NEWS MAGAZINE ISSN 0113-4965 (Print)
● September 2011 ●
ISSN 2230-4800 (Online)
Movie Night SCANDINAVIAN
We are showing fantastic movies on a big screen
CHRISTMAS Se min kjole MARKET (Hush Little Baby) 2009 Friday, September 16th
A movie by Hella Joof (Oh Happy Day) (See page 8 for synopsis)
Coffee and cake and great company
Members $5 (donation) Non-members $7
Come to the
Julemarked
Sunday, 6th Nov, 10am – 4pm Danish House, Penrose A day of Nordic festive fun.
Open House
Sunday, Sept 4th from 2pm Come and catch up with your friends and make new ones – Everyone is welcome!
Coffee & cake from $2.50 (Next Open House – October 2nd)
Quality, Scandinavian handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, homewares, jewellery, children’s clothing, toys and much, much more. Come and purchase all you Christmas supplies and goodies under one roof.
Young Over 60’s Luncheon Sunday 25 September at 1pm, Danish House
Come along and enjoy open sandwiches with all the usual trimmings. Tea and coffee to follow. Cash bar for all your drinks. Good food and good company goes well with a sing-along or two!
Price: $15.00 per person
Please book by Friday, 16 Sept with Inger Mortensen on 443 5105 or email president@danishsocietynz.com *See insert for payment details
THE DANISH SOCIETY (INC) P. O. BOX 12 279 - PENROSE 1642 6 Rockridge Ave., Penrose, Auckland Phone 580 3103 www.danishsocietynz.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS (2011 Financial Year – 1st Oct 2010 to 30th Sept 2011) Member: Senior rate: (65 & over) Youth rate: (18 to 25) Children under 18 Family discount: Less
Contact phone numbers
The Danish House Valhalla, Leigh
580 3103 09 422 6194
REGULAR EVENTS
Committee
PRESIDENT Inger Mortensen 443 5105 Email: president@danishsocietynz.com VICE-PRESIDENT Marion Stewart 480 8282 Email: vicepresident@danishsocietynz.com TREASURER Roger Knights 021 858 248 Email: treasurer@danishsocietynz.com SECRETARY Pam Logan 480 9883 Email: secretary@danishsocietynz.com COMMITTEE MEMBERS Antony Barrett 444 0939 Kim Basse 473 6455 Kurt Marquart 476 0244 Finn Nielsen 625 5533 Louise Robertson 410 0108 EDITOR “NEWS MAGAZINE” John Stewart 480 8282 88c Coronation Road, Hillcrest, North Shore 0627 E-mail: editor@danishsocietynz.com MAILOUT Helle Scott 521 2844 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Kurt Marquart 476 0244 E-mail: membership@danishsocietynz.com
Other Addresses
ROYAL DANISH CONSULATE GENERAL P.O. Box 619, Auckland 1 Fax 537 3067 Phone 537 3099 www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nz THE TRADE COMMISSION OF DENMARK P.O. Box 2154, Auckland 1 Fax 307 5207 Phone 379 3119 www.dtcauckland.um.dk THE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1 Harris Rd (P O Box 85-014) Mt Wellington Phone 579 4490 DANISH CHURCH NEW ZEALAND INC. Pastor Anja Grønne Mathiassen www.danishchurchnz.org Ph 03 464 0218
RATES FOR VALHALLA
Peak Members Guests Adults $18 $30 Children $9 $20 Off-Peak Adults $12 $30 Children $6 $20 Whole house daily rate Off-peak $120 Peak rate $270 Christmas season $320 Functions $320 Off-peak = Mid-week only excluding Christmas season and school holidays Peak = All school holidays, Christmas season and all weekends. Christmas season = Christmas Eve to the end of Anniversary weekend. The house can only be hired for 7 days at any one time. Call the Booking Officer: Marion Stewart, 88c Coronation Road, Hillcrest, NSC P: 480 8282 E: valhalla@danishsocietynz.com 2
$60 per member $50 per member $50 per member Free $30 per couple
DANISH HOUSE
An Open House is held on the first Sunday of each month from 2pm.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
DANISH MOTHERS’ GROUP
meets every 2nd Tuesday. Call Christina on 021 161 3159 for venue.
are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm
FOLKDANCERS
VALHALLA WORKING BEES
meet at 7.30pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
CARDPLAYERS
WEDNESDAY MORNING GROUP
Working bees are usually held on the weekend of the second Saturday of the month. meet on the first and third Wednesday of the month - 11am to 3pm
Meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10.30am.
