The SA issue 09

The

Issue number 009

June 2009

South African

CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND

Free

SA Music Scene Trevor Rabin see page 12

Good Advice

from Enterprise North Shore

see page 8

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The

South African

From the

The

editor O

nce again, I would like to say a big “thank you” to all of our advertisers who have supported us over a very difficult year and to all of our new advertisers who can see the benefit of advertising in the South African. It is only natural that people are attracted to each other by common bonds and South Africans are starting to support each other in a big way. How many of your friends have South African doctors, dentists and gynae’s? Well most, actually and that is why we have so many professionals supporting this publication.

We have an article in the same vein in this month’s issue highlighting our tradesmen on page 4 from whom you can get honest & efficient workmanship. Not all of our advertisers are South African but they can see that we are good customers to have. We are loyal and do not mind paying the price, as long as we get good value for money.

The recession is still biting so please help families in need and encourage them to attend the monthly social meetings at Browns Bay Bowling Club the first Friday of every month, where you may meet someone who could become your soul mate, or just chew the fat with people who understand the pain of immigration. All of the “ou manne” who have been in New Zealand for a while will tell you the pain goes away after three years and soon you realise that you have made the best choice for you and your family by coming here.

If you are in business please read the article on “Cash Flow is still King” on page 17 to help you through these tough times. If you have lost your job, do not despair you are not alone. Do not hide the fact but speak to others who may know someone who may have a job for you. This is called networking.

Go out and network.

This month’s sponsor to the social evening at the Browns Bay Bowling Club on Friday 5th June is Spargs Auto. Please support them. There will be braai packs on sale. See you there!

EDITORS

Peter Woodberg (e-mail: jepwood@xtra.co.nz)

Ted Woodberg (e-mail: ted.samag@gmail.com) mob: 021 791 284

ADVERTISING Norma Vaz (e-mail: norma.samag@xtra.co.nz) mob: 021 0437342

Postal Address The South African P.O. Box 300 155, Albany, AUCKLAND 0752

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS The South African Social Group – Richard Pearce Mob: 0275 357535 e-mail: r.pearce@barfoot.co.nz SANZ Chairman – Brian Casey Tel: 09-476 1996 e-mail: sanzba@xtra.co.nz SANZ Business Group – Lesley Langer Tel: 09-970 3837 e-mail: lesley.langer@apl.co.nz Die Afrikaanse Klub – Philip Langenhoven e-mail: die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

Front cover: Winter Scene: NZ Southern Alps: Mount Cook

Mission Statement “The South African Magazine shall provide current, high quality, relevant editorial on subjects relating to the links between South Africa and New Zealand.

It shall be the vehicle for SA immigrants living in NZ to integrate socially with their own community and to advertise their products and services.”

All rights reserved. “The South African” is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the consent of the Editor. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the Editor assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.

Regards, Peter Woodberg

Carmen Holtz

South African

AREINZ

Residential & Lifestyle Sales Formerly of Sandton, South Africa. Over 10 years of marketing and selling homes on the North Shore, Auckland. I sell on an average 9 out of 10 of my campaigned listings and achieve best possible price for my vendors. Become a valued client of mine, call me now for your real estate requirements selling or buying.

Carmen Holtz AREINZ

M: 021 633 992 or 09 415 4513 c.holtz@barfoot.co.nz

View my Personal Profile & Listings http://www.barfoot.co.nz/c.holtz

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The

South African

Letters to the Editor Here is a letter from a first-time advertiser in our magazine. What can we say…?

Dear Norma, I am excited to bring a good report about my advert in Issue no 8 of “The South African.”

The issue hardly hit the streets, and I already received some enquiries. This magazine is “hot”! It is low cost advertising with better returns than I have ever experienced before!

I commend you, and the whole team, for the precision and personal effort that you have put into my advert, editorial, and the magazine as a whole. It truly portrays the warmth and passion that I know you to have.

I have also made use of the services offered by other advertisers in the magazine. It was a pleasure to do business with them also.

What a winning recipe! Good adverts, reputable advertisers and a stunning read!

Well done!

Yours sincerely, Jeanie Steenkamp

Jean-Thereze Steenkamp, Jeanco Jewelers & Watchmakers 234 Forest Hill Road, Phone 09-550 0804

Burger Oosthuizen is very happy with the results of being in The South African Magazine.

‘Thank you for doing a great job of our advert and editorial which appeared in the April issue of The South African Magazine. So far I have had 4 new walk-in customers and I have recouped the cost of the advert. New customers have found me through the magazine and want to make contact and do business with fellow South Africans. Apart from the new customers, other people have made positive and favourable comments about our advertorial in the magazine. Our Kiwi customers have enjoyed seeing our profile in the magazine and have found the editorial on our staff members interesting and informative. This has made their experience with us much more personal’

From: Burger Oosthuizen, Burger Motors.

95 Wairau Rd. Glenfield. Ph. 09-444 3965

Burger Oosthuizen

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS TO US

New to New Zealand ?

Any questions regarding the health system here?

See Penny Gordon (ex Durban ) and her team at Rosedale Pharmacy 372 Rosedale Road, Albany

Phone : 09-415 3065

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The

South African

DOES YOUR HOME NEED SOME TLC? IF YOUR HOME NEEDS SOME TENDER LOVE AND CARE, WE HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO PROVIDE IT!

“ARTISANS Ex-SA” R

unning a home today is hectic enough, but maintaining it properly can often be a pain.

Don’t worry! We have found three ex-SA contractors who will take the pain out of protecting your home!

No more flipping through the yellow pages and ‘phoning some dodgy guy who takes three weeks to get you a quote and then refuses to come back and fix when the job isn’t done properly .

No more going through the roof when you get to the dollar value of the quote!

Our contractors have all been through the mill back in SA and have earned their apprenticeships the hard way! From the bottom! They are reliable and economical, and, best of all; they can speak your language! Check them out….you won’t be disappointed.

)0.& ."*/5&/"/$& Chris Thom from Rapid Fix will do all sorts of small home maintenance jobs but he specializes in bathroom renovations and building decks. So call him today to get a quote for those little things that need repairing. Chris can offer most services including painting, fencing and general maintenance.

Rapid

Repairs to windows, doors, roofs and floors.

Decks, railings, fencing & gates.

Bathrooms, showers & cupboards

30 years in the timber construction business. Have used the same Contact : Chris Thom plumber and electrician for 10 years.

09-476 1483 (a/h and fax) High quality workmanship.

Mobile : 027-224 6213 FIX-A-HOME

How fast is RAPID ? A Kaapenaar maak a plan !

Commercial-Domestic-Heat Pumps-Industrial •Owner operator •Established in 2001

• High Wall Heat Pumps • Domestic Electrical • Commercial Electrical • Data Installations • Alarm Installations • Industrial Electrical • 24/7 Call Outs •Contact : Alex Lyon

Alex Lyon from Home Electric can handle all major and minor electrical needs, from re-wiring a house, to repairing a broken downlight. Call Alex for quality repairs done quickly and efficiently without breaking the bank.

•Ph: 09 473 1644 •Mob: 0275 707 968

Craftsman Plumber & Registered Drainlayer DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

Henk Marais from Meerkat plumbing will fix all of those leaks, blocked drains, burst pipes, and replace worn washers around the house without blinking! Call him for a quote or any drainage or plumbing advice today. No job too big or too small.

