August 27

I read quite a bit of my eco-tourism books today, felt rather accomplished, I still need to write an outline for each of the readings but after going through the books I think finding the important parts may be easier. I sent emails out to Rod Barnett from Unitec, he seems rather unhelpful, or rather he just doesnt seem to interested in helping. It could be that he was not ready for people to start asking him questions so early. I also send an email to John Edgar, President of the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society. He replied back fast, possibly an auto response, that he would be out until next week and try sending him a message or calling him then.

I had a meeting with Phil Patton today from IBM. Told me to meet him at O'Hagens Irish Pub on the Viaduct at 5:30.... I went down early to walk around a bit and have a look around. I spotted a guy looking around, I approached him and his name was Euwen... wrong guy. So I decided to sit at the bar and have a drink. The bar tender was real nice she seemed interested in where I was from and what I was up to. I ordered a Kilkenny, very smooth, very good, would definetly order one again. I sat down and 10 minutes later Phil came and grabbed me and told me there was a client he didnt want to deal with. So we went down the street a bit and walked into what looked like a spacestation, called Soul.... the name seemed ironic to me... the contemporary/futuristic look felt very soulless and cold.

Phil was quite helpful tho. He made me feel comfortable and was really friendly. A very genuine, and good hearted person. He told me all about different places to look for apartments, gave me a name of a real estate place, and even told me if they asked for a reference I could use him as one. Also let me know that I should contact the Regional Council as they are the major care takers of Waitakere Ranges, also let me know how to pronounce Waitakere. He also said it may be possible to get a meeting with the head of the Department of Conservation here and some Council of Tourism which would be PERFECT. Also, on a side note had my first New Zealand beer. Speights Gold Ale... nice. So lots of good stuff and plan on a busy day tomorrow, going to bed watching another rugby game and still just as confused as the first time as how the game works.