122 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 4 Dec 2009

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

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Left: All Black captain Richie McCaw; retiring Oxford Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hood; soprano Kiri Te Kanawa; film producer Tim Bevan; entrepreneur Wade Thompson (1940-2009)

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in The Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Brisbane Times, The Baltimore Sun, Geo, The Sydney Morning Herald, Telegraph, BBC, The Australian, The Age, Courier Mail, The Times, Guardian, BBC, Empire, Irish Times, Oxford Gazette, The Japan Times and The Sacramento Bee include:

• Richie McCaw “hunter of midfield backs, wrecking ball”, and “the man”
• John Hood gives retiring Vice-Chancellor’s Oration at Oxford
• Kiri Te Kanawa performs in DC, urges students to find their voice
• Tim Bevan, film producer, honoured by Gotham Independents, NY
• Wade Thompson, innovator of American travel and transport, dies , 69
• All Whites into 2010 World Cup with 1-0 win over Bahrain, Wellington
• All Blacks “overwhelm” France 39-12 in Marseille; “best display” in '09
• New Zealand 2009 ski season best yet; 1.5m hit slopes
• New Zealand relaxes migration policy; enticing foreign entrepreneurs
• Robert Wade, economics professor, predicts more recession
• New Zealand, a Lonely Planet Top 10 country to visit in 2010
• Temuera Morrison, sought by Ray Winstone in latest film Tracker
• Elizabeth Knox’s sequel to Vintner’s Luck, published to strong praise
• Ian Grant, Wairarapa, says NZ newspapers have a strong future
• New Zealand ideal place to “gain maximum from everyday life”
• Tekapo-Aoraki night sky World Heritage bid accepted; awaits final ok
• Whale Watch Kaikoura, winner of Virgin Holidays Tourism Awards
• Stuart Dryburgh, cinematographer, brings essential artistry to Amelia
• New Zealanders understand underplayed luxury; “unpretentious”
• ASR Limited’s Bournemouth artificial reef opens; first of kind in EU
• Robbie Deans, Wallaby coach, in purgatory until he beats All Blacks
• Charlotte Dawson, The Contender co-host, talks about men in her life
• Dan Carter sublime Man of the Match against Welsh in All Black win
• Dr Greg Browne, geologist, discovers dinosaur tread, NW Nelson
• Challenge NZ sees UK contestants blog way round country to win
• Otago University researchers study effects of abortion on 500 women
• Peter Dengate Thrush heads “biggest change” since internet began
• Jonah Lomu, 2019 World Cup ambassador and in “best shape ever”
• New Zealand’s low production costs mean US milk ad shot here
• Brenda and Robert Vale, authors, compare SUVs to pets in new book
• University of Auckland develops ice cream to stem chemo side-effects
• Jane Campion’s Bright Star “work of an auteur in charge” of her craft
• Jemaine Clement, Conchord, talks live shows and Predicament
• All Blacks win over Wallabies 32–19 in front of 44,030 in Tokyo
• New Zealand Land Transport act bans drivers using hand-held phones
• Rotorua “think Yellowstone” but with zorbing, caving and luges
• Owen Glen’s NZ-trained Monaco Consul wins $A1.5m Victoria Derby

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DENIS O’REILLY: NGA KUPU AROHA/WORDS OF LOVE, BLOG #36
IT'S THE PUTTING WHITE THAT COUNTS
Den reckons it's alright to be white in Aotearoa. He says he's comfortable in his skin as a card-carrying Pakeha, a member of Tangata Tiriti, and a paid up subscriber to the Treaty of Waitangi. He's a Kiwi, belongs here, and is subject to conservation and protection orders. He recalls past dealings with Hone Harawira but concludes that despite some frustrations with him Hone has an important role to play in our nation building. Den suggests that if he can't be included in Parliamentary politics he returns to the politics of the street and focuses on politicising the brown proloteriat. Responding to Winston Peters' challenge he could join the Maori gangs and lead them past their self defeating behaviours and Gonville lifestyles to become a new form of Nga Tamatoa. Following the death of Martyn Sanderson, Den reflects on this man's life and his use of theatre to resolve Black vs White conflicts and to right wrongs. He concludes "it's the putting white that counts". (3,442 words)

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LOS ANGELES SCREENING FOR
THE TOPP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS
Screening at The Fairfax Cinema, 7907 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles 90048, (323) 655-4010
Fri 4th 7pm / Sat 5th 3pm / Sun 6th 3pm / Mon 7th – Thurs 10th 7pm

Presented by Diva Films, NZ Film Commission, NZ On Air, and SweeneyVesty

“A doco that has you falling in love with two of the crazier people you’ve never met.” Variety (LA). “It takes a very special documentary to deny Michael Moore a top festival prize, but to see The Topp Twins is to fall in love with it.” Screen International (London). “Enormously likeable, warm-hearted, moving and very funny. The Twins have mastered the difficult art of being very funny without excluding anyone from the joke. Part sing-along, part concert, part comedy show, their act covers all the bases.” Eureka Street (Melbourne).

