Elton McNickel - Winner !
Marmite Memories
My niece, Sophie, reminded me that when you eat Marmite you think of home. She's right!! Thanks, Soph.
The Chronicles of Marmite
Spreading around the globe.
30 October 10 at 9:18am
Not a very pretty baby, but we all love it. :o)
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They have been holding their breathes until I come home...
:(
29 October 10 at 10:02pm
Another vote from me Elton and thanks to your mother.
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30 October 10 at 3:05am
still supporting you elton, these little cuties will be really pleased to have you home!!
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30 October 10 at 8:27am
Good luck Elton. you are doing well with your votes so I'm not sure if you need my extra one, but team rae appreciate your vote.
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Fiesty American Women!
Thanks Marmite! ;)
26 October 10 at 9:33pm
Hei Jillian og Elton, This will be in Norwegian, Takk for deres hygellig tankene, Jeg håper at dere also få en tur til N.Z. Jeg har en fanatstisk familie som støtte me i godt og wondt,og det see ut som dere altså har det. lykke til. Elton, you will have to get Jillian to translate for you. best wishes. Rae
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Wish I could be there...
Another Birthday I'm missing out on. Happy Birthday, Davina! I wish I could be there. We will call as soon as we can. Jillian and I have been getting up at 3am to go to work and then get off work at 11am. Jillian goes and works 2-3 other gigs after that. Today and tomorrow she will be working until mid-night and then get home and we're back to work at three. She's working at a big event in Washington, DC for a fashion show. Hopefully she can sleep on the train ride to and from. I promise we will call. I would use the skype, but she'll need her laptop at her gig while she's working. Wishing you the best on your Birthday! Love you I hope you have a great birthday!
21 October 10 at 12:45pm
I'm finding it quite amazing how everyone is 'talking' to each other and voting for people they don't know. It's wonderful. I'm even starting to feel as if I'm getting to know some of these people, just from reading their entries and comments. Marmite have provided a great opportunity for 100 people to come home, but I don't envy them the job of choosing the best 100 entries.
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21 October 10 at 2:15pm
Aww thanks for the birthday wishes litle brother! I had a great day. My lovely boys made me a gorgeous card and I got a voucher for one hour in a flotation chamber! Total sensory deprivation for a whole hour. I only hope we dont have another big aftershock while I'm inside! Talk soon. Love from me xxx.
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22 October 10 at 3:18am
1362 for today from me Elton.......HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVINA! Hoping you're having a great day!
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I have missed out on so much
..Wow
21 October 10 at 10:32am
Check out that hunk-a-spunk in the yellow leotards!! Eat your Marmite and you could have a bod like that too!
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21 October 10 at 1:18pm
Haha! Hunk-a-spunk, I'm sure when Dave chose that outfit he wasn't thinking he would end up on a popular website page like this!!!
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26 October 10 at 9:55pm
It sucks doesn't it? Best of luck getting home, you'll be on the flight for sure!!
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Homesick, Lovestruck and Hungry
I have imagined seeing my family again with anticipation and longing for years. Why the fates never brought me home earlier, I don’t know. Everything happens for a reason, I guess. Years of missing family and friends, I always dreamt of the day I would be home again. The day I met my fiancé she asked me what the first thing I wanted to do when I got home was. My reply was quick and easy. “I want to hug my Mum”. I then talked of good kiwi foods and eating to my hearts delight with no reserve or hesitation. Marmite was one of them.
When I step foot on New Zealand land again, I know I will be greeted with my wish of having a hug from Mum. I know she will wrap her arms around me and I will be so happy to have her hug me again. I know I will hug the rest of my family and not want to let go of anyone for so long. I know that vision in my mind was so important to me for years, and it still is, but I have a new image in my mind’s eye now.
Meeting Jillian was amazing, and when I proposed and she said yes, I knew I was the luckiest man alive. It kept getting better when not long after our engagement, Jillian and my mother hit it off and we were instantly a family. Mum and Jillian share recipes and girl talk. They have been able to bridge the geographical gaps, lifestyles and time zones. They have been able to make the distance of land and sea unobtrusive to our family ties, and the bond that my family has and has been getting back. My two best girls got a long perfectly and that was all I needed. I was so happy!
Until recently, my views, wants and visions changed. Jillian was on Facebook one day with one of Mum’s workmates asking some of the craziest questions like, ‘does my Mum smell good’ ,’what accessories does she have on’ and ‘what does Mum’s purse look like’. I didn’t know what to think and made a joke out of it, but I could tell Jillian took it pretty seriously. She told me that those things were really important to a girl. At that moment I realized my bride to be and my mother didn’t really know the important girl stuff that is actually really important. They had to have some kind of a womanly, perfume-y, girly bond that they never really had. So in reality, Mum and Jillian had never really known each other the ways they are suppose to.
So, now “coming home” means something different to me. I have a future with Jillian and a past with Mum. I know my Mum and Jillian will hug when they first “meet” each other, but there is one hug that I have envisioned that shows where my home is and my heart lays. This image I have of coming home is different, but fascinating to a man that was stuck in the limbo of never knowing where my heart was, until this vision took shape. There is something about a woman that cannot be defined. The mystery of a woman’s love makes a grown man feel like a kid, while the kid I still think I am, feels like a man.
