Nominations Open to Find Extraordinary New Zealanders

Rt Hon Jim Bolger and New Zealander of the Year 2010, Ray Avery, will launch nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2011 at an event on Tuesday 3 August at Te Papa. Awarded for outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation, the awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand.

Recognising people from all walks of life, the awards seek out and honour exceptional individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire through their hard work and achievement.

All New Zealanders are encouraged to nominate a fellow Kiwi whose contribution to society makes them feel proud and deserving of recognition. Nominations are open from Tuesday 3rd August until Friday 22 October 2010 and judging will take place in December. The winners and runners up in each category will be honoured at a gala awards dinner on Wednesday 2 February 2011.

Any citizen over the age of 15 can be nominated in one or more of the five award categories:

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
Honouring the inspirational achievements of a remarkable person

Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year
Recognising over 60s making a positive contribution to the nation

Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year
Role models aged between 15 and 30 who are inspiring young New Zealanders

Mitre 10 Community of the Year
Acknowledging groups and organisations working together to build better communities

Kiwibank Local Heroes
Rewarding everyday people doing extraordinary things in their communities. Up to 250 Kiwibank local Hero medals will be awarded in up to 25 regions across the country. One national winner will be celebrated at the gala awards dinner.

“Ideal candidates are inspirational New Zealanders who are stepping up, making the most of what they have to offer, helping others and seeking new ways of making society better,” explains Awards Patron, Kiwibank Chairman and former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

“I am amazed by the overwhelming contribution made by people of all ages to their communities, New Zealand and the world at large. These awards give us a platform to recognise, celebrate and encourage those Kiwis making a difference in our communities.”

Principal sponsor Kiwibank is pleased to provide each category winner with $5,000 towards their work and a handcrafted, New Zealand-made trophy. All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement or encouragement in recognition of their contribution.

Nomination forms are available online at www.nzawards.org.nz or Kiwibank, Countdown and Mitre 10 stores.

For information or assistance in submitting a nomination:

Text: ‘nominate’ to 244
Call toll free: 0508 692 927
Email: info@nzwards.org.nz
Post: New Zealander of the Year Awards, PO Box 7443, Market Road, Auckland 1543

Last year’s overall winner, Ray Avery, 63, is a former street kid turned scientist whose low cost, sustainable medical devices - invented in the garage of his Mount Eden home - are making a difference to millions of the world’s most vulnerable and poor.

Also honoured at last year’s event were:

Sir Eion Edgar of Otago, named Senior New Zealander of the Year for his lifetime of philanthropic service.

Divya Dhar, 24 of Manukau, named Young New Zealander of the Year for campaigning against global poverty and climate change.

Haami (Sam) Tutu Chapman of Manukau, given the Local Heroes Award for his extraordinary work with gangs and communities at risk.

Victory Village in Nelson, given the Community of the Year Award for creating strong support services for happy and successful communities.

www.nzawards.org.nz

2010 Tax Code

The only thing that the Government has not taxed yet is the male penis.

This is due to the fact that 69% of the time it is hanging around unemployed, 10% of the time it is hard up, 20% of the time it is pissed off and 1% of the time it is in a hole.

On top of that, it has two dependants and they are both nuts!

HOWEVER: effective January 1st, 2010, the penis will now be taxed according to size:
The brackets are as follows:

5 - 10 cm. Nuisance Tax 20.00
10 - 20 cm. Privilege Tax 100.00
20 - 25 cm Pole Tax 200.00
25 - 30 cm Luxury Tax 300.00
Males exceeding 30 cm must file capital gains.

Those under 5 cm are eligible for a tax refund.
PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXTENSION...

A Real Man

A real man is a woman's best friend. He will never stand her up and never let her down. He will reassure her when she feels insecure and comfort her after a bad day.

He will inspire her to do things she never thought she could do; to live without fear and forget regret. He will enable her to express her deepest emotions and give in to her most intimate desires. He will make sure she always feels as though she's the most beautiful woman in the room and will enable her to be the most confident, sexy, seductive, and invincible.

No wait... sorry... I'm thinking of wine.
Never mind.

Importance of training

There was a case in a Johannesburg Hospital's ICU, where patients always died in the same bed, every Sunday morning at 11am regardless of their medical condition.

This puzzled the doctors and some even thought that particular bed was the work of the Devil..... as to why the deaths at 11am on Sunday mornings? A world-wide team of experts were constituted and they decided to go to the ward to investigate the cause of the incidents.

