The start of a new year is usually a time for fervent resolutions and optimism, but unfortunately 2009 has dawned with the clouds of recession firmly on the horizon. It’s almost got to the point where I’m fearful of opening the newspaper, only to read about another firm that’s gone under or yet another opinion piece on how long this downturn is going to last.

But wait … if you dig deeply enough, there are plenty of stories out there that counterbalance those determined to promote the doom and gloom.

For example, just this week, it was reported that the number of business jets for sale in the UK has tripled in the past four months as the credit crunch deepens and the leaders of the nation’s larger organisations signal their aversion to symbols of corporate excess.

Yet on the same day, Emirates commenced its regular A380 service into Auckland Airport. The giant double-decker aircraft will grace our skies three times a week, and the airline has announced it intends to operate the A380 daily out of Auckland as soon as there are sufficient aircraft of its type in the fleet. Is this wishful thinking? Auckland Airport doesn’t think so – it has invested $50 million on widening the runway and taxiways and building a new pier at the international terminal specifically to cater for the mega-craft.

I’m reminded about a song by Ian Dury and the Blockheads – ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ – which Dury supposedly wrote to remind himself about the things in life that cheered him up: from the Hammersmith Palais and (rather incongruously) the Bolshoi Ballet, to cheddar cheese and pickle (his favourite sandwich filling) and a bit of slap-and-tickle (he was a Cockney after all).

In these times of gloom and low spirits, it is vital that we remain positive and cheerful. Next time you’re feeling a bit blue, see if you can compile 10 reasons to be cheerful (you can read mine on – they’re a bit personal, so don’t laugh).

1. Interest rates are falling
Yes, we lose out on interest on our savings, but my mortgage will soon be cheaper, meaning more money in my pocket for the better things in life – like coffee.

2. The NZ dollar is falling
I know there’s a downside to this (that big-screen TV just got a whole lot more expensive), but our exports will be more affordable, and if there’s a way out of this recession, it will be by making our goods and services more appealing overseas.

3. Property prices are falling
That beachfront property on the Coromandel doesn’t look quite so unattainable – and my very good friends who have been renting for years have found they might just be able to afford to buy in Auckland after all.

4. My culinary skills will improve
Auckland’s restaurants may be poorer for my lack of custom, but by staying home for dinner instead of eating out, I’ll be forced to expand my offerings to the family. They can’t have mince every night!

5. I’ll finally become a greenie
By making do with what I already have, I’ll finally master the knack of recycling and reusing. I don’t really need a BlackBerry – my trusty PDA is still going strong; and I’ll just sing more loudly instead of buying a new stereo for the car.

6. I’ll be able to find a carpark space at Sylvia Park
That wasn’t me throwing punches in The Warehouse carpark at Sylvia Park just before Christmas, although I certainly felt like it! (If you’re reading this, you SoB that jumped the queue, I know your number plate!) Thank goodness the shops are markedly less busy.

7. My wallet will be lighter
I’ll finally do away with all those store-specific charge cards – don’t need them, can’t afford the things anyway (see 2 above).

8. We’ll rediscover the joys of ‘ladies, a plate’
Similar to 4 above, but involves a whole heap of friends coming over for a pot-luck dinner instead of meeting at a restaurant.

9. Tradesmen will treat me with respect
They can’t get work because building consents are way down, so they will turn up when I ask them to, and you can bet your life they’ll return my calls.

10. Remember ‘Twister’?
Go on, brush the dust off those old board games and do 8 above in combo with this. You know you loved them! Just watch you don’t put your back out though.

Talking about our website, we ran a little poll last month inviting readers to comment on renewable energy for our feature on page 20. We were somewhat underwhelmed with responses (I can’t give you the exact figures, but it was less than 100), but the results were interesting nevertheless.

I’m going to run another poll over the coming month for our April feature on education and training. Give it a go at www.ftdmag.co.nz – please, it’ll keep me cheerful!

Until next time …

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Lynne Richardson