#value of my home nz

[housevaluewhatsmy]

How Much Is My House Worth in New Zealand?

Determining the value of your how much is my house worth nz  can be a complex yet crucial task. Whether you're considering selling your property, refinancing, or simply curious about its market worth, understanding the factors that influence property values in the New Zealand housing market is essential.

**1. Location, Location, Location:**

In real estate, location plays a pivotal role in determining a property's value, and New Zealand is no exception. Different regions and neighborhoods within the country can have vastly different property values. Factors such as proximity to amenities, schools, public transportation, and employment opportunities can significantly impact the value of your house.

For example, properties in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and economic hub, typically command higher prices compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. Similarly, houses with scenic views or waterfront access tend to have higher valuations.

**2. Market Conditions:**

The state of the real estate market greatly influences property values. During a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, house prices tend to rise, whereas in a buyer's market, prices may stagnate or even decline due to an oversupply of properties.

Monitoring market trends, such as average days on market, sale-to-list price ratios, and inventory levels, can provide valuable insights into the current market conditions and help gauge the value of your house.

**3. Property Characteristics:**

The characteristics of your property also play a significant role in determining its value. Factors such as size, age, condition, layout, and features (e.g., number of bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor space) all contribute to its overall worth.

Renovations and upgrades can also increase a property's value. For instance, a modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, or energy-efficient features like solar panels or double-glazed windows can attract higher valuations.

**4. Comparable Sales:**

One of the most common methods used to estimate a property's value is by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold in the same area. These comparable sales, or "comps," provide a benchmark against which your property can be evaluated.

Real estate agents and valuers often conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA), examining factors such as size, location, condition, and sale prices of comparable properties to determine an estimated value for your house.

**5. Valuation Methods:**

Various valuation methods are used to assess property values in New Zealand, including:

- **Market Approach:** This method relies on comparing your property to similar properties in the market that have recently sold. It considers factors such as location, size, condition, and amenities to determine a fair market value.

- **Income Approach:** Primarily used for commercial properties, the income approach evaluates a property's value based on its income-generating potential, such as rental income or future development opportunities.

- **Cost Approach:** This method calculates a property's value by estimating the cost of rebuilding or replacing it, taking into account depreciation and land value. It's commonly used for insurance purposes.

**6. Government Valuations:**

In New Zealand, local councils conduct property valuations every three years for rating purposes. These valuations, known as the Rating Valuations or QV valuations, provide an estimate of a property's capital value based on factors such as recent sales data, property characteristics, and market trends.

While QV valuations can be a useful starting point for assessing your property's value, they may not always reflect the current market conditions or specific features of your property.

**7. Seeking Professional Advice:**

Given the complexity of determining property values and the importance of accurate pricing, it's advisable to seek professional advice from real estate agents, valuers, or property appraisers.

A licensed real estate agent with local market knowledge can provide valuable insights into current market conditions and recent sales data in your area. A registered valuer, on the other hand, can conduct a comprehensive appraisal of your property, considering all relevant factors to determine its market value.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, determining the value of your house in New Zealand requires a thorough understanding of various factors, including location, market conditions, property characteristics, comparable sales, valuation methods, and government valuations. By considering these factors and seeking professional advice when needed, you can gain a clearer understanding of how much your house is worth in the dynamic New Zealand housing market.

[a-solitary-sea-rover-backup]

I have to admit, I went into the New Zealand SailGP event with my usual enthusiasm a little bit dampened. While last year’s event in Christchurch had been beautiful and engaging to watch, the same issues of dolphin protection remained and I knew the league had been criticized in the intervening year for inadequate precautions.

I had hoped that holding this year’s NZ event in Auckland would have given every one more time to reassess the Christchurch site and determine if it should stay the venue for 2025, but it hadn’t worked out that way.

I didn’t want to tune in and see an endangered dolphin killed by an F50 live on global TV— I didn’t want to witness something that brings me such joy become bloody and deadly.

And it didn’t help that just days after praising Christchurch to the stars and saying SailGP would be coming back for years, league director Russell Coutts was embarrassing himself by throwing an ugly media tantrum that the marine mammal protection rules were there at all.

Even as I tuned in to the online broadcast at 10:00pm my time, I felt a creeping sense of dread that this event might end up a complete disaster.

But then something remarkable happened. Dolphins did swim near the course, and the spotter network saw them in time to activate the protection plan. The commentators explained the situation, and there in the YouTube chat, we waited pretty happily.

The official SailGP account was in the chat answering questions and joking with us, and over two hours the vast majority of fans in the chat group agreed that the lives of the dolphins were more important.

Just like on past low-wind days (or bad-weather days like the aftermath of last year’s storm in Sydney), we joked and chatted amongst ourselves making dolphin jokes and sharing our own sailing stories.

We were reminded that nature is unpredictable and doesn’t know or care if we silly little humans have designated any particular two-hour window for a television broadcast. A sport powered by nature is at the mercy of nature, and to the wind and the sea and the animals, there’s nothing that makes these two hours any different from any other time.

Eventually the broadcast team signed off, and while we were disappointed at seeing no racing, we were also relieved to not have seen a race turn into a horror show of sliced flesh and bloody water. As the stream ended and I closed the tab, I felt a strange sense of… pride?

I had just watched SailGP do the right thing when it was the hard thing to do. Not the profitable or the television-friendly thing, but the right thing. After the controversies and outbursts of the past few months, after the messy move from Auckland and the windless events in petro-states, we had actually gotten to see SailGP, by accident of circumstance, live its values by putting concern for the ocean front and center for two hours.

And even if the NZ headlines the next day were sour with Coutts ranting again, the Associated Press one here in the US looked pretty good, emphasizing the orderliness of the protection plan and quoting Blair Tuke as saying that harm to the dolphins would be “not good for anyone”.

And the next day made it all worth it. The dolphins stayed away, the racing was fantastic, and the waters of Lyttelton Harbour looked as beautiful and jade-green as last year. We had close finishes, dramatic overtakes, and the only collisions were between the boats themselves and the race markers, with no injuries.

After sneaking through the fleet up from last, Team New Zealand got into the final for a rematch with Canada on home waters, and despite Phil Robertson and Quentin Delapierre’s skillful efforts, this time the home team took the prize. Watching at my computer, I cheered loudly and pumped the air.

I don’t know if SailGP will ever come back to Christchurch. Forever is a long time and perhaps in a future season the danger to dolphins might be lesser at another time of year and with future advances in technology. For the time being, the proposed move to Auckland or another harbor of this sailing-mad archipelago seems like an intelligent choice.

If host cities and nations bid for events like this as a way of presenting themselves to the world, then I have to say that as an American, I liked what I saw of New Zealand over the past two days and in the weeks of preparation.

I saw that the Christchurch area is a beautiful region where forested mountains descend to jade-green waters and the waves wash lovely beaches. I saw that its people have intriguing traditions like the Māori welcome ceremony that opened the event. I saw that its citizens turn out to watch sailing in the greatest numbers ever seen. I saw that New Zealand is a country home to beautiful and endangered wildlife and that it values their protection.

