Back in 2013, I chose New Zealand over anywhere else in the world to establish Parihoa.
New Zealand may seem like an unexpected place for a global wellbeing collective to flourish. After all, it's a small dot of an island nation of only 5 million people, tucked away in the vast Pacific Ocean. Yet, I'd suggest that, as one of the most peaceful and creative countries in the world, it actually makes perfect sense.
New Zealand enjoys a universally positive reputation, and Kiwis are known for their friendly and progressive nature. The country consistently punches above its weight on the world stage across various sectors. Advancements in technology, including high-speed satellite broadband, mean that by 2025, most of New Zealand (and the world) will have access to fast internet. And with a timezone close to that of the US West Coast, New Zealand isn't as isolated as you might think.
In the 11 years I've called New Zealand home, I've found tremendous fulfilment in connecting my global network with this incredible country. It's been a joy to invite friends from all over the world to step away from their busy lives and experience the magic of New Zealand (and Parihoa).
New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, especially the South Island. If you love the outdoors and connecting with nature, New Zealand offers a truly peak experience. Interestingly, during the two years of travel restrictions due to the pandemic, many Kiwis and residents found themselves content to stay put and explore their own backyard. Once travel resumed, New Zealand quickly regained its popularity as a top global tourist destination.
I've witnessed friends reach "inflection points" in their lives, just as I did, inspired by this land. I lovingly refer to this new era in my life as MC2, and I wish a similar experience of evolution and personal transformation to anyone lucky enough to visit this special land.
Immersing myself in the New Zealand culture and learning from the wonderful Kiwi friends I've made has deeply enriched my experience. And this is just the beginning!
As my network expands from New Zealand to the world, and we work to develop a new wellbeing platform to connect and support my alumni and others, it feels like New Zealand is exactly where it should be. I see New Zealand as an innovative epicentre for progressive wellbeing thought leadership and solutions in this new age. I'm incredibly excited for the future as we bring together brilliant minds, both locally and globally, to contribute to this important field.