What a ride. Its been great.
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed to this blog and who continues to read it.
Traffic is increasing steadily with now over 500 unique views per day and over 40,000 unique views in the 11 months of writing this blog.
Lets go for the next 100 and upward of 1000.
I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Best Regards
Deon
Bonus because I am in a good mood!
Click this link – I am giving away for free for the next few weeks anyway my financial e-course that I worked on for a year. This is 6 weeks of good hard core planning to help you from the grass roots with your finance. Even if your financially savy I still think this will help you. Part of this course is on my blog if you want an example.
Please click the link here which will take you too the page where you can recieve the e-course. I have activated the clickbank code so that all you need to enter is blog and you get it free – you will not be charged by clickbank. Disregard that on the website. This will save you $90.
I hope you enjoy.
April 30 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday 25th April 2009
As the years go by, the crowds at services commemorating ANZAC Day grow bigger every year, and the elements of gratitude and pride are becoming more apparent. The age range at Dawn Services, from babies to people in wheelchairs, reflects this.
People now attend the Dawn Service and other services for a lot more reasons than they have in the past. While they attend to honour the sacrifices made by family members and others in our community who have served during time of conflict, they now also do it to pay tribute for the peace which has ensued: people are very aware that the peace they now enjoy has been brought about by the sacrifices made.
A RNZAF Boeing 757 will fly over Cathedral Square at 6.55am, to coincide with the ending of the Dawn Service, and coffee and Anzac biscuits will be available for the public afterwards.
The Christchurch Tramway is also offering returned service people a free ride on the tram, as a sign of their respect for those who have served our country. For the duration of ANZAC Day, Saturday 25th April, any services people showing their service medals or other form of identification can board free of charge. In addition, at the completion of the Service, free trams will be available for anyone wishing to travel to the RSA in Armagh Street.
Below are details of all services in the city.
Air Force Museum, Harvard Avenue 12.00 noon
Akaroa War Memorial (meet at fire brigade station, 10.45am) 11.30am
All Saints Church, 305 New Brighton Road 11.00am
Citizens’ Service, ChristChurch Cathedral 10.00am
Dawn Service, Cathedral Square 6.30am
Diamond Harbour Memorial Hall (assemble at store, 10.30am) 11.00am
Halswell Domain, War Memorial 9.00am
Heathcote, Cnr Martindale and Bridle Path Roads 6.15am
Hei Hei, War Memorial 9.00am
Jane Deans Close, 20th Battalion, off Harakeke Street 9.00am
Little River Community Centre 9.30am
Lyttelton: War Graves Cemetery, Reserve Terrace 9.00am
Lyttelton Cenotaph (assemble at Port Company, 9.45am) 10.15am
New Brighton, Opp. New Brighton Working Men’s Club 9.30am
Papanui, St James Park, St James Avenue 9.10am
Paparua, Kirk Road Pharmacy, Templeton 10.15am
Prebbleton, Memorial, Springs Road 9.00am
Rolleston, assemble at new community hall 11.00am
Sumner/Redcliffs, Outside All Saints Anglican Church, 10.45am
Upper Riccarton War Memorial Library, 372 Riccarton Road 6.30am
Victoria Park, 19th battalion, assemble in carpark 7.45am
source: bethere.co.nz
image deleted
April 24 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
For the last few days Christchurch has been abuzz with activity. The Ellerslie International Flower Show has hit Hagley Park and there are people from all over coming here to look at the show. This morning I decided to go along and have a look and the quality of the stalls and arrangements are just great. There has been some great effort put into the stalls as always. The Ellerslie International Flower Show is an internationally recognised brand and because of this draws a global audience of thousands.There were people from all over today looking around the event. One couple I was speaking to from Germany flew all the way just to visit the show and as a result of this have also set themselves three weeks of touring the South Island. This must be good for business.
The focus of the Show is as much about our homes and our lifestyles as it is about gardens – the plants, garden design, colour, structure and form. Most importantly, the iconic event provides the horticultural, floral, landscape design and construction businesses with the opportunity to showcase to a global audience the best of what New Zealand has to offer.
Christchurch has also put its own ’stamp’ on the show – introducing a number of new features, including the Taste of the South – the best food and wine the South Island has to offer. It will showcase the unique English heritage that helped name Christchurch ‘The Garden City’ in 1906 during the Great New Zealand Exhibition held in the same site, as well as highlighting the special tanga te whenua. Christchurch will also recognise that sustainability is no longer a trend but rather a necessity in the 21st Century Sustainability is about design re-using, recycling and responding with sensitivity to our environment and landscape.
