#Fence Whangarei

[realfencingwhangarei]

Real Fencing Whangarei

Fence Contractor in Whangarei, New Zealand. Fence Builder

Welcome to our article on Real Fencing, your go-to fence contractor in Whangarei, New Zealand. We're proud to offer a wide range of fencing solutions to meet all your needs. From aluminum and chain link fencing to garden and pool fencing, we have the expertise to deliver exceptional results. Whether it's installation, repairs, painting, or hidden dog fences, we handle it all with ease. Trust Real Fencing to transform your property with our top-notch fence building services.

TIMBER FENCING We specialize in installing and repairing timber fences for both residential and commercial properties in Whangārei, New Zealand. Our team has extensive experience in timber fencing installation, ensuring that your fence is built to last and meets your specific design requirements. From traditional picket fences to modern slat designs, we have the expertise to create a timber fence that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property. Additionally, we offer timber fence maintenance services to keep your fence in top condition and prolong its lifespan. Our professionals are skilled in identifying and addressing any issues with your timber fence, such as rot or damage, and providing the necessary repairs or treatments. Trust us for all your timber fencing needs.

ALUMINUM FENCING An aluminum fence offers a durable and stylish fencing solution for both residential and commercial properties in Whangārei, New Zealand. There are several benefits of aluminum fencing for residential properties. Firstly, it is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions without rusting or corroding. Additionally, aluminum fencing requires minimal maintenance, saving homeowners time and money in the long run. When comparing the cost effectiveness of aluminum fencing versus other materials, aluminum often comes out on top. It is more affordable than wrought iron and requires less maintenance compared to wood fencing. To maintain and care for aluminum fencing in different weather conditions, it is important to regularly clean it using a mild detergent and water. Applying a protective coating can also help prevent damage from the sun's UV rays. Overall, aluminum fencing is an excellent choice for homeowners in Whangārei looking for a stylish and low-maintenance fencing option.

CHAIN LINK FENCING For our fence installation and repair services in Whangārei, New Zealand, we offer chain link fencing as a versatile and cost-effective option for both residential and commercial properties. Chain link fencing provides several benefits for residential properties. It is durable, low-maintenance, and provides security without obstructing the view. When choosing the right height for your chain link fence, consider the purpose of the fence and the level of privacy you desire. A standard chain link fence is typically 4 to 6 feet tall, but you can customize the height based on your specific needs. To keep your chain link fence in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Inspect it regularly for any damage or rust and repair or replace any damaged sections promptly. Additionally, clean the fence periodically to remove dirt and debris. Following these maintenance tips will help prolong the lifespan of your chain link fence and keep it looking great.

POOL FENCING When it comes to pool fencing, we prioritize safety and compliance. At Real Fencing, we understand the importance of keeping your pool area secure and accessible only to authorized individuals. That's why we offer top-quality pool fencing solutions, including glass pool fencing, to ensure the safety of your family and guests.

Our pool fence designs not only meet but exceed the pool fence regulations set by the authorities. We are knowledgeable about the specific requirements for pool fences, such as height and gate specifications, and we ensure that our installations adhere to these guidelines.

In addition to compliance, we also focus on creating aesthetically pleasing pool fence designs. Our team of experts can work with you to design a pool fence that complements your outdoor space while ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

With our expertise in pool fencing, you can trust us to provide you with a secure and visually appealing solution that meets all your needs.

METAL FENCING We specialize in installing and repairing metal fencing for residential and commercial properties in Whangārei, New Zealand. When it comes to metal fencing, there are various alternatives and designs to choose from. Some popular metal fencing alternatives include aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. These materials offer durability and strength, ensuring the security of your property. Metal fencing designs can range from simple and sleek to intricate and decorative, allowing you to find the perfect style to complement your property's aesthetic. The benefits of metal fencing are numerous. Metal fences are known for their longevity, requiring minimal maintenance compared to other materials. They also provide excellent security, keeping unwanted visitors out while maintaining visibility. Whether you need a metal fence for your home or business, our team is experienced in delivering high-quality installations and repairs that meet your needs.

