THE INTERNAL - NEWSLETTER 32/04

As you all can notice, there is not all that much I can write about at the moment. Nothing exciting is happening at the moment, I think it’s because the weather has been punishing us with a fury and relentlessness comparable to the blind rage of a jealous husband.

There have been an expression of interest concerning a trip to the bay of islands from the 22nd to the 25th of October, from Friday to Monday, Monday being free as it is labor day. But we can discuss what we want to do when we all meet again. It is still a weekend away.

But now, some great news!                                    

Nina is having birthday on the 6th, that’s tomorrow already! Well, happy birthday to you in advance.

On Friday, the 8th there is a party going down in Morrison/Mint, and that’s where she is going to celebrate. Details will be mailed around where and when we’ll meet on Friday.

So far, no one has said anything about being interested in Thievery Corporation, so I assume that it will just be myself and Nina enjoying a Wednesday night out. I will be sure to make you envious that you were not there, promise! J

WHAT ABOUT TODAY?

Just got an email from Jan suggesting that we go to the movie theater and watch what he calls a “hoch anspruchvollen Film”, referring with that to Alien vs. Predator. He did however go on to explain why this film should be considered just that, namely that it depicts the clashing of two very different cultures, and the problems that arise from this.

Ok…..if you say so…..

Anyways, for the rest of us who are not so into this, here are a couple of other movies that we could choose from.

The Stepford Wives: In this remake of the 1975 thriller, a couple moves into a suburban community only to find that the local housewives really seem to get a kick out of being housewives. After some investigation, the terrifying secret is revealed …

Catwoman is the story of shy, sensitive artist Patience Philips (Berry), a woman who can't seem to stop apologizing for her own existence. She works as a graphic designer for Hedare Beauty, a mammoth cosmetics company on the verge of releasing a revolutionary anti-aging product. When Patience inadvertently happens upon a dark secret her employer is hiding, she finds herself in the middle of a corporate conspiracy. What happens next changes Patience forever.

Soul Plane. After a terrible in-flight experience, Nashawn Wade sues an airline and is awarded a huge settlement. He takes the money and uses it to found an airline of his own, with sexy flight attendants, cool music, and an in-flight dance party on each plane.

Rating: R16 - Offensive Language, Drug Use & Sexual

Supersize me. What would happen if you ate nothing but fast food for an entire month? Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock does just that and embarks on the most perilous journey of his life. The rules? For 30 days he can't eat or drink anything that isn't on McDonald's menu; he must wolf three squares a day; he must consume everything on the menu at least once and supersize his meal if asked. Spurlock treks across America interviewing a host of experts on fast food and an equal number of regular folk while chowing down at the Golden Arches. Spurlock's grueling drive-through diet spirals him into a physical and emotional metamorphosis that will make you think twice about picking up another Big Mac.

There’s a lot more to choose from, which we can do when we meet there. Now we are going to have a huge problem about meeting, because A vs. P starts at 8.30 and almost all the other films at sometime past 9.

LORD OF THE RINGS LOCATIONS

North Island

Waikato

The area around Matamata was transformed into the village of Hobbiton, home of the hobbits, where Frodo began his perilous journey.

The rolling green hills of Waikato perfectly portray the peaceful Shire, home of Bilbo and Frodo for many years. The rural landscape of ordered farms and hedgerows is a delight. Parts of the set still remain and can be visited by guided tour, giving an opportunity to follow the same green paths to Bag End and the Party Tree. Further north, on the coast near Port Waikato, are the frowning slopes of Weathertop where Frodo was stabbed by the Black Rider.

Ruapehu

Many visit the slopes of Mt Ruapehu in winter, a popular skiing location. In other seasons however, the scarred rocky incline of Mt Ruapehu becomes the Emyn Muil where Frodo and Sam captured Gollum.

Nearby are the slopes of Mt Doom, the epicentre of evil, and home to Sauron. Here was the battle of the Last Alliance at the end of the Second Age when the Ring was cut from the hand of Sauron. At Ohakune, Gollum caught fish beneath the forested slopes of Mt Ruapehu. These sites can be visited with a pair of walking shoes within one kilometre of major roads, or they can be seen from the air.

à Mt Ruapehu:       Scenes shot in this area include Mordor and the Emyn Muil.

à Ohakune:             Scenes shot here include Ithilien and Mordor.

Wellington

The capital of New Zealand is also the capital of Middle-earth. Within the Wellington region are the outer reaches of the Shire, where Frodo and the hobbits escaped the Black Riders. Also located near Wellington are the evil tower of Saruman, the hidden refuge of Rivendell and the encampment of Dunharrow.

Home to the cast and crew for over three years, Wellington has a cosmopolitan richness and compactness that allows the visitor to shop in stores explored by Liv Tyler, and then within minutes walk the leafy lanes of Mt Victoria.

A drive over the hills to the Wairarapa will take you to the eerie Putangirua Pinnacles, where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli sought the Paths of the Dead.

à Otaki:                    Scenes shot here for the outer Shire.

