Find a need or a dream to meet. The sale pays the salary.

I recently popped into a motorcycle shop to drool over bikes.  Two men were sitting behind desks. There were no other customers. One looked up - barely - and asked "you good  mate?"  then carried on doing whatever he was paid to do. It certainly wasn't to try sell me anything. They had failed to realise the value of the fact I had walked through their shop door.. I wasn't asking to be sold a bike...  I was asking to be sold a dream...  And getting me in the door was half (maybe more)  their job done.  I spent 20 minutes drooling and neither of them got up.  I had bought a bike for my wife a month earlier.  I didn't intend to,  but a real salesman took the time to harness my already evident passion and off I rode,  living the dream. I have since returned to that same bike shop 2 hours away after visiting several others closer to home with dismal salespeople. When I walked in we carried on where we left off and he has already arranged demo models for me to test ride. Can I afford another bike?  Not on your life!  But I probably will own another one soon because someone is taking the time to stoke my passion and match it to a dream.  

I remain baffled at the lack of basic sales - or dare I say PEOPLE -  skills that seem to be evident in staff on retail shop floors. There is no other source of income apart from a sale and there is no sale without a customer and there is no customer interaction until a customer has visited a store (virtual or real).  Getting the customer is the hard part - the hard earned advertising dollars spent or the high floor space rentals to get feet in the door. 

Surely once those feet are in the door they are valued? 

The fact that the customer is in the store and is not engaged is a shame. One wonders what the advertising and marketing dollars it takes to get them there is,  but I can only imagine what it has cost in goodwill and brand degradation when a customer leaves unattended to.  No word of mouth recognition; no customer loyalty; negative brand connotations- now working against all future advertising dollars spent. 

All as a result of simply not understanding the value of a potential customer - the one who pays the salary.

Farewell Madiba

Blessed are the peacemakers... The end of a defining era led by a man of conviction who was honoured the world over by rich and poor alike. May those who follow honour his great legacy and build on a great foundation carved out patience and longsuffering. A giant, who transcended racial divide and ideology as he stood for principles that were more than simply politics. He lived out his ideals and created a future many have benefited from and hopefully many still will. He was both an idealist and a pragmatist and an example to all of the power of forgiveness and the strength to be gained by creating unity behind a common vision.

Summer in Beautiful Auckland

I have said it before, that coming from a city as stunning as Cape Town, I would have had serious settlement issues had I emigrated to a city and environment of lesser natural beauty than what I had grown accustomed to. I visited Cape Town last December and absolutely loved it. It is, and will always be, a place I feel home - not just because there are beloved family who reside there but also because it is a part of who I am. Now, almost a year later, I am enjoying the same festive build up here in Auckland. I have hopped on my newly acquired motorbike and taken in sights, sounds and smells that are overwhelming in their beauty. The hot days are here now and although interspersed with cooler days, it is a glorious time of the year in an absolutely stunning environment waiting to be enjoyed. Today I travelled north just a an hour and a bit and enjoyed this amazing view from a mountain road just passed quaint Matakana. I came home and a few hours later was on beautiful Long Bay beach with my grand kids just 2 minutes drive from my home. I am not a well travelled person but I cannot imagine that there are many places in the world with such amazing beauty so accessible and within such easy reach. I am sure there are more vibrant cities and I am sure that there are more active cities but in terms of easy enjoyment of one's surrounds I cannot imagine that there can be many places to rival Auckland in summer.  

The end of an Auckland work week

Earlier this week I posted a picture of the scenic Waiaki Beach at the start of my week. This is picture of the end of my work week taken on a Friday afternoon at the Viaduct, a trendy and vibey part of Auckland.

Here you will see not only friends and work colleagues catching up around a meal and a drink, but families out strolling or the more serious runners, along the promenade enjoying the beautiful weather at the start of Spring. Lined with cool restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops around a working harbour, it looks out over beautiful scenery across the harbour.

It is moments like this that remind me of what Auckland has to offer -  not just a pretty city but a great lifestyle environment.

