The Overlander is saved....but with conditions.

The Overlander train service has been saved.Due to have it's final run on Saturday 30 September, owner Toll New Zealand has decided at the last minute to keep the 98 year old train service going and to upgrade it, aiming it at tourists and New Zealanders. The Overlander will operate on a reduced timetable, between Auckland and Wellington.From the weekend of 6-8 October 2006 through to mid December 2006, it will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday.From mid December 2006 through to Easter 2007, the service will run seven days a week, then back to three days a week during winter. If the Overlander had been withdrawn from service, it would've been the end of long distance train travel in the North Island after 98 years.The Northerner which used to travel between Auckland and Wellington overnight, was withdrawn from service in 2004. Since the announcement in July, that the Overlander was going to be axed, the trains have been fully booked. New Zealand has had many iconic long distance train journeys that have faded into our rail history.These were:

• The Kaimai Express, which operated from 9 December 1991 until 7 October 2001, travelled between Auckland and Tauranga using the iconic Silver Fern rail-cars.
• The Geyserland Express, which also operated during the same period and also used the Silver Fern rail-cars, travelled between Auckland and Rotorua.
• The Bay Express, operated from 11 December 1989 until 7 October 2001, travelled between Wellington and Napier.
• The Southerner, operated from 1 December 1970 until 10 February 2002, travelled between Christchurch and Invercargill via Dunedin.
• The Northerner, operated from 3 November 1975 until 11 November 2004, was New Zealand's only over-night train, which travelled between Wellington and Auckland.

The South Island has the award-winning TranzAlpine, which travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, and the TranzCoastal(formerly known as the CoastalPacific), which travels between Christchurch and Picton. Wellington has two services.The Capital Connection, which departs Monday to Friday between Palmerston North and Wellington, and the Wairarapa Connection, which departs seven days a week between Wellington and Masterton. Lets hope that once the Overlander is upgraded and marketed properly, it wont become just a memory of our rail history.It may take 12 hours to make it's way from Wellington and Auckland(or Auckland and Wellington), but it is well worth the trip.You get to see some of the most amazing scenery that you won't see travelling in a car or a bus.And definately not in a plane either(Sorry Air New Zealand and Qantas).You also get to experience two of the most amazing engineering feats- The Mokahine Viaduct and the Raurimu Spiral. To make a booking, or for more information, check out http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz or phone 0800 TRAINS.

A HUGE New Zealand hug to my friends who have gone back to England and Ireland.I MISS YOU!!

A huge hello to my international friends who are no longer here in New Zealand.It has not only been an honour working with you all, and securing great friendships, it has been a definate privilage.To Tom, Will, Ciara, Serina, Alan, Kimberly, I hope you all enjoyed your time here in New Zealand, and look forward to either visiting you all when I visit, or welcoming you back to the Home of Middle Earth......100% Pure New Zealand.Haere Ra Ehoa. Me with former work collegue Alan, at Wellington Airport.Alan is now home in Ireland.Kimberly amongst the wetas during her visit to New Zealand.Kimy is now back home in Canada. Tom, Will and Ciara, my former work collegues during their employment at Reading Courtenay.Tom is now back in England completing his studies.Ciara is currently still travelling the world and will be back in Ireland at the end of the year.Will is the only one still in New Zealand.Will is employed by AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown. Serina and I in the Gold Lounge at Reading Courtenay on her last day in Wellington.Serina is currently still travelling and will be back home in Ireland at the end of this year.

Some of my favourite images of our country.

Blanket Bay,Queenstown

Wellington City and Harbour

TranzCoastal train near Kaikoura

Bungy-jumping with a view

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Events you have to experience......

