as a sign that I need to buy my own lawn mower.
Considering that I want this investment into our garden beautification to last me years to come, I've been doing some thinking as to whether I want a traditional petrol mower, or a (battery powered) electric one.
Other posts in Environment
- Tramping: Enjoying New Zealand up-close
- Kiwi critters : Sandflies are nasty things
How to choose your power company in New Zealand
A groundbreaking discovery! In New Zealand, you can pick and choose your power company, as well as the rate you pay!
Yesterday I received a letter in my postbox from "Contact Energy Limited".
The letter basically said "Hello new occupant. Contact us within 7 days or we'll shut your power off (for safety reasons)."
Confused, I questioned my local flock of Kiwis, who enlightened me to the fact that in New Zealand, there are MULTIPLE power companies who can supply you with electricity.
Other posts in Infrastructure
- Speeding in New Zealand is not Fine
- How to get accurate New Zealand crime statistics
- Buy a house in New Zealand - check!
- Good reasons to buy leasehold property in New Zealand
- Buying a house in New Zealand? A builder's report will save your ass(ets)
New Zealand's Wellington Airport is "Wild at Heart"
You have to wonder who came up with the official slogan "Wild At Heart", for what is reputed to be one of the world's toughest runways to land a plane on...
Kiwis will tell you a lot about the perils and thrills of landing at the Wellington airport.
Because of its short runway, and exposure to frequent winds, landings can be bumpy, hair-raising, and "exciting"...
Other posts in Travel
- Hitchhiking, Kiwi Style