Travel experiences: Australia

Don’t Judge an Island by its Cover

*The Flight Over*

I was five minutes away from landing on my new home, Hamilton Island. The water was as blue as you see in the photos, and the island looked absolutely perfect from above. I stepped off the plane to be greeted by a blistering heat, but I was too excited about the journey ahead to really care. My mate Ian came around to pick me up in his ute, dressed in Steve Irwin-like attire and smelling of sweat. He had been here for a week already with another friend of mine, which made my introduction to the island life a lot easier. I thought I had a good idea of what I was in for, but I soon found out how far off my perception really was.

*Background*

Hamilton Island is 1 of the 74 islands that comprise the Whitsundays, and only 1 of the 7 that accommodate resort facilities. The island is quite big, roughly 750 hectares of white sand and awe-inspiring fauna and flora. The island is not just known for its relaxing atmosphere, but also for its party scene, with activities such as nightclubs and bars, a karaoke restaurant and party cruises. The island has a diverse range of activities, from water-skiing to reef fishing, scenic walking trails to snorkeling and more. The accommodation is top-notch as well, all the way from 3 star to 5 star (with a 6 star complex in development). The island is perfect, and I came to realise that in many different ways.

*New Places, New Faces – and a whole lot of alcohol*

We initially had to set up camp in a backpackers resort on the mainland just outside of Airlie Beach. As developed as the island was, they had no room to house the influx of holiday workers. This was fine with me, because I had my mates to keep me company. I was not starting work for another five days, so in the meantime I would be hiding in their cabin watching movies or sleeping. On occasions I would head over to the pool and have a swim or walk to the shopping centre to buy some food. I soon made friends with a group of New Zealand backpackers who were also working on the island, and we would spend most nights at the pub getting stuck into each other about our accents.

The night before I started my first day of work was a memorable one to say the least. The nightlife on the mainland went off; the crowd was friendly and the company was plentiful. Wednesday night was known as ladies night’ said my mate Jake when I spoke to him, which meant free drinks at happy hour for our female companions (laughs). It

