Post by Richard on Dec 28, 2011 8:23:54 GMT
Hello folks! 
Here's an interesting article from the Taranaki Daily News:
Richard
Here's an interesting article from the Taranaki Daily News:
The alternative New Year's Honours
Under the Skytower
KATHRYN CALVERT
OPINION: It's that time of year again: yes, the Calvert 'shadow' New Year's Honours List for those who will probably miss out this coming Saturday in the official announcement.
There've been heroes, villains, those who've pushed the envelope and those who've taken that envelope and hidden it somewhere so the general public never knew of its existence, let alone what was inside.
In a year filled with tragedy, angst, triumph and success, there've been more than enough 'ordinary Joe Blows' who have offered far more than their fair share of leadership, bravery, gallantry and - yes - even mirth.
So here goes nothing - a quick skim of those New Zealanders who I reckon should be Knights or Dames come Saturday, but who probably won't be:
Arise, Dame Tori McAuley: This plucky 14-year-old Morrinsville College student is fast becoming the young face of a growing anti-bullying campaign in New Zealand, and admitted on the Christmas Close Up show that she is getting bullied herself for doing it. Tori is brave, determined, strong and intelligent, and hopefully a future prime minister in the making. Good on you, girl.
Arise, Sir Winston Peters: I know you'll be scratching your head at this one, but think about it. The guy is caught being 'iffy' with the truth and soundly turfed out of Parliament to political oblivion, so what does he do in 2011? He not only gets back in, but brings a ragtail bunch of dimwits with him into Parliament! For his tenacity and gritty self-confidence when everyone else had written him off, Winston is indeed an 'amazing' New Zealander.
Arise, All Black Sir Dan Carter: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the guy needs a gong just for his abs alone. Limping into that press conference after 'doing a groin' during kicking practice a week or so into the RWC and saying those brave words ("I'm here to support the guys") must have been heartbreaking for the poor little sausage. I'll admit I had tears in my eyes as well. I didn't think we'd do it without him, and we nearly didn't, but he's still a rugby hero in my eyes for sitting in the stands.
Arise, Sir Jock Hobbs: Continuing in the rugby theme, can I offer Jock the country's eternal gratitude in bringing the RWC to our shores this year. In a year where he was locked in a private health battle of his own, he represented us well in what became the international sports event of choice and one of New Zealand's greatest sporting hours. Jock might be the only name on my list that gets recognised officially on Saturday but if he doesn't, he should be.
Arise, Sir Owen Glenn: I've had the pleasure of meeting this Kiwi billionaire several times in 2011, and let me tell you that still waters run deep. Owen was reportedly the only ex-pat to donate $1 million to Christchurch in the dark days following February 22, and is extremely generous both here and in Third World countries in helping those less fortunate. Owen really puts his money where his mouth is.
Arise, Dame Hayley Westenra: Yep, our wholesome little-girl-next-door is suddenly looking like she's going to be bigger than warbler Kiri Te Kanawa in the singing world. For her voice at the Christchurch memorial service alone, Hayley needs proper recognition. It must have been hard to stand up and sing so beautifully without even a quiver for your ruined city when your heart was breaking, Hayley, and for that, thanks.
Arise, Twice Sir The Mad Butcher: Yes, I know Peter Leitch is already a Knight, but I'm wondering if the Government can give him a double one (or even a Knighthood squared) for his good deeds. Very few people know just how kind Pete is, working behind the scenes for Christchurch quake victims during a period of very ill health on his part. Pete's got a heart of gold and is a true leader at a time when we ain't got that many in this country.
Arise, Sir John Key: There's just something about John that lots of us get. We may not like the politics behind the man, but as he struts 'camply' down a runway modelling clothing or talks to a world media about vasectomies, you just can't help liking the cut of the fellow's cloth. He's a real people's prime minister, and a good bloke.
Arise, Sir Peter Tennent: I don't know about you lot, but I kind of miss Pete and his 'larger-than-life' personality in the news pages. What he did for New Plymouth and Taranaki in those years of events, concerts, international sporting events and tourism pushes last decade cannot be understated, and his 'can-do' supportive attitude carried more than a few great ideas to fruition.
Arise, Dame Carmen: There'd be few Kiwis older than 40 who didn't know of trans-gender Wellington cafe queen Carmen and her activities in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and for her entrepreneurial spirit and the way she changed attitudes in this country alone, she deserves a posthumous gong.
Arise, next-door-neighbour Sir George: He might be 80 and the recipient of a new hip, but George is a sweetheart and often fills his days chainsawing trees and shrubs down on our section, and clearing undergrowth (of which there is abundance). He's one of those people who'd do anything for you, and I reckon he's the epitome of good old-fashioned neighbourly support.
Arise, Sir Bob Parker: What a year, eh Bob! Despite that horrific anorak that you consistently donned for all media interviews, you've been a shining star in this year of hell.
