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May 2017 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz FREE PLEASE TAKE ONE!

Looking Back: 12

Between the crosses, row by row 23

Sport: Is golf a sport or a game? 31

When push comes to shove, Travel: punting is a labour of love p25 EXPLORING CENTRAL ASIA

Freephone: 0800 347 242 www.aspirecanterbury.co.nz SEE PAGE 13 FOR MORE DETAILS 02 | Inside this issue Theseniorcitizen

Our Regular Sections Hello and 02 | News 11 | Looking Back welcome 13 | Health Welcome to the first page 18) was born in the issue of The Senior 1800s, even before powered 17 | Money Citizen! flight, let alone space rockets and computers. 19 | Leisure & Entertainment As might be guessed from the name, our ‘target Yet these are all in The Patrick Whittle, Editor, The Senior Citizen. 20 | Puzzles audience’ is readers aged Senior Citizen’s target 55-plus. demographic. looking ahead to what later then, has a huge range of 21 | Sport What, though, does that And not only are there life will be like, both for potential readers – and actually mean? decades of diference in themselves and for their we’ve tried to provide a age, but also in outlook and parents. They’re already huge range of important, 24 | Travel Someone who’s 55 now interests, and in activity asking, what are the best informative or entertaining would have been born and abilities. As you’ll see options for savings, leisure, articles to read, from in the early 1960s, in Contact Us in our sports pages, for housing and health, and for e-bikes to intimacy in aged the days of shillings and instance, there are ‘senior actually making the most of care, and from Parkinson’s pence, imperial weights citizens’ who run on the retirement. to parrots to petanque. Editor Patrick Whittle and measures, and the ‘six hills, or hope to represent [email protected] o’clock swill’ (see page 11). Politicians, of course, are But like anything new, New Zealand in their 70s. always keen to tell us we need to be tested and But these folk are at By contrast, in the health what’s for the best. With it Media Sales Kerry Lyons critiqued. That’s where the younger end of the section, you can read being a General Election we need you, the reader. [email protected] audience scale. My about research to improve year, our policymakers will Please tell us what you neighbour, Margaret, for the quality of life of those be out in force, promising think – what you’ve enjoyed Advertising Enquiries 03 365 5575 example, is in her 90s, and impaired by disease or the world in return for our (and what you haven’t), and even remembers when our disability – and about the votes. We meet a few of [email protected] most of all, what you’d like house was built – it was the possibilities for a richer, these movers and shakers to see in future issues. 1920s, and Margaret was fuller life brought about by on the politics pages – and Want to contribute? four at the time, and she new technology. in future issues, we’ll be It’s been full-on and distinctly recalls the taste of digging even deeper into (mostly) fun getting this Furthermore, it’s not just the muttonbird the builder the political questions of paper to print. Now, The Senior Citizen is a community newspaper! those in their late fifties and brought round one day. most importance to older finally, it’s out to a real live above who are interested in We welcome editorial contributions and images on people audience. relevant topics for news and feature items. Please Meanwhile, the oldest ‘older’ issues. Many middle- contact [email protected] for more person alive today (see aged folk are already The Senior Citizen, Enjoy! Paddy information. Images should be in high resolution format. Times really have changed. Then there’s the issue of But what could we use what you’re used to: another Looking to subscribe? Should we call you instead of the old honorifics? neighbour, Mrs Robinson, One option, like ‘marital was bewildered and annoyed Subscriptions are available for one or two years, for status-undeclared’ Mr and when she was called “Mary” more information and pricing please contact us direct. Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms Ms, is the ‘gender-neutral’ by people decades her Mx (pronounced “mix”). junior. Here at The Senior Multimedia Publishing Limited the proud publishers of This retains formality Citizen, our policy is to drop – or Mx? and politeness, without the honorifics, and use first mentioning marriage or sex. Metiria Turei made a choice about how they are names for more personal or controversial decision titled. Indeed, many now Alternatively, we could do ‘lighter’ stories, and family PO Box 5104, Papanui, Christchurch 8542 in her “progressive” believe that Mrs and Miss are away with honorifics all names for more formal or old-fashioned at best, sexist P | 03 365 5575 F | 03 365 1655 family’s eyes when together, and just call people more serious ones. she got married – by at worst. As an aside, my old by their names. But which [email protected] adopting the Mrs neighbour, Stan, once told However, this policy is not www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz one, their first name or their honorific. me that when he emigrated family name? Using the set in stone. We want to Disclaimer: Any mention of a product, service or supplier in editorial is not to New Zealand after the family name can seem too know what you think. Should “I love being a ‘Mrs’ – I love indicative of any endorsement by the author, editor or publisher. Although the war, his English fiancée formal or impolite, and the we move with the times, or being married, and I want publisher, editor and authors do all they can to ensure accuracy in all editorial couldn’t come until he had first name too familiar. stand by tradition? content, readers are advised to factcheck for themselves, any opinion or everyone to know,” says got a steady job. This he duly statement made by a reporter, editor, columnist, contributor, interviewee, supplier the Green Party co-leader did, and his wife-to-be soon or any other entity involved before making judgements or decisions based on (interviewed on page 6). arrived with her passport email: [email protected] the materials contained herein. The Senior Citizen, its publisher, editor and staf, However, Turei also believes stamped “for marriage” as if is not responsible for and does not accept liability for any damages, defamation PO Box 5104, Papanui, Christchurch, 8542 that people should have a she were breeding stock. or other consequences (including but not limited to revenue and/or profit loss) claimed to have occurred as the result of anything contained within this publication, to the extent permitted by law. Indemnity: Advertisers, editorial contributors and their agents warrant to the publisher that any advertising or editorial material placed in The Senior Citizen is in no way an infringement of any copyright or other right and does Another time and place for controversial statue not breach confidence, is not defamatory, libellous or unlawful, does not slander title, does not contain anything obscene or indecent and does not infringe the Artist Sir Antony series of statues at the especially given it was “the meeting between sky Fair Trading Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Moreover, contributors Gormley has once again University of East Anglia exam time in the northern and earth, mediated by agree to indemnify the publisher and its agents against any claims, demands, caused a stir with a in England also made the hemisphere academic architecture”. The 66-year- proceedings, damages, costs including legal costs, or other costs or expenses controversial statue, headlines while similarly calendar. old’s most notable work properly incurred, penalties, or judgements occasioned to the publisher in this time in his home dividing opinion. One figure included the 20m tall, 54m consequence of any breach of the above warranties. country, England. had been put on the edge According to the Evening wingspan ‘Angel of the Views and opinions: The views expressed in The Senior Citizen do not of the university’s library Standard newspaper, North’ sculpture, located at necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, editor, staf, advertisers or Gormley’s art has been roof, causing some people Gormley had described Gateshead, near Newcastle, associated companies. The information contained in The Senior Citizen is well-known in Christchurch to think it was of a man the sculptures as showing in north-east England. intended to act as a source of general interest, information and entertainment ever since the ‘STAY’ about to commit suicide. A only. The publisher, authors and editor expressly disclaim all liability for the sculpture was installed UEA spokesperson said the results of action taken or not taken on the basis of information or content in the Avon River in 2015. sculptures had been placed contained herein. The statue, along with its on “thought-provoking” twin at Christchurch’s arts focal points and sightlines Key - For easy perusal centre, cost over $800,000. to ofer “both spectacle Paid-for supplier profle or supplier case study While detractors expressed and surprise”, and that Supplier information or content outrage at the expense, public reaction had been Suppliers share their views in one-off, topical pieces supporters pointed to the “overwhelmingly positive”. General editorial. Case studies and features may cite or quote potential tourist appeal Many commentators on suppliers, please be aware that we have a strict ‘no commercial of the work by such an social media, however, content’ guideline for all magazine editorial, so this is not part of internationally-acclaimed believed that the any paid-for advertorial but may be included as relevant opinion. artist. Last month, positioning of the library The ducks don’t want to ‘STAY’. Gormley’s ‘Another Time’ statue was inappropriate,

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen News | 03

An age old desire for love and respect

By Patrick Whittle moving to an aged care facility, could prevent Ageism is evident in dissension and additional most areas of modern society, but perhaps heartache.” Such training not more so than when and education would it comes to sexuality also help care workers and intimacy in older and nurses resist social people. stereotypes that mocked older people’s sexual According to Dr Catherine behaviour. Cook, a nursing senior lecturer at Massey “Birthday cards for the University, sexuality was over-forties vividly show very much associated with these stereotypes. Try to youth and beauty. understand what life would be like to be touched only “What about those whose when being assisted with bodies have changed in toileting, or being weighed appearance and whose minds have aged, but who or washed.” may still have the same In Australia, meanwhile, sexual desires?” some residential care Dr Cook was a researcher facilities were using a in a recent pilot study research-based checklist exploring attitudes to to identify short-coming in sexuality in aged residential their response to sexuality care facilities, and helped needs. The checklist organize a New Zealand included criteria such symposium on the subject, as identifying the needs held in Auckland in April. of residents, and the information and support She said that New Zealand available for them and their was recognised as being a families, as well as the level trail-blazer in some areas of sexuality, such as safe of education and training sex campaigning, and that staf had had. that sex in itself was not a Families could also begin taboo topic. “However, this considering these issues visibility doesn’t translate sooner rather than later. into people being able to talk readily about what Illustration: Poppy Whittle “There are an increasing intimacy and sexuality number of movies that means in their own lives. for example, the issue of their own moral judgment sexuality-related issues”. are topics that could have addressed topics This situation is evident cognitive decline, and trying rather than the residents’ be usefully included in of ageing, intimacy and Much of Dr Cook’s clinical across the life-span.” to work out if a person is rights and needs. advanced care planning,” dementia - watching these and academic career had she said. “However, given And the issue of sexual able to make their own “It often leans towards a been geared towards as a family can provide a that adult children typically behaviour, especially in a intimacy decisions, and if ‘paternalistic’ rather than “supporting people to find doorway to conversations have not been privy to the residential care context, not, who should be making permissive approach when ways to discuss intimacy that otherwise might not details of their parents’ was not just one of older them for them?” it comes to residents’ sex and sexuality more easily”. happen,” Dr Cook said. intimate lives, it is vital that people struggling to lives,” Dr Cook said. The pilot study and the In residential homes, health professionals have The guest speaker at the 19 address their own needs; symposium, therefore, carers often dealt with additional training to enable April symposium was Joy it also concerned care staf Adult children, meanwhile, were one way to gather “challenging” situations as them to support families to Solomon, From RiverSpring and adult children. “although often excellent information and to raise best they could. But with have these discussions. For Health, New York, a world advocates” for ageing awareness and facilitate few guidelines and little example, there are many leader in advocacy and “Intimacy and sexuality in parents in most other discussion of the topic. aged care is complicated,” education on the subject, aspects of their lives, questions that, if reflected education on sexuality and Dr Cook said. “You have, staf generally relied on were “often unsettled with “Intimacy and ageing on prior to a family member ageing.

