niterider

Do it! The 2w races are really well organized and they have heaps of spot prizes afterwards.

I'm there next weekend, I'll take some pics Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Or Vorb - http://www.vorb.org.nz/rez_display.php?c=3&mode=posts

No, there is no requirement to use an agency. If you're doing a skilled migrant visa, and have enough points, then there is really no reason for one. If you're struggling for points or you have some complicated personal situation, then agents can add value. The actual paperwork is relatively straightforward, and the info is all available on the nz immigration website. If you do use an agent, I've heard good things about http://www.greatlife.co.nz/

USA visa application is done via their website. You'll get an appointment in person at the US consulate in the city, and should have your visa a couple of days later. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@beanz kite foils. He also stays on the shore. I can PM you his details if you like.

Looking good...! http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Loose-Riders-day-of-stoke-video-2016.html

I'll be looking after Auckland while you're away. Working straight through, so no time off for me right now. Available for Auckland rides most weekends.

We've excluded Australia from any possibly holiday plans for exactly that reason, until we have our Kiwi passports.

Good luck! I hope the weather treats you kindly.

Some sheep escaped onto our local sports fields today Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The newer models have slightly better accuracy since they also use GLONASS (I have a 510 and a Fenix 3), but dense tree cover will always be a challenge for small gps devices. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congrats! I can't speak for many areas of central Auckland, but I'd definitely avoid Te Atatu South.

Someone's house moved 10 metres... https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/raw-video-chopper-footage-shows-house-north-kaikoura-shoved-10-metres-off-foundations.html?autoPlay=5208525368001

Don't set your expectations too high There's a rather disused bmx style track, and a few short single track paths that are probably better suited to walking. Also a little bit of woodwork in a field. Hopefully its gotten some attention since I was there 2+ years ago. The cows were friendly at least.

Have you been to the "bike park" in Whitianga?

Near Kaikoura http://www.interest.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/embedded_images/slips.jpg?itok=VE0RpZPf http://www.interest.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/embedded_images/stuartsmithmp.jpg?itok=oaqiz8Cj In Wellington http://www.interest.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/embedded_images/portdamageisaacdavidson.jpg?itok=QGigY5nT

All good up here in Auckland, although apparently some people did feel it. We have a cautious warning to stay off the water here, although I doubt we'd see any tsunami activity. Reports of some deaths already on the South Island, and probably some significant damage. Still loads of aftershocks happening - https://www.geonet.org.nz/quakes/felt

Pretty sure the thief will be back again too. Seems they like storing valuables in their car. Muppets.

Front page of our local newspaper today Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They're classified as a pest here. They attack children and small dogs at parks. They intimidate native birds. The fewer of them, the better.

Rotovegas? Or Woodhill?

We certainly didn't expect that, but building a business network from scratch just takes a long time. Even finding the right circles to network in takes a while. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very good points there Wayne. Changing a job, or moving towns or countries, are difficult enough on their own, but do them together and throw in the other complications that come along with those, and its a surefire recipe for a period of immense stress. We were very fortunate to be able to avoid one of those stresses in that I remained working remotely for the same (US-based) company through our whole move. My wife however has spent the better part of 3 years trying to get her own consulting business off the ground. It has consumed a tremendous amount of effort (and money), and is still not something that we can count on for a regular income. The emotional stress of all that spent energy with not much reward is pretty draining and I am regularly called on to play cheerleader. Another aspect of life in Auckland (and I imagine other parts of NZ too) is that we've made some very good friends, only to have the best ones leave Auckland (to Melbourne and Queenstown in our case). So one is never done with rebuilding a circle of friends. Thinking about this kind of stuff puts me in a bad headspace, so I'll stick it back in its little dark room at the back of my brain, and get on with life. The many things we love about New Zealand and our new life here far outweigh the challenges.

Orcas. About 10 of them apparently. Possibly the same pod that has been spotted around Okahu Bay and Kohi beach.