AmeriNZ 412 – Returning to normal mode

amerinz_podcast_1400x1400-2016This week I’ve been starting to get back to regular life after my holiday. February is already shaping up to be a busy month. I start today with updates to what I talked about last week, then it’s on to some of the new things I’ve been doing. I’ll be getting stuff done this month, if things go to plan.

Be sure to Like the AmeriNZ Facebook Page for all things AmeriNZ.

Links for this episode
”The long short month” – My blog post on the start to my February.
“Fiji Trip 2024” – The tag for all trip-related posts (when they’re published).

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AmeriNZ 411 – Island idyll

amerinz_podcast_1400x1400-2016This episode is about my recent trip with family to Fiji. This is sort of a general update. Next time, back to regular life!

Be sure to Like the AmeriNZ Facebook Page for all things AmeriNZ.

Links for this episode
”Travelling gratitude” – My blog post on my trip-related gratitude.
“Fiji Trip 2024” – The tag for all trip-related posts (when they’re published).
“The annual increasing number: 65” – My annual birthday blog post, with my selfie.
“Fifteen years later” – My post about the 15th anniversary of our civil union.

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AmeriNZ 348 – Midyear

amerinz_podcast_1400x1400-2016We’re in the second half on 2019 already! I talk briefly about that before going to NZ news, specifically, some recent changes that will affect tourists coming to New Zealand. There was also a weird rightwing social media freakout over a cake. Plus a couple other stories, along with a “me” update.

Be sure to Like the AmeriNZ Facebook Page for all things AmeriNZ!

There are several ways to send me an audio message—this earlier post lists them.

Links for this episode
“At the midpoint” – My blog post on the midpoint of this year
“Information about the NZeTA” – NZ Immigration
“Paying the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy” – NZ Immigration
“Americans will need a travel document to enter New Zealand, starting Oct. 1”Washington Post
“It’s just cake” – My blog post on the rightwing overreaction to the NZ Prime Minister making a cake.
“ACT Party rebrand: no name change, will focus on repealing hate speech laws”Stuff
“One pipe dream fantasy remains” – My most recent blog post about the rightwing “Christian” parties in NZ.
“Sunny is eleven” – My blog post about Sunny’s birthday.
“Teatotaling test” – My blog post about trying no-alcohol wines.

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Visting Takapuna’s Beach


Earlier this week, I was in Takapuna for awhile, so I went and visited the beach there, which is the subject of my latest brief YouTube video. I haven’t been there in awhile, so it was nice to stop by.

Being winter, it was a little cooler than I would have liked, but the beach was still quite busy, anyway. The clouds were moving pretty quickly, so an area of beach that was in full sun one moment could be in shade the next. I didn’t realise that was happening until I edited the video.

I’ll let you in on a secret: At one point in the video I have a title that says it’s looking toward the Pacific. The truth is, on the eastern side of Auckland’s North Shore (where Takapuna is), everywhere one looks toward the east is looking toward the Pacific, though there may be islands in the way.

I used that phrase to give some sort of geographic orientation to foreigners, and so they’d know what ocean they were looking at. But that part of the North Shore isn’t really directly open to the ocean (because of islands). So, the label I added is a little misleading: It’s true, but probably not quite in the way some viewers will take it.

It was one of those times when simplicity was better than strict accuracy, something I’ve run into before when I’ve made these videos. Actually, I’ve learned a lot of things since I started making them. I’m sure that as I continue to learn more, and as I get more confident, I’ll make longer videos.

At any rate, making the videos has been fun. And, it’s always nice to have an excuse to visit favourite places.

This is another crosspost with AmeriNZ Blog, something I wanted to share here, too, because it gives some behind-the-scenes information about the video.

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AmeriNZ 300 – Matariki

I’m all over the place today—appropriate, in some ways, for the three hundredth episode. Today’s is a normal episode: I begin by talking about some things going on in New Zealand, including Matariki, and also some things going on with me. Next, it’s feedback, starting with an audio message. This lets me talk about a few more things. Thanks for the feedback!!

There are several ways to send me an audio message—this earlier post lists them. (http://amerinzpodcast.com/?p=1549)

Links for this episode
Matariki Festival
Search is on for the first Aussie gay couple to wed – NZ Herald
Photos may solve Earhart mystery – Stuff
How Google Will Use High-Flying Balloons to Deliver Internet to the Hinterlands – Wired
Slowly into the future with UFB – NZ Herald
Who can adopt in New Zealand? – Site of a group called Adoption Option

Please leave a written comment, an audio message using the SpeakPipe widget, or on Audioboo or Skype (user name on both is AmeriNZ), or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com (you can email me an audio file, too, if you want).