Director Leanne Pooley, Producer Arani Cuthbert
Cadillac Peoples’ Choice Award – Toronto International Film Festival 2009
Audience Award – Melbourne International Film Festival 2009
Best Feature (under $1million) – Qantas NZ Film & TV Awards 2009
Best Original Music in a Feature – Qantas NZ Film & TV Awards 2009

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Here are the Top 10 titles for November:

1. Kea – Mountain Parrot, NHNZ 1993 – Our beloved avian prankster
2. Close to Home, TV 1975 – Roger Hall-created soap of the Heartes
3. Face of Fashion, music video 1989 – Chris Knox's classic facial clip
4. Best of Billy T James Collection, TV 1992 – Billy T at his non-PC best
5. Gliding On, TV 1981 – Series satirising the pen-pushing working life
6. Gloss, TV series 1987–1990 – Yuppies, Walkmen; "cult glitter soap"
7. Face to Face With Kim Hill, TV 2003 – Showdown with John Pilger
8. Not Given Lightly, music video 1989 – Another beaut from Chris Knox
9. Aeon, short film 2004 – Wellington gets the 'time-scape' treatment
10. In a Land of Plenty, doco 2002 – Story of unemployment in NZ

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THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui.

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Top image, Motuotau Island, Mt Maunganui; above, Palliser Bay from Wharekaukhau. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

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You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

121 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 5 Nov 2009

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

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Follow the nzedge.com headlines twice a day on Twitter. Register for updates at http://twitter.com/nzedge


From left: choreographer and writer Douglas Wright; historian James Belich; virtual engineer David Ten Have of Ponoko; writer and academic Denis Dutton; director Colin McColl (px Robert Catto)

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in Daily Express, Newstrack India, BBC, Telegraph, Newsweek, The Times, Maldon Standard, Hindustan Times, Inc. Magazine, Washington Post, The Star-Ledger, The Kansas City Star, The Scotsman, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Fox Business, Vogue, Guardian, The New York Times, Sun, The Age, The Salt Lake Tribune and Horse & Hound include:

• Douglas Wright's Ghost Dance, one of ‘50 Top Gay & Lesbian Books’
• James Belich uncovers “troubled history of Imperialism” in new book
• Ponoko, Wellington co., “designing a factory for the 21st century”
• Denis Dutton, academic, muses “impressive” price tags of concept art
• Colin McColl’s Italian Girl in Algiers not bound by European tradition
• Silver Ferns, win inaugural Fastrack World Series beating Jamaica
• New Zealand accent most attractive and prestigious outside UK
• Suzie Moncrief, WOW, took “art off the walls" and put it on people
• Burt Munro, salt flats speedster, smuggled fuel disguised as wine
• Samantha McIntosh, showjumper, 34, wins at UK's Horse of the Year
• Daniel Vettori “doughty batsman, skilful bowler and shrewd captain”
• Denis Dutton, Art Instinct author, bento boxes elevated to “art”
• Surf City, Auckland band, play NY CMJ Marathon; “buzz band” status
• Stoneleigh enables NZ pinot noir to gain foothold in US
• Fallon Simchowitz, 17, Kansas, bilingual in sign language
• Napier “offers engaging ... concentration of provincial 30s edifices”
• New Zealand tramping “best & most economical way” to see country
• Rhythm & Vines, NYE; Hot Water Beach, 2 of 6 best things to do
• New Zealand base-jumper leaps 421m off KL’s International Tower
• Dr Rob Young, Respiragene, says fear motivator for kicking habit
• FOTConchords’ new album out in UK; “told you they were funky”
• Jane Campion’s Bright Star one of her best films; Oscar contender
• Cliff Curtis, Trauma star and “super hero”, 41, shuns stunt double
• Txt2Quit, 26-week quit smoking programme, offers mobile support
• Matt Reed, US-based triathlete, 34, wins Toyota Cup series, Dallas
• Alyn Ware, peace activist, awarded Nobel alt for anti-nuke stance
• Myfanwy van Hoffen, Zimbabwean immigrant, proud to be a NZer
• New Zealand has “good ideas” when it comes to tort reform
• Dunedin “quirkiest” in NZ with Nude Blacks; Jaffa race; “love train”
• Erebus 30th anniversary sees Air NZ apologise to victims’ families
• Claire Bulman, author, publishes debut children’s book, UK
• Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones to screen for Queen
• Lake Tarawera’s sizzling sandy edge a new sensation for journo
• Jessica McCormack, jeweller, designs 2009 Fashion Fringe trophy
• Kevin Roberts, nzedge co-founder, quizzed on state of the ad industry
• Atconz Real Estate to spend $100m on Iraqi housing development
• Sunil Kadri, Male Entrepreneur of the Year for salmon “fish disco”
• Coromandel “magical”; author Fay Weldon’s favourite place
• Anna Paquin, True Blood star, less Baywatch more Erin Brokovich
• Liam Finn, musician, “forging his own way” in tenor-falsetto, USA
• New Zealand cricket: “meagre resources; better record than England”
• Rodd & Gunn raise bar of excess with AU$30,250 crocodile-skin bag
• Fat Freddy’s Drop compared to 70’s funksters Ave. White Band; War
• Sirocco, randy kakapo, filmed mating with wrong species, a zoologist
• Jonah Lomu, takes on bodybuilding ahead of return to French rugby
• Jane Campion, director, “a friskily spontaneous breeze”, Harvey Keitel

