Confirmed - laptop crop and day out - auckland july 2-3

[Lauren]

LAPTOP CROP and DAY OUT Details
July 2 - 11am Ferry to Waiheke Island, Lunch and photo walk/drive
Return ferry at 4pm or 6pm to Auckland .
Dinner out ( location to be advised)

Sunday July 3 - All day laptop crop including morning tea and buffet lunch and internet - 9- 5pm

Location - Fernz conference centre Birkenhead Auckland
Costs:
Crop/Morning Tea/Lunch/Internet $65 to be paid in advance

Ferry:Return $35
Rental Car shared cost approx $15 each
Lunch - at your expense
Dinner at your expense
Accommodation is available at Fernz for $115 per night



Cost for the Crop Day only - $65pp which includes the crop and morning tea and buffet lunch and internet .
In addition they are offering queen chalets at a discounted price of $115 a night. ( which you will book individually)
Fernz website - http://www.sfern.co.nz
Fernz unfortunately is a long way from the airport. If timing is ok I could possibly arrange to pick some of you up otherwise a shuttle bus is probably the best option.
If you are coming from out of Auckland and wish to do the day trip to Waiheke you will need to arrive on Friday night or very early Saturday morning . We will either take the 11am ferry - I can provide transport for up to 7 people )including me)from Fernz to and from Devonport to the ferry.
Cost for Waiheke ferry is $35 return pp - ( to be paid individually)
Rental car cost approx $15pp depending on which car and numbers...

Dinner for Saturday will be organised soon and details will follow - this is optional and extra.

I will need confirmed numbers asap as the Fernz quote is only good for 7 days and they have had a change of management so I have a different contact than previous years


PEOPLE ATTENDING:
Lauren
Erica
Jo ( Spotty)
Michelle ( Timelord)
Sharon ( shazzt)
Jennifer ( littlekiwi)
Fiona (honeymoon)
Bett ( Chardonnay)
YOU???.....

[honeymoon]

I'm in... just sorting out some flights.

[timelord]

Dumb question Lauren... I gather I am best to book Fernz for the Sat night? or should I book in town and go out to Fernz in the morning

[Lauren]

No youd be best to book at Fernz Michelle - its quite a trek into town and this way you will be on the spot so to speak.
I also live just down the road so thats a bonus

[Chardonnay]

I'm all booked! Coming in on same flight as Timelord, arriving 8.30, and leaving Auckland at 7.30 on Sunday night. I'll get onto Fernz for a room for Saturday.

[Lauren]

Ok well I can organise for either Erica or I to pick you up from the airport - Yay!

[timelord]

That would be great. Thanks Lauren

[Chardonnay]

Thanks muchly :D

[littlekiwi]

As much as I'd like to do Waiheke I'm more than likely not going to be able to do that part of the weekend

[timelord]

Lauren, I booked the Queen Chalet but have just noticed the confirmation has come back as Queen studio. It doesnt really matter as I only need a bed, but was it definitely the chalets that should have been $115?

[Erica]

Ok well I can organise for either Erica or I to pick you up from the airport - Yay!

I can pick up from the airport Sat morning and I'll be staying at Fernz Sat night myself, just about to book my room. Room in my car for 3 extra. Let me know who needs to be picked up and what time/airline.

[timelord]

Hi Erica, Both Chardonnay and I arrive Sat morning Jetstar 8.30am

[Erica]

:yahoo: I'll pick you both up...hmmm :think::think: should I wear a flower in my buttonhole for recognition :rofl: I'll be in touch nearer the time.

[Lauren]

************ GRAB ONE HAS 51% OFF OPEN RETURN TICKETS TO WAIHEKE TODAY*************

heres a link (http://www.grabone.co.nz/auckland/fullers?utm_source=GrabOne+Auckland&utm_campaign=ET_1790_nz-main_auckland_20110519&utm_medium=email&cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=1790%3a+20110519%2fnz-main%2fauckland&cm_pla=nz-main_auckland&cm_ite=http%3a%2f%2fwww.grabone.co.nz%2fauckland%2 ffullers%3futm_source%3dGrabOne%2bAuckland%26utm_c ampaign%3dET_1790_nz-main_auckland_20110519%26utm_medium%3demail&cm_lm=laurenbavin@gmail.com&cm_ainfo=&att1=%%__AdditionalEmailAttribute1%%&att2=%%__AdditionalEmailAttribute2%%&att3=%%__AdditionalEmailAttribute3%%&att4=%%__AdditionalEmailAttribute4%%&att5=%%__AdditionalEmailAttribute5%%)