What this vision looks like is in the kitchen of the house that I grew up in, and the smell of Marmite and a cup of tea. In the middle of the kitchen is the First woman I ever loved, folding her arms around the Last woman I will ever love. There is something about that thought that makes me so proud. I am not exactly sure why that image takes precedence over my original thought of seeing and hugging Mum again, but it does for a reason I am not quite sure I know. I’m not sure why that single hug will be so important to me. I don’t know why I want my Mum and my bride-to-be in a kitchen with the smell of Marmite and tea makes. I don’t know why the thought makes me want to stop at nothing to get home for that single purpose. My whole life, I thought that my Mum’s hugs were only to be experienced first-hand. Her hugs weren’t something you could enjoy unless you were on the receiving end. Of course hugs from my mum are amazing, but this hug will be the most memorable one I could ever have in my life and I can’t wait until it really happens. I know without a doubt in my mind that that moment will be the best hug I could ever share.
Marmite has always known the things what make a Kiwi happy. We Kiwi’s need good woman, good family, good food, a good battle to win, a good hug, and mostly a good constant. Marmite is something that has been a constant in our lives. This campaign couldn’t work if Marmite wasn’t something that brings people together for that need in his or her life. From all around the world, kiwis and others gather to these blogs posts and give our support to each other and to Marmite. To us, Marmite is that embrace we need.
Marmite, I need to get home to my family and I have been too lost and helpless to get there. This is a plea coming from a proud Kiwi Bloke with a dream that has holds true to the values of what Marmite is all about. Marmite has helped me grow over years to become one of the most loyal Sanitarium eating men to travel half-way around the world and still, after over a decade of my feet never touching New Zealand soil or sands, my taste in family, women, and food, still are as Kiwi as the values Marmite has given us without even having to say a word. All I need for Marmite to say is “Welcome Home”. I think I can say the rest.
20 October 10 at 2:13pm
Today is a special day for many people. 20=10+10. Anyone for a Marmite?
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21 October 10 at 1:51am
Vote #1318 coming to you from me Elton. Wow. What can I say about your above post? Straight from the heart mate. Amazed a kiwi bloke can write with such sincere passionate emotion! I totally echo your Marmite sentiments .....I can't wait for a Mum hug too. It's been too long.Christchurch needs a bit more love. You and I could make a difference!
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Earthquakes in Christchurch
The earthquake gave me a huge wake-up call. Possibly bigger than most people in Christchurch. I was playing with the new birthday presents that my fiance had given me. It was September 3rd, sunny, happy and normal. Jillian was in out kitchen, baking and making me my coffee when it was her father who called with the news of the quake in Christchurch, while I upstairs, setting up my mega telescope that you could see the rings of saturn with. When Jillian came up stairs, I knew something was wrong. She told me about the earhtquake, and we quickly ran to the phone to ring Mum. When there was no answer, Jillian's eyes began welling up with tears and she started shaking as she was dialing Mum's number again, but nothing. Again she tried, but this time an incoming call from New Zealand was coming through. My heart was pounding out of my chest as we answered. Fear turned to such a relief when my sister Tania was on the line, telling me that all was still well for my family and friends. That fear hasn't settled, and won't until I get home. Not the fear of earthquakes, but of not being there if something were to happen. I know that is a horrible thought, but it's a real one. It's one that most people pretend isn't reality. My nieces were so frightened and every time I heard how scared they were, I just thought of Jillian singing to them or doing something to help ease there minds. Having Marmite with my family again would be so wonderful. Like I said before, those are things that we take for granted when we're there. I would give my left leg to be at my Mum and Dad's kitchen table again having tea and Marmite with my sisters, Mum, Dad, nephews, nieces, brother in-laws and most importantly ( to me at least ) Jillian.
20 October 10 at 8:19am
I think most people in Christchurch got a huge wake-up call. It made us all realise that people are more important than things and we were all extremely lucky to escape without loss of life. One of life's miracles really. Many lost their homes and livelihoods, but they are still alive which is the main thing; they now have to find a way of coping with the stress of rebuilding those lives. That's one birthday you'll never forget, Elton!! Let's hope you have a Christmas you'll never forget as well. It might be a bit 'shaky' at times, but we'll all be jumping up and down hugging each other so much we won't even notice! :o)
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20 October 10 at 12:09pm
#1297!!! It is so true Elton, we do really block out thinking of what if something happened to our loved ones!!! Its something we often take for granted.. Since this competition, its really been amazing to see how many people really think about what is most important to them, and its goes to show how important family truly is. They will always be there, through thick and thin. At the end of the day besides wanting to come home for a descent pie sandwich i really can't wait to see my family too. All the best with comp, hopefully see ya at LAX to catch our flight Home ;) in regards to the earthquake, I managed to throw a fundrasier a couple weeks ago for the earthquake and managed to make $1500 US so about $2000 Kiwi!!! woop woop.
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If I could have one wish...
