Clever Kiwis
The New Zealander of the Year was won this week by Ray Avery.
Some of you may have heard of him? I met him briefly last September as his daughter Amelia is one of Pepi’s little friends. I had no idea until this week that he was a scientist, inventor and social entrepreneur – I just knew him as Amelia’s Dad, who was co-hosting her first birthday party at the home he shares in Mt Eden with his lovely wife, my friend Anna.
It is fascinating and humbling to hear his story and how his work will save the life of millions of people.
It has also made me reflect on the friendships you make as a new parent. You meet people at ante-natal and post-natal groups who on the surface are just like any other new Mum or Dad; slightly frazzled looking, a hint of cereal on their sleeve and carrying an assortment of bags; for nappies, toys, food etc, yet their lives Beyond Children can remain a mystery. Often, it’s enough to know the name, sex, age and latest milestone of the child and conversations can be held for hours.
The relationship between new parents is unique. You share your deepest emotions; fear, insecurity, euphoric joy and pride with people who a year ago were complete strangers. And yet, whilst you share this “parent life” with these friends, often their careers, achievements and pre-baby lives can remain unknown.
Due to our circumstances (arriving in New Zealand, unexpectedly 2 months pregnant), most of our friends here are people we met through Pepi and although our social circle is wider here than it was in the UK, I would say that we only have a handful of real friends who we know well, who understand and accept our foibles and feel comfortable exposing theirs.
I know that our friends here are lawyers, accountants, teachers, self-made business men and women and shop workers. I know that most have travelled widely and many have lived overseas. I also know when most are planning to have their second child (in some cases, this has been planned and has already resulted in baby # 2). But with such a young friendship, I realise there is still so much we don’t know about each other.
In the meantime, I am immensely proud to know Anna and her family and will congratulate her in person in the sandpit at playgroup this week.
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