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RUGBY COMMENTARY WITH 'REAL BALLS'
The Alternative Rugby Commentary and its’ host Jed ‘Jedi’ Thian embark on another Northern Hemisphere jaunt in November, following the All Blacks on their end of year tour of the UK to give a fresh, frank and funny look at our national game. For five weeks the House Bar in Wimbledon will play host to the ARC with five confirmed shows for the All Blacks’ autumn internationals against Wales, Italy, England, France and the Barbarians. “If you are a Rugby lover but the guy on the TV has been giving you the s****, then the Alternative Rugby Commentary is where you want to be for this November’s autumn Internationals.” With growing fame all over the world as the driving force behind Alternative Rugby Commentary, Thian has been in the hot seat since 2005, bringing his unique brand of bombastic bluster and acerbic verbal jousting to the staid world of sport commentary. The ARC is simulcast on the web at www.arcrugby.co.nz for “real sports fans all over the world who want sports commentary with real balls.”

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THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui.

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Top image, Walter Peak, Queenstown; above, Mana Island, Kapiti. More pictures at www.paradiseroad.com. Fern symbol via www.nzflag.com.

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You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.

120 – New Zealanders in Global Headlines 21 Oct 2009

From Brian Sweeney, Producer, http://www.nzedge.com/

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SAMOA AND TONGA TSUNAMI RELIEF – Help NZ's Pacific neighbours by donating to World Vision or Oxfam, both working on site with local organisations, or bid at the Artists for the Tsunami Relief art auction at Webb's.

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Pictured: Sir Howard Morrison, Ohinemutu Maori village in Rotorua, Hayley Westenra, Toast Martinborough, Caitlin Smith

NEW ZEALANDERS IN GLOBAL HEADLINES

New Zealand headlines in this sampling of global media appearing in Bradenton Herald, WA Today, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Scottish Sun, The Times, The Salt Lake Tribune, Horse & Hound, The Korea Herald, ESPN, Billboard, Courier Mail, Examiner, The Herald, The Independent, Time, Frankie, Earth Times, Northern Territory News, Star Tribune, CNN, Guardian, New York Times, The Independent on Sunday and The Age include:

• Sir Howard Morrison, entertainer and man of the people dies, aged 74
• Rotorua, “the centre of Maori culture” with hangi pits of smoky kumara
• Hayley Westenra, soprano, 22, to become UK Forces Sweetheart
• Toast Martinborough now in 18th year; 10,000 tickets sell in minutes
• Caitlin Smith, singer, included in Queenstown JazzFest line-up
• 100% Pure campaign tops UN international branding survey
• David Tua, boxer, 36, K.Os Shane Cameron in "smashing fashion"
• Ladyhawke, 30, delirious after scooping six Tuis at NZ Music Awards
• Sir Edmund Hillary still the “greatest living New Zealander”
• Sacha Jones, tennis player, 18, earns biggest career win at in Darwin
• Peter Jackson, director, grapples with lofty expectations − his own
• Margaret Moth, camerawoman, ‘Fearless’ in CNN documentary
• Kerry Fox, actress, ‘Jane’ and ‘Sarah’ in Lantana adaption, London
• Ben Ruffell, cameraman, to make film about US journo come vintner
• Kate Sylvester “the country’s best kept fashion secret”
• New Zealand’s island ecology intrigued Hitchhiker’s Douglas Adams
• Bryan Gould, former UK Labour luminary, counsels Party members
• Robert Fair’s juvenile pranks behind Beano boy Dennis The Menace
• Daniel Vettori and his Black Caps; a team “punching above its weight”
• Cliff Curtis, actor, 41, plays daredevil medic ‘Rabbit’ in NBC’s Trauma
• Kathryn Wilson, shoe designer, opens apartment to Frankie
• Glenn Martin, jetpack inventor, auctions flight on eBay
• Kauri Cliffs, "Pebble Beach but better"; “coolest perk ... hunting”
• Graeme Solloway, trade commissioner, Seoul, promotes tech. ties
• Fashion Week “not an edgy scene so much as on the very edges”
• Stanley Makuwe, playwright, premieres latest work in Zimbabwe
• WOW, Wellington, 21st year, “glorious rebellion against the mundane”

