26/03/2026
He maha ngā mahara ātaahua ki taku kāinga i Aotearoa — ngā ata mātao me ngā manu e waiata ana i ngā rākau, te hau mārie e pupuhi ana i te kanohi, te hīkoi i te one me te rongo i te pakaru o te tai, ā, te haunga tote o te moana e mau tonu ana ki taku ngākau. I ngā ahiahi roa o te raumati, ka noho tahi mātou ki waho, ka kata, ka kōrero, ā, ka kai tahi i raro i te rā e tō ana, he wā ngawari, kī ana i te aroha me te rangimārie. Ka maumahara tonu au ki te mātao o te awa, te rere mārie o te wai, me te noho tahi me te hunga e arohaina ana e au. Ahakoa kei tawhiti au ināianei, kei roto tonu ēnei mahara i taku ngākau — ko te kāinga he wāhi e hoki tonu ai te wairua, ahakoa kei hea te tinana.
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I have so many beautiful memories of home in New Zealand — cold mornings with birds singing in the trees, a gentle breeze on my face, walking on the sand and hearing the waves break, the salty scent of the sea lingering in my heart. On long summer evenings, we would sit outside together, laughing, talking, and sharing food under the setting sun — simple moments full of love and calm. I still remember the cool river water, its gentle flow, and being with the people I love. Even though I’m far away now, these memories stay in my heart — home is the place the spirit always returns to, no matter where the body may be.
