For those who have volunteered to work through, or who have fallen foul of an unkind roster, it is back to work today (unless of course, you're in retail, in which case, life sucks!) From my office I can see the wind behaving as forecast, howling down the Tamaki, a reminder to boaties that the magnificent weather of the past few days may be coming to an end. The marina has many empty spots, although not as many as previous years, perhaps a sign that the forecasters warnings are being heeded.. The ferries to Waiheke are jammed packed with holiday makers, most arriving early to ensure they don't miss their booking as opportunists wait, just in case, ready to take any last minute space. The return ferries are empty, Waiheke proving to be a better bet than the main land. Between Christmas and new Year is traditionally a busy time for our team (and we're at about 50% strength), with cargo still arriving with every vessel and flight. Our warehouse crew still have containers to unload, and orders to pick pack and despatch. The past few days have seen Christmas come and go, festivities enjoyed now just a memory, and I've consciously tried to avoid the news - the usual mixture of people enjoying their holidays, and the inevitable tragedies that must be suffered as a consequence, especially the traffic accidents and drownings. Meanwhile trade me is doing a roaring trade with unwanted gifts being sold on... hmmm. I was reminded just how fortunate I am whilst riding my Harley a couple of days ago - a guy was out enjoying the sunshine with his dog - he was in his electric wheelchair zipping along the footpath, dog on a leash out the front, both appearing to be savouring the experience. No doubt about it, the small pleasures that some take for granted certainly become pretty important to others. Mike D, one of our young guys is away today, injured after coming off his motor cycle, battered and bruised and lamenting the damage to his beloved bike, but pleased to have spent good money on the gear that saved him from worse injury. Whilst his bike is beyond repair, we're hopeful that Mike will be back at work before too long. The High Court has handed Kim Dot Com the Christmas present he least wanted - the very real prospect of extradition to the USA, and the undivided attention of the FBI. Swapping his Coatesville mansion for a shared cell and trade mark black sweats for prison orange cannot be a pleasant thought. One wonders where his erstwhile friends (at least those who were friends when he was bankrolling them), Hone, Minto, Bradford and co, who like Judas 2000 years ago, compromised all that was holy for a few pieces of silver.
I was amused to see that TV3 had to pay a woman caught smuggling tobacco into a prison $1000 for not protecting her privacy... crazy. Wouldn't it be nice if our judicial system was geared towards protecting the innocent and aggrieved whilst punishing the guilty - none of this airy fairy points of law BS where dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's" takes precedence over what is right. A friend had the misfortune to be driving past the City Mission earlier in the week - apparently the masses intent on claiming food parcels had abandoned cars in the middle of the road to join the queue, smoking impatiently whilst waiting for their free feed. Another friend who works for a charitable organisation which distributes food parcels is used to people complaining about the contents, and how "that person's is bigger than mine"... as evidenced by rampant obesity, it is a long time since anyone last starved in God's own... and no, they don't contain cigarettes... Not to worry, hopefully those in genuine need will not be stampeded by the greedy, and those to timid to step forward will be heard eventually. Christmas 2015 is only a few days away, leaving some of us wondering how it rolled around quite so quickly. What does it mean? There is little doubt that traditions once prevalent have fallen by the wayside – whereas once upon a time, The Post Office was overwhelmed with Christmas Cards to deliver, now they’re few and far between. We used to receive several hundred cards (sending a corresponding number outwards). This year I have seen one card, although I am informed there may be a few more around the office. Rather than send cards outwards, we have made the decision to provide more tangible cash support to local charities. I used to spend weeks leading up to Christmas entertaining clients, boozy lunches and dinners, celebrating the year past and cementing relationships moving forward. In recent years it has proven increasingly difficult to get clients to make time for this – possibly a combination of pressure of time and changes to drink driving rules. Likewise, it is very rare for me to accept any invitations, growing old and curmudgeonly, reluctant to interact with the rowdy set. Our Christmas Party was celebrated at Wildfire in the city, judged a success by all accounts, perhaps a little more restrained than previous efforts (possibly because we are all a year wiser), but an important occasion to mark the passing of another year. So, how has the year been? Thankfully, despite a fairly torrid start, not as tough as many previous years – with the acquisition of long established and reputable companies like World Freight in New Plymouth, Divers and Morgan’s in Auckland we’ve added new business and key personnel. This philosophy carries on our long tradition of growing through integrating history as well as adopting the very latest cutting edge technology. After 30 years in business, we’ve ridden out almost every storm circumstances could throw