Palmary Issue44 EN

SEEKING THE BEST ALWAYS THE BEST

PALMARY

总第44期 ISSUE 44 新西兰 New Zealand
月刊 全国发行 ISSN 2423-110X 2019年9月号 September 2019

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Complimentary
LISTEN TO THE CANDIDATES
PALMARY 1
JASON MARSDEN:
MAKING THE HUB HORNBY MULTICULTURAL

THE FIRST FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD
TO WHEN VISITING CHINA

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2 精彩

LOCAL ELECTIONS: 24 6
LISTEN TO THE CANDIDATES 16 14

6 Lianne Dalziel
8 Jimmy Chen
9 Aaron Campbell
10 Catherine Chu
11 Sam Yau

CHRISTCHURCH

12 JASON MARSDEN:
MAKING THE HUB HORNBY MULTICULTURAL

CHINA

14 THE FIRST FIVE THINGS TO LOOK
FORWARD TO WHEN VISITING CHINA

CULTURE

16 CONVERSATION CORNER

TRAVELOGUE

20 EAST MEETS WEST IN THE BALTIC

FASHION

24 FITTING IN

12
20

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PALMARY 3

THE
CLUB

JOLLY SEAFOOD
RESTAURANT

03 322 7898
1/187 Wigram Rd, Halswell
7 days a week
11am-2:30pm/ 5pm-9:30pm

We are a Chinese cuisine restaurant, fully licensed. We specialize in seafood and favourites
like Dim Sum for lunch, peking duck and sweet and sour pork. We can cater for corporate and
family dining.

NORTH AND RED BOWL
SOUTH GOURMET CHINESE
RESTAURANT
027 781 2315
7 days a week 03 348 3688
300 Lincoln Rd, Addington Mall 57 Mandeville
[email protected]
Christchurch’s most famous 11am-3pm/ 5pm-10pm
Peking and roast duck. It is 7 days a week.
delicious, and excellent. Please
book ahead as our restaurant Red Bowl is a great spot for
is very popular. Our price Yum Cha and Dim Sum and
concessions and thoughtful delicious variety of Cantonese
service is very popular. dinner options.

DRAGON GARDEN MAXINE’S PALACE
RESTAURANT
03 335 0100
11:00am-2:30pm/ 5pm-Mid 283 Lincoln Rd, Addington
Tuesday Closed 11：00am-2：30pm
384 Riccarton Rd, Christchurch
Maxine’s Palace was
Dragon Garden Restaurant established in 2015. We found
is located in Christchurch. our place stand out among
Authentic traditional competitors in Christchurch
Cantonese Dim Sum. Welcome by making ourselves special.
to enjoy with your family and
friends.

4 精彩

Luxury Parkside
Living Meets a
Rare Quality of
Architecture

Live where the seasons
are in full colour

BUILDING.
DESIGN.
LOCATION.

Adam Heazlewood

027 327 7298
03 375 4700
[email protected]

Cameron Bailey

027 555 7079
03 352 6166
[email protected]

PALMARY 5





Jimmy Chen

Standing for the fourth term
as city councillor

By Li Huizi

As the only Chinese City Councillor Subcommittee, he is taking the lead
in Christchurch, Jimmy Chen is to oversee the implementation of the
not only well known in the Chinese Multicultural Strategy.
community, but also well known
in the Christchurch multiethnic Chen said the City Council passed
community as well as the wider the international relations policy
Hornby community. framework last month, which is
a strategic document, and he is
This time Chen stands for City working to create an action plan for
Councillor for the fourth term in implementation.
the October 12 Local Body Elections
representing the Hornby Ward. He He has been advocating a
said he is eager to continue to serve community recreation centre in the
the community. southwest of Christchurch, which
has been approved and is expected
He is currently Chair of the to be open in October 2022. The 35.7
Council’s Multicultural Subcommittee million-NZ dollar project includes a
as well as Chair of the Council’s new Hornby Library, Service Centre,
International Relations Working and Southwest Leisure Centre, which
Group. He is a strong advocate for will be located at the Kyle Park.
the people in the southwest suburbs “It will greatly benefit the Hornby
of the city, as well as an advocate for community,”Chen said.
the multiethnic and multicultural
communities. Christchurch is an international,
multicultural, innovative, and
As a City Councillor, he led the sustainable city, he said, adding
Multicultural Working Party to Chinese Lantern Festival and Lunar
develop the Multicultural Strategy, New Year are important multicultural
the final version of which was adopted events citywide.
by the Council in February 2017.
This strategy is a commitment by Chen was born in Taiwan, and his
the Council to provide a framework parents were from Sichuan Province.
and a set of goals and actions to Chen moved to Christchurch in 1996
ensure every Christchurch resident with his wife and two daughters.
has a sense of identity in their own In Taiwan, he earned a Bachelor of
culture and language, and a sense of Science and Master of Commerce.
belonging to their own community.
As Chair of the Multicultural In 2010, Chen was elected as a
Christchurch City Councillor, and was
re-elected in 2013 and 2016.