PVC FENCING Moving on to PVC fencing, our team at Real Fencing has extensive experience in providing top-quality installations and repairs for residential and commercial properties in Whangārei, New Zealand. PVC fencing offers several benefits, including its durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to rot and corrosion. There are various styles available, such as picket, privacy, and post and rail fencing, allowing homeowners to choose the design that best suits their needs and preferences. To maintain PVC fencing, regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the PVC material. By following these maintenance tips, homeowners can ensure that their PVC fencing remains in excellent condition for years to come.

GARDEN FENCING Our expertise in PVC fencing extends to garden fencing as well, providing durable and low-maintenance solutions for residential and commercial properties in Whangārei, New Zealand. When it comes to garden fence designs, we offer a wide range of options to suit different preferences and requirements. From classic picket fences to modern and sleek designs, we have something for everyone. Our experienced team also provides garden fence installation tips to ensure a successful and hassle-free process. The advantages of garden fencing are numerous. Not only does it enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property, but it also provides privacy, security, and protection for your garden and plants. Additionally, garden fencing can help keep out unwanted pests and animals, creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.

FENCE REPAIRS

When it comes to fence repairs, our team of experts has the skills and experience to handle any job. We understand the importance of maintaining the integrity and functionality of your fence, which is why we offer comprehensive fence maintenance services. Our professionals are trained to identify and address any issues, ensuring that your fence remains in top condition. Whether it's a small repair or a complete fence restoration, we have the knowledge and tools to get the job done efficiently and effectively. We also provide thorough fence inspections to identify any potential problems before they escalate. Trust us to take care of your fence repairs and keep your property secure.

Fencing Whangarei

[apolloconcreteandconstructions]

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From subdivision to decking and retaining walls to landscaping, we bring quality craftsmanship and a refined touch to every project. Serving Whangarei, Mangawhai, Auckland, and beyond, we’re here to elevate your space with style and durability.

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[enterprisepools]

Swimming Pools in Whangarei: How to Find the Perfect Fit for Your Family

Diving into a cool swimming pool is fun for everyone, especially if it's in your backyard. You're in luck if you live in Whangarei. The weather in this part of Northland is perfect for having a pool. Families here increasingly put in pools to spend time together, stay fit, and cool off in the summer.

At https://enterprisepools.co.nz, we've been a trusted Swimming Pool Supplier in Northland for years, bringing dream pools to life. We have everything, from Fiberglass Swimming Pools to concrete pools, made to order. Read on if you want to know more about Swimming Pools Whangarei. This guide will take you through the most important things to think about so you can find the best place for your family.

1] Budget and Size

First, consider how much money you have and what size pool you want. These two things go hand in hand. Most of the time, a smaller pool will cost less to build and keep up. But you might want a bigger pool if you have a big family or like to have people over.

2]Material Choices

The material you choose for your pool can greatly affect how long it lasts, how it looks, and how much upkeep it needs. Fiberglass swimming pools are popular because they are easy to take care of, but concrete pools give you more ways to make them your own. Before you decide, make sure to think about the pros and cons of each medium.

3] Safety Measures

Regarding Pools in Whangarei homes must consider safety, especially if young children or pets are around. Safety fences, pool alarms, and areas that don't slip are all important things to consider.

4] Additional Features

Pools aren't just for swimming. They're also great places to relax and have fun. Fountains, jets, and streams that use water can add a touch of luxury. There are places to relax, like built-in seats and small areas. If you want more advanced choices, smart lighting systems that can set different moods might be a good choice.

5] Research and Planning

Finding the right swimming pool sales and installation company is important. Do a lot of study, read reviews, and visit other displays. Make sure you ask about rights and guarantees. If you plan well, you can avoid problems and extra costs in the future.

Conclusion

There are many things to consider when choosing a swimming pool for your family, such as size, material, safety features, and extras. Remember that it's not just about the current cost but also about how much you'll enjoy it and how much it will cost to keep up.

https://enterprisepools.co.nz/ is your go-to Pool Installations Whangarei expert, whether you want a Fibreglass Swimming Pool or a custom-designed concrete work of art. We can help you find the best swimming pool for your family in Whangarei by considering all these things. You can get your dream pool with a click or a phone call.

