Owen and Toni in New Zealand

Kapiti Island

2008-01-21T16:00:00.000+13:45

We visited Kapiti Island on Sunday. Only 50 people are allowed on the island per day, as it is a nature reserve which has the rare status of rat and possum free thanks to many years of conservation efforts. We were taken out there on a boat, and enjoyed the sight of a couple of penguins bobbing around us. Once we got to the island we were greeted by a guide, as well as some cheeky wild Kaka (native parrots) and Weka (flightless bird, a bit like a rail) who proceeded to check our bags for freebies!

We decided to walk up a steep track to the summit, which is 520 metres above sea level. Along the way we encountered lots of rare native birds such as stitchbirds, red-crowned parakeets and weka. We were also visited by a few Kaka, which happily landed on our shoulders ready to unzip our bags! It was a gorgeous day and therefore a hard climb to the top, but we made it and enjoyed lunch with a panoramic view. The walk down was much better, and at the bottom Toni couldn't wait to have a paddle in the crystal clear sea. A seal came by to say hello and that made our day complete. We then got home, had a shower and went to a bbq at a friend's house.. it's a tough life.

These boots are made for walking.

2008-01-21T15:45:00.000+13:45

Toni, Karlee and Yohei

After a great Christmas and New Year in Gisborne, we have been busy training for the 80km Heaphy Track, which will be 5 days amongst some of the most beautiful scenery of New Zealand. We have been joined on the last two hikes by Toni's third cousin Karlee and her partner Yohei who will be among the 16 people doing the track. On Saturday we walked around Eastborne, which was pretty tough at the start, but we were greeted by an ice cream van and a beach to dip our feet into at the end!

Lake Rotoiti,

2008-01-09T21:05:00.000+13:45

We visited the family batch in Rotorua last year, and this is one of the surrounding lakes, just before the mossies started biting! We had a great time with lots of Toni's family there.

Rivendell

2007-10-15T22:17:00.000+13:45

Hi there, well what a weekend! We went for a hike in a regional park on the Saturday, enjoying lunch at the Rivendell site for Lord of the Rings. It was a ridge walk so lots of uphills, but well worth it, hardly a soul around and some beautiful native rainforest and a big swing bridge. Luckily the dense bush held off the blustery wind, although there was a lot of creaking from the massive trees around us!

We went for a walk around Oriental Bay on Sunday - the wind made my eyes water! Then to Moa Point and collected some paua (abalone) shells for Toni's sister Donna to decorate mirrors with, and we met our friend Katherine's Geordie cousins for a good English cuppa.

Off to the family batch by Lake Rotorua next weekend. Rotorua is the home of a lot of geomthermal activity, lots of geysers and bubbling mud.. so we're hoping to fit in a visit to a natural hot pool as well as some kayaking and hiking.

We enjoyed the rugby, roll on next Sunday!

New Zealand Landscapes

2007-09-05T13:40:00.000+12:45

In between jobhunting and interviews I've been keeping up my painting, here is my latest one, an acrylic on canvas. It's from a photo I took last time I was here, and was a good challenge, I was up until the early hours painting so great fun! I might complete a set of similar landscapes and try to sell them.. so if anyone's interested or has any idea where to sell them please let me know.

Tui

2007-09-05T13:26:00.000+12:45

Wow, just heard a Tui, which is a native New Zealand bird with a really loud distinctive call. Had a look out of the window and hey presto there he was posing for a photo.. not for long though, a couple of minutes and he was long gone! It's great to be able to see them without having to leave your own doorstep.

Exploring in Wellington

2007-09-01T19:54:00.000+12:45

Toni's sister Donna is visiting us this weekend so we've been exploring more of Wellington. We went to Te Papa (our place) which is the museum of New Zealand, which is an amazing place. It takes up the space of three rugby pitches and is right on the waterfront. On the top of the building is a sculpture containing a real VDub Kombi and trailer surrounded by painted European tree trunks. As with most museums, you'd need a few visits to get round the whole place properly. We also went up to the Beehive, New Zealand's Government building, and enjoyed the Wellington wind in our hair!

Save the Penylan trees!

