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The Guardian
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Brits are shocked I've chosen Norwich over New Zealand – but there are reasons so many Kiwis are leaving
Whenever a Brit learns that I'm a New Zealander – grew up there, got the passport, only moved to the UK in 2017 – often their faces scrunch up with confusion: 'Why would you live here when you could be living there?' It doesn't seem to matter if they've been to New Zealand themselves or not. The implication is that I have known the Garden of Eden, even been granted a key, and responded by saying: 'Actually, you know what? I'll take Norwich instead.' Whether it better reflects contemptuous familiarity with the UK, or an idealised view of New Zealand, I'm not sure. But very few people seem to believe me that, in many meaningful ways, the quality of life is much better in Britain. So I was not surprised by the interest in a recent report about New Zealand 'hollowing out', with record numbers leaving through 2023 into 2024. Over the past two years, so many people have left the country – often for Australia, Canada or the UK – there are fears some small towns and rural communities will collapse. There's a long tradition of Kiwis heading overseas. What makes this recent rise in departures different is the apparent sweep of it. It's not just young people off on their 'big OE' (overseas experience). It's those who are further along in life who have come to believe the grass may be greener elsewhere. And it's not just small towns that are failing to give them reasons to stay. Auckland – the largest, most 'international' city, with a population of about 1.7 million people (of a total of 5.2 million) – has the most jobs and the highest salaries, but even one of those won't necessarily give you a shot at property. As of this February, the average home in the city costs about NZ$1.25m – that's roughly £555,000, about the same as in London despite a significantly lower average wage. It's a similar situation in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, and recent public sector cuts haven't helped the economic picture either. I felt the impact of this when I was back in Wellington this February, visiting friends and family. When I moved there aged 17 to study, it felt deserving of its reputation as the 'artsy' city. Even allowing for a more world-weary view 15 years on, I was struck by how much was exactly the same as in my student days (down to cafe menu items, and the monthly Britpop club night), while the new additions were generic or without charm. It was like time had stood still. I don't mean to be a seagull, flying in and dumping 'all over everything' (to borrow a phrase from writer and fellow antipodean abroad Sarah Wilson, in her recent report on her trip back to Australia). There's so much that's special and unique about New Zealand, starting with the indigenous Māori culture and language – rightly and increasingly integrated in the national identity, despite attacks by the National-led government. There are advantages over Britain. The food and drink is actually flavoursome, while the typical approach to hospitality makes you feel the meaning of the word. Work is rarely expected to come before life, and the beaches and scenery really are as staggeringly beautiful as you'd imagine. Still, I've noticed the reported shift in Kiwis' migratory patterns playing out in my network. For example, it used to be assumed you'd return home to start a family – but a striking number of friends have chosen to stay put in their overseas homes to have their first child, even at the cost of losing family support. The patchy public transport, even in cities, and car-centric culture have also been cited as barriers by people I've spoken to. Access to culture and entertainment is also limited. Aucklanders were recently named the earliest diners in the world; I've heard of people being kicked out of restaurants at 9:30pm. 'It's kind of like, what are you meant to do after dark?' says my sister, who is now based in Amsterdam. All this is compounded by the isolation, unimaginable for people in Europe. 'I don't think Brits understand what it is like to live at the bottom of the world,' a Kiwi friend who has lived in London for a couple years told me the other day. Equally, she pointed out, our ambivalence about returning reflects our privilege, of knowing we would be able to opt out of Britain should it start to feel too broken. Of course there's no single best place in which to live, not least because 'quality of life' is a personal – and variable – equation. I feel very lucky to call New Zealand one of my homes, and every time I visit, I wonder if this will be the trip that makes me want to move back. So far, however, after a decade away, I'm more struck by the drawbacks than its many delights. Brits may think the grass is greener in New Zealand, but it's Kiwis who are making the move. Elle Hunt is a freelance journalist
