Frugal rant

Well TV1s business update wasnt good news on Friday. When will the reserve bank pull finger, wake up and reduce company tax rates and personal tax rates?? They go on making this huge profit whilst NZers suffer at the hand of what both the government and the BIG companies are doing - HEY here is a thought - what if NATIONAL are actually behind the slowing economy? BIG BUSINESS could be ya know... its a well known fact nAtional are for BIG business and to increase NZs economy and getting NZ into great debt whilst doing so.... Well maybe I am on to something here.

Labour have quite a fight here - how will they win an election with general NZers really feeling the pinch.

ok...
The Labour government have done on average a good job, remember they had to clean up Nationals mess. They do have a battle ahead, and I hope they can pull an all round financial winner for us all -

MEANWHILE - I have my sewing machine out, and have pillaged the garden for silverbeet, and made bread today - and saved on petrol for the last two weeks by not going anywhere - oh and I am sitting in the dark hows that!

But look - one thing I am doing towards helping the environment and our household spend!

Bay of Islands Cafe Northland Winner Matariki Festival

We have some great news – we were nominated for the Mataariki Industry Awards, Barkers Cafe of the Year...and we WON!

The 2008 Mataariki Industry Awards is an initiative of “Northland Chefs” who largely make up the newest and youngest Branch of the New Zealand Chefs Association. The Mataariki industry Awards are about recognizing the standard and achievements of those in our region who strive to be the best. This is the ultimate awards of Industry Excellence in Hospitality. This year there were 10 award categories that recognised businesses or business persons.

We attended the delightful dinner last night, entertained by Chef Paul Jobin and the team via a “live feed” from the kitchen. Kate Bell Events transformed the Forum North Events room. With the dazzling fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, organza and taffeta bows galore...it was truly an experience. To top it off the 5 course meal prepared by a different Chef per course (from Northland Chefs Association) and matched by Northland Wines... my taste buds were tantalised and I am looking forward to the next dinner!

A big pat on the back to our team at the cafe (for always giving their best), our suppliers, our loyal customers and our business advisors. Also many cheers to Hospitality Standards Institute, Northland Chefs Association and all the sponsors for the evening and the team of organisers!!

And a reminder we are open weekdays, 7.30AM till 5PM and weekends, 9.30AM till 4PM. And available for private functions, MID-WINTER FUNCTIONS..BIRTHDAYS...