August What have you learned from spending time with a child? Jairus Jairus - Henderson. “I’m a nurse by profession, so I’ve looked after children before. It can be challenging but I think it can be rewarding at times, when you know when you looked after a sick child and you’ve done something, you know, good for that child’s recovery." Read more... Shady Shady - Ranui. “We do have a lot of radio station gatherings and that, and YFM and everything. You know they do their fundraisers, functions, whatever, you know, and everything, but this might sound kind of corny, but what I think in a whole is, let’s just get along, man." Read more... Zainab Zainab - Mt Roskill. “Yeah, I was welcomed here by many people. Wherever I go I meet with different people, different ethnicity; Asian, Indian, Chinese, more kiwis." Read more... Otto Otto - Glendene. “... if you’re immature and you have a kid, then don’t, then you better grow up fast, or otherwise you won’t be a good parent. You’ll teach them the wrong stuff." Read more... Trina Trina - Auckland. “My mother has I think seven siblings, and they’ve all got kids. It is quite huge. Even extended family we’ve got, it’s quite big. I think it’s good, because, yes as we’ve all heard before, the children are our future, and if we instil good positive values in them now, they will definitely make a better impact as they grow older." Read more... Trinity Trinity - Titirangi/Waiheke Island. “I have a 12 year old and I have a two year old, so there’s a huge gap. So I was at the stage where I was learning about teenagers and what’s cool for teenagers at this stage, and with the technology and their needs for schooling such as iPads and the expense of it all." Read more... Nicholas Nicholas - Onehunga. “Five years ago I had a very bad addiction, and I’ve been rescued by my son. I’ve been clean for five years. So it’s been a really good ride." Read more... Jarvie Jarvie - Mt Albert. “I think about 80% of people that play are of Asian descent, and the game is growing just naturally with our immigration changes to Auckland. So that’s a great thing, but people are happy to play against anybody in badminton." Read more... July When was the last time you felt proud? Hamish Hamish - Māngere Bridge. “I was going to be a typical capitalist and shift them out over the summer period and get the high-paying American tourist for our Airbnb, but I spoke to them about it, and decided it was easier and just the look on his face that he could stay…" Read more... Amrit Amrit - Mt Roskill. “Everything is a positive in Auckland; clean environment, nice people, friendly staff, and more opportunity for the growth. If you’re hard working you can touch the sky. " Read more... Selena Selena - Campbells Bay. “I think about love and also how difficult it is to be responsible when you’re an adult. I know it sounds very immature, but you know I write those songs to deal with things and conflicts like that." Read more... Tessa Tessa - Māngere. “It was quite a shock, but because it runs in my family because we’re Pacific Islanders, and both my parents are overweight, and don’t look after themselves. To hear it was quite a shock, and to have all those emotions running through you at that time I just want to break down." Read more... Hannah Hannah - Auckland. “It’s kind been a bit of a mixed emotion almost. I guess just seeing things in England it brings people together. Almost the fear and the extreme activities it’s really heart-breaking, but, you know, seeing what is happening in response and making those communities almost like finding the positive within the fear, and not letting it consume you. Kasey Kasey - Glen Eden. “When anyone asks me what I am, I’m a proud Kiwi a proud New Zealander, but I also always make sure that they know what mix I am. To me that’s really important. Rene Rene - Sandringham. “Yeah I got asked a question like a month ago. This guy came up to me and said “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and I said to him I see myself as a role model because you know people have told me that I’ve got a lot of potential and I have a mind that’s exemplary to others." Read more... Bill Bill - Takapuna. “It’s difficult for me to speak about it, but I would like to speak about it. I’m still going through the grieving process. I find it very difficult. How could I say it? June How did you last show someone you care? Ady Ady - Auckland. “I moved from India to New Zealand when I was nine years old and I couldn’t speak any English, and the best thing I like about Auckland, New Zealand is that they took me out of