At just 17, he went from the streets of England to the backblocks of New Zealand. From farming to insurance sales, he failed at almost everything he tried. But then, his persistence paid off. Find out how my grandfather created a new life and a new family, on the other side of the world.
The Man Who Never Gave Up Read More »
Brethren – this old-fashioned word may conjure up images of secretive sects, but the Open Brethren is the Christian denomination that played a huge part of my family’s history for five generations. Find out just who they were…
In search of The Brethren Read More »
My grandfather, Brian Rockel, was more than family—he was a master of bringing joy to everyone around him. Join me as I share the story of a man who lived with kindness and humor, and how his warmth shaped my life.
The nicest man you could ever hope to meet Read More »
History feels distant until it’s family. Graeme and Annette, my parents, shaped the man I am today in ways I’m only now beginning to understand. Join me as I honor their lives, their lessons, and the legacy that lives on.
West Auckland is more than home; it’s my teacher, my roots, and yes, even an ‘ancestor.’ From towering kauri trees to windswept coasts, this land has shaped my story. Let’s walk these paths together and discover the lessons hidden in every tree and shoreline.
The Silent Wisdom of Trees Read More »
In this post, I share my journey in creating a pepeha—a Māori introduction format to build connections—tailored respectfully as a non-Māori. With guidance from experts, I acknowledge my heritage, local iwi, and the cultural connections my pepeha represents.
How I learned my Pepeha Read More »
In the Maori language, a pepeha is a brief form of greeting to introduce yourself and make connections. Here’s mine.
Our family tree isn’t just about lineage; it’s about the stories that shape us. With no children to pass down our history, I’m crafting a legacy in a whole new way. Let’s talk about why it matters—especially for the next generation.
Why I created One Ancestor At A Time Read More »
One mysterious brown paper bag and the words ‘FAMILY TREE’—little did I know, my life was about to take a historic turn. Join me as I dive into a journey that’s about way more than names on a page.
Introducing One Ancestor At A Time Read More »
