Tag Archives: New Zealand

12.27.24
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Thoughts: 2024 Was a Surreal Year

After a few years trying, I got a decent photo with Santa!

It’s the post-Xmas come down and I’m totally here for it. I’m taking time for myself and focusing on resting and recharging.

2024 has been a surreal year. Surreal really is the best word for it.

I didn’t really know what to expect when it started, except for one solid idea: 2024’s theme was going to be a Springtime for me. This idea was birthed in reflection of what had been a particularly challenging 6 or 7 years – a period of time in which I learned just how resilient I am, just how much support and friendship I have.

I am immensely grateful for those people in my life who understand my weird, and enable it!

January 2024 saw me cut my traditional Christmas vacation short to focus returning to my employment of 5 1/2 years and do a handover of the work I’d been doing. Monday to Friday of that first work-week of the year being diligent. Was it appreciated? No… not really. I found out after the fact that my notes weren’t distributed or communicated to anybody for more than several weeks. Really this just drew a solid line under that role. I made the correct decision to go.

(This could be a lesson for all – there is no job so important that you need to tolerate poor leadership, especially if it harms you or your colleagues)

I started a new role – still focusing on the health of workers, but removing the mental health aspect of the work. Being removed from the vicarious trauma I had been exposed to over the previous years, proved healing. We had a small but perfectly-formed team, and we were growing a business. In mid-year, there was a significant redeployment and half my team were gone. I don’t think this change was particularly managed well or communicated well, but it was what it was. I determined to focus on what I could control and not worry about the aspects that were outside of my control. After all, I had something to look forward to… my long-overdue return to the UK to reconnect with family after 6 1/2 years. This became my ‘reason’ and certainly helped navigate a frustrating time.

The trip was just what I needed. I wanted to learn if I still enjoyed travel (yes, yes I do), to learn if I am tolerant of fellow travelers despite all their BS (yes, yes I am). I’m impressed with how far technology has come in the last years – eSIMs (I recommend Airolo – https://ref.airalo.com/76GR – use my code SIMON2978 when you sign up), and the Wise Card for international funds and localised PayWave/Payments (https://wise.com/invite/dic/simonjohnd18).

Westminster
Bonfire in the village for all the locals
Bath
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral

Serendipitously, a month or so before my trip, I was asked to apply for a new role. I was successful and started on my return from England. (That was a weird week – landed back in Auckland on the Saturday morning, started at the job Monday morning, had three teeth extracted on Wednesday morning!)

Finishing up 2024, it’s been a rollercoaster 6 weeks. I’ve definitely hit the ground running with my new team (they’re all amazing people) and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2025.

My theme for 2025? It’s Growth – Make a Difference.

Now to spend some time considering what this looks like, and developing a plan for execution! Sigh – business guy speak. I’m supposed to be on holiday!

Other things of interest from this year? My adult children have done well at University and are happy and healthy. My daughter has become a significantly better bassist than me – something to do with effort and a lot of practice. I wasn’t really that disciplined. My son got a few A+’s in his degree so has a good idea of what he’ll be wanting to be doing. Between now and finding his first role, he’ll be continuing down the Warhammer rabbithole. I’m not mad about this! It creates gifting opportunities.

I know that next year will see me travel more. Vietnam/Thailand/Cambodia are on my list. A return to China? Singapore? Hong Kong? Back to the UK again? So many options… Now to dream and plan.

I hope you all have a relaxing Christmas and New Year, and I hope that 2025 brings you all you wish for.

^SJD

04.15.24
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Thoughts – A 3 Month Review

Made it!

Today marks three months since I started my new role post-EAP.

And it’s been a good three months on balance.

It’s always challenging starting in a new place.

There are questions to consider:
“Which Simon do I present”?
“When do I share my deep love of Toto and Level 42”?
“Should I bring my hot sauce in to the office?

You know, the usual.

I think I’ve navigated it all ok. I’ve settled in, I know what I’m doing and I like to think I’m making a positive difference. My new colleagues are great.

It’s been interesting tracking changes as a result of my move. The most obvious aligns with health – my stress level has dropped tangibly. My blood pressure has dropped. My resting heart rate has dropped.

My GP is so pleased with me. (Yes, I do seek approval where I can!)

