Jim | Hokowhitu, Palmerston North

“Probably with my daughter. She lived for many years in the States, and recently shifted back to New Zealand, and I’ve recently had quite a good discussion with her about her family and our family and the relationships within the family, and the in-laws who live in the States.

That kind of thing. I’ve learned a lot more about her, and understanding her, where she comes from, and as far as I’m concerned, there are a number of similarities between us, actually. I’ve really started to recognise that she’s probably a little bit analytical, like me. A good mix of family traits, really tracing back to my mother. It was quite interesting to sort of see some of the characteristics that my mother used to exhibit in her. So really it was actually getting to know her in a little bit more depth than I have for quite a long time, part of that being, of course, that she has spent 13 years in the USA. 

We’re social beings, I think, and that’s where this originates from. That loneliness is a sort of curse upon society, I’m in my 70s now and I’ve a number of friends whose families moved away or are living on their own because their wife has died, and the social contact at my age is so important, it fulfils the inner being, really. Good for the soul.I have one group and for the last 20 years we have actually gone out for lunch and we have, I suppose, had very good heart-to-heart discussions on a range of things from politics through to personal health, and I have another group that I cycle with. There’s five of us, and we’ve been keen cyclists for probably about 30 years, and every Sunday morning we get out, go for a ride, and sit in a café and talk about our experiences and what’s happening in our worlds, what’s the next bike we’re going to buy, should we be trapped into buying an electric bike, which is the current favour of things. So, I suppose those experiences I have with those two groups of friends actually keep me in touch with the world. It’s good for my mental health to be able to talk to those people, and share experiences, and they’re people I’m very familiar with. So, we don’t have any barriers to discussion when it comes to it, particularly my group where we have lunch, and have for 20 years. 

I was born on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand and have travelled a lot. Lived in the UK for several years in my early life, became an accountant and was in the accounting profession for about 20 years. Took a career change, and became a professional director for another 20 years. I was a city councillor here for 21 years. So, very much keen on the outdoors. Have walked most of the tracks of New Zealand and the last 15 or 20 years have cycled probably most of the main roads of New Zealand and all the main tracks. I’m running out of places to go cycling now. So, that’s me, in summary. I’ve got a wife, two children and three grandchildren. 

I value family and friendships. I have some passions, I’m passionate about some hobbies. Photography is probably one that’s a lifetime hobby. Bought my first camera when I was 15 and since I’ve retired, I’ve become involved in the local camera club. I’m keeping fit, and I mentioned cycling. I suppose those are the kind of things that I do.”