https://www.consultationnz.co.nz en-nz ConsultationNZ 30 Thu, 4 Jan 2024 16:20:29 +1300 daily 1 https://www.website.world https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/985564 2023 was an interesting year for me, with highs and lows.. I got a contract to manage a budget service and provide community training on how to budget effectively. That was a high. A low for me was the nationalisation of the health service, reducing my opportunities to assist with disaster recovery planning. Oh well, as one door closes another opens............ Let's see what 2024 brings. Thu, 4 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/985564 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/926069 Not a lot to say except that the prevalence of Covid in the community is affecting many businesses, including mine. There is only so much I can do via virtual meetings :( KIa kaha New Zealand Fri, 4 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/926069 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/921922 Another year dawns with Covid still the number one topic. Mask wearing everywhere, restrictions on travel, on business etc........ As hoped at that start of last year, I am now assessing levels 2 to 4 for the Healthcare Assistant qualifications which I find very enjoyable. I've also worked with an organization in setting up protocols in case of lock-down for riots, armed intruders and other physical threats. We hope to test them this year - but not in real life,please! Tue, 4 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/921922 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/884133 New Zealand has had no Covid-19 in the community for a few months now, so businesses are starting to be less cautious about the future. But consultancy work continues to be very slow to recover, so I am still looking for ways to diversify. I am hoping to renew my assessing of Levels 2 to 4, Healthcare soon and also increase my financial mentoring. 2021 promises to be an interesting year. And finally, I am proud to be a supporter of the "Shielded" initiative, run by Women's Refuge. Hence the shield at the foot of each page of this website. Sun, 3 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/884133 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/880029 New Zealand appears to be holding a Covid invasion at bay with stringent border controls - long may it continue. Some businesses are now cautiously optimistic that life will return to a semblance of normality, but this is not, generally speaking, translating in to consultancy work yet. I have, however, been working with clients to update their disaster plans ro reflect what we now know happens when a pandemic strikes. Also, sadly, lock-downs due to violent events are happening more often, so I have been involved in writing lock-down policies and procedures, which I hope will never be needed. Mon, 26 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/880029 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/851134 Last year I said I would work harder at keeping this page up to date - and promptly ignored it for nearly a whole year! My excuse is that my life was taken over last year doing a diploma in Te Reo Maori. As well as 6 hours per week in the classroom there was lots of mahi kainga (homework) and aromatawai (assessments) to do. and being a slow learner, that took a lot of extra time. Happily it paid off and I passed. I am not planning on continuing at a higher level this year, but hope to expand my knowledge of Maori culture, again at diploma level. Nevertheless, I really do intend to update this page monthly. Work-wise, I continue to spend much of my time on disaster recovery planning - living in New Zealand it is not really wise to not have such a plan! I am also working with clients on scenarios to test such plans and Business Continuity Plans. Thu, 2 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/851134 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/814873 How can it be news when I keep failing to update?! My bad. But this year I have been busy learning new skills, and am now an assessor for levels 3,4,5 Health and Wellbeing. I have also been busy learning more about Maori culture as well as continuing to learn te reo Maori But I shall make a concerted effort to keep this page live:) Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/814873 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/770959 11 months since I last updated this page, that is dreadful. Where did the year go? But I guess there was nothing new happening, so I didn't write anything. I continue with writing policies and reviewing disaster recovery plans - and expect to do the same in 2018, unless a new contract comes along doing something different:) Tue, 2 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/770959 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/716416 I seem to have settled into a pattern of just updating disaster recovery plans....... Mind you, with the earth continuing to rock and roll, and weather-related power outages around the country, there is a very real need to keep on top of such plans! Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/716416 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/714267 Which is why no news was posted from August to now. But that is a poor excuse, and my resolution for this year (well, one of them!) has to be to post something every month. I am mainly working on policy production at present, which is very time-intensive and quite challenging. When not writing policies I am undertaking disaster recovery planning. I would love to get more proofreading work, but everyone needs it, most businesses know that - but no-one seems prepared to pay for it:( Fri, 13 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/714267 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/690565 A few months ago I announced a tie in with NZ Tourism Brokers and Adventure World for the UK tour. Unfortunately it has not worked out as I'd hoped, and therefore I have decided to stop offering the tour. The page offering the tour has been removed from the website. A sad day. Fri, 12 