Aucklands Early History

Pre-1840.Hobson’s Choice.The other side of the world.Despite this 306 settlers got onto the Duchess of Argyle and 255 onto the Jane Gifford and left Greenock Scotland for Auckland and an uncertain future. They arrived in Auckland 16 weeks later on the October 8th 1842. The Duchess of Argyle arrived first but got stuck on a sandbank and the Jane Gifford sailed past, it wasn’t until the following day with the high tide that the Duchess of Argyle’s passengers made landfall. With the arrival of the first overseas immigration ship the settlement really took off. Despite Sir Logan Campbells view that these new arrivals with not of the rich capitalist class Auckland needed for investment, in truth these were just the kind of people Auckland needed, average plebs, hard working tradesman, farmers, labourers and artisans, people with the neccessary skills to create a useful economy. (On the Duchess of Argyle a young 10 year old Robert Laing had arrived with his mother Anne McDonell Laing COX and his step-father to begin a new life and so one of my ancestors became a first settler and helped build Auckland. He would die in 1925 aged 92 during which time he had lived to see Auckland become New Zealand’s major city.) These were the first of many more overseas immigrants who would help swell Aucklands population, along with the fact these early immigrants themselves had large families.By 1852 Auckland was a town with its own society. A population of 4,500 in the town itself and another 3,500 listed in the borough in surrounding farmlands.As well as these there was the army with its officers, artillery, engineers. At this time the New Zealand fencible settlers were arriving in Auckland bringing in another 2,500 settlers between 1847 – 1852 (these were retired soliders (721 in total) who volunteered for New Zealand on the condition they gave part-time army service in return for a 2 room cottage and an acre of land, they are now estimated to have over a quarter of a million descendants). They were brought to Auckland to help defend it against a possible Maori invasion from the strong Waikato tribes. Fencible villages included Howick, Onehunga, Panmure, and Otahuhu.In this small society there were many comings and goings. Soliders posted to elsewhere in the British empire, new settlers, others who ‘cleared out’ deciding Auckland was not for them, visiting ships and sailors, merchants and others who travelled the world. There was no landed gentry, not alot of old persons, and no old settled families and less formality as had been in England. In fact there was the beginning of a new society, a classless society that the whole of New Zealand was growing into, not they had fully realised this yet. Consider this quote from the New Zealander “Pretension and assumption are quickly seen through, and valued at their worth. Rank, station, fortune, family connection, unless supported by character, ability, public spirit or liberality, receive but small respect.” This was going to be a city where who you were and what you did and achieved mattered more than inherited wealth and titles. Despite this servants were in great demand. One of the problems for ‘ladies’ was the difficulty in getting and retaining trained servants. One of the problems being with the lack of females in the colony they were constantly poached away by getting married and taking on new domestic duties.Fashion was very much as it was in England though ‘delayed’ somewhat, and the clothes whilst the same designs tended to be made out of lighter fabrics like cotton due to New Zealand’s warm climate (remember most of these people had come from England, Ireland and Scotland), with other changes like straw hats. It must have been difficult to keep clean with all the roads being dirt. Houses were small wooden cottages, or raupo huts. Few stone buildings of note yet existed and transport was by boat or horse.In such a small town one of the greatest activities was ‘gossip’ as this quote from the New Zealander 2/6/1852 states “New comers, especially those who have had no experience of the “tittle-tattle”, common, all the world over, in small communities, are struck with the prevalence of “gossip”. But finding that it is “neighbour’s fare” – that it is no respecter of persons – thats its equal pressure in all directions destroys its force – they soon become almost as unconscious of its existence as of the air they breath”.Regarding living standards Auckland was considered an expense place to live with rents being double of a similar sized place in England. However wages were somewhat better, particularly servants wages which were double. There were no rates, taxes or dues of any kind (what happened?!). Clothing was more expensive, but wine, spirits and groceries were cheaper. Fish was plentiful and cheap, (although they complained about the quality, not having refined their english tastes to our local varieties yet). Bread and Butchers meat were about the same price as in England. Vegetables were abundant and Maori Natives brought in huge quantities of produce via canoe – 20 tons of onions, over 100 tons of potatoes, as well as corn, cabbages, kumera and peaches. (This trade was brought to a crushing halt by the Waikato wars). For the gardener peaches, strawberry, apples and figs, melons, plums, pears, gooseberries and cherries could be grown easily.In fact Auckland was considered a good place to live with no beggars and the average citizen eating meat at least twice a day. For the average settler, life had become much better than back ‘home’. If accident befell them their neighbours would pitch in to help.Local relationships with the Maori were considered excellent at this stage, being a healthy trade between the two peoples, food as mention before brought from Maori farmers (normally communal farms), and horses, boats, imported goods, flour mills being brought in turn by the Maori. Further they provided a source of cheap labour. It was not uncommon to see numerous maori canoes in either habour. Maori were seen to be “Good humored, ever ready to enjoy a joke, and a laugh, and always appearing self satisfied and contented.” (THE NEW ZEALANDER). Past battles and deaths were seen as a thing of the past (how wrong they were).With the arrival of further immigrants Auckland continued to grow. From the original settlers by 1860 there were 8,000 in the city and 14,000 in the surrounds, by 1880 both those numbers had doubled, by the turn of the century those numbers had doubled again to 38,000 in the city and 68,000 in the metropolitan area. Merchants grew and with the finding of Gold in Victoria and then in Thames wealth was brought into the region and back by gold miners. Imports and exports continued to grow as did the importance of the habour and surrounding industries.Most internal transport was on dirt or metaled roads via horse and cart, though eventually railways and tramways were laid.Merchants such as Samuel Cochrane who had immigrated from the United States of S.Cochrane and sons build up business and spread into auctioneering, boat transport, mining and much more. (Another early ancestor of mine).Soon would come motor cars would come and they would change the face of Auckland. Roads and Motorways would turn Auckland from a city into an urban spawl, particularly after the second world war.One should remember for the much of the last century much of Auckland was farmland. As seen from this 1912 view from One Tree Hill passed Manukau Road towards Hillsborough. This same scene now would be a mass of houses. What will it look like in another hundred years time? (see original webpage) Submit Articles
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This site is on the early history of Auckland and is particularly dedicated to those early auckland settlers and pioneers who made the dangerous voyage from the other side of the world to settle in Auckland, New Zealand. In particular it is dedicated to my own ancestors who were early settlers in Auckland and helped create the early history of Auckland.Auckland had a substantial Maori history and settlement prior to white settlement. Just walking around the many volcanic cones of the city one can see the many kumura pits, terracing and other signs of what were once substantial hill pahs (forts). By 1840 these no longer existed and the area was relatively vacant. In fact some local Maori invited and sold land to Europeans in the hope of obtaining protection from further violent wars from tribes of the North. The crown would later overturn these land deals for its own benefit. Prior to 1840 most Europeans settling in New Zealand lived in the Wellington area (approx. 1600) where a settlement was established by the New Zealand Company and in Northland at Russell (about 600) and around the Bay of Islands. Few would have predicted that Auckland would become the pre-emienant city in New Zealand with only 2 white settlers in the Waitemata at this time.All that was to change when in 1840 Governor Lt. William Hobson chose the isthmus as the site of his future capital. With fertile volcanic soils, twin habours, rivers to the North and South and a good climate it was an inspired choice. 3000 acres were brought from the local Maori chiefs – the Ngati Whatua. The Crown paid 341 for the original land handed over for the settlement (3000 acres). Six months later, just 44 acres of that land was resold by the Government to settlers for 24,275. (not a bad profit and this same ‘crown/state’ expects the tax payer today to fork out to settle Maori land claims, the irony is not lost on this writer). Shortly the first ship the Platina arrived from Wellington with Hobsons pre-fab. house (Mannning Frame House) and 3 days later the Anna Watson from the Bay of Islands arrived with the first group of internal settlers. At 1:00pm on Friday 18th day of September 1840 Captain Symonds, also a chief Magistrate raised the Union Jack, both ships fired their guns and Auckland was founded. At first living in raupo huts and tents these ‘mechanics’ (tradesmen) and officials (government bureaucrats) began to build the beginnings of a town.Imagine now if you will you are on the other side of the world. You decide you are sick of living in crowded impovised conditions in Scotland. Thanks to the combination of many factors including industrialisation, the throwing of people off lands, and increasing birth rate, there are now large overcrowded slums. You hear of the opportunities that exist on the other side of the world, new lands with man eating natives. To get there you will have to spend at least 3 months on a sailing ship and you have no guarantee you will get there. Ships sunk on a regular basis and even if the vovage was without incident you had a 1 in 15 chance of not making it to your destination (given on average on a ship of 300 persons approximately 20 died on the way, I don’t think many of us would get on a 747 if given those odds). Perhaps now we should have a greater respect for those early white settlers. Not only would the trip be dangerous, on arrival only hard work awaited.What was early Auckland like?Despite its relatively small size it considered itself as having a considerable society. As the seat of government it had numerous government officials as well as the seat of most of the churches, including Bishopricks of N.Z (Church of England) and of Rome (Catholic) and the Seat of the Missionary society’s pacific operations & the Wesleyan Mission as well. One should remember at this time in history churches still had a tremendious influence over the lifes of people and had large resources at their disposal to support missionary work throughout the pacific.(On the Inchinnan which arrived on 27th May 1852 was a John McNeil and his family who settled in Howick, Auckland and so began another branch of my family tree, one of his sons would follow the solider tradition and fight in the Waikato War).Auckland was said to have no religious or political bickering, and that any dispute could be aired in the two local newspapers, the New Zealander and the Southern Cross, which were published twice weekly.Aucklanders didn’t see a great city taking shape before them at this stage, Auckland only 12 years old and was seen as a watering hole to replenish ships, supplies, people, etc.In Summer once a week the Regimental Band played on the well kept lawns of government house (now site of Auckland University) for a couple of hours. Society had 3 to 4 balls. And once a year to celebrate the Queens Birthday (Victoria), the Governor would throw a ball and invite 200 of the most important people. Families went on picnics, with boating, bush walking, horse riding being the favourite outdoor activities, and for the more adventuress trips to the Island of Kawau, or to the the Waikato and the lakes of Rotorua awaited. Also popular were school feasts, lectures, and stitcheries. For the sporting minded there was an annual race meeting and cricket matches. Of great importance was the Auckland Regatta (still going strong) in which sailing craft of all types took part, there was even a races for native canoes, one for no more than 12 natives, and one for unlimited numbers.Living in the countryside was considered cheap, but living standards were basic, a raupo hut (brought for 10 pounds), a couple of pigs and chickens, wheat, potatoes, pumpkins and a house cow were considered sufficient to live on.Crime was considered rare and on reading the papers they regularly published the results of ‘police court’, e.g. two persons charged with being drunk, one for swearing, one for parking their cart as to block a road, would be a standard weeks matters. Capital punishment was still available but rarely needed.One of the most important events was the arrival of a ship. Auckland habour was a center of trade and of vital importance to the growth of the city. With the coming of a ship came the much appreciated letters from home and news of the world (abet already 3-6 months old). Such was this anticipated that a large crowd would wait outside the post office for it to open. Further with the ships came necessary imported goods and in turn goods were exported to the world, in particular wheat and wood to Sydney, Tin and whale products.Sailing ships of all sorts, brigs, barques, clippers and even the new steam ships made regular calls to auckland.Important structures like the customs house, post office and others were made of stone and were multi-storied and gave Auckland the feel of a large town.As Auckland continued to grow a multitude of problems emerged. As can be seen in the above picture roads were dirt. Ineffective local government, funding problems and a lack of basic planning meant some of the basics we take for granted today were not available. Early water came from what is now the duck ponds in the Auckland Domain and then western springs, but it wasn’t until the first dam was established in the Waitakere’s in 1907 that the first reliable and quality water began to flow though the pipes. Likewise electricity began in 1908.Old Auckland continued to grow and to change over the years, old businesses went and new ones started. In fact much of old Auckland would be unrecognisable to the modern Aucklander. Take this view of Queen Street with the Town Hall taken in 1923. Everything else in the picture has changed greatly. The Aotea square now fills most of this picture and the street going up the other side of the town hall is gone. Buildings such as the town hall and the customs house make more sense in their original context for which they were built.For original photos and pictures visit

http://early-history-auckland.blogspot.com

Travel Pre and Post Internet

Title: Travel: Pre and Post Internet.

