Lauren - Stratford, Ontario, Canada

I wasn't born a Kiwi but I grew up there. I do not consider myself to be anything else. I had to leave for a couple of years and uearn to be back in the most wonderful place in the world. The only place that has given me home. The only place in the world that I consider safe. Everytime I get to tell somebody I am a kiwi or it is noticed. I am proud and people sometimes even appear jealous. I am from a land where magic happens, and even the people over here in small town Canada have heard of it. I love to answer questions of where I come from and the culture that has inspired me and given mr meaning when I've had none. I want to know that no matter where I am in the world I can be part of something bigger for our communities and bringing to light the deep culture that New zealand holds. I want to be able to spread our uniqueness with people who are unfamiliar and at that moment in time have a connection with my country and my people. That knowing I am a part of something big means that in that moment I will be able to physically feel my heart tug knowing that my brothers and sisters back home are in this with me. Bring New Zealands unique culture to the surface and make people aware of how important it is to learn and be a part of.