8 精彩

Aaron Campbell:

Water: Time’s Up

By Li Huizi

Acommunity board member for Action (AWA). largest Pavlova”in the Christchurch
Harewood since 2016, Aaron The quality and quantity of Cathedral, raising money for
Campbell will be contesting the the charity KidsCan following
Christchurch West constituency for Canterbury’s water is declining Christchurch’s deadly earthquakes in
Environment Canterbury (ECan) in in many areas, and a permissive February 2011.
2019 as an independent candidate. regulatory system has allowed
“Why am I running for ECan? In one intensification of dairy farming on He said he likes to keep busy and
word, Water,”Campbell told Palmary. soils largely unsuited to handle the is a workaholic, with photography
quantity of nitrogen rich cow urine and his 1969 Fiat Bambina being his
He spoke out against water bottling now being deposited on it, he said. passions. He is thinking of turning his
in Belfast as a Community Board classic car into an electric one.
member over two years ago. Since “I hope changes to the Resource
then the eight consents to bottle water Management Act will allow consents He also volunteered to help Lianne
have now grown to 18 in Canterbury. to be more easily reviewed and Dalziel in 2016 for the mayoral re-
“This is not what the community tougher limits on nitrate losses election as her campaign secretary, a
wants for its most precious applied,”he added. role he is repeating this year.
resource, the permissive regulatory
environment that enables this to For him, nitrate contamination Spending about nine years
occur needs to align with community, is the biggest long-term issue. overseas, Campbell lived in London
the government needs to take action,” “What will the drinking water in and Japan where he met his wife.
he said, supporting a moratorium Christchurch be like in 75 to 100 “Approximately 20 percent of
on new water bottling consents in years’time?”he said. Christchurch residents were not born
Canterbury. here in New Zealand, and speak a
On public transportation, Campbell language other than English, and that
Campbell also speaks out in said there should be rapid transit includes my wife,”Campbell said,
opposition to permanent chlorination or rapid transport opportunities.“I adding there is so much enthusiasm
of Christchurch drinking water. actually want to ride on the bus…We and energy that immigrants can bring
“We need to make every effort need to get more people on the bus to the city.
to retain a safe and secure non- and therefore there’ll be less cars “My vision is pretty simple. If we
chlorinated drinking water supply,” on the road, less competing for car have a healthy environment, we can
said Campbell, who was also a co- parks.” have healthy people. Then the other
founding member of Aotearoa Water good things can really happen.”
A company director, Campbell ran a
catering business in Kaiapoi with his
wife. In 2010, they made“the world’s

PALMARY 9

Catherine Chu:

Knocking on 8000 doors

By Li Huizi

When 23-year-old Authorised Christchurch, they would have never Chu said she has been passionate
Financial Advisor, Halswell- stayed here, but they did, and so I about being able to represent diverse
Hornby-Riccarton Community Board have always had the sense of giving communities and bringing people of
Member and Council Candidate for back to the community and doing various ethnic backgrounds closer
Riccarton Catherine Chu knocked on voluntary and community services,” together in harmony,“because I know
the first door of her ward, she was she added. how hard it was for people like my
quite scared because she did not know parents back in those beginning years
what sort of response she would get. When Chu was elected on to the to integrate into the community.”

After knocking on doors around Community Board in 2016, she was 20 An Authorised Financial Adviser,
thousands of households in Riccarton, years old. She went to the University she calls for actions on reviewing
Chu was“really overwhelmed and of Canterbury at the age of 15, and at City Council spending, ensuring rates
super grateful”because it has been age 18, she started working full time are affordable and restoring basic
really positive and the constituency as a Senior Personal Banker with the infrastructure and services to the city.
“really appreciate my youth and my ANZ and had converted all her studies
enthusiasm.” to part time due to this. She graduated As a young woman entering politics,
“I’m trying to knock as many doors in December 2017. Chu believes it is really important that
as possible because I want to be able young people really do get involved
to connect, meet and hear from as She was a Business Manager with with local governance, as they are“the
many residents as possible,”Chu told Westpac from 2016 and since 2018 future for Christchurch.”Her elder
Palmary. she started working as a Partner of sister Linda Chen is a Community
BNZ Private Bank (Private Banking Board Member in the Harewood Ward.
An elected Community Board Manager).
Member at Christchurch City Council Young people bring in new and fresh
since 2016, Chu stands for City She said she started to feel more perspectives to the Council and the
Councillor for the first time in the passion towards Christchurch over same goes for older people who have
2019 October 12 Local Body Elections the past three years as a Community wisdom, experience and knowledge,
under the Independent Citizens Board member, and wanted to make Chu said, adding“if different diverse
banner. a real difference and take part in groups from different backgrounds
making real positive change for and age groups will come together
Born in Christchurch, raised in Christchurch. and share their ideas, perspectives,
Riccarton and having served on the knowledge and experience, we can
Community Board, Chu said she really make a positive change.”
has a deep understanding of the
community. She is fluent in Korean Chu’s goals if elected include
and English, and with a study reviewing Council spending and
background in Chinese, Japanese and ensuring rates are affordable;
Te Reo Māori. preventing permanent chlorination of
“My parents come from South Korea water; promoting community-based
and they moved to Christchurch in decision making; and addressing
1995. As you can imagine immigrating mental health issues.
to a new country where you know “Where do we want Christchurch to
nobody, and there are hardly any be in 10 years? It’s now time for a new
other Korean people around. It was face and a new perspective on our City
really hard for them to integrate into Council,”she said.
the community,”Chu said.
“I remember them telling us People can start voting from when
that if it wasn’t for the people they they receive their voting papers,
made them feel so welcomed into which will be mailed out from
September 20.