Wellington has many events for it's residents and visitors to enjoy and experience every year. One of my favourites is the Toast Martinborough Wine, Music and Food Festival. Toast Martinborough is the annual showcase for the quality wines produced in the region.Each vineyard features culinary delights from selected Wellington and Wairarapa restaurants, along with some of New Zealand's best live entertainment. Wineries that will feature include Ata Rangi Estate , Craggy Range and Palliser Estate. There will be a train travelling to the festival and tickets can be purchased either at Wellington Railway Station or onboard. The Toast Martinborough Wine, Music and Food Festival is on Sunday 19 November 2006.Tickets will be on sale from Wednesday 11 October.They can be purchased through Ticketmaster on 0800 111 999 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz.Further information can be found at www.toastmartinborough.co.nz Every year since I have lived in Wellington, I have always made my way to the Marlborough region of our beautiful South Island to experience some of the award winning wines from our best wine region. Marlborough, New Zealand's premier wine region and the international home of Sauvignon Blanc, hosts the most successful wine festival in the country.The Wine Marlborough Festival is New Zealand's premier wine and food experience. Held at the prestigious Montana Brancott Winery on the outskirts of picturesque Blenheim, the festival is held over 3 days, giving you the opportunity to sample and even purchase many of the wines on show during the festival. You may want to take up the opportunity to meet some of Marlborough's leading winemakers and viticulturists during wine tutorials and discover the culinary secrets of the many guest chefs.Over 200 wines will be on show from over 40 wineries in the Marlborough region.Sample Marlborough's finest wines and gourmet cuisine, stunning local produce including freshly smoked Salmon matched with a Sauvignon Blanc, scallops with a tempting Reisling, greenshell mussels matched with a stunning Chardonnay, whitebait with Pinot Gris, wild game matched with a gorgeous Pinot Noir, crayfish matched with a delicious Champagne, cheeses with a Cabernet, olive oils and more. An exciting wine and food experience from the country's largest winegrowing region, the festival promises to have something for everyone, with fantastic entertainment from New Zealand's best including Salmonella Dub and more.Past performers have included Goldenhorse, The Black Seeds, and The Beat Girls. If you prefer to spend a weekend in Marlborough to take in the many amazing attractions it has to offer while visiting the Wine Marlborough Festival, you can always stay in one of the many accommodation options available.The best way to get to the festival is on either the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries or fly down on either Air New Zealand or Sounds Air.If travelling from the South, you can also get the TranzCoastal train from Christchurch. The Wine Marlborough Festival will be held Friday 9 February - Sunday 11 February 2007 at the Montana Brancott Estate Winery, Brancott Road, Blenheim, Marlborough. Tickets for the festival are $35 per person.Tickets for the wine tutorials are $15 per person.Tickets will be on sale from Monday 23 October 2006 from Ticketmaster or The Marlborough Centre. Check out www.wine-marlborough-festival.co.nz or www.destinationmarlborough.com for more information.

Wellington Celebrates W.O.W .

Montana World of WearableArt Awards arrives in Wellington for another year. To celebrate the opening of the 2006 Montana World of Wearable Art Awards in Wellington, W.O.W entrants will be welcomed with a colourful street parade on Friday 22 September. The parade, starting at 12.45pm, will leave from Parliament, and move along Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Mercer Street and across Victoria Street, finishing at Civic Square. The theme for this years parade is Excessive Accessories In Motion.It will feature more than 100 wacky pieces from local artists and designers that reflect the ideas of flight, sailing, wheels and swimming.Stilt walkers, rollerbladers and unicyclists will also entertain the crowd. This year, 41 designers representing Australia, Thailand, India, United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, Canada, Germany and the United States of America have been selected to participate in W.O.W . All international designers are eligible to win the International Designers Award sponsered by the Council.The award offers $5000 for the best international design selected by the judges. The Montana World of Wearable Art Awards opens on Thursday 21 September at the TSB Bank Arena and runs until 1 October.There will be 8 two hour shows. Further information can be found at www.worldofwearableart.com. and www.wellington.govt.nz.Tickets are available from Ticketek or the WearableArt Awards website.

Welcome to the Hilton Wellington City....can I help you with your bags?

Wellington will soon have a new 5 star hotel on the waterfront.The Greater Wellington Hearing Committee granted the resource consent for the 5 Star rated Hilton Hotel Wellington City.The battle to build a hotel on the waterfront has been going on for nearly 13 years, and may face further objections by enviroment groups regardless of the regional council's approval. The development of a 5 star boutique hotel on the northern half of the out - T of Queens Wharf had been on the drawing board for over 13 years.In 2001, the site was identified as an iconic piece of the waterfront. The 142-room hotel will be built within the same area that Shed 1(the indoor sports area) occupies, so ground level views of the harbour won't be adversely affected. The ground floor of the Hilton Hotel Wellington City will feature a restaurant and bar which will be accessible to the public, while the first floor would have conference facilities.These facilities would be oriented to catch the afternoon and evening sun, and combined with Dockside Restaurant, Greenroom Bar, Dockside Restaurant, Loaded Hog and One Red Dog, will create a buzzing, and vibrant entertainment precinct which would compliment the nearby TSB Bank Arena, and maybe rival Courtenay Place and Cuba Street. Anyone who opposes the hotel development has until the 10th of October to make an appeal to the Enviroment Court against the decision.If no further objections arise, construction could start in early 2007.

