At home with Dame Kiri ‘YOU'LL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!'

The opera diva, doting grandma and keen gardener reveals how the Bay of Islands property she holds so dear works its magic on visitors

- Wendyl Nissen

To be invited into the home of one of this country’s most iconic figures is a privilege, but also an experience to be enjoyed because Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a woman who leaves any airs and graces at the front door. At home she is a friend, a lovely chatty woman with a great sense of humour and many stories to tell.

“That’s the front door,” she says as she welcomes the Weekly team into her home. “But we never use it – come this way.”

Dame Kiri’s house is filled with light and big windows that reveal spectacular views of the Bay of Islands, but it is also a house that is a home. There are comfy, soft couches, magazines and books, art and flowers, and it is impossible to not feel welcome.

On the dining table are sandwiches, cake and cherries for her guests, and as Dame Kiri sinks into her couch she is a picture of contentment.

It takes a while to realise that I am somewhat awed that there are chicken sandwiches with the crusts cut off(courtesy of Dame Kiri’s special friend Diana Fenwick, who flew up north especially to make them).

Fresh-faced and her hair brushed but not blow-waved as she awaits the Weekly hairdresser and make-up artist, Dame Kiri is a natural beauty. Dressed simply in white slacks and a striped shirt, she is relaxed and chatty.

Outside her window is a tree of equal beauty, a rambling pohutukawa which she says is at least 500 years old, and all around is the constant trill of tui enjoying the many native trees on the property.