If you havent had a look yet I fully reco
mmend that you do take a look. The artworks are truely inspirational and have definately given me a few ideas about how I would like to build my home and garden in the future. Its also nice to have the event now held in New Zealands Garden City of Christchurch. This is the first time it has been held down here, It is usually held in Ellerslie in Auckland. But hey lets hope it stays.
March 12 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
One event coming up soon in Christchurch, which is one that cannot be missed is the World Buskers Festival. The 2009 Eureka Trust World Buskers Festival has a range of awesome performers such as circus, street and comedians People come all over from as far away as Argentina, Israel, the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia and New Zealand to both watch, participate and perform.
This is what one of the Press Releases I have read say about it:
“From jugglers and contortionists to unicycles, clowns, musicians, aerialists, living statues, sideshow artists and acrobatics, the 2009 Eureka Trust WORLD BUSKERS FESTIVAL presents the ‘real deal’ when it comes to street theatre. Be it Canadian acrobatic duo LES VITAMINES; the RUSSIAN BAR TRIO; podiatric sandwich maker ROB WILLIAMS; funny freak SAM WILLS; clowns FRASER HOOPER and clown LOTO; NINO RETRETE; Australia’s MR FISH; SPACE COWBOY; DAREDEVIL CHICKEN CLUB; REUBEN DOTDOTDOT; pint sized contortionist BENDY EM; the world’s smallest banjo circus orchestra CLOGHOPPERS; stuntman extraordinaire SLACKWIRE SAM; Guinness World Record Holder YO YO GUY; Israeli aerialists CIRQUE NO PROBLEM; vaudevillians THE PITTS; SWANK; RUBBERBAND BOY; MULLETMAN; New Zealand’s FUSE Circus; CANDY D’LITE; MR BIRDBRAIN; OLLI, DOLLY & LIGHTENING LOU; magnificent acrobatic talent HEIR OF INSANITY; THE GARGOYLE; roving operatic duo THE PRIVY COUNCIL; Canadian improviser extraordinaire DEREK FLORES; aerialists SKYE BROBERG and JULIE LAVERGNE and MISS SATURN’S HULA HOOP FEDERATION from the USA – the 2009 WBF is absolutely jam-packed with ten days and eleven nights of fun, frivolity, non-stop fun and rather groovy moves from our festival dance
rs.”
This year the festival will be held from Thursday 22nd January 2009 to Sunday 1st February 2009 and held in Victoria Square. There are also going to be daily street shows in Cathedral Square, Botanic Gardens and some around some of the Malls in the city.
The Eureka Trust World Buskers Festival is one of the largest and best festivals of its type in the world. Each year the festival brings an atmosphere of fun and excitement to the city. Last year was my first festival and it was just a great event. One of the things that I truly enjoyed was how full and vibrant energy the city had while the festival was on. The influx of people was amazing and Christchurch was buzzing. If you’re in and around Christchurch from January 22nd to February 1st be sure to stop in and have a look at some of the events.
To view the Official Buskers Festival Website Click Here
December 06 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
The
TSB Bank Festival of Lights dates for 2008-09 are 14th December 08 - 8th F
ebruary 2009! This event is one of the more anticipated events of the year by many. It represents the start and continuation of the Christmas season and a truly wonderful event for the entire family to enjoy on a summer night in a beautiful park. I remember when I was 7 or 8 years old going to the lights for the first time with the family. The excitement and thrill of seeing the lights flashing as well as getting out of the house at night brings back some great memories, oh and not to mention I could count the number of sleeps to go until Christmas on my fingers. 
The festival’s origins date back to 1953 when in commemoration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and a fountain with feature en
hancing lights was installed in one of the lakes in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. The first illuminations were created in the park in 1957, and from there displays grew alongside the Christmas Lights throughout the city streets.
The festival of lights itself started in 1993, and the TSB Bank Festival of Lights is now the longest running and most successful festival and arts event in Taranaki, attracting up to 150,000 visitors each year.
In 2005 the festival was named Creative New Zealand’s premier Cultural Festival and Arts Event and recently Pukekura Park and the TSB Bank Festival of Lights have advanced to the coveted “Mayfair” spot in the new version of 
New Zealand’s Monopoly board game.