By: The Nomad

Travel Pre Internet:

I’ve been travelling for over 40 years – by thumb in my early days, by boots in the Scouts, a Lambretta came next and then my first old banger followed by newer old bangers to the beaches of the Costa Brava.

My thumb, boots, bikes and bangers took me all over Europe and the UK before finding that a charter flight to Spain on an old ‘Connie’ could get me to the beaches and bars a lot quicker and allow more time to enjoy the local travel opportunities by horse and cart and the occasional bus and train.

‘Go West and Prosper’ seemed to be a good idea so instead of taking an 8 hour flight I took an 8 day transatlantic crossing from Tilbury to Montreal on the Stephan Batory of Polish Ocean Lines ensuring that jet lag did not trouble my travel plans. Some years later I crossed the pond again on a ship but this time it was 5 times bigger and I travelled in style on the QE2 and dined in the Queen’s Grill somewhat removed from my earlier experience. I highly recommend ocean voyages but cannot see myself on one of the modern cruise ships going from port to port with constant line-ups to get on and off to buy t-shirts. However, I have done 10 Windjammers and a Star Clipper cruise in the Caribbean which were all memorable (let’s hope Windjammer Barefoot Cruises recover from their woes). But I digress.

I had read that Canada is a spectacular country, from sea to shining sea, and my entrance into the St. Lawrence River to Montreal and then heading west in an old Econoline van from the Great Lakes, across the Prairies to the Rocky Mountains before ending up whale watching off of the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island was a trip of wonder to a bloke from London. Today the scenery is still spectacular and the best way to go is still by road so rent or buy a car, motorhome or motorbike, take the train or tour bus but remember the maps, a fly rod, good boots and take your time.

My favorite part of Canada / USA for adventure travel has to be Northern BC / Alaska, to hike the Chilkoot Trail in the steps of the goldseekers of 1898. The Northwest Territories to canoe the Nahannie River and the Yukon to drive from Dawson City to Chicken, Alaska. If you like the outdoors and can put up with a few bugs, cast a fly and scale a few hills or drive on endless dirt roads sharing the space with moose, caribou, elk, bears and eagles, then these are the places to put on your list. The pleasures and experiences in driving to Inuvik on the Dempster Highway or to Prudhoe Bay on the Dalton Highway or even the Canol Road can only be felt by doing them. I would have mentioned the Alaska Highway but now it is an easy drive unlike the aforementioned.

Today the costs of driving these distances may mean that sharing the journey with others is required, but RVing or simply vanning and camping is a great way to see beyond the horizon. Some enroute adventures now need to be booked in advance whereas when I hiked Denali and the Chilkoot Pass it was just a case of turning up, registering with the local ranger office and heading on out. A little more forward planning is needed for today’s traveller and cost considerations of lengthy flights or drives have to somehow be countered with more careful planning. In the days of reasonable gas prices I would not even consider the driving or flying costs and have driven to Key West from the northwest coast, down the west coast to the Baja and to the west coast from New York. I once even flew my 1946 Fleet taildragger from the Pacific to the Atlantic and back using around 5 gallons an hour of avgas. Before the oil and credit crisis I drove from Rio de Janeiro to Lima, down to Tierra del Fuego and back to Rio covering over 15,000 miles of spectacular scenery and with no consideration about the cost of gas. South America should be on your itinerary too! Some other memorable drives that may now require a mortgage with the gas companies include London to The Nordkapp, Norway, Skippers Canyon in New Zealand and the loneliness of the far north of Australia and the amazing coast of Western Australia stopping by at Monkey Mia and Wave Rock.

We tend to forget that the real cost of travelling is often less today than over the 40 years of my travels. In 1977 my round-trip airfare from Canada to Australia cost over $1700 in 1977 dollars so today it is far cheaper to fly, even with the airlines gouging for fuel, extra baggage, no service and no pleasure. The ‘Big Mac’ method of price comparison as developed by The Economist newspaper gives us a good gauge for most expenditures of today compared to yesterday but my $1500 cost to get a private pilots licence in the 1970’s seems cheap by comparison to today, but obviously not when using this Big Mac principle. Other travel costs are also far cheaper today but this should not mean that travellers should disregard the many methods of saving costs that can then be put to extended or improved travel experiences

Travel Post-Internet:

In my 40 years of travel I have had to use travel agents to make even the simplest of reservations and buy tickets, not even thinking to ask them if they had “been there, done that?” It was just a case of there being no other options to buying travel. Now we have unlimited choices and can seek out better travel agents, better prices, better selections and information about anywhere in the world for our travels – without even leaving home.

The Internet now gives travellers ideas and options of Where to go, When to go, Why to go, What to do, Who to book with and How to save money and offset costs. We can search and find experts for every travel option. If we are comfortable with the Internet we no longer have to go to a travel agent to make reservations and buy tickets except to book with some of the larger travel companies that still produce glossy brochures and offer all inclusive packages or tours that only sell through the agency system. The Internet also allows those of us who are smart enough to know when to seek out a top travel agent with knowledge, experience and expertise (KEE skills) of destinations and activities about where to find them. There is no longer any need to only use our local agents when we can find one somewhere else in the world. When we do not need ‘the knowledge’ and can do it ourselves we simply surf the web so that we can book directly with tour and travel operators wherever we have decided to go.

Some travel agents operate their own tours, some are both wholesale and retail, some limit consumer selection by only selling their ‘preferred’ suppliers and some have professional consultants with years of experience invested in gaining knowledge, experience and expertise and are worth their weight in gold to the savvy traveller. Beware though, as some are also called destination specialists and some of these designations merely require the agent to take a rudimentary test offered by tourism offices, destination marketing groups or even tour operators and in my opinion can harm the reputation of the travel industry. A specialist is not necessarily an expert.

Travel is probably the most used commercial aspect of the Internet and if retail agents want to harness this exciting medium to offer ‘the knowledge’ and their ‘kee’ skills to a global audience, not just their local community, they must embrace the changes that are happening. Travellers now have the ability to seek answers to the 5 W’s of travel and the important ‘How to’ save money and offset costs by having information just a click away.

