In this issue

The start of a new year is traditionally when resolutions are made. Some resolutions however tend to last no longer than the end of February. If you are planning on converting hopes and dreams into goals, you should take note of changes in your community as well as your country and, of course, the world at large. Advances in technology are easy to miss when you are swamped by everyday survival, but these advances can have an effect on your life and your ability to earn a living. Mark Cleeve-Edwards shares his knowledge of where things are heading and how you are best able to benefit from certain technological advances.

Back to school is generally a bitter-sweet time of the year as it marks the official end of the summer holidays and children are faced with change and all sorts of new challenges. Have a look at the article on page 2 if you feel your ‘little angel’ has recently become impossible for no apparent reason and you are finding their changed behaviour difficult to fathom out.

Luckily fun times are not limited to school holidays! Good entertainment is always only one click away. Read more in our articles about the Perth Chamber Orchestra’s annual free concert at Murdoch University and comedian Kevin Fraser’s upcoming tour of Australia.

May 2017 bring an abundance of joy and prosperity into your life.
Until next time!

Merise Magazine Description:

Merise is a digital family magazine initiated in 2011 to encourage and assist others, as well as to offer advice in facing the challenges of settling and integrating into our new community together. We talk openly about the different aspects of our lives that are under strain through the migration process – from helping our kids adjust to their new school environments, to leaving our parents behind and to changes in the dynamics of our personal relationships.

We provide valuable information about financial and visa requirements, encouraging specialists in various fields to submit articles on topics which we feel may be beneficial to our readers. Merise captures the beauty of our new countries by featuring different geographical areas in Australia and New Zealand, thereby giving would-be migrants or readers who are planning holidays or an interstate move, a better understanding of what to expect in their new domain.

Merise will become a friend to you and your family.

The ascending aircraft in the Logo is symbolic of our desire to reach for the stars. Even the name itself has meaning. By dividing the word ‘Merise e’ in two, it becomes ‘Me rise ’, accentuating our aspiration for life improvement. Merise embodies support and friendship and is such an essence in our lives that we feel inclined to personify the magazine. Merise is who we are.

It is important for Merise to support ‘her’ friends, not merely those who have recently arrived, but all expats in Australia and New Zealand who have left their home countries to find new direction ‘Down Under’.

Merise lends a hand in almost every way. Like anyone who has been through the immigration process and experienced it first hand, Merise is thoroughly aware of difficulties that may arise for both newcomers as well as experienced expats and knows how to help overcome, or should we say “survive”, these difficulties.

Merise explores different avenues and is vivacious and enthusiastic, living life to the full and is always on the lookout for new challenges and encounters. Merise's experiences and pleasures are shared with her friends, always encouraging and inspiring them.

Merise is fully bilingual and has English- as well as Afrikaans-speaking readers with whom time and information is equally shared.

It’s not that easy to find a friend as special as Merise . . .

Both versions of the English and Afrikaans editions of Merise are available on www.merisemag.com.