10 精彩

Sam Yau:

A voice for

Council Candidate Sam Yau migrant communities
was encouraged to run as an
independent in the October 12 local By Li Huizi
body elections after the March 15
mass shootings at two Christchurch education and sports points of view,
mosques. and would like to see Christchurch
“I’m from Malaysia which is an becomes a Sports Tourism Centre so
Islamic Country. I don’t like to that more jobs could be created.
see these things happened in New “There are not many cities around
Zealand, which is a peaceful country,” the world that so close to both the sea
Yau, who is President of Canterbury and the mountain and yet still have
Malaysian Association, told Palmary. vast area of flat land available for
One Malaysian Muslim was killed and potential development. Christchurch
three were injured in the most serious has the potential to become the best
terrorist attack in New Zealand Sports Tourism City in New Zealand,”
history. Yau said.
“Christchurch is not only a
beautiful garden city, but a very He and his wife, a music teacher, and
peaceful city as well,”he said, adding their son, an audiologist, are all living
that his Malaysian background, which in Christchurch.
is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural
country, will help him to serve the
community well.

Yau came to New Zealand in 1985
from Malaysia where the legal system
and government structures are similar
to New Zealand. Both New Zealand
and Malaysia are the members of
the Commonwealth of Nations. He
said he could speak out for the local
community through the proper
channel.

The property developer and
real estate agent is running for
the Halswell Ward in southwest
Christchurch. He has visited
thousands of local households
and listened to the issues that are
important to the residents in the
Halswell ward such as suburbs’
security, lack of recreation facilities
and lack of high schools there.

Having moved to Christchurch
35 years ago and graduated from
University of Canterbury with a
Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Yau
said he sees Christchurch is a city of
opportunity from many perspectives
such as from investment, tourism,

PALMARY 11

Jason Marsden:

Making the Hub Hornby multicultural

By Li Huizi

Aspecial Moon Festival carnival Hornby was the second enclosed “It shows we support and welcome
event focusing on Chinse culture indoor shopping centre in the new Chinese community, and
was held at The Hub Hornby on 12 Christchurch. Senior Centre Manager the shopping centre is a part of the
September. Visitors experienced a Jason Marsden said it was great to community. We want to make sure
fun and meaningful event featuring see so many young families back in that everyone in the community feels
Chinese folk music, traditional lion the area on 12 September to enjoy a it,”Marsden told Palmary.
dances, children’s performances, joyous and warm atmosphere, have
riddles, eating mooncakes, and lucky some quality time together and do The Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn
draws among others. something unusual at the event held Festival is the second largest festival
in the Centre. in China after the Chinese New Year.
Established in 1978, the Hub It takes its name from the fact that it

12 精彩

is always celebrated in the middle of Hornby is one of the fastest growing accountancy ties, full of intellectual
the autumn season (in the northern areas in the city’s southern district, rigor and experience, Marsden said.
hemisphere). At that time of the according to the 2013 census.
year the moon is at its roundest and Christchurch residents have been The Hub Hornby won the award of
brightest. naturally moving westward after the excellence best in category of New
deadly earthquake in 2011. Hornby Zealand’s Property Industry Awards
Last year, the Moon Festival carnival has a lot of industry and business in 2018.
was jointly held for the first time by the area, which is very unique for a
the Hub Hornby and New Zealand shopping centre, Marsden said. Growing up in New Brighton in
Messenger, the largest Chinese- “Many suburban shopping centres east Christchurch, Marsden has
English media in the South Island. really just have residential up to their been working for the Hub Hornby
This year, the carnival returned on boundaries. But for us we drew a lot in west Christchurch since 2001. He
an even grander scale, with more of customers who may not live in studied physics in the University of
participants and VIPs. the area, but they’re coming here at Canterbury, something really different
lunchtime, or coming before work for from the retail sector. His first jobs
The Hub Hornby has organised meetings and afterward to buy items,” after graduation included working for
various cultural events over the past he said. the classified advertising department
few years so as to be responsive of the Press newspaper.
to customers and embrace a There are multicultural choices of
multicultural atmosphere, Marsden foods and“everyone is really assured Marsden is an avid watch collector.
said. of finding something that they would His collection includes not only some
like,”he said. famous Swiss luxury watch brands
It was New Zealand’s first shopping but also a number of vintage Seiko.
centre to hold a Halloween children’s Most shopping centres these days He will tell us more about his latest
trick or treat and the Moon Festival are owned by large corporations but collection and his views about the
celebration. It also held pet shopping the Hub Hornby has about 200 local language of watches in our next issue
nights, where you can bring your pet shareholders. The board is made up of Palmary.
shopping with you on a particular of experts with strong property ties or
evening.