The Spinoff
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
Chasing higher pay and a brighter future, record numbers abandon NZ for Australia
The Aussie exodus is fuelling fears of a hollowing-out at home – but not everyone agrees that alarm is warranted, writes Catherine McGregor in today's extract from The Bulletin. New Zealand is losing people at a pace not seen in years. In the 12 months to March 2025, a provisional record of 70,000 New Zealand citizens left the country, according to new figures from Stats NZ, with around two-thirds heading to Australia. The net migration gain was just 26,400 – barely a quarter of last year's figure – reflecting not only fewer arrivals but a steady stream of departures. Many are being drawn across the Tasman by better job prospects and significantly higher pay. Australians, on average, earn 33% more than New Zealanders, and in sectors like healthcare, trades and mining, the gap is even more stark. Some nurses, for instance, are earning nearly double what they were paid in New Zealand, and engineers just out of university like Zach Coventry, who was interviewed in The Post last October (paywalled), are stepping straight into six-figure salaries. The Guardian's migration story goes viral Published last week, Michelle Duff's in-depth feature for The Guardian on the exodus to Australia has clearly hit a nerve, becoming a viral talking point both here and abroad. It painted a vivid picture of families, young workers and retirees leaving behind lives they thought they'd never abandon, motivated not by dreams of adventure but the hard maths of household budgeting. 'That Australian income just flipped the switch for us,' said one woman now living in Western Australia. The Economist (paywalled) covered the topic in March, noting that adjusted for purchasing power, Australia's per capita GDP is about a third higher than New Zealand's. While that's long been true, what's changed is the breadth of the departures: no longer just 20-somethings chasing an OE, but now their parents, children and grandparents too. 'We talk about where the 'centre of gravity' for a family is, and if you've got parents, grandchildren or adult children living elsewhere, you're relocating your centre of gravity,' Massey sociologist Paul Spoonley told The Guardian. A brain drain, or business as usual? While the headlines scream brain drain, economists and demographers are more cautious. Speaking to The Post's Luke Malpass (paywalled), BNZ economist Stephen Toplis calls the notion of a mass loss of top talent 'a bit of a fallacy', arguing that many high-skilled workers are still arriving from overseas. NZIER's Peter Wilson is less sanguine. He says the impact on NZ appears net-negative, pointing to evidence that New Zealanders in Australia are on average higher-earners than their local peers, suggesting that it's not those who couldn't get a job who are leaving, but those 'chasing higher wages, better conditions, and a stronger economy', Malpass writes. Meanwhile, a recent Ministry of Education report found that 6% of the highest-performing NCEA students from 2023 went overseas, a record high, though it's unclear how many are enrolled in foreign universities or will return. Chris Whelan of Universities New Zealand suggests the spike may be temporary, driven by post-pandemic wanderlust, but warns that if it becomes permanent, New Zealand's tertiary sector could suffer. Perth, Brisbane and the promise of a better life For many New Zealanders making the leap, the choice of destination is clear. Queensland, with its warm weather and job-rich economy, is the top pick – one third of all New Zealanders who moved to Australia in early 2024 settled there. Victoria was next, followed by New South Wales and Western Australia. Perth, in particular, is booming for those in mining and trades, while Brisbane's sunny lifestyle and affordable transport are big draws. However, the affordability edge may not be what it seems. While salaries are higher in Australia, so too are many living costs – especially housing. Writes The Post: 'Across the board, houses are now comparatively more affordable in city centres like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, than their direct counterparts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (though if you were moving from Auckland to Brisbane, you would be better off).' Yet the economic benefits are undeniable. As one migrant told The Guardian, 'We're putting $1,000 away a fortnight and we enjoy our life, we're not scraping by or wondering what the grocery bill is.'
