With the Taupo reunion 7-9 November and three Aussies on their way to join us, here's an interesting story that could affect their travel.
The NZ Prime Minister made an unHeralded announcement today that, to combat the brain-drain to Australia and the potential dumbing-down of the population through reverse migration and TV, all Australians (including short stay) arriving here will be required to complete a simple test to evaluate the effect of inflow from across the Tasman.
"The aim is not to hinder travel or immigration, but to assess the likely impact of these activities, at the border", Helen Clark said. She added that the test is short, simple and not biased by education, culture or ethnicity, as the Howard 'mateship' test was. "We have learnt from that debacle. This is based on studies of subjects who were randomly selected from the majority population and, based on scientific evaluation so far, we expect our Australian cousins to compare well with the test group".
"We want to improve IQ. If this works on the Aussies, it's a remote possibility that it might work on TV programmers too. But I'm not hopeful".
We bring you an exclusive preview of a sample test, so that you can decide if it is a 'fair deal':
Entry test for Australians arriving in New Zealand
Based on research among the majority population and intended to improve the standard of intelligence among that population
.Sample only - questions may vary in the actual test.
Below are four (4) questions and a bonus question. You must answer them instantly. You may not alter your immediate responses. You must respond quickly to finish in the shortest time. Your time and responses are being monitored remotely by a Government agency through your computer. Your results are required before you depart Australia.
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Let's find out just how you compare to the majority population . . .
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First Question:
You are participating in a race. You overtake the second person. What position are you in?
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If you answered that you are first, then you are so wrong! If you overtake the second person and you take his place, you are second!
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Try not to screw up next time.
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Now answer the second question, but don't take as much time as you took for the first question, OK?
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Second Question:
If you overtake the last person, then you are . . .?
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If you answered that you are second to last, then you are wrong again. Tell me, how can you overtake the LAST Person?
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You're not very good at this, are you?
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Third Question:
Now, simple mental arithmetic!
This must be done in your head only.
Do NOT use paper and pencil or a calculator.
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Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. Now add 30.
Add another 1000. Now add 20. Now add another 1000
Now add 10. What is the total?
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Did you get 5000?
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The correct answer is actually 4100. If you don't believe it, check it with a calculator! Today is definitely not your day, is it? Maybe you'll get the last question right. Maybe.
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Fourth Question:
Mary's father has five daughters: 1. Nana, 2. Nene, 3. Nini, 4. Nono. What is the name of the fifth daughter?
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Did you Answer Nunu?
NO! Of course it isn't.
Her name is Mary. Read the question again!
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Okay, now the bonus round:
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A mute person goes into a shop and wants to buy a toothbrush. By imitating the action of brushing his teeth he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done. Next, a blind man who wants to buy a pair of sunglasses comes into the shop. How does HE indicate what he wants?
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He just opens his mouth and asks . . . it's really quite simple.
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If you had two or more questions wrong, you've met the 'Simple' test. But you're allowed in for a few days as long as you promise not to mess with the sheep and lower the level of the majority population's intelligence further, or we'll have to restrict the number of Australians coming here - and that would be bad for tourism; it's a hard call.
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If you passed the test, however, you can choose your own sheep from the Government Research Station.
