A note to you

My seven-year-old said recently that he wished money didn’t exist. He thought that without it, the world would be a better place.

There would always be some form of ‘money’, I explained. A system would emerge that ranked certain objects and skills. It would be driven by demand: wants and needs – some rational, some not.

So, Henry decided, when he grew up, he would open a shop that would give food to the poor for free.

But if he wasn’t making any money, how would he get the food to fill his shelves?

He would charge the rich people who came to his shop, he said.

And how would he know who was ‘poor’ and who was ‘rich’? Henry believed he could trust that those who came into his shop barefoot would be the ones who couldn’t afford shoes.

My advice to Henry? Shoes have nothing to do with it. But that kindness and willingness to support others will bring about the true value of life – happiness. Look for that in others and you’re on to a good thing.

After spending time in Michelin-starred restaurants, rubbing shoulders with culinary superstars and big name celebrities in London, Dan Pearson found his happiness in Dunedin. It is there that he and his wife now run a foodie business out of the beautiful Port Chalmers (page 19).

Find yourself a little joy, in Style.