Ngahi Bidois: Here's cheers to friends

"Hey Kiwi, you want to join us for a cold drink?"

A few conference delegates were inviting me to join them at a Gold Coast marina on a hot Australian day after I had spoken at their conference.

"Yep, I will have a diet Coke with you guys thanks."

We enjoyed each other's company to the point that they gave me an interesting invitation.

"We would like to invite you to come and speak to us in the middle of a car-race track."

I was intrigued but thought they were pulling my leg until one asked if I had a son and invited him as well.

"Okay Aussies, what is the car-race track and when is the engagement?"

"Ngahi, we would like to invite you and your son to join us for a boys' weekend at Bathurst raceway for the V8 Supercars. Make your way to Sydney airport and we will look after you from there. We camp out in the middle of the track from Thursday through to Monday and you Kiwis are welcome to join us."

I had watched the great race on television for years and could not believe I was being invited to Mount Panorama.

And so began an across-the-ditch friendship which has seen my son and I join a dozen Aussies at the Bathurst race track for the past two years, including last weekend for the 50th celebrations. Lots of laughs and great memories have been made as my son and I have done our best to improve Kiwi-Aussie relations.

This year, they honoured us with a sign on the front of our tent that read "Kiwi Embassy", but kept things in balance by making a welcome mat that read "Sheep beware".

Just one of the Aussie jokes we had to put up with but rest assured that we held our own in the joke-telling arena due to some Aussie jokes research beforehand.

My son and I also had to sort out who was going to support Ford or Holden. My son's wisdom was profound: "Well Papa, I reckon you should support Ford since you drive a Ford."

Last year, we did a haka to Kiwi Holden driver Greg Murphy after he won the shoot-out. He came over and gave us a hongi and the Aussies couldn't believe it. This year, Greg was the first driver we met and he welcomed us back.

I often wonder what would have happened if I hadn't accepted the Aussie invitation for a cold drink on that marina. It was the start of a friendship that transcends the ditch. So how have friendships in your life started and how have you fostered those friendships?

Friendships overcome Ford versus Holden or even Aussie versus Kiwi loyalties.

One thing I am certain of. I am sure many friendships have been established over a cold drink on a hot day in Australia or New Zealand.

Ngahihi o te ra is from Te Arawa and is an international speaker, author and consultant. His book is available at McLeods Booksellers and the Lakeside cafe in Rotorua. His website can be viewed at www.ngahibidois.com.