I remember the way wishing on a star and ghost stories gave a magic to the world when I was a kid. The fun and excitement of waitng for presents on Christmas morning made you sit on the edge of your seat. Now, I feel that magic again. Watching kiwi's gather round the Marmite, has always been one of our many normal routines that are taken for granted, until it's gone. We send Marmite to our homes in other countries, because of a kiwi's love for it, and now Marmite is showing us how our love is returned. So the kiwi's gather round the world to share Marmite again. It's starting to feel like home already. Getting on this website every day has yet to dissapoint me. It's good to be in touch with home again. As I look through these pages and see pictures of home and remember where I came from, it just feel nice again. Waiting for Christmas I find anticiaption to have it all back that was lost in a whirlwind. I guess I never really lost New Zealand or forgot. I never believed that 'home is where the heart it' until now. Thanks Marmite! I would be so lost without you!
19 October 10 at 8:20pm
Another vote for you today Elton. Kylie received her Marmite T shirt in the post today, will have to mail it to Oz as she will want to wear it immediately!!
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19 October 10 at 8:37pm
We've all had enough of these aftershocks in this house too. Today's one was quite scary. I certainly hope they'll be well over by Christmas. Our whole family could all really do with something exciting to look forward to at the moment. For Elton to win a ticket would do the trick nicely! And Elton, as for you having 'never really lost New Zealand or forgot' -of course you didn't. How could you ever forget this mad lot! Even if you tried!
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20 October 10 at 2:45am
Did you ever get up on Sunday mornings and listen to the early morning stories on the radio?...I used to lay on the carpet in the lounge while everyone else was asleep with my ear up to the radio listening intently.....memories ah...yes thanks to marmite for bringing those to the forefront of our minds! :)
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My sister and My brother in-law ( who I've never met )
Can't get any more kiwi than that!
19 October 10 at 10:01am
Hey Elton, I can't believe how long it's been since you've been able to see your parents. Good luck getting home as it sounds like it would mean a huge deal!
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19 October 10 at 10:02am
ha ha lol your mum and I were singing the same song.....fantastic minds think alike....
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19 October 10 at 8:42pm
If you make it home perhaps Michael could welcome you with a little tune at the airport. Better polish up your gumboots Michael.
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This may not be my only last request, but it would be one of them
;)
28 October 10 at 2:13pm
Hiya. Good luck for getting back to NZ. We are trying to get my sister Lisa McLean back to. I think your page is clever and I like what you done with the cartoons. Well all the best. From the Lisa McLean support crew
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My Comfort Food
Marmite sending 100 kiwis home is the best idea since, well, Marmite. This is really what Marmite is all about. We have grown up with Marmite in our homes as a kiwi staple. You get really upset when you have you toast and butter ready and there's no Marmite. It's the same feeling when you don't have you family when you want them. Marmite brings toast a and butter together in a way than jam just can't. Marmite brings people together too.
When a package came to America from Mum and it had Marmite in it, I was thrilled, but when my girlfriend was the first American to like it, I just knew. She was also an All Blacks fan before I met her. You know before I even had to tell her what Marmite was, in her first bite, SHE was telling me why she loved it! She loved Rugby, Marmite, but the best above all was that she really loves my Mum, Dad, Sisters, and the rest of my family.
When I met her, I guess I didn't want to think about how long I had been gone because it hurt to think about it. Avoidance was the best way to deal with the pain. Then she came along and told me how important family needs to be in my life. She started asking me questions about my family, asked of stories about home, and what I missed; Marmite was one of them. She used to say she would give me a guilt trip that would fly me to New Zealand. When we started getting very serious in our relationship, she told me that she would rather have me home then to have me at all. At that point Jillian hadn't even spoken to my mother, but she told me that I loved my Mum first and that it would be selfish of her to keep me to herself. To this day, she always tells me that she loves me more than anything, but no one will ever loved me like my Mum will and that her love could never compare to the love my Mum has for me.
Yes, I should say, she made me feel pretty guilty about being away. When my sister’s wedding came around and I wasn't there, she pounded it into my head how awful it was that I missed it, but my sister had a bridesmaid that came all the way from England for the wedding. When it had been a while that I talked to my family, she would pull out her phone and tell me to start dialing. I have to say, a good woman knows these things. How, I don't know. Maybe some kind of government super human project.
Jillian knew my heart, and therefore, I gave it to her. I thought, if she knows me this much, and loves me this much, she would be the only one I could trust with my heart for the rest of my life. Since we have been together, I have felt so close to my family, and when Mum sent an email telling us Marmite could get me home, Jillian fired it up. Her excitement for me to see my family again amazes me.
I am so thankful for Marmite and the good woman in my life, Even at Mum's work; the girls get together and start voting. My little nieces get excited and vote. My sister vote and help with pictures that I don't know how to make, and send their support. The men, they give their support too, just in our own way, right mates? But I know anyone who reads this post can agree the males or females, that there is just something about a woman that makes life a little easier. There’s something about Marmite too. You can’t describe Marmite to someone who hasn’t experience it, and you just can’t find the words that would say what a woman’s love is, but you can say that it’s a bit like warm butter and Marmite on toast on a cold morning. It just makes you feel good inside.