Springtime in Auckland New Zealand

Much gets said about Auckland's weather. Here is a glorious,  not infrequent, Spring morning on my way to work at 8.30 am at Waiaki Beach near Browns Bay. I was born and raised in the stunning Cape Town so I am so blessed that the city I migrated to 10 years ago has this to enjoy 5 minutes from home.

Springtime in Auckland

Auckland weather, Auckland, New Zealand weather, New Zealand Waiaki Beach, Browns Bay Auckland, great cities

Increase in apprentices expected after changes enacted...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11131195

This is an interesting article about about changes the government has made to the apprenticeship regime with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of the scheme by rooting out some of the existing inefficiencies that have been identified, It is anticipated that new apprenticeship enrolments will rise considerably in the near future.

I am encouraged by this focus on the vital training industry and heartened by any effort to increase the effectiveness in sectors that are so key to the economic well being of New Zealand. Many of these skilled tradespeople will eventually head offshore for better opportunities but, in my view, as long as they are accepted overseas it indicates that local training standards are still world class, Some will return with that overseas experience in the future,

Those who remain will be the backbone of such initiatives as the Christchurch Rebuild, the Auckland infrastructure plans and the continuing Auckland housing demand. 

Until the numbers trained reach capacity, there remains a strong demand for these skills to be imported and it seems this is a good time to be investigating available opportunities for those who already have the requisite training and experience.

America's Cup - why Aucklanders are at the edge of their seats

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11125132

This is an interesting article about the impact the the NZ boat building industry has on the NZ economy and speaks of a planned uplift in contribution from NZD 850 million to NZD 1.3 billion. Winning the America's cup means New Zealand can choose the next venue which is expected to be Auckland which will put Auckland in the sights of those who are passionate about this sport professionally or for pleasure. Along with that interest comes the big spenders; people who have money to burn on a passion and who are not affected by the economic climate.

New Zealanders therefore wait with bated breath at the outcome of an exciting series and many will reminisce about the last time Auckland hosted the event and the sense of excitement and buzz that permeated the city and, indeed, the nation.

New Zealand is a small country but prides itself on its rankings in this event as it does in the rowing events. Perhaps it is because it is surrounded by water that psychologically it feels it is important to perform on this stage.

What I find hugely exciting for the nation is the immense opportunities the ship building industry presents to those skilled in the aligned trades that are here now, and those who are looking to make New Zealand a migrant destination. These are big numbers for any country, let alone a smaller economy such as New Zealand's and bodes well for the nation.

New Zealanders amongst the happiest in the world

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11123810

I am weary of lists that compare places using scales that could be perceived as subjective or arbitrary,  but having lived in New Zealand for 10 years  I can relate to the idea that living in certain countries would contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing when compared to living in other places.

My own definition of being blessed is having options as opposed to simply being deprived of options. Most of us have to work to survive so it seems intuitively logical that those who have choices of job opportunities are likely to be happier than those with limited job options. Likewise having money at the supermarket or mall and the liberty to choose from several brands generally seems to me will make us happier than remembering the days we possibly had very little money and had to simply buy what we could afford.

Of course learning contentment is a great lesson in itself but it is human nature to aspire to more.

And let's not limit options to money.  The freedom to walk safely on a beach or park with one's family would greatly contribute to one's overall happiness as opposed to having very few unspoilt public spaces to enjoy safely.

So I can say in all truthfulness that I do indeed feel "happy" in Auckland,  New Zealand. Would I feel less happy somewhere else?  Not necessarily.  Other things make me happy regardless of where I am located, such as family and friends, and I could experience this anywhere.  But enjoying them while also enjoying the fact that they are enjoying a great environment with me adds to my happiness.

I am sure many other places would provide what we enjoy here,  but I can only speak for what I have experienced and say that I wholeheartedly agree.

Glitch computer means more Silver Fern Job Search visas issued than quota

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/9132258/Immigration-bungle-blamed-on-computers

An interesting article about 420 Silver Fern Job Search visas being issued being 120 more than the quota of 300 intended.