It seems to be a fair country, where even a rich and famous sports star must follow the same rules as everyone else. It is a country that produces talented and impressive sailors like the Black Foils, people like Blair Tuke and Peter Burling who earlier this month used their fame to call attention to the invasive seaweed problem in the Auckland region as both athletes and, yes, activists. All in all, that sounds like a pretty nice place.

In a way, this event ended up being an accidental reflection of the *promise* of SailGP, of what the organization wants to and can be— a league that gives equal balance and airtime to environmental responsibility and amazing competition.

I was worried Christchurch 2024 would be a disaster, but with one headline for doing the right thing and another for showing racing at its best, it really ended up as a triumph. It’s too bad that Russell Coutts can’t see it that way.

Thanks to Scuttlebutt for publishing my letter in full.

[jeanhm]

Canada 2024

So the next adventure begins just 3 weeks after we arrived home late from USA/NZ/Australia. In between times we celebrated my son's wedding but now the next trip starts. We arrived in Montreal late Monday night and simply picked up the hire car and drove to the hotel. Tuesday we headed out along the St Lawrence for a long drive to St Flavie on the south side of the St Lawrence river, passing through Quebec on the way which we will return to. I am really surprised at just how French this area is, even road signs are solely in French so we have had to practice our limited French to understand things.

We paused for a picnic at Grondines but mainly spent the day travelling as we need to get out to PEI. Our first night in St Flavie was at a motel in one of the smallest rooms I've ever seen. No English spoken at all either. It was basic and clean but that's about it but the view of the sunset across the river was spectacular and the dinner at the local lobster restaurant also good, though we didn't have lobster.

Yesterday we travelled onwards to Caraquet to a much better motel. We spent the afternoon visiting the Historic Acadian Village - bit too complex to go into the history suffice to say the houses have all been moved to the site and rebuilt to reflect the Acadian way of life after they were pushed out of Nova Scotia by the British in the 1700s. It was a very large site and the "actors" playing the roles of the house owners and businessmen were excellent in telling the story of their lives. we really enjoyed it and it took so long that we returned today in the rain to do the remainder of the site we failed to see yesterday. It was also excellent value, two days for £13 each! and we also walked miles so great exercise.

Tonight we are at Shemogue in a beautiful riverside lodge which we have all to ourselves as there are only two sets of guest and the others with a dog are in the second lodge building. We are hoping to take the kayaks out on the river tomorrow rain and tides permitting.

[thegrapedcrusader]

Christmas Wine Guide 2023

I'm sure I only did my last festive wine guide around 6 months ago. Time is flying and Christmas will be here before you know it. Here's my guide to what you should be drinking this year with the usual irreverent categories..... Happy Christmas everyone!

The "Champagne is getting a bit pricey isn't it?" sparkling choice - Jansz Premium Cuvee NV Tasmania - £14.49 Waitrose

The rugged region of Tasmania probably isn't the first place you think of for elegant and charismatic sparkling wine but the clever chaps at Jansz are certainly making it work. This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is terrific and punches far above its price point. Some stunning value here (currently £4 off in Waitrose) and a regular for us at home.

The "I want to take something a bit different round to my friend's house" wine - Orange natural wine Recas Estate 2022 - £14.40 Tanners

If you're not the only person that rocks up with a natural orange wine from Romania then you're at a very civilised gathering indeed. This blend of Fetească Regală, Muscat Ottonel, Riesling and Pinot Grigio is full of rich apricot and orange notes and has a slightly nutty / brioche finish. This never fails to impress when I open a bottle and being sulphite free is an added bonus.

The "Christmas spirit (no not that spirit)" option - Altamura Distilleries Premium Vodka - £32.50 Master of Malt

Until a few years ago I thought my vodka days were behind me (and even then they were cheap mixer days at best). Having begun delving into the world of fine vodka a few years ago however I've been stunned at some of the offerings available. This vodka is crafted from 100% Altamura wheat, a heritage grain cultivated for over two millennia in Italy's Puglia region. The resulting vodka has a citrus and aniseed flavour which whilst excellent in a high end cocktail is even better on its own with a few ice cubes.

The "You have to have a Pinot Noir with Christmas dinner" option - Domanie de la Metairie d'Alon Pinot Noir Village 2021 - £17.99 Majestic

I've long been a believer in the incredible match that Pinot Noir proves to a Christmas dinner. Typically I've gone New World, particularly Central Otago (NZ). This French example from close to Limoux in southern France really impressed me recently. An elegant and fresh wine with hints of cherry and liquorice that will work well if you're organised and eating relatively early in the afternoon.

Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas!

Richard

[thestoriesofimmigration]

What Australia Is Doing Better for Start-UPS

Every week I find myself reading another article about Kiwis who’ve moved to Australia and discovered wealth, happiness, and cheap groceries.

So it was with great excitement that I made my own exodus last week to this land of milk and honey as an invitee to the 4-day Global Entrepreneurship Congress which took place in Melbourne – a city recently made famous as one of the most impressive city transformations of any start-up economy in recent years.

I wanted to understand how Melbourne did it, and what New Zealand can learn from their so-called “miraculous” lift-off.

In 2016, the Victorian start up sector was lagging behind New Zealand. While we had a similar population and global profile, Aotearoa had 1600 start-up businesses while Victoria had only 1000.

Fast-forward seven years and Victoria is now home to around 4000 start-up ventures powering a sector valued at NZ$8 billion, making them one of the top 70 start-up ecosystems in the world.

By comparison the NZ start-up sector is valued at $1.3b, which means we have now fallen well behind. Why should we care? Because innovation based start-ups are one of the single most powerful drivers for high value job creation and increased productivity. It is these jobs and this sector that will propel New Zealand to economic parity with our cousins across the ditch and further afield..

So how did Victoria manage to pull so far ahead of us when we had such a head start in the race?

Libertarians, block your ears for this one – it’s really just an impressive and committed case of good, strategic government intervention.

This first step was spearheaded in 2016 by a small Victorian government agency, LaunchVic, which was created to shake up the city’s sluggish start-up sector.

Their approach is what is known in the industry as “top of funnel,” by helping expand the number of start-ups through funding start-up development programmes such as incubators and accelerators. Next they activated private capital so that when these companies were ready to grow, they had the cash to do so.

Lastly, they focused on delivering capability building programmes directly to entrepreneurs and investors so that both could continuously upskill while they grew their start-ups and their investment portfolios.

All the while, the federal government embarked on a huge series of tax breaks and R&D incentives focused on specific high growth areas of the start-up economy such as gaming, as well as massive funding for large-scale renewable projects.

As a direct result of all this, Victoria’s start-up economy grew from 1000 to 4000 start-ups, $2b+ deployed, 2000 jobs directly attributable to LaunchVic activity, six VC funds, and 11,000 angel investors. LaunchVic have helped achieve this with a team of 22 staff and an operating budget of around NZ$8m.

What can New Zealand – and specifically our policy toting politicians of the moment – learn from this?

A few months ago, the Startup Advisors Council released the Upstart Nation report which contained a comprehensive set of recommendations for how to unlock the full potential of New Zealand’s start-up ecosystem. At the heart of this report is the recognition that it is imperative that any successful strategy must be one that is coordinated across all of government and requires execution apart from government.