class to just learn the English language. Lillian Lillian - New Lynn. “I’ve got this kind of phrase that I don’t have to be instantly accessible to whoever’s not in my presence. I’m trying to balance that out though. I feel like I’ve taken that almost to the extreme where I forget, I actually forget to text people back for ages and so that’s not groovy either in terms of building relationship with them.” Read more... Andrea Andrea - Mt Roskill. “One thing I try and do with both my girls is connect with the in the morning and at night, so that might just be a hug, a question, how are you feeling, how did you sleep?" Read more... Conrad Conrad - Auckland. “I think everybody does (struggle), and of course I have; my father passed away about three years ago and I think I still struggle with that" Read more... Juliana Juliana - Cook Islands / Pukekohe. “Depression isn’t exactly easy being the other person without it. Having to live through it, but if you show you’re kind hearted and you're understanding and caring attitude towards it, you know, they could really come out of it in a positive way. Akmalia Akmalia - Malaysia/Auckland. “I think in, like in any other religion, there are some who are extremist. Perhaps sometimes they follow a certain people who don’t really go and look at what the Quran says, but just believe a particular leader’s point of view." Read more... Anitelea Anitelea - Mt Roskill. “I just don’t have any hope for future, just live the normal way. It’s just like, the thing is again in different places and things and stuff you get, but it’s just stuff and just living and just get money and get fed and eat and survive." Read more... Gaille Gaille - Kelston. “I think when you go down as far as you possibly can, the only way is up, and so I had a look at myself and decided that I’m more than what everybody else thinks I am…I guess I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and it wasn’t a train. May What would you say to your 11 year old self? Nicola Nicola - Auckland/Taranaki. “I’ve grown up with racism. It’s kind of normal, and it’s a thing you don’t challenge, and so this year was the first year I actually challenged it, and I’m 47.” Read more... Laura Laura - Manurewa. “Me being a midwife - I kind of figured it out on one of our last family vacations to Samoa where I saw the health issues there and it’s like midwifery isn’t really a very important job in the islands..." Read more... Wairiki Wairiki - Māngere. “I lost my Dad at a young age and all I saw was gang life. It’s like the older parents are like their role models and all they see is gang so they wanna be like them cos they think it’s normal." Read more... Edison Edison – Visiting from Hong Kong. “…you know, bad stuff happens all around the world. Like casual racism or racial jokes. I can take it, because I’m a grown up person so it’s fine." Read more... Mohini Mohini – India. “That’s the best thing about this place. There have been a lot of people from different places all together here. I wouldn’t say that specifically here New Zealanders are that fussy on that thing, you know." Read more... Jasmin Jasmin - Auckland. “As a kid I had, still do, have dyslexia. It’s not that bad. It’s definitely something that I’ve struggled with... I guess growing up… it’s kind of taught me about perseverance, and getting to where I want to be.” Read more... Joe Joe - Auckland/Northland. "Back in my time, there were more freezing works in the ‘70s. The jobs, you could pick up easily. Today it’s a bit difficult. So I ask myself as an 11 year old; how would I place myself here today?” Read more... Alessandra Alessandra - Auckland. "I’m from Brazil, and I came to New Zealand in 2010 just as a visitor and I fell in love with New Zealand and then worked my way through staying here.” Read more... April What was the last message you sent? Phil Phil - Mairangi Bay. "I go to the gym six days a week, sometimes seven. It's that relief from getting out of the house and meeting other people, having a laugh, it’s really good." Read more... Janet Janet - Avondale. "I think as a human in society, surrounded by other humans, it’s our social responsibility to make sure that everyone is okay." Read more... Tewhetumarama Tewhetumarama - Avondale. "My name is Tewhetumarama and I’m currently living on the streets…I don’t really call it homelessness I’m camping out just to make it a little bit easier" Read more... Samy Samy - Auckland. "Our discussion revolved around how do we fit in the ladder of social evolvement? We discovered we don’t really fit in that ladder, but rather we seem to