And then it occurred to me that even internet travel prices often include a commission element even when sold directly to the consumer. If we book directly with operators we should not have to pay full retail prices as we are doing for ourselves what a retail agent would normally do for us. A dilemma for the operator is that to show a both a retail and a cost price option could deter many agents from selling the services as travellers could use an agent for free advice and book directly with the operator to get a ‘net of commission’ price. Obviously this two tier pricing is not often available but travellers who do not need advice should also not be penalized by retail pricing. A new way had to be found and I think I have found it!

The need for fairer fare prices is why I developed the Top Travel Voucher program at The Top Travel Club and I even found a dot com for it. All travel selections on the site are at ‘net of commission’ prices for members who handle there own travel arrangements directly with the operators linked on the club website using our voucher program.

I am inviting travel operators from around the world to join this program, from B&B’s, Motels, Hotels, Luxury Lodges, Eco Resorts, Beach Resorts and Tour and Adventure Operators who want to promote their products and services to travellers who are comfortable with direct bookings and reservations.

I am also inviting Travel Agents with knowledge, experience and expertise of destinations and activities to showcase their skills to a global audience of travellers and to the members of this new travel club. I am leery of ’specialist agents’ and only want experts to showcase their services.

This opportunity is available to the travel trade at no cost except for them to offer net, wholesale or outlet prices to club members and visitors to the website using top travel vouchers. I believe this program offers fairer fare prices to direct-booking travellers. The operator would normally be paying commission anyway but now travellers get the savings because they make their own arrangements.

The Top Travel Club opened in mid-April 2008 offering thousands of top travel vouchers for travel in over 70 countries with around 150 travel operators onboard. Every week we add more travel operators with more choices for members. Currently you can get savings on accommodations, adventure travel, boat charters, culinary tours, hike, bike and dive tours, auto and RV rentals fishing lodges and guides, safaris, vacation rentals, single travel, women only and dude ranches. Members get the vouchers free of charge by paying an annual membership fee and non-members can buy the vouchers on the internet at Top Travel Sites at deeply discounted prices to the face-value. The future growth will include restaurants, travel clothing, travel insurance and the opportunity to access air ticket consolidators who want to deal directly with consumers.

The way I have travelled and the way I see travel is that consumers should have unlimited access to every travel opportunity with the ability to do their own due diligence or to find a professional who can offer quality advice and services at fair prices, and to find all of this without needing endless hours of searching.

To find out more about the new way of cost offsets for travel please go to The Top Travel Club and my apologies for some of the spelling (traveller / traveler) but that is what I was taught. As long as we all understand the meaning, vive le difference!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book reviews: The Rough Guide to France

This guide begins with an extensive section, about eighty pages long, to refer to before you travel. It gives details on possible ways of getting to France from Britain, Ireland, North America, Australia and New Zealand. There is information on costs, whether or not you wil require a visa, and what health issues need to be considered. Insurance, getting around, accommodation and information for disabled visitors are among other topics dealt with in this introductory section. An overview of eating and drinking gives useful vocabulary as well as what to expect in the way of regional cuisine, from duck and goose in the Dordogne to pickled cabbage and flans in Alsace. Communications and the media gives information on sending and receiving mail as well as making telephone calls.

There is a guide to opening hours of museums, banks, churches and cathedrals. Whether you are interested in festivals, music, film, theatre and dance, or sport and outdoor activities, you will find useful details here.The section on trouble and the police tells you how to report a theft as well as the fact that you have the right to contact your consulate if you are arrested. Gay and lesbian contacts and information are given for several large towns. The guide also includes information on work and study, such as working in a language school or as an au pair.

You will find maps of the whole country, channel ports and routes to Paris, main French rail routes, and a map showing the regions covered by the various chapters are included in the first section. Although obviously useful, they are all in black and white and could perhaps have been presented a little more imaginatively.

Following the introduction, one hundred and twenty-four pages are devoted to Paris and the surrounding region, including Versailles, Chartres and Disneyland. There are maps of the metro, arrondissements, museums and galleries, La Voie Triomphale (from the Louvre Museum to La Defense) the Marais, Ile St-Louis and the Bastille, the Latin Quarter, St-Germain, and Pere-Lachaise Cemetery (where you can visit the tombs of such greats as Moliere, Colette, Edith Piaf, Balzac, and of course Jim Morrison). Everything from the Louvre Museum to the flea markets is included here. The seven-page hotel listing covers all categories and is followed by a list of hostels and campsites, giving something for all tastes and pockets. The sixteen pages of bars, cafes and restaurants have a price guide, and a special list of those open

Whats the fastest way to lose weight?

One morning late last year, I stood on the scales. It had been a while, but I wasn’t too concerned as I’d been walking almost every day. However, my clothes seemed to be shrinking and I didn’t have the same level of energy I’d always enjoyed. I’d hovered around 130lb for the last five years, so when I looked down and the digits flickered back and forth before settling on 154lb I was not happy. I had gained a whopping 24lb in three months. Yikes!

I was devastated. In only one week I was due to fly from Dunedin in New Zealand to the Gold Coast, Australia for my son’s birthday. And I was so fat!

It was an emergency so I called my mum who said, “A week is a long time, dear. You still have time to lose some weight. I know you can do it.” Encouraged by her confidence in me, I started to do some serious weight loss research.

I found an e-book called WEIGHT LOSS: HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMMITMENT covering the emotional issues of weight gain. I didn’t actually read that book, because in the first three pages there was a link for another e-book called EAT TO LIVE by Dr Joel Fuhrman, which was highly recommended by the other author.

Finding Dr Fuhrman’s book was like finding the Holy Grail! I lost 7lb in the week before I flew to Queensland. And I went on to lose another 11lb over the next three months. I put my husband on the diet and he lost 27lb over the same period.

These are just a few of the alarming facts I learned by reading the first chapter – “Digging our graves with knives and forks”:

It takes only three large muffins a week to maintain your weight. Anything superfluous to that will cause weight gain;

Children eating the standard American diet (SAD) have, for the first time in history, a shorter life expectancy than their parents;

Most Americans are not aware that the diet they feed their children guarantees cancer probability down the road;

In a skin biopsy, it is possible to see layers of butter and olive oil;

There are about 20 deaths for every 100,000 liposuctions compared to the generally acceptable mortality rate for elective surgery of 1 in 100,000.

I maintained my weight for eight months, even though I relapsed and pigged out at times. My body weight had stabilized.

If you want to lose weight and become healthier in the process, you could do much worse than seek out Dr Joel Fuhrman’s advice.

Check out the testimonials on his website – www.drfuhrman.com. His happy clients have lost incredible amounts of weight and overcome serious diseases in the process.

WARNING: This diet will seriously reduce your waistline.

What to know about traveling in New Zealand – Part 3

What to know about a New Zealand Holiday.

Interested in traveling to this country at the bottom of the world?

If you’re keen to find the best value for your travel dollar, discover some of the best tips to enjoying your experience in NZ.