Restoration underway in Victoria Square You can easily was damaged during look and feel” by keeping overlook the old the 2011 Christchurch the existing layout. plaque celebrating earthquake. Albert Brantley, Queen Victoria’s 1897 The current redevelopment, spokesperson for Crown- Diamond Jubilee in which is expected to be appointed developer the park that bears completed in March 2018, Otakaro Ltd, said the her name, high on will level uneven surfaces, project included a riverside the Port Hills above replace broken paving, promenade, running Christchurch. and strengthen the banks through the square, But 120 years later, you where the square meets from the Margaret Mahy can’t miss the multi-million- the Avon River. playground in the east to dollar restoration project The work is concurrent the Antigua Boatsheds in that has just begun in with reconstruction of the the west. Victoria Square in the heart Christchurch Town Hall on “It’ll just make it a real of the city, nor the benign the other side of the river, vibrant part of the central gaze of the monarch with the latter project due city,” he said. herself as she surveys the to be finished later that work going on beneath her year. Queen Victoria’s statue statue’s feet. itself, and that of captain According to Christchurch James Cook, nearer the The site, originally known Central MP and Greater Avon, survived the quake as Market Place before Christchurch regeneration unscathed. being renamed in time associate minister Nicky Queen Victoria watches the work going on in the square re-named to celebrate her for the British ruler’s 50th Wagner, the restoration will Her Majesty would perhaps Diamond Jubilee. Photo: Patrick Whittle anniversary on the throne, retain the square’s “iconic have been amused.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 04 | News Theseniorcitizen

Right here, right now, half a world away

By Patrick Whittle It’s an absolute boon, Editor especially when family is You just need the internet and a computer. It’s an absolute separated.” Metiria Turei made a controversial decision “And it’s as if Sue is here,” boon, especially when family is separated. in her “progressive” June adds. “We can show family’s eyes when her things, like food and she got married – by stuf, and we can see adopting the Mrs what’s in the background, honorific. so it feels like a visit.” “Grey, damp, cold,” says With social isolation her mum, June, cheerfully. being one of the biggest “Rubbish - just like normal.” challenges facing older people, John and June were (“They are rubbish,” John determined to keep up mutters in the background regular contact with their about the team he’s daughter, who’d emigrated supported since before the to New Zealand in the Second World War). 1990s. Sue’s parents, both “I looked up what it well into their 80s, have [FaceTime] was and what it called in for a chat, and could do,” John says. “And the fact that there’s half I think us Oldies should a planet between them definitely learn how to in Lancashire, England, use technology like this. It and their daughter in stops us feeling lonely or Christchurch, New Zealand, abandoned.” hardly makes a diference. The pair also use the The Ollerenshaw trio service to talk to Sue’s have their weekly ‘get brother, Tim, and his family togethers’ via computer, in the south of England. using FaceTime, Apple’s According to Sue, being ‘videotelephony’ equivalent able to see how her parents to Microsoft’s video chat are looking makes a huge service, Skype. And like diference. Skype, FaceTime is free for basic face-to-face calls. Plus, she gets regularly updated on the Lancashire “There’s no cost,” John rain - and the trials and explains. “You just need the tribulations of Manchester John and June Ollerenshaw pop in to see their daughter Sue once a week. internet and a computer. City FC.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen News | 05

Flowers for mum, just not from the Mother Country

“Who’d give their Mother’s Day itself, we’re Revolution, and by the time mother a hair-dryer more American than it was revived in the mid- instead of flowers?” British. While our event, 20th century, New Zealand Christchurch florist like that in the US, falls had already adopted the Allan Jarden asks. on the second Sunday American date. in May (this year, on May In the run up to Mother’s However, whereas 14), Britain’s ‘Mothering carnations are the Day, Jarden is commenting Sunday’ occurs on the on the increasing favoured flowers in the US, fourth Sunday of Lent here it is chrysanthemums. commercialisation of the (March 26 in 2017). event, with the traditional “It’s the ‘mums’ bit in gift of flowers now And the British tradition chrysanthemums,” competing with other less traces its roots back to Jarden says. “Plus, it’s an loving of erings. the middle ages, when autumnal thing.” peasants would visit their But electronic goods ‘Mother Church’ before While Mother’s Day was as gifts are not the only Easter, and mothers would not as busy as it once was, non-traditional element of be reunited with children it usually stretched across modern Mother’s Day. in service to the nobility. two or three days, with people buying and sending New Zealanders celebrate The American version numerous festivals brought flowers across the whole began only in 1908, as a weekend, Jarden said. here from ‘Mother Britain’ day to honour mothers. – like Guy Fawkes, with Valentine’s Day, though, fireworks of New Brighton So why do we follow remains the biggest one- pier, say, and Christmas, their tradition and not the day event for florists. complete with cards British one? showing snowmen and And no-one would buy a The custom had almost robins. fridge or a vacuum cleaner died out in the ‘Mother for a sweetheart, would But when it comes to Country’ after the Industrial they?

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May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 06 | News Theseniorcitizen

Frank and friendly with an evergreen ego

By Patrick Whittle Editor Metiria Turei, co- leader of the Green party, is frank and open and friendly. Perhaps I’m being blinded by the bright autumnal sun lighting up Lyttelton, but that’s the impression the veteran politician gives when we meet for a chat on the deck of a trendy café in the harbour side town. We need to be It’s general election year, vigilant about and with the political big guns already being rolled protecting what we’ve got. out for the forthcoming campaign, Turei in town And we owe it to our kids to to support a joint Labour- Green ‘aged care inquiry’ improve on it... being held across the Port Hills in Christchurch. – Green Party co-leader I put it to her that the problem with elections is Metiria Turei that whoever you vote for, a politician always wins. She laughs – and wholeheartedly agrees. “But some of us are better at our jobs than others,” she says. Is a big ego essential to being a politician? Still laughing, she accepts this, too: “You need a big ego to succeed.” And her response to the question, ‘How do Meteria Turei in sunny mood in Lyttelton. you hope New Zealand she says, “And we should want a decent life and this will be when you’re they value the democracy fair deal”. also true that the Greens be open to the new is becoming increasingly they’re in.” have selected some very 70?’, is also surprisingly “We need to be vigilant perspectives that [young dificult.” straightforward. young candidates for the people] bring.” She explains that this about protecting what upcoming election, she And while she is vague “When I’m 70, my daughter opinion is partly coloured we’ve got,” she says. “And argues that this is part However, she suggests about her own long-term will be 50,” she says. “For by a recent trip to we owe it to our kids to and parcel of the more that many older voters are future – retirement, she her and her kids and her Liverpool, where she met improve on it.” representative MMP now worrying about their says, is “far, far away” – her grandchildren, I want them Green contemporaries own children’s futures. immediate political priority Talking of kids, Turei system that has “cracked to feel like they’re citizens from countries lacking open the Old Boys’ Club” of is simple: “Change the readily acknowledges “They’re wondering how of this country, that they multiparty democracy, and traditional government. government.” know their rights and their who were not privileged to that “a large proportion of we lost the commitment responsibilities – and that live “in a peaceful country, Green voters are young “Politics is a profession to a fair deal for all,” she Refreshingly frank. For a they value our country and where people believe in a people”. And while it is that lends itself to breadth,” says. “Mostly, people just politician.

Politicians’ perspective on older issues The Senior Citizen’s Green MP Eugenie Sage, build up to this year’s party spokesperson general election begins for Christchurch and with an interview with Canterbury earthquake Green party co-leader recovery, was slightly more Metiria Turei (this page verbose with “aged care” above), and a first-time and “afordable housing”. voter’s perspective on The equally prolix leader the apparent apathy of of ACT, David Seymour, the young (page 7). also opted for “afordable housing”, as well as the We also asked local MPs more contentious “assisted and other political party dying”. notables what they felt were the two main issues facing And well over the word- older New Zealanders in limit, but by far the fastest 2017. to respond, was NZ First’s Christchurch list MP Denis Sticking strictly to the O’Rourke, who believed that request for a two-word “NZ Super age eligibility” answer, National’s Nicky and “over 65s’ doctors’ fees” Wagner, MP for Christchurch were the two major issues Central, responded with for older people in 2017. “choice” and “control”, while “healthcare” and “security” Other political party were the top priorities for representatives had not Labour’s Christchurch East responded by the time TSC MP, Poto Williams. went to press.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen News | 07

With voting, young people fail at the very fi rst post

By Poppy Whittle the mailing address on the Industry Reporter back of my letter, the return address on the front, and This year’s general then stuck the envelope election will be the first time Hagley Community It’s not apathy on a shelf in my room and College student Poppy promptly forgot about it. Whittle is old enough that’s the problem; Of course, I can’t blame to take part. Here, anyone but myself for failing the 18-year-old gives there are other, more obvious to send the letter, but the a young person’s fact that I was completely perspective on why issues... clueless about how to do voting seems to be something as simple as something mostly for writing an address on an the over 50s. envelope proved to me how obsolete and unusual letter- It’s a well-known fact that writing is to the younger to the same conclusion that more obvious issues. young people don’t vote. generation. And it’s not just in New young people simply don’t I’m sure TSC readers all Zealand. Across the world, care enough. know how enrolling for And it’s not just me… When the disproportionate age- But I disagree. an election works. When asking the 50-odd people gap in voters is growing. citizens turn 18, they receive in my school library, I found For better or for worse, Is it the case that those a letter asking for them that only one or two had social media sites like of us under 24-years-old, to fill out their personal ever sent a letter. Facebook and Twitter have say, just aren’t interested in information and post it become platforms for It seems ridiculous, politics? back, so they can be added people my age to publicly especially when there is so to the electoral role. Or that we feel like our express our political much concern about young opinions just don’t count opinions, and challenge While this method people not voting, that in the grand scheme of others on what they believe. seems simple, ef ective we use such an outdated things? Is apathy the root of It just can’t be the case and trustworthy; to my method of enrolling. our problem? that we aren’t interested; generation it seems Of course, sending a letter the evidence I see daily outdated, inef ective and, seems simple – but so does Ironically, the majority of overwhelmingly contradicts quite frankly, dif icult. having a more up-to-date news articles explaining this. why we don’t vote seem to My first encounter with the system. Still, I will definitely be written by older people; It’s not apathy that’s the postal system came about be voting this year. If I ever but regardless, most come problem; there are other, only last year, when I wrote manage to get enrolled.

It’s General Election year and September 23, 2017, is your opportunity to hold New Zealand’s political representatives to account.