While the article notes that the Immigration New Zealand systems are now coming under fire, what is of interest to me is the continued high demand for New Zealand work visas.

This bodes well for potential migrants as well as the NZ economy as it indicates NZ is still a desirable migrant destination but also hopefully that there must be some level of buoyancy to sustain those who arrive in search of work. Certainly most young people I know are employed presently and anecdotally at least there seems to be jobs available for those who want gainful employment.

While many of these jobs, and certainly this particular class of work visa, may be more short term in nature and not necessarily provide long term career options, it still is pleasing that work is available, given the global picture we all find ourselves in. These opportunities also allow potential migrants eyeing long term opportunities a chance to live and work in New Zealand and assess their options while weighing up whether New Zealand meets their expectations.


  

Skilled UK migrants itching to come to NZ to rebuild Christchurch...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/before-you-go/10280864/Immigration-promo-gets-Brits-itching-to-move-to-NZ.html

This article tells an exciting story of a promotional webcast that attracted huge interest from skilled potential migrants in the UK eager to come to NZ to fill a dire need for skills in Christchurch to boost plans to rebuild the city.

New Zealand has a long and proud historic association with the United Kingdom and it great to see these ties revitalised once again as New Zealand has always valued the skills from UK in building the NZ economy. No doubt many in the UK would be relieved to hear that their skills are sought after as they are possibly victims of the economic downturn that has affected Europe and the rest of the world.

This is good news for Christchurch too, a beautiful city struck by a tragic event with a double tragedy of taking so long to rebuild, leaving many families dealing not only with the event itself but with a long and drawn out hangover that stills lingers as a reminder.

A short piece such as this does not allow for any in depth commentary on why it is taking so long to rebuild but despite the complexities I am sure that everyone would like to see the city and the lives rebuilt without delay.

This is also good news for skilled tradesmen and professionals with required skill sets to do a little investigating for themselves and to assess whether this could be the right time to make that big move. You would find a welcoming city and nation for yourselves, your families and your skills.

Scholarships at NZ Universities for high achievers.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/tertiary-education/news/article.cfm?c_id=341&objectid=10912076

This is an intersting article by the NZ Herald about universities enticing high school students with high grades by offering a cash deposit of up to NZD $3,000. I think this this is an exciting approach by a small country that needs to keep producing highly skilled graduates to keep contributing to the economy of NZ.

Having said that, it seems to me that one of New Zealand's more successful exports is that of quality graduates who head off overseas for their big OE (overseas experience). Kiwi graduates are regarded as highly employable for their work ethic and their world class academic skills but also, importantly, their ability to think which is a the result of a deliberate approach to academic instruction which involves active participation by students as opposed to mindless fact feeding.

One hopes most of these students return to NZ with great memories and big-city experience to contribute once again to the NZ economy. But many don't and New Zealanders are proud to boast of kiwis who have succeeded in their chosen vocational fields overseas, as always punching above their weight. This creates the opportunity in New Zealand for potential migrants to come and study or to bring their work experience or academic skills and to fill the gap left by any net export of talent and skills.

Some who come to study will return home and hopefully their NZ tertiary qualifications will open doors to greater opportunities than home grown study. Others will come to NZ to study with a view to finding work here and remaining to start a new life journey.  Either way, NZ is proud to host foreign students and is a very open, inclusive society where most foreigners will find themselves welcome by either integrating into society or finding their nationality is well represented and they can socialise in their mother tongue.

While many kids choose not to pursue formal study in NZ and go on to trades in non academic career paths, it is exciting to see that the importance of good academic streams is still valued.

NZ needs IT skills according to head of Google NZ

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/training-courses/news/article.cfm?c_id=349&objectid=10878314

This is an interesting article from a few months ago about NZ businesses "crying out" for IT skills. Certainly I can say that migrants I have met in the IT field generally seem to have work. I can't say if they have an exact match but it does seem to me that IT professionals are employable and that demand for their skills is more robust than other areas. This is good news for potential migrants, especially those who are planning to take the plunge and come over to visit with a view to finding work. Such leaps of faith are daunting, but a positive assessment by someone as influential as the head of Google NZ adds some comfort.