Air New Zealand Fashion Week

Air New Zealand Fashion Week is New Zealand's premier fashion showcase.New Zealand has a glowing reputation overseas when it comes to fashion with many of our most well known designers having made their mark at pretty much every other fashion week that goes on. Trelise Cooper, Sabatini, Nom*D, Karen Walker, Annah Stretton, World, Zambesi, Liz Mitchell and Kate Sylvester are some of our most successful designers having brought millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy.Now in it's 6th year, Fashion Week is one of the biggest events of it's kind and is gaining even more international exposure every year. International and New Zealand media will descend on Auckland's Viaduct Harbour Village(formerly The American Express New Zealand America's Cup Village), for 6 days of cat-walk shows and designer showcases highlight the creative talent New Zealand offers the world. Also this year, Fashion Week will have it's first public access day where you can watch the shows and even purchase some of the designs. Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2006 will be held from Monday 18 September to Saturday 23 September.Tickets are now on sale from Ticketek.Further information about Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2006 is available at www.nzfashionweek.com

International Style Icon or Walking Fashion Disaster?

PARIS HILTON You've gotta hand it to her, she certainly gives everything a go at least once.Not content with being the heiress to international hotel and resort brand HILTON INTERNATIONAL or glamming it up doing the party circuit, Paris has tried her hand at being a runway model with her sister Nicky at New York's "Olympus Fashion Week" , made the now infamous sex tape with an ex-boyfriend, had her own reality television show "The Simple Life", made fun of herself in horror film "House of Wax"(it had the tagline "see Paris die,and die,and die again) and now a debut album simply titled "Paris". Never one to shy away from controversy or the limelight, Paris does have reasonably good fashion sense and a pretty large male following. Fashion labels Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Iceberg and Christian Dior have all featured Paris in their advertisements.She has also been successful in open up her own brand of niteclubs in Orlando, Florida, as well as Jacksonville, Florida named Club Paris.She has also launched her own range of perfumes and colognes for men and women, which have been hugely successful around the world.The first, launched in 2004, was simply called "Paris Hilton".Others that were launched following the originals success have been called "Paris Hilton For Men", and "Just Me by Paris Hilton" which was for both men and women. In 2006, a new perfume will be released, called "Paris Hilton: Heiress, as well as a male counterpart called "Paris Hilton: Heir. Her most recent faux paus have been not knowing who Tony Blair(British Prime Minister) was, and being caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Hollywood. Whether you love her, or hate her, Paris Hilton is certainly well known by everyone. It's rumoured she'll appear in the 2007 Guinness Book of Records as "The Most Over-rated Celebrity". Now where did I put her album...........?

One of the most beautiful ferry sailings in the world!!!

