We had a most pleasant drive up to Auckland yesterday; until we hit the Motorway, that was; a reminder of why we're glad we don't live here! It's only a brief stay; we'll be on the road home tomorrow.
We listened to talkback most of the journey, and whilst the Budget was discussed, it was very much secondary to the sentencing of Tame Iti. Most of the callers we heard, Maori and Pakeha alike reckon that Justice Hansen got it just about right. There were a couple of callers who reckoned that the police, the military and the state had committed an act of terrorism against the "Tuhoe nation" and a couple at the other end of the extremist nation suggesting that if Tuhoewant to be independent of the rest of New Zealand, they should be in all regards, including financially. Most callers however were far more reasonable!
Then we went out for tea. SWMBO suggested an Asian restaurant near where we were staying, and it was packed; packed with the whole ethnic blend of New Zealanders; Maori, Pakeha, Pasifika, Asian and even an immaculately dressed African gentleman. It really was a melting pot of New Zealand society. Better still, the food was delicious, and healthy!
Are the racial problems in New Zealand as bad as all the prophets of doom would have us believe? Or do we simply get on with it, and with one another? We'd like to think that the latter applies.
5 comments:
"We listened to talkback most of the journey, and whilst the Budget was discussed, it was very much secondary to the sentencing of Tame Iti."
KS, the Budget is very much secondary to everything. It's the most insipid Budget there's ever been. Bill's managed to make a monumental stuff-up, despite the dullness. Refurbishing the embassy in London with the proceeds from the asset sales is a huge reveal and a massive embarrassment! Incompetence, you have to call it. It's not so bad though, for the average New Zealander, as learning, as we are now, that Intermediate teachers are to be lost through this Budget. Now that's just sick.
Hi
Two suggestions, both around Countdown Mall in the Valley Road area. Have forgotten the names but the first one is on the same side of Dom Rd as Countdown and the last shop before you turn into the carpark coming from the Valley Rd lights.
The second is on the other side of the road, just past opposite, and the last one before the next sidestreet.
Have eaten at both with Asian friends and everyone loved the food.
Here's a couple of choices on Dominion Rd:-
Cazador (854 Dominion Rd) is a middle eastern restaurant specialising in game food. The same couple have owned it for the last 20 something years. The food is outstanding. Not a place for vegetarians though.
Love a duck (302 Dominion Road) does nice peking duck at a reasonable price. Split it between 2 of you.
Alternatively, look for a restaurant around the intersection with Balmoral Road that is full of Asians - this will give you the most authentic "Winston" experience :)
There is a place actually called Spicy Joint near the corner of Dominion and Balmoral. No joke.
Cheers for the suggestions Teletext, Anon and Cameron; you've given me food for thought! And if we spy Mr Peters in our culinary journey, we'll most certainly let you know; but we may be out a bit early for the night-owl.
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