In the lead-up to the election, it has been heartening to see both National and Labour embrace many if not all the recommendations in the report. But we must ensure that we continue to push the pedal down until and continuing after the election is called.

We need each party to put forward a dedicated innovation minister and take the onus to own this portfolio as a foundational part of New Zealand's long-term economy. We must commit to taking a long term and all of government approach so that success in this area can be focused, long-term, and coordinated. We must allow for industry experience and independence in this coordinated approach so that the coordinating body is as nimble, adaptive, and highly efficient as the start-up community they serve.

This isn’t a love letter to a week in Melbourne, it’s an enjoinder to our political leaders, regardless of party, to recognise that our best engine for economic growth needs some serious stoking and that our window to do so is narrowing quickly.

If we don’t want to be an also-ran economy with poor people and even poorer prospects, we must be courageous. If Victoria can turn a middling innovation economy into one of the world’s best in the space of a few years, New Zealand certainly can. We just need the political courage of governments to not treat this as a political issue, but as an essential transition to an innovation-led, globally relevant, and highly productive economy.

Source: Stuff

[saadwriteer]

10.27.23

im so tired, frustrated, anxious and so close to being depressed.

one of the things that is a sign that im not in a good mental health is my room. pag ang kalat, pag tamad na tamad ako sa lahat, sign yun na di ako okay

it's been 2 weeks since i get home to PH, and I still don't have the energy to feel things. I don't miss NZ but rather, i miss my mama and papa.

i feel so alone right now, i feel like i have no one but myself, except for mark and ate leng who never fails to appreciate me. pati na rin si Ryle, my comfort person.

right now, the biggest thing that's putting pressure on me is finding work. i graduated as a summa cumlaude but I'm having a hard time finding work because :<<< they don't reach my salary expectations, and i feel like I'm not valued enough when they don't...

i already applied hundreds of job, i kept praying every day, every night...Lord please help me put trust on you Lord God. tulungan nyo po akong magtiwala sainyo para makuha yung desired job ko, mas mag upscale ung skill ko...😔 gusto ko lang naman po magkawork na this year...yun lang po Lord...please help me :< eto nanaman ako sa kakaiyak gabi gabi, questioning my worth, please help me Lord.

I'm really in despair rn. idk what to do. my parents and fam never pressures me but I'm pressuring myself...please Lord sana nilalayo nyo lang po ako sa maling mga companies ...

help me Lord please po 😭

[604designresearchharriet]

20 Objects Inventory list and Descriptions

EXAMPLE ELEMENT: 

EXPLAIN WHAT THE ORIGIN OF THE ELEMENT IS 

WHERE DID YOU GET THIS ELEMENT FROM? 

WHY IS THE ELEMENT SIGNIFICANT   TO YOU? 

HOW IS THIS ELEMENT SIGNIFICANT TO YOUR CREATIVITY? 

Poppas Guitar

This guitar belonged to my Poppa, it is a Spanish Orchestra Guitar. 

It was gifted to me by him shortly before he passed away. 

This is very dear to me as it is one of the last pieces of him that I have left with me. 

Music has always been part of my creative process and switching between different creatives outlets lets me stay refreshed from different projects. Guitar is a hobby I have been in and out of learning and picking up since I was about 7 years old to feels like a natural outlet to me. 

My Stereo

This stereo was situated in my family home all throughout mu childhood

I was gifted it by my dad as a hand me down when he got an upgrade. 

It holds many childhood memories from my family living room. I have since decorated it with stickers and it continues to supply the soundtrack to my life.

Music drive my creative process to allow me to stay focused or find inspiration. I use thisto gage my mood.

Cat Pirate Ring

Ring from the NZ Jewellery Designer Nick Von K, a local independent store on K road. 

My mum gifted this to me for my 19th birthday as I love pirates 

Holds value to me as I love the design style and my mum has some rings from the same designer

The rings inspires me to stay true to myself and develop my own personal style and aesthtic further.

Arm Chair

I am unsure of the origin of this as it was acquired from an op shop, I like to think it has been through many homes and places and people and has its own story. 

I got this from the local Ellerslie Op Shop when I moved into my flat and had my best friend help me carry it into her car in a funny series of events. 

This armchair fuels my creativity, I sits in my bedroom by the window and acts as my own creative sanctuary.

Hello Kitty 

Hello Kitty was originally designed by Yuko Shimizu and was intended to be a simple and cute character that could be marketed to young girls.

My friend Lucy and I collect the kids Hello Kitty Magazines sold in the supermarket and do the puzzles and activities together. I have started collecting the posters as well.

Hello kitty signifies my friendships and is a cute collectable icon that I love to decorate my room with, i love the design and clean lines.

Hello Kitty relates to my creativity as Sanrio characters design have influenced areas of my illustration styles. 

St Pauli (consider the st pauli type face and talk about iconic logo and design history, but make concise)

Hamburg Football Team, this label came from a Tee Shirt 

My Dad brought back a gift for my Mum from his most recent trip back to Germany, where our family lives. 

Hamburg is where my Dad went to university and where my parents lived for a period in their life. I identify with the and feel a strong affinity to the City.

I have always been drawn to the design of the St Pauli logo with the provocative skull and cross bones icon and the bold clean type. Is unique for a football team.

Ed Hardy Boots

Don Ed Hardy (born 1945) is an American tattoo artist known for his tattoos, strong influence on the development of modern tattoo styles, and his eponymous apparel and accessories brand.

I bought these boots from Depop.

I value these boots as a piece of vintage archive clothing. The intricate, rebellious and eccentric designs speak to my     tastes. 

They speak to my self expression which I love to show through the outlet of fashion.

Kate Sylvester Ma Tee

Early Kate Sylvester design from the 90’s under the label ‘Sister’, my mum helped design the shirt and came up with the copy text when thinking of the rudest thing a man had said to her, “you know you want it”

Was handed down to my mum to me when 90s fashion came back into fashion. 

Significant to me as my mum and I will be wearing this shirt at the same points in our lives, there are many parallels between us and it feels very special that she allows me to have it. 

The design always reminds me of where i get my creativity from, my mum. And how she allowed me to experiment with art and took me to art classes which has lead and shaped me into who i am today and my love for creative practises. 

Watch

Op shop, ambiguous origin which is mysterious and exciting 

Purchased matched vintage looking watches with my best friend 

Safety Pin

A symbol for punk rock 

Sewing kit collection 

Signifies a connection to sewing which connects to my mum, also to punk rock music I grew up listening to

Often incorporate mixed media and fabrics into my creative practises and this symbolises this aspect of my creative process

Wiesbaden key chain from Nana

Comes from Wiesbaden

My gifted to me in a package sent to me from my Nana who lives in Wiesbaden, Germany 

This is the city where I was born, I am half German and my grandparents and aunt and uncle live there, a strong affinity to the city 

My heritage can influence my creativity and I am influenced by Bauhaus design movements, my Nana also paints and I can see where I get more of my creative tendencies from and romanticing the arts 

Roxy Gal

Build a bear teddy 

Bought matching bears with my bestfriend before she moved back to wellington for the uni year, marked the end of our summer together and started a tradition where we will get one each year.