PLUMBING:

DRAINAGE:

Bathroom Renovations

Drainage maintenance

Kitchen Alterations

Storm Water & Waste Water

Hot Water Cylinder

Drainage

Maintenance

Sub-Divisional Drainage

New work

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LIVE AND WORK IN NEW ZEALAND !

• Do you want to live, work or study in New Zealand?

• Do you want to gain permanent residence in New Zealand? …if the answer is yes, then you will probably need professional help to achieve your goal.

We can help take the stress and strain out of dealing with the Immigration Department. We will assist you with all your immigration requirements. North Shore Immigration Services provide highly personalised assistance in all aspects of immigrating and relocating to New Zealand.

We are a professional team of consultants, established for more than 15 years ago on the North Shore. Whether you are a professional considering relocating to New Zealand or you have a trade qualification or experience and are interested in temporary work opportunities available in New Zealand, you can benefit from our wealth of expertise.

What’s in it for you?

The benefit of a reputable “one stop service” including assistance with the processing of your residence or work permit application, obtaining nursing registration, electrical license, official recognition of qualifications and trades, job search, business migration and help with settlement services for those migrants recently arrived.

We can help with your immigration process, including: •

Permanent Residence Student Permit or Visa

• Work Permit or Visa • Business Entrepreneur Visa Introduction to Job Search Services

Contact us for a FREE consultation !

Our free and confidential consultation will give you an opportunity to assess your chances of gaining Permanent Residence in New Zealand

Call us at 09-415 3392 or e-mail: info@nsis.co.nz

We deal with all the unknown factors........

“North Shore Immigration have been more helpful than we could have imagined, going through the immigration process.

There are many aspects of immigration, such as details on your paperwork, that the websites will never tell you about - things that will delay your immigration! It was definitely worth getting help from North Shore Immigration, because they were able to help get us through dealing with all the unknown factors of immigration.

If you want to lessen the sleepless nights, we recommend going with North Shore Immigration - they keep to their code of ethics and will treat you with care and fairness.”

Tem Schultz - one of many satisfied NSIS clients

Member of

The SA issue9.indd 5

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The

South African BIRKENHEAD DENTAL SURGERY

“ARE YOUR FILLINGS GOOD FOR YOU?” C ertain groups in the health industry play on people’s fear of sickness. In the dental sphere—the use of amalgam is contentious.

The debate still goes on; do we remove amalgam from teeth that are symptomfree and for what purpose?

Let’s look at the pro’s and con’s.

The following has been endorsed by the New Zealand Dental Association:“The NZDA reaffirms the safety of dental amalgam as a restorative material.

Patients can be reassured that their amalgam fillings, whether old or new, have not been shown to constitute a threat to their health.

There is no current scientific evidence to show that patients may develop diseases as a result of placement of these fillings or that the removal of amalgam filings will improve their health or result in remission of illnesses. The FDI World Dental Federation and the World Health Organization, supports the use of dental amalgam as safe and effective.

On the current state of knowledge there is no justification for a dentist to promote the removal of amalgam and replacement with other materials for health reasons. A dentist who suggests that the removal of amalgam has the capacity to cure or alleviate disease, infections or other conditions, is acting unethically, since such treatments are not based on accepted scientific knowledge or research.

Raymond Abel of Birkenhead Dental

immigrant from SA and he is incensed over the hype that has resulted over this subject. Talk to him:-

Raymond Abel – Birkenhead Dental Surgery 8 Mokoia Road. Birkenhead Ph. 09-480 9720 Raymond.abel@birkdent.co.nz

There are occasional reported cases of allergies or local side effects to dental amalgam and the metals comprising this dental filling material. In these instances, the dentist should avoid the use of amalgam. Such documented cases are rare and the risk is considered very low for all types of restorative materials.”

If people are concerned about the hype going around about the relationship of amalgam to multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and other similar maladies, they should also check www.nzda.org.nz and on the right hand site under “News”, scroll down to “11 June 08-Amalgam Update” for a lot more illumination and information.

The simple message is: do not be misled, do not be exploited, do not be manipulated both physically and emotionally, and do not be deceived. Always consult your dental professional for the best advice. Raymond Abel is an

IMMIGRATION MEDICALS Raymond Abel B.D.S. Wits (Dental Surgeon)

0800 4 MEDICAL 0800 463 342 Call Christel for all your Immigration Medicals.

Excellent rates.

During and after hour service.

Free follow up consultation.

Family discount rates.

Best X-ray price and service.

Ph. 09. 480 9720 8 Mokoia Rd Birkenhead

Emergency Immigration and Insurance Medical Services

The SA issue9.indd 6

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The

South African LONG BAY BAPTIST CHURCH

“A FAMILY WITH OPEN ARMS”

L

ong Bay Baptist has become the church family for many South African immigrants who have made the East Coast Bays their home. We have been blessed by the contribution that they make to our Faith Community. Our Youth Pastor, and our Children’s and Family Pastor are both South Africans, along with many of our leaders and active participants. In total there are about 110 involved in our church.

The statement that we have chosen to sum up what we seek to be is: “A family with open arms” The image of the church in the bible that is the most important one to us is ‘family’. We try to be a group of people who love and support each other, and who encourage involvement by those of all ages and backgrounds. Although we obviously hold strongly to the central Christian truths, on less important issues there is no sense that people always have to agree with me as the Pastor, or with each other.

We encourage diversity, and respect for those with different viewpoints.

Our services cater for different groups who want worship that is meaningful to them. The 9am service is quieter than the others and many of those who attend are in the older age bracket. Our 10.30am service is for all ages and we seek to make it lively, relevant and enjoyable for all. At 5pm a younger music band leads the worship and a larger proportion attending are young people and young adults. The message is the same at all three services.

The church seeks to serve the community and provides a kindergarten; ‘Mainly Music’ (a fun movement to music program for pre-schoolers); an exercise class for older ladies, along with lively children’s’ and youth programs. The ‘Bays Housing

Rodney and Nicola Duncan, Pastors of Long Bay Baptist Church

Trust’ associated with the church provides housing for those who are suffering with Mental Health difficulties, and a food bank helps those in the community struggling financially. Like many other churches we run ‘Alpha’ courses twice a year. This is a video series that teaches the basics of the Christian faith in a non-threatening and friendly environment.

We also make a major contribution to financing and staffing a Christian Prayer Centre in Browns Bay, which provides a place for people to either pray personally, or to receive prayer from others who care.

A coffee morning for new ‘arrivals’ in our area is held weekly in Torbay, and helps newcomers to find

out about our community, and to make new friends.

I have been the Senior Pastor at Long Bay for nearly 18 years and am very grateful for the wonderful people God has given us who allow us to create that sense of ‘family’ and to make an impact in our community. I seek to be a Pastor who loves his people, and to preach messages that are relevant and life-giving. If you are looking for a church home, we would love to meet you and hopefully you will find that we are “a family with open arms” Senior Pastor Rodney Duncan Long Bay Baptist Church 282 Glenvar Rd. Torbay Ph. 09-473 2498

~ A Family With Open Arms ~ Services at 9am, 10.30am & 5pm – full programs for children and youth.

A warm, vibrant community of believers who welcome your visit.

Come and discover if Long Bay is your new church home.

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The

South African

Enterprise North Shore Who We Are and What We Do – For You!

N

orth Harbour Stadium.

The Devonport Ferry.

