Hayley's trans-national fan base : NZ sacrifice?

[Eric]

ed said:

Speaking only from personal experience, one's national identity doesn't necessary change with a change in one's country of residence. I was only 7 years of age when my folks immigrated to the US what seems like an eternity ago, and I've been a naturalized US citizen since 1974, yet I still have some rather vivid memories of my native land and still hold it dear to my heart. I am quick to tell folks that I am a Brazilian by birth, still speak Portuguese, and that in spite of having lived here for 55 years, 28 of which I was served in the military, in active and reserve capacities, I'm still a Brazilian in my heart. Considering Hayley has lived in New Zealand far longer than I lived in Brazil, it's very likely Haley will feel the same about New Zealand.

With respect to whatever fellow is fortunate enough to capture her heart, I'm sure Haley is intelligent enough to choose wisely and to allow for a long enough courtship that she'll know whether he is worthy of her, loves her truly and deeply for herself, and not just a silver-tongued devil who wants a trophy on his arm. Not everyone can have the good fortune to have a six-month courtship and a 37 year marriage as did I.

Ed

Hi Ed,

I agree with you. Maybe I didn't need to post the fact that I agreed with you, but you're a couple days newer than me on this forum and already catching me up on my posts. I had to get busy! (only kidding)

As far as the lucky gent goes, if she can find a high-quality young man who can pass the Westenra test of excellence, he will undoubtedly have to satisfy the stringent "HWI standards" as well. If she'll let us, we'll not allow her that opportunity to settle with the wrong lad.

Hayley, if you ever read this...I'm only lovingly joking. We all believe you're quite capable of making that decision yourself.

Only the Best,
Eric

PS Have I gone off-topic again? Perhaps I need a thread that says, "Eric, you post here."

[postscript]

One small point, Milewalker, in your ideas about Hayley's associations away from NZ is that in the London areas she inhabits there are many established Kiwis and the information that is available is that she is very much part of a strong Kiwi-culture. She might well liaise with a fellow-Kiwi in London as in NZ itself!

Also, rather similarly as with the US (as was most often the case) it was better to settle in the US for tripping back to the UK than vice-versa. Ironically, current exchange rates means the reverse is possibly true for travel for the moment but living standards in the US remain cheaper.

Likewise in the UK and NZ. If you want a foot in both camps the UK is better. At present, the economic argument could be that if you want a foot in all three camps and arguably she does, the UK (and that means London) is undoubtedly best.
Peter S.

[Ed]

Eric D:

I think we're both going off topic here concerning Hayley's lucky young fellow, but others have led us off-topic by mentioning it in their prior posts. I can tell though they are not cheering for you--they don't want her to settle for a Yank! It kinda makes you think about what low regard the world has for us. It's probably deserved.

And who said posting one's opinions was a competition? If it were then Stephany has won all the gold there is to win. Our combined efforts couldn't match her accomplishments.

Ed

[Stephany]

Hi everyone,
There was an article published today in a NZ paper closely related to this topic's issue. I thought it could be interesting to post it here. It also briefly mentions Hayley's name.
Best wishes,
Stephany

Why Kiwi musos must go overseas to become world-class performers
10 May 2007
Bay of Plenty Times
Copyright 2007 APN New Zealand Ltd - Regionals. All Rights Reserved

It is ironic that in May, New Zealand Music Month, the country is being inundated with announcements of visits from some major international artists.

Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea; Guns `n' Roses and Linkin Park; Christina Aguilera and Steely Dan.

``Someone's knockin' at the door, someone's ringin' the bell''.

It's a stark reminder to Kiwi musicians that we are in The World. That we are competing with the best.

International borders were never going to contain a good idea. While digital downloads are putting promotional power in the hands of musicians they still must tour to create a long term loyal fan base.

Fuelled by the internet and an upturn in global touring, the regular and fluid movement of music across the world to the Antipodes is a new reality.

It's not just good songs that travel. International stage crews with high production standards and heavyweight promotional activity are flowing into the country and challenging the viability and integrity of our local live music industry economy.

Right now it feels like the whole New Zealand music industry is under-resourced.

The future for our most successful musicians lies ever more clearly offshore.

If it's all quiet on the local front it may be because our best bands, squeezed by limited live playing opportunities here, are overseas - experiencing international audiences and learning about musicianship and production values practised in the major markets of Australia, the US and Europe.

Check the myspace sites of D Dub, Fat Freddy's Drop, Te Vaka (who have just located to Sydney) or Hayley Westenra and you will get the picture.

We love the land, sea and sky of the Pacific but any hungry Kiwi musician worth their salt will be planning a career move overseas to experience the buzz of touring and working as a musician based in a major international city.

While the Government has promised much, promoted the idea of an abundant New Zealand music industry, the amounts of government financial assistance have been ludicrously low and are not trickling down.

[stevemacdonald]

... We love the land, sea and sky of the Pacific but any hungry Kiwi musician worth their salt will be planning a career move overseas to experience the buzz of touring and working as a musician based in a major international city. ...

Well part of that is the charm Kiwis have when they go elsewhere. I've met several transplanted Kiwis here in the States and they're all unusually charismatic and upbeat. One of them even won the Miss Kansas City Sports pageant! And by coming here they encourage us to go there, so there's some two-way crossing going on.

[milewalker]

The only thing is Steve that I am not sure that the trade off you are talking about really benefits NZ and its culture in the long run. Many of the best features there seem to me to be only possible because the country was until recently so isolated. Culturally, when a small country mixes it up with much larger ones, the small one loses in the exchange nearly all the time. Over time, New Zealand will become much more like the rest of the world than the rest of the world will become like New Zealand.

Jon