Time with tamariki

Former Londoner Fina Hallman is a school teacher who lives in Devonport with her husband and two children

How long have you lived here and where are you from?

I have lived in New Zealand for eight years, all of that time has been in Devonport. Originally I came from London.

Describe your neighbourhood.

Quiet, peaceful, sunny and privileged with lots of cafes and bars and a village attitude. Reminiscent of English villages. Lots of colonial houses in a similar style which makes it attractive architecturally.

What is your earliest memory of the Shore? Coming on a visit in 1999 with my friend Deirdre and going up North Head. I never envisioned I would be coming back in 10 years with two children and a Kiwi husband.

What are the greatest advantages to living here?

The beach and the natural beauty. I love being able to walk everywhere. The shops and cafes are so easily accessible and friendly. Everything is just so close by. I also love how fruit and vegetables grow so readily.

Where is your favourite North Shore beach and why?

Cheltenham because it is so close and reminds me of a time gone by. My children learnt to swim there and if you are really lucky you get to see orcas and dolphins.

Who is the person you admire the most and why?

Alec Hill a world champion at over 80 and a true Kiwi in his can-do attitude.

What do you like least about the Shore and

‘‘I never envisioned I would be back in 10 years with two children and a Kiwi husband’’

how can we fix it?

The lack of multiculturalism and the importance of financial status. I think it is a generic New Zealand issue and unfortunately I cannot see it changing soon.

What are you doing this weekend? Spending time with my tamariki, walking, laughing and hugging. I also need time to fit in some studying and some work.