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AmeriNZ 257 – Winter now

It’s winter, and a new season means some new changes, and I start with that. The deck is finished, which is good. I had some health news which was less good, but not horrible—yet. I decided I’d talk about that in case it’s of some help to someone else. From there, it’s updates on the natural disasters plaguing New Zealand, including news from today on the Christchurch earthquake. As part of that discussion, I play a clip from my other podcast, 2Political, in which I talked about liquefaction. Despite the serious subjects, I still manage a few giggles, of course.

Links for this episode
No snow: Mother Nature’s cruel blowNZ Herald on our mild winter
Raw video of the 6.0 aftershock – The video I posted to my blog that Roger and Jason were referring to
5100 lose homes, 10,500 in limboNZ Herald
2PP057 – 15 June 2011 – This is the episode of 2Political Podcast that I excerpted

Please leave a comment, ring my US Comment Line on 206-666-5172, or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com.


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AmeriNZ 253 – Missing holiday

It’s a bumper holiday weekend edition! And by that I mean, it’s just longer than usual. I begin today by talking about the four-day Easter holiday weekend in New Zealand. We were robbed of a fifth holiday this weekend. Next, I talk a bit about our previous weekend.

My main topic today is an extensive NZ election update. First, I set the stage by describing the situation, before talking about polling and offer some opinions as to why it is as it is. When I talked about List candidates, I accidentally skipped over an important part. Do you know what it is?

Once again, phone and written comments let me expand on the issues discussed.

Join Nigel for his The Third Colony show on Saturday, April 23 at 9pm EDT (Americas; 1pm Sunday, April 24 NZ).

Links for this episode
Another place new to me – My blog post on our trip (with photos)
National climbs closer to record high in latest poll
Key: We can’t help your price pain
Govt use of RNZAF aircraft doubles
Labour’s asset sales campaign runs into road rule problem

Please leave a comment, ring my US Comment Line on 206-666-5172, or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com.


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AmeriNZ 228 – Busy in New Zealand

amerinz_podcast_150x150I begin today with a story about produce. Well, it’s an international dispute, really. Then it’s on to the story of the fall from grace of New Zealand’s first openly-gay Member of Parliament. A jet even gets a mention today. Phone messages and comments round out this episode.

Join me on Pride48.com for a LIVE AmeriNZ Podcast on Thursday at 7:30pm Eastern (in the Americas, 11:30am Friday in New Zealand).

Be sure to listen to Nigel LIVE on The Third Colony Saturday, 9-11pm Eastern (in the Americas, 1pm Sunday in New Zealand) on qnation.fm. Go to their website for how to listen, or to join the chatroom.

Links for this episode
NZ wins 90-year Australia apple war
5-hour Europe flight step closer
Hello Nessa
Today’s closing music is “Blood Pressurize” by Glen Phillips, from the Free Glen Phillips Sampler

Please leave a comment, ring my US Comment Line on 206-666-5172, or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com.


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AmeriNZ 173 – The people have spoken

amerinz_podcast_150x150Okay, two things: This episode is EXTRA long, and it doesn’t end when you think (listen for my added special tribute at the end). After two weeks, I think you can allow me some extra time.

Today I tell you about our trip to Northland—our honeymoon. First up, I have some historical information for the date I actually recorded. Fast forward if you want. After that, I give the final (I think) update on the referendum I’ve been talking about. My main topic is our honeymoon in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. Comments and email let me expand on a number of things—first, being an expat, and second, the upcoming AmeriNZ Live podcasts. A special tribute is at the very end—don’t fast forward Too much!

Links for this episode

My take on the referendum results
A blog post exposing connections.
Voting results show christofascists are toothless in New Zealand.

Please leave a comment, ring my US Comment Line on 206-666-5172, or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com.


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AmeriNZ 167 – Travel New Zealand

Image EDITI begin with some breaking news, then onto something from the NZ news. After that, the main topic: Visiting New Zealand. I share a few tips and tricks and resources. Comments and then that’s it for this week.

Links for this episode

NZ Road Code
New Zealand Tourism videos
The “Lord of the Rings” Location Guidebook

Please leave a comment, ring my US Comment Line on 206-666-5172, or send an email to arthur{at]amerinzpodcast.com.


Get AmeriNZ Podcast for free on iTunes

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