My Grandparents Place.

I have wonderful memories of this house. It's so close to town, and I remember playing soccer and cricket on the grass when I was seven and eight years old. It is where my father was brought up alongside his brothers and sister. Out the back, there used to be a vegetable garden and a grapevine. Built in 1934, the house is located in one of the most expensive parts of town, right near the Rutherford
Hotel—the tallest building in Nelson.

Jacinda Ardern.

In my opinion, New Zealand was incredibly lucky to have Jacinda Ardern during the COVID-19 pandemic. She handled the situation very well, especially when compared to Donald Trump in America. II will see the COVID-19 inquiry released by this terrible government, and I am sure it will have some nasty things to say about the previous administration. I met Jacinda a total of five times—the most I have ever met any Prime Minister. I think she was wonderful.

Founders Park.

Founders Park is a lovely historic park showcasing a lot of Nelson's history. It even features a train station, something Nelson hasn't had since the late 1950s. We are one of the few regions without one; even Blenheim, which is much smaller than Nelson, has a train station. I really enjoy visiting Founders Park. It has a great cafe that serves local beer, and you even get the chance to ride a train.

Alex Wharf.

I am a big fan of international cricket umpire Alex Wharf, who is from England. I was lucky enough to meet Alex in December 2023 when he was in Nelson for the NZ vs. Bangladesh One Day International match at Saxton Oval. He was very down-to-earth and approachable. He is from Yorkshire in England. He joked about going to Pakistan for his sins. Alex Wharf is regarded as one of the best umpires in international cricket. He was promoted to the ICC Elite Umpires in April 2025.

The General Election.

I think this year's General Election in New Zealand will be very dirty. I do not support the asset sales that the National Party wants to do if elected for a second term. I don't think the New Zealand economy is doing well. You never know who veteran politician Winston Peters is going to go with because he loves the limelight. He is currently Foreign Affairs Minister, a role which he has held with both Labour and National governments, respectively.

A visit from Harvey.

On the 6th of January, I had Harvey, the Black Labrador, round at my house and he stayed for a night. Mum had suggested it a while back. Mum first met Harvey properly in October 2025 and fell in love with him. Mum had seen Harvey from a distance before. Harvey loved being on the couch and sleeping; he snored a lot when out in the lounge. He slept with me but took up too much room. He loves coming to my house; it is like a hotel to him. I look forward to Harvey coming up from Christchurch again around Easter time. I hope he stays perhaps two nights, and maybe in the future, a week. I have known Harvey since February 2016. He turns eleven in July. My Mum and I love him heaps.

The Beatles.

 

On December 23rd, I bought a Beatles book from Page & Blackmore Booksellers. It features a collection of memorabilia from the lives of the Fab Four. My favourite Beatle is George Harrison; I particularly like his song 'Taxman' from the album Revolver, which was released in 1966. The Beatle I dislike most is Paul McCartney because he comes across as bossy, though I do admire him as a songwriter for both the Beatles and Wings. I think it's terrible that John was murdered by that garbage individual, Mark Chapman. I don’t mind Ringo, even though he famously decided not to sign autographs anymore. My favorite Beatles song is 'The Long and Winding Road' from the album Let It Be. I also like 'A Hard Day's Night' and have watched part of the movie. The Beatles are my favourite group, but I also like the Beach Boys from the same era—they were the American version of the Beatles.

Meeting Cricketers.

On December 19th, there was a North vs. South cricket game at Saxton Oval. I actually bumped into the players in town while they were doing some Christmas shopping! They are playing a total of three games, and it's free to attend. The New Zealand Women’s team has upcoming games against Zimbabwe and South Africa—unfortunately, none are in Nelson this time, but hopefully next summer! I enjoy watching women's cricket just as much as men’s international matches

November Twenty20 Internationals.

On 9th and 10th November, Saxton Oval in Nelson hosted two Twenty20 International cricket matches. The Sunday game was a sell-out, with New Zealand narrowly winning, while the Monday match was unfortunately washed out due to rain. The matches brought together a mix of personalities from the cricketing world, both on and off the field.

Based on these experiences and the enthusiasm surrounding the matches, I believe Nelson will continue to host international cricket events in the future—whether men’s or women’s internationals. There is already anticipation for the upcoming North v South women’s matches in December of this year, with three games scheduled and free entry for spectators. I plan to attend these games, which serve as trials for the White Ferns’ Twenty20 squad.

The maximum crowd size at Saxton Oval is 6000 and that was achieved on Sunday. I spoke to the events manager who helps get the games to Nelson. He told me that with a crowd like that, Nelson is destined to host more International Cricket in the future.

Capital Gains Tax.

In my opinion, New Zealand should introduce a Capital Gains Tax to better fund hospitals, the education system, and public services. Australia has had such a tax since the 1980s. The National Government often compares New Zealand’s tax system to Australia’s, claiming we pay more tax, even though that isn’t accurate. My mum says it’s like comparing apples to pears, as the National Party does, which doesn’t make sense. New Zealand is one of only 20 countries worldwide without a Capital Gains Tax. Right-wing media outlets like TVNZ and the New Herald oppose it and attempt to portray it negatively, but I believe it’s long overdue.

Patrick Gower.

On 20th October, I met, former Newshub journalist, Patrick Gower who now works at Radio New Zealand. He was in Nelson to visit a friend and was very down earth and friendly. It was so nice to meet Patrick Gower.

Broncos.

On October 6th, I was overjoyed when the Brisbane Broncos won the NRL for the first time since 2006, defeating their arch-rivals, the Melbourne Storm, 26–22. It was an excellent match—Reece Walsh stood out and earned the Clive Churchill Medal for Man of the Match. I must also note Pat Carrigan, Kontani Stagg, Adam Reynolds, Jordan Riki and Payne Hass and so many other Broncos.

As a dedicated Broncos supporter (and also a fan of the Sharks, Warriors, and Cowboys), this victory was especially meaningful after their heartbreaking loss to Penrith in 2023.

The win lifted my spirits following a tough year marked by personal losses, including my friend Sean Remnant, my dog Harry, and significant life changes. I dedicate this victory to them, and to Police Sergeant Lyn Fleming for her service to the Nelson community.

Richard Chambers.

On 29th September, I met Police Commissioner Richard Chambers in Nelson during Police Remembrance Day. He was very down to earth and it was a privilege to meet him again; my first meeting with Mr. Chambers was in January 2025. Previously, I also met former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster at Parliament in June 2021.

 

The Equity Pay Bill.

I think this Government is very bad for working people. On Saturday 20th September, I went to protest the Equity Pay bill. This Government is cutting women’s pay to give to rich people like themselves which is wrong in my opinion. I hope this Government gets voted out in 2026.

Rory.

I have an American Friend called Rory whom I have known for over ten years. He has autism like me. I always enjoying talking to Rory. He walked from Nelson to Tauranga at the end of last year and he is in his early 70s.