QUICK CHECK CALENDAR September Sun 4th Sat 10th Mon 12th Sun 25th October Sun 2nd Sat 8th Mon 10th November Sun 6th Mon 7th
Open House Valhalla Working Bee Committee Meeting Young Over 60’s Lunch Open House Valhalla Working Bee Committee Meeting Scandinavian Julemarked Committee Meeting
Mon 7th-9th Valhalla Mid Week Working Bee Sat 19th Christmas Party (smoerrebroed) Thu 24th Bishop Monrad Celebs, Wellington Fri 25th Bishop Monrad Celebs, Danish Hse Sun 27th AGM Mon 28th Committee Meeting December Sun 4th Open House, followed by Danish Church Service Sun 11th Children’s Christmas Party Fri 16th Christmas Carols
Danish House Hall Hire Rates Danish Classes Members rates for hiring the hall for the whole day at Wednesdays
Beginners 6.30-7.30pm Intermediate 7.30-8.30pm Private lessons are available on Saturday mornings.
For more information call
Connie Kristensen
0274 757 565
the Danish House, Penrose. Sunday to Friday inclusive $110 Saturday: $165 Half a day is $27 less. Funerals – no charge. The bond is $150.00 per booking. The booking/holding fee of $50.00 is deducted from the total cost.
Call the Booking Officer: Antony Barrett, Phone 444 0939
Committee Contacts & Convenors for Working Groups Committee Contact Working Group Cultural Card Players Danish lessons Danish Mothers’ group Films Folk dancing Library / Videos Society history Welfare (Cards & Flowers) Danish House Bookings Maintenance Members Membership Communication Editor Webmaster Socials Bar Socials Valhalla Bookings & Maintenance Working Bees
Convenor Phone Oluf Basse 534 2798 0274 757 565 Connie Kristensen Christina Bengtson 021 161 3159 Kurt Marquart 476 0244 Finn Nielsen 625 5533 Helle Gilderdale 478 7016 Karen Yates 524 6016 Vibeke Courtney 576 3150 Antony Barrett 444 0939 Kim Basse 473 6455 Kurt Marquart 476 0244 email: membership@danishsocietynz.com John Stewart 480 8282 Gitte Abildgaard Nielsen 360 1110 email: webmaster@danishsocietynz.com Finn Nielsen, 625 5533 Annette Jorna 630 8722 email: socials@danishsocietynz.com Marion Stewart 480 8282 Palle Olsen 09 426 6840
Danish Society News Magazine ● September 2011
From the President’s Desk - August 2011 Kære medlemmer, A few days ago, I went and saw the movie “Old Boys” at our film evening. A lot of members had obviously had the same great idea, and it was a very enjoyable evening with a great audience, good coffee and a brilliantly funny Danish movie. I can really recommend coming along to our film evenings. Randi Edwards who sources most of the movies for us, takes great care trying to find a lot of different and interesting recent Danish movies, so there is something for everyone. In July we had our Bingo afternoon which I really enjoyed, too. Thank you to Randi and Roger Knights for organising this so well. The prizes were really great, too – lots of books, chocolates, and wine. The Mothers’ Group held their midwinter Christmas Lunch on Sunday 14th of August. This was a great opportunity to take the children along and show them what a real Danish lunch-party is like. As usual, everyone brought a dish for the buffet, and there were plenty of very delicious dishes, including sild, frikadeller and ris-ala-mande to name but a few.