Since 1993 the TSB Bank Festival of Lights has been managed by New Plymouth District Council. The festival delivers a wide-ranging programme of events, entertainment and a spectacular lighting display set against the backdrop of New Plymouth’s 52 hectare jewel, Pukekura Park.
A nightly entertainment programme held in Pukekura Park. Two open-air stages of entertainment over an eight-week period feature local, national and international performers. All performances are provided free to the local community and visitors to the district, leaving no-one in any doubt about where to go for a unique kiwi summer experience!
During the day activities and events are delivered throughout the New Plymouth District for children and their families. Activities include scavenger hunts, a Teddy Bears Picnic, circus acts, creative and artistic expe
riences and much more.
The festival of lights is one more reason why New Plymouth is voted the best city in the World and in New Zealand. This festival is almost a ritual and is one that many in the province are proud of. Every night there is entertainment and fun and it just all add to make New Plymouth a happening place
December 01 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
A few weeks ago I was thrilled to have posted my 100th post but today my 7 month old blog received its 10,000th Unique visitor and 60,000th view (both on the same day I know that there are many bloggers that get this many views every week, but for me, this is a fun milestone considering I only received 20 to 30 hits per day during the first few month (those were the days) and only 6 months ago. My blog now averages between 600 to 800 hits per day and is steadily increasing. I look forward to the 100,000 post milestone. I may even throw a competition for it but in my last post I am giving away free one of my internet products. Anyway here is a little snapshot of the great milestone, although I missed the 10,000 but only by 2.
I have learnt so much since starting blogging. It takes up a fair bit of time and at times frustrating but the rewards have been massive. I really enjoy it now. Thanks to all of you who read this regularly and contribute. I am very much looking forward to my future in the South Island and continuing to make this blog a one place for anyone to come to when they have a real estate question in New Zealand.
Thanks So much.
Deon
November 17 2008 | Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Barack Obama will become America’s first black president after emerging triumphant from one of the most talked about elections I know of.
Obama made his vistory speech in front of 70,000 people at Grant Park in Chicago – and hundreds of thousands more outside – as TV networks simultaneously declared him the winner at exactly 11pm Eastern Time to bring an emphatic end to the Bush years
McCain congratulated Obama on winning what he called a historic presidential election. He spoke to supporters in Phoenix, saying that the election of the first African-American president shows that the U.S. has left behind the kind of bigotry that once stained its reputation. He also promised to help Obama lead the U.S. through the many challenges it’s facing.
Obama will be inaugurated the 44th US president on January 20, 2009, and inherit an economy mired in the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a nuclear showdown with Iran.
This historic win is going to change the world. This is part of what Obama said at his victory speech.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where any things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive … who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” he said.
He said his victory belongs “to you”.
He said the voters who turned out today did so because they believed this time “must be different and their voices could be that difference”.
He said America was not a collection of individuals, but “we are and always will be the United States of America”.
He said it was “a long time coming” but “because of what we did on this day” during this election, “change has come to America”.
He said despite the challenges ahead, including two wars and a financial crisis, he was hopeful for America.
“There will be set backs and false starts,” he said.
“I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face … “
He said Senator McCain had “endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine”.
He congratulated Senator McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for all they had achieved and looked forward to working with them.
I am excited to see how this election result pans out. For us here in New Zealand we have our own elections coming up on Saturday November 8 2008. Decision 08 or the New Zealand General Elections on Saturday will be a changing point for New Zealand as well. The whole world is in a moot of change and the election in America today will change the way America goes forward and whatever the result from the New Zealand Elections will change the way we go forward.
John Key and National is looking forward to working close with the new American government in a new free trade deal. Labour and Helen Clark is looking forward to working with Barack Obama in finishing a free trade deal which has been started with the Bush government and is looking forward to seeing many troops pulled out of war zones and increasingly seeing a world full of peace. It’s very interesting times ahead but from where I am sitting I see the world is looking for positive in the future.
To view Obamas Victory Speech Click this Link
November 05 2008 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
At 4pm today New Zealand time work comes to a crash halt, the projector gets switched on, the beer gets cracked open and preparations for getting the mind in the right place for this year’s Melbourne Cup begin.