If you're planning on travelling to the beautiful South Island(which I have done many times), there is no better way of getting there than on what has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world", the InterIslander. With 3 vessels to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. "Arahura" - meaning "Pathway to Dawn" first sailed across Cook Strait in 1983.This makes her the oldest ship in the InterIslander fleet.Having undergone a $4million refurbishment in August 2004, Arahura has many facilities for her 970 passengers to enjoy during the 3 hour sailing between Wellington and Picton. You can grab a snack or meal from the centrally located Food Court, or an ice cold beer from "Barrett's Bar" located at the rear of the vessel.Or if you prefer to take in the views, you can stroll along the decks.Or if relaxing is more your thing, the "Pelorus Lounge" and "Queen Charlotte Lounge" are the perfect places.There is also the "Club Class Lounge" where you can relax in private. Also located onboard is "The Watch House Movie Theatre" where you can catch one of the latest movies during your sailing. "Aratere" - meaning "Quick Path" is the smallest vessel carrying only 370 passengers.Part of the Interislander fleet since 1999, "Aratere" offers passengers a forward viewing deck at the front of the ship where you can take in the breathtaking views. If you start feeling hungry or thirsty, you can purchase hot beverages, snacks and meals from the "Pennant Cafe".Or if beer and wine are more your thing, the "Fo'c'le Lounge Bar" with it's stunning Atrium. You can also catch a movie in the "Compass Movie Theatre" or relax in the "Club Class Lounge". There is also "Moby's Playroom" for the young ones to play while the adults relax. "Kaitaki" - meaning "Challenger" is the newest and largest vessel in the Interislander fleet.Having joined the fleet in August 2005, "Kaitaki" is able to carry 1600 passengers and 600 cars.It replaced "The Lynx" which I had the privilage of working on during it's last season. During the 3 hour sailing, you can check out the stunning views from the many decks including the sun-deck where you can work on that holiday suntan. For those of you who start feeling peckish during the sailing, you can sample some of New Zealand's finest cuisine in "Cafe Olivetto" or enjoy one of the many award-winning New Zealand wines and beers in the "Karori Rip Bar" located at the rear of the vessel with it's stunning atrium seating area. When it's time to relax,what better way to do it than in the "Kaitaki Class Lounge" or one of the cinemas. Once you have experienced an InterIslander sailing, you will never want to fly again. Further information is available on the Interislander website http://www.interislander.co.nz or by phoning 0800 802 802.

To Be Gay In Wellington Or To Not Be Gay In Wellington.........

I have heard from some very reliable sources that Wellington will soon have 4 "GLBT" venues for our community to enjoy ourselves at. "iMerst" on Dixon Street is currently our only "Gay" - friendly venue when every Friday night,they have a "PINK" night.Meanwhile, Cuba Street will apparently have 3 bars/cafes that will either be gay friendly or gay owned all looking for the gay dollar.I am unsure of what the other two will be named, but the third is rumoured to be called "Our Bar". The owners of "Our Bar" , Sharon Boyd and Ruth Post, both lesbians from Wellington, say the new venue will be "pub-like" offering a comfortable loungy type space where gay men and lesbians can alike can feel right at home."Our Bar" is currently being refurbished and is slatted for a "Grand Opening" in mid October.I look forward to seeing how all of these venues go about accommodating all of us while being competitive but friendly with each other. Also rumoured to be opening in mid to late October is our new club, "Spicehammer". This will open in the same place that "POUND" once occupied on Dixon Street."Spicehammer" will be "Wellington's Premier Gay Venue" according to the owner of "Spicehammer", Julian Barsony. It is also rumoured that there will be "live" music and "theme nights", and it will be a little classier than "POUND - Where the Straight Route was often BORING!!" We may have lost our iconic diva "Pollyfilla" to Melbourne, and "POUND" and "Monkey Bar" may no longer be in operation, but the outlook for the Wellington GLBT community looks rainbow coloured with at least 4 potentially 5 venues opening in the next few months.Also with Mal and Scott Kennedy-Vaughan(former owners of "POUND") planning on opening their new venue in the New Year, Wellington nightlife can't get any better for us all. Further news and information for our community can be found at http://www.gaynz.com

9/11 - 5 years on........

Seeing the images of the planes flying in to the World Trade Centre on television still haunts me.They always will.Nearly 3000 innocent people died on September 11, 2001.I t has been described as one of the worst terrorist attacks ever. 5 years on from that horrific day in world history, I remember exactly what I was doing on that day(it was Wednesday 12 September here in New Zealand).I had just been woken by about 5 texts on my phone from some of my friends telling me to turn on the television, something had happened in the US that had changed the world forever. I thought they were joking of course, but I still turned on the tv.Breakfast(TV One - 7am weekdays) was on, and they were showing a plane flying in to one of the towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. I honestly thought they were reviewing a new movie that was about to come out here, but when they showed the second plane flying in to the second tower, I was sitting nervously on my bed, thinking this could actually be real. When they kept showing the attacks....that's when I knew it wasn't some movie review, but something very serious and real scary. The moment the Tower Two collapsed, I honestly started crying.Yeah, I'm a big baby, but I was actually really scared that something like this was going to happen here. I went off to work, and the only topic on people's minds, was the terrorist attacks. No-one could believe it had happened and nobody wanted to be away from friends and family.5 years after these attacks, we've had many memorials made or proposed to honour the many victims, but none as courageous and money hungry as Oliver Stone's "A True Story Of Courage and Hope" - "World Trade Center". Apparently...this is based on a true story.Who'd have thought!!!! "WORLD TRADE CENTER" - the movie stars Nicolas Cage and Michael Pena as two New York Port Authority Police Officers who become trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center. It will be released in to movie theatres here in New Zealand on October 5, 2006. Not sure if I will be going to see this movie when it is released here.Mind you...I didn't see Superman Returns or Brokeback Mountain during their New Zealand releases, so maybe I might just do the same with World Trade Center.