But you don’t have to wait until then to make your voice heard. As you’ll see in this issue of The Senior Citizen, the campaign machines of the big political parties are already gearing up to try garner your votes. And because they want something from you, they’ll listen to what you have to say. You can read on these pages what local and national politicians believe your priorities are for New Zealand in 2017. Now is the opportunity for YOU to say what your priorities are. The Senior Citizen will work on your behalf to delve deeper into the political issues that matter most. So get in touch, and tell us the questions you want our politicians to address. After all, they work for us.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 08 | News Theseniorcitizen

MPs David Clark and Barry Coates talking at the Christchurch Grey Power meeting. Humorous end to serious meeting

It sounds like the start by dozens of Grey Power people, and low wages for of a joke about over- supporters, the meeting care workers. talkative lawmakers was a follow-up to an The Green-Labour meeting, and hard-of-hearing earlier investigation into the attended by other party Chch war memorial retirees. quality of aged care and support in New Zealand, bigwigs, including Labour’s Instead it was the co-organised by Grey Ruth Dyson and the humourous ending to a Power. Greens’ Eugenie Sage, was about to take wings? recent joint Greens, Labour held only hours after the and Grey Power meeting According to Clark and National-led Government in Christchurch, with the Coates, many of the had announced wide- Like the shattered Christchurch’s Anzac Day Designed by Christchurch politicians being asked to recommendations of the ranging pay increases for house of worship dawn service ceremonies, artist William Trethewey, leave when their talking initial ‘Report into Aged the country’s care and beside it, the war which have subsequently the sculpture was unveiled drowned out the musical Care’ had still not been support workers. memorial in Cathedral been held in nearby in June 1937. act. acted upon, despite it being Square has been Cranmer Square. six years since the original Despite acknowledging of limits since the benefits of this change, It features a 20m high But the purpose of the inquiry. the February 2011 However, as yet central cross, with an angel election-year gathering at attendees also expressed earthquakes. Serious issues with aged similar concerns to unconfirmed speculation is breaking the sword of war. the Cashmere Club was no mounting that the symbolic laughing matter. care quality remained, those raised by the MPs, But is it, like the cathedral, they said, including including access to health likely to remain in limbo for memorial may be moved The five bronze figures at Hosted by Labour MP underfunding of services, care, and the cost of life long? Until the earthquakes, to a new site, exactly a the base symbolise youth, David Clark and Green MP lack of afordable insurance, housing and rest the monument acted century after the Great War justice, peace, valour and Barry Coates, and attended accommodation for older homes. as the focal point for that inspired it. sacrifice.

Laughing parrots? You’re joking...

They’re ‘clowns of the such as glee in preschool mountains’, and they children or laughter in flock in ‘circuses’. humans of all ages.” But there’s something even The researchers had funnier about the antics already noticed an of the world’s only alpine apparent connection parrot, the much-loved between a specific call and kea: they also have an playful behavior in captive infectious laugh. kea. While it might sound more They played recordings like an avian disease, the of this “distinct play latest research – “Positive vocalisation” to wild kea, emotional contagion in and found that the call a New Zealand parrot” – “induced playfulness”. demonstrates that kea, like humans, have catching According to lead laughs. researcher Raoul Schwing, from the Austrian Messerli “Positive emotional Research Institute, wild kea aerial acrobatics”. The mammal species known mountains and high contagions,” the Current who heard the vocalisation study concluded that “play to display such ‘laughter’ country, and they can also You can laugh at Biology study explains, “started playing with other vocalisations increase the behaviour. be seen in Christchurch them, but just don’t “are outwardly emotive non-playing birds, or in the amount of play among at Orana Wildlife Park feed the kea. actions that spread from case of solitary play, with both juveniles and adults”. Wild kea are endemic and Willowbank Wildlife one individual to another, an object or by performing Kea are the only non- to the South Island Reserve.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz “OH I LOVE IT. IT’S ALL SO NEW.”

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Love the life SUM0477 10 | News Theseniorcitizen

Autumn in Christchurch city centre

It’s been both a wet and a warm autumn this year in Christchurch, and The Senior Citizen made the most of the sunshine to take a few snaps of the city centre.

While the Chalice end of Cathedral Square looks bare of people… … at the Chess board end it’s buzzing with players and pieces.

The Christchurch Tram at home on Worcester Boulevard. The old waterwheel on Mill Island near Hereford Street bridge, rebuilt in 1997.

A crane towers behind the Peacock Fountain on Rolleston Ave. A dragon among the leaves in the Botanic Gardens.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Looking Back | 11

‘Swill’ still hard to swallow, 50 years on

By Patrick Whittle Editor Older Christchurch ... While early residents will remember the time, closing was the exact time. That hour at the end of the intended to working day, when scores of bicycles could be seen, limit alcohol intake, the flung haphazardly around pub entrances. Or where ‘swill’ was now often seen apprentices, sent running of earlier to secure seats as responsible for New for the older blokes, sat Zealand’s binge-drinking watching barkeepers hurriedly filling row upon culture... row of beer jugs from a hose. It’s 50 years since the War’, to increase workers’ And if the style of the infamous ‘six o’clock swill’ ef iciency. drinking and the bars were very unrefined – – the mad rush to swig Indeed, such was the mass “mostly lino floors, stools down as much beer as support for the anti-alcohol and high tables” – so possible after work before temperance movement too was the behaviour ‘last orders’ at 6pm – was that referenda calling for finally abandoned in 1967. national prohibition were afterwards. Former probation of icer only narrowly defeated “I have clear memories Adrian Ramsay was a in 1919, mainly due to of seeing some of my teenager at the time, and ‘no’ votes by returning neighbours’ parents, he well remembers, from servicemen. just after 6pm, actually early childhood, passing And while early closing sitting in the gutter on the by hotels “where the roar was intended to limit roadside in Colombo St of men’s voices could be alcohol intake, the ‘swill’ and Cannon St, in a very heard just before closing was now often seen as intoxicated state, shouting time”. responsible for New at passers-by,” Ramsay Zealand’s binge-drinking said. “These were middle “Then the rush as they A referendum in 1948 voted to retain six o’clock closing. Image: Poppy Whittle culture. class, otherwise reputable flocked, some stumbling, citizens who lived in our out onto the streets. Many “The idea was to stack neighbourhood in St crashed at intersections, and more tourists coming for those who enjoy a were well boozed up and as many drinkers in as Albans.” some completely to New Zealand from the beverage with friends, often holding a ‘half g’ possible,” Ramsay recalled. overturned.” 1960s on, closing time was both for men and women,” (half gallon glass bottle) Worse was the drink- purchased on the way out.” “On an empty stomach driving, he said. eventually moved to 10pm. Ramsay said. at that time of day, it took With the increasing Six o’clock closing had no time after three or four “I lived in suburban popularity of restaurants, “Pubs and bars certainly “And this came at exactly been introduced in 1917, glasses before a man Christchurch and it was with diners wanting to became much more the right time for me to at the height of the ‘Great started to feel the ef ects.” commonplace to see cars drink alcohol with meals, congenial places to be enjoy drinking legally.”

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 12 | Looking Back Theseniorcitizen

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row … We are the Dead. Short days ago Between the crosses, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow … row on row To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. By Patrick Whittle One hundred years ago, four-year ‘war to end all Editor it was spring in Europe wars’. If ye break faith with us who die and on the Western Front Under a glowering in Flanders, the New Then came Messines We shall not sleep, though poppies grow autumn sky, bone- Zealand Expeditionary Ridge, before finally the white crosses and Force was already floundering mud-filled In Flanders fields. blood-red poppies fighting at Arras, in the horrors of Passchendaele, crowd across first of the battles that the bloodiest in the brutal Cranmer Square to would mark 1917 as this body count of soldiers’ – From ‘In Flanders Fields’, John McCrae mark Anzac Day, 2017. country’s costliest in the lives destroyed.

In Cranmer Square the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row. Photo: Patrick Whittle

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Health | 13

Parkinson’s – two centuries of the ‘shaking palsy’

In 1817, exactly 200 knows what causes or the quality of life of many years ago this year, triggers the development people with Parkinson’s is English physician of Parkinson’s. In addition, considerably reduced (see James Parkinson although symptoms can be ‘Health’ story, page 16). first described the treated, there is no known condition that now cure. Fortunately, medical bears his name in ‘An breakthroughs do occur. essay on the shaking Researchers across the For example, scientists in palsy’. world – including here Sweden have just reported in New Zealand (see in Nature Biotechnology Today, all over the globe, following pages) – are a new technique to World Parkinson’s Day is continuing to investigate ‘reprogram’ brain cells to held on April 11 (James new treatments, and new produce dopamine. Parkinson’s birthday). research into possible The term Parkinson’s is causes and cures for the The hope is that this preferred to the common disorder. kind of research will label ‘Parkinson’s disease’ eventually lead to cures because it is not a The average age of for the condition. Similarly, contagious and cannot be diagnosis in this country researchers are looking passed from one person to is 59, but many New for possible causes of the another. Zealanders are diagnosed condition (see ‘Health’ with early-onset story, next page). In New Zealand, over Parkinson’s in their 30s 13,000 people are thought and 40s. Well-known figures with Tremors and shaking are one of the main ‘motor’ symptons of Parkinson’s. to have the progressive the condition include neurodegenerative The main ‘motor’ New Zealand Olympian condition, which is caused symptoms of Parkinson’s John Walker and fellow by insuf icient quantities are tremors/shaking, runner Roger Bannister, In New Zealand, over 13,000 people of the brain chemical, stif ness and rigidity, and actor Michael J Fox, and are thought to have the progressive dopamine. slowness of movement. comedian Billy Connolly. Other symptoms include Nevertheless, although anxiety, mood changes, The not-for-profit neurodegenerative condition, which we now know a great poor balance and altered organisation Parkinson’s is caused by insuf icient quantities of deal about the changes in speech. New Zealand provides the brain that result from advocacy and support for Parkinson’s, no-one yet Due to these symptoms, those with the condition. the brain chemical, dopamine.

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May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 14 | Health Theseniorcitizen

Soon-to-be Dr Michele Wilson is keen to carry on study into how the brain works. Photo: Tim Prickett

Brainwork shows route to curing degenerative diseases - and to Siberia

By Patrick Whittle people, and becomes step of research,” she says. Editor significantly more common with age. Having completed her Lincoln University thesis, the soon-to-be Dr student Michele Michele’s PhD research, Wilson is keen to continue Wilson’s brainwork While scientists internationally now which built on earlier work studying how the brain – both literal and undertaken while gaining a works – and, eventually, metaphorical – is know a great deal about changes in first-class honours degree, how best to treat it when it helping scientists focused on ascertaining goes wrong. advance a step closer the brain caused by syndromes like how and where CNP was towards finding cures secreted, and included But before delving deeper for degenerative Parkinson’s, they still do not know many exact measuring hormone levels into the inner workings of medical disorders in cerebrospinal fluid and the brain, she is planning such as Parkinson’s causes.... brain tissue from sheep. a break. In July, she will disease. take part in the annual As with most scientific Mongol Rally, a 16,000km While scientists research, Michele’s own motoring adventure across internationally now study has raised as many Europe and Asia, starting know a great deal about Christchurch, Michele has that CNP is found in such (where CNP levels are new questions as it has in London and ending changes in the brain just submitted her PhD high concentrations in the reduced). answered old ones. (hopefully!) in Ulan-Ude in caused by syndromes thesis, which investigates brain, along with evidence Importantly, her work has Russian Siberia. Parkinson’s is like Parkinson’s, they still the brain hormone ‘C-type from other studies, makes indicated that CNP is not a ‘progressive The rally’s rules are do not know many exact natriuretic peptide’ or CNP. us think it is an important secreted in one specific neurodegenerative ridiculously simple: you causes. signal for normal brain region of the brain – an This hormone is one of condition’ caused by investigation using an can only take a farcically And this is where the functioning.” a family of hormones, a lack of dopamine, anti-inflammatory stimulus small vehicle,t you’re Lincoln postgraduate’s two of which are already And if CNP is involved in a brain chemical that caused widespread completely on your own, recent research is known to be important in secretion – and that the and you’ve got to raise shedding new light. maintaining normal brain controls coordination and controlling blood pressure health, then understanding movement. With slow and “multi-tasking hormone” £1000 ($1800) for charity. After four-and-a-half and detecting heart failure. may also have a role in more about it could awkward movements the It should be a walk in the years’ work, as part of a coping with stress. collaboration between “CNP is structurally similar provide clues as to why most evident symptoms, park for someone who Lincoln University and but functionally diferent,” things sometimes go this condition afects “It [the PhD] is a tool that has done much more the University of Otago, Michele explains. “The fact wrong, like in Parkinson’s approximately 1-in-500 can be used in the next brainwork than most.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Health | 15