So on the next Sunday morning, a few minutes before 11am, all doctors and nurses nervously waited outside the ward to see for themselves what the terrible phenomenon was all about. Some were holding wooden crosses, prayer books and other holy objects to ward off any evil spirits. Just then the clock struck 11 and............

......Precious Tshabalala walked in (part-time cleaner) unplugged the life support machine and plugged in the vacuum cleaner.

COWS

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad cow epidemic the UK government could track a single cow, born in Bourne almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the county of Lincolnshire?

And, they even tracked her calves to their stalls.

But they are unable to locate 125,000 illegal immigrants wandering around the country. Maybe they should give each of them a cow!!

Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in a nursing home

Received this via email and couldn't resist posting it:

Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in a nursing home:

This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks. They'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc and they'd receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly, if they fell, or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their cell.

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counseling, pool and education.

Simple clothing, shoes, slippers, PJ's and legal aid would be free, on request..

Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard, with gardens.

Each senior could have a PC a TV radio and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.

The "criminals" would get cold food, be left all alone and unsupervised.
Lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week.
Live in a tiny room and pay £900.00 per month and have no hope of ever getting out.

Just a Tap

A passenger in a taxi leaned over to ask the driver a question and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, lost control of the cab, nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb, and stopped just inches from a large plate glass window.

For a few moments everything was silent in the cab, and then the still shaking driver said, "I'm sorry but you scared the daylights out of me."

The frightened passenger apologized to the driver and said he didn't realize a mere tap on the shoulder could frighten him so much.

The driver replied, "No, no, I'm sorry, it's entirely my fault. Today is my first day driving a cab. I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years."

For the Man of the House this Fathers Day...

Treat the man of the house to something fresh, new and exciting this Father's Day with Lemongrass House - the ideal choice for premium products that won't break the bank!

Offering a luxurious yet affordable range of men's products used in top spa's the world over, Lemongrass House provides something alluring and refreshing for the man of the house this Father's Day.

Lemongrass House specialise in fresh, handmade spa products that contain no parabens, no sulphates and are never tested on animals. From Wild Mint Shower Gel to Revitalising Massage and Body Oil, Lemongrass and Pomelo Body Butter and the super-slick Man's Box – there's something to suit every Dad!

For the Dad who loves a fresh start in the mornings, Lemongrass House Wild Mint Shower Gel (RRP from $9.95) is the perfect gift. A vegetable-based deep cleansing shower gel made using fresh plant infusions of aloe vera & cucumber, pure essential oils and moisture rich glycerin, it will leave your Dad's skin feeling smooth, soft and hydrated. Invigorating ingredients such as green tea extract, garden mint essential oil and grapefruit seed extract combine to provide some extra get up and go before a hard day's work!

And get Dad's blood pumping with Lemongrass House Revitalising Massage and Body Oil (RRP from $9.95) – a luxurious treat for body and mind at the end of a long day. The oil is hand-blended to create the perfect revitalising balance, adding fragrant pure essential oils to nourishing, vitamin-rich sweet almond and jojoba base oils. Suitable for a variety of skin types and uses, Lemongrass House Revitalising Massage and Body Oil can also be used on damp skin after a bath or shower as a rich, indulgent moisturiser.

Lemongrass and Pomelo Body Butter (RRP $23.95) is the heavyweight of body moisturisers. Packed with inviting tropical fragrances, vitamin E and locally grown aloe vera, it will naturally soften, re-hydrate, rejuvenate and nourish your Dad's skin. With fresh, natural ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, lemongrass and pomelo essential oils, shea butter, coconut, cocoa butter, jojoba oil and cucumber extract, Lemongrass and Pomelo Body Butter offers an indulgent and invigorating experience for all Dads.

And for the ultimate boy toy, why not treat your Dad to The Man's Box (RRP $168.85). Choc-full of premium Lemongrass House products including massage and body oil, face cream, bath crystals, lip balm, shower gel, fresh handmade soap, revitalising room spray and more, The Man's Box will not disappoint!

For more information visit www.lemongrasshouse.co.nz

Kiwi Charities to Benefit from Online Shopping

A new online bargain site with a conscience has launched giving customers the chance to help local charities simply by shopping at its 24 hour online store.

DaySale.co.nz was created by Search and Rescue volunteer Hamish Pirie who wanted to help support some of the country’s under-funded charities by capitalizing on Kiwis love of online shopping.