[Lauren]

Oooooooooh they also have a deal for a vineyard lunch and winetasting for $15 for $35 worth - now if everyone who is going to waiheke wants to do that we could all buy that too!!- but we will all have to agree - mind you Im happy to buy it and do it at some other time so I might buy it anyway!!!- on top of that they have a discount on car rental too - so I might buy that seeing we will need a car over there.

[Erica]

I'm in for the ferry and wine tasting, have you booked yours Lauren and how many cars/vans would we need for 8 because that sounds like a great deal too.

[littlekiwi]

I'd love to do it at that price but just can't afford to pay it this week - I bought clothes and stuff for school instead

[littlekiwi]

just the ferry though as I don't drink so the other would probably be wasted with me

[Lauren]

Im buying the ferry one but not sure on the lunch wine tasting because we all would need to do that one - as for the cars we would probably need 2 cars - its not a huge saving on the cars when split between us so I might leave that one .

[timelord]

Brought the ferry coupon - thanks Lauren. I'm keen on wine tasting/ lunch. Whatever you guys decide for the weekend count me in as I am happy to go with the flow!

[Lauren]

It looks like between 6 of us we can only use 3 coupons for lunch anyway - it might make it hard to work out who pays what but its surely a good deal.. - it wasnt where i was thinking of going for lunch though -theres a restaurant right on the beach that is quite nice and quite reasonable which is where Id planned on going - but that vineyard does look good - so we could go there - those that have bought a coupon could use it if 3 of us have bought it - no point in more than 3 buying it tho.... ... Im really hoping we get a good day weather wise though now... fingers crossed all......

[timelord]

Ive never been to Waiheke Island, Im so excited and cant wait!!!

[littlekiwi]

How many are going to waiheke? I might still be interested - just have to see about $$

[shazzt]

I note that the car deal says you can upgrade to a van or people mover for a "small fee"....

[shazzt]

I am not sure if I will be able to make Waiheke but bought a ticket anyway :)

[spotty]

Like Michelle, "I am ready for anything". If John Key did not recind it yesterday then I have my gold Waiheke ticket...

[Lauren]

I didnt buy the car rental and i missed the lunch cause they had sold out !!- Im not sure how many are doing waiheke - maybe 6??

[timelord]

Like Michelle, "I am ready for anything". If John Key did not recind it yesterday then I have my gold Waiheke ticket...

Funny hehe

[littlekiwi]

Any more of an update on this day?

[Lauren]

Im ready to receive payment for the crop portion of this - if youstill have my bank details you can make payment anytime now - - I was hoping we could get a few more people and reduce the cost but its not looking like thats going to happen so the cost wil remain at $65 for the day

[littlekiwi]

Can I pay over a couple of weeks - probably next week and the week after (just need to spread it around after paying for a Cirque du Solei ticket this week)

[Lauren]

Yes Jennifer thats fine

[honeymoon]

Wow... 3 from ChCh... it must be a record! Or is it that we just want to escape....

[timelord]

Wow... 3 from ChCh... it must be a record! Or is it that we just want to escape....

hehe.... Im really looking forward to it! But the volcanoes had better behave!

[spotty]

hehe.... Im really looking forward to it! But the volcanoes had better behave!

Too right! I live in one of them... :worried: :rofl:

[spotty]

Flipped $65 from my bank to yours, Lauren. :yes:
Do you have an address for Barnbrook - she wants to come to FERNZ and needs a gentle prod... :eek:

[Lauren]

Get her to post here Jo. We would welcome her

[shazzt]

We will try to keep things stable for our southern friends! I just paid and now can't wait. I figure I will have earned a day or two to myself as Paul is leaving for the UK next week for 10 days (his brother is getting married). Sadly we did not win Lotto so we can only send one person all that way!

[shazzt]

Hope that latest shake didn't cause any damage for you guys!

[chanmansmom]

Im jealous...wish that I lived closer.

