The Timeless Joy of New Zealand
The Years We Almost Didn’t Count
I never really thought about my age or how old I was — New Zealand had that kind of effect on you. Life here was so laid-back it almost felt timeless. Perhaps it was because we were genuinely happy, immersed in the simple rhythms of everyday life, that age rarely crossed my mind. We were too busy appreciating the freedom to explore, the surrounding beauty, and the sense of belonging we had built.
Looking back, I see that this contentment came from more than lifestyle alone. It grew out of the life we had created — one shaped by hard work, stability, and the quiet pleasure of shared moments. It was a time when worries felt lighter, and for that, I remain deeply grateful. I mention age because of an incident at the gym.
The owner, Harry, was a former naval instructor — strict, good-humoured, and always willing to talk.
Every three months he carried out assessments with his clients, and during one of mine he asked, quite casually, how old I was. To my surprise, I hesitated. “Thirty-eight… maybe thirty-nine?” I said.
Harry glanced at my card and laughed. “You’re nearly forty-one! Don’t you know when you were born?” We both laughed, but the moment stayed with me. It struck me how many years had passed without my noticing.
Life had been so full that time itself had slipped quietly into the background. It was a gentle reminder of how deeply settled we had become. By then, after selling the business, we were able to pay off the mortgage and clear our remaining debts. I was in my early forties.
Paul and Kathryn were thinking about university, Julia was exploring career options, Phillip had one year left at college, and Carolyn was attending Carmel College. Life felt orderly and secure. Sheila had little interest in travelling overseas; we had already enjoyed many holidays throughout New Zealand, building memories as a family.
By this point, we had been in the country for twelve years. I had always told my family back in the UK that I would return within ten, and now it felt like the right time. Because of my former employment with Air New Zealand, I was still entitled to reduced fares, so I booked the trip. Sheila chose to stay home, and Paul — newly licensed — took responsibility for keeping the household running. He did so with maturity that made me proud, ensuring everything carried on smoothly in my absence. As I prepared to leave, I felt a mix of gratitude and quiet anticipation. Those twelve years had been filled with effort, happiness, and the steady satisfaction of daily life. Returning to the UK was more than a visit; it was a chance to reconnect with the past and reflect on how far we had come — unaware that the journey would mark the beginning of another turning point in our family’s story.
Looking back, I see that this contentment came from more than lifestyle alone. It grew out of the life we had created — one shaped by hard work, stability, and the quiet pleasure of shared moments. It was a time when worries felt lighter, and for that, I remain deeply grateful. I mention age because of an incident at the gym.
The owner, Harry, was a former naval instructor — strict, good-humoured, and always willing to talk.
Every three months he carried out assessments with his clients, and during one of mine he asked, quite casually, how old I was. To my surprise, I hesitated. “Thirty-eight… maybe thirty-nine?” I said.
Harry glanced at my card and laughed. “You’re nearly forty-one! Don’t you know when you were born?” We both laughed, but the moment stayed with me. It struck me how many years had passed without my noticing.
Life had been so full that time itself had slipped quietly into the background. It was a gentle reminder of how deeply settled we had become. By then, after selling the business, we were able to pay off the mortgage and clear our remaining debts. I was in my early forties.
Paul and Kathryn were thinking about university, Julia was exploring career options, Phillip had one year left at college, and Carolyn was attending Carmel College. Life felt orderly and secure. Sheila had little interest in travelling overseas; we had already enjoyed many holidays throughout New Zealand, building memories as a family.
By this point, we had been in the country for twelve years. I had always told my family back in the UK that I would return within ten, and now it felt like the right time. Because of my former employment with Air New Zealand, I was still entitled to reduced fares, so I booked the trip. Sheila chose to stay home, and Paul — newly licensed — took responsibility for keeping the household running. He did so with maturity that made me proud, ensuring everything carried on smoothly in my absence. As I prepared to leave, I felt a mix of gratitude and quiet anticipation. Those twelve years had been filled with effort, happiness, and the steady satisfaction of daily life. Returning to the UK was more than a visit; it was a chance to reconnect with the past and reflect on how far we had come — unaware that the journey would mark the beginning of another turning point in our family’s story.