Pirie, who also volunteers with the Summit Rescue Helicopter, says he is well-aware of the pressure for resources facing many of our charitable organisations and hopes DaySale.co.nz efforts will go some way in supporting them.

Each day up to four heavily discounted items are listed for online bargain hunters with a percentage of the proceeds from one of the product lines featured then donated to a local charity registered with the site.

In just four weeks kind New Zealand shoppers have donated $1,213 to Plunket, RNZSPCA, Land Search & Rescue and CanTeen, says Pirie.

“I saw this as a great opportunity to promote some of the not for profit groups within the community and to reward them for the great work that they do,” he says.

“My involvement with Search and Rescue has shown me how rewarding it can be to be part of a team of dedicated people who are committed to helping others and making a difference in their lives,” says Pirie.

Pirie says customers who subscribe to DaySale.co.nz can be assured the money from each charity sale goes to the nominated organisation and there are no handling or promotional fees and in many cases we even add to the donations.

Sales are made on a first in first served basis and savings can be made on a range of products including; cosmetics, sporting goods, toys, clothing, footwear, electronics, homeware and consumables.

Pirie sources the products locally and internationally at reduced prices and says he is able to do so because of his ability to bulk order and receive large discounts.

Charities who are interested in receiving donations from the site can register online with new charities regularly featured.

For more information on DaySale.co.nz’s charitable donations or to find out more about how DaySale.co.nz works, visit www.daysale.co.nz

Kiwi Men Worried About Their Looks: Survey

Kiwi men are worried about their looks with hair loss, dandruff and weight gain their three biggest concerns according to a new trans-Tasman study.

The Head & Shoulders Hair Retain Survey showed that more than a quarter of men (29%) said they were worried about having dandruff and just over a quarter (26%) were concerned about losing their hair.

The results also show that New Zealand males were anxious about their waistlines as well as their hairlines! Just under two thirds of Kiwi men (63%) were concerned about putting on weight, compared to just less than half of their Australian counterparts.

Auckland psychologist Sara Chatwin says having hair is closely aligned with many masculine characteristics so when men lose their hair, their self-esteem often plummets.

“Many men define themselves by the way they wear their hair. This may be due to traditional beliefs that suggest hair is associated with virility, social status, strength and youth,” says Chatwin.

“When their hair diminishes or gets dandruff (that is perceived as dirty) men may feel less virile, weak, older and generally less attractive,” she says.

Chatwin says with this in mind men will often go “the extra distance” to ensure their hair is full, dandruff flake free and healthy looking.

“These days men are taking more time to look after their personal grooming habits and hair maintenance is part of that package,” she says.

This may be the case for Kiwi men but when it comes to appearances it seems Australian men aren’t nearly as alarmed about certain aspects of their appearance! Only 13% of Australian men worried about dandruff and just 18% said they were apprehensive about hair loss.

Kiwi respondents said that when it came to wrinkles they were not overly concerned, with only 17% saying it was an issue for them; excess hair was even less of a worry with 13% of Kiwi men saying being overly hairy upset them.

Interestingly Kiwi women were also more concerned about men’s hair than any other appearance issues. Eight out of 10 Kiwi women said dandruff on a man’s shoulders was more of a turn-off than thinning hair! Six out of 10 women surveyed also said that unkempt hair on men was a sign of laziness.

Nearly half (47%) of Kiwi women thought men with a full head of hair are generally more attractive compared to 44% of Australian women.

When it came to males Kiwi women were generally less concerned withbaldness just 15% said bald patches were the first thing they noticed about a man, compared to 22% of Australian women.

Similarly hair was not considered a strong predictor of success with just 12% and 13% of Kiwi and Australian women respectively saying men with a full head of hair tend to be more successful.

The survey was commissioned by Head & Shoulders to launch its new Hair Retain for Men shampoo. The specially formulated product works to reduce dandruff flakes from the first wash but also smoothes the scalp, slows down hair fall due to breakage and provides hair care and protection.

New Bond System Makes Renting Cheaper

An innovative new bond system is set to shake up the New Zealand tenancy market, making renting a home more affordable and accessible.

From July 1 2010, SmartBond will be available to both landlords and tenants as an alternative to the traditional Department of Building and Housing administered (DBH) bond system.

Already an international success story, SmartBond avoids troublesome payment scenarios between landlords and tenants by offering landlords a full five weeks cover for unpaid rent or wilful damage, in return for a small weekly premium. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of a tenancy’s weekly rent at 2 per cent.