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/690565 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/684229 I have been struggling with yet another head cold for the past few weeks, so have not been as active as usual. Work on disaster recovery planning continues to keep me busy; I am now into revisiting DRPs and updating/amending them after being in operation for a year.It is pleasing that changes are few and minor, showing we got it right first time! Mon, 4 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/684229 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/679980 The past three months have been extremely busy with a variety of tasks.Disaster recovery planning has featured large, as has policy writing. In addition insolvency work is really taking off, overtaking general budget advising - a sad sign of the times. Finally emergency preparedness training continues, with a further course planned for this month. The courses are well received, as is the practice day. The latter is so popular that I am being asked to provide regular practice days! Mon, 30 May 2016 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/679980 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/664684 Much of the past month has been spent devising an "emergency preparedness" course, plus the scenarios for when it is practiced. I have also been advising on the contents of the preparedness kit to be kept in the intended relief centre. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/664684 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/660906 As mentioned before, I have been negotiating with some partners re the tour to the UK for which I am Tour Manager I am delighted to report that Adventure World and Lynne Sinclair, an independent travel broker, are now helping me to market the 2016 tour - the link to Lynne's Facebook page is Tue, 9 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/660906 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/660730 After some time away from working on projects relating to emergency preparedness, I am now producing a training course for the staff and community wardens at a retirement village. This will include an exercise involving other residents, plus updating the preparedness kit. I am also still involved in preparing policy documents for a public sector body as well as finalising the close-down of a company. Busy, but still have capacity for more work.... Mon, 8 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/660730 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/654206 I am now heavily into preparing policies for a large public sector computer department. Also negotiations concerning the UK tour are nearly finalised, which is very exciting. Tue, 5 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/654206 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/645758 My seven weeks in Europe was wonderful, perfect weather, two All Blacks games and days when I had no Internet access - bliss. I am now back to the usual contracts, plus an extra - helping to wind up a company which is currently solvent but, if it continued trading, soon would not be. Interesting but sad work. Wed, 4 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/645758 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/628479 I am glad to say things picked up a bit in July, and I was busy with a variety of different tasks, including disaster recovery planning, tour planning and meeting new stakeholders of the recycling company I am involved with. The start of August will be busy as I aim to get everything up to date, ready for my 7 week trip to Europe. The trip will take in a couple of rugby world cup games as well as catching up woth family and friends and travel colleagues. Mon, 3 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/628479 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/622471 Usually, but for a business, maybe not! This has been a very quiet month, and I have no news to report:( Sun, 28 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/622471 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/615108 As the DRP work is now completed, I am able to review other areas of my work, and have revisited the UK tour. I am delighted to announce that I am working in partnership with an independent travel broker to market the tour. We have some exciting plans for it, including tailoring it to suit small interest groups. We are currently working on PowerPoint presentations and hope to launch them in the near future. Mon, 1 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/615108 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/610324 Work on the disaster recovery plan is complete and the documents have been handed over. I have now been contracted to keep documentation up to date, ensure the testing schedule is adhered to and review everything after a year. It is anticipated this will all take 20 to 30 days. This means I am now available to take on new challenges; I would particularly relish undertaking some more disaster recovery planning. Sun, 3 May 2015 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/610324 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/605177 The disaster recovery work is drawing to a close. The final product has been well received. The main plan is a set of flipcharts, with a complementary manual with useful information. The next phase is to update the operations manual and relevant policies. Busy times! Fri, 3 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/605177 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/594183 1 February, a beautiful sunny day, was spent in a room with five other people grappling with the future of a recycling company which lost the Council contract a year ago. Some tough decisions had to be made, and were. Now we wait and see what the results of those decisions are. Sun, 8 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/594183 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/587946 My contract on the disaster recovery plan (drp) has been extended to the end of April 2015, but I am still available for other contracts, as the work on