As you might know by now, a couple of days after I wrote my open Dear Jacinda letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the travel discussion went to chambers. And lo and behold the dates, for New Zealand citizens to be allowed to come home, with a 10 day self isolation period, have been announced.
March 13th we will be released into the race and as I have long been hoarding a ticket to New Zealand, booked for March 27th, fortune has smiled upon me.
I can now go to New Zealand – vaccinated, boosted, masked for travel, with my isolation booked in a tiny cottage in the middle of a field 20 minutes from Auckland airport and my two suitcases.
In response to my letter to the NZ PM I received two lovely letters from the PM’s office, written by one of her people. The second letter came after the changes were announced, thanking me again for my letter which she had obviously read. She included the updated links to all the pertinent information I need to know to bring me safely home and signed it with a welcome home.
For a Prime Minister to be influenced by one letter from one stranger is a foolish notion. But one more letter in a deluge of letters from New Zealand citizens stranded overseas? Maybe. Possibly. Especially when it behooves The Powers that Be to be magnanimous.
I think all I am saying is don’t let anyone tell you that you are wasting your time. Don’t let anyone tell you that your words are not important. Cast out anyone who laughs at your efforts. Research. Deliberate. Be objective in your consideration. Choose your moment. Speak from your subjective heart.
We are all snowflakes. All different. All special. All fleeting. Be brave.
Every one of those voices raised in unison is one voice. A multitude is a collection of individuals. I was one of those individuals. You are one of those individuals.
And I am proud that my voice was counted. And I am grateful for your support.
I feel a soft woman-strong unfurling in my belly. Even though it is still viciously cold I am coming up out of my huddle, straightening out, unbending – taller somehow. As the road rises up to meet me.
Have a lovely day!
Cecilia
The Kitchen's Garden 
43 responses to “On the road again. Soon.”
Now this is just plain marvelous! Yippee skippee for you and all the other folks wanting to get back to NZ! So thrilled for you! xoxoxox
Have fun one of my USA neighbors has had a place in NZ for years she wants to back asap.
You stem from a very fair and sensible land, Celi . . . am not surprised at what has and is happening . . . Be well, be content, be patient and the days will pass and you will be home . . . blessings . . .
I’ve been following the NZ news, and hoped the recent developments would progress your situation. I’m so very happy you are able to go home… there are days when either I wish Australia was blessed with NZ’s PM or that I was living in NZ… I use the term FFS way too much these days…
I’m new here…and I live in New Zealand. The cottage sounds idyllic to self isolate in. I use online food delivery from a variety of places, all contactless delivery. Make sure your internet is all up with you…
Safe journey
Yay! Like others here, when I heard this news I thought of you and how relieved you must be. I am excited to see what your little AirBnB is like, and look forward to following you on your homeward travels.
Wonderful that the change was made and people can return home!
Lovely snow !
So happy for you!
What will happen to all of the creatures at the Farmy? Surely John will not be caring for all your beloved livestock, bunny, cats and dogs?
Wishing you a sweet reunion with all your family of origin and the land of your beginning.
Yes! John has Ben retired for two years now and took over the farming. They are mostly just the pets now. I sold all my breeding stock. He will do fine. But my children must come first.
Hello, Celi….I’m very happy for you …that you will get to go home to New Zealand and reunite with your children…but I do feel sorry for John.
May fortune follow you everywhere! It is sunny everywhere – in our hearts today for you
So happy and grateful that you are on your way.
Wonderful news!! 💕💕
Well Cece, you know I am waiting here in the hope that we may meet soon. Safe travels.
Can you please give an update on all the creatures and yourself? We are invested in the story and it lacks closure at the moment.
I am so sorry – I did not see this comment until now – you were sent to comment purgatory! Pop in again! We are back in full swing!