Hamilton Spectator
11-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Leadership with Heart: Four Pillars Awards Spotlight Changemakers in Halton
Outstanding Leaders The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) hosted their annual Spring Soirée on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre in Oakville, where they celebrated the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Four Pillars Awards. These awards recognize community members who embody the organization's core values of Education, Community, Culture, and Harmony. This year's honourees include Eileen Gallagher (Education), Curtis Ennis (Community), Dennis Scott (Culture), and Sergeant Keith Nakahara (Harmony). Introduced eighteen years ago during CCAH's 30th anniversary celebration, the Four Pillars Awards have since honoured individuals whose work and presence have positively shaped Halton's social and cultural landscape. Curtis Ennis, director of education for the Halton District School Board (HDSB), received the Community Pillar Award for his contributions beyond the scope of his role — a recognition he described as deeply meaningful. 'I won the Community Award from the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. And it exemplifies those who have made a contribution to the Halton community beyond the scope of their work,' he shared. Ennis was joined at the celebration by a group of students, organized by Superintendent Aiman Flahat, from schools including M.M. Robinson and Dr. Frank J. Hayden. 'That was fantastic, to have students celebrating with me,' Ennis said. 'Also, to have some staff members and the vice-chair of the board there cheering — it meant a lot.' Reflecting on his philosophy of educational leadership, Ennis emphasized the importance of schools engaging with the broader community. 'I've always believed that schools and school boards should not be limited to the walls of the school or the school board. We are integral to the community at large, and we need to go beyond our borders to serve,' he said. Ennis's community involvement is far-reaching. 'I've contributed to fundraising for the United Way for a number of years. I've also done work for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for the Oakville-based organization Home Suite Hope. I did the walk — it was a very cold night — and our team raised quite a few thousand dollars.' He also supports the Halton Learning Foundation and hosts an annual Director's Fundraiser, now in its second year. Beyond fundraising, Ennis actively supports organizations such as Halton Black Voices and the African Caribbean Council of Halton. His leadership, he says, is guided by a vision of kindness, connection, and community. 'One of the things I'm proud of is the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan that the Board of Trustees passed. Included in that is a commitment to kindness, connection, and community,' he explained. 'I would like every student, every staff member, every member of the Halton community to think about how we can be ambassadors for kindness, how we can connect with and serve our communities. That's something I try to model.' Dionne Downer, newly appointed executive director of the CCAH, spoke about the significance of the awards and the community-driven selection process. 'A selection committee comprised of our Board of Directors reviews nominations put forward from the community. The Four Pillars are represented by our core values — it's what guides our work at CCAH,' said Downer. 'These awards highlight exceptional contributions in the areas of education, culture, community, and harmony.' Downer also noted the power of representation and civic engagement exemplified by this year's recipients. 'Seeing Director Ennis receive this award, presented by the superintendent, models civic engagement. It shows our youth what's possible when leaders reflect and serve their communities with intention,' says Downer. The 2025 CCAH Four Pillars Awards not only honour individual achievements but also underscore the strength of a community united by values, service, and vision. Congratulations to all the recipients for their outstanding contributions to Halton.
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Sue Berry: A life full of flair and adventure
SUE BERRY Punctuality was one of the principles Sue Berry inherited from her parents. So when legendary British actor Sir Michael Caine asked the young New Zealand physiotherapist out on a date in London and then turned up late, she promptly gave him his marching orders. That is just one example of how Mrs Berry's sparkling personality opened the doors to some extraordinary encounters during a life which has aptly been described as a "cracker". Mrs Berry, who died in Queenstown on April 6, aged 81, was the co-founder of Oamaru business success story Whitestone Cheese, a devoted wife of 55 years, culinary queen, formidable hostess — equally comfortable serving the prime minister as she was a shearing gang — and a passionate lover of life. Susan Gibson Black was born, along with her identical twin sister Elizabeth, on March 2, 1944, at the El Nido maternity hospital in Dunedin, coincidentally the same place where her future husband Bob was born three months later. Her father, George, was a stock agent for Dalgetys while her mother, Mabel, was the daughter of a pioneering Taieri Plain dairy farmer. When Mr Black was transferred to Whangarei, the twins attended the local primary school where lessons were in Māori. After several years in the North Island, Mr Black was appointed Dalgetys' branch manager in Dunedin and the family returned to the South, the girls only realising then what shoes were as they had been barefoot all their