Wilderness

If you’re keen to get the most enjoyable experience from your visit down-under, then forget about the pastoral scenery of the Kiwi landscape or the idyllic existence of the alternative life styler in the Coromandel. Don’t bother exploring the pristine waters of Fjiordland or the majestic alps stretching the length of the South island (the longest alpine range in the world, according to some sources). Leave the gorgeous mountains, found smack in the centre of the North Island, to the aerial photographers as they wing their way through azure skies aboard flimsy aircraft.

Stay out of the dense, dripping forests, where the term ‘wilderness’ was surely invented for this land. It’s frighteningly easy to get lost even for the experienced. Unless, of course, you’re a deer hunter seeking that elusive twelve-pointer heard of in the last ‘Roar’ and simply can’t help yourself. Forget too, the natural hot springs that can be found from one end of the country.

Many are primitive, although others do have resort-style facilities. Some even have an entire city built around them. That’s “RotoVegas”, the colloquial term for the most pungent city in the world (Rotorua-for those who need to know its proper name). The stink is noticeable for a radius of 30 kilometers in any direction and that’s on a good day. It’s all bursting up from the ground as though the earth just farted.

Thrill

Avoid the rugged coastline where the seas can sweep the unwary fisherman off the rocks or drag the imprudent swimmer away in the undertow of a hidden rip. Oh and don’t mention dancing with the Grim Reaper, attached by the legs to a giant rubber-band on that death defying thrill; the Bungee jump, pioneered by arguably the World’s Extreme-Sports Originator, A.J.Hackett. No, never let the the wind whistle past your face as you plummet head first, at rocket speed, off the edge of a bridge.

Ignore the relatively tame glow-worm caves also found nationwide, for the crush of tourists likely to be found at the main sites. As for black water rafting, once again, anyone can pay to enjoy a hair-raising thrill (underneath the obligatory crash helmet). Here the unwitting can be seen gliding and sliding through underground tunnels, which

The significance of Anzac Day

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand history changed forever. It was just before dawn on this ill-fated day that thousands of brave young and some under aged men went into battle for their country and their sovreign.

The accidental landing on Gallipoli beach was the birthplace of the ANZAC’ (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). They fought and died together, forever forging a strong bond and often cheeky banter between the two peoples. Thousands of ANZAC’S did not even make it out of the boats.

As the boats pulled to shore, the Turkish ambushed the un knowing soldiers and many were killed before stepping foot on dry land. Among them were boys aged 14 who had lied about their age so as to enable themselves to join the fight.

ANZAC day was officially named in 1916 and was commemorated by a march through London by Australian and New Zealand troops; it wasn’t however until the 1920’s that ANZAC day had become a nationally recognised day of remembrance in Australia for the 60,000 Australian diggers who lost their lives in the war. In 1927, the entire country stopped to remember those who had fallen. And by the 1930’s ANZAC traditions such as dawn services, marches, two up and going to the pub to remember your mates, had been firmly established.

In 2007 however, ANZAC day has a broader meaning that just that of those who lost their lives WW1, we also remember those who have fought and died in subsequent wars, for example WW2, Vietnam, Korea and even today’s war in Iraq. We also stop to remember those of us who are currently serving overseas in either war duty or peacetime duty. For without these diggers we would not have the freedom we have today.

We as Australians (I can not speak as a New Zealander, as I was not born there) have a lot to be thankful to our diggers for. Because of them, we have the freedom to speak our minds, the freedom to choose our lives and choose to live, and we have the freedom to stop once a day every year to say, hey mate, thanks for what you did, your sacrifice will never be forgotten’.

My family alone had several Anzac’s for which I am extremely proud. One the pops into my mind is my Great Great Uncle Charles. He died on the 9th of September 1918, Killed in Action. He served in the Australian Infantry as a private for four years of the war; he survived the Gallipoli landing and was killed at the age of 19, therefore having joined the fight when he was merely 15 years old. Like so many other heroes of that time, he never grew to see his family again, or to marry and have a family of his own. And it is this sacrifice that pulls at our heart strings every time we hear that bugle play.

So to the diggers of ANZAC, a very humbled thank you. ANZAC day is truly the most important day in Australian and New Zealand history, without you we would be lost.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them

Lest We Forget

Antarctica travel: The last frontier

While tourism may have broken the boundaries of our planet, with the first space tourists taking flight in 2001, you don’t have to be a billionaire for surreal views of Earth.

Antarctica’s landscape has inspired awe in even the most jaded of travelers and offer something for everyone, whether backpackers on a shoestring budget or seniors looking for a luxurious view of this natural paradise. Think you can’t travel Antarctica cheap? There is a huge variation in tour prices based on amenities, type of ship, and activities offered. Standby tickets are available in Ushuaia for as much as a 40% markdown, with the best chances of scoring a ticket in December and February or March.

You will likely travel to Antarctica by ship, although some air packages are available for short visits.

Almost all cruises leave from Ushuaia, Argentina, but look out for the occasional expedition leaving from Australia or New Zealand. Tours are typically 9-11 days but can be extended for weeks. The longer the tour, the more land time and the more opportunity to visit islands along the way. The islands are where you will see most of the wildlife on this trip.

Seabirds are the most prevalent as Antarctica’s summer produces “plankton blooms” which attract hundreds of species, including one of the world’s largest birds, the Wandering Albatross. Of course, you can expect to see Antarctica’s most famous creatures, the penguins, as they settle into their breeding season. Leopard and fur seals are also a big attraction. Most spectacular of all, however, are the dozen whale species that live in or migrate through this area, which is an internationally recognized whale sanctuary.

Do your research before you go as hundreds of tour operators offer varying packages, often catering to niche groups such as birdwatchers or photography enthusiasts.

There is no quintessential Antarctica travel guide, and no cookie cutter Antarctica tourist, find the group that offers exactly what you dream of and don’t skimp on this trip of a lifetime.

For adventure Antarctica travel finding a small tour will guarantee more time on land- responsible tours never let more than 100 people on land at a time, so large groups would have to take turns (check with the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators IAATO for more information). From kayaking and diving, to camping and ice climbing, Antarctica has it all. Look out for opportunities to train and practice before you take the trip though- so you can spend less time worrying about your skill and more time enjoying the jaw dropping views. <!- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal

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A visitors guide to New Zealand – Part 1

Venture into Auckland:

Most overseas visitors fly into Auckland, which is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of 1.3 million people. Immediately one feels that it is very cosmopolitan having a great mixture of peoples of diverse origin, particularly Asian and Polynesian, who have helped to create innumerable exotic restaurants, bistros and cafes.

The city sprawls around a narrow isthmus with Manakau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean making it a haven for yachts. It became world renown for hosting the international yacht race, the America’s Cup, which New Zealand won two sessions in a row until finally losing it to the Swiss yacht “Alinghi”.

I was struck with the hilly nature of the city. The streets twist and turn, go up and down, so that it is very easy to get lost. A straight and level street seems impossible to achieve because the city is built on a young, undulating volcanic landscape studded with volcanoes and lava flows.

