The New Zealand Christmas That Changed Everything
It was Christmas 1989 in New Zealand. The whole family had gathered around the dinner table, and for the first time in years, my cousin Paul was back from Australia. Something felt different. Maybe it was the warmth of having everyone together again, or the way the conversation flowed, stories, laughter, comparing lives across the ditch.
As my cousin talked about his laid-back Aussie lifestyle, the sunshine, and the opportunities I found myself unusually quiet. Something about it stirred something in me. Was I too settled? Had I stopped pushing myself?
That night, I looked around the table, feeling both grateful and curious. Maybe it was time to shake things up. Take a risk, Start fresh. A few days later, I just thought, “Bugger it.” And that was that. I decided to move to Australia.
At the time, I’d been working at Telecom NZ in Whangarei for over seven years. I had a house, a routine, a good life. But I needed a change. So I handed in my notice and started getting my life sorted.
I bought a one-way ticket to Perth, It was my first time on a plane, off I went, My cousin met me at the airport, and for the next few weeks, I soaked up everything, the beaches, the weather, the vibe. But soon enough, reality set in, I needed a job.
With my Telecom experience I started making phone calls to a few telecom companies around Perth, hoping someone would give me a shot. It wasn’t long before one company called me in. I had an interview on Thursday and a job by Monday.
Work was brilliant full of banter, with a mix of Kiwis and Aussies giving each other heaps. I’d tease them about their beer, they’d try to convert me to Vegemite. It barely felt like work most days more like getting paid to hang out. But even with all the fun, I’d still ring home and check in with Dad, who was back on the dairy farm at Tangiteroria, up at sparrow’s fart, milking cows rain or shine. While I was kicking back with a cold one, he was knee deep in mud.
Eventually, I knew it was time. The farm wasn’t just calling it was shouting, As great as Aussie life was, I felt the pull to come home, roll up my sleeves, and get stuck in where it really mattered.
Looking back, those years in Australia were some of the best of my life full of lessons, laughs, and growing up. I made great mates and memories I’ll never forget. But that Christmas in ’89? That was the spark. The moment I realized life only changes when you’re brave enough to imagine it differently.