Takapuna markets. Thes e words are interconnected by one simple trait: they’re a part of the place where we live, work, learn and play.

Begin with a warm climate and Ngaio Merrick, Peter Woodberg, beautiful natural environment; Andrew Williams and Simona Woodberg add great recreational and sporting facilities, thriving arts and café scene, and plenty of enterprise and employment opportunities. Mix them all together and the result is North Shore City - New Zealand’s ‘Lifestyle City.’

There is no organization more passionate about North Shore City than Enterprise North Shore, as we understand the role that a thriving economy plays in the intersection of enterprise with our way of life. ENS exists to perform the art and science of attracting, growing and retaining enterprises, developing gainful employment and fostering an enterprising culture for the development of our beautiful City and the fantastic quality-of-life we all enjoy.

Not convinced? Consider this: almost every activity you become involved with in maximizing the lifestyle opportunities available on the North Shore are cultivated by an enterprise. Do you play sport? Are you involved in music or theatrics? Do you work here? Are you a movie-addict? Retiree? Shopaholic?

Each of these activities is supported by some form of enterprise – be it a sports club, a movie theatre, an organisation or a retail store. Even a simple walk is supported by our council with provision of footpaths, street crossings and a rubbish-free environment!

Thus, there exists an intrinsic link between the prosperity of North Shore City’s enterprises and our quality of life. These enterprises, in turn, need a support base in order to flourish despite economic obstacles encountered.

Enterprise North Shore enables enterprises to contribute to the well-being of our City via a comprehensive range of services. The diagram below depicts broadly the four areas of focus on which Enterprise North Shore bases its programmes: Enterprise North Shore knows that out of every crisis comes opportunity.

We are Committed Optimists and can guide every enterprise toward their own opportunities, whatever economic conditions prevail.

One such opportunity is through the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards. Vibrant, positive, successful businesses thrive on the North Shore. They innovate, communicate, evaluate, plan to succeed and then exceed expectations. They invest in successful people and create new markets for products and services. They strive for - and achieve – excellence, and Enterprise North Shore is pleased to celebrate this with them.

Every year, the Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards honour these local companies, their people and their extraordinary achievements in New Zealand business. They showcase success and put the spotlight on winners. All North Shore businesses have the opportunity to gain valuable recognition in twelve award categories. Size is no barrier to success in these awards.

Another way ENS helps to guide local businesses towards their own opportunities is through the Business Mentor programme. Enterprise North

Shore has a wealth of experienced and knowledgeable volunteer mentors available to assist developing businesses. Our Mentor Programme is operated in conjunction with the Business Mentors NZ national agency with the intention to provide businesses in need with a skilled volunteer business mentor carefully matched to their business.

ens.org.nz

Enterprise North Shore recruits North Shore-based mentors to work with small businesses on a voluntary basis. Invariably, our mentors have been successful in business and have the necessary skills, experience and professional disciplines to assist businesses in solving their problems.

These are just two examples of the myriad of workshops, events, networking opportunities, seminars, intermediary advisory services and more, that Enterprise North Shore provides for local business – most of which is free!

You can find out more about ENS programmes and how you can get involved by visiting our website www.ens.org.nz.

AUCKLAND PLASTIC SURGICAL CENTRE Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Tristan de Chalain MB ChB FCS(SA) FRCSC FRACS

Offers a complete range of cosmetic plastic surgical procedures CONSULTING AT

Auckland ,Tauranga & Pukekohe To schedule a consultation or for more information contact 09 522 0652

The SA issue9.indd 8

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The

South African

Good News For Employers

S

o there’s a recession – oh aren’t we all tired of hearing that - but you are still busy, will it last?

A lot of employers are reluctant to take on new staff when they don’t know how long they will be able to offer them continued employment. Certainly the new amendment to the Employment Act for businesses employing 19 or less staff does give employers an “out” if things are not working or if there is a sudden down turn in the first three months of employment, but what happens after that or if you employ more than 19 people?

Toni Alexander

The vast majority of employers are cautious about employing new staff at this time but still need to keep their businesses going full steam ahead. Well, Jobs R Us are now pleased to be able to offer temporary placements; allowing employers access our database of personally selected, excellent administration and accounts staff. This will enable you to boost productivity at busy times; cover staff absence or leave (such as maternity leave),cater for particular projects, fill gaps in expertise or analyze employee performance with the potential of permanent employment afterwards. If we do not have a current candidate who meets your requirements we will advertise and interview for your specific needs. If temporary staff are a solution for you for a week or more please do not hesitate to contact Jobs R Us for further information.

Debbie Collins

Employment and Recruitment Consultants

Job Hunters – Help Is At Hand Your CV - At Jobs R Us we are increasingly seeing people who have not applied for a job in a long time and their CV’s are just not up to scratch.

If you are wondering why you are not getting interviews then contact Jobs R Us to have a professionally written CV that will impress a potential employer. We can provide you with a professional N.Z. style CV and assist with cover letter tips so that you don’t miss another opportunity.

Toni Alexander

The Interview – Jobs R US also conduct workshops on what to do and say at an interview. Once you have made it past the first step the work really begins, so if you have had interviews and not succeeded in getting the job or you are about to go on an interview, you need to get it right.

Contact us now or look on our website for the date and details of our next workshop.

Sourcing Skilled and Qualified Staff for Employers NZ Wide

Jobs R Us

Unit B, 17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand

Sourcing Skilled & Qualified Staff for Employers NZ Wide Unit B, 17 Corinthian Drive, Albany, North Shore City Auckland, New Zealand m 021 912 144 | p (09) 414 0031| f (09) 415 5934 toni@jobsrus.co.nz. www.jobsrus.co.nz

m 021 912 144

P: (09) 414 0031 / e: toni@jobsrus.co.nz

NORTH SHORE PROPERTY SALES With Real Estate experience in South Africa and on the Auckland North Shore, I provide personal and professional service and can add insight and value to your property transactions.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you are planning to buy a home in the East Coast Bays, in Albany, or elsewhere on the North Shore, or if you are considering selling your property.

Richard Pearce | Mobile 027 535 7535 | After Hours 09 479 2621 | r.pearce2@barfoot.co.nz Albany | Phone 09 415 8460 | www.barfoot.co.nz

“Introductory Offer to New Clients – For a Limited Time”

The SA issue9.indd 9

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The

South African SUCCESFUL IMMIGRANT BUSINESSMEN IN NZ

Lanny Hokoza of Rolch Motors, Glenfield

M

eet Lanny and Romana Hokoza formally from Zimbabwe. They moved to Auckland in 2003 with their children Chiedza (now 14), Rumbidzai (now 10) and little Sibongile (1) was born whilst here.

The move to New Zealand was for the most obvious of reasons, mostly the economic and political pressure that has made life so unbearable in Zimbabwe.

The move here was made after Lanny very wisely came for a “look and see” first and then he decided to move the family out to the North Shore of Auckland.

Life as an immigrant family was as unsettling and complicated as it gets, but Lanny started his own business in Glenfield after working for a couple of years for various workshops, including Centreline Suspension, and also at the Vehicle Testing Station in Kingsland. When at the VTNZ, Lanny worked as a WOF inspector for cars, trailers, motor bikes and taxis (COF).

