This is a space where thought is freely expressed for himself and the people he loves dearly.........
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Open Market in Auckland, NZ
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Alpaca in Queenstown, NZ
NZ had a sheep population of 30 million compared to its human population of 4.5 million. in 1982, it peaked at 70 million. Dairy cattle population is a distant second behind the sheep at 6.7 million.
Finding alpaca required extra effort because it is still considered rare in NZ. Paqocha Alpaca, an alpaca farm in Gibbson Valley was "found" in Tripadvisor before we made our trip to NZ. It is impossible to locate this place without a GPS. The farm is very small, barely 20 number are kept in a piece of 7-acre land. Visit to the farm required prior booking. Entrance fee of NZ$50 charged per head is rather pricey. Fortunately, we were the only visitors that afternoon on 25 February 2016 and there was a mild drizzle at that time. The lady owner only charged us half price!
The alpacas in the farm is of the Suri species. The more common one however is the Huacaya species. Their fleeces are soft and virtually free of guard hair. The alpacas in the farm are "friendly" and get along with humans well as long as their foreheads are not touched. They love to have their necks being stroked.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Migration
During my tour of New Zealand, I took the opportunity to reconnect with several friends who had previously lived in Malaysia. Our conversations and reunions stirred up memories and reflections, reminding me of the Chinese TV drama The Great Southern Migration, which chronicles the long history of Chinese diaspora.
From ancient times, people from the Middle Kingdom have journeyed southward in search of new opportunities, and that movement has never truly ceased. Even today, many continue to uproot themselves, settling in far-flung corners of the world. I’ve often wondered what draws so many to New Zealand - a relatively small, remote country nestled in the southern hemisphere.
The motivations for migration vary. For many, the primary reason is their children's education, seeking better schooling systems and a more nurturing environment. Others are drawn by the promise of a more equitable and balanced economic landscape. For some - especially the elderly - the decision is shaped by family. When children and grandchildren are no longer in Malaysia, relocating becomes a matter of staying close to loved ones in their twilight years.
I must admit, these thoughts strike close to home. The question of where we might spend our later years, and how close we want to be to our children, is one that lingers in the back of our minds. It’s a deeply personal and emotional matter - one that, like many others in our generation, we have yet to fully resolve.
William, my university mate from our days at the University of Malaya in the 1970s, is among the many parents who chose to migrate primarily for their children's tertiary education. He opted for New Zealand, in part because the overall cost of migration was more affordable compared to moving to Australia.
After reaching the pensionable age of 55, William left his hometown of Sibu, Sarawak, and eventually settled in Christchurch. His family had moved to New Zealand much earlier, paving the way for his relocation. Interestingly, despite being retired in Malaysia, William is now employed with the Auckland City Council. From what I understand, his decision to return to the workforce may be motivated by the desire to qualify for a second pension - this time from the New Zealand government.
It’s said that New Zealand citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive a state pension after working for a minimum of 10 years, regardless of whether they are employed in the public or private sector. More surprisingly, the pension amount is standardized - meaning everyone, from manual laborers to former CEOs, receives the same payout. This reflects New Zealand's emphasis on social equity and basic security for all its residents.
Christchurch, which suffered devastating damage during the February 2011 earthquake, may actually be a practical place for a civil engineer to settle, given the extensive rebuilding required in the aftermath. The scale of reconstruction - covering both public infrastructure and private properties - has provided a surge in demand for engineering expertise.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Extreme Sports in NZ
Our tour in NZ was not purely looking at beautiful landscapes and scenery alone. We were equally interested to look at extreme sports sites and may be participating in some of them.
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Bungee jumping in Kawarau Bungy Center. |
Flying fox in Kawarau Bungy Center. |
In Taihape's Mokai Gravity Canyon, jump is only permitted when river water is knee deep. |
110m long swingbridge. |
Getting ready for the flying fox or Comet Line. |
Flying fox about to land on the opposite side of the river. |
Huka Falls, Taupo, North Island. |
Moeraki Boulders, NZ
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Taieri Gorge Train Ride, Dunedin, NZ
We decided to take the Taieri Gorge Railway tour after hearing a brief but enthusiastic recommendation from the motel operator. He was kind enough to assist us by calling the Dunedin Railway Station and booking two tickets on our behalf.
The scenic round-trip journey spans approximately four hours, departing from Dunedin and traveling deep into the heart of the Taieri Gorge before turning around at the remote outpost of Pukerangi.
Originally constructed in the late 19th century, the railway was built to serve as a vital link for transporting people and goods between the Otago hinterland and the coastal city of Dunedin. However, as the road network developed and expanded, the line's use as a commuter service steadily declined. Ownership of the railway changed hands multiple times over the decades, and today it operates as a heritage and tourist railway under private management, offering passengers a nostalgic and scenic experience.
The Taieri Gorge itself is a dramatic and rugged canyon carved over millennia by the Taieri River. Stretching over 40Km in length, the gorge offers breathtaking views of steep rocky walls, deep ravines, and winding riverbanks. At times, the train track clings to the edge of precipitous cliffs, providing thrilling, panoramic views of the river far below.
The railway line is considered an engineering masterpiece, especially given its construction period in the late 1800s. The route includes ten tunnels and crosses a dozen viaducts, many of which were engineering feats of their time. Among these is the Salisbury Tunnel - the longest on the route at 437m - and the iconic Wingatui Viaduct, a 197-meter-long lattice bridge soaring 47m above Mullocky Gully. Completed in 1887, this 16-storey-high structure remains the largest wrought iron viaduct in New Zealand and a testament to 19th-century engineering ingenuity. Its riveted lattice design is supported by seven sturdy concrete and masonry piers, each bearing silent witness to over a century of history.
The journey through the gorge is not only a ride through spectacular landscapes but also a journey through time, connecting New Zealand’s past with its present.

Final stop at Pukerangi before turning back to Dunedin. |