against us, and as a consequence we’re fairly strong and resilient, more prudent and practical than flamboyant, ready for whatever the next few years may bring. Where our people or clients have needed us during tragedy or misfortune, we’ve stood firm and strong, ready to lend a hand. We’ve also tried be good corporate citizens, “paying it forward” however we can – a large portion of my time is now spent as a volunteer business mentor, helping others “find their way”. Over the years, and as we’ve been able to afford to, we’ve become more socially responsible, and now direct a large part of our earnings back into the community, with various Hospice’s, Cancer and Child related charities, and the Salvation Army being the major beneficiaries. In addition, we have a truck on permanent loan to the Salvation Army – Major Rod came and saw me to get funding for a couple of new stoves for one of their shelters, and left with a truck instead! As a commitment to the future, we purchased our first hybrid truck this year, a 7.5 tonne Fuso Diesel Electric curtainsider that is “state of the art”. As well as the “green” element, we see this as a commercial decision with a theoretical pay back over 5 years Many of our peers in the industry are “off shoring” jobs. Instead of continuing to employ Kiwis, Customs, data entry and processing jobs are being sent to the Philippines, China or Malaysia – a cheaper option. Instead, we’re determined to use the best technology and the best people to become more efficient, keeping jobs here – people before profit. I do despair at this attitude and hope that I never find myself in a tight spot with people used to taking the “easy” option at the expense of their work families. So, we approach 2016 in pretty good shape, knowing that the hard work we’ve put in in the past will continue to provide for us in the future. We live in a fast changing world where failure to adapt quickly usually only has one outcome. It is timely for me to thank all those people who continue to believe in us, who trust us to act in their best interests, and who benefit as a consequence – without you, we are nothing. This includes staff, clients and service providers – we are all reliant on each other to succeed. Enjoy the festive season, take the time and effort to watch a sun rise and a sun set, (remembering to repeat the process often) recharge the batteries – before we know it, the time will come for us to start the process all over again. The on going circus of US politics is more proof than anyone living beyond it's borders needs to be sure that their system is complicated and flawed.
Self proclaimed billionaire Donald Trump is rattling the establishment on both sides of the political divide, outraging opposition Democratic liberals by appealing to many outside the intelligentsia, and striking a chord with "Middle America" as well as those "Rednecks" within his Republican Party. Whilst not necessarily agreeing with everything he says, I do enjoy the outrage sparked each time Trump trots out another gem, often misreported or quoted out of context by those with vested interests. He is openly challenging the "PC sacred cows" that frighten others less able to cope with the barbs and attacks that follow, but that strike a chord with the voters. Other Republican presidential hopefuls, as well as Democratic frontrunner Hilary Rodham Clinton, remain frustrated at the traction and popularity of this unusual and forth right candidate, one who looks to have a strong change of becoming the World's most powerful man. To many Kiwi's kauri hold a sacred place in our hearts, straight and true, noble and precious - those few that remain being revered as totems, reminders of the devastation caused by our hard working forebears. It is my personal view that where possible and practical, and without trampling on the rights of others, Kauri should be protected. Back in March the intentions of landowners to legally fell a kauri on their property in order to build a house drew outrage from all directions. "Green' housewives from their Grey Lynn villas, built from heart kauri with polished totara floors, and greenies from Titirangi (living in homes carved from the bush) sought to exert their will and good intentions to "save" this kauri, ignoring their own rank hypocrisy. A mad activist (whose story was later proven in Court to be a series of lies) climbed the tree and remained in place until a deal was struck between neighbours and the much maligned owners. Whilst unreported, these well meaning neighbours and other "conservationists" undertook to purchase the property from the owners, and could thereby offer everlasting protection. Yesterday a crew turned out to again start work felling the tree, again raising the ire of neighbours and lovies. The owners stand accused of reneging on the arrangement, a mischievous and deceitful misrepresentation of the facts - it is the would be purchasers who have failed in their efforts to "stump up" with the promised cash. Perhaps selling "pot shots" at the latest tree climber could be a money raiser - I'd contribute handsomely for the opportunity. Personally I would love to see the tree remain, but obviously the owners are acting within their rights - unless they are compensated, it is theirs to do with as they see fit. The lovies and protesters should put away their signs and get their wallets out (and I'd be pleased to contribute) - problem solved I have always seen organisations like "SAFE" (Save Animals from Exploitation) as a place young trendies gather to expunge the guilt that wealth brings to those fortunate to have been born into middle class families.