Lanny and Romana’s early life in New Zealand got off to a good start because on arrival they joined the Baptist Church in Northcote and the Pastor and congregation really rallied around to welcome, help and support the

Lenny & Romana Hokoza with their kids Chiedza,Rumbidzai & Sibongile

new family. People offered pieces of furniture and household items and the friendly people in this church also extended their help by giving Lanny their cars to service on the weekend.

Lanny has been in the automotive industry since 1988. He worked for a number of companies after doing his 4-year apprenticeship in Zimbabwe, where he was the best student. He worked for reputable companies including Puzzey & Payne (Peugeot & tractors), Mike Apple (engine reconditioning), Derek’s bike Centre, Airworks (British company contracted to the Zim Air Force) as well as Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

Lanny is a fully trained and qualified motor mechanic. He was the best student at college and got his qualifications as a motor mechanic including diesel-tractor mechanics. He was also the first person in Zimbabwe to be trade-tested in motorcycles. This trade-test is a qualification which shows full competencies and was issued to Lanny by the Dept. of Manpower in 1994. Lanny was also voted and awarded the Zimbabwe Mechanic of the Year in 1996.

What we do: • Warrant of Fitness • Warrant of Fitness repairs Student offer : • Brakes & clutch WOF $30.

• Suspension Oil change & general • Cam Belts check $59.

• Lubes Student I.D required • C.V. joints • General Automotive repairs • 12 hour tow truck available

Free

Suspension checks, Brake checks, Courtesy car Lanny Hokoza Director Contact: Lanny or Romana, Rolch Automotive 3-29 Ashfield St. Glenfield, North Shore T: 09 443 6805, M: 021 1508605 E: rolch@xtra.co.nz

In Zimbabwe, Lanny showed his entrepreneurial ways by going to the Ruwa Country club and the Harare Golf Club and secured a contract to repair their motorcycles and lawnmowers. Whist at the club, Lanny met numerous farmers and they used to invite Lanny to their farms to fix their cars and motorcycles on site.

The Rolch Automotive opened its doors in 2006 is ably run by Lanny and wife Romana and has one other full-time mechanic, John-Mark and a part time clerical assistant who helps in the office.

Lanny runs his business with simple principles and believes that to be successful, he must strive to provide his customers with exceptional service based on customer demands, satisfaction and long terms relationship based on trust.

Professionalism, reliability and integrity make up the core components of what Lanny and Romana want to deliver and they believe that customers need to be told exactly what is wrong with their car and the cost to repair, before repairs are undertaken. Whether the job is big or small, they still want to deliver great service.

They have two courtesy cars which are available to clients and need to be booked in advance.

Rolch Auto is based in Ashfield Road, Glenfield operating in the service and repair of all makes of motor vehicles. In addition, it carries out inspections on cars, trailers and motorcycles.

Phone: 09-443 6805

10

The SA issue9.indd 10

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CITY IMPACT CHURCH

“A home away from home” Jaco and Mari Grobler immigrated to Auckland’s North Shore from Pretoria in 2002 with their young children Stefan, 5, and Ina-Mari, 3. They started attending City Impact Church and now, seven years later, they are pastors with a desire to reach out to others from South Africa.

One of the things that really attracted them to City Impact Church was the fact that their children were so well catered for. Not having any other family in New Zealand meant they were extra grateful for the community that the church provided for them and the kids. Mari started attending Music Box with InaMari, a music and movement class for toddlers that runs on a Wednesday morning. Ina-Mari, now 10, has also been a member of the church’s dance academy and both children attend City Impact Church School.

Pastors Jaco and Mari Grobler with their kids

I

an and Elize Hutchinson had been thinking about emigrating from their home in George, South Africa for a couple of years before they finally made the move to New Zealand last November.

Having come from a church background in South Africa, finding a new church for themselves and their four-year-old twins Liam and Jolie was a priority to them. Just a few days after settling on the North Shore in Auckland, their carpet cleaner told them about City Impact Church and handed them a card with the church’s details on it.

Arriving at City Impact Church for the first time, their immediate impression was, “Wow.” The size and scope of the facility and the number of people blew them away.

“The music was amazing, and the

children had such a good time in Children’s Church that Sunday,” remembers Elize. “We decided that we should at least go back a few times to see what we thought.”

Soon, Ian and Elize received an invitation in the mail to City Impact’s Introduction night. Held on a Wednesday night every eight weeks, ‘Intro night’ is a great chance for newcomers to get an overview of the history and values of the church, and also to meet the pastors and sample the superb coffee and cake.

From Introduction night, newcomers are invited to come along to Wednesday night church for Gateway, a course specifically designed to develop people’s walk with God and help them feel at home at City Impact Church.

“What we love about the school is that each child’s potential is recognised and developed. They are treated as individuals. Our kids are so confident. We are excited to see what the future holds for them.”

Pastors Jaco and Mari say they have also grown personally over their time at City Impact Church.

City Impact’s small groups are structured around teams that serve in different areas of the church. On a Sunday, for example, almost everything, from the café team, to the lighting, sound and AV crews, is run by volunteers. These volunteers meet mid week in ‘small groups’ for fellowship, Bible study and training.

“City Impact Church has a larger number of South Africans than any other church in New Zealand,” laughs Jaco. “What we love about being here is that we can connect with others from South Africa, but we can also make kiwi friends and integrate into New Zealand culture.”

Pastors Jaco and Mari look forward to meeting other South Africans and helping them to feel at home at City Impact Church.

“We have grown in our faith so much as a result of Gateway,” say Ian and Elize.

City Impact Church

Global Impact, Local Focus

SUNDAY SERVICES 10am & 6:30pm Senior Pastors Peter & Bev

The SA issue9.indd 11

Auckland | Invercargill | Queenstown | Balclutha www.cityimpactchurch.com | 0800 CHURCH

26/5/09 10:04:56 AM

The

South African

Trevor Rabin

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC SCENE

Trevor Rabin

By Ted Woodberg

“

As the movie hits the screen you are mesmerized by the pounding background sounds that add drama and excitement to the scene that is unfolding before you. You sit back and chew on your popcorn, but your eyes are drawn to the action that is dramatized by the sound.”

If you were watching “Enemies of the State” or, more recently “Snakes on a Plane,” you would be listening to the music of our own South African composer, musician and producer, Trevor Rabin.

He has written the musical scores of more than two dozen Hollywood movies that have become box office hits around the world.

He was born In Johannesburg, South Africa in 1954 from a family of classical musicians; where his father, Godfrey was lead violinist for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. He took formal piano training at an early age but he discovered the guitar at age 12. He loved the music of his age and despite his formal training in Tchaikovsky and Brahms he always fell back to the influences of current bands like Cliff Richard and the Shadows,

the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix.

He formed music bands in the early seventies known as ‘The Conglomeration” and ‘Freedom’s Children” which became banned by the current government of SA because of the political rhetoric that was evident in their songs.

In 1974 Trevor formed the band “Rabbitt” along with Neil Cloud (drums), Ronnie Robot (bass), and Duncan Faure (vocals & keyboard) and their collaboration became an overnight hit with the release of their first album “Boys will be Boys.”

This album included a remarkable re-work of the Jethro Tull song “Locomotive Breath’ and Rabin’s self-penned “Charlie,” a song with a

GEORGE DEEB A S S O C I AT E S Barristers ~ Solicitors ~ Notaries Public

Are you SorTed? For expert legal advice, from a team with 30 years combined experience in New Zealand and South African law, call us.

We’ll help you sort out your affairs and make sure your new life in New Zealand is successful.