[movingeightmountains-blog]

Settling In

Rolling hills, unspoilt beaches, yachts bobbing gently in the water, with white sails softly blowing in the breeze, the varying blues of the sea, pretty skies, magnificent aging trees like old men watching with smiles on their faces at the children and families playing in the parks and playgrounds below, the cows and sheep quietly grazing on fields of lush, green grass…serene, peaceful, quiet…it is all so stunningly beautiful. This is New Zealand.

The safety and the sense of 'order' one feels here is tangible. Added to this is a great transport system, with buses (that run every fifteen minutes), trains and ferries (to take one across to the north shore or to one of the many islands dotted around), all of which you can easily hop on and off from early in the morning until late at night. Our house is cosy and sunny and feels more like a holiday home. Happy voices of children are heard daily in the playground across the road in the park, children climbing and running and swinging and jumping… The large trees line the winding pathways of the park, dogs pull their owners along on their leashes, or run free, tails wagging, catching the balls that are hurled in the air in front of them, the grass is luxuriously thick and green and feels soft to the feet. A walk through this park leads one to the long, superb stretch of sea and sand. Looking out to sea, the islands Rangitoto, Whangarei as well as the little village of  Devonport, part of the North Island, and the Coromandel can be seen in the distance.   The twisting promenade curves its way for kilometres along the beachfront - keep walking along the beach to the left (about 6 kms) and you will eventually reach the beautiful Auckland City, dominated with the Sky Tower on it’s horizon. Walk to the right and you will be able to explore the charming village of St Heliers with its quaint shops, restaurants, bakeries and little stores. Yachts all along the coastline bob up and down in the expanse of water, and stand-up paddle borders, kayakers, swimmers enjoy the gentle water protected in this bay by the land and islands surrounding it. Across the road people gather in sidewalk cafes; as you walk past, the aroma of coffee tempts one to join the other patrons and perhaps even to enjoy one of the delectable meals on offer. Looking around the restaurant you will find people working on their laptops, or just simply sitting and watching the view in front of them. People smile when they walk by, even sometimes stopping for a chat, they seem happy as they walk their dogs, ride their bicycles or scooters (called ‘limes’ ‘cos they are lime green) - both forms of transport are dotted all over the place - you can just pick one up wherever you find one lying around and then drop the bike, or scooter, off wherever you want (all done on a phone app to pay for their use - I'm yet to try one!). Despite the first couple of days of jetlag, I managed to meet Craig's colleague, Jimmy and his wife at their house; they kindly took us for a coffee and ice cream near where they live. Two days later we were off on a four-hour drive to Whakatane to visit Craig's sister, Jan. It was lovely to see her again and meet her husband and to see her children again after so many years. Also, to meet her two gorgeous and bubbly little grandchildren! Parks adorn Auckland city; the picturesque Cornwall Park was the first one that I had the pleasure to visit; it was a diving friend of Craig's birthday and we met there, with other friends, for a ‘barbeque’. This massive park reminded me of the forests in England, (there are apparently more than 800 trees), a working farm with cows and sheep, and many trails and paths for the public to enjoy, including the path up to the extinct volcano where you can be rewarded with a stunning view over Auckland and the surrounding areas. There are 48 extinct volcanoes in Auckland, I’ve walked up two so far, but I still have to experience this one!   Waitawa Regional Park, about an hour's drive from home, was next on my list of places I had the opportunity to visit.  This unspoilt beautiful coastline is exquisite! We met our new friends, Jonathan and Linda there for a picnic. The view of the ocean with it’s islands dotted around is spectacular. Sharing a special evening at the book launch of author, Nicky Pelligrino, with Caitie at our community library, was a special treat. Whilst sipping on a glass of wine, nibbling on dates and cheeses and other delicious snacks, Nicky spoke about her life and how she started writing books. I bought her latest book, "A Dream of Italy", which, of course she duly signed for me, a romantic novel in which various characters, and for various reasons, leave their mundane lives to buy a house and start a new life in Italy! The subtitle “Sometimes a new place changes everything” somehow appealed to me! Mt Eden is the highest extinct volcano in Auckland.  A relaxed and enjoyable 2km walk along a winding path brought us to the top; it was a perfect place to appreciate the spectacular views, and to try and assimilate that yes, I am actually here, finally, in New Zealand, after years of discussions and speculating whether we would ever make this move! The 27th April was Matt's 20th birthday and we decided to take the ferry to the little village of Devonport where we wandered up the one main little street, visiting ‘old-worlde’ little shops along the way. We stopped for a coffee and apple pie and cream in an inviting little coffee shop before making our way up a winding hill to another extinct volcano, Mt Victoria. The final part of the walk were steps up and then....oh my goodness a breathtakingly-beautiful 360ﹾ view of Auckland and surrounds! I actually felt quite emotional and was taken aback by the splendour of the view that was in front of me and around me! I have had countless dreams, since I have been in New Zealand, where I am still in Johannesburg, still desperately trying to sell the house, still trying to leave South Africa and all the stress that goes with it! I still sometimes can't believe that I now live at the bottom of the world, so far from all I have known, from my brothers, from dear friends, from the