2007-08-31T11:43:00.000+12:45

Image courtesy of Penylan Trees

On behalf of my friend Graham Sanders, tree-dom fighter extraordinaire...

"Cardiff Council in their wisdom are planning to cut down trees which they perceive as ‘problematic’ for no other reason than health and safety issues, so in one fail sweep for example my road would lose 8 trees, each 50 years old which amounts to 400 years of tree growth. Essentially it’s easier for the bureaucratic idiots to destroy than create and preserve".

Please have a look at the website and if you would like to help sign the petition.. I'd be gutted if it was my street.

10 Downing Street petition
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/penylan-trees

Campaign website
http://www.penylan-trees.co.uk

Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5136685997

Good on you Graham for speaking out.

Spring is on it's way!

2007-08-23T23:10:00.000+12:45

Had a great day out in Wellington today, just ambling around and getting my bearings. The weather was beautiful, t-shirt weather so had a nice walk around Oriental bay, and tried my first Fuel Burger - glad I didn't order chips as well!

It's been 6 years since Toni and I met this week so we bought a fern to celebrate - as you do! Can't wait to watch the Bourne Ultimatum at the weekend, we've got lots of DIY to do as well, so we can finally get our pictures on the wall. Toni just heard a kiwi outside which is really cool! Our local dairy (corner shop) about five minutes away got robbed at gunpoint today which is very unnerving. I'm going to have a drive round for the first time tomorrow and explore further afield and maybe take the fishing gear that Bill and Julz bought me for my birthday.

Kingfisher

2007-08-16T22:26:00.000+12:45

This Kingfisher was sat just outside the window yesterday, they're a lot more common than their European cousins! I've put him on some cards on my online shop. We just heard a Morepork outside, it's a small owl which really does sound like it's singing "more pork"!!

http://www.cafepress.com/kingfishershop

Martinborough

2007-08-13T18:15:00.001+12:45

Alison, Steve, Patty, Toni, Owen and Colin (Rachel took the photo!)

Hi Folks! We went to Martinborough for the weekend with some friends, and stayed at a lovely B&B. The weather was shocking, but the company was great. The Rimutaka gorge was closed just after we crossed it due to the wind but luckily it re-opened for the return trip, which meant Toni had to go back to work today!

I've started painting again, and Toni is reading the last Harry Potter book.

We're looking forward to our friends Brenda and Jason visiting Wellington next weekend.

As you can see, our bird feeder is always popular so lots of company in the day!

Coffee and TV

2007-07-27T17:02:00.000+12:45

I've been here in Wellington for two weeks already! Still no job on the horizon, but I'm trying hard - have to turn the TV off in the day as daytime telly is shocking here!

I've also been exploring the local area and going to the gym, which is a first! We have one on site, as well as a tennis court, swimming pool and BBQ area, roll on summer! We're going to start a Tae Kwon Do class next week so really looking forward to getting into that and meeting people. Weather-wise we've had a great two weeks - it was 15 degrees yesterday and I was walking outside in a t-shirt, not bad for winter.

We're both looking forward to the weekend as it's the Wellington Film Festival and the culmination of Maori Language Week so there's lots to do.

More importantly, it's my Grandad's 80th Birthday on Sunday, so Happy Birthday Grandad! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you.

Back in New Zealand/Aotearoa

2007-07-16T15:32:00.000+12:45

Finally in New Zealand with Toni after a long trip involving four plane journeys. I've just about got over the jetlag and having a great time getting back into the Kiwi lifestyle. At the moment I'm unpacking all our stuff (it's like Christmas!) in between applying for jobs. I'm tempted to go for a wander into town as it's a lovely sunny day, about 12 degrees but feels about 2! Toni is feeling better after having a bad virus for the last week so she has just gone back to work.

Thanks to all those who came out for leaving drinks in Cardiff and Crewe, it was hard to say goodbye but we'll be back in a couple of years to say hello again.

The picture is the wonderful view from the appartment we're renting (yes it is frost you can see!), there's all sorts of wildlife outside so I've got my binoculars next to the tv!

Until next time..