PALMARY 13

The First Five
Things to Look
Forward to
When Visiting
China

By Clare Erasmus

My friends and colleagues who your local cooks and neighbours each The shopping
know me well say that I am morning when placing your orders.
Chinese at heart. I am passionate Lunches of hot soups, beef noodle Shopping is the buzz! There is no
about all things Chinese and today soup, a regular favourite, to dishes time limit on shopping and this is
I share some wonderful cultural of stirred fried rice, seafood and an absolute essential for any visitor
experiences that I cherish. Part of this dumplings. Dinner times provide just to China. There are many high-end
passion developed out of authentic as much culinary delight, with the shops such as Gucci, Dolce and
experiences. My time exploring China richness of food aromas filling the Gabanna, Dior, Burberry to mention
and Chinese culture included both air, and one simply cannot stay away a few, but the true shopping lies in
working and visiting experiences from the nearby markets with all the the locally produced items such as
in China. In my opinion, life is not wonderful choices. Hot pot meals are the wide variety of tea, the soft silks
complete unless you have been to a must and a great way to cook and eat and freshwater pearls. The shoe
China! In my article this month I and enjoy good company. Sweet and selection is breath-taking and the
share the first five things that you sour pork steals my taste buds every electronic products bring you down
can certainly look forward to when time. Hungry stomachs are joyfully to your knees in envy. For me, I highly
visiting China. They will draw you replenished any time of the day. There recommend shopping for cultural
back to visit time and time and again. are many Western food outlets, but pieces - beautiful wood carvings, teas,
honestly, I highly recommend eating artworks, silk clothing, and jewellery
The food local food. It is far better and allows pieces that you can wear and embrace
you the cultural experiences which and feel the culture, and so much
Food, glorious food! The Chinese you will never forget. more. There are dress shops galore
certainly know how to cook. From
the scrumptious cuisine of fine
restaurants to the delicious enticing
food from the local street vendors,
there is so much to see, taste, smell
and satisfy your appetite. Food is
freshly prepared and the wonderful
aromas drift through the streets
tantalizing the hungry and luring the
people to the beautiful foods. The
choices are vast and once selected,
cooked to perfection. Breakfasts of
hot soy milk and youtiao, rice congee
to pancakes with eggs, to mention a
few, provide a great meeting up of

14 精彩

and tailored outfits that make anyone China, the warm embrace of everyone truly privileged enough to meet
feel like royalty. The majestic lights I met really ignited my love of Chinese amazing people during my travels.
bring the shopping to the forefront in culture. Friendly smiles, opportunities From sitting down at breakfast shops
the evenings and best of all, late night to‘language swop’in conversations, to sharing night time hot pots, to
shopping is every night. The busy the hospitality is spread far and sitting in the park, chatting about our
evenings are a pleasure to walk about, wide, and it is very inviting. Chinese days and then hopping on the back of
everyone is out and about, and being
social.

Night markets

Night markets are an immense gatherings around meals are hugely scooters and heading off on day-to-
highlight and there is everything you popular and a fantastic time to share day-day adventures, I can honestly
can dream of to be found. Hot food, stories, explore new foods, learn the say that it is worthwhile investing in
cold food, fruit, hot drinks, cold local history and get to know one friendships with new people in a new
drinks, fresh produce and anything another. Friends love taking you on country. I had many opportunities to
your heart desires! There are clothing exciting day excursions to experience learn Chinese and to teach English.
stores, shoe stalls, jewellery stores, more of the local culture and Through this reciprocity, I left China
stationery stalls, toys and bedding. environment. My advice is to engage with good solid friendships that have
It is the vibe and the ambience that with new friends, open up your stood the test of time. Through these
certainly attracts you to the brightly minds to experience the beautiful interactions, I was able to learn more
lit night markets. People flock to surroundings with your friends. about Chinese cultural traditions and
the night markets in masses. There There are so many sights to see, be it to recognise the significance of highly
are little seats for you to enjoy your architectural sites both traditional and awaited events.
meals as you meander through the modern, exploring the mountains,
streets. Children with parents and experiencing local favourite eating Make sure you book a trip to China.
grandparents wander through the houses or tea shops. There is nothing It is an experience you will forever
streets eating, laughing, looking, more captivating than experiencing cherish, flavours you will never forget
shopping and enjoying the sights the local areas with the local people. and friendships you will always
Best of all, you will soon find embrace. More importantly, you
and sounds of the evening events. yourselves developing newfound and are sure to carry a part of this very
The bargains at the little stalls are life-long friendships! endearing culture close to your heart
immense and it’s almost impossible your whole life through.
to leave the market empty-handed.
Friendships About the author
Hospitality Clare Erasmus, an author of children’s
I guess one of the things that you can books, has been passionate about Chinese
The Chinese really understand carry for life is the real friendships culture since she was a very young girl,
hospitality. From the time I landed in you develop when in a new country. living in South Africa. Her latest book,“Kia
Developing relationships come out of Kaha Celebrates Chinese New Year,”is the
good, honest and sincere interactions, fourth book of her“Kia Kaha”series.
respect and understanding. I was