be taking another approach." Read more... Rebecca Rebecca - Auckland. "I've had plenty of friends who have suffered from depression or suicidal thoughts. You would think in a day and age when we’re so connected, people wouldn’t have to feel this way.” Read more... Richard Richard - Auckland. "I’m currently on crutches. It makes every day an adventure trying to get around. People are generally really helpful, I guess it tests what sort of people they are; what sort of morals and motives they have in life.” Read more... Charlotte Charlotte - Rothesay Bay. "Our dad is 84 and he’s had enough, he’s coming to the end of his life. That was really, really hard saying that. I won’t be able be there with Dad when he passes away in the next few days..” Read more... Dylan Dylan - Pt Chev. "Actually, I can be completely honest here and I’m not ashamed to admit that I actually suffer from mental illness. I get levels of anxiety quite often.” Read more... March Tell us about the last meal you shared with someone? Nooks Nooks - Māngere Bridge. “Yesterday was my birthday so I shared a meal with my wife and kids. My wife is Cook Island Tahitian and I’m Māori so my kids are pretty much a fruit salad!" Read more... Huva Huva - Glen Innes. "What we really need is empathy. You just need to take life as it is. You only get one life, so you just have to be unapologetically yourself." Read more... Lisa Lisa - Auckland. "The biggest challenge at the moment is just being a stay-at-home mum, and I’m kind of feeling a bit itchy and scratchy, so I’m going back to work in May." Read more... Sara Sara - Panmure. "The more connected we are the more we know we’re loved - the more we know we’re giving to people. That’s what makes us feel good as humans." Read more... Peter Peter - Te Atatu Peninsula. "When I can’t see someone on my left I bump into them, and they give me this really filthy look, like ‘why don’t you watch where you’re going!" Read more... Nidhi Nidhi - Auckland. "Surprisingly, it was like a huge weight off your chest, it was good conversation and I think food did that." Read more... Rory Rory - South Auckland. "I just like to help my family out, because they help me out a lot. It’s been good, doing what I can for my brother and my sister in South Auckland." Read more... Cara Cara - Te Atatu Peninsula. "Hāngi-wise; we have that now and then. That’s a real treat. I try, but I guess because I say that I am quite plastic Māori-wise, I’ve kind of lost all that." Read more...
Jairus Jairus - Henderson. “I’m a nurse by profession, so I’ve looked after children before. It can be challenging but I think it can be rewarding at times, when you know when you looked after a sick child and you’ve done something, you know, good for that child’s recovery." Read more... Shady Shady - Ranui. “We do have a lot of radio station gatherings and that, and YFM and everything. You know they do their fundraisers, functions, whatever, you know, and everything, but this might sound kind of corny, but what I think in a whole is, let’s just get along, man." Read more... Zainab Zainab - Mt Roskill. “Yeah, I was welcomed here by many people. Wherever I go I meet with different people, different ethnicity; Asian, Indian, Chinese, more kiwis." Read more... Otto Otto - Glendene. “... if you’re immature and you have a kid, then don’t, then you better grow up fast, or otherwise you won’t be a good parent. You’ll teach them the wrong stuff." Read more... Trina Trina - Auckland. “My mother has I think seven siblings, and they’ve all got kids. It is quite huge. Even extended family we’ve got, it’s quite big. I think it’s good, because, yes as we’ve all heard before, the children are our future, and if we instil good positive values in them now, they will definitely make a better impact as they grow older." Read more... Trinity Trinity - Titirangi/Waiheke Island. “I have a 12 year old and I have a two year old, so there’s a huge gap. So I was at the stage where I was learning about teenagers and what’s cool for teenagers at this stage, and with the technology and their needs for schooling such as iPads and the expense of it all." Read more... Nicholas Nicholas - Onehunga. “Five years ago I had a very bad addiction, and I’ve been rescued by my son. I’ve been clean for five years. So it’s been a really good ride." Read more... Jarvie Jarvie - Mt Albert. “I think about 80% of people that play are of Asian descent, and the game is growing just naturally with our immigration changes to Auckland. So that’s a great thing, but people are happy to play against anybody in badminton." Read more...