Coming up this month is the Over 60’s lunch which I’m sure many of you are looking forward to. We will of course need helpers in the kitchen (preferably some that are under 60, so the over 60’s can enjoy their lunch without having to first work in the kitchen all morning), so if you think you can spare a few hours, please let us know. September 2011 ● Danish Society News Magazine
There are plenty of other events to mark your calendars for in the coming months. There are of course more film evenings coming (the third Friday of the month) and Open House (the first Sunday of the month). There is also our Scandinavian Julemarked on Sunday 6 November, our Christmas party on Saturday 19th of November, and our Bishop Monrad celebrations on Friday 25th of November. Also, don’t forget the Children’s Christmas Party in December. Just like with our various film evenings, there should be something there for everyone. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our dinner party on 27th of September due to lack of interest. This is hugely disappointing for those who have put time and effort into organising the event, but I guess it is just one of these things that do happen. It is however the second event that we have had to cancel this year (we tried to organise a BBQ at the beginning of the year), and it does make me wonder what kind of events members would like to go to in the Society. If there is an event that you would like to see happening in your Society, please contact the committee and let us know. I also have to remind you that we have the AGM coming up. This is on Sunday 27th of November and will possibly be followed as in previous years by a family dinner (this has yet to be confirmed). The AGM is your chance to come along and hear what has been happening in the Society over the past year and to help shape what is going to happen in the following year(s). We need nominations for president, treasurer (for one year), and four committee members. Roger Knights was re-elected as treasurer last year but wishes to stand down this year. I am not planning on being available for re-election, although I may be interested in still being on the committee. The reason we need four committee members is that for most of this year, the committee has worked with eight instead of nine members. We therefore need three committee members for two years, and one for one year to replace Louise Robertson who stepped down from the committee at the beginning of this year. Please consider who you would like to nominate and let both that person and the committee know. Med kærlig hilsen, Inger Mortensen 3
Escaping Christchurch and enjoying Valhalla Kim Basse interviews her earthquake ravaged family at a recent family event at Valhalla. Britta Basse and husband Michael enjoyed their recent stay. They were celebrating a midwinter family Christmas after nearly not making it out of Christchurch!! “The trouble is, after the big earth quake there is nobody to come and help you,” says Britta. “You are completely on your own. I remember after the February quake a lady knocked at my door distributing cakes that somebody had made in Wellington. It was four days later and I felt quite overwhelmed.” Britta and Michael live in Brighton which has suffered extensively during the earthquakes in Christchurch. “We moved to Brighton so we could be near the sea,” she laughs. There is no swimming in the sea now though and one has to negotiate raw sewerage when walking along the beach. Both Britta and Michael have really enjoyed Valhalla this visit. The ocean is beautiful and clean, there are leather jackets (fish) they notice appreciatively. The Christchurch family have even been swimming in the Valhalla ocean and it is mid winter!!! Their two children
Plenty to buy
at the Danish Society shop Ring Oluf Basse (534 2798)
for shop opening times 4
love it too. There is not much to do in Christchurch these days. The cinema and malls are closed, there is no tennis court, the soccer field is shut, the swimming pool is closed, and the yachting club is completely demolished. It’s not so much fun going out because of the possibility of another big one. I can hear Sven (9) bouncing and yelling for joy on the trampoline outside. The open fire at Valhalla is a whole other dimension. “I can’t look at a brick chimney in quite the same way!” says Michael. (He also looks suspiciously at the high rise buildings when we drive through Auckland). “Our poor cat catches mice and they disappear down the cracks,” bemoans Lara (12). When they get back to Christchurch they will wait for news about the fate of their house. “It is much colder inside (the house) with all the cracks. The doors and windows don’t quite shut any more,” says Britta, “but they tell us not to fix it just in case they have to re-align it”. One can sense the frustration in her voice. She especially noticed it during the recent snow. There is no snow at Valhalla though. It is green and sunny outside. Britta has a part time job which takes her past the perimeter fence bordering the no-go CBD area in central Christchurch. “When I first went there after a big one, I passed Danske Møbler stockist with all the furniture looking lovely and the tables set for a feast. But coming out of the ground there were mounds of liquefaction like mini volcanoes all over the floor. It was bizarre.” That building, like so many others has now gone. Before they head back, the Basse family have an awesome mid winter Christmas dinner and Oluf cooks a lovely piece of roast pork (just like Farmor used to). The crackling is delicious and there are plenty of yummy treats. There is dancing and jokes and entertainment. One family member drinks too much and falls over. We all laugh a lot. “I want to stay at Valhalla for a year,” says Sven. Danish Society News Magazine ● September 2011
Important information to Danes in New Zealand regarding new rules for the issue of Danish passports from 1 January 2012 From 1 January 2012 you need to go to the Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate General in Sydney if you require a new passport. From 1 January 2012 new Danish passports must contain digital photos, fingerprints and signatures. In order to issue a new passport special equipment is required. The applications must be handed to and handled by specially authorized staff that will have access to certain data in the Danish Civil Registration registry, the CPR Register. As a consequence, from 1 January 2012 it will only be possible to apply for a passport in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji by personal appearance at the Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate General in Sydney. The Danish Honorary Consulates in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji will from that date no longer be authorized to accept passport applications. You may also apply for a new Danish passport in Denmark when on vacation there.
What are my options until 1 January 2012? Until 1 January, 2012, you can still apply for a new Danish passport from one of the honorary Danish Consulates in New Zealand. See http://www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nz/passport.htm The new passports will be valid for 2, 5 or 10 years – just as it is the case now.