the drp wil fall increasingly on the client. Tue, 9 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/587946 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/582493 The provision of a disaster recovery plan is continuing. It is quite exciting because the actual "to do" part of the plan will be on laminated flip sheets - much more likely to be used than having to read through a huge document! Mon, 3 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/582493 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/577629 Six weeks away meant quite a backlog of emails etc to clear on my return. All now done, so the way is clear to concentrate on helping a client prepare an IS Disaster Recovery Plan. This is challenging but exciting too. Sun, 5 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/577629 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/572466 I have been travelling extensively in the UK and US since 17 July, hence no updates since the beginning of July, and nothing to add now, other than to say I had a wonderful time:) Mon, 1 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/572466 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/560652 I have been having discussions with various colleagues about the risk assessment I offer, and all agree the methodology is probably unique to New Zealand. When I return from my UK and USA visit I plan to revamp the advertising for the service to emphasise this. Wed, 2 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/560652 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/556470 Despite targeting what we thought would be our most likely audience (the over 60s) sales have been poor, and it is unlikely the 2015 tour will now go ahead, unless bookings pick up dramatically. MAybe everyone is going to the UK later next year for the World Cup?! Mon, 2 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/556470 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/546671 This week saw the launch of the project and it is good to get "back to my roots" ie troubleshooting and assessing the way forward. I have also been approached about risk assessment, and plan to put together more information on how I do such assessments, so watch this space. Sun, 4 May 2014 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/546671 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/541383 I have recently been awarded a contract to undertake a review of a public sector body which will probably be full time for the next few months, so I am unlikely to be able to take on any other work until September.However, please still contact me if you would like me to help you and we can work something out,provided your need is not too urgent. Wed, 2 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/541383 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/535696 This past month has seen me grabbing as many networking opportunities as possible. This has brought some interest in risk assessment and proofreading assignments. Mon, 3 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/535696 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/529266 I have recently been accepted by the Insolvency and Trustee Service as a supervisor for people filing an SIO (Summary Instalment Order.) I have my first client and am finding it challenging but stimulating. Proofreading work is still hard to come by - everyone needs it but no-one wants to pay for it:) Tue, 4 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/529266 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/524481 I have just been enjoying the lovely weather this month, getting nice and brown while getting the vege garden in order. Work has mainly been financially based. Silly season over now and so I am hoping to get back into the swing of things doing more proofreading and writing. But work proofreading is thin on the ground at the moment:( Mon, 6 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/524481 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/521484 Actually I've done a lot of travelling since the last news. Had a week in Melaka, Malaysia; my first visit to the country, hopefully won't be the last. Then over to Melbourne for the Ring Cycle. Out of this world. But I am now doing more writing too. Am now doing a monthly blog for Eldernet, plus a monthly blurb for Alzheimers Kapiti Blokes Group. Am also starting to get my head round the changes coming in for accounting for not-for-profit entities. So lots of variety still:) Mon, 9 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/521484 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/511451 This month I have been writing articles for a variety of Websites, as well as posting answers to a wide range of questions, such as "how do I do a screen save?" and " Is Kate Moss pregnant?" When not doing that I have been producing a PowerPoint presentation of the UK tour and am now looking for groups who would like to hear it:) Mon, 4 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/511451 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/502491 I spent the day on a stall at the above with the Managing Director of tourwithusnow and a previous client on the "Leisurely Tour of the UK." There was much interest in the upcoming tours, plus some requests to start doing tours in New Zealand too, so watch this space. ElderNet is going to put a link on its page to www.tourwithusnow.co.nz and also invited me to do a semi-regular blog for its own Website. Tue, 1 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/502491 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/499183 18 months since last post - memo to self - must do better:( Have been busy surviving earthquakes and a move to North Island, plus trips to the UK and China, amongst others. Workload was quite heavy, mainly doing policy reviews and writing operational manuals. Have had a quiet few weeks letting myself settle in - now onwards and upwards:) Mon, 9 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/499183 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/401207 Can't believe I have posted no news since July. Anyway, my email was hacked, so I have reduced the information on the "Contact us" page just in case the lowlife tries to steal my identity. Information is with the police who are hopeful - we know one of the gang is in Madrid - fingers crossed we nail them and spare others from the wasted time I have suffered. