This past week, Gary Hemmings, of Commonsense Concepts, invited me to a face-to-face at the Mission. A group of local "Linked In" professionals network with guest presenters. For this occasion, we were asked to speak on the highs and lows of our life journey.
I marvel at people like Henare O'Keefe who can stand up and present according to the audience or mood at that time. A natural orator. I'm not. I agonise over my presentation, seek help from Traci Tuimaseve Trail Media with my Power Point, rehearse what I am going to say and still I need to refer to my notes. Chris Tremain, Mike Purchas and motivational speaker Cath Vincent - "wake up your wow" and I have 30 mins each.
Afterwards we sit on a panel and answer questions from the floor. My last slide U-Turn, Your Turn (thanks Peter Wogan). My mantra "if we improve the well-being of Flaxmere - the whole region benefits". U-turn needs your help. Questions flow from the floor.
Gary insightfully asks whether the group would be interested in a visit to Te Aranga Marae. Most respond. I am quietly surprised and pleased. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate a community responding to its need. All initiatives we run are in response to the Flaxmere community's demand and desire. This also provides an opportunity to bring people to the marae, something many may not have done before.
At one stage, I listen to a woman who has rentals and is frustrated with some tenants. Sky dish and cigarettes but can't afford to pay rent.