young lives. Enrolled at Columba College, the Black twins began to stamp their mark at school, excelling in tennis and netball and creating confusion for both referees and players alike trying to establish which twin was marking whom. Those activities continued into their teenage years when many a young suitor was a little unsure as to who he actually was on a date with. After completing their studies in physiotherapy and home science respectively, Mrs Berry and her twin sister — known as Lib — sailed to the United Kingdom on their OE in 1965. While Lib later returned home, her sister spent five years in the UK and Europe and some of the friendships made were to be life-long. Working for the Minney family at their spa in East Grinstead, she was embraced by the family and had many nights dining with their guests. One night, seated beside a rather portly fellow, she politely asked where he came from and what he did for a job. It was Reginald Maudling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Rubeigh (RJ) Minney, a celebrated British film producer, journalist, playwright, editor and author, wrote to Mrs Berry until his death in 1979. Such was Minney's renown that former Labour prime minister Sir Harold Wilson read the lesson at his funeral while Dame Virginia McKenna — who starred in the 1958 British war drama film Carve Her Name With Pride , based on a book written by Minney — read a poem from the film. From there, Mrs Berry moved to Florence, driven by a desire to learn Italian and was quickly offered a job by a hospital superintendent as there was a shortage of physiotherapists in the city. She soon spoke fluent Italian, with a Florentine accent, and embraced the lifestyle of the city, the Italian people, and the country's food and wine. She socialised with Florence elite, including the Ferragamo family of the luxury shoe brand, and she thought she might live there for the rest of her life. But fate intervened when Lib Black's boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer and she returned to New Zealand to support her sister — and a young stock agent called Bob Berry was eagerly awaiting her return. Mr Berry, whose boss was George Black, had spent a week in Florence with Susan Black during his own OE. Travelling by himself, he had taken advantage of contacts around the world. In his haste to see her in her small apartment in a very narrow street, he had opened the taxi door as another car drove past, wiping the door off the taxi and causing much consternation with the Italian-speaking taxi driver. A nearby lawyer managed to extract him from the debacle and the young pair enjoyed visiting art galleries, dining out and a weekend on the Mediterranean. Following her arrival back in Dunedin, a whirlwind romance followed and, after a three-month engagement, the couple married at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church in Dunedin. Speaking at a celebration of his wife's life, Mr Berry recalled how his new bride was in for "a few culture shocks" when they embarked on their honeymoon to Te Anau. Arriving for dinner at the THC Hotel and wearing the latest in fashion from Florence with a slightly see-through top, she was told by the maitre d' — "you can't come in here dressed like that. Go and put a cardy on". Settling into married life in Dunedin, Mrs Berry got a job as a physiotherapist at the hospital and when her husband took over the Berry family's run at Waikouaiti, she was promoted to cook, replacing her father-in-law, Norman. Cooking on a coal range in a hut with no electricity, she decided to treat the shearers, making her own pasta for a dish of lasagne. When the shearers duly arrived at noon, one took a bite of lasagne and flicked the entire dish out the door to the waiting dogs, much to the mortification of the cook. But she had the last laugh. Several shearings later, a huge roast awaited the shearers until Mr Berry's mainstay dog Dick grabbed it off the table and took it outside. Mrs Berry retrieved the lump of meat, extracted the strands of tussock, trimmed it a bit and served it for lunch. "She was getting into the swing of things," Mr Berry said, laughing. In 1972, the couple welcomed their daughter Vanessa and, about a year later, the family moved to Puketeraki, in East Otago, and Mr Berry embarked on a full-time farming career. Son Simon arrived in 1974. Mr Berry described the period his family spent at Karitane as "golden years", while Simon berry said he and his sister had a fantastic free-range upbringing. In 1982, the Berrys moved to Maheno to farm at Monte Cristo and Mrs Berry relocated her physiotherapy work to Oamaru Hospital. She also worked at interior design business Winj. She continued to cook for shearers and farm workers. Farming in North Otago in the 1980s through drought and recessions was tough and, in 1987, the couple diversified from their farming operation by opening a cheese business. From its beginnings in a converted garage, Whitestone Cheese was initially "a pretty slow burn", Mr Berry recalled, but it slowly grew and Mrs Berry was in her element, fronting its stalls at wine and food festivals throughout the country and later in the United States. She was also passionate about promoting the wider Waitaki district and served as chairwoman of the Waitaki Tourism Association. When the business moved to a purpose-built factory, a cafe was added and her skills came to the fore running that side of the business. Mr Berry described her as an "extraordinary foodie and a fantastic cook". One of her proudest moments was being inducted into the Columba College Business Hall of Fame in 2012. Coincidentally, she was inducted alongside professional director Sarah Ottrey who is now chairwoman of Whitestone