There are about 50 ancient eruptive sites. Many suburbs cherish their little volcano, some 100 to 250 meters high, often complete with crater, such as at Mt Eden. All this past volcanic activity happened only a few thousand years ago and, now that the region is covered over with houses, gardens and streets, its fiery origin is largely forgotten.

To help lost tourists Aucklanders have built the “Sky Tower” downtown close to the waterfront and ferry terminal. This is a striking symbol of advanced architecture being 328 meters tall and the highest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It serves as a communications tower with a revolving restaurant near the top. Also it is a challenge for abseilers who like to show off their skills in the CBD.

Sky Tower can be seen from a great distance. You can say to your friend, I’ll meet you at Sky Tower without ambiguity. It is next door to the Auckland Casino which is a terminal for the airport buses. From here you can venture forth to explore the city without fear of getting lost since Sky Tower, day or night, will always be visible on the horizon.

Aucklanders are justly proud of their other icon “Rangitoto Island” but I have yet to meet one who has actually been there. It is a symmetrical volcanic cone rising some 260 meters high from the sea and complete with crater, now well forested. Early in the morning and at midday you can catch a boat at the ferry terminal or get picked up at Devonport and visit the island

Risk Anaysis Case Study

Foreword

I wish to acknowledge the support of Mr John Tookey University of Auckland for his generously support and valuable advises.

1. Introduction

Risk management is one of the most critical project management practices, to ensure a project be successfully completed Risk management is thus in direct relation to the successful project completion. Project management literature describes a detailed and widely accepted risk management process, which constructed from four iterative phases known as risk management plan

• Risk identification

• Risk estimation

• Risk response

• Planning and execution

Risk Identification

In this stage , we identify and name the risks , there are different sorts of risks and we need to decide on a project by project basis what to do with each type.

Risk Quantification

Risk need to be quantified in two dimensions. The impact of the risk needs to be assessed. The probability of the risk occurring needs to be assessed. For simplicity, rate each on a 1 to 4 scale. The larger the number, the larger the impact or probability. By using a matrix, a priority can be established.

Fig 1 quantification scale matrix (Ref. 11)

Risk Response

There are four things you can do about a risk. The strategies are:

• Avoid the risk. Do something to remove it. Use another supplier for example.

• Deflect the risk. Make someone else responsible. Perhaps contracting out or insurance against (damage , liability, personnel liability etc

• Mitigate the risk. Take actions to lessen the impact or chance of the risk occurring. If the risk relates to availability of resources, draw up an agreement and get sign-off for the resource to be available.

• Accept the risk. The risk might be so small the effort to do anything is not worthwhile or a contingency plan may be developed to deal with possible effects.

Risk Control

The final step is to continually monitor risks to identify any change in the status, or if they turn into an issue. It is best to hold regular risk reviews to identify actions outstanding, risk probability and impact, remove risks that have passed, and identify new risks.

1.1 Risk management and construction

The construction industry is subjected to more risk and uncertainty than many other industries. The process of taking a project from initial investment appraisal to completion and into use is complex, generally bespoke, and entails time-consuming design and production processes. It requires a multitude of people with different skills and interests and the co-ordination of a wide range of disparate, yet interrelated, activities. Such complexity is further compounded by many uncontrollable external factors (Flanagan and Norman, 1983). The construction industry has a poor reputation in coping with risks, many projects failing to meet deadlines and cost targets. Clients, contractors, the public and others have suffered as a result (Edwards 1995). This study will focus on applying project risk management strategies on construction of Sydney opera house which is a well-known case for cost overrun.

1.2 The aim of the study

The aim of this study is not to reduce the great achievement of construction such a complicated building that changed the face of the city but looking form management point of view to

 Identify and quantify the project risks that been overlooked.

 Highlight the dangers associated with using poor estimate.

1.3 About the Sydney Opera House

 The owner :State government of New South Wales

 Architect :Jorn Utzon

 Engineer: Ove Arup & Parteners

 Cost: $102 million

The Sydney Opera House is the busiest performing arts centre in the world. Since its opening in 1973, it has brought countless hours of entertainment to millions of people and has continued to attract the best in world class talent year after year.

1.4 About the Building

There are nearly 1000 rooms in the Opera House including the five main auditoria. There is also a Reception Hall, five rehearsal studios, four restaurants, six theatre bars, extensive foyer and lounge areas, sixty dressing rooms and suites, library, an artists’ lounge and canteen known as the “Green Room”, administrative offices and extensive plant and machinery areas. The building covers about 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres) of its 2.2 hectare (5.5 acre) site. It has about 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of usable floor space. It is approximately 185 m (611 ft) long and 120m (380 ft) wide at its widest point. The highest roof vault (above the Concert Hall) is 67m (221 ft) above sea level.

The roofs are made up of 2,194 pre-cast concrete sections. These sections weigh up to 15.5 tones (15 tons) each. They are held together by 350 km (217 miles) of tensioned steel cable. The roofs weigh 27,230 tones and are covered with exactly 1,056,056 Swedish ceramic tiles arranged in 4,253 pre-cast lids.

The entire building weighs 161,000 tones. It is supported on 580 concrete piers sunk up to 25 m (82 ft) below sea level. The roofs are supported on 32 concrete columns up to 2.5 m (8 ft) square. The exterior and interior walls, stairs and floors are faced with pink aggregate granite which was quarried at Tarana in New South Wales. The two woods used extensively to decorate the interiors are brush box and white birch plywood which were both cut in northern NSW. There are 6,225 sq m (67,000 sq ft) of glass, made in France, in the mouths of the roofs and other areas of the building. It is in two layers – one plain and the other demi-topaz tinted. About 2,000 panes in 700 sizes were installed.

There are 645 km (400 miles) of electrical cable. 120 distribution boards regulate the power supply, equivalent to the needs of a town of 25,000 people. Twenty-six air-conditioning plant rooms move more than 28,500 cubic meters (1,000,000 cubic feet) of air per minute through 19.5 km (12 miles) of ducting.

Fig 2 Sydney opera house (Ref. 6)

Fig 3 Sydney opera house during construction (Ref. 7)

Fig 4 Sydney opera house shells (Ref. 7)

Fig 4 Sydney opera house shells (Ref. 7)

1.5 Design Stage

The original concept for the project was a sketch submitted by Danish architect , Jorn Utzon .Judges selected it from an international open competition that ended with 233 entries from 11 countries. Thought happy to win the competition Utzon was mildly shocked .although his concept had caught the attention of the judges, it consisted only if simple sketches with no plans or even perspective drawings , because the design was so unique , some people presumed it would also be inexpensive to build. No one knew how it would be build , and some experts questioned that it could be built at all.

In spite all uncertainty , the initial project cost estimate was pit at $7million.The government would use profits from a series of state run lotteries to pay the project.