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY MATTY!!!!!!!

Saturday 9th of September 2006 was the day that one of my best friends Matty celebrated his 26th birthday.For those of you who are privilaged enough to know Matty, you'd know that he's a real sweet guy who always makes his friends welcome and is a hardworking health professional. Matt - I apologise for not being available to attend your birthday celebrations, but I know you would've had an awesome time with all of your friends, and recieved alot of birthday messages. I wish you all the best for the coming year(being 26 is kinda scary since you're nearly at the real sensible age of 30!!!!) All my love and respect to both you and your gorgeous boy Alex too. xx Dougie ps.For those of you who'd like to check out Matt's Blog, http://www.matty.co.nz

Princess Diana - Queen of Our Hearts

In a few days time on September 11, 2006,people all around the world will remember the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.The five year anniversary of these devastating attacks on human-kind.Those images still haunt us,and always will, but have the people of the world forgotten someone alot more important? The 9th anniversary of Princess Diana's death in Paris, on August 31, 1997, passed without anyone giving a damn about it. I had the honour of meeting Princess Diana when I was in Japan in 1995 on a Sister City Student Exchange between Kakogawa City in Japan and Waitakere City in Auckland.I remember her as a gracious, beautiful and caring person who touched the hearts of everyone she met. She cared and devoted her time to helping out various charities and organisations around the world including eliminating landmines and the awareness of Aids. As Diana - Princess of Wales and Queen of Our Hearts once said..."Nothing brings me more happiness, than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society.It is a goal and an essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.Whoever is in distress can call on me.I will come running, wherever they are." She will always be the Queen of my heart. Princess Diana - July 1, 1961 - August 31st, 1997.

Farewell and Haere Ra to Wellington's true Queen of Style - Pollyfilla

Saturday 2nd September 2006 was a day to remember, as a big part of our GLBT community here in Wellington, said goodbye, marking the end of an era.Almost a month after Pound closed, Pollyfilla, said by some to be "The true style icon of Wellington's Creative Capital" by Mayor Kerry Prendergast, and as "Wellington's true 'Queen of High Camp' is leaving Wellington and moving to Melbourne to try new things and to show them how a real show is actually performed!! Subnine was the venue for "Pollypalooza", the final show of Polly's glittering career in Wellington and New Zealand, and a memorable night was had by the hundreds of people who were there.As a fitting tribute to Polly, the creme-dela-creme of Wellington's drag divas were there to celebrate with Polly. Former Miss Drag Wellington's Miss Dawn Breaker and MiaSlapper,as well as Miss Drag Wellington 2006 Lady Trenyce, Arabia, LaToya Jacksin, DV8 and special guest Deezastar from Auckland all performed standout shows alongside Pollyfilla. Polly has definately made a long lasting impression on everyone who has had the honour of being in her presence.Wellington won't be the same without her. I wish her all the best for her new life in Melbourne.

I'm in love.......................

Yes people....I am in love. In love with what you may ask? I'm in love with the World of Wearable Arts Awards(WOW) Show of course. This amazing internationally acclaimed 2 hour show is back in Wellington for the second year. Last year(2005) was the first year that WOW was staged in Wellington,having started off as a fundraiser in Nelson in 1987. I will be going to this amazing show during it's season here in Wellington, and definately reccommend it to all of you. What: World of WearableArt Awards Show Where: TSB Bank Arena(formerly Queens Wharf Events Centre) Queens Wharf Jervois Quay Wellington City When: Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th, Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st October 2006