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DENIS O'REILLY: BLOG #35, BREATHE THROUGH THE NOSE
While this website charts the achievements of the nation's go-getters, we also provide breathing room to those who are dispossessed and socially excluded. Of the 238 nations in the world, New Zealand slots in at #125 in population size, yet in the top quartile (#57) in terms of our (racially skewed) prison population. New meaning to the cliché “punch above our weight.” The eloquent rage of Hawkes Bay's Denis O'Reilly – protestor, priest, and poet rolled into one – is felt in each of the 35 Nga Kupu Aroha columns he has written for nzedge.com since September 04. Not much stands in the way of Denis this month – our nation's thinking (“dominated by talk-back rant, angry invective, intolerance, and sensationalist tabloid journalism”), Whanganui Mayor Michael Laws (”a populist white knight, clad in vitriolic armour”), the triviality of political life (“an appearance by the PM on Letterman's talkshow is accorded the significance akin to a huge oil find in the Southern Basin”), white collar criminals (“whilst we call these Maori gangs 'organised criminal groups' they're a far call from the really organised criminal groups, particularly those 'banksters' in the Pakeha financial sector"), and our “criminal justice industrial complex” (“What we are doing now is dumb. It's wrong economically. It's wrong in terms of the human wealth and health of the nation. It's wrong in terms of social justice, and our international obligations around human rights. It is going to poison our society.”) I met Denis in 1979 at Waikato U, giving stage to his views and voice. In my pol sci studies I became aware of one of New Zealand's great civil servants, Secretary of Justice John Robson, whose work is archived in the Napier Public Library. Robson was significantly responsible for the abolition of the death penalty in New Zealand, and was the leading voice for restorative justice and prison reform. In many ways Denis is channeling Robson in his advocacy for strong communities and a just society. Den is a radical optimist; his latest column is Breathe Through the Nose (6,500 words).

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BIRDS OF PARADISE
Jeremy “Newsboy” Wells (Eating Media Lunch, The Unauthorised History of New Zealand) tackles unfamiliar territory in a new TV series Birdland (TVOne Saturdays, 7pm), which has him celebrating New Zealand’s unique bird life and, true to form, it is not your typical wildlife show. Wells freely admits that he’s no expert when it comes to birds and his reasons for undertaking the project are typically atypical. “Sadly every other subject for a television show had been taken. Lush took trains, Hamish Keith stole art and Radar mucked about on a farm. As far as I'm aware birds were the last subject of national importance left to milk,” says Wells. The show takes viewers on an unconventional yet informative journey that soaks up some of our most beautiful scenery, our most glorious birds and some wonderfully eccentric characters of the birding world. During the series, Wells visits the Moa graveyard of Karamea (found only after a eight hour underground caving expedition), meets Woof Woof, the talking Tui of Whangarei, and explores the arcane world of poultry and pigeon breeders at their annual competition. “After six years scratching around insulting minor celebrities on late night television it’s been a revelation to get outdoors and rub shoulders with people passionate about something other than themselves.”

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Here are the Top 10 titles for September:

1. This Is Your Life – Sir Howard Morrison, TV 1989 – Tribute to 'The Sinatra of New Zealand'
2. Flare – A Ski Trip, NFU short film 1977 – Funky promotional doco featuring snow 'ski ballet'
3. Heavenly Pop Hits – The Flying Nun Story, TV 2002 – Run-down on iconic indie music label
4. Best of The Billy T James Collection, TV 1992 – Swansong for much-loved comedian
5. Moa's Ark, TV series 1990 – Investigation into our unique flora and fauna by David Bellamy
6. Woolly Valley, TV series 1981 – Low-tech children's puppet show with rustic charm
7. Britten – Backyard Visionary, TV 1993 – Homage to maverick DIY motorcycle designer
8. Open Door – M.E, TV 2008 – Community-based show looking at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
9. Peter Snell – Athlete, NFU short film 1964 – 800m gold medalist's lead up to Tokyo
10. Kaikohe Demolition, feature film 2004 – Florian Habicht's 'far out' Far North demo derby

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THE NEW ZEALAND EDGE is a new way of presenting our identity, people, stories, achievements and our role in the world. Home to a global community of New Zealanders. Aotearoa whanau whanui kite ao nui.

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Top image, Raumati South; above, Wellington's central cityscape. More pictures at http://www.paradiseroad.com/. Fern symbol via http://www.nzflag.com/.

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You are receiving this as a registered member of the website NZEDGE.com.

You can contact Brian Sweeney by sending an email to brian@nzedge.com.