Taupotreeman

Some say his pee is pure two stroke. Others say he has pistons for legs. All we know is he's called spud.

There's a heap of threads on NZ, just do a search. Most of the info on those threads is still applicable now. You can also check out Buy online and sell with NZ's #1 auction & classifieds site | Trade Me and Jobs on SEEK - New Zealand's no.1 Employment, Career and Recruitment site for jobs. The two big outfits, Asplundh and Treescape, are always looking. Check out the other threads and the websites then get emailing. I'd also sort out your time zones and make a phone call as you will more likely get an answer and better info that way.

I have a couple of friends who are professional photographers. Had a chat with them the other day and both said that if you have a half decent camera, the rest is up to the individual. You can have the best camera in the world but if you don't know how to use it your photos will still be rubbish. They also said that (if you want a DSLR), unless you're a pro, buy a base model body and spend the money on good lenses. I have two camers, a Canon EOS1000 with a bog standar lens and a 75 - 300mm zoom. I'll also be getting a wide angle for landscape type photos. Also, like John, I have one of the Panasonic waterproof, dustproof and shockproof point and shoot cameras for my everyday stuff as I cant take the Canon up the tree with me for fear of dropping it or getting sawdust through the lenses. I'd also recommend going to a proper camera shop rather than your local electrical store and having a play and feel of some different types. Maybe even grab a couple of books from the library. If you don't want to be faffing with setting exposure times etc then maybe a point and shoot would be better.

If you don't have the qualifications and NZ interests you checkout the work to residency option. I think both Treescape and Asplundh are signed up with immigration. It will depend on your experience and skill levels. You could also get a work visa in NZ and study for quals while you work. Again, it should be possible to get a 3 year visa but you'll need sponsorship to do it and, again, the two previously mentioned outfits are going to be a good starting point.

Yep, there's a few of us out here. Several ex pats too.

Does that include the French being called the most backward nation in the world? I'd find that offensive personally.

Two big fangs, look like legs until you look closer and yes, they are poisonous. Weta as might give you a nip and they'll hang on but they're cool as.

I second Drews thoughts. Electro acupuncture gave both myself and the wife instant and lasting results. Couple that with Pilates which will strengthen the core taking the work load off the back. I was referred to both by my doctor. See the quack first to make sure there's not a serious underlying problem and keep clear of the pain killers if you can. Muscle relaxants help if the muscles go into spasm.

Anyone know how it compares to the SJ in regards to ease of use and set up, precision etc? Couldn't see the point in buying it if you already have either a SJ or LJ.

I forgot to add; take the best airline you can afford. I just did the return trip from the states plus a couple of internals with United Airlines. Sheer Misery. The 747 clunked its way down the tarmac, some of the female staff were surly and miserable and check in you wouldn't believe. The planes were old and battered, TV screens you couldn't see, pre used head phones that didn't work. The list goes on. We were greeted at Sydney by Ozzy and Kiwi staff for Air NZ and what a difference. New Plane, good entertainment and staff that smiled and were pleasant. That in itself on a long flight can be worth a couple of extra quid. Not wondering if the plane is going to fall out of the sky for 14 hours? Priceless.

My Dad used to fly over once a year to see us. He'd stop for at least a day in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan etc. It breaks the flight up, gives you the opportunity to stretch (properly) have a decent shower, use a decent toilet, have a good feed and, most importantly, take the opportunity to have a look around another country. Most airlines, if you have a stop over, will usually put you up for a night free. I wouldn't be attempting to do the whole flight in one hit. 24 hours doesn't sound too bad but on a plane it most definately is. Hook up with one of the Asian or Mid Eastern airlines as they offer the best service. Alternatively, go the other way and have a stop in NY, San Francisco or Vancouver. A couple of nights in a hotel won't cost much and you'll arrive in NZ in a far better mood and without cramp. You won't regret even a days stop over but I'd make it a couple of nights if you can.

As far as climbing gear? Still to be discussed. I'm still working on the details and nothing's guaranteed but early discussions were positive.

Well, holiday plans are now pretty much finalised. We have 7 days sandwiched in between a whole heap of other stops to drive from Seattle to San Francisco. Car is booked and we plan to drive out to Mt St Helens on the way from Seattle and then stop in either Portland or Cannon Beach depending on how much time gets taken up with volcano exploration. From there we drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway and down to the Redwoods for a couple of days with possibly a stop off on the way. Going back over previous posts on this thread I'm just working out where I'm going to base myself for two days of exploring. Also hoping to have time left over for a long but worthwhile drive over to Sequoia National Park as I might be able to score myself a climb of a Redwood. We've booked a June trip so plenty of driving hours means we might just be able to cram it all in. Anyone else that's done part or all of the trip feel free to chip in with places to stay etc

David Goss is a mate on FB. Still around and all good but just really busy in and out of work at the moment.

All hunkydory now.

Actually, I lie. Rob just reminded me there is one good thing about Christmas. TURKEY!

I hate christmas!

Managed to get a Wattle to land smack on top of this strainer post. Didn't break it, just punched it straight in to the ground. It was 1.5m high before I dealt to it. Certainly not my worst blooper by any stretch though.

Me too. Changed in the space of an hour.

I think the only wood I don't bother collecting is Willow. I burnt some Poplar last year and that turned out surprisingly good. I tell most people that if it's free it's all worth getting hold off; it'll all burn once dry.

Have you done a review on the HH yet Drew?

Ty, I hate to agree with you as NZ is a beautiful country but on most points you are correct. Our clean green and pure claim is, on many levels, complete BS. I think our saving grace is population or lack there of.

Yep, two of us that are forward thinking and that's the arb unit (myself and my 2IC). Nobody else really seems to care that much, at least not enough to do anything about it. They all make the right noises but when it comes time for action they all head for the nearest rock. We wanted to put a front page advert in the local rag. Taupo District Council offers substantial reward for information leading to charges against the poisoner of trees in Kinloch Reserve. That was definately a no go. Here's another one that the locals didn't like because it blocked their view of the lake. We also took down two butchered Oaks and we have 3 more Oaks to go and two Birch trees on the berm that residents have "looked after" for us. That means they've hacked them.

Yeah, like I say; we tried the police once before and they weren't really interested. That time the council supervisor at the time went on to site and met a local resident who had caught the poisoner red handed with roundup and funnel in hand. Police reckoned they hadn't enough evidence We thought about putting a camera up one of the trees just in case the poisoner came back and tried a second dose but we reckon he's done a pretty good job and wont need to come back for a second go. We're not sure if it was one of the residents that has his property shaded by the trees or someone up on the hill whose view of the lake is blcoked. Whichever, the trees were there long before the residents were. We've also had a Totara hacked, two Oaks drilled and growth hormone poured into them and several other trees hacked.

Dyneema kit is definately worth it. The velcro was useless but the dyneema works great.