I also have the headspace to exercise (I’m still not a huge fan), to reconnect with people I’ve not really seen for some time. It’s been great.

On the 82

I’ve enjoyed my new public transport requirement.

This was one of my concerns about finishing up at my previous role – I had a work vehicle and car park in the city.

So, not having a car, not having to pay for parking, for fuel, insurance, maintenance … all the things … means I’m saving $.

Auckland Transport is my friend – it does seem to work for me.

Uber is my friend.

And Mevo is my friend. Actually, do check out Mevo. They’ve created something super-cool.

So, onwards and upwards. Here’s to the next three months.

^SJD^

07.16.23
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Thoughts: Birthday Culinary Experiences

It’s been a wee while between posts…

My birthday falls, as it does every year, in June.

This year, rather than take myself out of Auckland to spend time in Raglan or Taupo, it was decided to stay in town, and return some money to the local hospitality industry. Not paying for accomodation allows for indulging in more restaurants than usual.

I figured it would be interesting to make a note of the experiences had.

As I’m slightly OCD, I’ve created a list of Auckland restaurants to visit – it’s an amalgam of a couple of Metro Top 50 lists, plus others I’ve added. I also have a list of Auckland Iconic Eats and dishes I’m working through. And I am compelled to tick off all the things! (I recommend Evernote as the means to record such things).

First up, Amano.
I’ve eaten here before, but in a bit of a rush before a concert. So this visit was a chance to relax into the vibe. And that’s what Amano has. It’s a fabulous venue, the interior design is fabulous. The staff are fabulous.. The ambience of a full restaurant humming with happy diners is palpable. And the food was great. I walked home happy.

Onslow was next. I’ve been wanting to eat at this Josh Emmett restaurant for ages. It was my choice for my actual birthday day. I wanted it to be amazing. We arrived with much anticipation. First impression, nice setup. The staff were outstanding (and got a tip because of their outstanding-ness). It was busy when we arrived. A number of boisterous work groups clearly celebrating successes of the day (Side note: it’s so great to see people winning and then celebrating the wins). This unfortunately is kinda when the wheels started to fall off for me. We were seated in a corner of the restaurant where it felt like all the ambient noise, conversations, and music was directed to. The tiled floors and tiles walls ensured that sound levels were bad. I spent the most frustrating 90 minutes of my life trying to converse and utterly failing. The food was ok, but with the exception of the salmon trolley and the team member presenting it, there’s nothing I can really recall from the meal. No standouts. Sadly, I can’t recommend Onslow and won’t be returning. I hope Josh’s new restaurant is better.

A few days later and for something a little different, we went to the Trip Advisor-rated Sri Pinang on K’Rd. This is an old-school, utterly authentic, Malaysian restaurant. It’s not pretentious. It just delivers fabulous food. Coming off my Onslow experience, the meal at Sri Pinang was just perfect. Simple and appropriate ambience, conversation-capable seating and wonderful flavours that lingered for days. I definitely recommend this place.

Kingi rounded off the birthday restaurants. I’d heard mixed reviews of this Hotel Britomart-located destination. First impressions, I loved the fitout. The decor is really interesting and appealing. Again, the staff were welcoming and very interested. Kingi is a seafood restaurant and I loved everything about it and the food I tried. I will definitely be returning.

I’d also like to add Kol to this blog. This was visited after the birthday explorations, and it deserves a special mention. It’s Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s latest venture and it doesn’t disappoint. Balanced dishes, interesting flavours and fantastic presentation. The restaurant itself is tasteful and the staff are great. Interested and enthusiastic about their diners and their food. Loved it. Would love to return and try the rest of the menu.

I’ve deliberately not mentioned the dishes I tasted. I’ll leave those for you to discover and to experience.

And someone mentioned Restaurant Month is coming up… good times! Shall we, Anna?

^SJD

01.27.23
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Thoughts – Camping Trip #1 2023

If you know me, you’ll probably know that I like to take my kids (well, they’re now 20 and 17) camping for a week, every year, in January. It’s something that I started doing 12 years ago, and have really focussed on.

I like to take them to parts of New Zealand that they’ve not seen, nor are likely to explore.

This of course leads to much discussion about what they can handle, how much time they’re happy to spend in the car on the journey, what they’d like to do or what they’d look forward to doing in the chosen destination.