Getting a little more kick out of push-bike pedalling

Over 600 super-keen “You don’t pay for traditional bike design. cyclists completed gasoline, don’t create Fashion is also an this year’s Le Race, the road emissions, don’t pay important element, with annual Christchurch- for parking, don’t need many younger bikers to-Akaroa bike to wander around blocks following the recent trend marathon. looking to park, don’t pay for single speed and ‘retro’ rego, and don’t get stuck in style bikes. And for those who want traf ic.” more ‘kick’ than ‘push’ from But for Bebbington the their push-biking, next year Perhaps more importantly important thing is simply will welcome a new e-bike for older would-be riders encouraging more people category to the 100km race. though, are the health benefits of regular e-bike to ride bikes. An e-bike, or electronic use. bicycle, has an electric As for how to ride an motor that assists riding As indicated by their e-bike, Ching says and they are becoming alternative name “booster this varies among increasingly popular bikes”, their engines are manufacturers. worldwide, especially small and designed to “Some models have control among older riders. assist but not completely buttons that let you select replace pedalling. They also The upsurge in appeal cut out at about 25kph to varying levels of powered is easy to understand, keep within legal limits, so assistance that comes on says Ken Ching, an a rider still has to work if while the rider is pedalling; e-bike designer and they want to go faster. while others have a throttle, builder, and co-founder like a scooter or motorbike.” of Christchurch’s Action And while manufacturers Bicycle Club. might claim a range of The main disadvantages 30-100km per charge, of e-bikes are that they “The e-bike creates an e-bikes are unlikely to beat are generally heavier and opportunity for many who Christchurch’s Michael more expensive than would never imagine doing Vink’s 2hr 37min Le Race conventional bikes. a trip on a regular push- record any time soon. bike,” he says. “It makes And do e-bikes come with tackling hills, headwinds Cycling advocate and a rain hood that folds out and distances so much blogger Charlotte with the push of a button? easier and fun.” They can Bebbington says that also save time and money, e-bikes are a feature “Not yet,” Ching laughs. Even a sudden South Island southerly doesn’t deter keen cyclists Ching says. of recent changes in “But we’re working on it.” Ken and Sandra Wall from a quick ride on their e-bikes.

Supplier Profile: AirCycle IMPROVE Aircycle invention boosts circulation It all started when (better sleep) and my a worried wife from wrists have improved no Kapiti found a way of end – as have my fingers. relieving her husband’s My Granddaughter calls it severe arthritic pain “Poppa’s Pumping thing” YOUR and stif ness. She because I put it on my knee created a device she and pump it.” MOBILITY called an Aircycle. - Maurice, Hamilton Arthritis carers were so Gently exercise while impressed with the relief “The Aircycle is even better and increased joint mobility than the information says. you sit - it’s so easy! this man experienced they The pain in my knees has asked for more to be made gone and although I use • Relieve arthritic pain and aching joints available to other suf erers. a walker I don’t need it • Strengthen muscles around the house anymore. • Boost circulation Aircycle owner, Sue, lives I can move more freely and in Kapiti where the Aircycle • Improve balance and mobility have much less pain in both was founded. She’s thrilled my hands and feet. My feet • Relieve cramps and restless legs with the constant feedback • Reduce swollen ankles are warmer too and now I from customers. don’t need bed socks which • Prevent deep vein thrombosis Here are a few of them: I’ve worn for years” • Aid wound healing “I’ve found an amazing product which I’m “I’ve had my Aircycle - Gay, Rotorua absolutely passionate Ideal for suferers of arthritis, diabetes, parkinson’s for 7 weeks and use it about. This simple, clever Registered with medsafe, and MS, Aircycle is medsafe registered, has a regularly each evening invention actually changes Aircycle’s been shown while watching the 6 lifetime guarantee and is made in New Zealand. peoples lives.” o’clock news and again by hospitals, rest homes, diabetes clinics, podiatrists You don’t have to designate for 10 minutes before bed. and physiotherapists to be special exercise times or I haven’t had any sign work long periods with an of cramp, which was so helpful for circulatory and Aircycle. painful, for the last 7 weeks. joint problems in hands, Besides that both my shoulders, feet and legs Just keep your joints and ankles are back to normal and it helps strengthen muscles moving gently and not swollen anymore!” muscles for improved while sitting having balance and mobility. cof ee, reading, watching - Margaret, Rangiora TV, working at a desk or I’ve been using it my travelling by car or plane. Aircycle for 2 months. I’ve RRP It’s simple, inexpensive and .90 Available in Pharmacies and Mobility it works. had arthritis in a couple of $ fingers on each hand, also 39 Centres or Sue on 0800 14 14 15 The letters and phone calls both wrists and shoulders. For more information or visit www.aircycle.co.nz received from customers Since using I’ve no more contact 0800 14 14 15 or visit are amazing. pain in my shoulders www.aircycle.co.nz

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 16 | Health Theseniorcitizen

A ‘BiSSkiT’ that’s hard to say but easier to swallow

Taking the BiSSkit: University of Canterbury researchers Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee (left) and Esther Guiu Hernandez. Photo: University of Canterbury

By Patrick Whittle Editor The key to Traditionally, if people have problems recovery from swallowing; due to a stroke, Parkinson’s swallowing or motor neurone disease, for example, impairment is their rehabilitation treatment focuses finding a way for patients to on strengthening the throat muscles. visualise the very abstract Recent research suggests task of swallowing... that swallowing is a ‘pseudo-reflex’ controlled by the cortex or ‘thinking - Prof Maggie-Lee Huckerbee part of the brain’ more than previously thought. Research, swallowing relied because of the way According to professor “on precision and speed in swallowing is controlled Maggie-Lee Huckabee, movement, not strength”. director of the University by the brain, there is great potential for rehabilitation,” of Canterbury Rose Centre “The brain is a remarkably she said. for Stroke Recovery and adaptable organ and These new insights were helping researchers at the centre develop ‘bioengineered’ therapies for those with swallowing dificulties. As the name suggests, medical bioengineering uses engineering principles displayed that information improve precision in motor with eating and drinking in designing treatments as a waveform on a can develop chest Senior Move Managers provide support to senior control of swallowing by for defective ‘biological computer. infections or require citizens when they are going through the process of using the waveform to hit a systems’, such as impaired randomly placed ‘target’ on feeding through a tube, and relocating home, or moving into a retirement village. “The key to recovery [from swallowing. consequently experience swallowing impairment] is the computer screen.” Together we discuss and work out what is required for your exclusion from many social And one such finding a way for patients to The main impact of situation in order to reduce the emotional and physical engagements,” Huckabee bioengineering treatment visualise the very abstract swallowing impairments, stress on you during the move. said. was the Rose Centre’s task of swallowing, which also known as dysphagia, newly developed is exactly what the BiSSkiT Bioengineering solutions Call now for a free no obligation quote was on eating and drinking, ‘Biofeedback in Strength software does. If they and the new treatment such as BiSSkiT, therefore, on 0800 667 558 and Skill Training’ (BiSSkiT), can see it, they are much could potentially make ofered people with a software-driven device more likely to be able to swallowing disorders “a email [email protected] or visit a diference to many that measured the electrical change it,” Huckabee said. thousands of lives. completely new opportunity www.seniormovemanagers.co.nz activity of muscles involved “When patients see what is to improve their quality of in swallowing, and then happening, they can then “Individuals who struggle life”.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Money | 17

Caring for our future; funding our care

Investing for the future. didn’t get the full member costs, and money can’t be Some seem to know tax credit, Dunston said. withdrawn quickly. about it while others This was simply because KiwiSaver. Money invested do not. Yet the older they hadn’t contributed at in managed funds, with we get, the nearer ‘the least $1041 dollars a year to government and employer future’ is; if not for us, the scheme. then for our children contributions. Fees and grandchildren. “Over a few years this usually lower than other builds up,” he said. managed investments. Where do you start if saving Unless significant financial is not what you (or your Once potential investors hardship, money locked in children) do, but rather had sorted out their until retirement. what you put of for a rainy KiwiSaver, they could then day? begin looking at other Managed funds. Can options. Government spread money across a According to Graham websites, such as sorted. variety of investments, even Dunston, executive director org.nz, were one source of if limited knowledge about of FANZ Private Wealth, information for those new investing. Fee is paid to there is plenty of “low to investing, Dunston said. manage funds, and these hanging fruit” that people can vary widely, so check without detailed investment The Financial Markets around. FMA monitors knowledge can still benefit Authority (FMA) is the managed fund providers. from. government agency that oversees financial services Individual investments. A concrete (and topical) in New Zealand. The FMA Direct investment for those example is the recently website – fma.govt.nz – with time to research announced pay increase provides information on and knowledge about for New Zealand’s care ways to invest. For example: investments. workers. Here, we can use these workers as a proxy Cash investments (e.g. The FMA cautions that bank savings accounts). some investments aren’t for anyone in New Zealand headlines proclaiming this when they themselves may they then need to make with income to invest. Relatively safe, good for suitable for most investors, a “life changer” for some be in need of support? And sure they are benefitting short-to-medium-term and that they speak to a what are their options for The government’s $2 billion of the country’s most lowly from the government’s goals, but interest rates financial adviser before investing their money? dollar proposal could see paid workers. ‘top up’ to savings in the tend to be low. investing. The authority’s around 55,000 carers Dunston’s initial advice is scheme. website also provides receive pay rises of 15 to How, then, can these Property investment. A guidance on how to choose workers ensure that their simple: “They need to make In the 2016 report on 49 percent, depending sure they’re in KiwiSaver.” popular way to invest in a financial adviser, and the on qualifications and lives are changed for the KiwiSaver, it was found New Zealand, but can take level of service you should experience, with media better well into the future, Perhaps as importantly, that around half the savers work, may have unexpected expect.

More money for those LIFE IS A JOURNEY. who give the most ENJOY IT!