After 1 January 2012, the Honorary Consulates can only extend the validity of passports and issue emergency passports.
For the full information sheet regarding the implementation of new biometric passports from the Royal Danish Embassy in Canberra please go to http://www.danishconsulatesnz.org.nz/passport2012.htm Best regards Rita Jaegersborg Danish Consulate General, Auckland Ph. 09 537 3099 e-mail: Danish.nz@xtra.co.nz September 2011 â—? Danish Society News Magazine
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August Working Bee at Valhalla We continued our drive to improve Valhalla at the August working bee. The willing helpers were Niels, Bjorn, Patsy, Antony, Donna, Kim, Lisbet, Isak, Roy, Roselle, George, Tiana, Daniel, Marion, John, Tove, Neil & Graham. Again this month we had 3 non-members helping to improve Valhalla. As Marion has mentioned in the sub-committee report we are receiving a lot of positive feedback about Valhalla which is great, but remember, it is the people that come to the working bees that are making it happen. Users, and their friends, who come up and help once a year to make their holiday home better.
days otherwise I’m sure it would be called mining!) to build a new fireplace. A fireplace that today we can enjoy because of their efforts. Most of the people involved in that are no longer with us but their legacy lives on.
Once again we had a great working bee with lots achieved. All of the nearly 2 kilometres of tracks was trimmed back on both sides, a new clothes line was erected, track maintenance was carried out, house maintenance was done, the house was cleaned and the fallen Pohutukawa on the ocean side was cut up into firewood, along with all the monthly tasks.
Dinner was, as always, wonderful with candles, serviettes and great food. There was the odd speech and lots of singing! If you yearn to enjoy some of the ‘good old days at Valhalla’ where you meet other Danes and enjoy Danish traditions then the working bees are where you will experience it. So . . . as I have written before give me a call or an email as we still need further helpers for the September Working Bee – 9th & 11th September.
The Pohutukawa presented a big challenge to us as we were unable to get a vehicle up to it so we had to ferry the firewood along the beach to Courtenay’s drive to a waiting trailer. From there we could then drive it up to the house. We made use of the old principle that many hands make light work! Straight after afternoon tea on Saturday we all went down on the beach and worked as a team to get the job done. During the dinner which followed we remembered how earlier members had carried rocks up from the beach (fortunately pre resource consent
6
We had four hard working youngsters at the working bee. Isak, Roy Tiana & Daniel all did an excellent job. Tove must take the trophy for most dedicated helper this month though. She broke her wrist on the job but worked on until we knocked off for the day! That certainly is dedication to the job!! We wish Tove well for a speedy recovery.
Looking forward to seeing you at Valhalla. Palle Olsen Phone: 09 426 6840 Email: palle@olsens.co.nz Clockwise, top left: The new clothesline; the procession starting the long haul to Courtney’s. Photos courtesy of Tove Treadaway and Roselle Rasmussen.
Danish Society News Magazine ● September 2011
We need your help! at the next Valhalla Working Bees 9th-11th September 7th-9th October
We are seeking your support to carry out a whole range of jobs, both indoors and outdoors. There is always house-cleaning to do as well as weeding etc. Any help is welcome. Lunch is supplied by the society, therefore we need to know the number of participants by Wednesday, 7th September.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact Palle Olsen on 09 426 6840, 021 255 0911 or palle@olsens.co.nz
Valhalla Sub-Committee Report It is very satisfying to receive emails from members who came to help at the working bee saying how much they enjoyed the experience. This was despite the workload Palle threw at them. Comments such as “Our family really enjoyed working outside, the camaraderie of everyone present and the wonderful meals, so thanks everyone for a most ‘hyggelig’ working bee!” and “We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend – you run a great schedule, plus the food was fantastic! We will be back.” At the last working bee the steps were almost completed. Unfortunately we didn’t have the updated master list with us so were unable to place the last three nametags. I also need to order two new nametags as one was spelt incorrectly and another one was missing. My aim is next time you’re at Valhalla you will find your name on the step. We have also started cleaning the nametags as the weather has made them very dirty. Thank you Niels Andersen for stepping up and helping us complete this job for us, it is appreciated. The Arrival and Departure Form is working well and keeping everyone informed of what needs attending at the house as well as a checklist before they leave. Thank you to all members who remembered to fill this out and return the form to me.