[Erica]

I wished you lived closer too Debbie :hug:

[Lauren]

Yes Debbie so do I !!

[timelord]

No more damage here thanks. That one was a long rumbling one - a smaller version of the Sept quake

[shazzt]

Yes Debbie so do I !!
Ditto! It is so much fun when we get our overseas friends along!

[shazzt]

No more damage here thanks. That one was a long rumbling one - a smaller version of the Sept quake

I heard it went on for a while. I don't know how you guys cope with the constant shaking!

[Lauren]

Please check in Cantabrians... are you all ok after today?

[Chardonnay]

Hi everyone. Yes, I'm OK. Hope the others are too. I had my grandchildren here (age 3 and 1) but fortunately my daughter was here too so we each grabbed one of them. The three year old was a bit upset by it all, but soon got over it when we all recovered. Both very scary - I haven't felt so "shaken" up by one since February. Lots of things flew around but nothing major. :eek:

[Lauren]

Fiona was ok - she txted me just after to say she was heading home so fingers crossed all is well - I know she had only JUST had the insurance assessor there this morning too...

[honeymoon]

Home now. Everyone safe and house ok. Just watching the news and surfing the net to see what's happened around town.

[timelord]

We all OK too. Thanks for your PM Lauren, much appreciated. Thankfully I got through the tunnel from Lyttelton to home after the 5.5 (before the 6.0 one) so I could get the kids. Was worried as I couldnt get hold of Tony (husband) for an hour and a half, as phones overloaded and txts going astray.
Was impressive watchig all the dust come of castle rock... all fell off the other side this time. Hopefully no one hurt.
Power on, no water yet. Lost our heat pump... I am going to have a log burner for next winter. The council will incur my wrath if they dont give us a consent.
Waiting for Tony to get home soon as he is still out inspecting buildings ... sigh

[shazzt]

Glad you guys are OK. I cannot imagine how you guys cope with all that shaking. It doesn't seem fair that it can go on for this long. Nature is not to be messed with I guess.

[honeymoon]

Glad to hear from you guys.

[timelord]

Well only a week and a half to go! So looking forward to this. I have never been to a crop before, so do I need to bring anything specific apart from my computer?

[littlekiwi]

eek a week and a half - I'd say bring your fav lollies and stuff like that to snack on though we are always treated well foodwise there for morning tea and lunch

[timelord]

Lollies.... dont need to mention twice! I am such a piggy

[Lauren]

I have found a deal for dinner Saturday. There is a coupon in my local paper for Aubergine which is a Mediterranean restaurant in takapuna for 3 courses (garlic bread or soup of the day, your choice of main and choice of dessert for $35. I've been there and it's a nice place .. shall I book? And for how many .. Jennifer are you coming for dinner???

[bendipez]

eek a week and a half - I'd say bring your fav lollies and stuff like that to snack on though we are always treated well foodwise there for morning tea and lunch

There was a lot of really yummy stuff!! And someone brought some homemade peanuty type bars that I snacked on all day!!! And chocolate!! And more chocolate!!

[littlekiwi]

Jennifer are you coming for dinner???

probably not as it would mean two trips from out west unless i can find somewhere to stay for the night

[timelord]

Sounds great Lauren

[honeymoon]

Hope you all get some sleep ChCh peeps. It's been given as a 5.3 tonight... but I'm picking an upgrade again.

I will not be impressed if that silly volcano ash stops our flights going next week!

[timelord]

Very tired this morning. Last nights one was very different....just kept going on, and on... like a heart beat.
I was thinking the same thing Fiona. Fingers crossed

[Erica]

Yes fingers crossed that you guys make it up here :hug:

[honeymoon]

Very tired this morning. Last nights one was very different....just kept going on, and on... like a heart beat.
I was thinking the same thing Fiona. Fingers crossed

That's what I was thinking about it too.... just consistently rumbled.

[Lauren]

Hope you all get some sleep ChCh peeps. It's been given as a 5.3 tonight... but I'm picking an upgrade again.

I will not be impressed if that silly volcano ash stops our flights going next week!

We have lots of hot air up here - we will blow hard and make sure it stays away....

