Hoki is a type of fish which lives in the crystal-clear deep waters of southern New Zealand. The fish is also known by a number of other names, including blue grenadiers, blue hake, whiptails, whiptail hake, and New Zealand whiting. Its scientific name is Macruronus novaezelandiae.

The long silver fish has very tiny scales and looks similar in appearance to Gem fish. Hoki have a long wedge shaped body that is narrower at the tail, with slim fins and a blue-green to silver color pattern. They have huge eyes and a large protruding jaw that is a feature associated with cod and hake. The large eyes make the fish look like they are perpetually startled.

Hoki is usually sold in fillets and the thick flesh is rich in omega-3 fatty acid, making it a very healthy food. The fresh fish is creamy pink to off-white, firm, lustrous, moist flesh and without any brown markings. One of the key indicators to determine if the flesh is fresh is its pleasant smell. The flesh can be deep fried, pan fried, baked, grilled, barbecued, steamed or smoked.

New Zealand hoki is commonly used for fish and chips, minced for fish burgers and can be found in seafood extender. The fish is one of the varieties used in the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish and McFish sandwiches. It is also favored by reputable restaurants as the dense flesh holds up very well to being sautéd. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, and the fish pairs well with a wide assortment of sauces and vegetables.

Hoki fish are one of the best sources of omega-3 fish oil supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids are nutrients that our body needs but cannot produce. The fatty acids are good for preventing breast, colon and prostate cancer. It is also possible to reduce prostate tumor growth. Cardiovacular disease is minimized when the nutrient is taken regularly.

Omega 3 fish oil supplements can also help improve heart rhythm problems that can cause sudden death. It is also known to prevent psychotic disorders in children and adolescents. Most scientists and health professionals believe that it is the anti-inflammatory properties of the fish oil that enable it to provide so many health benefits.

In New Zealand, hoki comprise the largest commercial fish species. Because of the high volume of catch, fishing is closely monitored to ensure that the fish are not being excessively exploited.

Origin:

Mambo originated in Havana, Cuba in the 40s. The Mambo was originally played as a Rumba with an emphasis on 2 or 4. Once introduced, it fast led to other variations. Although Mambo did not last long and is only danced by advanced dancers today, it led to other styles that became popular such as Salsa and Cha-cha.

Music:

Mambo is an up-tempo dance rhythm, usually around 200 bpm. Mambo, like Salsa is played in 4/4 with all 4 beats being evenly accented. Like a lot of Latin American rythms, percussion forms a very important part of the music.

Dance:

Mambo is probably one of the toughest dances to learn, especially is you are already used to dancing one of the other Latin styles like Salsa. Although the music is 4/4, the stepping is quite different. The steps are taken on the second beat as opposed to the first beat, which is one of the main differences that throw most dancers off. The other difference is that the weight change takes place three times in every four beats whereas only two steps are taken!

Latinos NZ Popularity Scale: 1/10

Mambo is rarely danced in Latin clubs in New Zealand, and is rarely taught in training institutes.

This is a tribute to Lester Roy Dempster who passed away on the 5th June 2009. Lester was the President of the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers. It is through Lester’s efforts we are privileged to have the new Profession of the Conveyancing in New Zealand.

Lester commenced his work in the profession first with 10 years at the former Lands and Survey Dept as a Survey Draftsman and a further 10 years with the Lands and Deeds Registry as an Assistant Land Registrar. Lester was aware under the Land Transfer Act 1952 there was a provision for Land Brokers to provide conveyancing services in New Zealand to consumers as an alternative to traditional Legal Practitioners and Solicitors.

The practice of Land Brokers ceased just before the second world war when the then Minister of Justice and former Lawyer stopped issuing any more Licenses to non-Lawyer Land Brokers as they took away the remunerative work from Lawyers. A series of Court cases ensued and including a challenge to the Registrar-General of Land for the re-introduction of Licensed Land Brokers which was still statute.

Lester obtained his License in South Australia and under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 was licensed to operate in New Zealand as a Land Broker. The Law Society took the RGL to court and Lester intervened and the case went to the Court of Appeal, and was won by Lester who was allowed to practice.

Conveyancing was his passion, and through some very trying times over many years he rose to the challenges of the Legal Fraternity. They could do nothing to stop him from his endeavors. Lester was backed all the way by his very close friends and associates Vicki Dempster and Robyn Renouf. I had the pleasure of meeting a very jovial Lester in April 2002 whilst undertaking a business assessment at the time for LJ Hooker. Conveyancing that were operating in Auckland. It was at this time I obtained my Land Brokers License.