It’s been the biggest pay settlement in New Zealand history, and the biggest victory for a New Zealand union for decades, but now tens of thousands of previously poorly-paid aged care workers will at last receive a pay- rise. The 20,000 carers and support workers currently on the minimum wage of $15.75 per hour will receive a 21 per cent pay rise on July 1, when they will move to at least $19 per hour. This works out as an extra $100 a week, or $5000 a year, for full time care workers. Do you have a dream trip you have always wanted to do? Do you Another 35,000 carers Giving more to those who give the most have a new grand child you are wanting to visit, living abroad? Are will receive pay increases you wanting to complete that project at home? Is there something of up to 49 per cent, you are really wanting to do, but financially it is simply not viable? government accepted the of aged residential care with qualifications If you are 60 or over, own your own home - then you should talk to need to raise carers’ wages facilities for those whose and experience being us today about reverse mortgages*. increasingly taken into beyond the minimum wage. assets took them above account. The Government now current subsidy thresholds, Call Jill Armitage and she will be happy to discuss The $2 billion Government expects the agreement although this was yet to be what opportunities are available. settlement came about to have a knock-on ef ect determined. 03 341 0514, [email protected] in other industries where after a five-year legal battle The unions involved, E Tu, similar gender-based pay by Upper Hutt resthome the Nurses Organisation, worker Kristine Bartlett, gaps exist. the Public Service 75 Riccarton Road, Christchurch who argued that the 1972 Increases in ACC levies Association and the Equal Pay Act applied to over the next decade or 03 341 0514 | seniorsfinance.co.nz the female-dominated Council of Trade Unions, so would help fund the have applauded the aged care workforce that settlement. was chronically underpaid. agreement, with Bartlett *Heartland Seniors Finance is a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Heartland Bank When the Court of Appeal However, there could also herself describing it as a Limited’s lending criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. agreed, the National-led be an increase in the cost “life changer”.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 18 | Leisure & Entertainment Theseniorcitizen

Knees, noses and Ninians: The fascination and fun of family history

Graveyards contain a wealth of information worth digging up.

By Bron Forsyth War. The past has begun to lose its shadow and this Bron Forsyth’s has been thrilling to share research into her family with relatives. Still rocking and running ... history has revealed Some insights into a ‘Ninian’ ancestor The last few weeks Only a few days later, the singer’s youngest child who’s responsible for my family have been illuminating to say the least, have witnessed a son of the oldest person in turns six. her knobbly knees. the world died in Jamaica. like the fact I have a great few milestones in Six months old, that is. Here, the Rolleston Harold Fairweather was mum gives some grandfather called Ninian older parent/child ‘only’ 97-years old; his The oldest of Jagger’s eight simple advice for those (I can honestly say I have relationships. Revealing the family mother, Violet Brown, is 117. children, who he had with interested in tracing never heard that name in secret – knobbly On April 18, Indian athlete Brown, who lived with her five dif erent women, was their own ancestry. my life), and that I can trace knees. Man Kaur arrived in New son in the rural Jamaican born in 1970. Jagger also one family line back to the I always felt a little envious Zealand to compete – as town of Duanvale, is the last has five grandchildren, of the family I can blame year 1358. of those who could recount for my turned-up nose and the oldest entrant – in known person with credible and became a great- stories of their family knobbly knees. The search has also the 100m, 200m, javelin birth documents to have grandfather in 2014. history with knowledge, included my husband’s and shot put at the World been born in the 1800s. So, over the past three Although in his younger accuracy and passion. ancestors. He’s a huge Master Games in Auckland. years, I’ve started to Now it’s the turn of Rolling years he once quipped, “I’d I once worked with a Canterbury Crusaders fan, The 101-year-old was investigate my heritage. Stones front man Mick rather be dead than singing man who could trace his red and black all the way. accompanied to the event Jagger to celebrate his Satisfaction when I’m forty- Whakapapa (ancestry) back With what little knowledge Interestingly, his family by her 79-year-‘young’ son, own parenting milestone. five”, there still seems to be to the original waka that I did have, I began using came to New Zealand in Gurdev. This week, the 73-year-old life in the old rocker yet. landed in New Zealand. internet search engines like 1874 on the ship, Crusader. What a gift to know where Google and Bing to find you come from and who information on my paternal In my quest for ancestry you are. grandfather, who passed answers, I have discovered That conversation struck a away when my dad was so much more and it just An old one, but a good one chord in me, and has been very small. Dad always keeps growing, opening quietly thrumming these 20 thought his father was born new lines of enquiry. It was Joking about death or and that processing jokes a urine sample and a stool years. in Manchester, England; so, such a hoot to find a photo disease is a sign of a correlated with intelligence. sample before you go.” what a revelation to find out of my second great aunt, person’s intelligence, And the results appeared “What did the doctor say?” I remember my Nanna that, in fact, my grandfather complete with bothersome according to recent to confirm this, with those Jeanie’s lilting Scottish the husband asks his wife. was born in Milburn, Otago, knees. research. who most enjoyed black accent, and wondered and that his family had humour also being more “He said to leave your what made her leave a I now pay a genealogy The study, published arrived there from Kinnoull, intelligent. underpants,” she replies. place she loved, to settle Scotland, in 1891. website for extra in the journal Cognitive in New Zealand, so very information as my Processing, involved The Senior Citizen would That was what I needed far away. Now, when I hear quest has grown. participants evaluating like to test this claim with Were you amused to further inspire my trek the bagpipes playing I feel However, sites with free examples of ‘black humour’. its ‘An Old One, But a Good or appalled? a longing for a place I have through genealogy. information available, They were asked to rate One’ humour section. never been to, a place that the jokes against a number Are some subjects Free websites, such as include oceania genweb. An elderly couple go to calls to me. This connection of criteria, including how – especially those paperspast.natlib.govt. org (for ship passenger the medical clinic, where is something I’ve always vulgar they were, how referring to problems nz and aucklandmuseum. lists), familysearch.org, the husband is due for a wanted to explore. dif icult to comprehend, af ecting older people com, have given me parish register.co.uk and check-up. and how surprising the – beyond the pale? Or For some reason, parts of little golden nuggets; for freeukgenealogy.org. punch lines were. Because he is slightly deaf, is joking about such my family history were not example, a photo of my uk (for births, marriages his wife does much of the things just one way of discussed and I always great grandparents’ Silver and deaths), as well as The researchers were ‘interpreting’. coping with life? Please felt a longing to discover Wedding Anniversary and a grave stonephotos.com testing the hypothesis that contact TSC and tell us more. Plus, I’ve always portrait of my great uncle, (for photos of gravestones understanding humour was At the end of the test, the what you think. wanted to know what side who lost his life in the Great around the globe). a problem-solving process, doctor says, “Please leave

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Leisure & Entertainment | 19

Our love/hate relationship with rabbits is epitomised by Watership Down and the Alexandra Easter Bunny shoot. Re-reading old animal favourites

By Patrick Whittle warren, who – after many New Zealanders that Editor breathless adventures – dig ‘home’ was actually on the out a new home high on the other side of the world. It’s only a few weeks chalk downs of southern England. Both books, available for since the annual loan at Christchurch’s ‘Easter Bunny Shoot’ in Not only is it the sort of libraries, amply repay re- the central Otago town nature writing that has reading, or recommending of Alexandra, where inspired generations of to younger readers. Yet rabbits are slaughtered readers to cherish the living while both conjure up Mark of the Lion is available in several suburban Christchurch libraries. in their thousands. And world, but also – in an the English countryside it’s only a few months ex-British colony like New in equally vivid style, since Richard Adams, Zealand – contains the kind Williamson’s is that of author of Watership of evocative descriptions the more accomplished Down, perhaps the of the ‘Mother country’ writer. Although written best-loved book on that still lures young Kiwis in the 1920s, the story, What makes a hero rabbits ever written, of on their OE (‘overseas seen through the eyes of died aged 96. experience’) year after year. its eponymous aquatic By Patrick Whittle views of the heroes of then at a range of 500 protangonist, Tarka, has If nothing else, rabbits The same could perhaps hardly aged. It is also Editor the past, or simply focus yards shot twenty-two epitomise our ambivalent be said of another much- on the present (and the a tale that makes you [Germans]”. attitude to animals – as admired animal book that With Anzac Day just future) conduct of those think – most especially Immediately after this, cutesy little creatures in also reaches a milestone passed and questions who bear arms in our in its harrowing account he crawled to release children’s stories, and as this year. It is now 90 years about the activities name? of traditional ‘sport’ otter some tethered mules, destructive pests outside since Tarka the Otter was of New Zealand’s SAS hunting, and how we would I’d first devoured Mark of abandoned by fleeing their native environments. published, the haunting (yet in Afghanistan still in no longer continence the Lion as a youngster. villagers. “They had no unsentimental) account of the news, it’s an apt Yet it is books such as driving an animal to My reaction was very food. They would soon the bittersweet life of an time to ask if attitudes Watership Down that extinction simply for diferent when I recently die.” otter in inter-war England. pleasure. have changed to re-read it. do so much to generate Like Watership Down, our involvement in While rescuing animals most people’s enduring the images of the English Despite its shortcomings, overseas wars. One thing, though, hadn’t had once seemed as love of animals and the countryside that flow from though, Watership Down is changed: my admiration environments they inhabit. probably the more gripping For example, how would heroic as shooting author Henry Williamson’s for the self-efacing It truly is a wonderful tale, pen must have done much of the two – an adventurous we regard the wartime Germans, it didn’t now. humility of the man. of a band of rabbit refugees, to convince an earlier yarn, that’s still a ‘can’t-put- actions of Christchurch’s For example, Upham’s And the same could be fleeing their devastated generation of Anglophile it-down’ pleasure to read. double Victoria Cross modest refusal to accept said of the “break out” winner, Charles Upham, £10,000 raised by public from Minqar Qaim, North today? appeal upon his return to Africa, where Upham, When Upham’s biography, Canterbury. He suggested armed with a satchel Mark of the Lion, was first instead the money be of grenades, wreaked published in the early used “to alleviate genuine havoc on the retreating 1960s, he’d have been distress” among children Germans. Indeed, so close regarded simply as a hero. who’d lost their parents did he engage enemy in the war, or “to help trucks, “bombing them By the post-Vietnam brighten the lives” of those into wrecks or setting era later – say, forty disabled in action. them afire”, that he years ago, when Upham returned covered in blood reopened Christchurch’s This was the real mark of a hero. from the shrapnel of his Bridge of Remembrance own exploding grenades. as part of the Cashel But Upham’s wartime Street pedestrian exploits no longer had the Of course, this was precinct upgrade – anti- ‘Boys’ Own Adventure’ war, and Upham’s war sentiment would appeal. determination and bravery undoubtedly grown. But undoubtedly saved the by then, Capt Charles In Sfakia, Crete, for lives of Kiwi troops. But Upham, VC and bar, instance, despite being this now seems more had already acquired wounded and “shrunken bloody, brutal necessity the uncritical reverence with illness”, Upham than ‘heroism’. reserved for treasured still volunteered to scale Yet Mark of the Lion is still national icons. a steep escarpment, where “[b]y clever tactics the story of a remarkable But what about now? Do he induced the enemy man – and it’s still worth Otters have only just returned to England, 90 years after Tarka the Otter’s we need to revise our party to expose itself and reading today. bittersweet story.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 20 | Puzzles Theseniorcitizen

Puzzle time It’s time to relax - or scratch your head - over The Senior Citizen’s selection of puzzles. (Solutions next issue.)

