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Received an 'interesting' reply from the GM in question. Seems evident that it is a collaborated message, with significant HR input. The tone has changed completely: there's still reference to increased pace, but much more 'softly softly' than I have seen before. My reply is going to be to agree with on detail, and reiterate that I'll consider everything else and reply more fully in the New Year. While this approach is one agreed with legal advice, it is an approach I have suggested. The absolute worst that can happen is that this is the end of this role at this organisation. I'm extremely aware that NZ is a small place, and that Hawke's Bay (we have no intention of moving) is a tiny part of NZ. People talk. So I'll not be antagonistic, I'll not be throwing blood into a shark pool, and I'll not be bad-mouthing anyone. I know where the 'drive' (which is what is adversely affecting me) is coming from and while I might not agree with parts of it, I'll not be critical. I've always found leaving an organisation a difficult thing to do. There's a reason why I joined - if I didn't like what I saw at the outset, I'd not have been there. Maybe it is time for a change. That might mean a significant winding back of the (let's face it) expensive hobbies but health and happiness are far, far more important than anything else. The comments re NZ management, especially in tech areas, are absolutely true. The only place you get decent senior IT-related management is in IT companies, and even then it's not always good. A great tech (or any other specialist) is not necessarily (not often?) a good manager or even role model. Again - huge thanks to everyone for their support. I've always loved Christmas - this year I'm looking forward to it even more than usual. 😊 🎅

Im Batman. The included tape is reeaaally grabby, only get one shot at getting it on square! Going to run a fine bead of sealant around it just crap getting in the leading edge.

Well, what a year. I think I've only done about 3000kms in it during my ownership. If staying locked up at home during COVID won't kick me out onto the track in this, I doubt anything will. So she's up for sale. Would prefer to keep it in the Bimmersport family, so listing it here for $5.5k before I chuck it up on Facebook/Trademe in a couple of weeks. Located in Hamilton. 1996 BMW 328i 159918kms Reg until 16/7/21 WoF until: 27/2/21 Manual converted with a G220 box Mechanically it's great, but the exterior has it's fair share of wear and tear. Have a flick through the project threads to see all the work done: https://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/56912-another-e36-my-328-beauty-sold/ https://bimmersport.co.nz/topic/62999-the-bimmersport-family-e36-328i/ But a few highlights -Competition Clutch and light flywheel (7.5kg) with about 1000kms -Aluminium radiator -M3 Suspension -ACS Type 2's with Michelin Pilot Sports.

It is never as bad as you think it is. Look at your position, make an escape plan.... What happens if you get let go? IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! Something better always come out of it - at least in my experience, and I've been where you are now. I am constantly amazed that the prevailing NZ management style is bullying - coming from a progressive and world leading company in the UK I couldn't believe how any company managed to be successful. I now realise that they only appear that way in comparison with their peers. Get out and find a company that values and encourages its staff to be the best that they can be, instead of putting them down in case they may be better than their boss. Toxic environments are created by toxic people. You don't need it in your life...

Well said, Jo. After working in the UK for a few years, I learned that NZ - particularly in tech - under-invested in management training. Thrust into senior roles without the requisite skills, and lacking the development to be successful. NZ continues to promote people good at their job to lead, rather than talent-spotting leadership and developing it. In comparison, in UK I found genuinely talented managers! Dirty secret: some of NZs largest companies continue with large PG budgets, as they recognise it's cheaper to defend or settle than to train. The counselling is very useful; sleep is essential so don't be afraid of resetting the sleep cycle with the aid of your GP. Exercise to help the body and mind. And some excellent legal advice to set your mind at ease with a solid understanding of what is unlikely and how to control your situation. Then you can make a plan. Put it all together - functional trajectory back to a new normal. Jo is right - it's not the end of the world. Once you're into the planning to find a new environment, flip through 'what colour is your parachute' again. The support of friends amidst all of this is very important. HTH

A Xmas miracle, got the car back last week driving great with no leaks and no engine lights. Lets hope the Audi Gods wrath has nothing else in store 🤣

I can’t add anything beyond what others have said and that I agree with all of it. I too suffer from anxiety and it can be crippling if I’m honest. Just remember, it’s actually perfectly okay to have these feelings (you’re not crazy) and more than you realise appearing outwardly fine are fighting various internal battles. I think there is some comfort in knowing others are going through it and you’re not alone. Exercise, even 30 mins of walking briskly around the block can give a boost to keep you going. The trick is to realise your early triggers/signs so you can take care of yourself.

I'm as good as gold. Well and truly recovered, no ongoing meds, happy family, good life and lots of BMW's to play with. There is always a good life at the end of the crap. Family is key. You just have to weather the storm with the best support you can find.

Good (if expensive!) meeting this morning. A response I had thought of sending to my GM wasn't confrontational, but the suggestion was to remove detail from it, generalise, and take time and space to think. The offer of support if that doesn't work is available. I have an appointment with EAP Services tomorrow morning. I'm not going to try fooling myself into thinking things are getting better, but the very vaguest outlines of a plan are emerging.