Rather than having to commit their energies into the realities of life, these fortunate few can worry about other things on behalf of us all. Far from belittling these people, I believe they often do great work in highlighting shortcomings in our society - I suppose it is their sanctimonious, holier than though approach that rankles. A week ago they had me, the campaign showing mistreatment of bobby calves striking a chord. Whilst not wanting to become a fully fledged member,I was all set to send off a quiet and anonymous donation, deferred only by the mention that there may be a advertisements set to run in the British media intent on exposing the evils of the New Zealand Diary industry. Surely not? Why destroy the good will they'd engendered with middle new Zealand, the previous mad rantings of front man Hans Kriek being given the opportunity to be consigned to history with a "rebirth" perhaps in the mould of Bob Kerridge. Alas, instead of "sorting things out at home" SAFE and Kriek have again destroyed the opportunity to gain wider public support, a huge Own Goal, and in my view, action that does NZ tremendous damage internationally, an act once known as treason. Sorry SAFE, in you've blown it, my wallet has closed to you (in favour of Salvation Army and Hospice) , my heart has again hardened to you, any good will you had won has gone. Imagine the popularity of a politician who promised that everyone, regardless of how humble or poor they were, regardless of their ability to repay any loan, should and would have a home of their own - Clinton in the early 90's. A policy lauded by social agencies and the liberals who make a pass time out of using other peoples money to defy the normal laws of a free market economy (or to fund their fantasies). To make this happen, banks were incentivised to lend ever increasing ratios (up to 125% of the value of a home), especially to those with little or no equity, safe in the knowledge that any risk (perhaps better described as the VERY real risk) would be underwritten by the Government, thru "Fanny Mae" and "Freddie Mac" Where the numbers didn't work, special "introductory" interest rates were applied, heavily discounted for the first year or two, with a "Balloon" payment to catch up - everyone knew that with ever increasing house prices, the risk was minimal What a boon for house builders and real estate agents, and everyone in between - especially the money men. Mortgages, especially these "Sub Prime" (undesirable) mortgages were traded and on sold by bankers with a flair for creativity, playing the game and squeezing millions along the way. As the juggernaut gathered speed, the system became overwhelmed and corners were cut - the checking process for applications went out the window, with whatever was submitted being accepted as gospel - especially the declaration - "I earn $***** per annum" The music eventually stopped, and many were left standing. All economies have ups and downs, and people who simply could not afford to own a home under any circumstances, (even with super low interest rates), quickly defaulted. They were soon followed by millions of "Middle Class America's", people used to good salaries who were suffering due to unemployment or rising interest rates. Those who tried to sell quickly found their once valuable home how owed them far more than the market would pay. Foreclosure became an inevitable reality for those the system had given false hope, often taking away more than was ever given, with the spiral downwards having no end. The moral of the story is as always "If it looks too good to be true..." Fortunately the market here in New Zealand, especially Auckland, appears to have the checks and balances to prevent such a systemic disaster - having said that, even a controlled a free market does not protect homeowners from inevitable corrections |
Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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