An additional option of rent protection insurance (premium 0.5 per cent) also gives landlords the security of knowing that their tenant’s rent will be paid (up to a maximum of 12 weeks), should the tenant become redundant, bankrupt or disabled.

The Director of NZ Guarantee Barry Gordon says SmartBond is a more flexible, financially savvy option for landlords and tenants, which provides increased cover for landlords if a tenancy ends badly.

“The entire SmartBond system has been set up to make the process as straightforward as possible,” says Gordon. “We’re confident that, similar to what we’ve seen internationally, SmartBond will become the bond system of choice for New Zealand landlords and tenants.”

Once parties have agreed to use SmartBond, they sign up online or through a SmartBond Approved Agent. Once approval is granted, the tenancy can begin immediately and as long as premiums are paid, cover is guaranteed until the tenancy ends.

Landlords may also choose to reward current tenants and opt to include SmartBond in the existing rent, allowing any remaining Bond to be released back to the tenant.

Based on a similar successful system employed in Switzerland, Belgium and the UK, SmartBond also offers tenants the additional benefit of applying for preapproval as a SmartBond tenant. The tenant is issued with a SmartBond Approval Certificate which they can use to streamline future dealings with potential landlords.

Landlords and property agents may choose to advertise their rentals as SmartBond properties, attracting tenants who are savvy about managing their money, without the deterrent of having to raise four weeks bond upfront.

SmartBond has a six month minimum term and can be terminated by either party at any time after this term. SmartBond has been developed in accordance with the restrictions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 – both landlords and tenants receive the protections afforded by the Act under the SmartBond system.

SmartBond is the offering of NZ Guarantee Ltd, underwritten by Southsure Assurance Limited, a SBS Bank Group Company. Southsure Assurance is New Zealand-owned and operated and has a proven track history of providing insurance services to local communities,

For more information visit www.smartbond.co.nz

Tainui and Hoyts to Launch State-of-the-Art Cinema Complex

Tainui will join with Hoyts Cinemas to build a multi-million dollar cinema complex in the Waikato creating 80 new jobs and giving a boost to the local economy.

Due to open in 2011, the new Hamilton cinema, will offer more than 1300 seats, six digital movie screens all with digital 3D capabilities, an Xtremescreen, food emporium and concept cinema and bar.

Hoyts General Manager Brian Eldridge says the new complex at The Base shopping centre will be the first purpose built, fully digitalized movie venue in New Zealand and the company is pleased to be launching the new ‘premium cinema concept’ experience in the Waikato. The Te Rapa venue will also include an auditorium for large screen shows, conferences, private functions and sporting entertainment with a fully licensed bar close by, says Eldridge.

“We’re excited to be creating such a unique and innovative offering to the Waikato and look forward to working with Tainui Group Holdings (TGH), owners of The Base, to give the local region a cinema complex which would rival anything found internationally.” Eldridge says the new cinema is the first of Hoyts’ concept cinemas and there are plans to develop more nationwide.

Tainui Group Holdings Chief Executive Mike Pohio says creating a new benchmark for cinema entertainment is consistent with TGH’s goal of creating a market leading region facility that will continue to attract people and operators in Hamilton.

Entertainment seekers wanting a step up in movie experiences will be able to do so with the provision of 143 La Premiere seats and a gourmet selection of wines, antipasto, pizzas and ice-cream from the food emporium.

Do you believe the weatherman's temperature readings?

During a recent bitterly cold snap in Auckland, I was astounded to head to the Metservice website to be told the current temp in Auckland was sitting at 13 degrees C ... it felt distinctly more like 5 or 6!

Peeved, I shot off an email to them asking for an explanation of their readings, and got this response in reply:

Hi Gayle and thanks for your enquiry.

The temperature for Auckland on the main webpage is taken at the airport. If you head into the “3 hourly temperatures” tab around the middle of the main webpage, you get a list of the locations around New Zealand with the latest 3 hourly measurements. We also have stations taking measurements at Whangaparoa and Whenuapai for Auckland as well.