Upon my return to Perth I stayed in close contact with Lester and followed legislation being formed. I was able to provide Lester with some great insight as Conveyancers had been licensed in Western Australia since 1982, and I had worked in a Regulated Industry.

New Zealand Fly Fishing is one of the best trout fishing experiences on earth.

This sparsely populated and mountainous island nation is located in southern latitudes with an abundance of pristine rivers and lakes. All of the above makes for ideal trout fishing conditions. Keen fly fishermen from the USA and the UK, respective homes of fly fishing are regularly found in New Zealand fishing.

The best locations for fly fishing in New Zealand are found on both islands. In the center of the North Island areas around Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro are the main focus for fly fishing with an abundance of lakes and rivers available. A New Zealand Fly Fishing holiday should always include a stop in this region and Taupo is one of the few regions open for year round fly fishing. Fishing the north island is more about rainbow trout than brown trout although not exclusively.

There is a large mountain range running down the length of the South Island and this makes for excellent fly fishing in numerous locations both in the high country and the lowland rivers.

The rivers and lakes behind the cities of Nelson and Blenheim at the top of the South Island include the high country lakes of the Nelson Lakes National Park and the Kahurangi Ranges. There are many rivers that drain the area with the Buller, Owen and Motueka rivers being quite notable. Anglers keen for a New Zealand Fly Fishing adventure will enjoy the incredible mountain scenery and pristine rivers of the area not to mention the abundance of large brown trout. NZ Fish & Game regularly proclaims the Motueka River as having the highest concentrations of brown trout.

The mountains hug the west coast on their journey from north to south and this creates a huge number of rivers and lakes along the heavily forested west coast. They are generally short and fast flowing rivers here but there are many opportunities for great lake and river fishing in this region. Lakes Brunner and Little Moeraki and the Buller/Owen, Grey, Otututu, Arnold and Ahaura Rivers all are well respected fly fishing waters.

Fly fishing the east coast of the south island presents many opportunities in mainly long, broad, slow flowing rivers and streams meandering along to the sea. Again it is more predominately brown trout in these rivers. The Hurunui, Waiau and Waimakariri Rivers and the many lakes at the headwaters of these rivers are popular and reliable fly fishing waters. Further south the Ahuriri and the Rangitata Rivers are always reliable.

The southern high country and the lakes, rivers and hydro channels around Tekapo,Twizel and Omarama are always popular but often heavily fished in peak season. The waters around Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell also allow for fantastic fly fishing in lakes, rivers, streams, all surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.

As a general rule New Zealand Fly Fishing will produce larger trout than found in Australia. Average catches of 4lb plus are quite normal with monster fish of 8lb and more found in many regions each season. The season runs from October to April with a few areas such as Lake Taupo tributaries open for winter spawning season fishing. The peak season is during the summer months of extended day light hours from December to March.

It is necessary for all trout fishermen to be in possession of a valid license which can be purchased from tackle shops, fishing lodges and licensed fishing guides. When fly fishing in New Zealand many anglers find their catch rate soars when they use a local professional guide as they know the waters and entomology well and are expert at seeing the fish, which can be quite hard.

There are a number of dedicated fly fishing lodges on both islands of New Zealand.

New Zealand Fly Fishing is unique in that most waters are open to all people although it is always polite to ask the landholder before crossing their land.

It is wise to choose a lodge which is located overlooking proven trout waters in remote regions which limits the local fishing to lodge guests.

Some of the best regions and lodges for Fly Fishing New Zealand are listed below.

• Lake Taupo
• Motueka River
• Murchison Region
• Queenstown

Conveyancing Practitioners – Who are we, and where did we come from? We complete the same legal work in relation to property and business settlements as Solicitors. You now have a choice.

The story begins; The registry for chain of Title is based on the Torrens systems which was introduced in New Zealand in the mid 1800’s. The transfer of property ownership in New Zealand since the 1800’s, had been undertaken by either Lawyers or Land Brokers. After the Second World War, the profession of Land Brokers dwindled away as the Minister of Justice, and a former Lawyer stopped issuing any more Land Brokers Licenses, as they took away the lucrative Conveyancing work from Lawyers.

The Land Transfer Act 1952 still had a provision for Land Brokers to provide Conveyancing Services as an alternative to using a Lawyer. The Conveyancing Profession today exists due to the efforts of Lester Roy Dempster who sadly passed away in June of this year (2009) Lester worked in the former Lands and Survey Dept as a Survey Draftsman for 10 years, and then spent a further 10 years with the Lands and Deed Registry as an Assistant Registrar.