Property - Trusts and Estate Planning - Company and Commercial Business Law - Immigration - Matrimonial ENSURING YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PRACTICE

94 Anzac Street Takapuna Auckland Tel: 09 486 1415 | george@georgedeeb.co.nz | www.georgedeeb.co.nz

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The

South African haunting melody that raced to the top of the SA charts within days of its release and subsequent airplay.

When Rabbitt exploded onto the SA music scene they were considered as SA’s answer to the Beatles. Everywhere they went they were mobbed by screaming fans. Although Rabin fronted the group, he was often overshadowed by the good looks and charm of Duncan Faure, who was the “pretty boy” of the group. The fans screamed “Duncan! Duncan!” whenever they appeared on stage and young girls fainted when he reached out to them.

I watched them performing live in the late seventies and will never forget the electrifying performance. When they played “Locomotive Breath” at the end of the show, they brought the house down.

Rabbitt produced a second album in 1977 called “A Croak and a Grunt in the Night.” which went gold virtually overnight. Rabin co-produced the album and won a SARI award for his work. The “SARI” (South African Record Industry) award is the equivalent of the US “Grammy.”

Unfortunately the band could not tour internationally because of apartheid so Trevor left SA and moved to London in 1978. The remaining members of Rabbitt released an album without Rabin but the album failed to chart and they disbanded the same year.

Trevor went on to record two solo albums in London, but they failed to chart. However, in 1981 Trevor produced an album called “Wolf,” co-produced with Ray Davies of the Kinks and with Trevor Rabin collaborations by ex-SA Manfred Mann, former Cream bassist Jack Bruce and session drummer Simon Phillips. The album achieved mild success.

In 1982 Trevor decided to move to Los Angeles where he did session work. He bumped into Chris Squire and drummer Alan White, long time band members of Yes that had disbanded the year before. They began collaborating under the name “Cinema.”

Trevor’s career took an upward swing when he started jamming with Squire and White and his creative genius came to the fore. He wrote the songs “Owner of a Lonely Heart” and “Leave it” during this period and most of the material for an album known as 90125.

However they still lacked a vocalist and after Jon Anderson, original vocalist for Yes heard Rabin’s songs, he joined the band and dropped “Cinema” for “Yes.” They released 90125 to much public acclaim and overjoyed Yes fans who celebrated the re-birth of the band. 90125 went on to sell 6 million copies, the most successful Yes album ever, with “Owner of a Lonely Heart” rocketing to #1 on the US charts, the only Yes song every to do so. The album earned the band a Grammy in 1984 and immediately Yes began a world tour together with Rabin.

The sad part of this great success was that very few of Yes’s international fan base would openly acknowledge that Rabin was the brains behind the album. Many pop journalists ignore Rabin and most do not give him credit for composing “Owner.”

The next two albums by Yes “Big Generator” and “Talk” featured some brilliant creative work between Rabin and Anderson. These two releases charted very well and were followed by another world tour in 1994 with the group lineup as Anderson, Rabin, Squire, Wakeman, Howe and Bruford.

After the tour Trevor tired of the internal politicking amongst the group and left to start a new and challenging career in soundtrack composing. He composes the scores for Con Air, Armageddon, Deep Blue Sea, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Remember the Titans, The 6th Day, Bad Boys2, Glory Road, Snakes on a Plane and Book of Secrets amongst many others. Besides receiving many Grammy nominations and one Grammy win, Trevor has also received eight BMI film score awards. The theme from Remember the Titans was played following United States President Elect Barack Obama’s speech upon winning the 2008 Presidential Election and was used as a backdrop for the ensuing celebrations.

Trevor lives in Los Angeles with his wife Shelley of twenty years. He is now a US citizen, and they have a son, Ryan who has taken up a career as a rock drummer for the LA group The Outline, signed to Fearless Records.

A chip off the old block!

Trevor, as one of South Africa’s best loved sons, we wish you all success in the future. Maybe there is another budding rock genius in your son, Ryan…… who knows?!

Dr Bernie Brenner

MB BCh (Wits), FRCOG, FRANZCOG, MBA, M Phil, BA (UNISA)

Gynaecologist and Uro Gynaecologist

Pam

Specialising in: • Female Urinary Incontinence and Urodynamic Assessments • Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bladder Leaking • Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy • Colposcopy (the treatment of abnormal cervical cytology) including Laser • Office Hysteroscopy for diagnosis of menstrual problems • Gynaecological Ultrasound • Laporoscopic Surgery - for removal of Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts and Endometriosis

specialist in • Colour • Colour Correction • Precision Cutting All consultations free

Consulting rooms at 131 Shakespeare Road, Milford

For appointments Phone 486 0182 • Email: pelvic-floor-clinic@clear.net.nz Webpage: www.berniebrenner.co.nz

2 Montgomery Avenue Rothesay Bay Ph 09 479 9197

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The

South African

Dr Stephen Kruger Gynaecologist

W

OMEN WITH MENSTRUAL ABNORMALITIES OR PREGNANCY ISSUES WILL FIND RELIEF AT DR KRUGER’S PRACTICE Stephen Kruger emigrated from Durban, South Africa to Auckland, New Zealand in 1993 with his young family. He gave up a hugely successful gynaecological practice there to start afresh here in NZ. He has built up his local practice over the years and now runs his surgery at Northern Clinic, 212 Wairau Road, Glenfield.

Stephen specializes in specific gynae problems like excessive menstrual bleeding, loss of vitality, sickness and discomfort associated with menstruation ; treatment for abnormal pap smears; early pregnancy issues, miscarriages, infertility, vaginal prolapse and many other issues that women have surrounding childbirth.

Dr Kruger has developed comprehensive plans that are tailored to each woman’s particular needs, symptoms and experiences. These plans range from simple analgesic protocols that involve prescription medicines to hormonal control, the insertion of intra-uterine devices and hysterectomies.

As part of his commitment to creating an empathetic, patient-centred environment, he encourages women to bring along their partners or other support people for consultations and examinations because he is concerned about their emotional as well as their physical well-being.

Contact Wendy on 09-441 7441 or e-mail Stephen.kruger@xtra.co.nz for an appointment. Stephen’s surgery is open weekdays and one Saturday per month.

Home Instead Senior Care “AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE FOR THE ELDERLY”

A

Rodney couple, Peter and Diane Lane last month opened the Rodney districts franchise of Home Instead Senior Care to provide elderly in the area with non-medical senior care that includes companionship, personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, medication reminders and key transportation, along with phone assistance, manned 24 hours a day.

Most elderly people want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible but they don’t always have that option and the Home Instead Senior Care service is one way in which they can do that.

Their area covers from Warkworth to Browns Bay and West as far as Helensville.They have a team of caring and professional Caregivers trained and waiting to care for the elderly in their own home.

If you would like to find out more about their services, please call them on 09 426 9911. Home Instead Senior Care are located in Shop 6, (Hillary Square) 1 Alice Avenue, Orewa. Come in and have a chat to Peter, Diane or Rachel.

UPCOMING EVENTS Home Instead Senior Care and Age Concern are promoting “A Morning With Elvis” concert on the 26th June at the Community Centre in Orewa.

Start 10am – morning tea provided.

Tickets are available at Age Concern - Rodney Office, or our office, Home Instead Senior Care

DR STEPHEN KRUGER MB.Bch (Wits), FRCOG,FRANZCOG. Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (formerly of Durban) Specializing in :

Consulting Rooms Artemis Womens Health, 1st floor, 212 Wairau Road Glenfield.