PALMARY 15

CONVERSATION
CORNER

Respect Respecting Parents and Elders

By H. Naomi March In last month’s Conversation Corner, “I have a dream, Mummyji – a
I reflected on my experiences in most brilliant one – to out-source old
16 精彩 crossing culture – West Meets East – age, and it is not just for the British
and how valuable respect is in such – there are many other countries
relationships. Understanding each where they don’t like old people,
other’s etiquette enables us to show too.”This statement from Dev Patel’s
respect through basic kindness, character, Sonny Kapoor, manager
compassion and forgiveness. of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
(first of two movies about retirees
However, differing ethnicities are moving to India), still makes me laugh
not the only challenges in our global aloud – mostly from embarrassment.
village – there is also what Baby Western culture no longer appears to
Boomers used to call“The Generation “like old people.” I have been with
Gap.”

The author’s Great-Great-Grandparents – Samuel my nearly-90-year-old mother when appointments during the day.
and Emma – sailed to Christchurch in 1874. A other women have banged into her I admired a close friend as she
skilful and fast bricklayer by day, Samuel read and continued walking. If I hadn’t
copious books on the stars – sharing his telescope been there, she would’ve fallen, and nursed her father through his last
and self-taught knowledge with fellow citizens in she bruises and breaks bones when months of illness – not easy for any
the Square, by night. she falls. daughter, especially untrained in
nursing care. Her sisters helped when
I’m finally in a position that allows possible, but by the end, she was
me to live with my mother and her completely exhausted, yet so pleased
husband. My decision to move she had had that privilege.
back from Australia was made after
considerable thought and consultation However, many adult children/
with other professionals who knew grandchildren, move far away due to
me. But it’s not possible for everyone professional/personal needs, and aged
– for any number of reasons – and it is parents/grandparents must fend for
not easy for us, as we don’t have the themselves – often too afraid to speak
2,500 years of training and cultural up if professional support is not quite
expectation that traditional Chinese adequate, or to even ask for help.
families have had.
I first observed the beauty of living
While I can, I drive my folks where with senior parents to support them,
they need to go, and I plan a“Mother- in China’s mid-1990s, but since then,
Daughter-Date”each week, which we like NZ, the young have moved away
enjoy after my 30+ years’absence. from the countryside to the cities,
When I lived overseas, I phoned every or moved intercity, for economic
day, and planned regular visits, but at reasons. Asian adult-children
this stage, I prefer“eyes on”. Many worldwide send money home to
people support parents while living support parents, but with decades
nearby, for example, a man living five of“one-child policy”the research
minutes from his father – and being shows millions of Chinese seniors are
self-employed – has flexibility to alone – reportedly with one million
assist his dad with medical and other beds available for 14 million current

PALMARY 17

applications for aged care. However, during New Year, Cospatrick at the Cape of Good Hope between 1856 and 1874
faithful children cross China to show respect to parents and
worship their ancestors, no matter how arduous the journey.

In both NZ and China, our parents live much longer than
their parents did, and many begin suffering from chronic
diseases or Alzheimer’s, resulting in 24/7 professional care
finally becoming essential.

Confucius (551-479 BC) wrote extensively on“filial piety”–
a deep and interesting study for the Western mind to attempt
to comprehend. It used to require obedience to parents
regardless of age, but still requires respect and care for
parents, grandparents, teachers, and ancestor worship.

Growing up in NZ, I learnt“honor thy father and mother”
– the commandment with a promise – to honor means“hold
in high respect tinged with awe, venerate”– those who gave
us life. But with NZs high rate of child abuse, how would
those children respect such parents? Possibly by respecting
their basic human rights, or perhaps advocating for those
rights – but from a safe distance.

18 精彩

Respecting Teachers and during WWII she lost a loved
one. In the evenings with her dad,
September 10 is celebrated annually she listened on the radio to British
in China, as Teachers’Day. My Prime Minister Mr. Churchill, and
students explained to me that teachers still admires him to this day. Of the
are equally esteemed with Shang Di estimated 50–100 million worldwide,
(God), and parents. who died of the Spanish flu at the
end of WWI, my maternal Great-
During my visit to China last year, Grandfather (my mother’s mother’s
young adults (aged 20s-40s) were father) died 11 days after the Square
very respectful towards me – taking filled with revelers, following
my arm, carrying my bag, calling me Armistice Day. In 1874, my Great-
“Mom,”and walking slowly when I Great-Grandmother (mother’s
needed to. Such kindness and respect mother’s mother’s mother) missed
felt very much like parent-child love, her boat to Auckland by several
and I responded accordingly. This minutes, departing for Christchurch
mutual love and respect remains seven days later, with her husband
a treasured memory for me, and and 2-year-old daughter. They had
crossed all cultural divides: age, missed the“Cospatrick”– which
ethnicity, gender, spirituality and caught fire at sea, with all but three
politics. It was freely given, and freely crewmen lost.
received.