Special to me as it is a constant reminder of our friendship and to keep going and remember how deep our connection is. 

Sparks my creativity as a reminder of the people around me who have raised me to who I am today, reminds me of all the love and support I have which helps me channel the best I can into my creative practice. 

Belt

Op Shop ambiguous origin, mystery is fun 

Micheal Kors belt I found in the second hand store

Super material and chunky, nice tactility, like to collect vintage designer brands to build my collection

Self expression, aesthetic 

Paint Brushes

Geoffs Emporium 

Birthday gift from mum to inspire me to paint more 

An essential tool in my designers/ creative tool box 

I tend to start my creative oractise in a analog suite, using gestural strokes which i can create with brushes gets me inspired to then digitise these and see where I can take these forms. 

Sewing machine

My grandmothers sewing machine, passed down to my mother 

Is housed in my family home 

Generational item on the maternal side of my family, sewing is a big part of our heritage, another aspect of where I get my creativity from and there is a distinct set of problem solving skills that come with sewing skills

Textiles inspire my creative process as I love playing with different mediums in seemingly unconventional ways

Tattoo Design 

Developed this figure in first year doing the concertinas 

Got this tattooed by a good friends flat mate last year as it came to have a strong meaning to me 

Is a reflecting of my personal growth and reminds me to keep growing as a person, both on a personal and creative level 

Is a constant reminder of some of my favorutie work that has transcended physicality and now will be with me forever. Allows my creativity to take another form and keep pushing and growing. 

Amy Winehouse Poster

Real Groovy Poster 

My brother gifted this to me for christmas 

Have grown up listening to Amy Winehouse, she is my favourite artist and I admire her as an artist and her incredible body of work. Her lyricism is so beautiful and always 

Amy Winehouse is the soundtrack to my creative process, if I am ever in a creative block or need to be productive I will blast her records on my stereo and it always kicks me into gear and allows me to get lost in her voice and my creative process. 

Otto Dix Book

Otto Dix Book from the Tate Gallery collection, originally published in 1992

I bought this from Jasons Books, a second hand book store in the city that my best friends grandmother owns.

I am interesting in the expressionism theory behind his work and the time period of post-war artwork, specifically the portrait of Sylvia Von Harden, in which the colours and andrognous themes greatly inspire my work.

Notebook

Paperblanks Venetian Mornings Fiamma Notebook from Gordon Harris 

Birthday gift from my brother 

Gesture as a gift is special to allow me to my creativity

Notebooks are where all my ideas are born, the notion o f pen on paper allows my thoughts to flow and kickstarts my creative process 

Guerrilla Girls Post Card 

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 

Purchased from the gallery store 

The Guerrilla girls are an anonymous collective that I look up to and follow their movements.

Drives my creative process to have feminist undertones, reminds me how have we have come but how much further we still need to get to for equality in the art world. I take inspiration from their design style and choices, bold and provocative. 

[homeskiwi]

The Essential Guide to Selling Your Home in Auckland: Valuations, Listings, and Agents

Selling a home is both an art and a science, and in the dynamic real estate environment of Auckland, it's crucial to get the blend just right. With the city's property market experiencing consistent growth and shifts, sellers need a comprehensive understanding of valuations, listings, and the pivotal role agents play. Here's your ultimate guide to navigating the Auckland home-selling waters with confidence.

Determining the Right Price

One of the foremost challenges homeowners face when listing their property is deciding on the right asking price. Underprice it, and you risk losing potential profit; overprice it, and it may languish on the market. Platforms like One Roof NZ and Trademe Property offer valuable insights into current houses for sale, giving a preliminary idea of the competition.

For an initial ballpark figure, online tools like value my home NZ can provide quick home valuations based on generic market data and recent sales. However, while useful, these tools should just be a starting point.

For a detailed, tailored property value estimate, nothing beats the expertise of professional real estate companies in NZ or a seasoned real estate agent. They can factor in the nuances of your specific location, the unique features of your home, and the current market dynamics, ensuring a price that's competitive and realistic.

Strategically Listing Your Property

Listing your property isn't just about putting up a 'For Sale' sign and waiting. Strategic listing involves effective marketing, high-quality photos, staging your home for visits, and maybe even virtual tours, especially given the current global situation. Platforms such as Trademe Property allow for spotlight features or premium listings, ensuring your property stands out among the many.

The Power of a Good Agent

While Auckland teems with real estate agents, finding the right one can make the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a drawn-out, stressful experience. A top-tier real estate agent won't just list your property; they'll offer guidance on staging, bring in potential buyers from their network, negotiate fiercely on your behalf, and ensure all paperwork is in order.

In the competitive Auckland market, many properties sell over CV (Capital Value). Having a robust agent can significantly increase the chances of your home joining those ranks. Their insights into the market, combined with the tools they have at their disposal, can be instrumental in securing the best deal.

In Conclusion

Selling a home in Auckland, given its vibrant real estate scene, can be an exhilarating journey. With the right valuation, a strategic listing approach, and the expertise of a seasoned agent, homeowners can look forward to not just selling their property but achieving the best possible outcome in the process.

[housevaluewhatsmy]

Unlocking the Value of Your Property: The Importance of Free Property Appraisal

The real estate market is dynamic and ever-changing, making it crucial for property owners to stay informed about the current value of their assets. A free property appraisal is a valuable tool that empowers homeowners, investors, and sellers to understand the market value of their properties. In this article, we will explore the significance of free property appraisals, the process involved, and the benefits they offer to property owners.

[rubybirdgrad604]

Week Nine - Review Planning

Title

Where I am Situated in the Creative World, My little corner of the design world

The Creative: Reflections of Creations and Communities

Behind the Scenes: Connecting the Creative, Creations, and Communities

Introduction

My journey as a creative - childhood/environment that fostered creativity, always creating + been fascinated with visuals

Purpose of report - to draw connections + explore myself as a creative in the context of my own work and creative communities

Intro to the Cs (Creative, Creation, Creative Communities) - My work, inspirational designers (Kris Sowersby/Klim Type, Johnson Witehira, Seachange, Lily Paris West), community - (collaborative projects eg Māori Typeface, Sentimental Journey, type design, music industry

The Creative

Values and ideas - purpose of design is to have a positive impact (otherwise what is the point + ethics - design has the power to manipulate people’s decision making) ideas in my own work - idea of place/belonging/home, celebration of analogue making and digital, heroing typography + typefaces (fascination with how these seemingly simple forms can communicate and tell people things, in a range of forms - alphabets)

Conventions, media, processes I gravitate to - combination of digital and analogue/process guided by the analogue (printmaking, drawing, etc) typography + bespoke typefaces, clean and simple design

Methods + tools for research/ideas/contexts etc - pen and paper, writing out key notes/words, drawing key visuals, recording research. Very visual - look into best practices of similarly situated projects, test out a range of media for ideation (ink, paint, pen, pencil etc) - drawing + sketching quick way to get ideas out of my head and to test their success

