Anzacs and my move...

Okay, so Friday is Anzac day in NZ (quite similiar in many ways to Remembrance Day back home). I've learned a few things courtesy of stuff.co.nz- one of the most interesting is as follows: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4493976a11.html

"POPPY DAY: One of the oldest national appeals, usually on the Friday before Anzac Day. Poppies became the symbol of sacrifice and remembrance after French woman, Madame E Guerin, suggested artificial poppies be made by widows and orphans of dead soldiers. They could be sold to benefit veterans and destitute children of northern France. In 1921, 350,000 small poppies and 16,000 large silk poppies were bought by the New Zealand Returned Services Association. The ship delivering the poppies was delayed and instead of Poppy Day being held on Armistice Day (November 11 when World War 1 ended) it was held the following year on the Friday before Anzac Day."

So the poppies here continue to come out before Anzac day.

I'm a week and a half away from my move over to Nelson. Last weekend I was in Nelson trying to line up a place, and I'll be moving on Saturday the 3rd with my new job to start on the 5th.

Do I have thoughts on my exit from Blenheim? I'm ready to move. But I'm also a little terrified about the move back. Will it be as great as I remembered in Nelson?

We went out the Abel Tasman way on the weekend and did a short walk. It was a nice day and tons of families in particular were out with the kids.

Weather has definitely cooled though. It was down to -2 the other day!! The leaves are turning their autumn (not "fall") colours... Winter is coming. I'm really thinking the flat in Nelson is going to be much, much warmer than the current cottage I'm living in. It has big sliding glass doors and it is BRRRRRR cold already. Wake up, breathe out, and see that frost on your breath.

Taxes and times...

Funny- NZ has a 31 March tax year, but that doesn't mean I need to file a tax return. From the IRD website (the NZ "CRA").
"Most people don't need to do anything
Most people who earn salary or wages pay the correct amount of tax and don't need to do anything at the end of the tax year (31 March)."
Not unless you work multiple jobs, or earn less than $9880, etc.

There are several tax brackets, and only 1 level of taxation- NZ not having provinces like in Canada. The tax system is immensely!! more simple.

There is not even a basic personal amount- and not the heaps and heaps of deductions allowed under the Canadian income tax system. There are several exceptions- you can get rebates for child care, housekeeper, and donations.

Employers deduct PAYE (pay as you earn) off every pay cheque at rates specified by government. These basically result in the "right" amount of tax being paid by the end of the year if you work full time on salary. Simpler- and less administration! Even the banks take off PAYE on your deposit interest.

I did my calculation and it was within $10.

The corporate tax regime also seems SO VERY much simpler...

If you're interested check out www.ird.govt.nz

We've turned quite cool this past week with lows in the 7 degree range overnight. We put our clocks back last weekend so its again light in the mornings when I get up- but with the days getting shorter that will soon change.

Time marches on and my time in Blenheim is drawing down. I only have another 3 weeks in my present job, before my move.

Until next time...