New Zealand Trip

2007-05-12T09:19:00.000+12:45

Hi Folks, for those who don't know I went to New Zealand for a fortnight to be with Toni to break it up a bit while waiting for the NZ Immigration Service to decide on my visa. We had a wonderful time and saw quite a lot of the North Island as we were keen to catch up with Toni's whanau/family and friends.

I arrived in Auckland and Toni booked us in at the Duxton, a lovely hotel for the first night. We met up with some old friends and made some new ones and did some sightseeing, shopping and drinking (well I hadn't had Mac's Gold for ages and it was beer garden weather!).

Then off to Tauranga to meet up with Kim, Alisa, Trent and Courtney (sorry Trent, you took the photo!) where we stayed for a couple of days and enjoyed some lovely tikki-touring (sightseeing), parrot spotting and good Kai (food). Went to a lovely craft market by the water with lots of original artwork.

Next we were off to Gisborne, to see Julz, Billy, Donna, Daniel, Stacey, Shane and Nick. We had a lovely BBQ with lots of family there, and our good friend Jude, so it was a great night. Our stay in Gissy consisted of walking on beautiful sandy beaches, shopping, visiting family and eating. It was so nice to see everyone after three and a half years.

We set off to Napier to see Brenda for a night in between and the journey was quite an adventure - we managed to drive over a big iron bar - the car behind us hit it and we ended up changing their wheel for them! We also got lost but found an amazing beach in the middle of nowhere which had a quiet caravan site next to it - great find! Further on we had a look in a wildlife park - it was closing but we did manage to see some wild Kaka (parrots) flying around.

When we eventually got to Brenda's warned that the Karaoke bar (Called, incidently, The Bar 4 Us!), would probably keep us awake until the early hours. I know what you're thinking... no I didn't go and join in!!! We did manage to get some sleep and after dropping Brenda off at school (a good distance from the entrance) we headed for Wellington.

We got to Patty's house and I met Greg for the first time, and spent a few days there so thanks guys! This last stretch also involved a stay in Martinborough at Simon and Brad's Holiday Home, set in the middle of a vineyard, absolutely stunning.

Flight home was fine but long, and when I got back Toni called to say that I'd had my Waiver approved, so we're hoping to hear that I can go back for good in a few weeks time!

Bridgend Massive!

2007-02-17T11:56:00.000+13:45

photos
Lo-Fi-Fnk (top) taken by Owen Smith
Love Gadgets Hate Gizmos (bottom) taken by Owen Howe

Well a busy week, Toni made my day on the 14th by sending flowers to my work for Valentines's day! Yes I know it should be the other way round but I guess the earth's gravitational pull has had an effect on Toni since moving back dahn andah! She's also dreaming upside down and mixing up her vowels (fush & chups). Also had lots of yummy NZ treats like pineapple lumps to share with work so very spoilt! Good luck to Toni who's doing the world famous in NZ 'round the bays' walk on Sunday in Wellington.

I went for a curry with Matt Flint last night and bumped into Owen and Matt from Bridgend - yes that's right two sets of Owen and Matts scary huh?! Ended up joining them in Barfly to watch a great set by their friend Andy who specialises in 'mash ups' under the name of love gadgets hate gizmos. You can hear his music at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=57230464

Also met lots of other cool people including iOlo http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=37894487, who is another creative genius . I'm now convinced that Bridgend is the centre of the creative universe. A cool Swedish band played next called Lo-Fi-Fnk.

Also made a friend online who is a Graphic Designer in India, so hi to Vishal! Don't forget to let me know when you're coming over and we'll catch up. This world just gets smaller!

Save The Albatross

2007-01-28T05:09:00.000+13:45

http://www.savethealbatross.net

A shocking nineteen of the 21 species of albatross are globally threatened with extinction.

'Quote'
In many ways, the albatross may be the ultimate test of whether or not, as a species ourselves, we are serious about conservation: capable of co-existing on this planet with other species. Or are we going to sacrifice what's left of wisdom on the altar of short-term gain?’ HRH The Prince of Wales.