17 October 10 at 3:25pm
I think sons take a bit longer to grow up sometimes and you have certainly grown up since you left. There's no need for you to feel guilty though, you just did what thousands of young people do and went on an adventure. We'd still like you home though and it won't be long before you catch up on all the news and meet everyone you've not seen for years or not met at all yet. You sound pretty homesick and the best cure for that is to come home!! :o) We're all here waiting with open arms. xxx
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17 October 10 at 9:03pm
You and I were both as slack as each other when it came to keeping in contact over the year's. Actually I still am a bit, sorry. Thank goodness for Jillian putting a bomb under you! I'm very grateful that she did. It's been wonderful finally having regular contact with you, Elton. And now with this MARMITE Competition we are hearing something from you nearly every day. How good is that! I will kind of miss it when it's all over. Although hopefully we will then be waiting in anticipation for the big reunion. Still got my finger's crossed!
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17 October 10 at 9:14pm
Aww, Elton. You are too good to me. When I met you, I knew you were homesick, and I know you still are. I didn't say anything that you didn't know already. You just needed to hear someone tell you, and I talk too much to not say anything. It has been so nice to see how excited you get when you see the comments and to see your votes go up. Come hell or high water, we'll get you home. Love you Elton Graham!
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Missed opportunities with MarMitey Family
Wish I could've been there...sigh
16 October 10 at 5:08am
I love your family montage. My second daughter made her first holy communion this year and I know how special it was. It must be hard missing these family events. I have a niece I haven't met yet either - come on Marmite - lets get these kiwis home!!
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16 October 10 at 6:18am
Morning Elton, I totally relate, I've been gone going on 18 yrs now!....Missed alot of celebrations.....I wish you all the best in getting home for Chrissy!
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22 October 10 at 7:24am
Hi Elton - I work with Tania and we are having a great time getting to know you through this website and all the 'bits' Tania tells us. We are all busy voting because we are looking forward to meeting this mystery brother!! Tania mentioned yesterday that I was in one of the photos, that's me just behind the girls at their first holy communion - and on closer look that's all my family behind me. Seeing that, I thought about you wanting to be here with your family and how lucky I am to have all mine around me. This alone will encourage me to vote every day - all the best and looking forward to meeting you at the welcome home party!
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I am so missed in New Zealand
They all wish I could be there
16 October 10 at 1:01pm
When Lisa says 'demo party' she means 'demolition party'. I guess that means it doesn't matter if we spill booze on the carpet?
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16 October 10 at 8:03pm
That would be correct, you can fall through the floor if you wish :O) we could smear marmite on the walls! we could have a marmite party.....
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This is what Marmite is all about
Getting family together with food, love and laughter
15 October 10 at 4:48pm
I love the Christmas get togethers with all the cousies too, David, and I'm sure Elton would love it just as much. Here's hoping Marmite lets him experience some of the fun he's been missing all these years!
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15 October 10 at 7:18pm
Thanks for all the support. I can't wait to bring the bride-to-be to meet our very large and exciting family. With all of the photos of family in crazy costums, it's good to show Jillian a picture of my family dressed normally. I think she was starting to think New Zealand is a bit like wonderland. I told Jillian for Halloween we dress normally. Haha! Love you all! I can't wait to see all the cousins and new additions to the family!
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16 October 10 at 10:02am
Just think - your first summer Christmas in 11 years!!!
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Magic and Miracles
I cannot say that I am the most deserving of a ticket home. I cannot say that I have been away from New Zealand the longest or that I have the best family. I also cannot say that I can make the best Marmite pictures with photoshop or that I have the most catchy way of saying how much I love Marmite.
Although, saying that, I do feel that my family is the most deserving of my ticket home. When I left I was young and thought that because myself and my family had been around forever, than that is the way it would always be. Now that I am in my mid-thirties and I have "grown up" I know better.
So, my family, fiance, and myself post these pictures, and watch my comments and votes increase, in the hopes I will be seen worthy or the "GOLDEN TICKET".
I know I have always cherished Marmite back home with my family, and I will for years to come with my future wife and children.
No Matter What Happens, my family will always be the most worthy, in my eyes, to have a gift like this.I do not think the dreams that we share across the globe of me coming home could ever fade.
As I see my votes add up, I try not to get my hopes up at the same time. It sort of feels like believing in Santa or the Easter Bunny.After all these years it would be the most memorable and magical moment of my life, that I will always look back on in a happy nostalgia of when Marmite sent me home.
Every Christmas I have spent away, I have wondered if I would ever see my whole family together again. I have new family I haven't met, and family to bring home my kiwiw family has not met either.
Marmite, if I can believe in you, and you in my family, I can believe in miracles.
14 October 10 at 9:08pm
Elton, I love you. I know you believe, and so do all of us. I loved Kylie Baudet's comment about the excitement jumping off the page. I have never been able to meet my future in-laws, but after hearing all of the stories and so many conversations and emails, it's hard to believe I have never met everyone. Davina, even if the aftershocks do stop, I know the ground will shake when we land as Elton and I run to gates to see everyone. I feel I have walked through Christchurch so many times. I have heard so much from the family and Elton, that I know New Zealand will be wonderful. I can't wait until we are able to make it our home. Love you Elton! Love you McNickel and MacLardy family. Love to New Zealand and LOVE to Marmite!
