Spring---you are a 'tease.'

Don't you love it when everybody is feeling 'spring like,' and the daffodils are showing off their gaudy heads? The day dawns bright and mild and the sun takes hold in the sky as if to say, 'I'm here for the long term, so bring lout your washing, plant your seeds and walk your dogs.' The promise of something special is in the air.
Trouble is, it's all a big lie. By the time you have travelled half a kilometre on your way to the park, the heavens open and the wind shakes the car. Do you turn around and head home; knowing that your pooch will attack you at every opportunity for the gall you have shown in going back on your word--'walkies?'
What big shiny liar you can be, spring. On then one hand , you give and on the other you take away. Oh well, I guess its all part of the 'big plan,' making sure we don't take for granted the gift that spring eventually becomes. I'm gonna enjoy you anyway.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Fonterra and other NZ food manufacturers---the message is clear---get your act together!

As China becomes increasingly strident in its demand for clean and safe food items, New Zealand's claim to be 100% pure is going to come under huge pressure and that is entirely understandable. There is also a move within China to bring about better standards within this huge country. The growing middle class along with a gradual increase in their power to influence the incumbent 'big business' Communist Party is only going to put New Zealand under the spotlight. Fonterra and other companies have a very narrow window of opportunity to 'get things right' and win  back the confidence of China. We are caught in the middle of very real fears and a possible political power play by the Communist Party to divert attention from issues within our huge trading partner. In a sense, NZ is only a bit player in world politics and China does not owe us anything and that is something NZ must recognise. If an alternate 'food source' was available to the Chinese market, we would be dropped in a flash. There is no 'loyalty factor, emanating from a 'where Britain goes, we follow,' ethos and even that does not work for us any longer re the UK, so NZ needs to toughen up and do whatever is necessary to retain and even grow our market in China, based solely on our 'relationship' and quality of product. I believe the Government knows this and baying by our Opposition needs to take into account he new reality. Maybe that will be the measure of David Shearer over the next few months.
Bottom line? New Zealand is not owed a living by the rest of the world, certainly not China.
www.authorneilcoleman.com

Jersey. What a wonderful surprise to see you reading my blog.

I have always enjoyed programmes on TV that feature Jersey or any of the other Channel Islands. I am intrigued by the relationship these island states have with the UK. My wish is to visit one day, but quite a few things need to change for me for that to happen. Maybe the release of my book, ROSKILL, can help. So, my new Jersey reader(s) look out for ROSKILL  on Amazon. It will firstly be on Kindle and then hard copy. I am expecting the upload to complete in the next few days, certainly by the 15th August, 2013. In the meantime, I shall continue my blogs, covering the usual suspects: news events with my twists, my bariatric surgery journey and sometimes, just taking the piss in  my Kiwi way---why?---because I live in a country whereby I can! Big hugs, Jersey.
www.authorneilcoleman.com