He also notes that there are 100 "digital IT" roles on the massively popular placement website  www.seek.co.nz . I'm not au fait with IT speak so I can't clarify what the exact description of a digital role would be, but I can say that as at today seek is showing 869 IT roles advertised in the last 7 days. This really does show a healthy industry by NZ job standards.

It is my hope that New Zealand develops itself into a design and technical hub, maximising a great infrastructure, highly literate population, ethical business environment and out-of-the box attitudes that result in creative solutions that punch way above its weight. This will take forward thinking government policy in various areas such as R&D incentives and investment in training and telecommunications infrastructure, but it will also rely on importing readily available skills in the form of migrant capital.  

Auckland ranks in top 10 most liveable cities in the world again!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/9101020/Auckland-in-top-10-most-liveable-cities

I'm always a little weary of "lists" comparing one thing to another as they are usually very subjective and what is important to one person is not necessarily important to another. When it comes to Cities and Places I am further disadvantaged by the fact that I am not a seasoned traveller so have no "gut feel" as to how some of these places really would stack up as a place to live, work and raise a family. I spent few days as a tourist in  Melbourne - the number 1 city on the list - at the start of this year and I loved it. I was based in the city and didn't get to see the residential suburbs which is a shame as I wanted to "feel" what it would be like to live in suburbia. I have since been told it is a great place to live by people who have lived and worked there.

I was born and raised in Cape Town and lived there until I was 38 so I am used to stunning surroundings. I chose to emigrate with my family in 2003 to Auckland and arrived in a beautiful city and, importantly for a Capetonian, a place surrounded by water and beaches. 

So I am in a position to comment on Auckland - or at least the North Shore -  as a place to live, work and raise a family. I can comment on a place where my kids could safely catch a bus to meet friends at the mall; where we they could safely go to the beach with friends and access functional amenities which are important when raising kids on a middle class single income with a tight entertainment budget. I can comment on the access to world class tertiary education which was invaluable when I didn't have education savings funds after being a middle class single income earner family.

I now have grandkids being raised here who know no other place and the fact that they are busy taking these benefits for granted, not aware that not every city offers its residents the relative safety and functionality we enjoy here, is a testament to me that Auckland should indeed be on a list of desirable places to live and raise a family. I don't say this to compare it to any other city and certainly not to imply that what is important to me has to be important to anyone else, but I think that most fathers would have the same basic desire for comfort and safety that I had and certainly Auckland is one place they could find that.

This is not a blog about the emotions of emigrating or the pangs one feels when visiting one's place of birth. This is a blog about Auckland - a place me and my family now call "home", and a place I think is worthy of it's ranking. Could my kids move on, as I did, and find a new place to live? Of course! That is one of the benefits we enjoy as NZ citizens, and sure, they could find places that tick more boxes. Goodness, so could I... but for now we are enjoying Auckland with all the benefits we take for granted and which we are often only reminded of when we meet new migrants or tourists who comment on the cleanliness and the fact that things "work".

So for me, I have seen stunning beauty and I am sure that any stunning country could make a great home if one had enough money, but what I love about Auckland is that  even on a middle class single income we have been able to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

GOD DEFEND NEW ZEALAND - National Anthem of New Zealand - FULL LENGTH

What a beautiful anthem...  

Is the Christchurch rebuild creating any immigration demand..?

According to the NZ Media, there are job opportunities in New Zealand for skilled tradespeople in Christchurch as the city struggles to gain momentum rebuilding itself. 
http://www.opportunitycanterbury.org.nz/
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/branch/londonbranchhome/workopportunitieschristchurch.htm
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9104937/Christchurch-scores-Wellingtons-tradies 

New Zealand traditionally has a healthy outflow of citizens to Australia but the Australian economy may be showing signs of slowing so it seems as if Kiwi emigration to Oz is slowing too. This is only an issue for new migrants to NZ if those who choose to stay are skilled tradespeople.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11112048