Air temperatures are measured at a height of approximately 1.3m above a flat surface which is covered with short grass. The thermometers are housed in a white painted wooden louvered shelter known as a Stevenson Screen. The use of a standard screen allows temperatures to be compared accurately with those measured in earlier years and at different places. The screen is designed to allow the temperature probe to reach equilibrium with the air temperature inside – shielding against rain and warming/cooling by radiation (that is out of direct sunlight) and allows free air flow. This is to give a more accurate reading of the “ambient” or “drybulb” temperature of the atmosphere at that particular location – the temperature measured by a thermometer exposed to the airstream but shielded from radiation and moisture. Indeed, it can be warmer or colder than what you feel depending on the sun’s rays or wind chill but it is the accepted form of temperature measurement by National Weather Services across the globe. It should also be noted than WMO guidelines force consideration that the weather station be placed away from artificial heat sources such as parking lots and buildings. A parking lot, for example poses a threat to temperature interference, not just because of the heat generated from the cars, but also from the black bitumen which is used to cover car parking lots attracting sunlight, thereby increasing the ambient temperature.

You are indeed correct though, it can sometimes feels an awful lot colder/hotter than the temperature recorded depending on factors such a wind chill and direct sunlight. A detailed description of the factors which influence how temperature “feels” is available in the blog area of our website - Bob McDavitt’s “Feels like” post dating from the 13th of January 2010.

I trust that this answers your query.

Well, it answered my query, but I am still rather dubious - the day in question, there was very little wind. Right, am off to read Bob's blog post to see if that helps!

www.metservice.co.nz

Eat Yourself Beautiful with New Zealand’s Emerald Nectar

They say you are what you eat. It follows then that if you want to be beautiful, you should eat beautiful food.

Avocado oil is the emerald nectar that will give you an enviable effervescent glow – from the inside out.

The most nutritionally complete fruit in the world, avocados have long been recognised as an important food source.

Originally from Mexico, there is evidence of them having been used by man for thousands of years BC.

But it is only in recent years that their exceptional nutritional properties have been harnessed and condensed into an accessible everyday product that can be used by anyone, at any time of the year.

Full of the micro-nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants of fresh avocados, Grove Avocado Oil is 100% natural, with no cholesterol or trans fats and only low levels of saturated fats.

In fact it has less saturated fat (13.4%) than olive oil (17.3%) and rice bran oil (17.6%).

And because it is made from New Zealand avocados, it is the healthiest avocado oil in the world.

Avocados contain the plant sterol, beta sitosterol, which is proven to lower cholesterol absorption. As a result of the cooler climate and slower growing rate, New Zealand avocados have higher levels of beta-sitosterol than those grown in warmer countries.

Avocado oil also is also a natural source of Vitamin E and Omega 3 and 6, making it a staple ingredient for a diet that leaves you looking and feeling great.

And avocado oil has the highest smoke point of any extra virgin oil - 271 degrees Celsius (compared to rice bran oil at 254 degrees Celsius and olive oil at 216 degrees Celsius). This means it remains stable during high temperature cooking methods, such as frying, roasting and barbecuing.

New Zealand’s leading avocado oil manufacturer, Grove Avocado Oil first introduced avocado oil suitable for cooking in 2000.

Using state-of-the-art Flotwegg pressing equipment, the oil is gently extracted from the avocados, all the while maintaining low temperatures to minimize potential oxidation of the oil.

Completely pure, it is neither refined, bleached, not deodorised.

But, perhaps best of all, Grove Avocado Oil has a flavour and aroma that is unique to the Bay of Plenty microclimate in which it is produced.

Nutty, buttery, grassy. In dips, marinades, dressings or sauces, it is irresistible.

It’s no wonder its health preserving and culinary qualities have made it a popular cooking ingredient in homes and prestigious restaurants around the world.

What better way to enhance your health and your complexion by enjoying a culinary sensation?


Grove Avocado Oil is now on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/avocadooil

MasterCard-U21 Global Scholarship Programme Marks Fifth Year of Empowering Women Executives in Travel and Tourism Sector

