“Congratulations you have a boy! He has a bit of a harelip, but looks otherwise healthy.” I can’t describe the shock that I felt then. This wasn’t how it was meant to be. None of the books or antenatal classes prepared us for this. My head was in a spin wondering what this meant for our future and our baby’s future. I knew what a 'harelip' was, but I’d never known anyone with the condition.
Reflecting on a Year in the UK
Last week marked the one year anniversary of my arrival to the UK. Now, one year on, I reflect back on the last 12 months living and working in London.
Editorial – Christchurch Mosque Terror Attacks
This editorial was originally broadcast on Plains FM at 12:34pm on Tuesday 19 March 2019.
UK – NZ Dictionary
Brits and Kiwis can agree on most things. But every now and then we can unwittingly confuse one another with our lingo. I've put together a guide to help you understand your foreign buddy - with this you'll be bilingual for British bants and Kiwi yarns in no time!
Christchurch Earthquake: 8 Years On
8 years on, and the 22nd of Feb is still a tough one.
Thought of the Day at Dollis Hill
Every day is a new day, let's do our best not to tar today with yesterday's brush!
Sprechen Sie Englisch? – Understanding what it’s like to not be understood
As those who know me well will know, in my earlier years, I struggled significantly to express myself using speech, and am all too aware of how painfully frustrating that is. I have been fortunate however, for the last 15 years or so, to have had speech which has been able to be understood widely... Continue Reading →
Star Media / Bay Harbour News Article – Wed 10 January 2018
In late 2017, I was interviewed by Sarla Donovan for Bay Harbour News about my experiences growing up with cleft lip and palate. This was published on Wednesday 10 Jan 2018 - read the article here: Bay Harbour News - 10 January 2018
Invitation to an evening of Wonder
Wonder Trailer Essential Details When: Sunday 03 December 2017 - 5.30pm-8.00pm Where: Reading Cinemas, The Palms, Christchurch What: Screening of the film Wonder preceded by Kenny Ardouin's personal journey. Who: You, your friends and family - places are limited, so be in quick though and book your tickets to avoid missing out! Ticket price: $11 (+ eventbrite booking fee) - this... Continue Reading →
Politics has no “opt out” option – why you need to vote on Saturday
Politics is exhausting. The lead up to an election is tiring - for the politicians, the volunteers on the campaign trail, for the journos and for the public that have a lot of information thrown at them to digest. Politics polarises people, creating tension in workplaces, deathly dinner stares within families, and awkward silences when... Continue Reading →
A day at Sachsenhausen, Germany
There are some times in life where you do something, or see something that leaves an impression upon you, one which you know will stay with you forever. I have had a fascinating few days so far in Berlin, Germany.
Face Equality Day – Disfigurement in the UK Report & a New Zealand Perspective
Friday 26 May 2017 saw the United Kingdom launch it's first ever Face Equality Day, the result of lots of very hard work and campaigning by UK organisation Changing Faces which coincided with the 25 year anniversary of their launch. As someone who has grown up with cleft lip and palate and faced the sometimes harsh... Continue Reading →