Role + importance of design - super important, guides people’s understanding + knowledge + access to this. Manipulates how people think and learn. This view connects to my love of type - one of the clearest and most effective communication methods, especially visually. Wasteful to use visual skills + power (manipulation) for projects/causes that don’t create a positive contribution to the world. (NZ herald article - design changing from following society to leading it - reinforcing values)

Contextual Review - include images!!! + captions

State of knowledge in the field, best practice. Value of design in New Zealand - NZ Herald article, sense of place and belonging (NZ centric values and culture in design) - strength of the field in NZ. Communication through art ingrained deep in NZ culture eg Haka, Tā moko, tuku tuku)

Best practice + connection to collaboration

1 - Seachange (We Compost)

Themes - environment, social good (NZ connection between environment and place - intrinsic connection, protection + growth)

Significance (me and community) - as a design project probably the first time I realised how important type is, how it can be captivating and playful in a way that deepens understanding - influenced my love of type. Challenged the seriousness of design. Encouragement of social good- something that appeals to audience

2 - Kris Sowersby (Family Typeface, Māori Typeface - Johnson Witehira

Themes  - modernisation (of a historical style of type)

Significance - Sowersby’s passion for type is something that I appreciate and admire. So much love and care goes into the typefaces- respect for the forms. Family is designed to be accessible and everyday, bringing beautiful serif type out of the pretentious and historical contexts it so often inhabits. - significant both in and out of the design community, for everyone.

Māori Typeface collaborative project (Witehira) - significance - personal - collaboration and this work in NZ design community very exciting, so much talent and camaraderie. AGI + Ockham - the care and thought into the work and extensive research behind it really inspiring, attention to detail and the love behind the work evident. Very NZ centric, an homage to the strong sense of place and feeling in NZ design. 3? Or Communities

3 - Lily Paris West (The Beths ‘Expert in a Dying Field) + other work in music industry

Themes - collage/analogue working methods/organic shapes - feels very human, embraces imperfections of human hand.

Significance - to me, bringing back the sense of fun and unseriousness into art and design. Area of design I want to work in one day - connecting two things I love (design and music). Significant to wider NZ creative community (music) - design that is so enticing and fun encourages interaction, celebrating NZ creatives more broadly. 

4 - ?? Johnson Witehira/Tyrone Ohia/Alistair McCready (monolith - place thematic very strong)

Communities of Interest

Learnings from investigating communities - interconnectedness of the industry in NZ

Discoveries

Specific entities/initiatives looked at - Māori Typeface (collaboration, thought +care), Objectspace (TDC, AGI, Ockham Lectures - Witehira. Creative hub/community in itself (Auckland- a local one for me) Sentimental Journey (Kris Sowersby + Sarah Maxey)

Aspirations - drawn more to studios/agencies/in-house design studios - collaboration + connections between people. A good way to learn and feel supported + inspired in the industry. Music industry interesting sphere to work within. Typography/type design - something I want to learn more about.

Reflections on Poster

Introduce, analyse, reflect

Why was system used - reflection of my own creative process, analogue workbook + workspace surface style arrangement

How does system connect to objects - all physical objects + physicality of them important (more connection to analogue) Lots of objects are either creative tools or inspiration taken from my room (workspace, connect to the random/ physical arrangement and scaling)

What does poster say about sensibility as a designer - appreciation of analogue/physical making/paper, appreciation of the process - ideation/planning/making mistakes/experimenting very important to design process

Systems used to write about elements - breakdown of significance of object to myself personally as well as myself as a creative - almost two sides. Displayed on paper - connection to analogue

2X elements that challenged my thinking (reflect) - some objects hard to explain the significance to me - more of a natural connection/sentimental for reasons that I can’t fully identify. Paint swatch - connection to my childhood and how I created then.

Categorisations - myself as a creative vs myself personally. Tools and inspiration vs family + place + home + interests - crossovers

New connection discovered after completing poster

New idea/influence gained from reading/viewing a peer’s poster

Conclusion

Key findings + takeaways that will propel my practice into third year

What key findings/tools shaped my approach to research/writing - analogue brainstorming/notes

Critical reflections that have shaped the outcome - connecting my poster to how I work/my process?

Research  tools from best practice - Māori typeface - depth and breadth of research + PASSION for the project guides/indicators to outcome

Challenging - self reflection and talking about my own work something I struggle with - especially because I am only just starting my creative journey (imposter syndrome)

How has approach to third year changed - encouragement/permission in a way to put more of myself into my work (passion so important)

[cindyhangrad604]

Unpacking Choose Elements

Buddha Statue #1

Explain the Origin of this Element? Buddha’s position helps the viewer to understand what kind of figure he is. His presence shows that he’s in full possession of virtue and wisdom as he observes those who look upon him as a source of energy and joy.

Where did you get this Element? Mum had brought this object for our dining room, where the Buddha statue is displayed on top of our bookshelves. This exemplifies how cultural objects linger in our homes and are taken for granted.

Why is this Element Significant to you? This element is significant to me because the statute has symbolic meaning and has taught me to discover where my values and beliefs stem from. The values and beliefs of the religion want to teach others how to be resilient, learn how to let go, mindfulness and acceptance. This is the source of my beliefs and values; while I am not religious, it has helped me understand who I am.

How is this Element Significant to your Creativity? Acts as a foundation in how I approach a design issue. Religion can be intimidating to the general audience. This element is significant to my creativity as it encourages me to reframe how Buddha is represented visually.

Family Photograph #2

Explain the Origin of this Element? Photograph of my Grandmother and Uncle in a refugee camp. This photograph was used to show proof of their relationship in order for a refugee application to be accepted in New Zealand.

Between 1975 and 1992, many refugees escaped the murderous regime of the Khmer Rouge. Many had to leave their hometown and had to make sacrifices for the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Cambodian journeys. (n.d.). https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/teaching-and-learning-resources/te-kupenga-stories-of-aotearoa-nz/cambodian-journeys

Where did you get this Element? This object was found in my Grandmother's wallet. Photographs can have sentimental value and hold the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories and bring a sense of comfort.

Why is this Element Significant to you? This element is important to me because it allows me to feel connected to my heritage and gaining insight of the environment in which my family grew up. This had made me to learn and appreciate the sacrifices they've made for a better life.

How is this Element Significant to your Creativity? At first, the exploration of my family background and their cultural upbringing and heritage led me to realise a deeper meaning. This element is significant to my creativity is that I wanted to preserve and showcase the sacrifices my family members have made.

Sampot #3

Explain the Origin of this Element? The Sampot (Traditional Khmer Clothing) was created in the 1st century during the Funan era when Cambodian royalty was receiving Chinese government officials. The Cambodian king ordered his people to wear the Sampot in order to cover themselves and please the Chinese visitors.

Where did you get this Element? Tailor Made for the first temple visit in celebrating it's opening.

Why is this Element Significant to you? This element is significant to me. It was my first cultural clothing piece, where I felt connected to my ethnic background. Showcasing a part in who I am.

How is this Element Significant to your Creativity? These elements are significant to my creativity as I like to take inspiration from the style of the clothing. For example, how it’s presented (Elegant, Extravagent), taking inspiration from its patterns.