Respecting Ancestors Finally

Most Pākehā New Zealanders don’t Understanding personal history – The author’s maternal Great-Great-Grandmother,
worship their ancestors, but we are through contemplating our ancestors’ Emma – courageous adventurer who sailed the
learning to respect their history, and and parents’journeys – increases our high seas, and loved her exotic Chinese parasol.
our heritage. DNA testing is becoming respect for them, and improves our The author had not recognized these similarities
very popular, as we seek our“roots,” relationship with those still living. until now.
but so much oral tradition has been Do we know and value our forebears’
lost. Listening is not only a great way history? Are we recording it for
to show respect to our seniors, they future generations? Do we listen to
also have a wealth of anecdotes. our elders – closing the generational
gaps through respect, compassion and
Personal example – my mother was forgiveness?
born early in The Great Depression,

About the Author

H. Naomi March, M.A. has a bachelor’s degree in teaching, and a Master
of Arts degree in Pastoral Leadership, with special emphasis on pastoral
care to women. She has traveled through many countries, and delights
in finding diversity in people and places. Naomi supports EaglesNest
International (Hong Kong) with their cross-cultural education tours, to
promote peace and prosperity. www.eaglesnest.hk/international-culture-
tours

As an Adult Educator, Naomi is currently writing her series of seminars
into book-workbook formats. She specializes in“growing up, not growing
old,”including health, and financial issues in the senior years.

E: [email protected]

PALMARY 19

EAST MEETS WEST
IN THE BALTIC

Jim and Karen continue their European motorhome
adventures and travel around the Baltics, uncovering parts
of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia en route to Finland.

By Jim Davis

For the last two weeks or so we mainstream Europe that you might and ruled for a century or so until
have been travelling through already be familiar with. All four the Russians took control in the
some of the Baltic states of Eastern of these countries, and I include 18th century and ruled up till the
Europe as we make our way to Poland in as the fourth, have all end of WW1. This allowed Estonia
Finland. Travelling through this area been part of mainland Europe since a short stint of independence until
in a motorhome provides a different the beginning of time. So they by the Germans arrived in WW2 and
insight to tourists as you get to see and large have a similar history then Russia was back to fight and
people and places off the beaten associated with them, they have take it over it again and stayed in the
track so to speak. been fought over, conquered, and country as part of the USSR till their
ruled by a variety of other nations independence in 1992.
For a lot of us, visiting places like and this has shaped each one
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia is perhaps individually along with its history. This sort of scenario has been
a little intimidating to consider – not played out to a greater or lesser
just because they are a little off the Let me use Estonia as an example. extent in all four of these countries
traditional tourist track. So what’s It’s a small country with only 1.3 throughout their history, the end
it like and what can you expect if million people. Estonia’s written result being they have always been
you were to choose to visit this area history goes back to the 12th century the plundered and poorer cousins.
yourself? when it was invaded by the Danish The grand palaces and churches
Vikings and they ruled the country are not quite as prominent as they
A turbulent history for a century or so. Then German are in Central Europe, but they
Lutherans arrived and turfed out the round. On top of that, with WW2
The best way I can describe this Danes and took over for a century. playing out right on top of them
part of the world is to compare it to Finally Sweden got in on the act a lot of the architecture that was

20 精彩

there has in some circumstances been appealing places to be and hold little
almost completely destroyed. Classic interest.
examples of this are Warsaw and
Vilnius in Lithuania – both cities were Please don’t think I haven’t enjoyed
very heavily destroyed in the war. this part of the world. I have, I am
With the cessation of WW2 and all just trying to paint what I think is a
four of these countries controlled by realistic picture of what is happening
the old USSR, their rebuild programs here as these countries come to terms
have all essentially been completed with their newfound fame.
by architects from the school of the
“square block”design department. To give you a good example of their
Close to 50 years of post war soviet growing pains, we stopped in the
control throughout these countries coastal city of Klaipeda in Lithuania.
has left a mark, and I think that all It’s a stunning place great white
four having gained independence sand beaches, a river through the city
around a similar time are all now centre, and bustling with numerous
struggling with the same issues. bars, cafes and restaurants. We were
eating out this particular night and
Their younger population is now ended up in what we loosely called
westernised, and the four countries our“Fawlty Towers”restaurant.
are also part of the EU and NATO. Frustrating but fun.
This has brought advantages and new
pressures on the countries and I feel It was a great-looking restaurant
they are struggling to come to terms set in a building very reminiscent
with the rapidly growing interest from of Pomery’s in Christchurch. We
tourists who are now visiting them, sat down at an outside table along
and with reestablishing themselves. with a Dutch couple who arrived just
The history, culture, and the sights after us. The service throughout the
are all here in these countries. It’s not evening was chaotic, slow, they forgot
quite as polished yet as mainstream food orders and we had to ask again.
Europe, but because it’s so much Then wrong meals were delivered,
more affordable a lot of tourists are half of a drink spilt on the floor but
prepared to overlook that. they still tried to give it to you as a full
measure. By the end of the evening
A big part of the issue looks to me to the four of us were laughing at the
be that the systems and services are total lack of service and order in the
really struggling to handle the load. place, and it wasn’t flat out busy, just
Having said all this in all fairness very poorly run.
there are plenty of reports circulating
saying the same thing about Rome,
Paris, London, Venice etc. It’s all us
tourists overloading the systems, and
you sure smell that sometimes.

