that also functioned as a bank, with a national “KiwiSaver” pension program partially funded by the government for retirement. Roads were well maintained, and I got used to navigating rotaries, or roundabouts, while driving on the left side of the road (thus clockwise). We saw few stop signs but rather obeyed “give way” or yield signs that helped keep busy Auckland traffic moving. When we headed to the country, national roadways were two lane only, and, depending on the geography, bridges would condense down to one lane and vehicles forced to stop to wait for others coming in the opposite direction on a major highway. Though it was a bit different than what we are used to (no super highways), the pace was a bit slower, which made sightseeing that much easier. However, in the city, vehicles only had to stop for pedestrians if they were in a designated crosswalk, so walking traffic rarely had the right of way. Our family not only got used to driving on the left side of the road, but we also got used to a change in diet. We learned quickly to shop for seasonal fruits and veggies after our first grocery bill neared $1,000 NZD for a family of four. In the off-season, courgettes (zucchini) could cost $19 NZD/kilo, capsicums (peppers) would be $5 NZD each, and avocados up to $7 NZD each. Berries were only available in the summer, and “pumpkin” (generic for any type of squash) was only available in the fall. Tomatoes were really only affordable if they came from your own garden. These same prices were also reflected at restaurants.
Our kids thrived in our new locale, trying new foods and learning new habits. Our kids thrived in our new locale, trying new foods and learning new habits. One of my favorite memories was of my daughter, who saw live New Zealand green-lipped mussels in the grocery store water tank. The mussel is a traditional Maori staple and is very affordable. While seated in the cart, she asked me, “Mummy, can we get mussels please?” And I, pleased with Greta’s willingness to try new foods, exuberantly packed up a kilo into the shopping “trolley.” When we were at home, after steaming them with lemon and garlic, we sat down to eat. As my husband and I savored the flavor, we didn’t expect our daughter to eat her mussels and then resolutely ask for more, more, more! Greta and her brother adapted easily to the kiwi lifestyle. Soon after arrival, Greta ceased wearing shoes, like most of the
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children in Auckland, and no longer fussed when applying sunscreen, happy to oblige with the Slip! Slop! Slap! Campaign. Due to ozone losses over the country, UV rays from the sun are not filtered as well when they hit NZ, and sunburns and sun cancers result. In fact, according to Melanoma NZ, approximately 13 people are diagnosed with melanoma in situ or melanoma every day in New Zealand. Burn time can be as short 12 minutes in the summer. On Hot Water Beach that afternoon, we were lucky that burn time is a bit longer in the winter, but despite, we lathered up in sunscreen before taking a dip into the pools. As the sea roared over our shoulders and we felt the warm water of the pools, my husband and I looked at each other, nodded and knew that we were fortunate to have the opportunity to call New Zealand home, if only briefly. After 14 months in an amazing country, it’s nice to be home in the U.S, but we also miss the community that we were a part of in Auckland and the stunning beauty around every turn as we traveled in New Zealand. We would love to return, but, as it’s said in Te Reo Maori, “Ma Te Wa” or time will tell (and hope to see you soon). Jillian Verby Klaucke, MD, is a family physician who now resides in Sandpoint, Idaho. She has lived and worked in New Zealand on three separate occasions since 2001 and was recently there for 14 months with her family over 20172018. For more information or if you have questions for Jillian, please email drjillian@ sandpointdpc.com or visit SandpointDPC.com. Ka Kite!