familiarity of everything in South Africa. It is a weird feeling, like my body is in NZ but my brain sometimes still feels like it is still in SA. An old South African friend of mine, who now lives here and who I had the wonderful chance to spend time with again, said to expect this for the first two years of living here as she felt the same! So at least it is normal! I am getting to know the immediate area around the house and have GoogleMaps on when I drive to keep me on track! To begin with either Craig, Cates or Matt would come with me to the shops to point out the best brands etc which was a big help! The grocery shops here are mostly quite different to those in South Africa, they are very big, like warehouses, which is probably a good thing because there’s no sense in lingering in shops like these as they are quite rough. It can be rather overwhelming to walk around the many aisles, faced with so many different varieties of grocery items, and always nice to see something one recognises, whether it’s a tin of milo or the proverbial Mrs Balls chutney! Our two dogs, Marshall and Mara, seem happy, especially loving their walks to the park and beach! Our cat, Coco, however, doesn't seem to have settled quite as well as the dogs. We are keeping him inside for the moment which he doesn't seem to mind. He has taken to using a litter box quite easily but he seems a little 'skittish' at times so I hope he will settle down properly at some stage. I think generally it is the freedom here which stands out for me as the most important quality of life in New Zealand. The freedom of not having to lock doors and windows, the ‘luxury’ of being able to drive with your windows down, even at night, the freedom of being able to hop on and off buses, trains and ferries, the freedom to walk around late at night, of being able to stand outside in the garden at 3 ‘o clock in the morning waiting for Mara to ‘spend a penny’, with a little picket fence wall, and not fear that someone is going to jump over the wall and threaten your life. Driving is also a very different experience to the driving in South Africa. It is difficult at first to keep to the 50km speed limit that is the rule on most roads, but it does create a sense of order and safety on the roads. The speed limit on highways is 100km which seems plenty fast enough to me and which you soon get used to. Drivers are courteous and ready to say ‘thanks’ with a wave of a hand, politeness rules as ordinary civilians say ‘thank you’ as they get off buses…to waiting cars as they cross the pedestrian crossings…there is a ‘niceness’ here, everything seems quite calm, and one seldom hears the sound of car horns hooting or police sirens wailing, people talk softly in restaurants, even sitting on the beach is quiet as there are no waves (can be a little disconcerting!). However, (and there has to be a ‘however’ as nothing is ever perfect in life) I do miss the familiarity of the people in South Africa, the ways of doing things, the common thread that runs through South Africans in how they think and feel and do. Watching the news on New Zealand TV and listening to chat shows on the radio, the sense of humour is quite different, there is a ‘silliness’ sometimes as little things are discussed which really wouldn’t even make it on to a news or discussion show in South Africa. It can sometimes seem ‘petty’ and ‘trivial’! But I am being quite critical and probably because we are used to much more serious discussions and situations in South Africa! Maybe, with time, I will get used to ‘a lost cat’ which makes 7 ‘o clock evening news as really something to be concerned about! And that there may have been a spotting of a panther on the South Island! And that a sea-lion visited someone camping in a tent one night! And that a young man has broken a record for sitting on a park swing for 34 hours! It really is a ‘simple’ life here! What I really miss is not being able to spend time with family and friends, like my brothers Michael and Paul, and my dear friend and next-door neighbour, Alex when we used to meet in the road for a chat or for a pizza at Throbbing Strawberry, not being able to meet with Sally-Anne and Bridge for a ‘brekkies’ in the morning, or Carmel for a honey-nut latte and basil-mushrooms-on-low-GI at Woolies, or spend time with Cathy for a good chat at Lifestyle Nursery accompanied by a tasty English breakfast, visiting Uscha and Stel at their home or meeting her at our ‘head office’ vegetarian restaurant at Hobart shopping centre, or taking my brother to Cresta on Saturday mornings and enjoying a lunch from the harvest table in Woolies, or spending each day with Lorraine at school, discussing the kids, our teaching, the school, going on bush camps and field trips together, just the two of us with the children, and then enjoying time outside of school together… get-togethers with my dearest ‘luvverly ladies’ friends, Colleen, Erica, Yvonne, Denise, Bronwyn, Carmel, (and Kelly-Mae) for our chats and giggles.. Sometimes when I am grocery shopping here in NZ, I expect to bump in to someone I know, as I often used to back ‘home’ ….it is the familiarity that I miss… even writing this, I feel nauseous with longing as I wonder when I am going to see my family and friends again? In making the move abroad, because you want a ‘better’ life, mostly for your children, as safety is your concern, their future career prospects, a ‘better’ quality of life…it is a decision one makes, but the cost is great, not only financially but more importantly in missing the people you leave behind. Perhaps the older you are when you make the move, as Craig and I are, in our late fifties, the more difficult it is, or maybe it will just take longer to integrate into ‘normal’ life once again… It will be interesting to see what friends we make in time…and how we settle into a new life in a new country with new people and new ways…. So, it’s like many things in life, yin and yang, I feel extremely happy to be here, grateful, knowing it is right, and yet, at the same time, feeling sad and missing those I love. Some say it is a courageous act to emigrate, but I think it is possibly an even more courageous act to decide to stay.