So there it is. I salute you all - those who've made a difference this year.
Roll on 2012.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Under the Skytower
KATHRYN CALVERT
OPINION: It's that time of year again: yes, the Calvert 'shadow' New Year's Honours List for those who will probably miss out this coming Saturday in the official announcement.
There've been heroes, villains, those who've pushed the envelope and those who've taken that envelope and hidden it somewhere so the general public never knew of its existence, let alone what was inside.
In a year filled with tragedy, angst, triumph and success, there've been more than enough 'ordinary Joe Blows' who have offered far more than their fair share of leadership, bravery, gallantry and - yes - even mirth.
So here goes nothing - a quick skim of those New Zealanders who I reckon should be Knights or Dames come Saturday, but who probably won't be:
Arise, Dame Tori McAuley: This plucky 14-year-old Morrinsville College student is fast becoming the young face of a growing anti-bullying campaign in New Zealand, and admitted on the Christmas Close Up show that she is getting bullied herself for doing it. Tori is brave, determined, strong and intelligent, and hopefully a future prime minister in the making. Good on you, girl.
Arise, Sir Winston Peters: I know you'll be scratching your head at this one, but think about it. The guy is caught being 'iffy' with the truth and soundly turfed out of Parliament to political oblivion, so what does he do in 2011? He not only gets back in, but brings a ragtail bunch of dimwits with him into Parliament! For his tenacity and gritty self-confidence when everyone else had written him off, Winston is indeed an 'amazing' New Zealander.
Arise, All Black Sir Dan Carter: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the guy needs a gong just for his abs alone. Limping into that press conference after 'doing a groin' during kicking practice a week or so into the RWC and saying those brave words ("I'm here to support the guys") must have been heartbreaking for the poor little sausage. I'll admit I had tears in my eyes as well. I didn't think we'd do it without him, and we nearly didn't, but he's still a rugby hero in my eyes for sitting in the stands.
Arise, Sir Jock Hobbs: Continuing in the rugby theme, can I offer Jock the country's eternal gratitude in bringing the RWC to our shores this year. In a year where he was locked in a private health battle of his own, he represented us well in what became the international sports event of choice and one of New Zealand's greatest sporting hours. Jock might be the only name on my list that gets recognised officially on Saturday but if he doesn't, he should be.
Arise, Sir Owen Glenn: I've had the pleasure of meeting this Kiwi billionaire several times in 2011, and let me tell you that still waters run deep. Owen was reportedly the only ex-pat to donate $1 million to Christchurch in the dark days following February 22, and is extremely generous both here and in Third World countries in helping those less fortunate. Owen really puts his money where his mouth is.
Arise, Dame Hayley Westenra: Yep, our wholesome little-girl-next-door is suddenly looking like she's going to be bigger than warbler Kiri Te Kanawa in the singing world. For her voice at the Christchurch memorial service alone, Hayley needs proper recognition. It must have been hard to stand up and sing so beautifully without even a quiver for your ruined city when your heart was breaking, Hayley, and for that, thanks.
Arise, Twice Sir The Mad Butcher: Yes, I know Peter Leitch is already a Knight, but I'm wondering if the Government can give him a double one (or even a Knighthood squared) for his good deeds. Very few people know just how kind Pete is, working behind the scenes for Christchurch quake victims during a period of very ill health on his part. Pete's got a heart of gold and is a true leader at a time when we ain't got that many in this country.
Arise, Sir John Key: There's just something about John that lots of us get. We may not like the politics behind the man, but as he struts 'camply' down a runway modelling clothing or talks to a world media about vasectomies, you just can't help liking the cut of the fellow's cloth. He's a real people's prime minister, and a good bloke.
Arise, Sir Peter Tennent: I don't know about you lot, but I kind of miss Pete and his 'larger-than-life' personality in the news pages. What he did for New Plymouth and Taranaki in those years of events, concerts, international sporting events and tourism pushes last decade cannot be understated, and his 'can-do' supportive attitude carried more than a few great ideas to fruition.
Arise, Dame Carmen: There'd be few Kiwis older than 40 who didn't know of trans-gender Wellington cafe queen Carmen and her activities in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, and for her entrepreneurial spirit and the way she changed attitudes in this country alone, she deserves a posthumous gong.
Arise, next-door-neighbour Sir George: He might be 80 and the recipient of a new hip, but George is a sweetheart and often fills his days chainsawing trees and shrubs down on our section, and clearing undergrowth (of which there is abundance). He's one of those people who'd do anything for you, and I reckon he's the epitome of good old-fashioned neighbourly support.
Arise, Sir Bob Parker: What a year, eh Bob! Despite that horrific anorak that you consistently donned for all media interviews, you've been a shining star in this year of hell.
So there it is. I salute you all - those who've made a difference this year.
Roll on 2012.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Richard