[Lauren]

Ok so sounds like 6 or 7 for dinner - will make a booking this week

[spotty]

Just got my broadband back! Online PS workshop from Seattle really bit into it last weekend but well worth it.
Hope you counted me in for dinner :yippee:

[Lauren]

Jo I never did hear from Liz - do you think she still might want to come?- do you have contact details for her?

[littlekiwi]

I won't be able to do dinner at this stage - too expensive to do two trips over to the shore

[littlekiwi]

sorry definitely got the news now - won't be doing dinner as I have a family lunch that day where all 7 of us are in one place at the same time but at least I'll have some new photos to scrap :)

[spotty]

Lauren, I cannot get Liz to make a decision! :cry: She is very busy.

[littlekiwi]

can't believe - a week today and we will be there. I'm arriving by bus so should be there just before 9am - not looking forward to the 7.10am bus I am catching

[Lauren]

Fingers crossed for a reasonable day for Saturday at least!!- we are due a decent weekend after the last few wet ones

[Lauren]

Lauren, I cannot get Liz to make a decision! :cry: She is very busy.

I have to confirm numbers today so I guess Ive decided for her...

[Chardonnay]

Hope you all get some sleep ChCh peeps. It's been given as a 5.3 tonight... but I'm picking an upgrade again.

I will not be impressed if that silly volcano ash stops our flights going next week!

Sorry haven't been on here for a few days so I'm all behind with everyone's comments. Yes, Fiona, that was a bad night and I felt really groggy the next day.
I've also been thinking about the ash and wondering if we'll ever get up there ... or home again!! :D

[shazzt]

I was getting a bit nervous that my DH would not be able to fly back from the UK because of the ash. Luckily, all was OK (in fact his flight was 35 minutes early!) Stupid volcanoes and faultlines. I will be keeping fingers and toes crossed that you all make it up here. I am looking forward to it!

[spotty]

I am subscribed to this thread - of course - but it doesn't remind me when there is a new comment. That is why I do not always acknowledge new developments..........

Yes. Lauren, I am sure you made the right decision re Liz :applause:
Now, have you made a decision as to which restaurant we will use on Saturday evening? :popcorn:

[Chardonnay]

Thanks for the info message Lauren.
Michelle, what time are you getting to the airport? Final check in is 6.40 so I'll aim to be there by 6.15 or so. Or are you getting there much earlier?

[timelord]

Thanks for the info message Lauren.
Michelle, what time are you getting to the airport? Final check in is 6.40 so I'll aim to be there by 6.15 or so. Or are you getting there much earlier?

I am leaving my car at Cradocks (to save a bit of money) so I am aiming to be there just after 6, so will get to the airport about 6.15 as well as Cradocks will drop me off. I hate being late to airports so if I end up running a bit late I will be getting stressed! Means I am going to have to leave home at 5.30 ...yikes!

[timelord]

Eeeekkk I see the ash cloud is back... on it's way up the South Island

[honeymoon]

Eeeekkk I see the ash cloud is back... on it's way up the South Island

Don't mention rude words....

Love the new avatar.

[Chardonnay]

Eeeekkk I see the ash cloud is back... on it's way up the South Island

Yes, I heard that this morning too ... :eek:

[shazzt]

"It has affected flights in the South Island today and is expected to remain in the airspace till tomorrow before drifting east. " from the Herald

Hopefully it will be well away by the time you guys want to fly!!

[Lauren]

Jo you will be interested to know that Liz phoned me today and wanted to come - so Ive phoned Fernz and they are happy to increase our numbers

[Lauren]

Just a note regarding the rental car - hopefully they will have a 7 seater that will cater for all of us - ( I will bring hubby's GPS so we dont get lost) - and the cost is $79 + $15 for the excess reduction so between the 7 of us the cost will be under $15 each.
Alternatively we could always get a bus pass for $8.20 each - but the bus does not go down to the Stony Batter end of the island which is one of the most scenic areas - so I think the rental car is definitely the best option for us

[Lauren]

If you watch this there really isnt any real reason why your plane shouldnt be flying on Saturday - but then according to this guy they should be flying today....
http://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/content/video-ash-cloud-latest-plus-wintry-weather-update?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

[timelord]

Thanks for the update Lauren

[Chardonnay]

Rental car sounds good to me.