This year, we went to New Plymouth. The reason for this is that a significant part of my origin story is rooted in New Plymouth. My adopted parents were born and raised there. Their parents were established there, and I remember spending many many weeks, many holidays, in New Plymouth as my parents took us to their hometown from our home in Palmerston North.

We stayed at the Top 10 campsite in Fitzroy. It’s fairly basic, but was perfect for our needs. I quite liked the hedging around the sites – it created a sense of privacy.

In New Plymouth we checked out a few things that you have to. Sadly the Lights Festival had ended the day before our arrival so it wasn’t worth navigating Pukekura Park whilst electrical works were being removed. We circumnavigated Mt Taranaki. We took a detour to Parihaka (important learning opportunity). We met some of my colleagues ( yes, I can’t not work on holiday – and the opportunity to connect with people IRL can’t be missed). We explored the homes my parents grew up in. We explored the homes my grandparents lived in. I recounted stories – oral history. We visited my biological aunt as well, so kind of a dual journey!

On the drives and in the campsite, we explore music. I love how my kids have their favourites. We started exploring the Rolling Stone top 500 albums of all time. It is interesting to me that they’re looking for craft rather than popularity. Snarky Puppy and Animals for Leaders rather than bland top 10.

One of my absolutely favourite things to do is to drive random roads, take random turns, explore small rural New Zealand. Buy a toasted sandwich. Have a chat. I love getting to know the pulse of the people I come into contact with. I find really interesting things.

Cafe toilet in ōkato

Back in New Plymouth, we explored the Len Lye gallery – its always amazing. I suspect it may have been a bit outside the headspace of my two though.. Still, I enjoyed it!

My kids? I think they had a good time. I’m always optimistic that they’re interested in the next camping trip. Will there be a next time? I hope so.

They’re not particularly interested in being photographed. Here’s them and me…

So, camping this January is done. I’m ready to approach work properly – I’m centered. Time with my kids is way more important than anything else I do.

^sd

12.31.21
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Thoughts: So Long 2021 and Happy New Year

I’ve had an interesting few days of reflection. Considering how I’m doing in life. That sort of stuff.

My previous ‘Happy New Year’ posts have basically been a bit angsty. Generally they have been an “it’s been a challenging year” vibe and a written process trying to find some good for the year completed and some sort of focus for the new year to come.

“It’s been a challenging year”. Such a cliché.

I did for a moment consider the idea that it would be nice to have a year that wasn’t challenging. But dear god, how tedious would that be?

We need challenge.

I think, for me anyway, where 2020 was a shit show, 2021 has been challenging, but in a transitional way – moving from ‘survival challenge’ to ‘growth challenge’.

It’s been a very good year for me on balance.

Started at a shockingly low point at work, finished on a high. A platform is in place and I’m really looking forward to doing some good stuff this new year.

I’ve been careful managing human connections – minimising my exposure to those ‘energy vampires’ in my wider circle, focusing on those that know me and grow me. Being open to new people has brought interesting and positive influences into my world. I definitely have needed to avoid stagnation and just ‘existing’.

I’m ending 2021 in much better mental shape than 12 months ago. Clearly I’ve developed some resilience, combined with allowing new people in to help. Also, it helps to work where I work. My colleagues are amazing.

One thing I’m able to do this break time is to actually have a decent break. 9 days down so far and I’m just starting to relax to a point where I can begin to recharge.

So, a couple more weeks of holiday will be rejuvenating. I’m also getting to spend a week camping with my teenagers in January. Precious time. I don’t know how many more camping trips I’ll have with them but I’ll take every opportunity to spend quality time with them.

Resolutions… hmmm – I’m not making resolutions this year. Sure, there are ‘nice to haves’ to have in the back of my mind, but I’m not going to resolve to achieve these. Apart from the KitchenAid mixer. I need to resolve to obtain a KitchenAid mixer. Onyx Black. That will make 2022 a success!

Anyway, it’s been a year hasn’t it? I wish you all the very best for 2022. Those who have lost much, I hope you get your mojo back. That you recover quickly and grow quickly.

See you soon!
^sd

11.04.21
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Thoughts: Of Music and a Deep Love of Covers

Hi team!

