Postcard from Middlemore – I-Coffee?

With the spring finally showing it’s face and a hint of summer on it’s way I’m enjoyiong three good things at the moment.

The first good thing is an increase in Auckland based engagements for yours truly, which cuts down on travel and long days on the road.

Secondly my new Mac Air which is so easy to use and gives me a much appreciated boost in personal efficiency.
The third is my re-aquaintance with coffee.
So this postcard comes from Middlemore Hospital’s Wishbone Cafe, having an I-Coffee, with my Mac Air in celebration of three good things!

Subliminal Marketing Coffee Style

The other day I was running a workshop at a venue which had a coffee shop as part of the function room facilities.

Having return to the fold so to speak, I now imbibe the occasional flat white, after a 15 year abstinence.

I picked up a cup of coffee, and once I had finished, put it down on the desk next to another when I noticed the subtle visual marketing, extolling the virtues of coffee…in think it’s quite a draw and almost poetic in its verse?

 

What do you think folks?

Builder with Visual Sense of Humour

I think Mt Eden attracts people that like to manage visually as now I have the builder across the road getting in on the act!

 

Typically this builder has his sign up to advertise their trade, however this particular builder is also treating us with an accompanying sign, which has already changed three times!

 

The first was “Caution, this building site contains traces of nuts!”

 

The second was “It’s not just the women around here that wear aprons!”

 

The third and current is….

Stand Up Meetings All Part of the Health Regime

I was in Wellington yesterday and lets say I was in the shadow of the Beehive 🙂

I saw this poster in their offices and thought that it did alot to feature the health giving benefits of the stand up meeting.

I always seem to have to debate the benefits for a team to get together to communicate on a daily basis, but I can now claim it’s good for your health!

Postcard from Wellington

I am in Wellington today on a grey winters day.

I was cheered up by this humorous personal plate for an explosives expert!

KABOOM!

Postcard from Cambridge

Today was a nice little road trip down to Cambridge in the heart of the Waikato. I was running a training session at the Primary school as part of a professional development programme as it’s still school holidays for some.

It’s a pretty awesome place to be and as pretty as a postcard so here it is!

Postcard from Middle Earth

For those that didn’t know, Wellington our capital has the nickname of Middle Earth due to this being home to Peter Jackson and of course WETA.

Earlier in the week Wellington was rocked with a major quake and news feeds around the world featured picture of a 20 foot replica of Gandalf riding an eagle across the airport terminal, that was grounded.

I’m pleased to report that Gandalf is back up and flying and Wellington is back to normal!

Postcard from Waiheke

One of my more local hops during my holidays was to take the car over to Waiheke for the day.
We all had a lunch invite at the Mudbrick Cafe, so grabbed the 9am ferry to get some sight seeing in before relaxing over lunch, with those pictureseque views back to Auckland.

First stop after the ferry was Oneroa, which is adorned with tourist shops, village life and the Wai Cafe (Wai meaning Water in Maori) overlooking the stunning Oneroa Bay.

We took a stroll along the beach, which was pretty warm and then headed on a quick tour before having our lunch at 12.30…the view from the Mudbrick is the top photo folks…very nice!

Postcard from Cape Reinga

Last week, I took the relies up to stay in Paihia, which is nestled in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
One of the easiest ways to see Cape Reinga is to book on to one of the tours, so someone else takes care of the driving, commentary and catering…all good in my mind.

We were blessed with fine sky’s and as you can see from the pictures, the Cape is as pretty as ever. By the way, they have tidied up the whole area and it now looks like a proper tourist friendly attraction as it should!

Postcard from Piha Beach

Earlier in the holiday season, I took my overseas rellies over on the “Bush and Beach Tour” to the Western or “Waitakarere” ranges.

This massive area of tropical rainforest is part of the play ground of Auckland, for all those that love to tramp, camp and take in the beach. it also houses the world famous Piha.

This small west coast settlement has always been awesome for surfers, but nowadays hosts some pretty impressive houses for the rich and famous, including a recording studio just up the road at Karekare, as used by Pearl Jam, Radiohead and the Finns of Crowded house fame.

Anyway, it was a stunning day and I’m particularly proud of this photo, only taken with an I-Phone, but one of the best I’ve done…

By the way, lunch at the Piha cafe is worthy of a visit in ityself…watch you don’t burn your feet on the black sandy beach too…