It is the history of these places that
really make them interesting. We
have taken walking tours around the
capitals of all these countries and I
found each one fascinating. Especially
when you compare European history
to ours in NZ. In all cases it is the“old
part”of the cities that is the really
interesting tourist destination spot.
There are certainly museums and
other special interest points dotted
around larger capitals such as Warsaw,
but for me once you get out into the
“burbs”the old Soviet housing
blocks are not the most aesthetically

PALMARY 21

The kicker, however, was when from first-hand experience the local
we went into the men’s bathroom. beers are great. Don’t be tempted
The men’s urinals were located on to stick with the old tried and true
the outside wall in front of windows Heineken if available. Live a little and
overlooking the tables on the patio sample the local beers. In terms of
outside. Whoever is sitting at the the local brewed spirits the opposite
outside tables looks straight into applies in my opinion. Unless you
whoever is staring out at them while like moonshine because that’s what
having a pee. It’s a bit off-putting it all tastes like, and you will be
for the people on both sides of the talking like those American dudes off
window, but you have to wonder who “moonshiners”if you buy the odd
the heck designed it or did they just bottle and try it. It is quite literally
not want frosted glass ruining the look fire water. We were supplied some by
of the place? I’ve got to say though it an Italian camper when we were in
did give me a really good laugh at the Riga in Latvia one evening. He had
end of the evening – I even went back brought a bottle off a street merchant
for the photo. that day, and brought some over to
us at our campsite to try. Also sitting
There is no doubt that the Baltic round chatting with us at the time
cruise companies are the main were a couple from Finland and a
source of western tourists. Tallinn couple from Sweden. Both countries
had five cruise ships in port each of are reasonable vodka lovers, but
the days we were there, whereas the one sip of the Latvia firewater was
other cities away from the coastline enough for both those boys. I suspect
are mostly targeted by the local our Italian friend chucked the rest of
populations who seem to be travelling the bottle out the next day – he was
more as their economies grow. certainly late getting out of bed the
next morning.
Food and fire water

Food wise the cities are well geared What’s it like to travel around
up for the tourist dollar. Restaurants the Baltics in a motorhome?
and cafes along with numerous bars
dominated the inner city tourist You can easily travel round this
spots, and they were well patronised region in a camper van and it is a great
when we were there. I can tell you option to consider. The proper camp

22 精彩

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sites are okay but basic, they have all nose, and preferably have another Italy. The polish isn’t there yet, but
you need just aren’t very salubrious motorhome nearby, plus this gives you you still really enjoyed the visit and it
in a number of cases. However we a chance to chat to people and find out just has a bit more bite to the travel.
freedom camped probably every what’s worth doing and seeing.
second night on average. It’s accepted Today we sailed by ferry from
practise outside of the large cities. In a nutshell, don’t be put off by Tallinn into Helsinki. I think it is the
Having said that in all fairness you this region. If you want something a contrast that has really guided what
want a proper campsite when staying little more edgy then look at a holiday I have written here today. Helsinki is
in a large city where you can. There in these areas. The people are great neat, tidy, clean, smells fresh, looks
are apps available that identify and are really blown away when they beautiful – everything you expect
the various parking, camping and find out you are from New Zealand. from an up to date modern western
overnighting spots for motorhomes, Interestingly I have felt on this trip a city.
so it’s all relatively easy to sort out. lot like I remember feeling 40 years
You just have to be careful, use your ago when we were in some parts of I will probably be bored with that in
Portugal, and areas of Greece and a day or two…

SAINTS

Historical venue for customised events

Exclusive Luxury Accommodation • www.saintstaitapu.co.nz

PALMARY 23

Fitting in

By Nephtalim Antoine

So you’ve started a new job and now you need a new
suit? You’ve even been given an allowance for a
suit, shirt and tie. While you are in a position many
find themselves day in day out, month to month and
year after year. It’s time to upgrade the wardrobe and
give your self the style that you deserve! The number
one thing I always recommend people do before even
deciding on colour or anything remotely aesthetic is
to accomplish the right fit first. Once that’s done then
it’s possible to go on to colour and finally superficial
details such as lapels buttons, pockets, trim, lining, cuff
button, functioning cuff - the list goes on.