ACROSS 23. Feat 10. WWII diarist, ... Frank 24. Food supplement 11. Resound 1. Boxer 12. Protrude 5. Honey pots DOWN 13. Italy’s currency unit 7. Cosmetics gel, aloe ... 8. Pocket blade 1. Swivels 14. Ireland, the Emerald ... 9. Afternoon crockery (3,3) 2. Welsh actor, Rhys ... 15. Topped 12. Taunting 3. Data entered 16. Vinyl 78 15. Cigar 4. Pins & needles 17. Canada’s capital 19. Theatre entrance halls sensation 18. Flee 21. Broad vista 5. Ofice underling 19. Impostor 22. Soft drink 6. Glimpsing 20. Pleasure cruiser W P R E T S U B K C O L B Q L B I G S C R E E N A N K S H S C I A N D H E W O RED HERRINGS N I W P A L D N H R K A O Fill in the gaps with letters to find the names of eight countries. Only eight? Yes, two of the examples are red O B O X O F F I C E E R S herrings and won’t produce anything but frustration. All I Y R A T N E M U C O D G the answers have eight letters. T C F E K I N L R Y I W N A O E N T O C E I S W I I M U A C I H D K C N R N M I P M S R I G O E E E N O N L S P T E U U H T W I C A E O S A N A S A L S N S S S R A T S U M I L N G F

Find all the words ANIMATION DISCOUNT listed hidden in AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY the grid of letters. BIG SCREEN ICE-CREAM They can be found BLOCKBUSTER LAUGHTER in straight lines up, BOX OFFICE SESSION down, forwards, COMING SOON STARS backwards or even COUPLE TICKETS diagonally. CREDITS USHER

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Sport | 21

Petanque club fixes feet Following in the foot- firmly on new site steps of an Olympian

Tom Jarman knows Beijing in 2008 and bronze same size as the double what it’s like to be in in Rio in 2016. Olympian. the shoes of a Kiwi With the world’s top Now Willis’s shoes are Olympic Games medal- athletes needing top helping Tom put his heart winner, quite literally. condition gear, Willis has and ‘sole’ into the winter The 57-year-old amateur an awful lot of barely worn cross-country running athlete, from St Martins, shoes hanging about at series. home. Christchurch, is related Has the ‘new’ footwear through marriage to Nick Step forward his uncle-in- saved a few seconds on Willis, New Zealand’s law Tom, a long-serving Tom’s race times? “Not record-breaking middle senior member of Port really,” he admits. “But distance runner, who raced Hills Athletic Club, whose they have saved me a lot of to silver in the 1500m in feet, fortuitously, are the money.

Tom Jarman puts his best foot forward in an Olympic Games medal-winner’s shoes.

When sport is more

Christchurch Petanque Club president Andrew Findlay watches former NZ rep Tina Targett aiming for the jack. about belief than ability

The Christchurch programme of competitive up”, he said, but the ‘feet For some people, Petanque Club will have fixtures, Findlay said, together’ rule had been their favourite sport is to break the sport’s including an annual match- introduced about a century more than a game, it’s founding rule when up against Australia. ago to allow a player with a religion. it moves to its new rheumatism to take part. “It’s one of the sports where But as Auckland Blues premises – but only for we consistently beat them,” And with age no barrier, rugby star Sonny Bill five minutes he said. even a national call-up was Williams showed recently, possible. “When you’re in religion can sometimes The word ‘petanque’ comes However, the competitive your 70s it’s a marvellous trump sport. from French Provençal side of petanque was not means to represent your pès tancats, which means how players usually got into SBW is the first Muslim country,” Findlay said. ‘feet fixed on the ground’. the sport. to play for the All Blacks, Fortunately, club members Like bowls, the object of having converted to Islam “Most people start of on a will only have to move petanque is to get the in 2008. Last month, due social basis,” Findlay said. their feet briefly for the ‘boule’ as close to a target to his faith’s proscriptions “They enjoy playing, and by short stroll from the old ‘jack’ as possible. Players on usury, he made on Sundays, missing heats of the 100m at the law of averages some clubhouse near Hagley can lob or toss a boule headlines by covering several games in the 1991 the 1924 Paris Olympic Park’s Lake Victoria to the are more competitive.” from either a standing or up the advertising logos Rugby World Cup, before Games. He did, however, new location in the former Former New Zealand squatting position. of the Blues’ banking being left out of the 1995 race in and win the 400m United Bowls Club, also in petanque representative sponsor. tournament all together In the 13th century, Henry at the same Games. the park. Tina Targett agreed. “It’s when it became clear he III of England apparently Yet while Williams’ one of those family sports, would be unavailable for Elsewhere, some Jewish According to club banned his soldiers from religious convictions have and you can take it as far as the quarter- and semi- athletes have refused to president Andrew Findlay, playing the ancestral form not prevented him playing you want.” finals. bad weather delayed of petanque so they could on Fridays, the Muslim play during Yom Kippur, completion of the new You could also begin at any concentrate on archery. holy day, a precedent Decades earlier, and as the holiest day in Judaism, facilities, but they were age, Findlay said. “We’ve How diferent to today. had already been set in immortalised in the movie while many Muslim hoping to be up and ‘boule- got people who’ve never the 1990s by an earlier sportspeople struggle to “Ironically, it’s been Chariots of Fire, Scottish ing’ in early May – just in played sport in their life.” All Black, Michael Jones. compete while fasting adopted by the military in athlete and Christian time to host the National Jones, a Christian, Eric Liddell refused to during the holy month of Mixed Doubles tournament. The original game of Thailand,” Findlay said. “You petanque had included a can recognise Thai players famously refused to play compete in the Sunday Ramadan. This was part of a regular “hop, skip, jump sort of run- from their style.”

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 22 | Sport Theseniorcitizen

Beast versus bird: The history of rugby imagery

By Patrick Whittle were often portrayed as But if lions and dragons – mere lion cubs. not to mention eagles and The British and Irish And what of the British bears and even kangaroos Lions’ Tour of New While the British have a lion as a and Irish Lions’ imagery? – are favoured as powerful Zealand, which kicks While the lion motif itself national symbols elsewhere, of in June, is one of the national emblem, Kiwis can probably has its origins in medieval Kiwis can probably blame biggest events on the heraldry, the modern badge cartoons and shoe polish rugby calendar. blame cartoons and shoe polish of the combined northern for why they’ve ended up But it also provides a hemisphere side features with a flightless nocturnal window on the fascinating for why they’ve ended up with a flightless the red rose of England, chicken-sized bird. history of the national the thistle of Scotland, symbols of the countries nocturnal chicken-sized bird... the shamrock of Ireland, Not that any of this involved. and the ostrich feathers of symbolic history will make Wales (or, more accurately, much dif erence when the Indeed, it is apt that the first Returning GIs took home name. At the height of the gooseberries. Now, in much the Prince of Wales). All Blacks and the Lions use of the kiwi to represent a demand for ‘Kiwi’ polish, Cold War, the company was of the world, these fruit are this country very probably Interestingly, other more face of in the first of the thus establishing the term struggling to market its simply known as ‘kiwis’. three tour tests in Auckland dates from a much earlier (if not the country) in the ferocious British symbols Chinese gooseberries in the Ironically, Chinese on June 24. Then, it’ll just rugby series, the 1905 New US. are ignored; the Welsh Zealand tour of the British US. When a name-change gooseberries were dragon, say, or the three be Kiwi all the way. to ‘melonettes’ failed, the ‘motherland’, in which By 1959, it was the turn introduced here in 1904, lions of the English cricket TSC acknowledges the Ministry the colour of the tourists’ of New Zealand produce company chose ‘kiwifruit’ before the famous rugby and football teams, or of Heritage and Culture website jerseys established the company Turners & as an alternative for the tour, and at a time when the ‘Lion Rampant’ of the nzhistory.govt.nz as a source of ‘All Blacks’ name for our Growers to exploit the ‘kiwi’ communist-sounding New Zealand sportspeople Scottish Royal Banner. information for parts of this article. national team. To illustrate the All Blacks’ 9-3 triumph over Great Britain in the very first test, a New Zealand cartoonist depicted a fearless kiwi morphing into a mighty moa. Later, after the tourists’ solitary series defeat, another cartoon showed a kiwi unable to swallow Wales’ controversial 3-0 victory at Cardif Arms Park. Within a few years, the kiwi had become a dominant image for New Zealand, at least in sporting contexts. And several members of the ‘original’ All Blacks later defected to professional rugby, for the 1907 ‘Northern Union’ tour of Great Britain and Australia. Northern Union later became rugby league, and the New Zealand national side the Kiwis. Coincidently, in 1906, at much the same time as these sporting tours, a Scottish ex-pat living in Melbourne patented a new boot polish under the trademark ‘Kiwi’, after the home country of his Oamaru-born wife. And when the trenches of the 1914-18 ‘Great War’ created a massive demand for this waterproof boot polish, the Kiwi symbol became widely known – and was soon applied to the New Zealand troops fighting at the front. And so New Zealanders became Kiwis, at least in Britain and its colonies. But it wasn’t until after WW2 that the term ‘Kiwi’ became better known in the USA. In what is perhaps an apocryphal story, US troops occupying Japan were said to have traded cartons of cigarettes with Commonwealth soldiers for a single tin of ‘Kiwi’ polish, such was its reputed ability to shine shoes and hence win the admiration of Our Kiwi identity kicked of with a cartoon after the very first All Blacks-Great Britain rugby game. Illustration: Poppy Whittle Japanese women.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Sport | 23

It’s a competitive activity, but is golf a sport or a game - or more important than that?