Hamish Hamish - Māngere Bridge. “I was going to be a typical capitalist and shift them out over the summer period and get the high-paying American tourist for our Airbnb, but I spoke to them about it, and decided it was easier and just the look on his face that he could stay…" Read more... Amrit Amrit - Mt Roskill. “Everything is a positive in Auckland; clean environment, nice people, friendly staff, and more opportunity for the growth. If you’re hard working you can touch the sky. " Read more... Selena Selena - Campbells Bay. “I think about love and also how difficult it is to be responsible when you’re an adult. I know it sounds very immature, but you know I write those songs to deal with things and conflicts like that." Read more... Tessa Tessa - Māngere. “It was quite a shock, but because it runs in my family because we’re Pacific Islanders, and both my parents are overweight, and don’t look after themselves. To hear it was quite a shock, and to have all those emotions running through you at that time I just want to break down." Read more... Hannah Hannah - Auckland. “It’s kind been a bit of a mixed emotion almost. I guess just seeing things in England it brings people together. Almost the fear and the extreme activities it’s really heart-breaking, but, you know, seeing what is happening in response and making those communities almost like finding the positive within the fear, and not letting it consume you. Kasey Kasey - Glen Eden. “When anyone asks me what I am, I’m a proud Kiwi a proud New Zealander, but I also always make sure that they know what mix I am. To me that’s really important. Rene Rene - Sandringham. “Yeah I got asked a question like a month ago. This guy came up to me and said “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and I said to him I see myself as a role model because you know people have told me that I’ve got a lot of potential and I have a mind that’s exemplary to others." Read more... Bill Bill - Takapuna. “It’s difficult for me to speak about it, but I would like to speak about it. I’m still going through the grieving process. I find it very difficult. How could I say it?
Ady Ady - Auckland. “I moved from India to New Zealand when I was nine years old and I couldn’t speak any English, and the best thing I like about Auckland, New Zealand is that they took me out of class to just learn the English language. Lillian Lillian - New Lynn. “I’ve got this kind of phrase that I don’t have to be instantly accessible to whoever’s not in my presence. I’m trying to balance that out though. I feel like I’ve taken that almost to the extreme where I forget, I actually forget to text people back for ages and so that’s not groovy either in terms of building relationship with them.” Read more... Andrea Andrea - Mt Roskill. “One thing I try and do with both my girls is connect with the in the morning and at night, so that might just be a hug, a question, how are you feeling, how did you sleep?" Read more... Conrad Conrad - Auckland. “I think everybody does (struggle), and of course I have; my father passed away about three years ago and I think I still struggle with that" Read more... Juliana Juliana - Cook Islands / Pukekohe. “Depression isn’t exactly easy being the other person without it. Having to live through it, but if you show you’re kind hearted and you're understanding and caring attitude towards it, you know, they could really come out of it in a positive way. Akmalia Akmalia - Malaysia/Auckland. “I think in, like in any other religion, there are some who are extremist. Perhaps sometimes they follow a certain people who don’t really go and look at what the Quran says, but just believe a particular leader’s point of view." Read more... Anitelea Anitelea - Mt Roskill. “I just don’t have any hope for future, just live the normal way. It’s just like, the thing is again in different places and things and stuff you get, but it’s just stuff and just living and just get money and get fed and eat and survive." Read more... Gaille Gaille - Kelston. “I think when you go down as far as you possibly can, the only way is up, and so I had a look at myself and decided that I’m more than what everybody else thinks I am…I guess I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and it wasn’t a train.
