Post-Canadian adventures - an update.

I've been back in New Zealand almost 8 weeks already! What's happened in that time? A wedding in Auckland, Christmas in Wanganui, New Year's in Wellington, a whole lot of sunshine in one of our best summers on record for a while, lots of catching up with friends and prepping for the next wedding, a bit of job hunting, consumption of a moderate quantity of Kiwi beer and wine (good stuff!), tonnes of dancing and costumes and fun at the rugby sevens (which NZ won!!!), and lots of unemployed laziness ;)

The job market here is supposed to be fantastic for job seekers, but things have been so slow to pick up after the Christmas holidays! It seems like half the country goes on holiday for all of January. Things are finally starting to get moving again now. I had an interview yesterday for a job I'm quite keen on. Its a senior policy role with a new unit at the Dept of Corrections that will focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. The interview went really well, despite some rather curly questions from the panel! For example, 'What are the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi for the operations of the Department of Corrections?' and 'Do you think it is appropriate to have special programmes for Maori inmates, and if so, what kinds of programmes?'. I had to do some psychometric testing for them today but because they're assembling a team of 5, it might be a few weeks before I hear if I have an offer. I have another interview next week for a role as senior advisor, transport security for the Ministry of Transport.

In the meantime, I'm volunteering with the city council in their City Housing unit. It's a really interesting place to work as there are always dramas happening with their tenants! I'm working on some media stuff for them and writing a report about some security incidents and what was put in place as a result. People at the council recognise me (I left there less than 2 years ago) and say hi, then do a double-take and ask 'What are YOU doing here??'.

My best friend Mary's wedding is coming up on the 23rd so preparations are in full swing for the big day! We had a lovely kitchen tea on a sunny Sunday afternoon recently, and we're going away for a girls' weekend this weekend to a lovely beach-side location. Our bridesmaids' dresses have arrived and had alterations, and we had Mary's final dress fitting on Saturday. She is going to be a gorgeous bride in her amazing vintage lace dress!

I'm enjoying being back in Brooklyn and most days I walk down the hill 30 mins into the city and enjoy the lovely harbour views on the way. I'm staying at Matt's house, where I was before I left, and he is very kindly not charging me rent until I get a job.

So... in summary, I'm very happy to be back!