à Paraparaumu:    Close up shots for the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

                                    Activities: Bird watching on Kapiti Island, vintage car                                                   museum

à Kaitoke Regional Park: Film location for Rivendell and the Fords of Isen.

South Island

Nelson

The artisans of Nelson crafted The One Ring, brewed the beer that was served at The Prancing Pony at Breeand created many of the props of Middle-earth.  

Further inland, and only accessible by helicopter, is the ridge where the Fellowship rested after the horrors of the Mines of Moria  and hid from the evil crows of Saruman. Along the coast, past beaches of golden sands, lies Chetwood Forest, where Aragorn and the hobbits fled after their stay at Bree. Helicopter tours operate in Kahurangi National Park, providing access to the more remote film locations.

à Kahurangi National Park: Scenes shot here include Chetwood Forest, Dimrill                                    Dale and South Rivendell.

à Takaka:                Scenes shot here include Chetwood Forest and the outer                                        Shire.

à Nelson:                Props including the ‘One Ring’  were created by local                                                            artisans. Beer for the                                                                                                          Prancing Pony was brewed here.

                                    Activities: winery & brewery tours

Fjordland

This mountainous region of unspoilt forests and lakes was the home of two of the more remote regions of Middle-earth.

The Waiau River between Te Anau and Manapouri doubled as the River Anduin as the Fellowship paddled south from Lothlórien, and the surrounding high peaks became the rough country south of Rivendell. Clear blue alpine lakes lap against shores of verdant native bush embraced by precipitous mountains.

Using Te Anau as a base you can jet-boat the Anduin, gaze at the Misty Mountains  from a Doubtful Sound Cruise or experience your own walking adventure along the Kepler Track.

à Te Anau:              Scenes were shot in this area from Fangorn Forest.

                                    Activities: glow worm caves, boat cruises

à Waiau River:      This area was used to depict some of the River Anduin.

à Norwest Lakes:Scenes filmed in this area include South Rivendell and the                                     Flight to Ford.

à Doubtful Sound: The Deepest Fjord in Fjordland.

Queenstown

The many and varied landscapes around Queenstown, Glenorchy and Arrowtown meant that more country-side scenes were filmed here than anywhere else.

Within a day’s drive you can visit the eaves of Lothlórien, walk along the ridge in Ithilien where Sam and Frodo first saw the terrifying Oliphants, or stand at the Ford of Bruinen where Arwen drove back the Black Riders. Five minutes drive from the Airport is Deer Park Heights, where the wargs attacked the Rohan refugees and where Gandalf rode to Minas Tirith. Here you can bungy jump like Orlando Bloom or take a tour by jet-boat, helicopter or 4WD to several film locations.

à Glenorchy:          Scenes shot here include Isengard, Lothlorien, Misty                                                             Mountains & Amon Hen.

à Arrowtown:        Scenes shot in this area include the Ford of Bruinen and the                                          Gladden Fields

                                    Activities: panning for gold, canyoning, white water rafting

à Queenstown:      The Remarkables feature as Dimrill Dale and the Kawarau                                                 River as the Anduin.

à Deer Park Heights: Scenes filmed here include Minas Tirith and the Attack of                                             the Wargs.

                                    You can take a guided tour of the park!

Mackenzie

New Zealand encapsulates all the geographical  features of Middle-earth, and this is strikingly apparent near Twizel in the Mackenzie Country.

Here the epic battle of the Pelennor Fields (Return of the King) took place, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan. The

grassy fields that stretch to the foothills of the White Mountains  are really here - exactly as described in The Lord of the Rings. Stay in the friendly town of Twizel and take

a guided tour of the high country station that witnessed over 300 horses take part

in the battle to defend Minas Tirith.

à Twizel & Ben-Ohau Sheeps Station: The Battle of Pelennor Fields was shot                                                 here.

Canterbury

The flat Canterbury Plains stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the high peaks of the Southern Alps. Within the deep valleys hidden near Mt Sunday  the Rohirrim city of Edoras was constructed, as well as  the Court of Meduseld home of King Theoden.

As glaciers retreated at the end of the last Ice Age, large valleys remained and Mt Sunday overlooking Erewhon appears as if it has leapt from the pages of JRR Tolkien's book. The drive to Edoras from Christchurch is one of contrasts you cross flat plains before entering a hidden realm of brown grass and snow-capped peaks.

à Erewhon:             This area was used for various Edoras landscape scenes.

                                    Acitivies: Hot Air Ballooning, abseiling, bush walking, sky                                         diving

à Mt Sunday:         Set for Edoras, the Capital of Rohan.

                                    Activities: Hot Air Ballooning, abseiling, sky diving

WEEKEND SUGGESTIONS

Horse Treks

Horseback Riding at MacKenzie Farmstay Warkworth

1 hour north of Auckland

Farm and forest treks (1hr NZ$25 & 2hrs NZ$45). Bookings essential.

Pakiri Beach Horse Rides . . .
You will be absolutely thrilled to enjoy our superb Horse Rides on the most beautiful of pure white sandy ocean beaches!
Just one and a half hours away from Auckland.
Price List Horse Rides: 1 Hour $40.00 per person (Recommended for novices and children under 10yrs). 2 Hour $70.00 per person . ½ day $90.00 per person Full day $185.00 per person includes lunch.
Bookings essential. (http://www.horseride-nz.co.nz/.)