[spotty]

Good news re Liz :yes:
Rental car would be ideal
That cloud better NOT disturb the beautiful l skies we have today and next few!

[Lauren]

I picked up the buttons today - I got them done locally instead of sending to hong kong for them - they are smaller than what weve had before but they are cute !!-

[littlekiwi]

just checking about this but what time do we finish? is it 5pm like it has been before

[Lauren]

yes Jennifer 5pm

[littlekiwi]

yes Jennifer 5pm

thanks for confirming that - I have a bus heading back to town at 5.10pm or the next one is at 10 to 6

[timelord]

Buttons Lauren?

[spotty]

Yay for buttons! :love3:
Do we need name tags this time all shall we all overwhelm the 'Timelord" [is she a Dr Who fan?] and introduce ourselves? :lol:
Ooh and I can deposit some more of my February ATCs...

[timelord]

Yes I am a Dr Who fan, and overwhelm away! (I already know Fiona though)

[bendipez]

Am sooo jealous and wish I was there!!!!

[Lauren]

I think we can live without name tags this time . Michelle each crop has a button to collect . We started this a couple of years ago

[Chardonnay]

Just checked Jet Star and all flights today cancelled until noon. It says to keep checking for flights after that ...

[Lauren]

Well fingers and toes crossed - Id say well it looks like the ash cloud is basically non existent now according to most sources but then this is Jetstar we are talking about so guess that doesnt make much difference... Im picking that they will have lost a whole heap of customers over this but then i guess when it comes to saving a few dollars the memory is a bit shortened!!

[webfrau]

I hope you all manage to arrive safely and have a great weekend. Sorry I won't get to see you all this time.

[Erica]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed Betts and Michelle - has Fiona arrived Lauren?

[honeymoon]

I'm up in Auckland, enjoying the sunshine... thanks for turning it on.

[shazzt]

Yes I am a Dr Who fan, and overwhelm away! (I already know Fiona though)

I must remember to bring my sonic screwdriver :)

[shazzt]

I'm up in Auckland, enjoying the sunshine... thanks for turning it on.

Yay! Glad you made it Fiona. Looks like the weather might hold out too (fingers crossed!)

[Chardonnay]

Just checked Jet Star again and all flights resumed from midday today ... yay!!! :yippee:

[Erica]

I'm up in Auckland, enjoying the sunshine... thanks for turning it on.

We have our special contacts for just such an occasion :p

[Erica]

Just checked Jet Star again and all flights resumed from midday today ... yay!!! :yippee:

:tup::tup::tup:

[timelord]

Just checked Jet Star again and all flights resumed from midday today ... yay!!! :yippee:

I had just checked too..... Yay!!!!

[spotty]

Lauren, I am wondering what the TIME table is for tomorrow morning.

Roughly what time should we be arriving at Waiheke?
Any thoughts about when and where we will eat lunch?
:yahoo:

:yippee:

:drumroll:

:santa1:

[Lauren]

I believe the ferry gets in just before noon - - by the time we organise the car it will be pretty close to lunch time Im thinking - but I need to work out a route for the day - there are several places I think we need to go for photos - Lunch - I think Onetangi - there is a reasonably priced restaurant on the beach called Charley Farleys - http://www.charliefarleys.co.nz/charliefarleys/ it has meals at a range of prices from quite inexpensive and as it looks like its going to be a nice day we can sit outside there.
Id like to get to the stoney batter end of the island too.

[spotty]

Stoney Batter is such an evocative name; is it not also a Wine label?
Always wanted to go :)
:yippee::yippee::yippee:

[shazzt]

Lauren - I might catch the ferry from town. It is probably easier to get to than Devonport for me and if I catch the Northern Express, I don't have to worry about parking. I hope this weather holds - what a glorious day it was today!

[Lauren]

Parking is free in Devonport so not much of a worry there but will assume if we dont see you in Devonport then you will be already on the ferry -

[Chardonnay]

Closing down the computer for the night. See you all tomorrow ....

[timelord]

Yep see you tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

[Lauren]

Yay! Looks like the weather is going to cooperate too!! Should be a good day !! See you then

[littlekiwi]

have fun - looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

[Lauren]

You won't believe this but we just had an earthquake !! Just a tiny one!! Fiona must have bought it with her!!!