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15 October 10 at 9:39am
1103 from me this morning :-) Yes I'm back from holiday and ready to get these votes a rolling again! Elton what you wrote above was so lovely it bought tears to my eyes...your mum & dad (and the rest of the family) are all hoping that you will win a ticket...I'm hoping so too. I have friends that vote everyday for you, we are all trying really hard to get you home.
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Mum sent this..
Marmite and it's long, glorious tradition
In case of an emergency...
Make toast
Searchin for my lost shaker of salt...
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame, but I know,,, it's my own fault
15 October 10 at 4:29pm
I was stumped on this one. So it's a song is it?
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15 October 10 at 7:20pm
Yes, of course! It's Marmiteville, by The Marmite and toast Buffet. Actually, it's a spin off of Margarita-ville by Jimmy Buffet. Haha!
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Homesick
:'(
13 October 10 at 7:58am
I hope Marmite can bring you home so your not so homesick soon Uncle Elton.
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13 October 10 at 8:08am
I'm sure you do feel homesick Uncle Elton. We all miss you very much.
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13 October 10 at 11:05am
Do you know whats even more sad - that Elton had to photoshop a jar of Marmite into his hand cos he cant buy any in America. When we see you at Christmas we'll have a massive Kiwi Marmite-y Christmas lunch for you Elton. With smoked savs too obviously! Miss you little brother!
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Godwits migrating from Alaska to New Zealand for the Spring!!!
God Willing, Marmite will Migrate me as well!
13 October 10 at 12:14am
Vote 1003 Elton - Kylie & Wade's mother Jill - will vote for you everyday. What a handsome hunk you've turned out to be,haven't seen you since you were a wee squirt aged about 9 in yoiur Cashmere Wanderers soccer outfit (groan) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great blogs and sure hope you make it home to Kiwiland. Kia Ora
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13 October 10 at 12:37am
Best of luck Elton, we are all behind you!!!
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13 October 10 at 6:48am
Thanks Ms. Sthephens. I love the name Jill, it's my fiance's name as too ( well Jillian, but 'Jill' for short). Hopefully I will see you all at Christmas. Maybe Wade and I can kick around the soccer ball as well. Cheers! :)
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Kaiapoi is VOTING!!!
Despite the recent damage from the quakes, the citizens of Kaiapoi have reserved a seat to welcome me home to New Zealand!
9 October 10 at 2:10am
mother in law burnt the roast for tea and never washed the silver beet which was full of sand so marmite and cheese on cruskets for tea. DON'T tell robin :)
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9 October 10 at 8:20am
vote 798 for you! thanks for voting for my brother simon :O)
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9 October 10 at 6:44pm
You can't go wrong with marmite and cheese for tea, Dave. It's full of Vitamin B to keep your pipes clean and potassium for your brain,and both help your nerves for when your mother-in-law burns the roast!! :o) Mind you, the sand in the silverbeet would have helped with the roughage too!! You could also try Marmite Scrolls, Marmite Eggs Florentine, Marmite soup, pasta, and Marmite Tapenade. (For the tapenade, add 1 tsp Marmite to 225g black olives, 25g capers, a crushed clove of garlic, puree all this in a food processor, season to taste, and slowly add 2 tsp olive oil, then 1 tsp lemon juice and some freshly ground black pepper to the processor.)
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My own, personal throne back home
They already have it reserved for me. It's bit beat up from the quakes, but should still do the trick
8 October 10 at 1:52pm
Lisa Carter is very talented!! Well done, Lisa, I love it. I hope your portaloo wins the competition too. You deserve a break. Thank you so much for all the time it took to paint this. We really appreciate your support. Perhaps Elton can come and try it out when he gets back to NZ? :o)
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8 October 10 at 2:12pm
It is my pleasure Cheryl. Elton I have decided to leave you on my loo - as I have found it makes people laugh when they drive past! I wont take it down until you come home and sit there yourself! One thing I have found from this earthquake is how important family is. So heres to Marmite for giving you the chance to be with yours soon. Keep voting everyone - you are doing something great by bringing this wonderful family back together again!
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Mum's office has the Marmite Vote Fever!
My Support and Love from New Zealand!
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love the way you are so good to me in the morning with tea.
I love the way you're the best at giving a good night after beers.
I love the way everyone loves you, but when you’re in my hand you're mine. All mine.
I love the way you turn an ordinary cheese and lettuce sandwich into a mouth watering meal.
I love the way you are always in the cupboard when there is no food in the fridge.
I love the way you care enough about your kiwi’s to bring them home. I don’t see jam or honey that loves us that much.
Marmite. How I do love thee!
