It’s been awhile since I decided to update the blog so I thought I should just sit down and write something. Cathy is settling into her job, sort of. The people she works with are nice enough but the job certainly is not mind taxing. She spends a lot of time grooming the fruit and veggie displays, misting lettuce, discarding questionable produce, that sort of thing. It does pay the bills though. I, on the other hand have been sitting on the boat trying to sort out how to make money as a consultant when I have very few business contacts left in NZ. I have joined the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and attended one of teir events and will attend as many future ones as I can, as long as they are free. I spend A LOT of time networking. Eventually it will result in business. I don’t expect to get rich this year, but certainly by early next year at the latest (I can dream!). I have also spent a fair chunk of time working on issues for MMC Software New Zealand Ltd. We have negotiated an agreement that makes me the President and CEO of the company here in NZ for a modest salary and based on target, I get to own more and more if it. The company started in Canada and is a Risk Intervention system called My Safe Ride Home™. The idea is pretty straightforward, there is a prepaid taxi card with priority queuing that is used with participating cab companies. I am working at preparing a business plan, making contacts into taxi industry, all sort of fun stuff. The company should be officially formed by early next week. That will at least [ay the bills while I beaver away on McApples. The name McApples Enterprises is getting a good review so far. People I talk to are intrigued by it and at first glance assume that we are somehow associated with Apples and Macintosh computers. I quickly point out that we are not (I really don’t want a law suit here) and then describe the how and why of the name. It makes for a good ice breaking conversation starter. Who knows, maybe Apple will buy us out (still dreaming). We have had one more run in with WINZ, my all time favourite NZ Government department. Despite our having advised them of changes in income etc as soon as they took place, they continued to pay us more than they should have. I realized they were were overpaying but I had no way of stopping it and after all, money in the bank is after all, well, money in the bank. We got a notice a week or so ago rather bluntly stating that THEY had overpaid US and we now had around a week and a half to cough it up and pay it back. They were gracious to say that we could let them take money directly from our account on a payment plan (as if!!!). The money was due on the 12th of June. On June 11th, I paid them. On June 13th, I receive a letter dated June 10th, saying that the amount owing is now OVERDUE. Needless to say, I am PISSED OFF. I can hardly wait for Monday to talk to them, and the media, and whoever else I can think of. Oh well, everyone has a hobby, mine is now Work and Income New Zealand.
On a positive note, I did stick up my hand to volunteer for the NZ Coastguard. I was involved with them in Wellington when we last lived in NZ. They now have a formal induction training regime, one night a week for 7 weeks covering Search and rescue, communications, personal safety and in water survival training. The run 4 intakes a year and I am signed up for one starting in October.