------

The influence of Chinese culture in the creation of Sampots can still be seen in the patterns and colours of the silk used to make them. Generally speaking, Sampots are made from a beautiful piece of embroidered silk. The fabrics are normally dyed with rich colours and decorated with gold embroideries. Many Sampots are secured at the waist by a golden belt. Traditional dress in Cambodia. (2023, May 15). Personalized and Stress-free Experiences in Asia | Asia Highlights. https://www.asiahighlights.com/cambodia/cambodia-dress

Family Business #4

Explain the Origin of this Element? Bakery sign that was installed before my parents had brought the business.

Where did you get this Element? N/A.

Why is this Element Significant to you? Being a daughter who is a part of a family-owned business. My parents owned a bakery, where I had spent the majority of my childhood. This element is significant to me. The impact of being a part of a family business has its moments and hardships. What I miss about this place, was the community and the relationships I've developed while working there.

How is this Element Significant to your Creativity? Being able to serving a community.

Custom Handscroll #5

Explain the Origin of this Element? N/A

Where did you get this Element? I had gotten this hand scroll custom-made in Vietnam, celebrating TET New Year with my friend and her family. 成 – To be successful 德 – Moral & Virtue.

Why is this Element Significant to you? This element is significant to me as it helped me to feel a sense of belonging. It plays a crucial role in shaping how we view the world and feel connected to those who hold the wisdom and insights of those who came before us. It's also the time for loved ones to come together and celebrate the new year. I haven't celebrated it since my grandparents moved out. Growing up it has made me realise how much I missed the preparation and coming together with others to celebrate it.

How is this Element Significant to your Creativity? This element is significant in my creativity as Chinese calligraphy is to be seen as a form of art.

[laurachina-designresearch]

Week 2 Design Research

Lecture Notes

Design Practices: A Device for Voice and Storytelling

Resources:

McCarthy Studio

Home

Design and Branding Agency in Christchurch, New Zealand

MCCARTHY.STUDIO

Tatiana Tavares

Tatiana Tavares

TATIANA TAVARES

Aaron McClean

Aaron Mclean Zine | Best Awards

BESTAWARDS.CO.NZ

Tyrone Ohia

Tyrone Ohia | Designer

Tyrone Ohia is a Creative Director based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

TYRONEOHIA.COM|TYRONE OHIA

Seachange

Seachange

We are a full-service branding, packaging, digital and graphic design studio producing thoughtful work that is unexpected, brave and endurin

SEACHANGE.STUDIO

Chris Flack

Southern Stories - Chris Flack — The Designers Institute of New Zealand

DESIGNERSINSTITUTE.NZ

Kate van der Drift

Kate van der Drift

Artist portfolio

KATE VAN DER DRIFT

Osborne Shiwan

Osborne Shiwan

Osborne Shiwan is a branding and design studio based in Auckland, New Zealand.

OSBORNE SHIWAN

Meighan Ellis

MEIGHAN ELLIS

MEIGHAN ELLIS – COMMERCIAL + FINE ART PORTFOLIO. +64 21 1392827

MEIGHAN ELLIS

Catherine Griffiths

https://www.catherinegriffiths.co.nz/

Hohua Kurene

Euro - Hōhua Kurene

EUROBAR.CO.NZ

George Hajian

Projects | GEORGE HAJIAN

Online or one-off projects listed chronologically from most recent. Hard Working Covers (2020-) Instagram based project to fund publishing o

GEORGE HAJIAN

Alistair McCready

Alistair McCready, DINZ — The Designers Institute of New Zealand

DESIGNERSINSTITUTE.NZ

Threaded Magazine - an NZ practitioner-focused international design publication.

Five Thematics

Empathy

Collaborative

Connection

Awareness

McCarthy Studio - Arts Month Campaign

Tasked with creating a new identity campaign to allow artists and the public to add their voice to the conversation.

“Art is:”

Tatiana Tavares - Vivian

A project on palliative care

Humanity

Climate crisis

Sustainability

Wellbeing

Stone Soup vol.6

Aaron

Tyrone Ohia - Auckland based creative director, founder of Extended Whanau

Climate change awareness

Compost the magazine after you’ve read it

Tyrone Ohia/ Alt Group - Te Oro 2015

Seachange - Compost Campaign (A-Z of Composting)

Food Nation

Story Telling

Narrative

Context

Sequence

Community

Environment

Protest

Truths + fictions

Identity

Representation

Framing views

Biography 

Osborne Shiwan - Atamira

Catherine Griffiths - Designers Speak Up

Design Research Tutorial

My Creative Values

Taking risks

Make connections between works and artists that inspire you

Embracing different, weird ideas

Trust the process

Push boundaries

Step out of your comfort zone

Experimentation/ make heaps of iterations

Research 

Perspective

Sharing knowledge, work and ideas

Be open to feedback and criticism, use it to your advantage

Problem solve

Taking opportunities

Set goals 

Alt Group - Do Disturb

[scarletttetleyjonesgrad604]

Week 1 Lesson: Reflecting on Design Identity

In this lesson we explored the aspects of our identity that inform our design style and values.

We started by quickly creating a simple poem, inspired by a group brainstorm, that reflected our sense of home. I wrote mine about being held by my mum as a child at Little Oneroa, a Waiheke beach close to where I was born.

seagulls cry in the salt air and land on craggy rocks White lace reels and pulls, the sea shore Through knotted fingers, a slice of pearlescent blue I seek shelter from the wind in the womb of my mothers arms Warm eyes hold the sun and and the sea

What ideas and values does my poem convey?

-the sea as a connection between all people and time, as a source of renewal. Also, as a connection between places of significance to me- Aotearoa/NZ and Coastal Ireland/England/France (lands of my forebears).

-my mum, my forebears, my grandmother- ancestors as a source of strength and belonging- shelter, comfort

-warm colours and feelings, reflecting life force- the sun, bodies, life

-lace- craft as a way to connect with other humans, feel the humanity in an object

-the ocean as a symbol of hope, a reminder of things larger than us.

[sounmashnews]

