Kia Kaha KL: Back to New Zealand

This week I am settling back into KL life after a 2 week dose of kiwi-living.

It’s always good catching up with my family, and we were also able to visit several friends including Nettie, Alannah, Mike, Luke, Marie, Rob, and Amy. The visit was timed to attend Graeme and Cathy’s wedding in Mangawai which was very special. Graeme has been a great friend and we have shared many good times, and I would not have missed it for anything.

The Steer family bach in Pauanui gave us the taste of the New Zealand that I love; quiet, laid back, and beautiful. The coastline winds round from estuary to surf beach and makes for a brilliant walk. Many thanks to Mike for the use of this accommodation.

It is unlikely that we will return for a least 2 years so we really soaked it all in. I am in no doubt that we have an incredibly unique and special place down there, and the 2 year absence only reinforces this. Like everywhere, its changing, and will never be like it was ‘in the good old days’ (if there ever was such a thing), but for all its faults, the kiwi spirit of fairness, common sense, groundedness (is there such a word?), and friendliness, is unmatched.