The Candid Kiwi blog

  Episode 25 - Random kiwi childhood facts Click above to listen to the twenty-fifth episode. Kia Ora Welcome to episode twenty-five. In this episode I share with you some random facts about my childhood.  There's only so much I can share about my story before I've got no more stories to tell. I feel as if you all know me pretty well and am thinking I may have maybe one more episode in me to share. Then I need to figure out what's next for the candid kiwi's stories. So I talk a little bit about that and ask for some feedback if you're willing. I talk about random things like my bedroom, my favourite activities, world events and more. I also relate them into my life and parenting now with my own kids. I love sharing my story and appreciate the support. Ka kite ano au i a koutou

  Episode - 24 Nooroa and Jojo Manu Click above to listen to this episode. Kia Ora  Welcome to episode twenty four. This is Nooroa and his son Joseph Manu.  Nooroa has five children (four boys and a girl) with his beautiful wife Darnel. Nooroa was born in the Cook Islands and moved here when he was just four years old. He moved to a place in NZ called Tokoroa. He was a natural at running and found his love for sports amongst his mates in Tok. He exceled in rugby and started to make rep. teams and knew he could make something of this sport. He is spiritual as well and served a mission for his church. This is where I got to know him. He was serving in my town in the bottom of NZ. We instantly loved Nooroa as a family. He married the love of his life, Darnel, who he met at Church College of NZ and then played semi professionally in NZ and had his University paid for. Since then he's been studying and coaching sports with the children in mind, especially his own. He created a...

  Episode 23 - Candid Kiwi recap Click above to listen to this episode. Kia Ora Welcome to season two of the Candid Kiwi. I'm excited for another year of amazing stories. In this twenty third episode I talk about 2021 and what it meant to me. I had some amazing goals achieved and wonderful things happen last year. I also had some tough moments and times where I didn't think I could ever move forward with my life. I summarize those times and continue to share my story with you. I hope you've enjoyed listening to season one and will equally enjoy season two. I'm so grateful for my life and for this journey and the things I learn living one day at a time with those whom I love the most. Hope you'll come listen. Until next time....... Ka kite ano au i a koutou

  Episode 22 - A Wrights Christmas Click on the link above to listen to the episode Kia Ora and welcome to episode twenty two.  I'm excited to introduce you to my whanau (family). It starts with my mother, Susan then me (Melissa) then moves to Llewellyn, Sarah, Gareth, Haydn Delwyn and Bevin. They each have a unique perspective on Christmas growing up in the Wright household and share it with us in this wonderful episode. These guys were front row and center in my life and no one knows you quite like your mother and siblings know you right! I was thinking about this season and what better way to celebrate Christmas with us coming together across the globe to talk about memories we have together. I can't be with my family physically due to Covid, but this was a neat way for us to join together to celebrate Christmas and our family. I love each of their stories and I loved being able to see them via skype and messenger. We caught up on old times and reminisced about those good o...

  Episode 21 - My Dad Click above to go to the episode. Kia Ora Welcome to my twenty first episode. This one is about my Dad, Murray, and a little more on who he was. I share my perspective on my father and his life and what he means to me. He was a wonderful man who was passionate for his causes and taught me well. He had many talents and I share them with you in this episode. He was in his late 40's when he died and it was too early and there was still so much life for him to live. I'm sad  he decided to take his life and share details of the day with you. It's a tough listen and I cry. So trigger warning for those who don't want to listen to tough subjects like suicide, death and hardships. But that's life right? The good and the bad. My father was amazing and I'm glad I had twenty years with him. Some aren't as lucky. So come with me and listen to more of my story. Until next time..... Ka kite ano au i a koutou My mum and Dad in Dunedin while he was trai...

  Episode 20 Shanae Click above to go to Shanae's episode. Kia Ora and welcome to episode twenty. I'm excited to introduce you to Shanae. Shanae is engaged to my nephew and I knew I needed to have her on the Candid Kiwi. She is part Aboriginal and tells us her family story and about her people. The Aboriginal people have an old and rich culture that is unique and full. I loved listening to Shanae describe her people and their culture and the love that she has for it. I learned so much and am enriched by listening and you will be too. Shanae has experienced racism her whole life and has tried to navigate her life being told she's different. She's come out on top, however, and wants to continue to fight for her people but educating herself more and giving back to her community and beyond.  Shanae is inspiring and you'll walk away educated and feeling determined to do your part in healing the world in your corner. Please come and listen and learn. Until next time.........