By Patrick Whittle “is that it has a formal definitions don’t help. version of the game, in Editor competition structure that which case, it would be a “Sport: an activity involving is overseen by a governing game rather than a sport.” physical exertion and skill Up to 10,000 body”. in which an individual or A spokesperson for participants “By that definition, golf is team competes against Christchurch Golf Club, will converge on definitely a sport, since another or others for one of the venues for the Christchurch for it does indeed have an entertainment.” So yes, golf Golden Oldies event, said the Golden Oldies international federation that is a sport by this definition, many of the club’s older Sports Celebration defines the rules and how but so too is hop-scotch, next year, says event players definitely regarded the sport should be played.” and snooker and darts and it as a sport. “Some of our spokesperson Mike beer-pong. Godinet. And with Yet Bill Shankly, Liverpool members over 60 are very fitness and health FC’s most famous manager, “Game: a form of competitive,” he said. increasingly important once remarked: “The competitive activity or And this matches yet for older people, problem with referees is sport played according to another definition, that of TSC will be covering that they know the rules but rules.” Again, golf is clearly Dr Kerr’s sports science the build-up to this not the game.” a game, as is hop-scotch, colleague, associate sporting occasion in snooker, darts, beer-pong, professor Mike Hamlin: And while ‘game’ somehow chess, poker, Monopoly – depth. “Anything that has a seems less serious than the list goes on. But let’s being with a basic ‘sport’, that’s not how we competitive element question: what exactly is a use the words. An overly But board games like chess and requires substantial sport? Will the 400 golfers competitive sportsperson, aren’t sports, right? Wrong. commitment and training, I would class as a sport.” expected at the Golden for example, is accused of “Usually it is expected Oldies event, for example, gamesmanship, while losers that a sport has a physical The commitment and be playing a sport or a of games are expected to activity component as well,” training will already be game? sportingly congratulate the Dr Kerr says, “but the IOC under way for competitors victors. “Show me a good Our own Lydia Ko won [International Olympic in the Golden Oldies sports loser,” All Black captain a silver medal in golf at Committee] does actually contest in Christchurch in Sean Fitzpatrick once the Rio Olympics, so it’s include a category of ‘mind 2018, with the event’s “fun, quipped after a game of an Olympic sport, right? sports’, which includes friendship, fraternity” ethos rugby “and I’ll show you a But then again, she was chess, to acknowledge paramount whatever game loser”. competing at the Olympic non-physical activities is being played. Games. And then there’s Shankly played in the same And as for the sport/game again: “A football game is quantified way. Having said According to Roslyn Kerr, played on a fairway with not life or death. It’s more all that, I could conceive of In Mark Twain’s mind, golf senior lecturer in sociology, clubs and a ball, perhaps important than that.” a situation where golfers sport and recreation at are not following the rules the final definition should was a good walk ruined. Lincoln University, what And even the Oxford of the governing body, go to Mark Twain: “Golf - a makes a sport a sport English Dictionary but making up their own good walk, ruined.”

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 24 | Travel Theseniorcitizen

No messing about on the river: When push comes to shove, punting is a labour of love

A leisurely river ride, for the passengers at least. Photos: Patrick Whittle

By Patrick Whittle well before any customers arrive, and continues well “We’re the best dressed after the last one’s left. heavy labourers in the First the boats – each southern hemisphere,” with a graceful name, Ten passengers, plus punt, punter and pole adds up to says Levi Tamaiparea, like Elizabeth and Mary, adjusting the braces Stella and Emma, and (you well over a ton, and on busy days, a single punter could on his Edwardian-era guessed it) Grace – must outfit. be launched from their do a dozen trips... “dry berth” in the historical As desk manager for Antigua Boatsheds. the day’s shift punting on Christchurch’s Avon This is no easy task, and River, his straw boater – a it takes three straining Chinese tourists are punted ubiquitous sight in any punters to first lift the boat, up and down the river, tourist image of the city then propel it across the clearly amazed at the clean and its waterway – stays shed’s flat wooden floor, water, ducks, and sheer hanging safely on its hook. down the sloping decking, lack of people. and finally into the water. After spending a day with But this morning’s crew: A Canadian couple pause Levi and his fellow punters, Louis (a Scot, with a lilting to admire a punter’s outfit: I have to agree with his Sean Connery brogue), Kit “I love your suspenders,” comment. But the lads (and and Michele (post-grads the woman drawls, and so lass) who pole the popular at Canterbury and Lincoln begins a lively discussion English-style punts up and university respectively), and on diferences between down the Avon aren’t just Tim (a long-serving punter New Zealand and North human-shaped motors in with a beard to rival the American English. snazzy fancy dress; they’re Wizard’s) have the easy bit. Suspenders, it transpires, naturalists and historians, hold up their men’s travel-lovers and advisers, The afternoon shift has trousers; garters, their and as quick with a story or the harder task of hauling women’s stockings; braces, a joke as they are helping the boats back in: Harry their children’s teeth. their customers on and of (an Irish Oxford graduate), their boats. Joe (a budding novelist), An American from New and Steven (a commerce England talks about a As for the heavy labouring, major enjoying the freedom famous painting of George Levi does a quick back of of outdoor activity before Washington crossing the an envelope calculation. ofice work beckons). Delaware River during He sits back. Even he’s the War of Independence. Shared between shifts is a impressed: ten passengers There’s a punter, apparently, plus punt, punter and pole full-on day of tour groups somewhere in the adds up to well over a ton; and singles, honeymooners background propelling the and, on busy days, a single and retirees from all over boat. “Nothing’s changed,” punter could do a dozen the world. someone quips. “A trips. No wonder they all With a direct flight from politician takes all the glory look so lean and fit. Shanghai to Christchurch, while someone else does As desk manager, Levi Tamaiparea swaps his boater for a flatcap. But the workout begins a never-ending stream of the work.”

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Travel | 25

Inside the Antigua Boatsheds where old punters don’t die, they’re just hung out to dry.

“Herman’s hungry,” Louis to check on Doris, who says, returning from a lurks beneath the jetty. “I’ve trip. Herman, it turns out, been told long-finned eels is a well-known Welsh can live to 150,” he says. harlequin, one of the “And Doris would have to introduced species of duck be at least 60.” that share the river (and the tourists’ bread) with A boat comes back: Joe the native diving ducks and waits to tie it up and help the goose-like paradise the passengers disembark. shelducks. And, after a ton of heavy The native eels, too, seem laboring, Tim the punter still hungry, and Joe goes down looks as elegant as ever.

The view from the water

Those punting live for over 100 years smoothly through in the river – however, Christchurch’s Botanic they migrate to sea to Gardens are likely reproduce, and are thought to see the following to spawn in deep ocean wildlife and plant life: trenches near Tonga. Ducks, of course! Native Rainbow and brown trout, species include paradise introduced from North shelducks and diving ducks America. (or scaups), plus plenty of Numerous species of exotic introduced mallards. The trees, including oaks, willow paradise shelducks are and chestnuts (to recreate often in mating pairs, the the English parkland look), female with the distinctive and a giant Californian white head. With the redwood. scaups, meanwhile, males have yellow eyes, and Plus, various manner of females brown ones. other watercraft, including rowboats, kayaks, open Native ‘tuna’ or eels. These canoes and ‘pedalo’ paddle As well as the ducks, the punters also have to manoeuvre past kayaks and rowboats – and council cleaners. amazing creatures can boats.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 26 | Travel Theseniorcitizen

Rivers, roads and canals - and a long distance footpath to boot. Overdosing on the Welsh border countryside

By Patrick Whittle They both smiled happily, and then demanded to We’d only been walking know where we’d started for an hour along the – Prestatyn, a seaside Ofa’s Dyke Path – a town in North Wales – and long distance trail that whether we were going to winds along the border walk the entire path – no, of England and Wales – we’d only got a few days, when we were abruptly so hoped to get as far as asked if we were drug we could. (Two weeks is addicts. usually suggested for the whole walk.) We were up on a sunny hillside, admiring the view “Well, have a jolly good of a quaint village in the time,” they bellowed valley below, when a pair enthusiastically, still of fellow walkers stopped nodding and smiling. As to talk. They were both they strode briskly of, one of them called over his dressed in the standard- shoulder, “Hope you’ve got issue British rambler’s coats – it looks like rain.” uniform of green and beige and beard, with compasses They were friendly, if around their necks. eccentric – and dead right about the rain. It had “Are you Oh Dee-ing?” one been hot and sunny all asked, in a loud and cheery day, but as the afternoon voice. His companion wore on, huge thunder Pontecysyllte Aqueduct carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee. nodded knowingly. clouds had begun to build I looked at Sue, and up over the hills around stop. After 20 minutes my place sheltering inside – an met another retired couple, And we needed it. While she looked at me. ‘Oh us. We’d been walking cheapish jacket had given older couple from Waitaki, who’d done part of the there are towns and shops Dee-ing’? Did it look like steadily across a rolling up even pretending to be in Otago, combining a visit trail decades before with and accommodation we were overdosing on landscape of farmland and waterproof, although Sue to their son in London with their kids. They were now possibilities galore on something? Was it because open moorland, and had was still dry and snug a bit of tramping in the doing the rest of it in short either side of the trail, the just reached a section on (and smug) in her more British countryside. path itself is surprisingly our Kiwi tramping outfit of sections, as and when they pack, t-shirt and shorts just a narrow sunken old road, expensive NZ-made jacket. remote. when the storm struck. Like most of the other could. wasn’t the done thing? Luckily for us, we reached walkers we met, these two As our empty stomachs We, on the other hand, And then I twigged. And it wasn’t that steady the tiny cafe/shop in a had daypacks, and had attested on more than one persistent drizzle that the village evocatively named already arranged B&B were made of sterner – or occasion, it pays to plan “Oh, Ofa’s Dyke-ing!” I British Isles are infamous Bodfari before we drowned, accommodation (and perhaps stupider – stuf, ahead and check out the replied. “Yes, we’ve just for – this was monsoon only to find someone from transport) for each night and were carrying a tent facilities on each stage of started out today.” stuf. And it just didn’t an equally exotic sounding of their hike. Later on, we and full camping kit. the trip.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Travel | 27

But if we sometimes went Subsequent days bought if we too, like the passing River Wye near Bristol, in hungry for a few hours, our waterfalls and and clifs, canal barges, were simply the south, or in Prestatyn, appetites were more than countless churches, a floating above the valley far on the Irish Sea, in the satisfied with the incredible couple of castles recalling below. north. history and scenery of the long lawlessness of the trail. The Ofa’s Dyke the ‘Welsh Marches’, and And the name of this path The oficial Ofa’s Dyke Path is described as being a solitary hilltop tower is a reason in itself to Path website www. not the longest, nor the celebrating the 1810 jubilee walk it. The eponymous nationaltrail.co.uk/ofas- Did it look like we highest, nor the hardest, of ‘Mad King’ George Ofa was an 8th century dyke-path gives all the but possibly the most III – not to mention the Anglo-Saxon king, who, information one could were overdosing varied of all the National occasional but oh-so- for reasons now lost in the ever need, including such Trails in England and welcome sight of a good mists of time, had built a nuggets as “it crosses the on something? massive earthwork ‘dyke’ Wales. old-fashioned British pub. border between England between his lands and and Wales over 20 times”. Was it because our Kiwi Our first day, for example, A particular highlight, those of the unruly Welsh took us from a bustling perhaps because of the to the west. Despite almost As for Sue and I, we’d left tramping outfit of pack, British seaside resort, numerous pubs at one 1300 years of wear and the track in the market through ever-so-twee end, was the incredible tear, parts of the original town of Welshpool, which, English/Welsh countryside, Pontecysyllte Aqueduct – t-shirt and shorts just wasn’t dyke still remain, with the as the name suggest, is on complete with hedgerows, essentially, a 300m long tin path at times running atop Wales’s side of the border. the done thing? stone-built farm houses, bathtub, supported on 18 its length, with ploughed and copses of towering massive stone pillars, that Fortunately, this means we fields and hay meadows on have unfinished business oaks, to the tops of bracken has carried the Llangollen either side. covered hills dotted with Canal over the River Dee with the remainder of the millenia-old remains of for the past 200 years. The trail, which can be trail, and the rest of its Bronze Age burial mounds Being only 3.5m wide, as walked year-round, starts history and views – and of and forts. we crossed it we felt as in either Chepstow, on the course, its pubs.