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/401207 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/367907 Today I took a helicopter flight over the CBD. Whilst surprised so many tall buildings are still standing I was deeply saddened by the empty spaces, the piles of rubble, the lack of people and vehicles. Kia kaha Christchurch. More photos on Paris/Rome page Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/367907 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359941 Saturday and Sunday spent soaking up more Rome culture. On Saturday all went to go round the Vatican, except me. Lots of police and helicopters near the hotel - went to see why and found Pope conducting mass at local Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore!! Forgot my camera:(( Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359941 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359761 Easy flight on Thursday to Rome which was hot and busy. Friday we did the bus tour and marvelled at the number and variety of really old stuff. Having fun crossing the roads-only on a crossing and no hesitation allowed- and the vehicles keep coming even when you are half way across!! Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359761 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359367 Did the other two "Hop on Hop off" routes, plus visited Notre Dame. So Paris well and truly visited. lovely meal on night, including tarte tatin to die for. A and B to Frankfurt Thu, 9 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359367 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359229 We used the "Hop on Hop off bus" all day, starting on the yellow route in Montmartre, getting off at Eglise Madeleine for lunch, then joining the green route to the Eiffel Tower, where we got off and did a boat cruise down the Seine under 22 bridges. Then completed the green and yellow routes to eventually get to the hotel for 6, having been in the Champs Elysee at rush hour:)Alan and Barbara are in Amsterdam. Wed, 8 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/359229 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358989 Early start to fly to Paris. Very wet in London, just dull in Paris. Traffic horrendous, journey to hotel interesting:)) Saw Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. In evening joined Paris cafe society plus visited Sacre Couer - mind blowing. Plus the view of Paris was unbeatable. Tue, 7 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358989 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358899 But it was a good one, driving through the Sussex and Hampshire countryside, visiting Chichester and Winchester on the way to our hotel near Heathrow. Tomorrow we split into two parties, all heading to Europe - so keep watching this space:) Mon, 6 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358899 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358847 Portsmouth has much to offer everyone. Up the Spinnaker Tower. Hovercraft to Isle of Wight. Ferry to Gosport. History. Boats. Shops. Then farewell meal in Brasserie Blanc. Yet another good day. Sun, 5 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358847 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358797 We were all sad to leave Bath but saw stunning scenery en route to Portsmouth. First we visited the awe inspiring Cheddar Gorge, then on to Wells to enjoy England's smallest city. Then cross country with lovely views, including catching a long distance glimpse of the White Horse. Sat, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358797 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358794 What can you say about Bath other than WOW. The whole city is a heritage site, and it is easy to see why. Sat, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358794 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358791 Wednesday saw us driving past Stonehenge (heaving with tourists!) and on to Lacock, full of historic buildings from the 13th century, featured in Cranford and Harry Potter, to name but two. Then on to beautiful Bath. Sat, 4 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358791 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358341 Down through the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire countryside to Banbury to see the Cross and the lady on the hoss (not white!!) Then to Oxford to marvel at the old buildings and history. Plus watching students graduate ie new history. And also the sun shone all day, so legs were on show again:) Wed, 1 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358341 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358050 In the morning we visited Warwick Castle and then St Mary's church, having lunch in a Tudor tea room. On then to Stratford - upon - Avon, followed by our return to Birmingham for the last time. Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/358050 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/357889 Set off at 9.30 to visit Kidderminster, then Worcester. After lunch drove back to Brum via Bromsgrove and Redditch, through various suburbs. Some then blobbed, some went on a canal boat trip, which was fascinating. Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/357889 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/357873 SAturday was at leisure in Birmingham. Some people walked (and sailed!!) the canals, learning how to pass through locks. Others took the tour bus around chocolate and custard factories etc, finishing up in the world famous, unique, Jewellery Quarter Sun, 29 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/357873 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356517 Over to Winchcombe, then Bourton-on-the-water, lunch in Stow-on-the-wold then on to the jewel in the crown - Broadway. Finally battled our way through the Bank Holiday traffic back to Birmingham Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356517 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356379 East to Lichfield to walk around the centre and then visit the Cathedral, learning about the New Zealand connection. Up into Leicestershire for a lovely pub lunch, then down the M42 and M6 to Birmingham, driving through torrential, blinding rain - which stopped on arrival!! Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356379 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356176 We reluctantly left our Llanidloes hotel after a delightful gourmet 5 course meal last night. We visited Much Wenlock, then Ironbridge, followed by Blists Hill Victorian Town - lots of fun:) On to Boscobel House before braving the Midlands traffic to get to our overnight stop in Rugeley. Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/356176 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355903 Spectacular drive to Devil's Bridge, then even more spectacular steam train ride to Aberystwyth. Up the cliff railway for magnificent views over Cardigan Bay, followed by paddling in the icy sea by some intrepid (mad?!) travellers - well done Cindy and Barbara. Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355903 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355690 Morning at leisure exploring Shrewsbury, then back into Wales via glorious mountain passes, stopping near Rhayader to learn the history of the Elan Valley and its dams. Then we drove along the River Wye to stay at a delightful hotel in Llanidloes Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355690 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355689 Sunday was grey, cold, severely windy and wet. Hairy drive down the M6 to Blackpool, only to find the whole of the Promenade is up so couldn't drive along the sea front. Blustery drive to Chester, where weather cheered up for our town tour. Then on to Shrewsbury to stay in a 400 year old hotel, patronised by Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin. Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355689 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355352 Perfect conditions for touring the Lake District, as the grey emphasises the grandeur of the lakes and mountains.The full day tour took in all the main lakes, including Coniston, plus Potter and Wordsworth country. Sun, 22 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355352 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355194 As the next two will be busy, we blobbed in Edinburgh till midday, had lunch at a pub in the Scottish Border country before visiting Gretna Green. Then back over the border to England for our stay in Carlisle. Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355194 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355069 A tour of the Trossachs and lochs today, including transporting us back to the Iron Ages. lunch was had at the oldest Inn in Scotland. All brought to life by our Scottish guide Martin, resplendent in Scottish dress. Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/355069 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/354548 4 seasons in one day:) Day spent exploring Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Castle areas,plus some back streets too. Lunch for some included real haggis Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/354548 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/354369 We travelled north to Scotland with a couple of stops on Hadrian's Wall to get an insight into Roman Britain. Crossed the border by being piped by a kilted piper who played "Waltzing Matilda" for us!!! Sorry but photos refusing to upload again - I'll never moan about NZ broadband again:)) Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/354369 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353984 Monday has been spent exploring all York has to offer - castles, museums, the Minster, the Shambles (old shops) and the river, as well as travelling back in time to the Viking invasion. Tiring but very enjoyable. Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353984 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353976 Started with navigator going in totally opposite to correct direction. Stopped for morning tea and saw a hubcap was loose so removed it. Finished day getting lost in York and having to follow a taxi to the hotel Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353976 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353977 Visited Scarborough and Whitby, two very different seaside resorts. Then over the North Yorkshire Moors to York. Stopped on moors for photos - only to find we were at a military base and the heavily armed policeman was not impressed. Until he found out we were Kiwis and he waved us on with a smile! Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353977 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353492 The Hop on Hop off bus gave a good overview of the city, and then people went shopping and to gardens and to colleges etc. Weather was a bit cold, so shops were particularly popular! Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353492 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353313 Today we went well off the beaten track and went from Cambridge to Aldeburgh via Lavenham via really narrow, twisty roads. Lavenham was beautiful - a perfect medieval village. Fish and chips in Aldeburgh was special:) Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353313 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353104 Took over an hour to get out of London to start trip around Essex and Hertfordshire. Lunch in Sawbridgeworth, walked the canal, visited antique centre, then over drove through rural Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to our hotel to the north of Cambridge Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/353104 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352782 Harrods, Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Dr Who Experience......all doing different things today. Some went to a show at night - "Love Never Dies" by Andrew Lloyd Webber - so glad we are staying in Theatreland:) Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352782 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352509 Arrived London Monday evening. Easy journey to hotel in the heart of London, on the Strand. Doors opened by man in top hat - very nice place to spend 3 nights;) All on Hop on Hop off bus today, getting orientated. Still can't post photos, sorry. Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352509 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352507 Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352507 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352258 Saturday was spent touring Dublin, including the museum, Trinity College and the Cathedral. Sunday was a scenic train trip to Belfast and a tour of the city. Very sobering - much of tour was about the Troubles of the 1960s to 90s Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/352258 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351412 Sat, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351412 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351413 Action packed day! Tour of Cork first - fascinating, very historic.Then Jameson's Distillery - fascinating, very alcoholic! Then long scenic drive to Kilkenny Castle - fascinating, very full of stairs! Finally back to Dublin. Still no pics, sorry, very slow Wifi :( Sat, 7 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351413 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351266 "So here the scenery is completely untouched, except for the houses and roads!!" Weather variable - basically a "soft day" ie it rained. Scenery interesting but not as dramatic as the, last couple of days. Visited Bantry House and gardens and met the Australian husband of the English heir living in Ireland, they have just produced the 10th generation of the family to live in this house. Photos to follow, but connection here very slow so might not happen :( Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351266 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351265 Fri, 6 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351265 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351083 The trip round the Ring of Kerry was unforgettable. Craggy, wild, mysterious - I run out of superlatives. Lunch for most was fisherman's soup - a chowder packed full of locally caught fish. Day finished off with an interesting visit to Muckross House (where Queen Victoria stayed) and Ross Castle. Thu, 5 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/351083 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350886 Wow! The Cliffs of Moher blew me away - almost literally, as there was a wicked south easterly blowing! The scenery on the drive was very like a moonscape, interspersed with derelict towers and monasteries etc. A visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park completed another wonderful day Wed, 4 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350886 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350612 Today we travelled all round Connemara, to the north west of Galway. This is a very big Irish speaking area, so much so that many road signs are only in Irish! We visited Kylemore Abbey which was really interesting, especially once the bitter easterly dropped. Autumn would be a better time to view as there are more flowers out, but we all agreed today was spectacular. Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350612 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350369 Today we travelled from Dublin to Galway, stopping at Clonmacnoise, with a driver born and bred here. Fascinating to see the bogs and peat areas, which are the reason for the bumpy roads! Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350369 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350367 Three of the ladies wanted to get the bus but did not have the right change. A passer by paid for their tickets!Two others booked a table for 6pm to take advantage of a meal offer finishing at 7pm. They turned up at 7.10 pm and still got the meal deal! Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350367 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350322 We all arrived in Dublin on 29 April. Drive to the hotel was horrendous. Got hopelessly lost. Asked for directions. Were told "Go down this road til you come to a pub which used to be The Flying Horse - don't know what it is called now."Priceless:) Sun, 1 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/350322 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/341774 The past few weeks have been split between coping with the effects of the Canterbury earthquakes (sunken floor and wrecked patio) and finalising plans for the upcoming tour of the UK. The trip will now see all of the participants enjoying a 10 day tour of Ireland before going to the UK, with many then going on to Paris and Rome for a week. Hotels are now booked, transport organised - if only the weather could be prebooked too:) Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/341774 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/327096 The book "So, who needs wheels?" is now available from Amazon.com as well as from a variety of outlets in New Zealand. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/327096 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/325816 Following on from the success of the book, "So who needs wheels", published last month, accompanied walks of the Trail will be available in the New Year. Mon, 6 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/325816 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/320309 A brief guide to walking the Otago Central Rail Trail, entitled "So, who needs wheels?" was published by ConsultationNZ in October 2010. The book is on sale throughout the New Zealand Visitor Information Centre network, plus selected book stores. It is also advertised on the official website of the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust - www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz Mon, 1 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300 https://www.consultationnz.co.nz/blog/320309