Renee wowed by North

Renee Boland, midwife at Kawakawa Hospital and mum of Tom. Lives in Oromahoe.

I love everything about it.

I like that there are things that can appeal to anyone, there’s heaps of things to do outdoors and there’s good facilities to do indoor activities.

I like that we can do things that don’t depend on what financial bracket you sit in. It’s child friendly and adult friendly and safe.

I’ve been here for six years. I’m originally from Newfoundland, Canada. I was a scientific diver for eight years but I also owned my own bar.

When finished filming they had the wrap party at my bar. Kevin Spacey and everyone, the whole crew, were there. I lived there until 2007 and came here.

For the most part I absolutely love it. The only thing that irks me is that it’s so beautiful and people still biff rubbish out the window.

It’s so easy not to do that. It’s such a stark contrast to the beauty.

There’s lots of choices; I like Jerusalem Cafe and The Rusty Tractor in Kerikeri and Jimmy Jacks in Paihia.

My days off when it’s sunny toddling out to the beach. Picnics on the beach on days off are pretty magic. I quite like Aunty Helen [Clark]. I think she’s done an enormous amount for New Zealand.

She’s done a huge job to put us on the map internationally and she’s a good, strong woman who holds her own well in conversations regardless of the company, whether it’s your average Joe or the United Nations. She’s fabulous.

I love Puriri Bay. It’s a Department of Conservation campsite.

It’s visually stunning and picturesque and it’s a little piece of paradise.

There needs to be an increase in employment, so I’d say create more employment opportunities.

Head outdoors. Get outside, it doesn’t matter if it’s the beach or out in the garden or out on the farm.

And put the phone down.

‘‘I like that we can do things that don't depend on what financial bracket you sit in. It's child and adult friendly. The only thing that irks me is people still biff rubbish out the window.’’