Sitting here in the sun, I find myself in a somewhat reflective mood.

I arrived in Auckland in 1990, having moved from the untamed flat wilds of Palmerston North. I’d visited the Big Smoke on many occasions, but never for a decent length of time, certainly not long enough to get a feel for the place.

I’d only ever had good experiences on those visits, meeting interesting and hospitable Aucklanders, and that probably set me up with the intention to stay.

Over the last 25 years I’ve gotten to know this place. It’s actually pretty cool.

However, I can’t help but feel that it’s still a little young, a little immature.

This city is being gradually shaped by those who dwell here, as well as by those who don’t.

There is an insecurity here. Like Auckland is still trying desperately to make its mark and be noticed. We are a bit envious of our older siblings, Sydney and Melbourne. They just do things a bit better. Especially fireworks.

I don’t think we have been served well in recent years by our Leadership. I’m not sure how well our Council-run Organisations are doing with respect to infrastructure and catering for future growth.

Still, it’s a city that is on the cusp of greatness. The next 25 years will be exciting (hopefully). At the moment it’s an angsty pimply teen, but the potential is there.

It is up to us to enable that potential to be realised and unleashed.

Happy Birthday Auckland!