The government was worried that the people scrutinizing the design might raise question about the potential problems hat would stall the project they thus quickly mover ahead and divided the work into three main contracts :the foundation and the building except the roof, the roof, and the interior and equipment.

1.6 Construction stage

Many of the world’s best-known construction companies were involved in building

Sydney Opera House including Arups Structural Engineering, Hornibrook and Rider Hunt, the construction work of S.O.H was divided into three distinct stages as follows (Ref. 19)

• Stage I

Sub structure , concrete structure from the foundation up to the auditoria seating levels excluding any finishes.

• Stage II

Superstructure or shells , concrete roof vaults or major and minor halls an restaurants , including the claddings.

• Stage III

Everything not included in stages I and II , stage towers, all interior finishes, exterior paving and cladding, glass walls , all electrical and mechanical services.

After he was elected premier of New South Wales in 1965, Askin attempted to force Utzon reduce costs by withholding payments. In 1966 Utzon resigned and returned to his native Denmark. He never even returned to see his masterpiece completed.

The construction of the Sydney Opera House was now handed over to a group or Australian architects. Fortunately, the exterior had already been completed by then so that the impact of the altered design on the overall structure was minimal. The project was finally completed in 1973 after a construction period of 14 years and an expenditure of over $A100 million, almost 15 times the estimated budget.

2. Risk management strategies at S.O.H

2.1 Financial

Despite of all cost escalation , taxpayer had little to pay .Virtually all the costs were covered by the proceeds of State Lotteries. The continued need to the subside the running costs of the opera house were financed by the continuation of the Lottery State. The first estimate for the Sydney Opera House was $7.2 million in Australian dollars. Once started, however, costs kept rising and just to complete the building cost $102 million.

2.2 Political

Political risks are often occur in government project as they often hide information affecting the community’s support, which in turn affect the effectiveness of the feasibility study . S.O.H we mostly severely effect by political decisions

2.2.1 Media and public deception

In S.O.H. the original budget of seven million Australian dollars was not a real but a political budget .The labour government of New South Wales the main proponent of the S.O.H, wanted the project started before elections in March 1959-this would reduce the risk of the stopping the project in case Labour lost the elections (8).

2.2.2 Deceptive cost estimate

Kim Utzon explains in lieu of his father “It was a political decision to publicize a low budget for the building, which was expected to gain approval in the political system, but which very quickly was exceeded. So even if the cost overrun turned to be 1400% in relation to the publicized budget, this budget was an eight of the real budget of the building .So the real overrun is only 100% the rest was politics”.

2.2.3 Political construction date

The start of construction for stage I was fixed ., largely for political reasons , as the 2nd March 1959.Thus Proceeding with construction before completing the design process which is a great risk .

2.2.4 Political design changes

On 1966 major hall was changed from dual purpose for concert and opera to a single purpose concert hall, the dual purpose was a requirement of the competition .

2.3 Structural

2.3.1 The Supporting points

Arup and his engineers knew very well that the cross-section shape Utzon chose was far from ideal known structures, however they could not suggest changing to the shape as it will alter the appearance of the roof drastically.

2.3.2 The roof

A question should be asked if this design is achievable?. The competition judges choose a complex art design without asking how it will be deigned? later on it was a major cause for delaying the roof design if this point was been considered they should either choose a simple shape or a known geometry, at this stage computer program analysis was not yet been introduced that means only manual process can be used to calculate the forces acting on the structure.

2.3.3 Lack of suitable boundary condition.

Another technical problem that the engineer had to solve was the lack of boundary condition that leads to some earthwork as sub base for the structure foundation.

2.4 Technical

Utzon, ware of possible technical problems since his design required advanced technology not yet available, requested additional time to tackle those challenges Utzon faced the task of converting the concept into a design form which a structure could be built, but he had no prior experience in the design and construction of such a large building. Because of this lack of plans, detailed design drawings, and estimates of materials, little existed from which cost could be determined.

2.4.1 Design errors and omissions

• Unfortunately, the roof shells were too heavy for the supporting columns that were already built, so these were demolished and rebuilt. These and several other setbacks led to delays and increasing cost overruns.

• The original design called for two theatres. The government changed its mind and required the building to be altered and that four theatres now be incorporated into the design

• The foundation been demolished to suit the new roof design loads.

2.4.2 Fitness for purpose.

 The main design overlooked acoustic requirements which is the main purpose of the building and had to be altered at later stage.

 The Running costs for S.O.H proved expensive , it was a very labour intensive building .In 1974 , it operation cost was $A6M, of which only $A2M was covered by the revenue. Thus costs ruled out small scale opera and the Australian Opera were forced to seek a cheaper venue.

2.5 Construction

Engineers who revised the concept noted that the roof shells were much larger and wider than any shells seen so far. Further, because they stuck up so height, they would act like sails in strong winds blowing up the harbour. Thus, the roof would have to be carefully designed and constructed to resist such wind pressure.

The construction was estimated to take about five years at a cost of A$7 million. Ignoring his request, the government pressured Utzon into starting construction in 1959, two years ahead of the architect’s proposed schedule.

 The lack of preparation soon backfired. After the completion of the grand podium with an enormous, 86 meter (282ft) wide stair, several years were spent reworking the design of the roof.

• Three tower cranes imported from France for this job costing $100,000 each and it was the first building constructed in Australia using tower cranes.

• Unfortunately the roof shells were too heavy for the supporting columns that were already built, so these were demolished and rebuilt.

2.6 What goes wrong Consequences?

 Coast overrun 1300% (Ref. 18)

As feared many experts the project become an engineering financial debacle, lasting 15 years and costing $107 million ($100 million over the initial estimate).

 Schedule overrun 250% (Ref. 18)

 Media and public scandal

Fig 5 Time /cost Escalation

 Management conflict occur between the client and the architect that cause him to resign before the end of stage III .

3. Risk identification quantification

3.1 Identification

By looking at the project there are some risks appear not used have the most adverse effect on the project

1. Poor Cost Estimate.

2. Incomplete design.

3. Failure to keep within the cost estimate

4. Failure to achieve the required completion date.

5. Changes in project scope and requirements.

6. Design changes.

7. Pressure to deliver project on an accelerated schedule.

8. Inaccurate contract time estimate

9. Lack of communication between project participants.

10. Inadequately defined roles and responsibilities.

11. Insufficient skilled staff.

12. Political risks.

3.2 Qualitative risk analysis

Qualitative risk analysis assesses the importance of the identified risks and develops the prioritized lists ,using the 1 to 4 scale matrix discussed above to quantify identified risks

Risk Probability Impact Risk Importance

1. Poor Cost Estimate. 3 3 Critical

2. Incomplete design. 1 3 High

3. Failure to keep within the cost estimate 3 4 Critical

4. Failure to achieve the required completion date. 4 3 Critical

5. Changes in project scope and requirements. 1 3 High

6. Design changes. 2 2 Low

7. Pressure to deliver project on an accelerated schedule. 2 2 Low

8. Inaccurate contract time estimate 3 4 Critical

9. Lack of communication between project participants. 3 4 Critical

10. Inadequately defined roles and responsibilities. 1 4 High

11. Insufficient skilled staff. 1 2 Low

12. Political risks. 4 2 Medium

Three risks were selected for detailed qualitative risk assessment (refer to sheet 1 , 2 and 3)

