 Doctored Image: courtesy of some dodgy looking US blog Famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once said: “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.”
The point he makes is neither truth nor science gives two shits about my or your opinion if it can’t be proved beyond reasonable doubt by a body of authentic, peer-reviewed scientific research.
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 We all get offended by things we hear or behaviour we experience. It’s natural to feel upset or hurt by inappropriate comments or actions and it takes a level of resilience to deal with it. It’s normal to disagree with others’ views but usually that doesn’t mean they should be banned from voicing them.
Urban New Zealand has leveled a lot of criticism over the fence at its rural neighbours, however as we see ongoing health warnings for Auckland’s beaches, its worth looking at who really respects our water and is getting off their chuff and doing something about it?  Summer is BBQ time and what a glorious start to the BBQ season here in the Wakatipu. Add in some great Test cricket on the TV and the arrival of our latest shipment of Bainfield Road lamb from down south, the team at Arthurs Shore couldn’t be happier. However, as each year goes by I feel a growing animosity towards the carnivores amongst us. It started but a whisper but, amplified by like-minded anti-meat and dairy campaigners banding together on social media and more support in mainstream media, it is now a full-blown movement of some size.   Congratulations to Labour and the Greens for wooing Winston and forming a new government.
I’m picking the yoga lessons taken in opposition helped keep your hamstrings flexible enough to accommodate the bending required to meet Winston’s demands? While myself and 59 per cent of our electorate who voted for National will be disappointed, I appreciate equally there will also be many locals ecstatic with the outcome. One group that won’t be dancing a jig at the result are our foreign workers on temporary visas and those wishing to work their way towards residency and one day call themselves a Kiwi and eventually after a few more years a local in the Wakatipu. Another group equally unhappy will be those who employ them.  Picture from stuff.co.nz I was just reading this good article from Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy on interest.co.nz. He argues despite a lot of publicity recently around record migration we still have far to many kiwis contributing their skills and experience to other economies. What do you think... is having 1 in 6 kiwis living abroad a failure for New Zealand or a natural result of being a small geographically isolated country in an ever globalizing world?
Personally I think it's entirely understandable that young kiwis want to go and explore the world. They always have and I'm pretty sure short of a massive global conflict wreaking havoc elsewhere they always will. What does concern me somewhat however is those who leave for reasons other than for a grand adventure broadening their horizons around the globe.  I love the great outdoors, I’ve grown up immersed in what it has to offer and care greatly about its future and making sure the next generation is lucky enough to enjoy the scenic wonder and recreational pursuits that I’ve been fortunate enough to. While I’m passionate about the environment I don’t consider myself a greenie.
 Speight's Dog Barking Competition, WinterFest Tonight we mark the opening of Winterfestival (sort of) but are we also marking the beginning of the end of an era?
I’m a creature of habit, a traditionalist and recidivist attendee of certain events. I rarely miss a Southland Stags home game, love the Glenorchy Races and you would have found me fossicking around Waimahaka at our Mai Mai the first Saturday in May since 1993. Another of my annual traditions has been Winterfestival.  OPINION: I was too young to enjoy John Clarke, aka Fred Dagg, in his heyday but like many Kiwis I’ve always felt a strong connection to his message.
I’m not afraid of a bit of travel – I recently had a fantastic trip around Asia. However, I always appreciate coming home. That said I’m in a state of constant bafflement at those who seem to be ungrateful for the privilege of residing in the greatest country on earth. A couple of weeks ago I was reviewing some radio adverts and taking calls from clients in Halong Bay Vietnam. Extortionate SPARK NZ roaming charges aside, It got me thinking about how I work well and what type of environment gets the best out me while also being enjoyable. In today's interconnected business community most of us are aware and open to the fact that work can take place anywhere for anyone, however there are still too many businesses and individuals wedded to the old ways.  Halong Bay - Vietnam
 I know David Kennedy was putting his hand up for a hard-earned Icelandic research junket to investigate how the locals are handling the hordes of curious tourists arriving each year.
Unfortunately for David, my former Winter Festival partner in crime Jo Holley and I beat him to the basalt in September with a nine-day adventure around Europe’s youngest and most expensive island.  Europe is changing and even Sweden is not immune. Hopefully the morality bar is being kept high and candidates don’t get mired in dirty politics like the last national election.
Hello Queenstown, how are things back home at the centre of the universe? I trust a boardie and jandal-clad spring has sauntered in and warmed things up a bit for some goggle-tan days of spring skiing.  Credit ODT A recent delegation to Aspen has highlighted a growing emphasis by community and business leaders to learn what we can from other resort towns that have experienced or are still experiencing growing pains on their journey to maturity.
We live in an amazing part of the world. Queenstown's natural capital has been augmented over time by innovative and inspirational people, who had the courage and creativity to challenge the accepted norms.  Credit: ODT
As we tuck away yet another festive season and return to the daily grind I will look back fondly on my holiday after enjoying some great grassroots Kiwi summer fun.
While the farmers won't share my sentiment, having the big yellow on show non-stop was fantastic for getting outside and there was plenty of 4WD-ing, hunting, boating and camping crammed in.
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AuthorMark Wilson 
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