At age 22, I moved to Melbourne with my boyfriend so he could be in a band with his brother. 22 years later I live in Ballarat, married to a different man with our two delightful Australian children. There was no plan. There was no agenda. I was simply following the path the universe had laid before me. 

The universe had always planned for this week to be special.

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At every turn I was reminded that I was in the right place, at the right time. On my first day in Auckland I went for a wander around the city. It was a stunning day and I was in no rush so I just meandered. If I noticed something interesting up a laneway, I’d take the time to investigate, not worrying about going back the way I had come. I was halfheartedly looking for a tattoo studio. I’d been wanting to get a NZ tattoo ever since I moved over but could never find the time. 

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As the lunch rush thinned out I had given up hope of finding a tattoo but I wasn’t bothered. Most of the studios I looked at seemed to be going through a manga phase. I could’ve got Pikachu in every style. I found an interesting little arcade that looked like it might have something good for lunch when I noticed a small tattoo studio (Pink Panda) tucked away next to some stairs. As I looked at their designs in the window the owner walked past and asked if she could help.

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I was at peace with the fact that my tattoo wasn’t going to happen so flippantly mentioned that they probably wouldn’t be able to help when Terehu aka Reuben, walked out from the back room. 

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I can do a Kirituhi, they can be gifted from Māori and guess what, I’m Māori! Nice to meet you!

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Within 20 minutes I was standing side on to Terehu as he drew the Kirituhi straight onto my arm in Sharpie. He asked me questions about myself and I told him how important this was to me, especially since I had just turned 44, marking equal time spent living in New Zealand and Australia. I told him about speaking in NZ for the first time and how this was a destiny I was choosing for myself having been led by others most of my life. Nearly two hours later I had a beautiful piece of artwork on my forearm. A gift from Terehu. A story that reflects the connection I feel inside, now permanently marked on the outside. 

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This trip to Auckland was important. It was a conscious decision to invest in my future self. It was expensive financially, emotionally and physically with Matt having to rework his schedule so I could go away for five days. I barely had enough for flights and the hotel but if I don’t invest in myself as a professional speaker then how will I expect others to do the same.

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On the morning of my talk I decided to go for a run to burn some adrenaline. I’ve always thought I could be one of those people who use the hotel gym but something pulled me outside. A quick check of my phone before I left gave me the directions to Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Its 182m high volcanic peak is in the heart of Auckland. I was only a few kilometres away so headed towards it. 

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I ran through commercial areas that morphed into residential streets until I hit the entrance for the park surrounding One Tree Hill. As I walked through the farm gate I was in a paddock with sheep and cute little lambs everywhere. The higher up I went the more magical it became. There was an amazing archway covered in purple flowers and some sweet places to eat. The sun was edging closer to the horizon as I continued up through the trees where the bird song started. New Zealand birds are the quickest way to connect to the country. I ran higher and higher until running was no longer possible and I just had to power walk to the top. 

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Puffing as I rounded the last set of stairs I got a 360 degree view of Auckland as the sun broke the horizon. It was breathtaking. I couldn’t help but cry. What an extraordinary moment. The colours, the birds, the warmth, my heart racing from the exercise and the excitement for the day ahead, all at once, all in front of me. I was not alone so I had to compose myself as not to frighten the lady doing yoga but the moment had already been realised. This was going to be a great day. I also had 30 minutes to get back which meant the journey back to the hotel was slightly less whimsical. 

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I couldn’t have had a better start today and it showed on the stage. I was ready. I stuffed a few things up but I did pretty well for a first time speaker. The room was wonderfully supportive and I’m so glad I went before lunch on day one because it meant that everyone knew who I was and told me how great of a job I did for the rest of the weekend. For someone who claims to have very little ego, mine damn near popped.

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What I loved most about my time at the convention was everyone’s willingness to share. To share advice or stories or thoughts. With delegates capped at 60 there was ample time to get to know everyone. I had so many incredible conversations and a few really special ones that will most likely change my life. 

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From watching the All Black beat Australia in the Bledisloe Cup, to sharing stories and skin with Terehu to presenting my ideas to room fill of my pairs, it all felt completely right. 22 years in. 22 years out. Yet always exactly where I’m meant to be.