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Archive for the ‘NZ’ Category

…and here is a video of their last debate – thanks Phil.

Helen Clark, who has chalked up nine years in office, today called an election for 8 November.

She must persuade the electorate to return her Labour Party to power, despite political scandals, economic hard times and a widespread desire for change.

The PM can point to some impressive achievements, including a law passed this week setting up a carbon emissions trading scheme, the first such scheme outside Europe. But the economy has just tipped into recession, and Ms Clark’s minority coalition government is 13 points behind the conservative National Party, having trailed in the polls all year.

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For New Zealanders, Sir Ed was everything a good bastard ought to be – modest and humorous, brave and compassionate, and just grouchy enough to remind us he never sought, nor particularly enjoyed, adulation.

Through all his years as one of the world’s most famous men, Sir Ed kept his name and Remuera address in the telephone directory – he enjoyed yarning with the people who had the guts to ring up.

Aucklander Ollie Bradshaw, who 12 years ago famously rang Sir Ed to ask for help with his school essay, joined the tributes.

"Out of all the very important people in the country, the fact I could call up the greatest New Zealander out of the blue and he had the time to yarn to a 14-year-old pretty much sums the guy up," Mr Bradshaw said.

Finally, Phil sent me these photos from our white water rafting trip on the Shotover River near Queenstown in New Zealand – it was great fun if a little scary at times.  The wetsuit, life jacket and helmet were a little undersized!

Good to speak to you today matey – sorry to have missed you in UK.  Cricket did not end up too badly – just looking at second innings and the Ozzies are beginning to dig in although there is plenty in the weather for the bowlers.  Thanks for the mag, better shirt this time – good to see you are still into branding and politics.