Risk Risk Control

1. Poor Cost Estimate. Client, Contractor

2. Incomplete design. Client , Contractor

3. Failure to keep within the cost estimate Client

4. Failure to achieve the required completion date. Client, Contractor

5. Changes in project scope and requirements. Engineers

6. Design changes. Contractor

7. Pressure to deliver project on an accelerated schedule. Engineers

8. Inaccurate contract time estimate Contractor, Client

9. Lack of communication between project participants. Engineers, Contractor, Client

10. Inadequately defined roles and responsibilities. Engineers, Client

11. Insufficient skilled staff. Client

12. Political risks. Contractor

3.2 Risk response

3.2.1 Risk Avoidance

As discussed most of the risk could be avoided by only

• Completed design .

• Estimating at a very detailed level.

• Not selecting untested design .

• Using local Architecture office will reduce many and more communication and experienced architecture designer

3.2.2 Risk transfer

• Using a fixed price contract will transfer construction risk to the contactor.

• Obtaining Insurance to cover costly risks.

3.2.3 Mitigate the risk

Risk analysis shows that no clear management process for controlling the project however using an experienced project manager would effectively reduce probability or impact of risks to an acceptable level.

4. Assessment forms

Following a three assessment forms for 3 of the significant risks

Performa for a Qualitative Risk Assessment (sheet 1)

Reference No: 6 Date:25/06/2007

Potential risk: Importance of Risk: Low

Design changes

Probability Medium

Consequence Medium

Stage of the project affected by this risk:

Construction stage

Statement of risk:

Cost and schedule overrun

(The factor that could cause it to occur)

Political business interest

Site problems

(any relationship or dependency on other risks)

Incomplete design

(the likelihood of occurring)

Medium

(how it could be affected)

Design checking prior leaving the design office

Project:

Sydney opera house

Client:

New South Wales government Risk Analyzed by:

Khaled

Performa for a Qualitative Risk Assessment (sheet 2)

Reference No:1 Date: 25/06/2007

Potential risk: Importance of Risk: Critical

Poor Cost Estimate

Probability High

Consequence High

Stage of the project affected by this risk:

Design stage

Construction stage

Statement of risk:

major source of complaint

time consuming

(the factor that could cause it to occur)

Changes in project scope and requirements

(any relationship or dependency on other risks)

Inadequately defined roles and responsibilities.

(the likelihood of occurring)

Height

(how it could be affected)

Effective project management

Clearly defined roles

Project:

Sydney opera house

Client:

New South Wales government Risk Analyzed by:

Khaled

Performa for a Qualitative Risk Assessment (sheet 3)

Reference No:9 Date: 25/06/2007

Potential risk: Importance of Risk: Critical

Lack of communication between project participants. Probability high

Consequence high

Stage of the project affected by this risk:

Construction stage

Design stage

Statement of risk:

Insufficient working drawing details

Late and in adequate information

Major costly errors.

(the factor that could cause it to occur)

Lack of management

Interest conflict between project participation

(any relationship or dependency on other risks)

Incomplete design

(the likelihood of occurring)

Height

(how it could be affected)

Proper project management

Project:

Sydney opera house

Client:

New South Wales government Risk Analyzed by:

Khaled

5. Lessons learned

• Risk must be identified to be managed

• A poorly defined risk structure will breed more risks.

• A proper risk management strategy would planning.

• All designs and calculations should be checked before they leave the design office further check calculation should be made by the authority , many errors that escape are picked up and corrected during construction .This often cause a delay to the project and might effect the cost.

• The goal is to prevent political and business interests from interfering with design and thus to arrive at an outcome as close as possible to the original design drawings.

• Continually monitor risks to identify any change in the status, or if they turn into an issue. It is best to hold regular risk reviews to identify actions outstanding, risk probability and impact, remove risks that have passed, and identify new risks.

• Risk management is not one off activity instead, it should be applied continuously through the project life.

• The best way to control budget is not to proceed with the building unlit you have all the drawings complete.

6. Conclusion

Study clearly identify the great importance of risk management on construction projects, negligence will lead to an expensive cost effecting the project successes.

A risk analysis project shows a large number qualitatively ranked as 1 , those risks have a high probability of occurrence and height consequence shared between the client 42% , the contractor 36% and the engineer 21% .

This indicates that it was a very risky project nevertheless risks were either downplayed or ignored , and not much was done to keep them under control, the project management strategies was only focused on keeping the project going no matter how it is going .

Finally although the opera house put Sydney on the world map, both architecturally and culturally but from project management perspective it was a spectacular failure as a consequence of ignoring risk management.

References

1. http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1355304.htm [Accessed 2 May 2007].

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Opera_House [Accessed 2 May 2007].

3. Edwards, L. (1995). Practical risk management in the construction industry, Thomas Telford, London

4. Flyvbjerg, Bent, “Design by Deception: The Politics of Megaproject Approval”, Harvard Design Magazine, Volume 22, 2005.

5. http://www.hughpearman.com/articles/sydney.htm [Accessed 2 May 2007].

6. http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Sydney_Opera.html [Accessed 2 May 2007].

7. http://www.gids.nl/sydney/opera.html [Accessed 2 May 2007].

8. Murray ,21-22.

9. Murray, P: The Saga of the Sydney Opera House, 2004, Spon Press (UK), ISBN 0415325218

10. http://www.new7wonders.com/fileadmin/resources/finalists/Fun_Facts_about_Sydney_Opera_House.pdf [Accessed 25 Jun 2007].

11. Neville Turbit http://www.projectperfect.com.au/info_risk_mgmt.php

12. John Tookey civil 703 lecture notes University of Auckland.

13. Office of Project Management Process Improvement “Project Risk Management Handbook”

14. Peter Murray “The dramatic storey of the design and construction of the icon of modern Australia”(London and New York: Spon Press,2004),105.

15. Roger Flangan & George Norman “Risk Management and Construction”. Blackwell Scientific Publications ISBN 0-632-02816-5.

16. http://www.theirm.org/publications/documents/Risk_Management_Standard_030820.pdf [Accessed 2 May 2007].

17. http://www.wsws.org/arts/1998/dec1998/oper-d04.shtml [Accessed 2 May 2007].

18. Woodward, Hugh PMP, PowerPoint Presentation to NASA on March 23, 2005,

19. Yozo Mikami “Utzon’s Sphere” page 46 Shokikusuha Tokyo ISBN 4-395-00712-0

20. Ziegler, Oswald L. (ed) Sydney Builds an Opera House., page 25, Oswald Ziegler Publications, 1973

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