The Melbourne Cup Day almost stops Melbourne and practically halts the rest of Australia and New Zealand. The hype surrounding the event is massive. It is an event that so many people get right behind. Its not just about the horses as well. It’s the time that all the ladies can wear massive extra ordinary hats and show them off to the rest of the world. This tradition is firmly set in concrete and is a great show for anyone to watch (almost as exciting as the race itself).
This year’s Melbourne Cup is the seventh race in a 10-race program at Flemington Racecourse on November 4, the first Tuesday in November.
The Melbourne Cup, a Group 1 handicap race over 3200 metres, will be run at 3pm, Australian eastern daylight time. It has a total prize money of $5,650,000, including trophies.
The Melbourne Cup has been run each year without fail since 1861. The 2008 Melbourne Cup is the 148th in an unbroken series.
The 24 horses running in this year’s Melbourne Cup were made known after the running of the last race on Victoria Derby Day, the Saturday before Melbourne Cup Day.
Here is a breakdown of a few of them:
Septimus (IRE) – An undeniable class act in England and Ireland, and the winner of the Group I Irish St Leger by 13L back on September 13th, but RVL chief handicapper Greg Carpenter did not issue a re-handicap, and he is not having sleepless nights over it. Carpenter says that if Septimus wins then he will be great horse and it will be a ‘fantastic achievement’. Only two runs this year, and not one in Melbourne before the Cup.
Master O’Reilly (NZ) – 2007Group I Caulfield Cup winner, failed to stay in the Melbourne Cup, seventh in the 2008 Caulfield Cup 2 1/2L from the winner coming home well, not suited to weigh-for-age and 10th in the Cox Plate, carrying 55.5kg from good barrier position of six.
Honolulu (IRE) - Barrier 24, too hard.
C’est La Guerre (NZ) – Good barrier position at four, top international jockey Brett Prebble who knows Flemington. Has not won since the Group I NZ Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie in March. Fast closing fourth, under a length away from the winner in Group I WFA Yalumba Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield on October 11th, and noticeable closing sixth in WFA Cox Plate, drops from 57.5kg to 54.0kg. Trained to the minute, excellent
chance.
Nom Du Jeu (NZ) – Barrier one will mean he goes to sleep under Jeff Lloyd. Top rated lead-up form for the winner of the Group I AJC Derby winner last autumn, with a third in the Group I WFA Kelt Capital Stakes over 2040m at Hastings, and then second in the Caulfield Cup with 55.5kg. Drops to 54kg and will run the distance closing from the turn for the main straight again.
Yellowstone (IRE) – Not this race.
Zipping – Barrier 16, failed to stay last year when fourth 3 1/4L from the winner and no reason to think as a year older he will improve on that.
Mad Rush (USA) – The perfect storm of Luca Cumani, Damien Oliver, barrier four, 53.5kg. Last year Cumani came with Purple Moon and the same trainer/jockey combination fell short by just a half-length. Mad Rush was fourth in the Caulfield Cup, just 2L from the winner All The Good (IRE), after a blocked passage in the running, and with 55kg. Top pick.
Ice Chariot – Not on Tuesday.
Viewed – As much as it would be tempting to think of Bart Cumming’s 12th Cup winner, this chap will not be it.
Littorio – Barrier 17 which last produced a winner when At Talaq (USA) won. Has left his dash back at his Group I Turnbull Stakes win over 2000m on Ocotber 4th.
Bauer (IRE) – Top win in the Group III Geelong Classic over 2406m on October 22nd. Damien Oliver rode Media Puzzle (USA) to win the same race, and then the combination went onto win the Cup in 2002, but Bauer is not in Media Puzzle’s class. However, barrier 13 is not too much of a hindrance, 52kg and Corey Brown are certainly not, so combinations.
Boundless (NZ) – Barrier 20, another New Zealand-bred horse Empire Rose won from barrier 20, but that was in 1988.
Gallopin (NZ) – Barrier 21 is a definite problem, although the lead-in form is good with the last start Group II Cathay Pacific Gold Cup over 2040m at Moonee Valley showing trainer Danny O’Brien has the five-year-old peaking. 52kg a help for James Winks, but staying the distance might be a problem.
Guyno (NZ) – Not on Tuesday.
Newport – Not on Tuesday.
Profound Beauty (IRE) – Not in the class of some of the other international horses. Mark Weld, son of trainer Dermot, has commented that it might be a year too soon, not an unreasonable assumption.