7 October 10 at 9:23pm
I must be a miserable old trout!! After a few years of your being away, I started to think I'd never see you again, but everyone kept telling me I was being silly, of course I'd see you. So perhaps not a premonition, but more a dread. Then along comes Marmite and there's a chance I'll see you after all and all of a suddent the sun's out and I'm feeling good!! I would LOVE it if Penny had the chance to say "I told you so" so come home, Elton, so that she can rub it in for years to come. [Anyway, it's not that I think I'm always right, it's just that I'm not usually wrong. I admit to being 'mistaken' on one or two occasions. :o)]
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7 October 10 at 11:34pm
Hi Elton, Its been a very long time, im sure we were both just kids when I last saw you!! I recently got in touch with your mum via facebook which has been nice, it would be great to be able to catch up with everyone else. Ive been voting for you and hope that you get the chance to come home and see your mum,dad,tania and davina. 11 years is far to long to be parted from your family, all the best and i hope you win!!!! cheers Julie O'Neil
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Idea's for the wifey to be...
"Welcome Home to New Zealand, honey. This is our perfect Kiwi pantry. YOu know what I would love for dinner..."
6 October 10 at 9:36pm
Marmite, you say you are judging entries on how well the entry fits with the values of the Marmite brand. Marmite has always been a product that Kiwi families are familiar with and hold dear. We all grew up with it and it was an everyday part of our family. The people voting for Elton are doing so because they genuinely want to see a family get back together again. It's not because he's the most popular, because he's not, or because his family has the most friends, because we don't, it's because the voters are caring enough to take the time to help and support us. At the moment they are our huge extended family and we love them!
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7 October 10 at 1:13am
Awesome stuff! Good to see you've got the support of ENSOC... definitely brings back memories from the uni days in ROCSOC and then going to the ENSOC events. You page is really awesome and your votes are just increasing!! Best of luck with the comp and hope you can go home to see your family this xmas :)
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It's the Iron that keeps my niece pumped...
Looks like he should've had his Marmite.
5 October 10 at 10:49pm
Elton, it's your mother here! Haven't you got a better photo of yourself to put on the top of your page? People will think you really look like that! You look positively deformed!! :o)
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5 October 10 at 11:20pm
Don't listen to Mum Elton. Positively deformed is great. Actually it's just how I remember you!!! LOL. We reckon you should keep that photo - it's fun.
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6 October 10 at 12:56am
Haha, I like this one mate!! Here's some support for you :)
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What I want for Christmas, Mr Claus....
...
4 October 10 at 6:25pm
# 250 for me....good luck C and G Debbie xx
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My Marmite Family
I talked to my Mum and Dad last night. I miss them so much. 11 years without the ones I hold so close to, but I am still so far. My nephew had Birthday Party yesterday. I have never even met him, and he only knows my voice. My neices are keeping track of the votes, and my mum's co-workers wear pins for everyone to vote me home. My sisters, cousins and aunties and uncles all vote. I need you to support the cause Marmite! I grew up with Marmite like a part of my family, and I want my future family, my wife to be, and the children I wish to have to grow up with Marmite too. Marmite was a part of my family and is in many Kiwi households. This is something I wish to have in my life and miss as much as my loved ones. Please Marmite, I need your vote to so that we can all be reunited! Missing HOME and Family!
4 October 10 at 3:22am
I feel ya with this - Family is SO important and when we are away we just want to share our kiwi values with our loved ones and friends. # 218 is on me! :)
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4 October 10 at 10:42am
Hi Elton #235 from us!! I know the feeling, I have two nieces I havent met and two nephews who just started school...it's really tough missing these things!! Good luck!
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4 October 10 at 11:09am
We missed you at the Pirate Party Elton. Mum has made little badges with your photo on them saying "Vote to bring Elton home". And of course Dad was dressed like a pirate but being Dad he an enormous polystyrene parrot on his shoulder that kept bashing into everything. Will send you some pics soon. Love you little bro - keep up the hard work on the competition - it just might pay off! We're all voting every day to get you home.
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Needing Marmite in America!
I need Marmite! You have to have some kind of politcal or economical power to get it. Marmite, can you help?
3 October 10 at 6:11am
Hey GREAT Pic!.....Hes converted! ha ha. Thanks for suporting my good friend Leah....Voting for you today!
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Marmite Lulluby...
I was thinking just the other night,
What if I could find the largest kite
I would tie myself on tight,
And try with all my Might
To climb to the highest height,
Maybe then everything would be alright.
But then I realized that in spite
New Zealand would still be out of sight
No matter how hard I try to fight
To have my family re-unite
But then it hit me like a fright
When I heard about dear, old Marmite
And the chance that they would give me my flight
I think I turned completely white
I couldn’t have been more delighted
Marmite should be Knighted
From all round the world we’re being invited
New Zealand’s being MARMITED
So that is why I need to write
To give you a little insight
That choosing me would be just right
Cause me and Marmite, we’re real tight
So good on ya you’re the best Marmite
Sadly right now, I am without a bite
So I guess I’ll just turn out the light
And wish you all a happy, good night.
1 October 10 at 2:25pm
Another Kiwi living in Virgnia! We are few and far between!! I live in Williamsburg.....you will know my house, it is the one with the KIWI flag flying on the front porch! Good Luck...hope Marmite Brings You Home!!!
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3 October 10 at 8:38am
wow, nearly 200 votes, come on everyone..make sure you keep on voting EVERDAY!!!!!
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Webster vs. Kiwi
Websters definition of Marmite:
Marmite [ˈmɑːmaɪt]
n
(Cookery)™ Brit a yeast and vegetable extract used as a spread, flavouring, etc.
