Guys, I really apologise... I lost notifications on this thread and assumed it went down in a heap.
I just (really just) had the opportunity to test the arduino and my skills. Long story short I got home from work knowing there were storms in the area... so I hit my parts jar for some reliable contacts for my arduino - used a motherboard fan header and usb header and wired them to my pot, and light sensor... in a massive hurry and the sky cleared.
Bugger.
Mate gave me a call and CHCH city was being hit so I made record speed on the 10 km drive to the beach and ....
Job done.