Walking Mara in our park...

...and along the walkway of our beach

Fun in the waves!

A visit to Catie’s Uni in Auckland city when Sarah was still visiting.

Stopping for a quick lunch with Cates at the café across the road from her Uni

Eploring the city!

Waitawa Regional Park with Linda and her family

Craig and I at Waitawa Regional Park

Cates and I at Nicky Pellegrino’s book launch

Cates and Matt at the top of Mt Eden with the Auckland Sky Tower in the background

In Devonport, with Auckland city in the background

Views from the top of Mt Victoria

Leaving Devonport by ferry in the evening to make our way back to Auckland city in the background.

Marshall and Mara go to the beach for the first time!

[colindotpdx]

Three Things Unique to New Zealand - Kiwi, Maori, Kauri (PART TWO)

We were only in New Zealand for a few days but I wanted to do three things you can only do here - see a Kiwi, meet a Maori, and hug a Kauri. These are not as easy as you might imagine.

The Kiwi.

The Kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird about the size of a chicken. It’s genetically a mini Emu now endangered due to reduction in its habitat but mainly because it evolved without predators and has been vulnerable ever since the Maori brought pigs and rats the British imported dogs. We visited the Tāwharanui Regional Park that is a peninsula north of Auckland where the Kiwi are protected by an automatic fence that would not look of out place around Jurassic Park. They are serous about protecting their national symbol.

It is almost impossible to see a Kiwi in the wild so we went to Kiwi North, a museum near Whangarei where Kiwis are kept with reversed diurnal cycles - they are kept in near darkness during the day for visitors to have a shot at seeing them and they floodlit at night so they roost. So … we got to see a real Kiwi but it’s still almost impossible to photograph one of the little buggers in the dark.

The Kauri.

The Kauri is a coniferous tree found only in the most northern tip of New Zealand; they emerged in the Jurassic Period (150 million years ago) and still (barely) hang on today and are protected in the Waipoua National Forest.