Kiwi's Definition of Marmite:
New Zealand genius in a jar.
30 September 10 at 5:51pm
Ha this is awesome. Well good on your for finding a keeper over here, I bet your mum is going to be so excited to meet her (and see you also). Well tell your Mum to say thank-you so much for the votes, I really appreciate it, and you have mine! 102!!!
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1 October 10 at 12:15am
Haha love it! Best of luck getting home for chrissy, sounds like you deserve one of the flights. You have a vote from me today :)
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Marmite I am not pumped here!!!
Must get marmite...must get home...marmite...home...????? !!!!...sigh....
There's no place like home!
mmmm. my mouth is watering.
30 September 10 at 6:56pm
Would love to see Elton reunited with his family, been way to long, good luck Elton and hope we can all do it!!!!!
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Kiwi Crossing Home!
Send Me Home Marmite!
30 September 10 at 12:02pm
The McLardy's from Australia are voting every day! Good luck Elton!
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My love for good women and good food
When I met my fiance, Jillian, I was crazy about her, but she wasn't so crazy about me. She was a bit scared of the way I acted, now she thinks it's cute. I called her all the time, and sometimes at 2am just to hear her voice. She thought I was annoying, and I was, but I wanted her. One day she asked me what the first thing I wanted to do when I got home. I told her I wanted to hug my Mum, and have a Pie and a whole jar of Marmite. That had to be the wierdest thing to say to a girl I was crazy about, but she decided I was alright. She said later on a that if I were really a creep, then I wouldn't be concerned about my mother or good food. Thanks Marmite, and Mum!!! :)
30 September 10 at 3:06am
Wishing you all the best with your up coming wedding!
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30 September 10 at 3:13am
Very candid post - get my vote, hope you get home!
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5 October 10 at 10:46am
I love you Elton! I love Marmite! I love your family! I love the voters! Let's get Elton Home! Go team Elton!
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My Mum
Okay, Marmite. If you send me home, I promise you will get a hug from my Mum. She gives the best hugs you could ever imagine. She is the sweetest woman on the face of the earth, come on Marmite, do it for Mum! Just look at her.
29 September 10 at 2:37pm
No mum for 11 years.... that's tough. No marmite????? that is unreal !
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29 September 10 at 3:47pm
Hey little Bro - I've got all of ECan voting for you too! They know I'll stop hassling them once I see evidence that they've voted! We're having a birthday party for Archie this weekend (he'll be 3, not 4 - see Marmite! He's been away so long he cant remember how old his nephews (that he's never met) will be!). PLEASE SEND HIM HOME!!!!!
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29 September 10 at 6:03pm
..and a vote from Sons of ECan - good luck!
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Mum and Dad
I can't wait to have some tea and Marmite on toast with Mum and Dad. As you can see from their picture, they are dying to have me home.
My Twin Nieces
The cute little girls in this picture are my nieces, Sophie and Lucy. They just turned 11, and I haven't seen them since they were babies. They are the nicest and most poilte girls you could ever meet, just like their mother, my sister, Tania.
Nephews
These are my Nephews that I haven't seen yet. Archie is the oldest, he'll be 4 this year, and Louie will be one. Archie was just telling me how his mouse sleeps in the nude. I thought that would be something my sister, Davina would say. Haha! I don't know if my nephews like Marmite, but I would like to find out. I have never met either of them... sigh. :(
29 September 10 at 3:59pm
Elton has never had the chance to have a cuddle from these boys and Archie gives great cuddles. Louie gives delicious slobbery kisses with abig wide open mouth! My boys would love to share with their Unlce Elton a hot piece of thick white toast dripping in butter and smeared with MARMITE! mmmmmm. And my husband who has never met my little brother would no doubt join them! Archie is definitely a Marmite boy - he hates jam and honey and all those boring sweet spreads. Its Marmite all the way.
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A kiwi cry from across the globe!!!
Marmite, ya got to hear me out on this. I have got the sweetest, and most wonderful parents this world could ever imagine, and I haven't been able to see them for over 11 years! To prove my Mum is the best, just read her comments on here. She sends me Marmite all the way to the states! I know this isn't the "who has the best mum and dad contest", but you have got to understand what they mean to me. My little cousins are voting, my sisters, my families coworkers. If I don't win a trip, I ask just one thing, if you could send a very large Marmite container, so that I may be able to take in to va beach and float to New Zealand, I could go for that. I would also need for there to be enough marmite left on the bottom, so that I can have something to eat, since I don't know how long it would take me to float to Christchurch. I also may need some wholes poked in the top of the container to breathe. That would be great. I just need to get to my family one way or another, I am not too picky.
29 September 10 at 8:54am
good luck mate i hope you do get back to see little Archie and Louie soon and the rest of your family, if they are all like Davina ther're pretty awesome.
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29 September 10 at 9:40am
HI Elton - I am your mums boss - well actually no one can be the boss of Cheryl! We all feel like we know you through Cheryl so when this voting came up - we did not hesitate. We know how much Cheryl would like to see you - we are often in tears listening to her talk about you! So we will be voting for you everyday to show Marmite how important it is to get you back over here to NZ looking forward to meeting you
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29 September 10 at 2:05pm
North Island McLardy's are starting to Vote....:-)
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An american Girl with A taste for NZ Marmite!
