Graeme | Devonport
“I’m Graeme and I live in Devonport. Well, I’m not naturally a brave person, but I did manage to climb up Mt Victoria in Devonport with my six-year-old grandson, and I’m 75.
So he scarpered up the mountain like a rabbit. I was trailing on behind, and very soon became breathless, but when we got to the top, after a struggle for me, and no struggle for him, we had this brilliant view of the harbour and Auckland City. Probably the best view of Auckland City in the whole place, apart from perhaps Rangitoto on a fine day. So, that was worthwhile.
Well, it’s important for young people to be brave. When you get as old as I am, you don’t particularly want to get out of your comfort zone. I’m happier to be in my comfort zone. But my children and grandchildren; I hope they’ll be as brave, and as courageous as they need to be, without taking undue risks, I suppose.
I grew up in Taranaki. My father had a shop in Opunake on the Taranaki Coast, and I went to school; primary school and secondary school in Opunake. Then, I went to university in Wellington. When I eventually came back to New Zealand after living overseas, I lived in Devonport on the North Shore, and I’ve been there ever since. I wouldn’t expect there to be a nicer place than Devonport. It’s got everything that I need, and it’s very beautiful. Lovely place.”