I am painting abstract art which I intend to auction / raffle off for the Save the Albatross campaign. In the meantime I have been asking friends and family to send stamps to the RSPB stamp appeal. For more information please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/international/albatross_appeal/stamps.asp

Wildlife art

2007-01-28T04:44:00.000+13:45

I am still busy painting acrylic on canvas when I get the chance, and I have online shops where people can buy assorted gifts with them on. Here are the sites:
http://www.cafepress.com/puffinshop
http://www.cafepress.com/kingfishershop

Happy New Year!

2007-01-28T03:44:00.000+13:45

Phew, where has this month gone?! Well, Toni and I had 2 great leaving parties, one at the Walkabout in Cardiff and another one in Crewe, so thanks to those who shared them with us. We then found out that I needed to apply for a medical waiver on my visa, which I am hopefully going to hear about in a week or so. Meanwhile I am still in Cardiff working for the Welsh Assembly, and Toni has gone to Wellington and has begun her new job as a ward co-ordinator at Wellington Hospital, where she is doing very well. If anyone has any messages for Toni I will be happy to pass them on as we're in contact everyday thanks to texts and the internet.

My sister Ellen is on her way to Cardiff today so I'm looking forward to playing the tour guide!

P.S. I told you we'd have evidence of Toni's stalking prowess!!

Rugby highs and lows

2006-11-30T11:26:00.000+13:45

Well, what a great 20 minutes of rugby! Toni and I went to the NZ Vs Wales Game at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. We were joined by Fiona (Wales), Fiona (Kiwi) and Brian (Saffa). Had a brilliant day out and partied into the wee hours. Rugby is just as big here as New Zealand, so when we realised the Haka wasn't going to happen the crowd were fuming.. but no handbags were used.

Every Welsh person I met was gutted as they have a deep respect for the All Blacks. With that and the media stirring up the village idiot nonsense it was a funny old week. Toni bumped into Ma-a Nonu over the weekend, had a friendly chat and managed to get 'Kill Crush Destroy' Jerry Collins to take a photo for them. Choice! Photo evidence appearing soon.

We're off to London this weekend to catch up with more Kiwis, so I'll let you know what we get up to...

Leaving party, Cardiff

2006-11-06T03:33:00.000+13:45

Hi, we're leaving Wales for a new life in New Zealand, where we will be surrounded by sheep, mountains and rugby fans with funny accents (essentially Wales with sunlight).

Please join us for a handle of beer to say 'ka kite ano' / farewell.

Where and when to attend
Friday December 8 at 6pm til…
Walkabout – downstairs, bar 2*
St Marys Street , Cardiff

Tucker will be available between 6 – 8pm.
Bring yer mates.

For more infomation please visit our website

Guess who's back!

2003-10-27T01:16:00.000+13:45

Toni and I have made is home safe after our 23 hour flight across the World. We were treated to a lovely welcome home party with friends and family, thanks to Ellen and Mike who were wonderful hosts. Now we get to share our photos with everybody (whether they like it or not!!) and tell them what an amazing time we had.

Kia Ora to all of Toni's family and friends whose kindness and hospitality made it such a special year for me, and to Graham Sanders who developed and updated the site throughout the year - sweet as Bro!

We're staying in Crewe for a week with my parents, catching up with friends and family and enjoying the English Winter weather, by 'eck it's cold outside! Off to Cardiff next week to start afresh.

Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and following our travels through our updates - keep up the good work.

All the Best,
Owen and Toni

Holiday in Hokitika, South Island

2003-10-17T01:35:00.000+13:45

Toni and I are enjoying our well deserved holiday in Hokitika in the South Island with Toni's Grandad Bill. We had a good farewell with people from both workplaces hitting the Gisborne night circuit... very blurred memory of a great night... nurses and greenhouse workers make an entertaining mix! I was given a New Zealand Rugby World Cup cap signed by my mates (Not the All Blacks!) as a leaving pressie.

Our trip down South consisted of three flights and record amounts of tea drinking, safely arriving in Hokitika on Sunday. We have done quite a bit of 'Tiki touring' this week, revisiting places we discovered earlier in the year. We went to Pancake Rocks (Punakaikai) and Lake Kaniere at the start of the week, and just had to have a guided tour around Monteith's Brewery in Greymouth. This is home to one of Toni's fave beers, their Summer Ale - the best part of the tour was of course the tasting at the end, where we got to try each beer - and then had an open bar for FIFTEEN MINUTES!! Well, as you can imagine Toni got her money's worth and I might have sampled a couple... we spent a few hours wandering around the town centre before setting off home - we only went in at midday.

