Due Recourse

Friday a week ago, following the MAF Policy Conference and after several weeks of a grueling process including a panel interview, I found out that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry hired me for a permanent role. I've accepted the position of MSO-Records in Wellington at MAF! I walked out that evening and shared a quietly joyous weekend with Beth, culminating in dinner out together on my 36th birthday. The tumult and insecurity of the last six months drained slowly away, and is being replaced by a necessity of purpose.
This follows our being invited to apply for Residence by NZ Immigration this season. This and the faith shown by my bosses in hiring me into a regular vacancy aids my confidence that the process go well in the coming months. Slowly, Beth and I have stacked a pretty good deck and await only the faceless beurocracy of NZ Immigration now. Here's hoping the current scandal over nepotism by it's head will not adversely effect us.
After joblessness, the most troubling foe has been Landlord Leaky's Moldatorium: a.k.a. our place.. Following the completion of our 6 month lease in early June, Beth and I are moving just over the hill to a sunny flat in Crofton Downs. That's the first stop on the train. Come by sometime, there's room.
Much of this has been hatched and plotted (Hell, all of it was) over the last few months. Dreams to reality. An example of Beth's efforts sown are birthing this weekend in her participation in the 48 Hour film festival that's taking place ( I believe worldwide) this weekend. She can tell you more about that. Mine will be borne on the wings of a jet airliner next month for a visit back to the home territories. I'm hammering out the details but, spirits willing, it will take a similar format to past tours. Cincinnati->Champaign->Denver are on notice!
I do this because we (I anyway, for the moment) can. Beth has little vacation time and will remain in Wellington. I bear little faith that the cost or ease of travel that the last generation has enjoyed will continue. Conversely, my love for friends and family is a greater motivator in the choice to do this now.

See you soon...

the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry!

or MAF, has hired me to fix the records system within their Policy Department. Whooda thunk they'd Lettuce? Now Beth's in Social Development and I'm in 'primary industries'.

MAF'S Mission is:

Enhancing New Zealand's Natural Advantage.

Through our purpose:

Leading the protection and sustainable development of our biological resources for all New Zealanders.

The Three Outcomes we are working to achieve are:

Economy:	Sustainable economic growth and prosperity for New Zealanders
People:	Healthy New Zealanders and a vibrant rural community
Environment:	Maintained and Enhanced economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealanders from the natural environment

Most importantly, this gives a second wind to the income of our 'beach-head' here in Aotearoa. Simultaneously my head will vacate the cozy confines of my brain, where it's been stuck far too long.
It's the best thing to happen since a Library Card! At least.
The last few weeks, the term 'draw-down' reached critical nature. Corresponding to an upswing in summer happenings, t he full-court press of the work search tested the best of me. Once again, I'd like to thank Beth for her loving kindness and initiative.
But it's over. Now I get to dig around in the files and documents of the agriculturally richest nation in the world!