I hope you’re all holding up ok. It’s day 79 in this lockdown with not a lot on the horizon… except perhaps access to Bunnings next week.

Putting that aside, one of the absolute best things one can do to shift perspective, to stop complaining, to focus on better thoughts, is to listen to your favourite music. A song? An artist? A genre? It can be anything.

I’ve given myself a little positive project.

I’m building a playlist of Covers. You know, songs performed by artists that have a different take on the original performance. We all know ‘Nothing Compares 2U’ by Prince, and performed amazingly by Sinead OkConnor? But have you heard Chris Cornell’s version?

Sometimes artists cover their own songs in a completely different genre. Steven Tyler singing Janie’s Got A Gun on his Country album is fabulous!

This is what I’m talking about.

I’m wanting your recommendations. What cover versions of songs blow your mind each time you hear them?

Here’s a couple more that I love to start you off.

The Pot – Brass Against. (I just love the quirk and the talent on display here!)

Seal – Fly Like An Eagle

So send me your favourites please! Educate me!

^SD

10.17.21
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Thoughts: Super Saturday

I have really mixed feelings about this one. So I’ll attempt to put my thoughts down from a variety of perspectives that I can speak from. You may agree with some and vehemently disagree with others…

I’m ok with this.

So. Firstly, the target of 100,000 vaccinations looks good on paper. No question. But in context of population it’s piss poor and hardly aspirational.

‘We’ achieved approximately 130,000 jabs. Given the 100% target of 8,400,000 jabs, it’s really not that great. Barely shifts the needle. Aspiration would be: let’s hit 500,000! Not even close, eh. Personal opinion here: our Leaders aren’t that aspirational, they’re really focusing on the lowest percentiles.

But it’s not all bad. I love the joy of community motivation. I remember dancing to ‘thank you very much’ back in the day. Bedecked in my Boys Brigade uniform, toting a rubbish bag and being all enthusiastic.

However, this was rushed and half-assed. I’m sick to death of us Kiwis doing things half-assed. Half-assed presentation with half-assed presenters. We can, and we should do a hell of a lot better. I didn’t see our better production companies (currently in lockdown and dying financially) involved.

The TV stream was total cringe. There WERE some highlights. I was impressed with some of the artists getting exposed. Some great talent amongst us all.. but I have to say, I can’t un-see Patrick Gower dancing, singing…

I know I come across as a total cynic, but I spent this morning trying to find an upside. And I have.

I am very interested to learn, logistically, what the total possible vaccination numbers could have been. When you consider locations, approved vaccinators, jabs per hour, refrigeration, traffic management etc.

If the number was, in NZ, we could only do 180,000 jabs in a day on a perfect day, then 130,000 is pretty good! And definitely something to celebrate.

That’s what I will embrace. And actively encourage until such time as our total vaccination percentage crosses 90%.

In the meantime, I won’t celebrate Tamaki and his ilk being total dicks. Prosecute them.

I won’t celebrate North Shore partygoers being total dicks. Prosecute them.

Our only way out of this shitstorm is vaccination. Get it done. It’s not for you, it is for our community. Our family. Our vulnerable. Our kids.

^sd

10.11.21
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Thoughts: Lockdown day 54-ish

So we just had our first weekend in Level 3 Step 3. Lockdown day 54ish? I’m really not sure any more.

One of the more interesting personal impacts of all this Covid lockdown palaver is fatigue, inability to focus on something for more than 15 minutes and a general malaise.

One of the clear things that came out of the Steps announced was the removal of the 5km/no motorised travel restrictions. This enabled me to extend my bubble of one. Joy!

God I have missed people and connection. Two months of lockdown isolation is not a healthy state for this Simon.

Last week I took the step of moving back in to my office for work. As an essential service and given that I can actively avoid people it’s an easy thing to justify. And necessary. The change of scenery and having my two-monitor workplace back has really given me a lift. Mooching around my apartment is no longer an option!

I was delighted to be able to see my son on his 19th birthday. I was worried that I’d not be able to. I am mindful of the loss of these sorts of things for many people in Auckland/New Zealand. It’s been (and still is) a very challenging time.

So I have started this new work week with a bit more of a spring in my step and a degree of optimism.

I hope you’re all doing ok.