For appointment please phone Wendy At 09 441 7441.

Minimal waiting times guaranteed.

FOR ALL YOUR GYNAE NEEDS.

• • • • • • • • •

Heavy menstrual bleeding and period problems Fibroids Abnormal smears and colposcopy Vaginal repairs Post delivery vaginal repairs Miscarriage and all early pregnancy issues General gynaecology including smears General gynaecological surgery Infertility

We provide care in your own home:

Please call us and we will give you v Companionship a free, no obligation appraisal v Meal preparation OUR CARERS ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONAL v Personal Care CAREGIVERS WAITING TO CARE v Light Housekeeping FOR YOU AT HOME v Shopping and errands

Diane and Peter Lane, 09 426 9911 or Rodney@homeinstead.co.nz Shop 6, (Hillary House) 1 Alice Avenue, Orewa

FOR ALL YOUR GYNAE NEEDS.

JIM PRETORIUS B.Ch.D M.Ch.D (Pret)

ORTHODONTIST Suite 3 • North Shore Medical Centre 326 Sunset Road • Mairangi Bay Auckland 10 • New Zealand Telephone: Surgery 09 479-7963 • Home 09 410-8768 Fax: 09 479-7941 14

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The

South African

Whatz Up? ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS FOR THE SA COMMUNITY DATE 2009 Wed June 3 Fri 5 Wed 17 Fri 26 Sat 27 Wed July 1 Fri 3 July 18 -19

Dr Dottie Prinsloo (Bloemfontein Graduate)

ITEM

SA Business Networking SA Social SA Business Networking A Morning with Elvis Afrikaans Club Winter Dance SA Business Networking SA Social NZ Job Expo

TELL US ABOUT IT! – We would love to hear about your stories….

Do you have an interesting and/ or amusing story to tell about your immigration to NZ, your first experiences here and how you and your family first got established here? Are you self employed?

Involved in sport or music? We want to publish your story!

Contact Ted Woodberg on: Tel: (09) 520 4107 or e-mail: ted.samag@gmail.com

VENUE

Browns Bay Bowling Club Browns Bay Bowling Club Browns Bay Bowling Club Orewa Community Centre East Coast Bays Leisure Centre Browns Bay Bowling Club Browns Bay Bowling Club North Shore Events Centre

TIME 6pm 6pm 6pm 10 am 7pm 6pm 6pm 7pm

ENGLISH & AFRIKAANS SPOKEN

• IMMIGRATION MEDICALS

• GP Care – Acute & Chronic Dr Ellen Selkon (Stellenbosch Graduate)

• Accident & Medical

• X-Ray/Community Lab on site Westgate Shopping Centre Fernhill Dr, Massey Tel: 09-833 3134

www.wgmc.co.nz Dr Richard Selkon (UCT Graduate)

Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm,

W/E & PH: 9am-6pm 15

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Trew Solutions is proud to announce that we are certified distributors for Maximizer CRM as well as Sage Pastel in New Zealand. In today’s economic environment Efficiencies are essential and lost opportunities simply cannot be allowed to happen.

Maximizer Software is a leading provider of simple, accessible, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, providing the best value for small and medium-sized businesses. As a pioneer in the CRM industry for more than 20 years, Maximizer offers sales, marketing, and customer service staff and managers access to customer information through mobile devices, online, or the desktop. Maximizer’s solutions enable organizations to accelerate business growth by streamlining sales, marketing and customer service processes, while exceeding client expectations. Maximizer Software has sold over one million licenses to more than 120,000 customers, ranging in size from entrepreneurs to multi-national organizations, including: Siemens, Société Générale, HSBC, TD Securities, Lockheed Martin, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Oxford University Press, and Cathay Pacific to name but a few. Contact us today for a no-obligation Needs Assessment and a free demo to see how you can increase your company’s efficiencies and revenue.

We are also certified distributors for all Sage Pastel Products with our exciting venture with Sybiz Software, the biggest distributor of Sage Pastel Software in Australia and New Zealand. We know that Customer service is essential that’s why we work with the best. There is no better distribution channel for Sage Pastel In New Zealand than Sybiz Software. Having come from South Africa where 9 out of 10 accountants recommend Pastel Products to their clients we have over 15 years of extensive Sage Pastel knowledge and we have recently appointed a new Sage Pastel Evolution consultant that has some of the most extensive Sage Pastel knowledge that we have ever seen.

You know and trust the brand. You have used Sage Pastel Products in your business back in South Africa. Why Change? Why buy software you are unfamiliar with that comes out of a one size fits all box? Contact Trew Solutions today for a free demo and Needs Assessment.

Contact Donald or Jenny from Trew Solutions on 09 441 4474 or www.Trew.co.nz

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The

South African

Cash Flow is Still King

by Peter Woodberg

A

s part of his quest to find the safest way out of the current recession, our intrepid editor attended a seminar recently that offered a host of new solutions from accountants, economists, insolvency professionals and other so-called experts on the way forward.

Most of the presenters were very bullish about the future and the economist showed us lovely diagrams and bar charts of interest rates, the increase in the number of immigrants, new housing consents, the state of the residential market etc., but no one really got to grips with the question of: “How do we survive another two years of this current downturn and, if it does carry on, is there a possibility that it will stretch to 3 or even, at worst, 4 years.”

The media have done surveys and it has shown that business confidence has increased since last year and some are saying that we are out of the worst and can expect a slow but positive increase over the next two years. I hope it does not last that long because if it does, we will see a lot of small business casualties popping up over the foreseeable future. Fortunately, our population is on a steady increase and if immigration laws limit the influx of ‘new Kiwis’ to those who are adequately qualified, and who can communicate effectively in our home language, English, we can foresee an economically safe passage through the recession.

I have listened to the experts and these are some of the ideas that have been put on the table to survive in 2009:1) Do not fire key staff but retain them, and, as a cost saving venture, cut other non essential expenses. If necessary restructure salary agreements that separate administrative-type salaries from those based on production. When the market turns it will be difficult to find highly skilled staff. Some businesses are actually employing staff that have been made redundant, to prepare them for the upturn. These people are usually so grateful to get a new job that they put in a real effort to prove to their new employers what they can do and by so doing they improve productivity.

2) Return to basics and focus on core competencies. Send staff to training courses in order to increase their skills. Get more out of your staff by creating closer teams to increase productivity and by including them in some of the decision making. Re- write job descriptions. Let some of the staff take leave and encourage back up staff to learn those positions.

3) Cut your debt by chasing your debtors. This is one of the most important ideas that came out of these discussions and it applies to every business. You are in effect lending your customers money to support their business. If you do not operate on a cash basis get your money in sooner. Get the staff or senior people in your organisation to phone your debtors and get the money in. If you used to operate on 60 days bring that in to 30 days and so on. If someone is late with a payment explain to them how important their business is to them, but if they do not pay you may have to close your doors.

4) Do a leaseback and sell your property to an investor. This concept is for all those businesses that bought their own properties when times were good. This is a great idea when you need cash flow to survive and your bank is not interested in your problems. Why not sell your building and use the cash flow in your business and when things get better you can always buy another property?