[honeymoon]

You won't believe this but we just had an earthquake !! Just a tiny one!! Fiona must have bought it with her!!!

It wasn't me....

My sister and I were just trying to work out whether or not it was the wind blowing the house when Lauren texted to ask me if I'd brought the earthquakes with me.

2.9, 9km deep.... just a little shudder....

[shazzt]

Must have been small - didn't feel it but saw people commenting on it on Twitter. I hope we can keep things shake-free for the rest of the weekend!

[Lauren]

We are just so sharing and caring in Auckland !! We just want to make you feel at home Fiona

[littlekiwi]

I didn't feel a thing last night out west

[spotty]

Rise and SHINE, girls!
We had a great day yesterday - tell you all about it soon.:yippee:

[shazzt]

Had a fantastic time this weekend! Thanks to Lauren for the superb organisation (and driving) and special thanks to the Christchurch contingent for risking volcanic ash clouds to be with us. It was great to meet you all :) Can't wait for the next one!

[Erica]

I had a super time this weekend, thank you ladies for making it so enjoyable, and a special BIG thank you to our Christchurch ladies for coming to join us despite the ash clouds looming. Perhaps we can return the favour one day :)

[Lauren]

Yes it was a great weekend I thought though I need a weekend to get over the weekend!!- We are already looking at options for Matakana next year and Sharon has come up with a couple of good options one of which Fiona and I are quite enthusiastic about

[spotty]

It was certainly a weekend which came up to expectations. Lauren's planning made everything go so smoothly and being all together in one vehicle brought us closer together - physically too! :tup: Lots of Photo Ops on Waiheke Island and great to be among like minded people; I think our dedication was noticed by quite a few people...
Straight to a delicious hot Dinner from the ferry maintained the high.

Next day, the new conference room fitted us nicely and we often clustered around Lauren's computer gleaning gems as she showed us what she was doing and the :doh: HOW! We tried to give her {and Fiona and Erica} time to do some of her {their} own work :help: but they were generous in answering our many questions :yahoo:

Thank you to everyone who made the event possible - which includes everyone attending - and I am very much looking forward to a retreat at Matakana, or wherever :yes: :yes: :yes:

[Chardonnay]

May I second everything Spotty said above!
It was a fantastic weekend with wonderful planning and organisation by Lauren (and anyone else who helped). Many thanks, Erica and Lauren, for picking us up from the airport and returning us there when it was all over. And thanks to Lauren for her marvellous driving with plenty of stops for photo ops.
Everything went off perfectly, and being a small group meant we all got to know each other. I'm awestruck by the artistic creativity of some of our ladies, and the knowledge they have of Photoshop and other programmes. There's so much more to learn ...
Once again, a huge thank you to Lauren. :tup:

[littlekiwi]

Thanks for everything yesterday - had a few issues getting home once I got into britomart then when I got out to Papakura but I was home just after 8pm

[timelord]

Thanks everyone - I had a great time! I really appreciate all the hard work in organising this Lauren! Also extra thanks to Lauren, Shazzt and Honeymoon (who had the misfortune of sitting next to me) for helping me and answering my never ending queries.
Looking forward to next year at Matakana - whatever you decide I am in!

Mother nature nearly had the last laugh though.... there was fog in ChCh and the airport was still open when we left Akl (flight delayed a bit though) . The captain said we would depart but he would update us part way through the flight. I had visions of being diverted! thankfully fog cleared a bit and all Ok to land.

[Chardonnay]

Glad you got back OK, Michelle. I did wonder when we heard, on our flight, that there was fog in Chch!!
And my NZ Scrapper flair is now a little cross ... does anyone have any suggestions why? :confused:

[Chardonnay]

Oh yay ... I've worked out how to put the Flairs on!!!! :yippee:

[Lauren]

Good printed photo book deal today on grab one - 50 pages = 12x12 for 39!!
http://www.grabone.co.nz/auckland/photo-deals-30?utm_source=GrabOne+Auckland&utm_campaign=ET_2922_nz-main_auckland_20110707&utm_medium=email

[Lauren]

harvey norman has a 12x12 book on sale on grab one today - http://www.grabone.co.nz/auckland/harvey-norman figured it might come in handy