Red Lord – Not on Tuesday.
Varevees (GB) – Not on Tuesday.
Prize Lady (NZ) – Not on Tuesday.
Alessandro Volta (GB) – Perhaps to lead out Septimus from the barrier alongside, but not tested at the distance and recent form not encouraging, notwithstanding the light-weight at 50.5kg. Might not stop though.
Barbaricus – Light-weight at 50.5kg barrier three, great up form, but the distance might be too much toovercome.
Moatize – Grand final was on Saturday winning the SAAB Quality.
Who will you be betting for.
November 04 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Well I couldnt help myself. I logged in today and noticed I had 99 posts on my blog so I just have to have a special one for the 100th.
So I decided to print the entire blog out so that I could have a full hard copy of the blog right up untill this point. Well about half way through I was wondering when it was going to stop. Just look below at the two pictures of how much content there is there. There is over 200 pages of writing there.
Reflecting back since I started this blog back in April this year. A mere 7 months ago and in that time I believe that this blog is dominating the online world with the rich content avaliable here and with 49075 hits as of the time of writing this and over 500 hits per day adding to this there are quite a few of you reading it and coming back for more.
Have a look through the blog. I love your comments and questions so keep them coming. They give me both inspiration and ideas to move on to the next piece of work.
There have been times when my hair could have become thinner – usually when you delete something without pressing the save button. But all in all I have really enjoyed the world on here and have learnt more than anyone can dream of in the process.
By the way if any publishers are out there maybe we could make a book out of the stuff here.
One last thing to all the valued readers here keep watching out for more and more content and keep your eyes peeled for a major huge announcement which I will tell you all about late next week after all the things are finalised.
Once again thanks to everyone who has read my posts, left comments, emailed or phoned me. And I hope you are looking forward to much more in the future.
Regards,
Deon Swiggs
Property Profits
November 02 2008 | Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
Well weren’t they an amazing opening to the 29th Olympic games. The work that has gone into those games has just what can I say, just intense.
The critics around the world are saying “An eight became a perfect 10 in Beijing tonight.”
The opening ceremony of the 29th Olympics Games began at precisely 8pm on the eighth day of the eighth month, 2008.
Right from the start at the countdown I knew that this was going to be an amazing show. The absolutely amazing light show drum box thing with all those which counted down the last minute with synchronised rhythms and lights… then, came a flying Buddhists who sprinkled dust to make the Olympic rings… then… and I’ve no idea how this was done (and I don’t care either… the dust was picked up on its own and flown through the air. I just watched with my mouth open at that.
Following that was a gigantic glow-in-the-dark opening scroll that filled the entire arena floor! Then these guys ran out and started dancing, somehow painting a picture on the floor with their paint-brush hands. It was sensational stuff! Better yet was the gigantic set of dancing tiles that looked like some crazy board. They lifted and fell and pulsated in perfect precision. And the thing that amazed me the most is that it was all done by people tucked away underneath , lifting and heaving this great thing… all as tribute to movable type, one of the greatest inventions of ancient China… along with paper, gunpowder and fireworks.
There was apparently over 15,000 people who were involved in the show which encapsulated the old and the new, the traditional and the hip. The precision which the performers work in was absolutely staggering. It was a real tribute to china for putting on such a great show and making their country look so dam good… I want to go visit the place now. The culture looks very interesting.
Lets hope that none of the terrorist threats turn to anything over the time of this worldwide event and that it goes off without any glitches as it looks as though China have put such a huge amount of effort into these games.
I wish all the team from New Zealand all the Best over their in the hot humid weather. They will do our little country proud I’m sure.
I am not sure how much real estate will be going on over the next few weeks, whether people will be switched off and in TV mode or if they will still be out and about. I for one will be glued to the box I know that. I hope you all enjoy watching the games, apparently at least 4 billion people will be watching these games from their homes over the next 18 games. Just amazing how the world can come together over sport.
August 09 2008 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Well where I am in New Plymouth its just work and traffic as usual. But i have had some text messages from my mates in Auckland telling me that the traffic is terrible and others telling me they had record travel times to work.
As with all stories there is two sides to everything. I was just reading The Herald online at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ .
Its very interesting to see the two sides to the story and it looks like it was CHAOS from the pictures I have seen.
How was your drive to work this morning??
July 04 2008 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