You may think the market is sluggish but there are investors waiting to buy commercial properties with good tenants and reasonable leases. If you need help with this concept please contact Peter Woodberg 0274 520 794 p.woodberg@barfoot.co.nz Peter is an experienced commercial real estate agent with 30 years in the property market. Use his experience to help you go forward in the current recessionary climate.

Peter Woodberg, Editor

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The

South African

The Afrikaans Club of New Zealand launches cancer fund

L

esley-Ann Boshoff, a recent immigrant to New Zealand from South Africa, is in dire need of treatment for her breast cancer, within only a few months of arriving here.

Her husband Phillip has a work permit and is currently working on a dairy farm in Ngatea. Their Permanent Residency Permit now hangs in the balance because of Lesley-Ann’s health condition.

She needs urgent radiotherapy and hormone treatment that will ultimately cost in excess of $20 000. The family do not have the means to meet these costs.

The Management Committee of the Afrikaans Club of New Zealand has considered her case and carefully examined her medical reports. They have regarded them as genuine and have responded by establishing a special fund for the Boshoff family.

If you would like to contribute towards this fund, the details are:Account Name: Bank: Account Number: Reference: Cheques: Post to: Enquiries to:

The Afrikaans Club Bank of New Zealand 02 – 0271 -0285220-001 “Boshoff” Made out to “The Afrikaans Club (Boshoff)” P O Box 300 674, Albany, North Shore City, 0752 Matt Oosthuizen at die.afrikaanse.klub@clear.net.nz

Dr Mairi Wallace Specialist Gynaecologist:

MBChB (Stellenbosch), MMed O&G (Stel), FCOG (SA), FRANZCOG

Special interests;

• • • •

Incontinence Vaginal prolapse Menopause symptoms Abnormal smear/colposcopy

9 St Marks Rd, Remuera Tel: (09) 523 5959

Dr Andrew Grobler

General Practitioner MBChB (Pretoria) MACSCM. MASCM l l l l l

General practice Botox®, Dermal fillers Mole / skin cancer checks Immigration medicals Chemical peels

Now practising at: 82 Symonds Street, Medical Centre Ground level Auckland CBD, Tel: 09 309 9577 Parking available

Phillip and Lesley-Ann Boshoff

For all your eyecare needs Alan P. Saks

MCOptom(UK), Dip. Optom(SA) FCLS(NZ), FAAO(US) Alan, a third-generation optometrist has served as president of the Contact Lens Society of South Africa.

He joined Barry & Beale in 1996.

Rob W. Allen

MCOptom(UK), Dip. Optom(SA)

Rob was a partner in a Howick practice prior to joining Barry and Beale Optometrist in April 2004. He arrived in New Zealand in 1995 and is formerly of Port Elizabeth and East London.

Ph: 303 3042, Level 1, 280 Queen Street Auckland.

Email: alan@optom.co.nz Website: www.barryandbeale.com 1 0 0 y e a r s o f Q u a l i t y E y e C a re a nd Service.

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The

South African

ACCOUNTING FOR YOUR SUCCESS!

Mary Garcia of “Liberty Accountants” tells how to do it!

Mary is originally from Zimbabwe and went to the University of Cape Town to study accounting. She met her husband Lance during her first year and after they had both graduated, they moved first to Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape and then to Kempton Park.

H

aving an entrepreneurial tendency, Mary at various times in South Africa had her own businesses, first an import mail order business and later on two passive exercise franchises “Inch by Inch”.

However times were changing in South Africa and having decided that New Zealand seemed like a really great place to raise their three daughters, they emigrated in 1995, their oldest daughter going into Year 9 at Long Bay College (Form 3 as it was then). They have never looked back.

New Zealand has been very good to them and their daughters have done really well, both at Long Bay and at university. The oldest two, Leanne and Dominique, went to Otago, Leanne doing medicine, like her dad, and Dominique becoming an accountant like her mum. In fact she has just got her CA qualification. Their youngest daughter, Shannon, is still at UNI. She first spent two years at Auckland but this year has also spread her wings and moved to Otago.

Both oldest daughters are now also married – to good Kiwi blokes – and each has a baby boy. The first one is 11 months old and the second one was born just after Easter. Another chapter in their lives is starting.

For many years as the girls were growing up, the whole family was involved in basketball. In fact, that is how Mary and Lance met at UCT. They played and refereed, but now their involvement is limited to the occasional Breakers game.

More recently they have taken up snowboarding, starting off as regular visitors to Snow Planet and they try to get down to the mountain at least once a year. They also enjoy sailing their keeler out on the Hauraki Gulf.

However, having recently returned from a holiday in the Whitsundays where they chartered a catamaran, they are now definite converts.

Self motivation plays a huge part in Mary’s life and she can often be found reading motivational books or listening to self-improvement CDs such as John Kehoe (Mind Power), SMI (Dynamics of Personal Motivation) and Anthony Robbins (Get the Edge).

In New Zealand Mary worked as an accountant in various small businesses before deciding to study towards her CA qualification. She

then entered the world of Chartered Accountancy firms and before doing Mary Garcia her professional exams she had to do a couple of extra papers and then the law and tax conversion papers. In 2004 she became a New Zealand Chartered Accountant.

Over the years she has seen first hand the problems that many individuals and small business owners face on a day to day basis and is very keen to do whatever she can to help. She has gained a wide range of experience over various industries and businesses of differing sizes.

It seemed to her like a natural progression to have her own accounting practice.

Mary is passionate about customer service, and being a people person she loves being able to assist clients at all levels. No job is too small and no question too simple. She has often found that newcomers arriving in New Zealand just need a sounding board to balance up what they know about the tax system and how it compares to back home.

Her aim is to provide professional, yet personal, accounting and taxation services to individuals, partnerships, companies and trusts, completing their compliance work on time, every time. This in turn provides the freedom for her clients to focus on their businesses and on all the other things that are also important to them.

So if you need general compliance work done, such as GST, PAYE, Annual Accounts and Tax Returns, or if you are starting up a new business, buying a rental property or simply need a change, then give Mary a call today and also ask about her Agreed Fee option.

The first consultation is free.

Mary Garcia Liberty Accountants Phone. 09-473 7920 marygarcia@libertyaccountants.co.nz

PALACE OF INDIA Licensed & BYWO Restaurant

Stylish Fine Indian Dining in a relaxed atmosphere

Freedom to focus on the things that count…

Serving Auckland for over 17 years and consistently rated as a

General Accounting, Compliance and Taxation Services for all entities.

top Indian Restaurant

Your first consultation is free, so call today and also ask about my “Agreed Fee” option.

Deliveries l Take Aways l Catering l Childrens Menus l Special Dietary Menus (Gluten & Dairy Free) Lunch - Mon-Fri 12-2 pm , Dinner - 7 Days from 5 pm 17 Huron St, Takapuna Tel: 489 9911 www.palaceofindia.co.nz

Mary Garcia CA

14 years in New Zealand

T 473 7920 M 021 1165811 mary.garcia@libertyaccountants.co.nz www.libertyaccountants.co.nz

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The

South African

SANZ social COME AND HEAR BOB DYLAN AND CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL music played by total amateurs! And have some fun in the process! Rule No 1: At the end of each song, clap and cheer loudly despite the quality of the performance. Rule No 2: There is no Rule No 2.