Travellers’ tall tales

Where’s the best place you’ve ever been? Or the one where you’d wished you’d stayed at home?

What’s the biggest adventure, the most memorable experience, or the most incredible sight you’ve seen on your travels? And is there anywhere you’ve always wanted to go, but never have – somewhere that’s been sitting on the ‘bucket-list’ for years? The Senior Citizen wants to hear your stories and your experiences – and see wide world out there to The only stipulation is that some of your best holiday explore. you must be in the over-55 snaps. So please get in touch age range, and that you’ve Whether it’s a slice of with The Senior Citizen to got something amazing (or ‘Godzone’ New Zealand, tell us where you’ve been, amusing) to share. or some far-flung corner of what you’ve seen, or where the globe, there’s a whole you’d love to be. Happy holidays!

From Paris to Petra to penguins in Patagonia, tell us your tall tales of travel …

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 28 | Travel Theseniorcitizen

Wish you were here? Ski holidays without the snow… or guilt

Spending the kids’ inheritance could involve skiing…

By Patrick Whittle senior Hodges are part of the most luxurious holidays, with one-in-five overwhelmingly the major And while the Statistics a growing phenomenon of retirement apartment to admitting to using funds tourists to this country, with New Zealand data does not After holidaying in people allocating more of selling up and taking a gap originally destined for their the latest Statistics New indicate how older visitors Majorca, Spain, the their time and money on year in your 60s.” children’s inheritance to do Zealand figures showing are funding their trips, they next stop for Simon holidays. Colloquially, they so. All of those surveyed that over 1.4 million arrivals do show that the number of Now it seems that senior Hodge’s parents was are known as SKIers – not believed they had earnt came from across the ditch arrivals over the age of 55 citizens across the Tasman, the English seaside skiers of the snowclad the right to spend money in the year ending February has steadily risen over the where the ‘Grey Nomad’ resort of Scarborough. mountainside variety, but freely while on holiday, with 2017. And almost 325,000 past decade, with almost lifestyle of campervans and those who are ‘Spending 75 percent undertaking at Australians in the 55+ age a million people in this age caravans is already well “At the Grand Hotel, no the Kids’ Inheritance’. least one trip a year, and 40 group visited this country group visiting this country established, are cottoning less,” says Simon, a lecturer percent going away at least last year. last year. The largest at Lincoln University. So widespread have they on to the craze. percentage rise in any age become in Britain, for twice. By contrast, last year the According to the latest group over this time was in And he does not begrudge example, that the latest More than half said they total number of Chinese survey by Australian those over 65-years-old. his parents enjoying edition of a decade-old had adopted the YOLO visitors – the second largest Seniors Insurance themselves in their ‘how-to’ guide comes philosophy – meaning ‘you nationality group – was just Annual visitor numbers to retirement. His shrug says Agency, 80 percent of complete with the only live once’ – from the over 400,000, with the third New Zealand have risen it more eloquently: “They’ve older vacationers had glowing Mail on Sunday millennial generation. largest group, those from from just under 2.5 million a worked all their lives and endorsement: “Covers no concerns at all about the US, numbering just over decade ago, to just over 3.5 they’ve earned it.” The everything from choosing spending money on Australians remain 300,000. million last year.

Everything from choosing the most luxurious retirement apartment to selling up and taking a gap year in your 60s – Spending the Kids’ Inheritance guidebook

… or just enjoying yourself in the sun.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Travel | 29

A guided trip through escorted tours

As the name suggests, escorted tours involve a tour guide or ‘escort’ to various destinations, often as members of a group. Also known as guided tours or package tours, this increasingly popular travel option contrasts with self-guided tours where the travellers are on their own. A key advantage of escorted tours is that they are organised and conducted by a tour director, who takes care of the planning details of the tour. Escorted tours normally include hotels, transport and transfers, and often meals and sightseeing. Flights to and from the holiday destination are sometimes included, although visa requirements are generally the responsibility of the individual traveller. Guided or escorted tours are often arranged around a specific theme, which can include art, music and culture, food and wine, history, cycling or walking or other activities, or special interests (such as locomotives or railways).

Escorted tour themes can include special interest such as steam trains or war memorials.

Guided or escorted tours are often arranged around a specific theme, which can include art, music and culture, food and wine...

Is india on your travel bucket list?

Marigold Tours is a specialist India travel company operated by veteran tour escorts Craig and Cheryl Woolliams. We have been taking small groups to India for over 25 years. All our tours are inclusive of international and internal flights, buses, 4-5-star hotels, all meals, monument fees, bottled water and wi-fi. All you need to take care of is travel insurance and visa. We are the most For more information www.marigoldtours. competitively priced in the New Zealand market with contact Marigold Tours co.nz and request a full 15 days from $4995 p.p. on 021 193 0091, email information pack of all our share twin. [email protected] or visit oferings.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz 30 | Travel Theseniorcitizen

Wellington, the coolest little capital

Calling itself the world’s ‘coolest little capital’, Wellington also claims to have more cafes, bars and restaurants than New York. Discovering whether that’s ‘Absolutely Positively’ true is a fantastic excuse for a get-away visit to this vibrant little city, bang in the middle of New Zealand. What’s indisputable is how easy it is to get around the town that’s world famous in New Zealand as the centre of our government – and you can soon see why so many of our politicians are so desperate to stay. So check out our list of Wellington’s must see attractions for a short break or weekend away. Te Papa No trip to Wellington is complete without a visit to the National Museum of New Zealand. And to commemorate the 100 years since the ‘Great War’, and the forging of our nation’s Anzac spirit, the exhibit Gallipoli: The scale of our war runs until 2018. Wellingtonians are justly proud of the cable cars that climb up and down Developed in partnership the hill from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. with Weta Workshop, Gallipoli is an immersive interactive displays, a digital our treasured native birds, Situated on the Miramar three weekend markets. journey through the planetarium and historic including takahe, tui, kaka Penisula, the studio also And after all the healthy Gallipoli campaign, seen telescopes. And you can and kereru. Tuataru can includes the Weta Cave exercise, you can always through the eyes of the even stroll back down also be spotted by day, and shop, a mini museum and a pop into one of the myriad Kiwis who were there. to the city through the kiwi after dark on the night free short documentary film cafes or bar-restaurants Just a short capital’s beautiful Botanic tours. about the history of movie- that dot the capital city’s The Cable Car Garden. making in Wellington. harbour side. bird flight from Just as Christchurch has its Weta Studio Tour Zealandia The Waterfront Cuba Street the heart of iconic trams, Wellingtonians From Tolkien’s Middle- Just a short bird flight from Described as a ‘wonderfully are immensely proud of earth to Thunderbird’s The hipster haven of Cuba the bustling the cable cars that climb the heart of the bustling walkable public space’, Tracy Island, you can Street is the heart of the up and down the hill modern city, you can step you’ll find plenty of marvel at the intricate detail city’s retro- and bohemian modern city, from Lambton Quay to back in time to pre-human pedestrians enjoying Kelburn. At the top – in New Zealand – or at least, of the miniature models Wellington’s waterfront – as vibe. Buzzing throughout you can step addition to the lookout as close to it as we can and props, weapons and well as joggers, skaters, the day and well into the and the wonderful views currently get. Zealandia is armour, and the crazy cyclists, and crocodile night, Cuba Street comes back in time across the city and its a 225 hectare section of creatures and vehicles that bikers. You can also work complete with street harbour – is the Cable Car predator-protected bush have made Weta famous in up an appetite by aiming entertainers, and some of to pre-human Museum and the Carter where you can see an the film industry throughout for Oriental Bay beach, the capital’s most lively Observatory, complete with ever-growing population of the world. or by visiting any of the shops, cafes and bars. New Zealand...

The Beehive will be buzzing now that it’s a general Election year. Wellington has put itself on the map as the capital of cool.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz Theseniorcitizen Travel | 31

Off the beaten track: The Central Asian-stans The futuristic city of Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, has ambitions to be the Central Asian equivalent of Dubai.

Kazakhstan, biggest country by size. Uzbekistan, While it lacks many of the Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, significant historical and Turkmenistan. Even cultural sites of the other those who’ve heard -stans, it is dominated of them, know little by the huge, empty and about the Central Asian mysterious steppe to the While the region has historically been a meeting -stans – the ‘countries north. Capital: Astana. place for many of the major religions, most of’ Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Population: 17 million. Kyrgyz, Tajiks and modern Central Asians are Muslim. Uzbekistan is rightly Turkmen. famous for its rich history For centuries, though, and culture, with the Central Asia was culturally, ancient mosques and economically and literally mausoleums of its Silk the centre of Eurasia, with Road cities – including the famous Silk Road Samarkand and Bukhara running through the region, – of international repute. carrying goods and ideas Capital: Tashkent. between China in the east Population: 30 million. and Europe in the west. Landlocked and Even earlier, these were mountainous, Kyrgyzstan the lands where horses has the most liberal visitor were first domesticated visa policy in Central and apples first cultivated, Asia. Increasing numbers while later this was the of tourists are arriving in route through which the the country, drawn by its war hordes of Genghis reputation for unspoilt Khan and his descendants natural beauty. Capital: exploded into the western Bishkek. Population: 5.7 world. million. Yet for much of the 20th Like its northern neighbour century, Central Asia Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan languished forgotten as is also landlocked and an obscure backwater of mountainous. Yet while the Soviet Union. Today, its natural beauty could some of the ’-stans – most potentially rival that of its notably Turkmenistan – still near-neighbour, Tajikistan maintain this isolationist is also the poorest and legacy, while others, like least developed of the sprawling Kazakhstan, -stans. Capital: Dushanbe. appear determined to Population: 7.2 million. haul themselves onto the The desert republic of modern world stage. Turkmenistan became Bactrian camels As for tourism, the famous for the personality Humps and hooves: mountains and treks of cult of its dictator, and horses were first domesticated in Kyrgyzstan and the Silk Saparmyrat Niyazov, the Central Asia, and eagle hunting is still self-styled ‘Turkmenbashi’ practiced in remoter regions. Road cities of Uzbekistan, in particular, are gaining (‘Leader of the Turkmen’). a growing reputation for Since Turkmenbashi’s death those seeking new and in 2006, Turkmenistan has exotic places to visit and slowly moved away from his explore. totalitarian legacy, although it is still poor and under- The legacy of the Soviet Union is never far away, with monuments to The Great Patriotic War common The largest of the Central developed, and rarely throughout the region. Asian states, Kazakhstan visited. Capital: Ashgabat. is also the world’s ninth Population: 5 million.

May 2017 – issue #01 www.theseniorcitizen.co.nz “OH I LOVE IT. IT’S ALL SO NEW.”

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