I was able to help myself with Mindfulness. At first it sounded like a load of bollocks (was stressed and impatient). But I gave it a chance as nothing else was helping. I was surprised to find It really helped me manage my stress and anxiety. It actually helped me with remembering more detail about my stressful situations too. That helped me with not becoming overwhelmed by thinking too much when I didn't have all the facts and was replacing them with my own theories. My crap sleeping pattern changed when I wasn't stuck thinking about all the what if's that I had no to little control over at 1am in the morning. This might not be the best site. But it does have some info. https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/

Kettle is always on at mine, door open and dog waiting if you want Graham 👍

Disagree. Nothing wrong with asking a quick question. As a seller it shouldn't take you long to answer it. I'd prefer to answer quick questions there and cut down on unnecessary phone calls. Phone calls waste even more time and interrupt you at non-ideal times. Plus it can save you from repeat questions since the answers are visible to everyone. Never had any trouble with handling questions on my own listings. I only get a few, by not being a fool like the seller we're discussing here you won't get flooded with silly/confronting questions.

So good news. Only 80% of the sh*t jobs they did last year need repairing this year..... You should see the roads in the Wairarapa already. Only after a few hot weekends many of the roads are just bleeding tar. The logging trucks have absolutely rooted the roads that have had fresh chip dumped on them out toward castle point. I am glad that muppet Twyford is gone. But I bet it is just "Here's the new boss, same as the old boss". https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/433287/motorists-should-expect-delays-travelling-to-holiday-hotspots-this-summer

Thought I would offer members a free tyre, payback for help I have received since joining this great forum. Can anyone use one only Bridgestone Potenza RFT (RE050A) 225/45x17 with 6mm tread (other tyre had a nail in it) Location is ChCh.

Bracket. Depth is fine. I cut up the stock speakers to make baffles out of but further down the road I will make some proper ones out of mdf

I think that’s just indicative of the Aussie used market. They don’t have the same ability to flood the market with grey market used imports like we have. NZ is a great place to buy used euros but it’s all relative - you get used to being spoilt!

I've noticed in the 130i fbook group there has been chat about prices going up, from all over. After seeing this I had a look at prices in Aussie for a reasonable comparison. No idea what they've been for the last couple of years but their 130is for sale rn are certainly in a higher price bracket. NZ must be one of the cheapest places to buy one atm.

Righto, final update on this one, as will be listing the car for sale. The tyre that I replaced ended up getting a puncture after less than 500km's of use. Unfortunately I didn't notice soon enough, and the inside showed discolouration, so had to replace it again Ended up replacing the faulty camshaft sensor. This appears to have resolved the intermittent idle issue, as I drove across town and back today with no issues. Reglued the glovebox back together. Now it's just a normal saggy glovebox. Drivers door window kept getting stuck and not moving. Took out the regulator, greased it, pressed the switch, it moved. Put it back in. The following day, go to use the window, doesn't move. Replaced the motor and the little guide clips, has been fine since. Swapped to a 3.15 ratio diff, which brings down the revs a little while cruising, which has been nice.

Very Pleased to see that you are getting some good professional help. Its really important. I didn't get it many years ago when I needed it. Crashed and burnt resulting in 6 weeks of Hospital/care being heavily medicated. Remember to document everything. Don't rely on your memory. Its all important if things get legal. Document: - The message that was communicated - How it was communicated, snaky conversation, emotionless email etc - How it made you feel

if the running costs are your concern, you shouldn't be buying an R36 > sells car after a month owning it. Oh.

Depth or bracket? In my coupe I had to ensure I got pretty shallow 6.5" components / splits and a mounting adaptor to fit the front doors. Tweeters I butchered the factory ones (mount and speaker were all in one) to mount the new ones in their place. While I certainly don't have golden ears, I do enjoy decent sound but I think in a car there is just too much other noise and harsh surfaces to contend with to invest too much on top quality stuff. Decent front components, a 4 way amp and small sub is about as far as I would bother these days.

Drove it. One year and 2,500 kms of use, thought this was pretty cool...

From my perspective there is organisational duplicity - saying one thing (several things), then recording something else. Or leaving out details. Hence legal advice. I'm absolutely reviewing 'me'. Is there something I've (not) done that can change, be better? Probably. But that's not reciprocated. I genuinely feel they are saying the right things, but as if they are reading a script. There's no substance behind it. That said, I think they've had some practice over the last 6 months. Meds aren't an immediate option but are part of a plan. I do need to sort me, but I must sort the situation too. Little benefit in my feeling better if I then dump myself back into a mess; that'll adversely affect me again.

Doug DeMuro said the E60 M5 is the best car you should never own. Your best friend should own one. I followed his advice, I bought my best friend (aka wife) the M5 Leisure Sunday drive today, still breaking in the rod bearings. The new clutch, etc is nice as well.

Doctor says - Go for a drive, find a nice road, windows down, stereo up. If still not feeling better, give a mate a buzz and shoot the sh*t.

A bit of write up on it from the builder https://werksgarage.co.nz/blogs/news/the-one-car-to-do-it-all Theyve built some nice vehicles

Perfect one car garage is a 964 911(sorry, I mean E46 M3) and pay just someone to deliver your fridge or pick up parents from the airport 🤣

Couple locals for a catch up last night

Brother fabricated stainless ehaust

Stoked, they look better than I expected. Proper 1er offsets drag them in a bit compared to the RC's but that also means they won't rub! Initial impressions of the R003's (with the mould release still on them) is that they're very communicative whilst remaining really quite, good signs.