Sponsor's Message

Jumping the ditch has had many benefits for those brave enough to take the step. Better pay, better climate and more opportunity are just a few of the obvious advantages that a larger population base and more northerly latitude offer.

But hang on -- if you're planning to make the move you might want to read this story from Australian IT.

It would seem that the Aussie grass is browning off a little, while NZ's is becoming more lush and laden with chlorophyll.

According to the report on which that story is based, NZ is ranked second for "technology integration" (whatever that is), beaten only by the USA.

And, unknown to me, it would appear that our legislators are responsible for a "surge" in e-commerce here after they instigated "strong legal protection for online transactions."

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So, in these days of declining export competitiveness due to a soaring dollar, endless days of bad weather, growing racial tension, the prospect of yet another hike in petrol tax, and a myriad of other items of bad news -- just remember, things could be worse -- you could be part of the Aussie IT slide (just kidding cobbers).

I won't mention LOTR
Are you getting just a little sick of all the media hype about Peter Jackson's stunning success at the Oscars?

No disrespect to Mr Jackson or his outstanding cast of thousands -- both on and behind the screen -- but if you're force-fed even the tastiest of foods, eventually you'll throw up.

It would appear that the emotion of the moment got the better of Peter when he picked up the "Best Motion Picture" award because I heard him thank the government.

I also heard Helen Clark bathing in reflected glory this morning -- but it's funny how she neglected to mention that the tax policy which was responsible for allowing Jackson to produce his trilogy here in NZ has since been axed.

I fear that new up and coming Peter Jacksons will have a much rockier road to success now that the NZ film industry has effectively been given the cold shoulder by a government that continues to accept bouquets earned under the old system.

While overseas production companies with mega-dollars will still qualify for a 12.5% tax rebate, up and coming local movie savants with lesser budgets get no such concessions.

Once again the word "disingenuous" springs to mind when I see Helen hogging the media spotlight in the wake of Jackson's triumph.

Oh, but the New York Times reportedly had a real scoop that should make our Australian cobbers feel better though. They described Jackson as "a bespectacled Australian" -- oh dear! (Google Links)

And what has this all got to do with technology?

Well Weta has a whole heap of Linux boxes rendering some of their wonderful visuals don't they?

I wonder if the government will help out if SCO wins their case against the Linux community and demand a huge wad of cash from Jackson's render-farm?

Aardvark Magazine
The first part of the "New Aardvark" is now online but still undergoing some updates so bear with me while the loose ends are tidied up.

Your feedback (either via the contact form or through the forums) will, as always, be gratefully accepted.

New Forums!
Yes folks, good news. The grotty ezboard forums have been replaced with a new phpBBS-based system that won't assault you with a myriad of pop-ups and other flotsam.

A big thanks to Managed Internet Solutions for offering to provide this service.

You can access the new forums over at aardvarkforums.co.nz

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