My writing jounreys have taken me to many countries around the world.

 

Firstly to Australia back in 1987, then to Germany, France, Japan, China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

After 30 years I am now heading (back) to New Zealand.

 

I've recently been commissioned to research and write the story of one of New Zealand's

most successful companies, Furnware.

 

I had not heard of them before (and you'll love this). A school friend of mine introduced

me to the owner over a year ago after he was talking to her about getting the history of his company 

documented. Of course my dear friend said what is now a common refrain.

'There's only one person you should talk to and that's Jaqui'.

 

Heading to the Hawkes Bay

So, in a few weeks time I heading 'back' to the Hawkes Bay in New Zealand.

I say 'back to' because I have many, many memories of spending school holidays with

my school friends on their farms and orchards in and around the Hawkes Bay area.

It's my old stomping ground.

 

It also happens to be one of New Zealand's great wine making regions.

Funny that. I seem to be developing a writing/wine connection.

 

The Furnware story

I am looking forward to researching and writing the Furnware story. 

In a way I am revisiting my own story...growing up in a small town in New Zealand 

(Palmerston North- or Parmy as most people call it) and then to boarding school

in Masterton (another now wonderful NZ wine region, but when I was there, there 

wasn't a grapevine in sight).

Researching the Frunware story is a joureny of discovery for me.

It's about discovering the story of enterprise, courage, conviction, passion

that was and is so much of 'we' New Zealanders.

 

The New Zealand story

I've been away long enough (30 years) to appreciate the values, positive mindset and

humility that are inate in most Kiwis.

 

I look forward to reconnecting with my freinds. To learning about an outstanding

NZ business success and, of course, sampling some Hawkes Bay wine.

 

If you're a NZ business and would like to share your story please contact me at

jaqui@globalstories.com.au