Reasons I LOVE New Zealand
Well seeing as though today is WAITANGI DAY in New Zealand I thought I would note some of things I adore about this country.
The fact that for such a small country we conquer in such diverse fields as Science (Earnest Rutherford), Mountain Climbing (Ed Hillary - First Man to conquer Everset), Film Making (Peter Jackson is a God!), Acting (Russell Crowe, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Anna Paquin, Karl Urban to name a few), Sport (too numerous to mention - but think The World Cup - Rugby, The America's Cup, The Tri Nations, The Bledisloe Cup), Music (Crowded House, Dave Dobbyn, Split Enz, Golden Horse and of course the inimitable Kiri Te Kanawa).
The All Blacks - when they open a match with the Haka you cannot help but get goosebumps!! and of course the fact that Dan Carter, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher and Richie McCaw wear those tight shirts doesn't hurt!
That most of the major posts in this country are held by Women.
That I went to school with Lucy Lawless (Xena - Warrior Princess) and snogged Russell Crowe when I was about 17 as he was the DJ at a dance I went to (and he was VERY cute back then!)
That we respect our "fallen" and celebrate ANZAC Day every year wtih Dawn Parades and Marches throughout every small city in Aotearoa.
Our great Kiwi mentality of "she'll be right" and the fact that we can fix anything with a piece of 4 x 2, gaffer tape and a bit of Number 8 wire (well apparently have never tried it myself :o)).
That we are the "melting pot" of the South Pacific with the highest population of Pacific Islanders anywhere in the world. This diversity shows in our music, culture and incredible food.
Speaking of food - think Pavlova (despite that the Aussies have tried to steal it), Roast Lamb, Lamingtons, Chips and Dip, Parties where you still "bring a plate", Barbeques in summer with sausages on the grill and beer and wine in abundance.
That wherever you go in the world you will find the friendliest people are always the "Kiwis".
Because of our location at the bottom of the world we get the very best in TV, Movies, Music and therefore expect that perfection is the only thing to aim for.
That we are free to practice whatever religion, thought, sexuality or belief with (relatively) no fear of persecution.
That you can literally pop over to your neighbours for a cup of sugar and not be worried about getting abused or even worse shot at!
That when horrid things happen like a murder it actually makes the front pages as it is still (thankfully) something or a rarity.
That no matter how far you have travelled throughout this wonderful world of ours there truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
