Retirement’s the ticket for Simanu
The next stop for Simanu Sa is retirement.
Samoan-born Sa came to New Zealand in 1984 with his four children to give them a better start in life.
Now, after 23 years as the face of Porirua railway station’s office, the Whitby resident has sold his last ticket.
In his own words, he began working at the station as a nobody and wanted to leave the same way.
‘‘When I came in, no-one knows me. So, when I go, nobody ever knows that I was here,’’ he said.
But he was left a little embarrassed when his colleagues, as well as Porirua Mayor Mike Tana and deputy mayor Izzy Ford, surprised him with a farewell on his last day, June 30.
The 66-year-old spent his final shift at work talking to regulars, arguing with others, and reminiscing about what he called an ‘‘amazing job’’.
Sa would often be up early to open the office for the 5.30am commuters.
He’s seen many people come and go, young and old. After a few years, the young regulars grew up and were catching the train with their own children.
While he might not know everyone by name, former customers recognise him in the street.
In all his years at the station,
‘‘I’ve got mixed emotions; I’m both sad and glad I’m retired. I know in my heart I’ve done what I’m supposed to have done in my life.’’ Simanu Sa
the 2015 Porirua flood – when more than 1mm of rain fell per minute at the storm’s peak – was a standout moment. Both underground walkways were flooded and Sa couldn’t leave the railway station’s office.
After that day’s trains had been cancelled, he and fellow stranded station-goers had to walk along the tracks towards Kenepuru to escape the floodwaters.
It’s the people Sa will miss most.
‘‘I’ve got mixed emotions; I’m both sad and glad I’m retired. I know in my heart I’ve done what I’m supposed to have done in my life, because my kids have happy lives.
‘‘My first chapter was growing up and going to school, my second chapter was work and bringing up the kids, and now the third chapter is finishing work. So, the next thing is, I don’t know. I’ll find out when I get there.’’