^SD

08.28.21
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Thoughts: Lockdown New Zealand (August 2021) again

Here we go again…

2021 has actually been an excellent year for me so far.

My workplace is changed, transformed. A toxicity in the culture has been exorcised and and my colleagues and I are getting on with effecting positive change in the lives of those we work with. It’s been good. Therapeutic.

My home environment has gotten more comfortable, more ‘me’. Where I’d been careful about spending and only acquiring things needed, I’ve been able to start to acquire things that create ‘home’. And plants. I now have six plants! I love them. They love me.

And now we are locked down again. I really don’t do well with isolation, which is a concern.

Shifting from drawing energy from people to a more introverted state takes a toll, one that I know will take months for me to recover from once we are able to be more free in the community. But it is what it is.

Given that it’s now day 11(?) and I haven’t really had anything to express would suggest that I’m in slightly better shape than last time. More resilient perhaps. I’m ever-grateful for all those who check in on me. Colleagues, friends, even managers in my customer organisations. I’m truly blessed that I have people in my world that care. I’m not alone.

My selfcare routines are pretty much bedded in now. I’m averaging 10k steps each day. I cook tasty food and save leftovers for weekdays. I watch all the movies and shows. I sleep well. And repeat.

This time around I spend less time focusing on 1pm briefings. I spend less time letting politicians bleat flaccidly in my awareness. I spend less time focusing on loss and worrying about the future.

I do struggle with making future plans though.

Being broadly generic about ‘things we can do in the future’ is ok, but being specific and watching dates come and go and not being able to enjoy the plans made takes its toll. This is a ‘thing’ I need to guard myself with, much to the annoyance of people around me who enjoy planning.

So, sorry about that, but I know myself well.

For me, following the ‘rules’ of the alert levels we are subject to is important. It means that in a nearer future I’ll be able to have my community freedoms back. If I (and my fellow citizens) don’t do my part, it’ll take longer. It’s the least painful and shortest course.

So, good people, get vaccinated, follow the rules, and wait it out.

^sd

02.06.21
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Thoughts: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Ok. We need to talk. I know I’m strong and resilient. I also know that I am severely impacted by the events of 2020 and now.

I know that most people are also impacted, and many people are simply unaware that they are impacted.

I work in a business that provides mental health support. I talk to people everyday about how to support their people, so I’m acutely aware of the world and also acutely aware of self.

I am not quite right. And this is Ok. It’s important to acknowledge. It’s important to be able to talk about it.

I’ve noticed a few things that are subtly dictating my behavior and how I interact.

I am struggling with going ‘out’. I can’t do crowds at the moment. For example, I lasted an hour at the Sky City 90’s party last week. The crowds sucked, Annie Crummer was cool. She’s still got it. Go Annie!

I have increased frustration with my friends. Plans made get cancelled or rainchecked at the last minute so there’s no time to make new plans. Therefore I end up staying home. I can’t take myself out solo to see the Viaduct. Side note: What the hell does one do solo in the Viaduct anyway? Especially when one struggles to interact. (NZ culture looks at single, middle-aged white men out and about with a certain unhelpful filter).

My self-diagnosis (note: I’m NOT a clinically trained professional) would suggest I’m not depressed. My day-to-day is fine. I’m not anxious. I’m just not that interested in being in the world.

I do have friends that care. I could have seen Russell Howard tonight (for example) but the idea of being in a closed room full of strangers? Nope. Couldn’t do it.

I’ve been invited to watch the SuperBowl on Monday with an American colleague. Would love to. But there are strangers there. I don’t have the energy. So I’ll stay home, make chilli and drink Budweiser, and watch it alone.

My tolerance levels have reduced. I get grumpy with friends who tell me about their fun evenings out (having not invited me) with people they’ve told me about, introduced me to, and then actively prevented me from getting to know. And then when I point this out I get ghosted for a week. So that’s cool.

It’s not all a self-involved whine though. Tomorrow will be a good day. I’m going to have fun with a new group of friends. And I’m actively forcing myself to lower my guards. Be open to new connections.

Mental health is a weird beast to manage. As we all have varying levels of physical fitness, we have varying levels of mental fitness.

The key for me is to recognise that I’m not 100%, to focus on what I can manage and improve, and to be kind to myself about the rest.

Oh… and happy Waitangi Day fellow Kiwis!