I have just tried a homemade whitebait fritter, which is a real delicacy in this part of the World. Whitebait (Inanga) are baby fish caught in nets at rivermouths. The fritter is made up of lots of whole tiny fish, head and all mixed with a crispy batter. I don't eat fish as a rule, but this was something I had to try - it's a primo piece of Kiwiana don't you know! Once I got past the fact that the fish were looking back at me, it was pretty good kai (food). Our pukus (bellies) are full!

Just a few days left to explore before we get back to Gisborne to pack and wind everything up before our trip home.

Owen and Toni's homecoming party

2003-10-14T01:35:00.000+13:45

Hi guys!

Hope you are all well and havin' it large! Toni and I will soon be on our 12000 mile journey home to the UK, and would like to see you all at our homecoming party in Crewe. Ellen has kindly offered to have a party at her house. This will be on Sat 25th October, not sure about the time yet but if you let me know you can come, I'll pass on more info nearer the day. People from outside Crewe are welcome to crash out at my parent's house (yes I have asked!) We can probably meet up somewhere central in the afternoon to avoid lost persons - any ideas for local pubs?? I hear there are a few new ones now!

Please could one of the Muckers let Stuart Tasker know.

Got to go and enjoy the rest of my sunny holidays in the South Island!

Byee for now,

Owen

Not long before Toni and I get home

Napier

2003-09-29T01:36:00.000+12:45

Hi everyone!

Just a little update to let you know we're still alive! Last weekend we went to Napier and caught up with Patty and Warwick from Wellington.. great time had by all, a beautiful town full of art deco buildings (we concentrated on pubs and cafes). It's also home to the National Aquarium, which was really interesting - I saw my first live Kiwi there, bizarre curious creatures! Lots of sharks, rays and other things that make we want to go fishing again soon - watch this space Deri!!

We had Rob from England here for a few days last week so we showed him as much of Gisborne as we could cram in, and we enjoyed a couple of nights out on the town (one night in each pub!!). Then on the weekend we spent time with Toni's family at a b-b-q, and caught up with our friend Brad. On the Sunday we were invited out for breakfast at the Big Tree Hideaway in Gisborne by John and Heather, a lovely Canadian couple, joined by some of Toni's colleagues from work, and then we had dinner with Toni's family at the fishing club in the Wharf, very nice!

Back to work in the green-house with the tomatos, very humid hot and sweaty - looking forward to working in an air-conditioned office again soon! Only TWO MORE WEEKS and we both finish work and fly off to the South Island for a week, how exciting!

See you all soon,

Owen and Toni

Wahoooooooo!!

2003-09-14T01:37:00.000+12:45

Hi Graham,

Thanks for the mad e-mail, stunning effort! Glad to hear you have rediscovered beer, and that the All Blacks jacket is proving itself useful! Thanks also for updating the site. Wahooo! Just been to Motu where the locals were having a wild boar hunting competition... very strange indeed! Lots of fun games like 'carry the dead turkey and possum around a paddock', and there were prizes for the biggest eel, possum and turkey for the littlun's. It was fun, but believe me, you really did have to be there!

I enjoyed my first hangi meal, it tasted very earthy and smoky, much like the time I was in the scouts on a survival weekend and John Cooper and I had to cook our own food on the fire that we had made. Needless to say, John and I were lucky to get home alive, nothing like your survivor rubbish on t.v. now, I'll tell you. Our bivouac constisted of two bin liners tied with flimsy string to a branch. Those were the days. Bet they wouldn't let you do that nowadays, the parents would probably sue. Anyway, I may have gone off the beaten track there just a wee bit.

I have spoken to one of Matt's friends, Rob Williams (I've told everyone Robbie Williams is coming to town - they're well impressed!) who is bravely travelling around the world, and he's in N.Z now. Hoping to catch up with him next week.
Ciao for now,

Owen and Toni