He was aware of the provision within the Transfer of Land Act for Land Brokers to provide Conveyancing and Settlement Services to the Public, but could not be issued with a Land Brokers License. A series of Court cases ensued including a challenge to the Registrar-General of Land for the re-introduction of Licensed Land Brokers which was still statute. Lester obtained his License in South Australia and under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 was licensed to operate in New Zealand as a Land Broker. The Law Society took the RGL (Registrar General of Land) to court and Lester intervened and the case went to the Court of Appeal. This case was won by Lester who was allowed to practice.

Conveyancing was his passion, and through some very trying times over many years he rose to the challenges of the Legal Fraternity. They could do nothing to stop him from his endeavours. The Labour Government in their wisdom decided change was required and the consumer should have an alternative to Solicitors to complete Property and Business settlements. The parliamentary process began and in April 2006 The Lawyers and Conveyancers Act received Royal Assent. Over the next couple of years Lester, Robyn Renouf and I consulted directly with the Ministry of Justice for the implementation of the Rules and Regulations which govern Conveyancing Practitioners today

Full implementation of the Act came into force on the 1st August 2008. No longer did the legal fraternity have the monopoly on the market. To date there are 8 Licensed Conveyancing Practitioners in New Zealand, and if the Australian Conveyancing Profession is anything to go by the future for this Profession in New Zealand is very exciting. Conveyancing Practitioners are regulated, are required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, Fidelity Insurance and abide by Code of Conduct and Client Care Rules.Many Legal Practitioners will dispute the experience of Conveyancing Practitioners to be qualified to undertake property and business settlements, but rest assured we do have the experience and expertise.

A Diploma in Conveyancing is provided through the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. New Zealand is now world leading in property settlements, with registrations being completed electronically and referred to as e-dealing. In effect this enables registration of documents to be almost instantaneous ensuring the property you are purchasing is transferred into your name, together with any mortgage instrument if applicable. There are only a few documents left which need to be manually lodged with Land Information New Zealand. As the Conveyancing Profession grows, the trend will see a reduction in the number of transactions being completed by Legal Practitioners. This is how the trend went in Australia, and the Conveyancing Profession in some Australian States has been established for well over 25 years.

Technology will play a big part in the way that Conveyancing Services are provided and delivered, that and an increase in competition for market share will tend to stabilise Conveyancing costs to the consumer, and increase the levels of service. Disclosure and transparency will also lead to more security in asset transfers.

The benefits of the new regime will affect everybody involved in a property or business transaction:

• Increase in the level of service delivery.
• Cost effectiveness.
• Security.
• Disclosure and Transparency.
• Effective communication between Professionals and Clients involved.
• Increasing use of Technology.
• Increase in specialists who exclusively undertake property and business conveyancing.
• Knowledge, experience and expertise.

Change is taking place all the time, and some people do not like change but lets embrace it. So get on board with the new face of Conveyancing!

The recent reports bring forth that students aspiring to study in New Zealand would now be able to obtain a student visa in a much easier and transparent way. To make New Zealand a much popular destination in comparison to the UK, the USA, Canada or Australia; a new type of student visa would make way, thus making it easier for the overseas students.

The announcement of a new type of student visa was made recently by New Zealand’s Immigration Minister, Jonathan Coleman and he opined that the introduction of the new type of visa would counter the prevalent red tapism. To make the visa process speedier and less stringent, interim visas would be issued while a student’s application is still being processed. In addition, background checks and medical examination renewals would also only be needed to be completed every three years instead of every two years.

However, all the students would still have to meet all the standard criteria, but the new visa would provide peace of mind for students and would make the enrolment process smoother for education providers. The proposed changes would take effect from February 2011 and would also bring a spite of relief to the 2 billion Dollar education export industry of New Zealand.

Appreciating the changes, Col. BS Sandhu (Retd) CMD, WWICS said that the new changes would surely add to the popularity of New Zealand as a study abroad destination country. He added that students are keen to study in the beautiful country New Zealand; however, the stringent rules and less transparency posed as stumbling blocks. With the new visa type, New Zealand would surely witness more students eager to study in the country.

The tourist brochures paint Franz Josef Glacier as this idyllic not to be missed hotspot that ought to be on every traveller’s bucketlist but it is what they are not telling you that is most concerning. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand then you just have to read this article which tells you about Franz Josef Glacier that New Zealand tourism won’t tell you.

One thing you will want to experience when visiting another country is to meet the locals and hear them speak in their own lingo but a large majority of the people you will encounter in Franz Josef Glacier are non-New Zealand citizens, in other words, english is not their native language. Why is this? If you really want to meet real New Zealanders then go out into the provinces where you will experience real Kiwi hospitality. None of the employer’s in Franz Josef will ever admit that they have hired foreigners in preference to New Zealand citizens.