Horse riding Waiwera at Ti Tree Hills Horse Treks

Guided horse treks for beginners and experienced riders
Rides through our native bush, see kauri and regenerating bush and lovely ferns. Admire the incredible views of the Hauraki Gulf and the Hibiscus Coast and Coromandel 

One hour horse treks - $30

Two hour horse treks - $50

Bookings essential (http://www.titreehills.co.nz/)

Back to Nature

Volcanic cones: Auckland has numerous volcanic hills ideal for short walks and great views. Auckland landmark Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) is a popular choice. Set in the rolling farmland of Cornwall Park, the summit offers panoramic views.

Waitakere Ranges: West of Auckland, these mountains contain about 200km of walking and tramping tracks, and more than 500 types of native trees and plants.

Hunua Ranges: South of Auckland, the rugged Hunuas offer waterfalls, abseiling and a network of bushwalks.

Rangitoto: Auckland’s highest volcano, Rangitoto Island (260m), has a unique scoria landscape with native bush and boardwalks. There are dramatic 360 degree views of the harbor from its summit.

Tickets there with the ferry cost $20,40

Departs Auckland 09:15, 12:15 and 3:15

WEEKEND GIG GUIDE

FRIDAY 8th OCTOBER

Morrison
DJ's: Sample Gee (Mint), Tim Phin (Our House), Soane, Mark Emerson, Karn Hall, Ange, Amy B
Biggie presents Smoove - Sexy & Soulful House music. Come celebrate the launch of Smoove in style. Smoove will satisfy the party people with its finely tuned selection of vinyl junkies & an atmosphere to match.
Free Frenzy for the first 100 payers/ticket holders through on the night.
Presales only $10 - txt SM to 858 from your Vodafone mobile.

Cube - High Street: 10pm till late
DJ's: Leighton, Scarlet , Jason Jones, RP, Dave Hook, Lukas, Tweakk Nukleuz CD release event
$10 on the door Fusion VIP Members (register at www.fusionrecords.co.nz)
$15 on the door
Nukleuz Presents
Hard Beat : The Second Coming CD release party
To celebrate the 25th Hard Beat release, Nukleuz has produced the hard dance CD of the year.
Disc 1 mixed by Ilogik contains 16 of the biggest Hard Beat tunes both classic and future.
Disc 2 contains 10 full length unmixed Hard Beat tracks.

Fu Bar

RES and ALPHRISK COMBINED ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

ALPHRISK: (The silent one... But not anymore!). The long standing Deceptikonz member known for his sharp delivery and story telling flow is stepping to the forefront with his solo career, having assisted on many high profile NZ hip hop classics and destroying a number of local mix tapes he is now set to release his debut solo album "Deceptikonz Presents: Alphrisk - The Best Kept Secret". Entirely produced by Mareko & R.E.S. boardsman Nate D with guest producer Scram Jones. Alphrisk will set the benchmark for aspiring local MC's... The best kept secret.
R.E.S.: Hailing from South Onehunga, R.E.S. the 3 man crew of JesOne, Venomous and Techswift are taking underground Aotearoa Hip Hop by storm with their vibrantly aggressive lyrical skills and haunting production from Nate D & Red eye Society are leading the game for the next generation of NZ Hip Hop. "R.E.S. - Red Eye Society".

$15 on door

SATURDAY 9th OCTOBER

Fu Bar

BLAZIN'

The only thing Fu's Blazin' crew get militant about is providing a damn good party vibe. So when you're down to shake it, not break it - check out some fo Blazin's diverse premium Hip Hop offerings...

$10 (less with members tag)

DJ’s: PARI and DFORM

MESSAGE FROM JONATHAN

Hi Guys!  Hope you are enjoying Auckland!

Not that we are trying to get rid of you or anything, but I thought today I would write just a little bit about leaving Auckland.  Specifically, going on short trips away from NZ.

One of the things that NZérs and Australians envy about Europeans is that they can drive or fly a mere hour or two and be in a different country.  Not so easy when you are living on an island in the middle of the South Pacific!

But while NZ doesn’t actually have any neighbours, kiwis are renowned for getting out and seeing the world.  There are many airlines which services Auckland and can take you virtually anywhere in Asia or the South Pacific.

Fiji is a popular holiday destination, Bali is legendary (although infamous now), and of course Australia is only $400 or so dollars away (that’s NZ dollars, not US Dollars!)  But some lesser known gems of the Pacific are Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tahiti! Very beautiful in their own right. 

Asia is also close . . (well actually it isn’t, but the funny thing about flying is that it’s *relatively* close), and so you can get specials to Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan – pretty much anywhere (except North Korea).  Similarly, airlines now fly the Auckland – South America route, although this isn’t the sort of trip you would make for a week away!

So there you have it – you can hop over to some exotic Pacific Island for a week or two of sunning and sanding!  Just be sure you send us postcards!

THAT’S IT FOR TODAY!

Bay of Islands