[ad_1] In the area of a yr Michael* from Porirua’s life modified in essentially the most opposite of the way: He misplaced a beloved one. And he gained $15 million. This is the heartwarming story of 1 man’s generosity, gratitude and humble dedication to his group, NZ Herald studies. “I didn’t own a home,” remembers Michael of his life seven years in the past. “And I’d just gone through losing someone very close to me.”He was residing together with his two grownup kids and “we didn’t have much”, says Michael, who labored for a not-for-profit in his childhood group, “a place where there were a lot of social issues”. It was a job he was endlessly obsessed with.“I had a little bit of debt. The kids had jobs and we were in a good position. We had a car et cetera. But nothing to a luxurious degree. We never had money, not enough to really value it.”But that was about to alter.It had been a harrowing yr for Michael and his kids. “That person close to me was going through a journey, it was a tough journey for all of us,” he says of what ended within the devastating lack of their beloved one.Sitting alone on the sofa one night, Michael, who stored his personal common Lotto numbers, tuned into that evening’s draw.As he watched the colorful balls roll out of the gravity decide machine his eyes grew broad: “I was like, ‘Oh, I’ve won something here.’”His voice wavers as he remembers the second. “Even now I’m getting emotional.“I told my daughter to come and read out the numbers to me. As we read them, it became evident that I’d won.“It was very emotional: a lot of yelling and screaming at first, jumping up and down. But then, I think given the year we’d gone through, there were a few tears.”What occurred subsequent was one thing of a whirlwind: “I basically said to the kids, ‘We’ll go to Auckland.’ And we went up on the Friday and had a great weekend.”Arriving at Lotto in Newmarket, was “pretty surreal”, remembers the newly minted multi-millionaire.“The receptionist said, ‘How can I help?’“And I said, ‘I’m the winner from Porirua.’“They just smiled and from there, everyone at Lotto was really awesome.”That weekend, Michael and his children lived it up: a elaborate resort, lovely meals out and procuring sprees.“I gave the kids a little bit of spending money. They went a little bit crazy. We were all able to enjoy ourselves and take a breath. It took a long time to sink in and we were all just in amazement and dumbfounded that given everything that had happened, this had happened to us as well.”With $15 million to his title, Michael and his children may have continued in that vein for years. But right here’s the place Michael’s story is totally different.“I gave half to my mate.”It was a promise he’d made way back that, even to the tune of $7.5 million, he was decided to honour.“We’d been friends for over 20 years. We’d worked together … two jobs for a long time.”During quiet evening shifts, Michael and his mate would sit smoking cigarettes, “dreaming and talking and laughing”.“I think someone had won Lotto one night and it came up in conversation. We both just said, ‘Okay, if either of us win, we’ll split it in half’.”When Michael got here ahead together with his supply a decade later, his buddy was within the midst of “a lot of challenges, job-wise and health-wise. He was up and earning good money then all of a sudden it changed. So [the money] changed his life even more.“That act of giving half to my friend, no one can say anything in relation to being greedy. That act itself sort of set up that frame around it. I say this with humility but it was a wonderful gift. I’ve never had a second of regret. It was the right thing to do.”With the remainder of Michael’s winnings, he arrange his kids, shocked his siblings with $250,000 every in a recreation of Secret Santa – which he prefaced by telling them it was “just a small gift” – and purchased himself a house.“A house is huge,” he says of his largest buy. “You know, given this day and age and what houses are valued at, I’m grateful that I have a home that’s freehold.

I don’t complain about paying rates or insurance because there are people that are really struggling or even just struggling to get into first homes.”Sometimes, says Michael, he simply sits in his home and feels immensely grateful that it’s his.“I think of people, especially young people, how they struggle at the moment and in general how our country is struggling with inequality. So, I’m just grateful to have what I consider a beautiful home and lie in a nice bed. It’s something I’m very grateful for.”When he’s not at dwelling, Michael has chosen to proceed his group work. And whereas he’s humble in what he shares, the Herald understands his contribution has been immense.“I grew up in a place where there are a lot of social issues,” he says. “I still work there and to still be a part of that community is a privilege. To make a difference, especially for tamariki and rangatahi, is really cool. I just look at them and think of me … where I came from and how I was brought up. I think it all led to me doing that work.“I think people have a very narrow vision of what these children are capable of, whereas they have massive potential to dream and to achieve. That’s what I say when I connect with them.”After his win, Michael remembers saying to his buddy: “Bro, let’s just put a little bit of money into this project. It was, given what we didn’t have, it was a great amount. We’ve never had to put anything else into it, it enabled us to continue that work and build on that initial investment.“Even more now, I can do the stuff I love.”While Michael has chosen to maintain his win nameless, there are some who know, and a few who ask.“You get the odd one that comes out of nowhere and sort of blurts it out. Awkward for them,” he chuckles. “Everyone’s jaw drops and they’re like, ‘Did he or she just say that?’ I just sort of laugh and walk off and say, ‘yeah’.”Despite his generosity to his group work, his buddy and his household, arms have been held out by others too.“It’s been said before but you find out some things about people you thought you were close to. It’s a sad thing, but in a way it tells you more about people … rather than thinking, I’ve upset that person, you think, I’ve done the best I can looking after my family and the people I really care for and love.”Michael’s discovered himself having to stay agency on these choices “because otherwise it becomes a habit, that it’s alright to ask. You have to be able to have strong conversations but in a way that says why. And if they don’t accept it, then that’s what they have to bear, as opposed to that you’ve done something wrong”.Asked if he’s spent up massive on something particularly, comparable to a wardrobe full of garments and footwear, he quips with amusing, “Like Imelda Marcos? No. You actually have to be more decisive about what you buy. Otherwise you end up buying a whole lot that you don’t need.“The money’s enabled me to secure what I see as my financial future and to do the things that I love and to contribute and to serve. It does make you think more about the value of money and securing yourself and your family’s future. It’s really important. If this hadn’t come along, that would have been very, very different.“With that money, you have choice. But with that choice is a lot of responsibility as well. It’s about honouring yourself and your family and the things you believe in.”*Michael’s title has been modified to guard his id.This article initially appeared on NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission [ad_2] Source link

[gulfportofficial]

I’m kinda compelled to explain or just talk about why I’m being Like This about Ana Mardoll and Lockheed Martin, like specifically him (”Like This” as in not shutting up about it and obsessively reading ALL the tweets and bad faith arguments lol.) At the risk of giving myself a wee anxiety spiral about it, I think I will do so below the cut.

SO ANYWAY as you all know because I also never shut up about it, I am very old. Well, too old to be reading this much internet drama lol. I’m 38, which I tell you to contextualize the rest of this tale, starting with the fact that I was 18 when 9/11 happened, and at that time I was out of home, working full time, living a weird life with a man who would turn out to be a very bad person. 

I mention both the weird life and 9/11 because it’s crucial to understand that I was both isolated by a man who was treating me badly, and would go on to treat me criminally badly, and very quickly involved in anti-war activism. At that time I wasn’t remotely involved in organizing, didn’t know any organizerzers, I just. You know. Have never liked imperialism or the senseless murder that goes along with it and went to all the protests. 

A couple of years later I had left the bad man and I was with my husband... and that’s its whole own other thing. My husband definitely was... well, this is not a story about that. Let’s just shorthand it with the fact that I thought he was a fucking prince because he didn’t [redacted] me or [redacted] me, which is a very low bar for a partner, and he was not, actually, obviously, a fucking prince. Suffice it to say, I was still being isolated, bullied, and manipulated in my own home by someone who was supposed to love me. And I was still involved in anti-war activism. Even though my husband was, at the time, AGGRESSIVELY “apolitical” lol.

I don’t know how to explain to you how different it was back then in the early-mid aughts. Facebook literally didn’t exist, no social media did. You had web forums and stuff, but like, for all the clickbait 2-minutes hate outrage issues with social media, what has fundamentally changed from that time is that you kind of have a sense generally of what is happening in the world. We did not have that in the aughts. It was so, so fucking hard to find information about what was actually happening in Iraq. All we had was “legitimate” news sources like TV and newspapers, and those sources LIED to us. Like, openly lied. When they didn’t do that, they misled. I remember once a NZ TV news story talking about how they in fact DIDN’T find WMDs in Iraq and they said this over footage of piles of WMDs? They were saying the “didn’t” real fucking quiet iykwim. 