20 Scholarships to be Awarded to Women to Upgrade Skills to Climb Corporate Ladder

With the travel and tourism industry having undergone significant changes over the last year, it is even more imperative for professionals in this sector to upgrade their skills to face the new challenges and opportunities available. MasterCard Worldwide and U21Global Graduate School today announced the fifth year of the MasterCard-U21Global scholarship programme for women in the travel and tourism industry. Launched in 2006, the programme aims to empower women executives through education to realise their full potential. Comprised of 20 scholarships for the U21Global Postgraduate Diploma of Business Administration, the programme is intended for graduates who want to develop skills in the management and marketing of tourism and travel products and programmes. It is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in core management subjects, and is aimed at providing students with a firm grounding in basic management capabilities. Core subjects include Organisational Behaviour, Finance, Marketing Management and Strategic Management. The course can articulate into the University of Nottingham MSc in Tourism and Travel Management which has been developed by Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute, a part of Nottingham University Business School, and U21Global, a leader in quality graduate online education for working executives and professionals. Eighty women have been awarded the scholarship to date, with the scholars coming from a broad spectrum of the industry, from hotels and airlines to travel and tour operators. The first batch of women graduated from the programme last year, while 9 women are set to graduate this year. All of them are upbeat about their career prospects, recognising the value the programme has ingrained in them as professionals. “My learning experience with U21Global has been extremely enjoyable and has far exceeded my expectations. I found that the online tutorial is well-structured and easy to understand and I gained a lot of work-related knowledge which can be applied to improve my quality of work. I also love the flexibility and convenience of the online environment as it allows me to study anytime anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. The sharing of best work practices with my fellow classmates always gives me great insights to perform my work in a better way. I am sure I can benefit from this course both personally and professionally. I would recommend it for anybody who has the passion to work in the Travel & Tourism Industry and is aiming for better prospects in his or her career life,” said Anna Yip, Sales Development Manager, Air New Zealand.

“Throughout the course, I have been able to expand my strategic thinking and business analytical profile. I have come across some great examples that others are using in their business units and have been able to adapt and apply them to some of the situations that I have come across in my own business units. The team environments on the course give one exposure across cultures, backgrounds and personalities and while frustrating at times, it was a great learning curve working within the teams,” explained Monique Curry, Cluster Revenue Manager, Crowne Plaza East, Intercontinental Hotels Group. “I am very grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship programme as it opened up new opportunities for growth for me. Although it is quite challenging to balance work, family and study, I liked the fact that I could do all of these endeavours simultaneously. I would highly recommend it, especially to those who want immediate application of what they learn in the course to real business settings,” said Anabell Gillespie, Sales Director, Misibis Bay. “Empowering women with management and leadership skills that immediately add value to their contributions at work has always been the aim of MasterCard Worldwide and U21Global. We are very encouraged by the positive responses and feedback from the students and graduates,” said Nick Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of U21Global Graduate School. He added, “Despite the global economic crisis, H1N1 and other challenges, we see huge growth opportunities in tourism. The UN World Tourism Organisation expects the international tourism arrivals to grow by 3 to 4 per cent this year, and Asia to lead the trend with a growth of at least 5 per cent. 1The scholarship by MasterCard Worldwide and U21Global will help prepare these talented women for the massive growth in the tourism industry.” The 20 scholarships are made possible by a grant from MasterCard Worldwide and U21Global. Recipients of the scholarship can enjoy the benefit of studying online and can hence better manage their work and educational commitments. “The PATA foundation recognises that the MasterCard-U21 programme is of great support to the travel and tourism industry and serves to address an important issue the industry is facing - that of developing a skilled workforce who will bring back their knowledge and expertise to the business. Building upon this, there is an increasing need for the private sector to be more involved in the process of raising standards for the industry,” said Ratana Poopitakchatkaew, Director of Board and Foundations Relations, PATA Foundation. “Women and education have always been key priorities for MasterCard. The recent financial downturn has taught us that there is always a need for professionals to improve themselves and stay ahead, and we are glad that with this programme, we have provided many dedicated women with the chance to do so. We strongly encourage women in the region to apply for this programme and benefit from the various opportunities it affords,” said Georgette Tan, vice president, Communications, Asia/Pacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.

Organisations from the travel and tourism industry across Asia/Pacific, South Asia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and UAE are invited to nominate female employees. MasterCard and U21Global will institute a distinguished panel of judges to choose the 20 worthy recipients. Those interested in more information on the scholarships and course components can log on to U21Global’s website http://www.u21global.edu.sg/mastercard. About PATA Foundation PATA Foundation is a US Not-for-Profit Organisation founded in November 1984. Its mission is to contribute to the sustainable and responsible growth and development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment, the conservation of heritage and support for education. In the past 25 years, hundreds of grants and scholarships have been awarded to over 40 destinations in Asia Pacific. For more information about our activities, please visit www.pata.org/foundation or contact our Secretariat Office based in Bangkok, Thailand at foundation@pata.org. About U21Global Established in 2001, U21Global is the world's premier online Graduate School that offers globally recognised graduate programmes. The graduate school is in close partnership and collaboration with four prestigious partner universities - the University of Birmingham, the University of Melbourne, the University of Nottingham and the University of Virginia. U21Global combines the traditional quality of its founders and partners with innovative modes of delivery on the Internet, providing students with substantial learning advantages, while balancing work, travel and family life. Awarded the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) teChnology-Enhanced Learning (CEL) accreditation, U21Global has successfully enrolled students from over 72 countries around the world including those from Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The postgraduate programmes draw upon the best practices in online learning and pedagogy and have been approved by the Academic Senate which ensures that the quality of all U21Global programmes meet the high standards of each partner university. For more information on U21Global, please visit our campus at www.u21global.edu.sg About MasterCard Worldwide MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter:@mastercardnews.