Nothing prepares you for the sight of one of these monsters as you approach through the rain forest. They are enormous - about 50 feet round and 150 feet tall.  The photos here are of the largest Kauri - Tane Mahuta - and a small grove called the Four Sisters.

Today they are threatened by a fungal infection that has invaded their ecological niche, spread on people’s feet and by feral pigs. To get to see the biggest specimens you have to pass by cleaning stations with brushes and anti-fungal sprays and approach on elevated walkways. 

Not sure if the feral pigs are following these rules.

[officemoversauckland]

How Much Does It Cost To Move A Spa?

Is Spa Pool Moving Costly ?

The cost of moving a spa pool depends on a number of important things . Lets dig in to find out what things you should consider before hiring a spa pool movers like our expert team at “Office Movers Auckland”

Call Us Today For A Free Quote On 09-884 0991

Access To Move The Spa Pool

When you call us or any mover this first question you will get asked is “what is the access like at both properties” . What we are trying to establish ahead of being able to offer you a free quote to move spa is how much work is involved for us just to get the spa put to the truck or ute. And then again at the new destination when we deliver it. This may seem like a silly question to some people but you would be amazed at the number of people that do not forward plan this part of the operation and the job ends up costing more than anticipated . So top tip here is take photos and dimensions of any access ways like paths and staircases so we can accurately determine how easy or hard the move will be . If for example we end up needing an extra man due to lack of information its highly likely you will be charged more to bring in the extra muscle needed to complete the job. Also supplying the addresses for both ends of the job is helpful as we can take a look at google earth and get a feel for things like fences and gardens and other obstacles we may have to encounter .

How Heavy Is A Spa Pool Without Water?

A spa pool that is designed to hold 4 or 5 people may only weigh 300-400kg when empty, This will require at least 3 to 4 strong men to lift when there are obstacles in the way

Can You Transport A Spa Pool On Its Side?

Yes of course you can and often this is the best way to get them from the truck to the location because you can place on its side on the trolley and wheel it down any paths or driveway surfaces  ahead of the final lift into place.

How Do I Book A Spa Pool Move ?

So now that you have checked the access at both properties you are moving it from and provided us with all of these details we will be able to give you an accurate quote for moving your spa pool from one property to another across the Auckland area. Generally our min charge to complete a move starts from $420 inc gst and goes up from there if the positioning is difficult or if we need to get a hiab in to lift or crane the spa pull over any buildings.

Do You Move Spas Outside Of Auckland ?

Yes we do , we can move yours anywhere from Whangarei in the north down to Hamilton and across to Tauranga. We recently moved a spa pool from Whangarei to Auckland so w can help you also .

Call Us Today For A Free Quote On 09-884 0991

Related Article:

Spa Pool Movers Auckland Wide

The post How Much Does It Cost To Move A Spa? appeared first on Office Movers Auckland - Office Moving ,Business Relocations.

[ourfarmvisit]

Some snaps from Whangarei Boys’ High School During their farm visit! The weather didn't stop these students for getting out of the classroom and learning about how flooding impacts farms and what farmers do to mitigate the risks and impacts. They discussed issues associated with lack of tanker access, power failure, debris on fences, etc. The farmer, Evan also utilises the Hikurangi swamp pump and stopbank scheme as well as fencing his waterways and planting trees for stability, erosion control and shelter. The students also traveled to Kaeo and saw farm land around the township that was flooded. This was great as the students got to see some of the things that Evan was telling them about.

[lyndakiwi]

A Big Call?

Jill & I were now the proud owners of a beautiful house in Woodend. It was everything we could have wished for, modern, big & in a lovely position on the edge of the village. We only had the one neighbor & a farm close by. I always remember the morning that Jill walked out onto our driveway & the small bobby calves were right up by the fence that ran down our right of way to Gladstone Rd. I walked outside to see her petting them, it seemed so right to be there.