Since I saw a lot of postings about people with cats that liked Marmite, and cats named 'Marmite', I thought I should post my American Girl that loves Marmite. I am as proud of her as the people with the cats, and thought, "Why Not".
1 October 10 at 8:40pm
Elton I have had to promise my (male) workmates that if they vote for you then you have to bring Jillian in to the office to thank them - they all reckon she's hot! So there you go everyone - vote for Elton and bring home a gorgeous girl too!
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5 October 10 at 9:52am
Thanks Blister! Anything to get me home! It's fine by me. I am sure it will be by Jillian too! Haha!
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5 October 10 at 10:45am
LOL! Oh my gosh! Of course I will! Anything to get us there! Free hugs for repeat voters too! LMAO!
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Come on Marmite! Bring a bloke home! When in NZ, do as the kiwi's do!
I have missed so much during the 11 years I have been in the states. I missed my twin neices growing up, they were babies when I left. I missed my sister's wedding, and the births of my two nephews, who are going on 1 and 4. I have missed out on so much. I missed birthdays, chritsmases and barbie's. I tell my fiance about the food all the time. I have told her about fish n chips, pies, burgers with eggs, and cream pies. I knew she was the one to ask to marry me when my Mum sent a jar of Marmite, and she loved it as much as the kiwi's do. It may be an aquired taste to some who aren't native, but luckily I found a girl that loves Marmite too!
Marmite! Send me home!!!!
11 years in the US without my Mum, Dad, Sisters and Marmite! I did find a 2 oz. jar of Marmite for $10, needless to say, I bought it. I tried to make it last for as long as possible, but it still only lasted a couple of days. Send me home Marmite!
28 September 10 at 6:43pm
All those years of raising my son on Marmite!! Sandwiches of cheese & Marmite, Marmite & walnut or just Marmite on its own, not to mention Marmite meat, a family favourite. Spread Marmite over Crosscut blade steak and bake slowly, then thicken gravy & you've got a really tasty meal. If it makes Elton homesick and brings him home, it was all worth it.
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29 September 10 at 6:27am
Mum, it's things like this that make me want to hug you even more. You are so great.
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Elton McNickel
Me!
28 September 10 at 2:05pm
Elton has to come home and visit his big sister Davina or we will never hear the end of it in the office.
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22 October 10 at 3:01pm
Hey Cheryl I just found this on Facebook. A son will hold your hand for a little while, but he will hold your heart for a life time!! It's "Son's week". If you have a son that holds your heart,whose smile can light up your day, and who makes your life better just because he's in it, then copy and paste this to your wall. I hope Marmite will help put your son back in your life !!!!!!!! Cheers, Joost
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23 October 10 at 2:03pm
Thank Joost. That's lovely. I'll certainly post it on my FB wall. Your sons are very lucky to have such a caring father. I've really appreciated all your support so thank you for that as well.
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25 October 10 at 1:37am
MARMITE, Thanks so much for giving us such a fun competition to follow. It's got such a great feel to it. Our family are loving the regular contact with my brother that this competition has given us. Hopefully it has started something new that will continue on. It couldn't have come at a better time for our family here in 'Shakesville'. It's been a great way to keep us all sidetracked from what's going on here. Marmite has become a hot topic around our friends, family and workplaces these days. We've all said we're going to miss it. Until this competition arrived, our family had resigned to the fact that we may not see Elton for many years to come - 11 years too long so far. This thought wrenches at my Mum and Dad's hearts and it's so hard not to be able to help them in any way. This Marmite competition has given them a glimmer of hope. I so hope they get to celebrate very soon.
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1727 votes
Judging
Sure, you may have 100,000 facebook friends to vote for you but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the plane. It’s a quality, then quantity rule round here. We’ll be making our decision based on originality and creativity, how well your entry fits with the values of the Marmite brand, then popularity.
31 October 10 at 7:43pm
Last vote for you today, Elton Graham! I'm gonna miss voting every day and talking with the Kiwis who aren't just family. Everyone has been so nice and funny too. I know moving to New Zealand feels a lot less intimiding with being able to get a good sense of what New Zealand is like and what the people are like before we go. I am so glad to really get to know Marmite now too. I have been fortunate enough to taste Marmite, but now I know what it really means to ALL kiwi's and not just my Elton. I want to that Marmite for making this possible for Elton, his family, friends, kiwi's around the world, and even me, an American Girl. I cannot wait to make New Zealand my home and create Marmite memories of my own as well. This has been such a good experience for everyone. I feel as though I have gotten even closer to my family to be. Thank you Marmite for Everything! This has really been amazing!
Report this comment31 October 10 at 8:18pm
You dont' seem to need another vote, but your family look nice so here is a last minute bit for support. Vote 1725
Report this comment31 October 10 at 10:18pm
My last vote for you Elt! Hopefully will see you soon! Jillian, can't wait to meet you......thanks so much for your awesome show of support! Really appreciate it.
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