GREAT BARRIER(s)

Great Barrier Island is situated in the Hauraki Gulf, north of Auckland. It is remote and beautiful. I have stayed on the island twice. Once as an early teenager and the next time on my honeymoon. I have wonderful memories about both stays.

My first stay was with my twin brother and my dad. As teenagers, Chris and I often clashed with dad over his seemingly conservative views on haircuts and respecting your parents. I remember saying to him, “ Just because I think differently to you, doesn’t make it wrong!” Bitterness was building up and dad decided to do something about it. He took us for a weekend to the island. We spent much of our time hunting rabbits and fishing. His plan worked. The angst between us had largely disappeared and the relationship healing was now well underway. Thanks dad.

The worth of spending time together without distractions must have stayed with me, as years later, I used to organise ‘Father and Son Weekends’ as part of my ‘Guy Time’ boys programme at a Hamilton primary school. If a boy wasn’t able to have their dad to stay, then I would be their ‘dad’ for the weekend. No one was left behind.

Now, I organise one on one time and all in together time with our grandchildren when they come to stay with us in Raglan. We visit the library, playgrounds or a local cafe. Precious, fun ‘memory moments’

Perhaps Val and I will return to the island. Being together for 50 years has been an adventure, minus the rabbits.

POINTS TO PONDER

Relationship building is enhanced by doing activities together. Get away from screens to create your own stories.

Take action to restore relationships. It may seem hopeless at the moment, but things can change. Barriers can be broken down.

Always keep in mind, the Māori sayingIt is people, it is people, it is people’







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