when the first presidency speaks

http://www.ldschurch.org.nz/pdf/news/ccnz.htm

For those interested .. the church has decided what to do with the CCNZ site and indeed all of the land surrounding the temple at Hamilton NZ .. They are going to return it too pasture .. you can read the full article at the above link .. I wonder if their returning to pasture includes the temple motels, teachers houses, and MTC ?? surely not.

What does ‘returning the land to pasture’ mean?
The Church will ensure that the components of all CCNZ buildings designated to be dismantled will be removed, including foundations and other construction elements. No building materials will be left in place. The land will be beautified and grassed. Fencing on the street boundaries will be built to high standards.

What buildings and structures will remain on the site?
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple will remain and will continue to be the Church’s spiritual focal point in Temple View. It is proposed that two CCNZ buildings, the Kai Hall and George R. Biesinger Hall, be retained and incorporated into the temple precinct. If it is determined that these buildings need to be upgraded to reflect seismic or other building requirements, this will occur after consultation with the appropriate civil authorities. The Church is assessing if it is feasible for the sports field, terraced seating, changing rooms and the parking area to be retained for the use of the local community. A decision to retain the sporting facilities is not a certainty, however.

What regulatory consents will be required for the Church to proceed with this proposal?
The church is in the process of determining what consents will be required to proceed with its plans. As has always been the case, it values its close working relationship with the elected officers and staff of the Hamilton City Council and will consult carefully with the relevant personnel to ensure that all legislative requirements are fulfilled.

What opportunities are there for creation of a local high school to replace Church College?
This is a matter for local parents and community leaders to examine. We have been informed that some parties have been investigating a proposal for a high school to be built in association with the existing Koromatua Primary School. The Church is not a participant in these discussions except with reference to being a potential source of real estate.

Has the Church considered other uses for the CCNZ buildings rather than having the buildings removed?
The church has considered other uses for the buildings. However, because they were constructed specifically for a high school, it has made it difficult for them to be altered to any other purpose. It was more likely that the buildings would have remained empty and potentially in disrepair for a considerable period and therefore subject to vandalism. This would have had a detrimental impact on the temple and also on the community. The Church was also concerned to ensure that no activities would occur in the buildings that would have been inconsistent with its own values. Thus, the Church decided that it would have been inappropriate to turn the facility over to other community groups or educational agencies.

Dean Vegas - very nearly the next best thing

I've seen Dean Vegas twice. Both performances were entertaining and well worth the trouble. This performance I saw this past weekend was probably my fave. Alot of that had to do with the 70+ yr old grannies throwing their undies at him. He took it all graciously and promptly threw their knickers at this band.

What I like most about this guy is that he doesn't impersonate Elvis, he entertains and does a tribute performance for Elvis. Some might say there's a very fine line between an impersonator and a tribute artist. I can tell the difference. I appreciate the latter much more. I appreciate Dean Vegas.

My mate is the keyboardist for his band. The band is made up of a guitarists, bass player, drummer and my friend on the keyboards. Can I just say .. my mate Fraser is the most awesome keyboardist I have ever heard. The last song for the performance was "American Triology" anyone who knows that song knows it's filled with huge instrumentals, Fraser managed to get every sound needed out of his keyboards. The crowd went wild. Well as wild as the blue rinse set can get, which all you young folk, can actually be pretty full on !

http://www.deanvegas.com/ <=== check out his website

SHE'S GONE

SKA GROUP SPACIFIX performing She's Gone



Saw these guys last week. Across the ditch tour, which was a blend of 3 groups and a dj thrown in for good measure. Renee Geyer headlined, 3 Houses Down followed, and Spacifix ended the evening. What an evening it was ! I am a ska lover from waaaaay back when Devo brang it out. These guys are a cross between Devo and Prince in style and sound and entertainment. One of the best concerts I have been too .. ever .. All three acts absolutely killed it.

I've been pretty lucky of late too become friends with fantastic musicians, who travel in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast, watching each other perform, performing or just jamming. I have to say my favourite outings are going to the jam nights. I even get up regularly now. Usually on command from Vic who runs them. This last week was one of my fave ever. After listening to the rockers it was our turn to jam R'N'B style. Ever heard James Brown "get on up" .. hah .. the boys knew the song but didn't know the words, so we were entertained too 7 minutes of outstanding musicians, showing their thang, singing "get on up" .. for good measure. Loved it. I did "Emotion" by the Bee Gees and also Georgy Porgy by Toto, both songs I have never sung before in my life, but did them anyways. Wasn't too bad I don't think.

Now I am on holidays again .. for 2 weeks. Yeah I know I have been getting the messages from you guys, asking when I am getting back from my last holiday ! .. sorry about that. I just got a bit busy and also had writers block. Meaning I just don't know what too write. So I'll try too let you know waht I've been up too in 10 words or less ?? heh ..

Went too New Zealand - Went too CCNZ reunion - it rocked ! seriously. I never went to Church College - but know plenty of people who have, and felt like one of the alumni, it was like going home too see old friends. 4 days of entertainment, laughter, tears, reminiscing, missing my dad, seeing my aunty, catching up with friends and family. My favourite part of the reunion was the Ball - I 'heard' there was close too 4,000 people in attendance. There were 4 different bands at the ball. The headlining act being Ardijah. Just one of my favourite bands ever !

For those who dont know. CCNZ is the church college of New zealand. A mormon church sponsored school that has been operating for 50 years. 2009 it will be closed down. A very emotional time for everyone in the community and all of those who have been a part of it. My dad was a 1st and 2nd year alumni. The college was built at the same time as the temple in Hamilton New Zealand and has been a very big part of the people, the landscape and the community. There are many different reasons and opinions as to why it is being shut. The thing is that the bretheren at church headquarters have given the call for it too be done, and so it will be done. Very sad, but all good things must come too and end.



After I got back from reunion I got very very New Zealand Home Sick and went about trying to get back there. Unfortunately things have not turned out that way. I have to be honest in saying I didn't put as much effort into it as I should. One reason being I had too go through some "life learning" experiences. You know the type of experiences you don't really want too go through. But I have come through the other side and am still trying to figure out just what it was I was supposed too learn, to be honest ! Though i am still on a mission to go back. Time will tell.

And that my friends, is that. for now.

Hoping you are all well !!\

Kia Kaha