Once in a lifetime experience

Posted by on 15 September 2011 | 0 Comments

I was incredibly privileged to be invited by the Rugby World Cup organisers to represent Southland at the opening of the World Cup. The weather was perfect and I was able to stay with old friends whom I haven't seen since college training days.

I had to be at Sky City to be taken to Eden Park by bus, and my friends decided to come across with me on the ferry because they thought the roads would be too busy or closed. However, there were hundreds of people lined up for the ferry so we thought we would try the car. It was fantastic as there was hardly anyone on the roads and we got straight there easily. There were thousands of people walking though.

I would describe the experience as once in a lifetime - it was absolutely amazing. There were 150 people in the VIP area, and quite a few of those were leaders from countries attending the Pacific Forum. I really enjoyed talking to them and being a good Southlander, I had brochures in my bag which I gave them and invited them south. A woman's handbag is a wondrous thing, I tell you! The food was excellent as well and the caterers did a wonderful job of showcasing New Zealand produce.

I had to pinch myself during the opening ceremony as it was hard to believe it was real. I feel so proud and I have to admit I shed a few tears. The gentleman beside me was the brother-in-law of the main singer and he gave me a delightful running commentary on the performance. This just reiterated to me how we live in a small family country. I did feel incredibly sorry for those who missed out because of transport frustrations and I have to say if was Southland organised, the chaos wouldn't have happened.

Following that highlight, I came back south and took part in the Living Legends tree planting at Otatara on Sunday. There were huge numbers of people and I was amazed yet again at how quickly all those trees were planted. I have also visited A Taste of Southland in the SIT arcade and attended the play Home - One Thread in the Story of a Nation. So many of us have Scottish heritage and I really enjoyed the story.

Finally I was thrilled to welcome visitors to Fiordland when the first Whisper Jet flew into Te Anau Airport - Manapouri last week. This visit will hopefully be the first of many and well done to staff who have worked hard to get us to this point.