labrador dogs...

Paddy tells Mick He's thinking of buying a labrador.

"Fook off", say's Mick, "are you mad!!!! Have you seen how many of their owners go blind?!?"

Give a Dog a Home this Winter with Pedigree®

When Jack the family dog finishes his dinner and stretches out in front of the fire this winter, spare a thought for his canine friends left out in the cold – literally.

Each year as many as 11,000* dogs are abandoned in New Zealand – unloved, unwanted and unable to comprehend what they did to deserve such desolation.

Luckily now you can do your bit – both for your pet and the abandoned pooches of New Zealand! Purchase any PEDIGREE® product between June and August 2010 and PEDIGREE® will donate a portion of each sale to The PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive Charitable Trust.

A registered New Zealand charity, The PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive Charitable Trust donates funds raised to animal shelters such as the RNZSPCA to give the thousands of dogs abandoned by their Kiwi owners a second chance in the form of a good home, good food and lots of love.

With meat as the number one ingredient, the PEDIGREE® range of Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to provide your adult dog or puppy with the complete and balanced nourishment they need to live a long and healthy life.

PEDIGREE® contains the perfect balance of great tasting, protein rich real meat, fat and carbohydrate for lean muscle mass and optimal energy levels.

The perfect choice for your tiny canine caper, PEDIGREE® Puppy Growth & Support is specially formulated for growing puppies aged eight weeks to 21 months. With calcium for strong teeth and bones (all the better to chew that squeaky toy with!), Omega 3 DHA for brain development, prebiotics for healthy development and antioxidants for immune support, PEDIGREE® Puppy Growth & Support is your one-stop-shop for a growing pup.

And for the doggy that’s all grown up, PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition with Real Beef is the ideal choice for mealtimes. With Omega 3+6 for a super-shiny coat, dental kibble for healthy teeth and gums, beet pulp for a healthy digestive system and antioxidants for immune support, PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition will be a firm favourite!

Buy PEDIGREE® this chilly season and you’ll not only warm the heart of your own favourite furry friend, but you’ll also be helping thousands of others find a new home!

PEDIGREE® Dry Dog Food 1kg (RRP $7.49), 3kg (RRP $12.99) and 8kg ($29.99) are available in stores nationwide now.

For more information on the PEDIGREE® range of products or to find out how to donate or adopt a dog of your own, visit www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.co.nz

Charlotte Devereux is born

Introducing a new name to New Zealand’s fashion ranks, modern and ultra feminine fashion continues with the release of Charlotte Devereux’s first fashion collection ‘Charlotte Devereux’.

Sure to bring out the sexy glamorzon inside, ‘Charlotte Devereux’ is a label born out of a need for modern, practical yet romantic designs for the contemporary woman.

Charlotte Devereux's debut collection is youthful and fresh in design yet slightly daring in spirit with a mixture of feminine and floaty fabrics that are delicately draped for the Grecian goddess within. Charlotte Devereux Spring/Summer 10/11 is inspired by mythological mermaids and the simplicity of the depths of the ocean.

This spring's sumptuous palate of corals, dusty pinks and off-whites is perfected in her debut collection of sleek maxi dresses, chiffon printed caftans and flowing whimsical tops. Favorite standout pieces would have to be the sheer maxi caftan to layer over swimwear or to take you right into the night. Its intense coral palate and mythical seaweed print represents the graceful and distinctive modern take on Charlotte’s collection. Other obvious favorites are the zip maxi dress that oozes goddess appeal combined with zip embellishment for that added toughness.

Charlotte has rejected stiff formalities of tailored summer wear and created soft, body conscience clothes that are silhouette free and give the feeling that all pieces could be worn paired with black narrow jean for a superbly refreshing fashion look. The Charlotte Devereux collection is available at all fine retailers Auckland wide.