The area has a lot of rainforests which means that it rains a lot on the West Coast and this can affect your holiday in different ways. One is that many of the activities are weather dependent which means that conditions may not be suitable for taking a flight over the glaciers. You will be provided with indoor options but then you never came all this way just to play monopoly. Then there is always the risk of flooding and slips which can occur during late summer when the West Coast gets heavy down pours.

It is not just the wet weather you need to worry about. The risk of an earthquake happening in the region is very real and is overdue.The faultline runs straight through the village and if it ruptured there will be devastation on the same scale as the Christchurch earthquake. A major quake is overdue in the area and experts have said for years that one can occur at any time.

Power cuts are always a possibility in the area with trees being blown on to power lines so expect the unexpected if you are down that way.

As far as the prices for the various activities go, there is a local-rate and a rate that tourists pay and the difference in prices can be huge. The definition of local is someone who resides on the West Coast but you may be required to provide proof of your residential address such as a utility bill.

I am not trying to put you off holidaying in Franz Josef but rather just informing you that if you want to see the real New Zealand then you need to go to less frequented areas where you are more likely to meet the locals.

You could take a luxury vacation anywhere in the world but what makes Nelson, New Zealand so special? Here we talk about some of the things which can make up a luxury vacation in this ideal location.

Destination

Nelson is situated at the northern end of the South Island and offers golden beaches, a natural harbour, mountain surrounds (on three sides of the city) and is the gateway to Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. Nelson has also become well known for having the most sunshine hours each year in New Zealand. All of these things make for a breath taking landscape and enjoyable climate.

Atmosphere

Nelson also has a vibrant arts and crafts atmosphere with the World of Wearable (WOW) Art Gallery, Hoglund Art Glass Studio & Gallery, Creative Tourism New Zealand and Craft Potters Nelson Inc some of the popular attractions. All of these places allow you to take a look through in your own time at your own pace.

Attractions

On top of the arts and crafts attractions outlined above, there are plenty of scenic locations to enjoy a leisurely picnic or take a swim. If you would prefer to stop at one of the local wineries book a winery tour and get some insight whilst you travel the area. There is also plenty of places to take a stroll including through the weekend markets and shopping centres.

Stay

Staying in Nelson for a luxury vacation will mean looking for luxury accommodation. Resorts and boutique hotels are a great option as they have a restaurant on site which often offer the most delectable cuisine and it means that you don’t have to leave your accommodation to buy food or enjoy a meal.

Many of the hotels or resorts will have packages on offer too, which are perfect for a luxury vacation. These can include enjoying a massage and/or complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates for instance. A ‘pamper package’ simply oozes luxury!

Try and find an accommodation that offers beautiful views too. To truly enjoy your luxury vacation in Nelson you will want to see views of the seascapes or landscapes surrounding you when you wake each morning.

If all of these things aren’t enough to convince you that a Nelson holiday will allow you to enjoy a luxury and relaxing stay, then you need to come and visit to find out for yourself!

New Zealand has been somewhat neglected up until recently as Australia is well recognized as the home of many traders. This doesn’t mean that there haven’t been any traders in New Zealand, just that they probably had to organise to trade with brokers outside New Zealand.

As you can guess from the prior, things are changing direction for the New Zealand trader who has hopes to access the several different markets that contracts for difference can provide. CMC Markets opened an office in New Zealand in 2006 and leading the way in terms of CFD brokers based in New Zealand. This is not surprising, as CMC was the only provider until 2009.

Recently in 2009, IG Markets, which has operated in Australia since 2002, decided to open an office in New Zealand, and it is rapidly growing its customer base. The Australian portion of IG Markets customer base is already about 15% of the company’s global revenue, and IG will be happy if the New Zealand market gives them 10% of what the Australian market is giving them. They were the first provider to offer CFDs in the local New Zealand currency. This is great opportunity for New Zealand traders, as it permits traders to trade international markets, including foreign indices and commodities, in New Zealand Dollars. This nice change makes all the issues with currency exchange price variations and additional costs go away, leaving the trader to consider only the CFD movements without having to worry about an additional variable.

The interests of the financial industry in New Zealand are represented by the New Zealand Financial Markets Association (NZFMA), and this organization promotes the standards for the industry. Just as with most other markets, the New Zealand trader can find CFD dealers that offer contracts on thousands of shares, including all the major shares on the major markets – Australian, European, Asian and from the United States.