I haven't really talked much about my own parents in this story. Mum & Dad lived in Onerahi & had been there for years, I hate to say this but my parents were never very happy about Jill & I doing 'so much' for Dot & Terry. At the time I was a member of a Masonic Lodge, same as my Father & my Father in Law, so it seemed strange to me that  my father seemed to be ignoring everything about Freemasonry that he had ever stood by, & that was helping another 'brother' in distress, & at the time of their move north Dot & Terry certainly were. They had lost all in a business arrangement that had gone terribly wrong, & both Jill & I felt that we should do all we could to help them, therefore it seemed obvious to us that the best thing would be for them to move north from Southland & come & live with us. In fact as it worked out it was a great arrangement. Unfortunately & quite bizarrely my folks seemed to think that we were doing more for Jill's parents than we were for them!. This was silly really because my Mum & Dad were financially secure & actually quite comfortable in their retirement which was just the opposite of the situation facing Jill parents.

As it was nothing was ever really said about this & in fact Jill's Mum & Dad & my Mum & Dad got along famously. My father & Terry had a love of singing & they would often croon away together especially once a couple of 'spots' had gone down!. They had a lot in common as well, both of them were engineers & had similar backgrounds. My Mum & Dot hadn't got so much in common but would still 'chops' away quite happily out on the terrace whenever my parents came over.

Thoughts of Woodend were never far away & in early 2005 we took the plunge & put our house in Maunu on the market for sale. We actually thought that it would sell quickly but in fact it was a long & frustrating process, not helped much by a real estate agent who tided us into a contract with a woman buyer for 3 months knowing that she probably couldn't arrange finance. It was all too hard basket & I wondered at times if it would ever sell at all. But all house s sell eventually & so did ours, we didn't get quite what we wanted but it was enough to set us up in our new home, purchase a small unit in Whangarei that we could use when we flew back for business & also buy another house for Dot & Terry in Rangiora which was only 10 minutes away from us in Woodend.

We decided that we would make the big move around the time of the new owner taking possession of the house, which was in the October of 2006. It was a sad time in some ways & a happy time in others. Jill's Dad never really wanted to leave Whangarei, we had given them the option of staying & we would have found them a place there but as Jill's Mum said "were Jill goes I go" so that was that. We left behind many friends but with the knowledge that we would see them again from time to time, in fact we planned to fly back regularly as we still had our business to keep an eye on. I always remember that at the time of leaving our accountant KB said "in a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty you've picked a 9!", he wasn't wrong, as future developments proved him right.

Just something worth noting here; at a pinch we could have had Dot & Terry live with us in our house in Woodend, it was big enough & had two large living areas, but Jill & I both agreed that as we had 15 years of us all living in such close proximity to each other, we needed a break from that arrangement. Unfortunately at first, Dot in particular, was not best pleased. This dissatisfaction passed after a while because most of the folks around where they now lived were of a similar age & the in fact old chap out the back was from Buxton which isn't too far away from their home town in Derbyshire. It was a regular arrangement eventually for everyone to gather at Dot & Terry's at 4pm each day for a wee tipple & a catch up!.

Of course, the other reason for living apart was because of me. The strain of the whole thing was telling on Jill in particular & had I though it through more, we should have sought some sort of counseling, ...for both of us.

We all flew down & arrived at our house in Woodend about the 15th October & quickly set about getting sorted. Jill & I had already been living there on & off for a year previously in which time I had completely repainted the whole interior of the place. As I remember we had Jills Mum & Dad with us until the containers arrived about a week later & then they moved into their house in Rangiora. We were all set by that stage & looking forward to our new lives as residents of Woodend, a place we both loved, in a house we had always felt so comfortable in.

Those first few weeks were magic & we started planning for a family Christmas at our new home. Jill was able to pop over to see her parents on a regular basis & we often had them come over to have dinner with us. Additionally Jill's sister & husband Kim & her brother Paul were frequent visitors. We decided to make one quick trip back north before Christmas to make sure all was well at Whitehead Signs & at the same time move some of our left over furniture into our unit in Kensington. The business was running under the guidance of a manager the we had appointed, so once we had checked in with him, sorted some things out with our office manager Cheryl, we packed our bags & flew back to Christchurch for Christmas.

It would be late January 2007 before we would return to Whangarei & it was at that stage that Jill started to complain of feeling unwell, & that started a sequence of events that would change my life for ever.

Next: a bad year ahead.