a pencil booking cancellation, first in first served. Be aware for you Rugby fans that it is the weekend of France vs All Blacks so you may need to choose your non Rugby guests to join you. Booking Trends at Valhalla – It is interesting looking back over the past 12 months. We have had seven weekends and four weeks where the house has been booked as Room Only bookings. Unfortunately of the seven weekends booked, four were cancelled or changed leaving the house empty or with only one room being used. This does make it difficult to accept room only bookings over a weekend when they become so unreliable as tangible bookings. The trend is definitely more for Whole House bookings and it does create a reliable income for the house. Thank you Marion Stewart and the Valhalla sub-committee
Bookings
September weekend available – 23-24 September. Whole House booking has become available due to
September 2011 ● Danish Society News Magazine
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Thank You Letters To The Valhalla Sub Committee and Danish Society members, Thank-you very much for the lovely flowers that I received after my little mishap. Mauves and purple, my favourite colours! They cheered me up no end. I’m not looking forward to the next six weeks with my left arm in plaster! Thanks again. Tove Treadaway To the Danish Society: Thank you very much for the lovely flowers and happy birthday wishes you sent for my 70th birthday. It was also great to have the use of the great club in Penrose for the party. Many thanks. Jorgen Holgersen Dear Danish Society: Thank you very much for the lovely flowers I received on my birthday. They are just beautiful. Lynette Bentley
Movie Review
Friday, September 16th at 7.30pm We will be showing
Se min kjole (Hush Little Baby) 2009
Synopsis: Four girls, each from different backgrounds, live in the confines of a rehabilitation centre. One day, during a field trip they make an escape. On the run, they are forced to examine their ingrained victim status and take responsibility for their own lives. What starts as a thrill ride ends up as a vengeance spree through one girl’s dark past. Director: Hella Joof
The next magazine deadline is Sep 19
All contributions welcome – in English or Danish (with a short summary in English). The magazine can also be read (in full colour) online at www.danishsocietynz.com. Note: ads for events must be in a calendar month before the event. John Stewart (Editor) editor@danishsocietynz.com 8
Julemarked
Scandinavian Christmas Market Preparations for the first Scandinavian Christmas Market are in full swing and it promises to be a fun event for the whole family. We have been working hard to source a wide range of beautiful, quality items, many of them hard to find in New Zealand, but typical of a Christmas in Scandinavia. We have also managed to entice a few businesses to come and set up stands to bring you a range of exciting products from Finland, Sweden and of course Denmark. Some of these products come direct from the importer. There will also be vintage and pre-loved, handmade items, and Christmas home baking on offer. All your favourite ‘must have’ Christmas items plus new products, all for purchase under one roof. A café and various speciality foods will also be available. Mark this day in your calendar and bring your friends, neighbours and family for a Nordic Christmas experience. There are only a few stands left, available for hire. For more information, contact Kirsten Jensen – Ph. 479 2251, 029 479 2249 or email - Kirsten.Jensen@communitel.co.nz
Opening of the new Auckland Art Gallery on September 3rd
Internationally renowned Danish public sculptor Jeppe Hein was chosen to create an artwork for the east sculpture terrace. Long Modified Bench Auckland, which will be in place for three years, is the latest in a series of sculptures based on park benches and the way people react with their surroundings. The bench travels along the terrace, performing a series of loops and acrobatic feats before dipping down to the gallery space below and reappearing, creating a stimulating and lively space - as well as a seated area for visitors.
Aalborg Akvavit Snaps Scenic Cellars in Taupo have the Aalborg Akvavit in stock now and will import as required. Contact is:
Floris Heijdenrijk, Sales Manager Scenic Cellars, 32 Roberts St, Taupo 3330
Phone: 07 378 5704
Email: floris@sceniccellars.co.nz Danish Society News Magazine ● September 2011
The Annual Over 60’s Luncheon The Danish Society 6 Rockridge Ave Penrose Sunday 25th September at 1 pm Come and enjoy the wonderful Danish ‘Open Sandwiches’ Coffee & Tea to follow Bring cash to buy beer, snaps and other drinks from our bar
Price per person $15.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -cut here- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number of “over 60s members”______________Total cost__________________ Sent in by (print name): ______________________________________ Contact phone number: ____________________ I have enclosed a cheque I have paid online on the date: _______________ Please send this slip by Friday 16 September to: The Danish Society PO Box 12 279 Penrose “Soc2511” If you wish to pay online, please credit our account: 12 3036 0671539 000 1st reference (please write): Soc2511 2nd reference (please write): “your name” (AND Please ensure all previous references are cleared.)