So we read blogs. I remember how much it meant to me to find Joel Mathis’ blog on which he wrote about how authorizing torture for the occupation was ethically wrong. Not “wrong for American values” or “wrong according to the constitution”, ethically wrong. I read a whole bunch of stuff actually, but what is relevant here is that a friend pointed me to Shakesville and I read that. 

It was real easy to just like, describe yourself as an authority in those days. The thing about Shakesville is it was presented to me as part of general leftism, with a focus on feminism (actually, initially I was introduced to it because of fat politics, and for all my eventual loathing of Shakesville I still have to say that MM did some pretty good work with what she wrote about that), but like crucially as if if you focused on the interpersonal and unpicking the kyriarchy in your individual language and choices, you could totally fight the power. The other thing about Shakesville is that Ana Mardoll was a mod there.

I was never a community member or a devotee, just an on and off reader (I was not there for the All In fiasco, for eg). But Shakesville is an obvious and popular example of the broader thing anyway. That kind of talk was happening everywhere. And I leaned into it HARD! I had gotten into university when I was 22/23 or so and I was studying and learning COLLEGE THINGS about like, as I say, the kyriarchy. I relentlessly picked apart and policed my language and the language of others honestly and sincerely thinking that if I could just get it right, do it exactly right, it would have some kind of positive impact on the world. 

I’m a discourse analyst - someone who studies language and what it does in the world - so obviously I do believe that language and how we use it is VERY important to understanding power within culture, and I’m also not some Bro who thinks that feminism and antiracism and so on in our own homes are “distractions” from the real issues or anything. But the hyperliberal, relentless focus on every single word and interaction as the ONLY site of progressive politics in those spaces, both online and off? Yeah, I fucking hated it. I was miserable and scared all the time. I felt constantly surveilled. 

Great time for someone who already had PTSD (something else I didn’t know at the time) and was getting more of it (something else I ALSO didn’t know at the time). 

But the other thing is I also thought it was fucking STUPID, while simultaneously beating myself up for not being an enlightened enough person to understand that it was Smart Actually, that the best most clever most ethical people (I mean, they said they were) thought this, and what was wrong with me that I couldn’t get there. But I thought it was so stupid! And I couldn’t SAY stupid, that word is ableist. You can’t rip on Yale Legacy Daddy Was The President G.W. Bush for getting Cs and STILL GETTING TO BE THE PRESIDENT because it indicates that you are ableist towards people who do not get As.

(I think about that one all the time because in retrospect it’s such a TELL lol. Just bypassing the point that we’re talking about someone whose class position means he never has to excel to be handed the finest things to cut straight to a world where obviously everybody talks about what grades they got in school and what everybody else got and how they feel about it now, years later, as Very Smart Ladies Obviously on the internet.) These contexts were EMOTIONAL. People cried. You “hurt” them you “invalidated” them you “invisibilized” them you were selfishly focused on the “wrong things” because of your privilege (always theirs, never yours) blah blah blah blah blah. 

Look, my lunchbreak is up so I don’t have time to write anymore, so I’ll just quickly summarize where this story would have went had I had another 1/2 hour: that shit did a lot of damage to my brain and heart, it was bound up together with the damage my home life was doing, and I still struggle with what a complete fucking garbage heap I feel like for DAYS the moment someone deploys that wilting liberal shit on me. 

So basically I’ve been checking in with and mocking Ana’s content for years because it’s kind of like a sanity check. It was not me, it was those fucking people and their goddamned bad opinions. When Ana (like those others) said he was the smartest, goodest, most worthy source for how to Think Right and Be Ethical in the world, he was in fact lying (just like the TV news), because his analysis is neither precise nor useful, neither thoughtful nor kind. 

Popping on twitter to be like, oh ok Ana still thinks making jokes about beans in chili as a Texas thing is “othering bullshit” because some Texans don’t even like chili is kind of centering. Ana still thinks his fucking dog is trans. Ana is a goddamned idiot and the emperor has no clothes and works for Lockheed Martin and was never, ever actually invested in the things I believe in at all. 

[ego-meliorem-esse]

Since you've given some headcanons about Canada and his trash dad France, do you have any about Canada and his other rat parent? Do you consider England and Canada to have a familiar relationship and if so, what's it like?

Oh wow I didn’t expect this to hit me right in the feels as it did

I believe Matts and Arthurs relationship is one of the more complicated ones. As I stated in my previous na bros hc, I think nations are born and don’t just appear (though I like the mysticism that comes with that), therefore I don’t think Matt and Arthur are related by blood. Matt is this bastard Arthur had the pity to let live with him after the Treaty of Paris in 1763. It took such a long time before Arthur even considered Matt to be something else than “the frog’s son”. Where Arthur gave his love to Alfred freely, Matt had to bleed for it, i.e., earn it with blood sweat and tears.

When Matt came to live with the Kirklands he knew about 4 English words altogether. At the start French was banned from Arthur’s home to “teach the boy English as soon as possible”. This French ban of course wasn’t just Arthur being a good teacher. It was him handing out revenge to Francis through the young boy. Then there was the name change from Mathieu to Matthew, along with giving the boy some random English sounding last name (Good god knows Arthur wouldn’t let him have the family last name). Very shitty behavior Art. At this point in time Arthur couldn’t care less about Matthew. Though he did find the boy too be a bit too quiet even for his liking. Whereas Alfred was loud and self-centered, Matt was quiet and selfless. This somehow, for some reason, annoyed Arthur a bit.

The turning point in their relationship was during the early 19th century when Australia and NZ came into the household. Arthur started to appreciate how much Matt cared for them and took care of them. If anyone was to be left in charge when Arthur left for a business matter, it was going to be Matt. At this point Matthew proved himself reliable. Though Matt just wasn’t important enough yet to grant him a paid education, so he had to find the money for his medical studies himself.

Where Matt really shined through was during WW1. In the trenches, in the cold and wet he finally proved to Arthur he was more than the son of his then enemy. Matt proved with his blood and tears of how much value he actually was. It was after the gas attacks in Ypres in 1915, when Matt lost his vision and had to start wearing glasses, where Arthur finally started to unconsciously address the boy with “son”. It was then that Matt turned from “boy” to “son”. At this point Matthew proved himself useful.

The end of the second world war only strengthened their familial relationship. Where Alfred was absent Matt was always there. Always by Arthurs side. The new world liberated the old one. Arthur saw Matt fighting like all hell on D-Day, on Juno. Saw him reach his goal before anyone else and saw him push aside the casualties and march towards a victory that wasn’t even his. This boy was his son. There was no question about it anymore. At this point Matthew proved himself worthy. Matt did enough for Arthur and his empire. Matthew can finally rest.

Today they are truly father and son. Certainly, more so than Matt and Francis. I have no doubt that Matt still holds a certain amount of distance towards Arthur considering their past, but their bond has never been stronger. If anyone has Arthur’s trust, it’s our boy Matt.

The more I type the more I feel my English evaporate… Pls don’t mind the spelling mistakes I’m down with the flu and need some distraction and what better to distract me and make me cry than writing about Matt and his daddy issues :3