What are your family links with Mercury Bay?
My father still lives there, as well as my stepbrother, sister and nephew.
Where are you living now?
Auckland, for approximately 3-4 years.
When were you living in Mercury Bay? Years at Mercury Bay Area School?
From three up until I turned 18 (2003-2018). I spent 12 years at Mercury Bay Area School.
What have you been doing since school?
I’ve had a lot of jobs, starting as an electrical apprentice; then I went into roofing/scaffolding. I moved to Hamilton and became a retail manager, as well as being a bouncer at various Hamilton nightclubs. From there, I joined the navy as a seamanship combat specialist during COVID. Because the ships weren’t sailing as frequently, I left after about 2.5 years. Then, I trained in MMA for eight months and was meant to have my MMA debut before tearing ligaments in my ankle. So, I decided to get another job, which fell upon me randomly but was a perfect fit; it is my current role as a long-haul flight attendant for Qantas.
What would be the achievement you are most proud of?
Becoming sober, after years and years of binge drinking and fighting in Thailand.
How do you spend your days now?
My typical day varies, I work as a long-haul flight attendant, so I tend to be all over the world, trying to keep a routine. If I’m not working, I’ll most likely be in the gym or over in Thailand fighting muay thai.
What about the culture do you like the most, where you are?
Auckland, I believe, doesn’t have too much culture. I prefer Whitianga’s culture; however, it’s hard to have a job like mine and live in Whitianga.
How has Whitianga changed since you last visited?
The town has grown a lot, with many new holiday homes and people floating about.
What are your fondest memories of Mercury Bay?
Living a more relaxed lifestyle. Visiting all the beaches and playing rugby/the rugby culture.
Who were some of your friends in those early years?
Dane Mathews, Tyrone Campbell, Josh Callesan, Keegan Gunner, Cameron Richards were the main group I used to kick about with.
Who are you looking forward to catching up with next time you are home?
It would have to be my little nephew, Hadleigh.
What advice would you give younger you?
Don’t focus on drinking and trying to fit in, follow what you want to do and keep up to date with your fitness, and don’t sell any of your bitcoins.
Biggest life lesson so far?
Life’s not fair, embrace the good and the bad; if something bad happens to you, tell yourself ‘good’ and carry on, don’t look back.
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