A year ago, I boarded a plane at Heathrow with eyes filled with tears. Tears of sadness that I was leaving a life I loved, and tears of happiness that I was returning home, to a life I hoped would be even better.
One year in and sometimes it feels like my years away were a fabulous dream. Life in NZ is busy, exciting and fulfilling. But I’m so grateful for my time in London, the UK, and adventuring around Europe – it’s given me an even better appreciation for my wonderful country.
I’ve missed those quick flights off to new adventures – being in Lisbon, Copenhagen, Lyon or Florence in half the time it now takes to get to Australia (love you Aussie, but that time difference is no joke either!)
I’ve loved rediscovering NZ – all the beautiful beaches, cool bush walks, and gorgeous panoramas that are very much on my doorstep.
I’ve missed London’s history, wandering the streets of Shakespeare, Panckhurst and Wren.
I’ve loved learning more about New Zealand’s history, including more about Māori culture (New Zealand’s indigenous people) and language.
This blog isn’t about politics, but it is a very important subject to me. So I wanted to share a couple of the more political things I’ve noticed on moving home, mostly for the good. We have an amazing female Prime Minister, leading a government measuring the budget on people’s wellbeing, not just dollars. Now we do the mahi (work), open conferences with a mihi (welcome) and sign off news broadcasts with mā te wā (see you soon). Te Ao Māori (the Māori world) is more explicitly incorporated in everyday life, which I hope is symptomatic of Māori being accorded better standing and appreciation.
I do occasionally encounter worldviews which feel closed off, after five years of living in the heart of Europe (although nothing like the vitriol of the Brexiteers). Living right down the corner of the world map (if we’re not left off altogether!) can give a feeling of complacency, which was horrifically shattered in the events of the March 15 terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch. I hope New Zealanders retain the feel of outrage which prompted an outcry against right-wing terrorism, and don’t let ourselves sink back into that complacency.
Back to the lighter stuff…
I have a treasured weekend ritual (which Stories viewers will know well) of a walk on Takapuna beach, which I’ve found clears my head and lightens my heart. It doesn’t hurt that there’s always great dogs to watch, and often I bump into friends there too!
I have a challenging, fascinating job with great workmates. One of my biggest fears was that I wouldn’t love my next job as much as I did my wonderful team back in London – fortunately I’ve been lucky again!
I’ve missed my wonderful friends in London and family around the UK – but at least I know many of my friends are moving back to, and have already established that I can go back again to see those that aren’t heading to NZ anytime soon.
I’ve loved exploring New Zealand life with Joe, and being reunited with all of my wonderful friends back home. I’ve loved being back for a family Christmas, popping across the city to see my Gram, and heading up regularly to the hugs and smiles, space and cute animals of my parents’ farm.
So one year in, the verdict is in – moving back home was a great decision. And I’m looking forward to the next year of adventures!
I want to acknowledge my massive privilege – to have moved to the other side of the world, with a passport, and be regarding fondly as an expat-in-London, rather than negatively as an immigrant. And then to be able to move back to my wonderful home on the timing that I choose. I do think about how very lucky I am!