The New Zealand market for CFDs has an enormous potential, so it is surprising that it has taken so long before being “discovered”. There is already a financially aware clientele, as New Zealand has a relatively high level of share ownership. In fact, a study conducted by the New Zealand Stock Exchange in 2000 identified that 30% of New Zealanders of voting age owned shares directly. While CFDs are a recent invention, the tremendous potential that they give for leveraging the value of an investment means that it was inevitable that their use would migrate to this country. Couple this with an attractive regulatory regime, and in retrospect the expansion appears obvious.

The CFD market is still in its infancy in New Zealand but the number of retail investors interested in trading the markets are on the increase. CMC Markets is claimed to be New Zealand’s leading CFD (Contract for Difference) provider having moved into the market in April 2006 and opened an office in Auckland. For instance in just one week in October 2008 CMC Markets reported a total trade count of 33,516 with turnover amounting to more than NZD$1.44bn across all instruments. At the time of writing (Oct 2009), IG Marketshave also setup operations in New Zealand and started offering trading in New Zealand dollar-denominated CFDs which means that clients can trade gold, oil, the Dow the FTSE directly in New Zealand dollars and thus avoid currency conversions and foreign exchange fluctuations. IG Markets is hoping New Zealand will provide business equal to about 10 percent of its current Australian base, which has 30,000 to 40,000 clients (with about 20 to 30% of them being active).

The clients are somewhat less experienced in terms of trading the markets and for this reason certain providers like CMC Markets have launched limited risk accounts which provide traders with Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLO) on every trade. This allows traders to exit trades at predetermined prices should markets gap against them which guarantees that traders never lose out more than their original deposit (the catch is that the commissions are slightly higher than the standard account to cover the insurance risk and GSLO’s are only offered on the more liquid and popular trading instruments).

Whether you crave a holiday full of outdoor adventure or a relaxing vacation sampling gourmet cuisine and award winning wines, New Zealand has something for everyone. And, there is no better way to explore this highly diverse country than to rent a New Zealand motor home. With many tourist destinations within a few hours of each other and a well-maintained network of roads and highways, renting a motor home or camper van in New Zealand provides travelers the freedom and flexibility to experience all of the sites and attractions while enjoying all of the comforts of a home on wheels.

With many companies specialising in renting motor homes in New Zealand, it’s helpful to compare prices and availability on the internet. Rates tend to be higher during the summer months of December through February, and the best deals are to be had from May through September. Reputable rental companies will offer comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, and 24-hour customer service. Other features that are also frequently offered when renting a camper van in New Zealand include itinerary planning, kitchen utensils, linens, unlimited mileage, ferry booking assistance, airport pickup, and luggage storage.

Camp ground facilities throughout New Zealand are generally very well maintained and in convenient, and often times, scenic locations. Along with BBQs, kitchen facilities, restrooms and showers, most campgrounds have laundry rooms and playgrounds. It’s always a good idea to reserve space at a campground prior to arrival, especially during the peak season of summer. Although most New Zealand motor homes and camper vans have a shower and toilet on board, it is illegal to discharge this waste into anything other than an approved dump station. Keep New Zealand clean and green. Should you dump the waste elsewhere it will end up in out pristine waterways.

The main pick up and drop off cities for a New Zealand motor home or a New Zealand camper van are Auckland and Christchurch, although some companies have an office in Wellington, Picton or Queenstown. One way hires have a minimum hire period. It is also legal to park motor homes in New Zealand on national park land as long as there is not a “Parking Prohibited” sign posted.

Most first time visitors of New Zealand visit both the North and South islands to experience the vastly different landscapes. Camper vans and motor homes can be conveniently driven onto the Interislander ferry for the three hour journey between the islands. Most rental companies will gladly book reservations for the ferry and provide you with all of the information that you will need prior to setting sail.

When touring the stunning beauty of the South Island, it’s especially important to be aware of the weather. Snow frequently falls in the winter months, and chains are required on some roads. The speed limit on New Zealand open roads is 100 km or about 62 miles per hour. To have a safe motoring holiday, it’s essential to stay within the speed limit and to obey all of the traffic signs. Many of the roads, while well paved and signed, are somewhat narrow and often slick from rain or ice. Photo radar is used throughout the country to enforce the speed limits, and there are strict laws forbidding drinking and driving.

New Zealand is an amazing country with plenty to offer every traveler, and motor homes and camper vans allow the convenience, comfort, and flexibility to make the most of your holiday. Without wasting time checking into hotels or unpacking and packing up cars and suitcases, you can spend your time enjoying the sites and relaxing in your home on wheels. Happy Motoring!