Cheese. The business, now managed by Simon Berry and employing more than 80 staff, recently won the supreme award at the New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards for its Monte Cristo cheese, an accolade which Simon dedicated to his mother. Bob Berry said his wife's hostess skills were legendary and she was also very adaptable. When former prime minister Sir Robert Muldoon was in Oamaru for a National Party function and the gathering ended up at the Berrys' home, Mr Muldoon asked for a screwdriver cocktail. Devoid of the ingredients required, Mrs Berry mixed him a gin and Jungle Juice, the latter borrowed from their young daughter, and he came back for more. For 33 years, Mrs Berry was a member of a book group known affectionately as "Worms", its members drawn from all corners of the Waitaki district, and, for the last 10 years, also a member of the Dorothy Browns Book Club in Arrowtown. Fellow Worm Sandy Cameron described her as a "true bookworm" who had impressive literary knowledge across a wide range of books and authors. "She literally lit up the room at gatherings and sparkled with wit and humour." Mr and Mrs Berry shifted to Lake Hayes, near the mountains where the family spent many winters skiing. A year ago, Mrs Berry's health deteriorated but her husband — who described her as his "rock" — said her positive attitude right up to her death made it so much easier for her family. "She had no regrets, having lived a fantastic life to the full". Simon Berry said his mother could be summed up in two words — great taste. "The great taste she had in life whether that be her choice of colours and interior decorating, meals, destinations, drinks or friends. She always had and applied such nice taste," he said. And in her final months, she left her family with another valuable and final lesson, which was grace. Sipping a much-loved Negroni — appropriately a drink said to have been invented in Florence — her only wish was to simply see friends. Mrs Berry is survived by husband Bob, daughter Vanessa, son Simon and grandchildren Mia, Jackson and Boe. — Sally Rae
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: a life full of flair and adventure
SUE BERRY Punctuality was one of the principles Sue Berry inherited from her parents. So when legendary British actor Sir Michael Caine asked the young New Zealand physiotherapist out on a date in London and then turned up late, she promptly gave him his marching orders. That is just one example of how Mrs Berry's sparkling personality opened the doors to some extraordinary encounters during a life which has aptly been described as a "cracker". Mrs Berry, who died in Queenstown on April 6, aged 81, was the co-founder of Oamaru business success story Whitestone Cheese, a devoted wife of 55 years, culinary queen, formidable hostess — equally comfortable serving the prime minister as she was a shearing gang — and a passionate lover of life. Susan Gibson Black was born, along with her identical twin sister Elizabeth, on March 2, 1944, at the El Nido maternity hospital in Dunedin, coincidentally the same place where her future husband Bob was born three months later. Her father, George, was a stock agent for Dalgetys while her mother, Mabel, was the daughter of a pioneering Taieri Plain dairy farmer. When Mr Black was transferred to Whangarei, the twins attended the local primary school where lessons were in Māori. After several years in the North Island, Mr Black was appointed Dalgetys' branch manager in Dunedin and the family returned to the South, the girls only realising then what shoes were as they had been barefoot all their young lives. Enrolled at Columba College, the Black twins began to stamp their mark at school, excelling in tennis and netball and creating confusion for both referees and players alike trying to establish which twin was marking whom. Those activities continued into their teenage years when many a young suitor was a little unsure as to who he actually was on a date with. After completing their studies in physiotherapy and home science respectively, Mrs Berry and her twin sister — known as Lib — sailed to the United Kingdom on their OE in 1965. While Lib later returned home, her sister spent five years in the UK and Europe and some of the friendships made were to be life-long. Working for the Minney family at their spa in East Grinstead, she was embraced by the family and had many nights dining with their guests. One night, seated beside a rather portly fellow, she politely asked where he came from and what he did for a job. It was Reginald Maudling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Rubeigh (RJ) Minney, a celebrated British film producer, journalist, playwright, editor and author, wrote to Mrs Berry until his death in 1979. Such was Minney's renown that former Labour prime minister Sir Harold Wilson read the lesson at his funeral while Dame Virginia McKenna — who starred in the 1958 British war drama film Carve Her Name With Pride , based on a book written by Minney — read a poem from the film. From there, Mrs Berry moved to Florence, driven by a desire to learn Italian and was quickly offered a job by a hospital superintendent as there was a shortage of physiotherapists in the city. She soon spoke fluent Italian, with a Florentine accent, and embraced the lifestyle of the city, the Italian people, and the country's food and wine. She socialised with Florence elite, including the Ferragamo family of the luxury shoe brand, and she thought she might live there for the rest of her life. But fate intervened when Lib Black's boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer and she returned to New Zealand to support her sister — and a young stock agent called