What I’m missing
With New Zealand still in Covid-19 lockdown, there are many things that remain taboo. We asked a selection of local television personalities what they are missing the most.
Matty McLean (right), Breakfast
What I’m missing in Level Three is just that really simple thing of messaging a friend and asking, ‘Fancy grabbing a coffee?’ or ‘Want to come round for a wine after work?’ Didn’t we all just take that for granted? I love how much everyone is still reaching out – virtual catch-ups with friends and family have kept me sane during this time. And even though things have opened up more in Level Three, I still do miss that face-to-face interaction with those that I love. But we’re getting there. Just a little bit longer.
Amanda Gillies, The AM Show
I miss absolute freedom. The freedom to see my family and friends in Gisborne, to book a massage, to have a meal at my local cafe, to browse or buy at my favourite store, to kick a ball with the kids at the school next door. I never appreciated how good we had it. On the flip-side, I can now make a mean feijoa and banana loaf.
Tom Sainsbury, Educators
I’m not missing going to the gym and am quietly happy I have an official excuse for not going. I am, however, missing the movies terribly. Going there, getting my popcorn and frozen Coke, and disappearing into another reality is a dream scenario. And, of course, my friends. Talking to them through the laptop just ain’t cutting it.
Rawiri Jobe, Shortland Street
My friends. I just can’t wait to have a few mates round for dinner, a drink and a laugh. As much as I love my bubble, I miss the casual banter and good times only your best buds can bring.
Nivi Summer, Shortland Street
I miss being able to take my son, aged three, to the zoo, Jump and other social activity places for children where he can burn his energy. He has a lot of energy and I am struggling to find activities he could do at home to wear him out so I miss being out with him.
Jay Kiriona, Shortland Street
I miss loud popping handshakes with the bros. And road trips around New Zealand while singing at the top of my lungs out of tune to my favourite tracks.
Chris Parker (right), Dai’s House Party
I’m really missing performing with my friends in our weekly improv show Snort at the Basement Theatre. Having 100 people laughing at me and my mates was really good for my self-esteem, and while my boyfriend is loving the one-man shows I’m giving him every night, I’m sure it’s testing his patience. I can’t wait to get back to performing live comedy again.
Michael Van de Elzen, Eat Well For Less NZ
People. We miss sharing our cookery school with people, but most of all we miss our friends and family that we haven’t been able to meet up with for a chat, a drink, and some good food.
Mark Richardson, The AM Show
I’m missing being able to fish. Yes, sure you can fish from land in Level Three but, for me, fishing is about going way out to sea on my jet ski. It’s like sitting on a bench seat in the middle of the ocean by yourself. Just me, the fish and my thoughts. I plot how I plan to conquer the world and it’s great for my mental health.
Mike McRoberts, NewsHub
There’s not a huge difference between Levels Three and Four for me to be honest. I don’t eat a lot of takeaways and I’m quite happy with my own plunger coffee. What I’m really missing is physical contact with friends and family – I’m a serial hugger. And they’ll all know once this is over there’ll be some big hugs coming.
Goran Paladin, Sky Sport News
The things I miss? Catching up with friends, especially some of those who worked at Radio Sport. When the station was eliminated because of Covid-19, all I wanted to do was get around workers – both current and past – to talk things over, perhaps just offer a sympathetic ear for old work colleagues to unload. Speaking of sport, that’s been missed in a massive way. I’ve played sport since I was five. When it finally returns I’ll feel like a kid on Christmas Day.
Kate King – Sky Sport
Live sport. Not only because my job depends on it, but life seems so quiet without it. No giddy expectation about upcoming games. The charged atmosphere of being in a stadium, the roar of the crowd and the smell of hot chips. I also deeply miss the ease of international travel. I am a proud aunty to a beautiful baby girl and would love nothing more than to hold her, but she lives in Australia. Can we get the trans-Tasman bubble sorted asap? It would solve both problems.
Cristina Ionda, The Brokenwood Mysteries
Socialising. I’m missing my friends. Going out together for a coffee/drink/meal... Plus there have been a few birthdays in March and April without a proper celebration.
Kura Forrester, Dai’s House Party
I miss going out for dinner with friends ... hugging and kissing people, going to watch plays and comedy, performing in plays and comedy, and shopping at Kmart.