Careen | Blockhouse Bay

“I moved to New Zealand in 2002, and I was living in the South Island for eight years. Then, I moved back to Auckland for a few years, and then went to Australia for four years, and lived in Melbourne for four years. I came back to Auckland with my wife. Got married in Sri Lanka. The most amazing thing that happened to me was meeting my wife, of course.

I think she’s my soul mate, and that just made me open my eyes wider. She came into my life and we have three beautiful children now. So, the best part of my life was meeting my wife, and seeing a bigger picture of what was around me, which I couldn’t see. So, now my wife and I have the 360-degree view around our life, and we are settled in Auckland, which is the best place to live on this earth. The people are so friendly, helpful. The school, Blockhouse Bay Primary School? All the fingers up for them. They’re the best school we have ever dreamt of. Just peace for everybody.

For me, when I was by myself, I just focussed only on the front, which I could see, but after meeting my wife, she could tell me what’s happening behind my back. So that was an amazing experience for me. Being with her I can see all the sides, and I can amazingly move forward, and see more positive things, for us to make a decision. I hope everybody gets their partners where they’re soulmates. This is an amazing thing that happens in your life, you know? If your soul mate comes to you, just make sure to protect her all the way you can.

I was born in Sri Lanka, in Colombo, and grew up there, and my parents were from Galle Fort, which is a Dutch colonial place in Sri Lanka, near the beach area. I worked at the Hilton and at all the 5-Stars, most of the 5-Stars in Sri Lanka, doing hotel management. Then, as a chef I came to New Zealand. I experienced all Japanese cuisines and I had my own Indian restaurant as well, then sold it, and came back to Auckland. Settled with my wife and kids, and now I work in one of the leading 5-Star hotels.”