Bob Berry was eagerly awaiting her return. Mr Berry, whose boss was George Black, had spent a week in Florence with Susan Black during his own OE. Travelling by himself, he had taken advantage of contacts around the world. In his haste to see her in her small apartment in a very narrow street, he had opened the taxi door as another car drove past, wiping the door off the taxi and causing much consternation with the Italian-speaking taxi driver. A nearby lawyer managed to extract him from the debacle and the young pair enjoyed visiting art galleries, dining out and a weekend on the Mediterranean. Following her arrival back in Dunedin, a whirlwind romance followed and, after a three-month engagement, the couple married at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church in Dunedin. Speaking at a celebration of his wife's life, Mr Berry recalled how his new bride was in for "a few culture shocks" when they embarked on their honeymoon to Te Anau. Arriving for dinner at the THC Hotel and wearing the latest in fashion from Florence with a slightly see-through top, she was told by the maitre d' — "you can't come in here dressed like that. Go and put a cardy on". Settling into married life in Dunedin, Mrs Berry got a job as a physiotherapist at the hospital and when her husband took over the Berry family's run at Waikouaiti, she was promoted to cook, replacing her father-in-law, Norman. Cooking on a coal range in a hut with no electricity, she decided to treat the shearers, making her own pasta for a dish of lasagne. When the shearers duly arrived at noon, one took a bite of lasagne and flicked the entire dish out the door to the waiting dogs, much to the mortification of the cook. But she had the last laugh. Several shearings later, a huge roast awaited the shearers until Mr Berry's mainstay dog Dick grabbed it off the table and took it outside. Mrs Berry retrieved the lump of meat, extracted the strands of tussock, trimmed it a bit and served it for lunch. "She was getting into the swing of things," Mr Berry said, laughing. In 1972, the couple welcomed their daughter Vanessa and, about a year later, the family moved to Puketeraki, in East Otago, and Mr Berry embarked on a full-time farming career. Son Simon arrived in 1974. Mr Berry described the period his family spent at Karitane as "golden years", while Simon berry said he and his sister had a fantastic free-range upbringing. In 1982, the Berrys moved to Maheno to farm at Monte Cristo and Mrs Berry relocated her physiotherapy work to Oamaru Hospital. She also worked at interior design business Winj. She continued to cook for shearers and farm workers. Farming in North Otago in the 1980s through drought and recessions was tough and, in 1987, the couple diversified from their farming operation by opening a cheese business. From its beginnings in a converted garage, Whitestone Cheese was initially "a pretty slow burn", Mr Berry recalled, but it slowly grew and Mrs Berry was in her element, fronting its stalls at wine and food festivals throughout the country and later in the United States. She was also passionate about promoting the wider Waitaki district and served as chairwoman of the Waitaki Tourism Association. When the business moved to a purpose-built factory, a cafe was added and her skills came to the fore running that side of the business. Mr Berry described her as an "extraordinary foodie and a fantastic cook". One of her proudest moments was being inducted into the Columba College Business Hall of Fame in 2012. Coincidentally, she was inducted alongside professional director Sarah Ottrey who is now chairwoman of Whitestone Cheese. The business, now managed by Simon Berry and employing more than 80 staff, recently won the supreme award at the New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards for its Monte Cristo cheese, an accolade which Simon dedicated to his mother. Bob Berry said his wife's hostess skills were legendary and she was also very adaptable. When former prime minister Sir Robert Muldoon was in Oamaru for a National Party function and the gathering ended up at the Berrys' home, Mr Muldoon asked for a screwdriver cocktail. Devoid of the ingredients required, Mrs Berry mixed him a gin and Jungle Juice, the latter borrowed from their young daughter, and he came back for more. For 33 years, Mrs Berry was a member of a book group known affectionately as "Worms", its members drawn from all corners of the Waitaki district, and, for the last 10 years, also a member of the Dorothy Browns Book Club in Arrowtown. Fellow Worm Sandy Cameron described her as a "true bookworm" who had impressive literary knowledge across a wide range of books and authors. "She literally lit up the room at gatherings and sparkled with wit and humour." Mr and Mrs Berry shifted to Lake Hayes, near the mountains where the family spent many winters skiing. A year ago, Mrs Berry's health deteriorated but her husband — who described her as his "rock" — said her positive attitude right up to her death made it so much easier for her family. "She had no regrets, having lived a fantastic life to the full". Simon Berry said his mother could be summed up in two words — great taste. "The great taste she had in life whether that be her choice of colours and interior decorating, meals, destinations, drinks or friends. She always had and applied such nice taste," he said. And in her final months, she left her family with another valuable and final lesson, which was grace. Sipping a much-loved Negroni — appropriately a drink said to have been invented in Florence — her only wish was to simply see friends. Mrs Berry is survived by husband Bob, daughter Vanessa, son Simon and grandchildren Mia, Jackson and Boe. — Sally Rae