Rural singles revealed

National Fieldays are delighted to announce the finalists for the Rural Bachelor of the Year and the Rural Good Keen Girl competitions. Finalists come from all over New Zealand to compete at the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, 16-19 June, held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, south of Hamilton.

The 2010 Rural Bachelor of the Year finalists are:
Lance Isbister, a 27 year old Rural Reporter from Ashburton.
Scott McGregor, a 19 year old Farm Managers Assistant from Tauranga.
Kelvin Meek, a 21 year old Shepherd from Taupo.
Jacques Reinhardt, a 22 year old Stock Manager from Napier.
Drew Riordan, a 38 year old Fencer from Southland.
Shaun Thomas, a 23 year old Farm Manager from Ashburton.
Nicholas Torrens, a 27 year old Sharemilker from Te Aroha.
Simeon Ward, a 23 year old Managing Director from Puketaha.

The finalist will compete over the four days of Fieldays for the esteemed Golden Gumboot trophy and the title of being the 2010 Rural Bachelor of the Year. The array of prizes for the Rural Bachelor champion is valued at $20,000, from the generous support of the following sponsors; Classic Hits, Swanndri, Skellerup, Stihl, Cook Island Tourism, Leisurerite Spas, Cycle Time, Hyundai, SKYCITY Hamilton and Trader Jacks.

The heats the Rural Bachelors will test their rural capabilities and genuine good bloke character. From digging to dancing, all aspects of the rural, single lifestyle will be closely observed from a panel of judges. The lads will also be competing alongside the Rural Good Keen Girl finalists on Friday the 18th of June.

The 2010 Rural Good Keen Girl finalists are:
Kimberley Anderson, an 18 year old Agricultural Worker from Taupo.
Kaye Crawford, a 48 year old Farm Manager from Ashburton.
Emma Fletcher, a 30 year old Ultra Sound Technician from Hamilton.
Nedine Greyling, a 30 year old Laboratory Technician from Gordonton.
Charlotte Meehan, a 30 year old General Manager from Pukekohe.
Rochelle O’Hara, a 25 year old Stock Manager from Carterton.
Erin Reed, a 28 year old Shepherd from Napier.
Jaimee-Mairee Schimanski, an 18 year old Farm Worker/Hatchery Worker from Taranaki.

The Rural Good Keen Girl competition is a one day event at Fieldays, where the girls will face the same challenging heats as the Rural Bachelors. The new competition is bound to be a favourite at the agricultural event, with the ladies showing the lads how rural girls can hold their own on the farm and in the competition.

Irish vs. The French

The French President is sitting in his office when his telephone rings.

'Hallo, Mr. Sarkozy!' a heavily accented voice said. 'This is Paddy down at the Harp Pub in County Clare , Ireland . I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you! We voted to reject the Lisbon treaty!'

'Well, Paddy,' Sarkozy replied, 'This is indeed important news! How big is your army?'

'Right now,' says Paddy, after a moment's calculation, 'there is myself, me Cousin Sean, me next door neighbour Seamus, and the entire darts team from the pub. That makes eleven!'

Sarkozy paused. 'I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100,000 men in my army waiting to move on my command.'

'Begorra!' says Paddy. 'I'll have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, the next day, Paddy calls again. 'Mr. Sarkozy, the war is still on. We have managed to get us some infantry equipment!'

'And what equipment would that be Paddy?' Sarkozy asks.

'Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor.'

Sarkozy sighs amused. 'I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armoured personnel carriers. Also, I have increased my army to 150,000 since we last spoke.'

'Saints preserve us!' says Paddy. 'I'll have to get back to you.'

Sure enough, Paddy rings again the next day. 'Mr. Sarkozy, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We have modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Bar have joined us as well!'

Sarkozy was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. 'I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100 bombers and 200 fighter planes. My military bases are surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I have increased my army to 200,000!'

'Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!' says Paddy, 'I will have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, Paddy calls again the next day. 'Top o' the mornin', Mr. Sarkozy! I am sorry to inform you that we have had to call off the war.'

'Really? I am sorry to hear that,' says Sarkozy. 'Why the sudden change of heart?'

'Well,' says Paddy, 'we had a long chat over a few pints of Guinness and packets of crisps, and we decided there is no f****n' way we can feed 200,000 prisoners.'