Nicola Nicola - Auckland/Taranaki. “I’ve grown up with racism. It’s kind of normal, and it’s a thing you don’t challenge, and so this year was the first year I actually challenged it, and I’m 47.” Read more... Laura Laura - Manurewa. “Me being a midwife - I kind of figured it out on one of our last family vacations to Samoa where I saw the health issues there and it’s like midwifery isn’t really a very important job in the islands..." Read more... Wairiki Wairiki - Māngere. “I lost my Dad at a young age and all I saw was gang life. It’s like the older parents are like their role models and all they see is gang so they wanna be like them cos they think it’s normal." Read more... Edison Edison – Visiting from Hong Kong. “…you know, bad stuff happens all around the world. Like casual racism or racial jokes. I can take it, because I’m a grown up person so it’s fine." Read more... Mohini Mohini – India. “That’s the best thing about this place. There have been a lot of people from different places all together here. I wouldn’t say that specifically here New Zealanders are that fussy on that thing, you know." Read more... Jasmin Jasmin - Auckland. “As a kid I had, still do, have dyslexia. It’s not that bad. It’s definitely something that I’ve struggled with... I guess growing up… it’s kind of taught me about perseverance, and getting to where I want to be.” Read more... Joe Joe - Auckland/Northland. "Back in my time, there were more freezing works in the ‘70s. The jobs, you could pick up easily. Today it’s a bit difficult. So I ask myself as an 11 year old; how would I place myself here today?” Read more... Alessandra Alessandra - Auckland. "I’m from Brazil, and I came to New Zealand in 2010 just as a visitor and I fell in love with New Zealand and then worked my way through staying here.” Read more...
Phil Phil - Mairangi Bay. "I go to the gym six days a week, sometimes seven. It's that relief from getting out of the house and meeting other people, having a laugh, it’s really good." Read more... Janet Janet - Avondale. "I think as a human in society, surrounded by other humans, it’s our social responsibility to make sure that everyone is okay." Read more... Tewhetumarama Tewhetumarama - Avondale. "My name is Tewhetumarama and I’m currently living on the streets…I don’t really call it homelessness I’m camping out just to make it a little bit easier" Read more... Samy Samy - Auckland. "Our discussion revolved around how do we fit in the ladder of social evolvement? We discovered we don’t really fit in that ladder, but rather we seem to be taking another approach." Read more... Rebecca Rebecca - Auckland. "I've had plenty of friends who have suffered from depression or suicidal thoughts. You would think in a day and age when we’re so connected, people wouldn’t have to feel this way.” Read more... Richard Richard - Auckland. "I’m currently on crutches. It makes every day an adventure trying to get around. People are generally really helpful, I guess it tests what sort of people they are; what sort of morals and motives they have in life.” Read more... Charlotte Charlotte - Rothesay Bay. "Our dad is 84 and he’s had enough, he’s coming to the end of his life. That was really, really hard saying that. I won’t be able be there with Dad when he passes away in the next few days..” Read more... Dylan Dylan - Pt Chev. "Actually, I can be completely honest here and I’m not ashamed to admit that I actually suffer from mental illness. I get levels of anxiety quite often.” Read more...
Nooks Nooks - Māngere Bridge. “Yesterday was my birthday so I shared a meal with my wife and kids. My wife is Cook Island Tahitian and I’m Māori so my kids are pretty much a fruit salad!" Read more... Huva Huva - Glen Innes. "What we really need is empathy. You just need to take life as it is. You only get one life, so you just have to be unapologetically yourself." Read more... Lisa Lisa - Auckland. "The biggest challenge at the moment is just being a stay-at-home mum, and I’m kind of feeling a bit itchy and scratchy, so I’m going back to work in May." Read more... Sara Sara - Panmure. "The more connected we are the more we know we’re loved - the more we know we’re giving to people. That’s what makes us feel good as humans." Read more... Peter Peter - Te Atatu Peninsula. "When I can’t see someone on my left I bump into them, and they give me this really filthy look, like ‘why don’t you watch where you’re going!" Read more... Nidhi Nidhi - Auckland. "Surprisingly, it was like a huge weight off your chest, it was good conversation and I think food did that." Read more... Rory Rory - South Auckland. "I just like to help my family out, because they help me out a lot. It’s been good, doing what I can for my brother and my sister in South Auckland." Read more... Cara Cara - Te Atatu Peninsula. "Hāngi-wise; we have that now and then. That’s a real treat. I try, but I guess because I say that I am quite plastic Māori-wise, I’ve kind of lost all that." Read more...