We have an ex-SA fun social evening that takes place at the Browns Bay Bowling Club on the first Friday of each month. Here are some pics taken from the 1st May function.�

Neil Clark, Ted Woodberg and Chris Thom

Terblanche and Karen McDonald nn A e, ill nv Sharon Gra

Debbie and Robin Maher

Rowena Foster, Lee-Anne Thom son and Toni Al exander

Boock family

20

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The

South African

SOUTH AFRICAN RECIPE REVUE We present our third tantalizing article in this series of South African based recipes and their stories that will definitely remind you of the old country!:

Koeksisters

T

HE DUTCH SETTLERS OF THE CAPE learnt an amazing recipe for a sweet dessert from the Malay slaves that they brought from Indonesia in the 17th Century. It resembled a “braided cake” doused in a syrupy mix and was dubbed “koeksister” derived from the Dutch word koekje, the diminutive of koek meaning “cake.” The Afrikaners adapted the Malay version of this delicacy from a spicier, softer, coconut covered braided cake to something that is much more crispy and syrupy; best served cold. It is prepared by deep frying dough in oil, then dipping the fried dough into cold, sugary syrup.

The koeksister syrup: · 4 cups sugar · 1 cup water · 1 tsp cream of tartar · ½ tsp tartaric acid · 1 tsp vanilla essence or 1 tsp grated orange rind or 1 tsp ground cinnamon or 1/3 tsp ground ginger

Cut or rub the margarine or butter into the dry ingredients.

Beat an egg thoroughly and add it to the milk. Add this to the flour mixture, taking care to handle as little as possible.

Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of ¼ inch.

Cut into strips that are approximately 31/2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Cut each strip into three lengthways, leaving one side uncut, and plait the pieces, pressing the cut ends together firmly.

Pre-heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and remove half of the syrup from the fridge.

Deep-fry the koeksisters in the oil until golden brown.

Drain them for a few seconds on absorbent paper.

Dip the koeksisters into the cold syrup, for a few seconds, whilst they are still hot.

This will seal the syrup outside and leave the inside of the koeksister dry in contrast.

The syrup will gradually become hot, so when you have done about half of the koeksisters take the remaining syrup from the fridge and use this for the balance of the koeksisters.

Add the dry ingredients to the water and bring the mixture to the boil.

Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes or until syrupy.

Set the syrup aside to cool.

It is advisable to make the syrup first and to leave it in the fridge overnight.

The koeksister dough: · 1 egg · 2 cups flour · 6 tbsp milk · 6 tbsp margarine or butter · 2 tsp baking powder · 1 tsp salt Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl.

There are an estimated 80 000 South Africans living in New Zealand.

This is a huge niche-market for you to reach as an advertiser.

Apart from our hard-copies, we also e-mail out the entire magazine to thousands of readers which increases our readership and reach both locally in Auckland, nationally and internationally.

To find out more about advertising, please contact: Norma Vaz 021-043 7342 or e-mail: norma.samag@xtra.co.nz

21

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The

South African

Snippets New visa requirements for SA passport holders South African passport holders traveling to the United Kingdom will be required to obtain a visa in order to be allowed into the country. This step comes after South Africa failed to pass the UK’s strict new Visa Waiver test.

Other countries that will also face strict new visa checks are Bolivia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Venezuela. Apparently one of the reasons given is lax border controls in South Africa. Source: SA Govt website.

Auckland ranked as fourth best city in the world The Mercer 2009 Quality of Living survey conducted to help governments and major companies place employees on international assignments, ranked Auckland as fourth best out of 215 cities worldwide, behind Vienna (Austria), Geneva and Zurich (both Switzerland). Auckland tied with Vancouver, Canada.

The major criteria used by Mercer are cities with the best infrastructure based on electricity supply, water availability, telephone and mail services, public transport provision, traffic congestion and the range of international flights from local airports. Source: “City Scene” published by Auckland City Council.

Coming full circle

by Carlene du Toit

“I

f its concepts and words to express those concepts.. that’s my thing!” says Carlene du Toit, who has decided to return to her first love, copy-writing, whilst continuing to pursue her other business interests.

Following a successful career writing for Johannesburg’s largest advertising agencies such as Sonnenberg Murphy Leo-Burnett, Lintass FCB, and Hedley Byrne, she launched her own studio to produce print ads, radio/TV commercials, pamphlets, brochures, flyers, newsletters, press releases, posters etc for a variety of businesses that could not afford the services of the large corporates.

And then came the “Groot Trek” and the trauma of coming to a new country that offered safety and security. Since arriving in Auckland she has written for newspapers such as the North Shore Times (Experience Supplement), Business to Business, NZ Herald, the Howick Pakuranga Times and magazines such as NZ Business, Franchise New Zealand, Marketing New Zealand and NZ Retail.

It had taken her several years in the old country to find fellow ‘creatives’ such as designers, photographers, printers etc. who ‘were a match made in heaven’ and therefore able to complement and enhance her own particular skill - so losing her business associates was almost as traumatic as leaving her country. After all, advertising is a team effort and everyone has to be dancing to the same tune in order to deliver a message that is intelligent, persuasive and visually stunning enough to make an impact.

Carlene says she has now found the right partners here in NZ to venture back onto the dance-floor.

Call Carlene on 0275 479 630 for all your advertising requirements.

Carlene's Copywriting & Communications For all your marketing & advertising requirements

m: 0275 479 630

t: 09 410 4526

e: cdtcreative@xtra.co.nz

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Lee-Anne Thomson

M.A. Psychology (Research) Recently arrived in Auckland from Johannesburg, and seeking permanent employment. I’m a seasoned HR practitioner and innovator, accustomed to working at senior levels, with small boutique firms to large global corporations. I have a reputation for excellence, integrity and consistency.

Work experience includes:

* Corporate Wellness and Work/Life Balance * Training and Facilitation * Lifestyle Counselling and Coaching Please contact me on: * Behavioural Research 021 052 2267 * Psychometric Profiling * General HR Email: leeanne.thomson@gmail.com * IT Recruitment

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Howzat! I think we’ve already met...

We got here first... and we know what’s going on. So it’s best that you talk to us about your business software needs.

Sybiz Software are official distributors of the Sage Pastel range of solutions, including Sage Pastel Evolution - you probably remember us from back home and we’d love to catch up again!

Call us for a chat...

0800 683 783 sagepastel@sybiz.co.nz

www.sybiz.co.nz

It’s great to see you again.

Statistics New Zealand report that approximately 2,700 South Africans migrated here in the 12 months to March 2009.

“That’s a lot of people who are coming to grips with a new way of life and a new way of doing business.” says Peter Whalley, Managing Director of Sybiz Software - official distributors of the Sage Pastel range of business software solutions.

As a South African immigrant himself, Peter understands the challenges of moving countries. He left his home in South Africa seven years ago to help spread the word about the Sybiz and Sage Pastel range of business software solutions throughout Australia and New Zealand and has learnt many lessons along the way...

“Doing business in New Zealand is very different than in South Africa. Sybiz might not be able to help you with absolutely everything, but we can give you a head start by helping you to implement a software solution that you’re already familiar with.In fact, I’ve seen first-hand that anybody coming from South Africa who is familiar with their home-grown Sage Pastel business software could do a lot worse than implement the same software that worked so well for them back home”.

“It’s all about making your transition as smooth as possible. If it helps to think of us as a friend who has already made the move and wants to help you to find your feet then that’s fantastic!”

Call us to find out more on 1300 1 SYBIZ or email Peter at peter.whalley@sybiz.com to find out more!

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