HOME AGAIN
There is something quite uplifting about flying across New Zealand, as the landscape changes below. I recently flew from Sydney to Christchurch and as the pilot announced we would be landing in 15 minutes I watched below as the coastline of the West Coast appeared with the Southern Alps in the distance, covered with a smattering of snow: it was majestic seeing it all come into focus. Then an hour or so later I flew on to Queenstown, over flat paddocks and crops in a colour range of greens slowly building from rolling hills to the mountainous alpine region. It’s hard not to be seduced by the landscape around Queenstown.
At this time of the year some mountains are completely bare; others covered in tussock; and some even have their own lakes perched sky-high and sandwiched between these enormous mountains. It all reminded me of the artist Neil Frazer and his stunning mountain paintings, as well as Euan Macleod’s work of giants stepping through the mountainous landscape. It felt wonderful to be finally coming home.
On land, the drive home was all about the changing autumnal colours of golds and reds with leaves catching the wind, swirling and drifting away for another season.
But this was not just any season. I had been away for so long, I couldn’t wait to return and just stroll among the landscape, re-connecting with the land around me, breathing in that fresh air and the highlight – seeing family and friends.
Time apart has been difficult this time round. Not just missing key dates of birthdays, Christmas, holidays and so much more: I missed the connection with those who know me best, and so I felt so happy to be reunited with those I love the most. These last few years have taught me to not take anything for granted, and perhaps to even live a simpler, more uncomplicated life. Arriving home, there was an excitement about seeing everyone and catching up on years of chat.
In this special New Zealand Edition, we celebrate all things across our nation, particularly the Kiwi innovators among us. Like the team of researchers led by Dr Yvonne Anderson, a senior lecturer at the Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, who has successfully researched a method for disinfecting PPE so it could be reused or safely recycled.
Or the team behind food technology company LILO Desserts, who saw an opportunity when they saw fruit that was wasted for being too small, misshapen or under-ripe and embarked on a mission to “get fruit tasted not wasted”. The upcycle solution is to now turn fruit from Central Otago, Nelson, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty into snacks and desserts.
Seeing an opportunity, or perhaps looking at a situation and working towards a different point of view, is where Kiwis excel themselves and have done for so long across many varied industries. This innovation and curiosity in working towards a solution is perhaps what we are best known for as a nation. It’s bigger than just the traditional ‘number eight wire, she’ll be right mate’ attitude; it’s that deep-seated energy that makes us want to create something better and achieve success – no matter what circumstances are perhaps against us.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
I believe this innovation and attitude comes from the environment around us – this unique landscape that we have been born into and grow and thrive in.
We must always respect it and, like I have recently done, return to it ... not only to reminisce, but to rejoice in all things New Zealand.
“I FELT SO HAPPY TO BE BACK WITH THOSE I LOVE THE MOST.”