So the first thing to understand with sizing is that a lot
of the time when someone asks you for your suit size
it’s talking about chest measurements. You’ve got the
way they do it in North America and some of Europe
- you may be a 44 or 54 ( some metrics add 10 points)
which is measured in inches which here in New Zealand
translate to 108 then 46/56 is 112 so on and on - keep in
mind this is a different brand to brand. You’ve probably
caught on but as you can see it’s multiplied by two
generally equals the size in cm.

Now that most of the numbers are on the table the fun
with the fit can begin. When it comes to the fit there are
five choices in my opinion and it goes like this:

24 精彩

Skinny fit refer to as“ease”(room to move
Slim fit around) while it isn’t as slim as the
Regular fit previous two. If your body type better
Made to measure suits a regular - it will look how a suit
Bespoke should look on YOU specifically. Some
think regular will be baggy but that is
Skinny fit: hardly the case.

The elusive skinny fit, the fit fashion Mader to measure/MTM fit:
dreams are made of which can quickly
turn in to nightmares. Now the skinny Now I made this one a fit only
fit is fine but it by no means should because it’s not actually a fit option
be chosen because you want to match but more a tailor-made one with one
model fit on a magazine. caveat - it’s not what most consider
bespoke. There is a huge difference
Slim fit: with the two. In MTM the suit is made
from the measurements of the client
Again, in my opinion, the slim fit and then given to a factory or Atelier/
is probably the more general fit that workshop to be made but while it
most of the guys and gals will be might be at a factory - it isn’t mass
looking at. Slim fit gets a reputation of produced, again, it’s only replicated
being the middle child of clothing fits, upon the request of the client. It also
considering most people just aren’t is most likely hand finished but not
sure what the difference between completely hand sewn. You will have
skinny and slim is. They actually are fittings with your MTM seller but
ont the same thing and the similarities once the suit comes, it may still need
are few. alterations. On the whole, MTM is a
good option for truly difficult fits.
Regular fit:
Bespoke fit:
This is the fit that the other 50% of
us will be looking at. As the name Now with a bespoke fit, some would
suggests this fit is more about having consider that the major leagues of
extra room in the suit or what some suiting. The popular census of having

PALMARY 25

a bespoke is it is a luxury enjoyed by •What the occasion is & the role in keep with office aesthetic and you
royalty celebrities and the elite. The it? need a serious tone to the wardrobe?
process of bespoke is more involved
than any of the others listed here - So, for example, you’re going to a Then have a look at getting an
wedding in Hawaii at the height of all-season fabric like a fine Merino
•commission the tailor its summer but don’t think you’ll possibly in the MTM category because
•get measured wear it again and you just want to it will become a staple and you’ll
•you then leave then return for be comfortable and want something want it again and depending on
fittings, sometimes as many as five neutral that won’t draw attention whether you get a skirt or trouser as
•then you have the final fitting away from the bride & groom? the bottoms to the jacket you’ll be
•the tailor quadruple checks able to mix and match both parts of
everything is looking perfect in his Then you’re probably looking at the suit with the rest of the wardrobe
work getting a regular fit lightweight fabric especially if you pick a colour like
•you sign off and walk out of the like seersucker or linen and in either a black, white/off white/cream, navy,
tailor shop with the signature of a sandy beige colour, navy or something charcoal.
high performing elite individual in a faint pastel colour that may or
may not be half lined. Wrap up and now a soft word on
Now that is a very oversimplification buying black suits
of the process, but the idea is that a Businesswoman that travels between
lot of attention to detail is given to all Montreal, Los Angeles, and New York? As long as I’ve been in this business,
aspects of the suit and the fit should You have a job that requires you to
be almost criminal compared to
others on the list.

Now which is right for you? That
depends on a few things:

•How much do you care about the
fit?

•Will you wear it again?
•Are you after any specialty work
(hidden pockets, certain lapel style,
very out of the box colour)?

26 精彩

I’ve had countless men and women - sometimes hospitality
coming to see me and they want a Now if you’re absolutely set on
suit in what colour? Black. I always black and it’s for a wedding then
pause the conversation and encourage I encourage you to look at ways of
them to have a look at other colours spicing it up either with a different
and even search on their phones to colour tie or lapel pin, even a pocket
just find something that sparks their square, also another way is to make
interest other than just settling on it a three-piece which will look VERY
black. Now there is absolutely nothing sharp and set you apart in a good way.
wrong with black but black is a colour If you just want black because it’s for
that typically is worn in association work and you’re unsure and it’s a
with either a profession or event corporate environment, I say go with
which are usually charcoal. It’s dark enough to fit in
with the peers and go between almost
- weddings every single occasion imaginable
- funerals but also far enough from black to be
- bouncer interesting and has many variants,
- government textures, and shades to choose from.
- required uniform by corporate

PALMARY 27