What makes me truly happy is having the honour of being a friend and to share laughter, stories, time together, wine and, when needed, comfort.

I am proud of New Zealand's record on voter rights, marriage equality and what is just the right thing to do.

Throughout my life, I have chosen to welcome each day with my arms wide open. In doing this I have travelled extensively, met some wonderful people both at home and overseas, and listened to and learned from their stories.  Each year I go somewhere I have never been before, preferably somewhere warm.   I've rafted the Grand Canyon, walked bare foot in the Taj Mahal, climbed the old lighthouse at Farewell Spit and tasted amazing wines in Gisborne.

I grew up in a small town in the Tasman District with three kids in my class - the best six years of my childhood. I learned to love the beach, and rhythm of the sea, sunrises and sunsets, lightening storms, birdsong, looking at Mt Taranaki in the very far distance on a clear day, and the awe of nature.

I believe that life offers choices, and it is what we do with those choices that helps make each one of us unique.

One of my great choices was to marry a Irishman oh so many years ago. And, like every marriage, we have had our ups and downs. But the one thing that has always stuck with me is the promises I made to him in the presence of our families and friends the day we were married.

As I continue to live my life, I believe the emphasis on uniqueness is important. We all have a story to tell, a life to live, a contribution to make to the lives of our friends and family, and a thanks to offer them for they are part of who we are.

I would love to hear, share and be a part of your story.