In this country, we’re always proud of those of us who experience fame overseas. But we never really expect they will come back to New Zealand because their world becomes bigger than home.
So we could all be forgiven for being delightfully surprised to find that living amongst us again, for good, is none other than the world-famous soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
She has returned home permanently, a decision she made quickly and for one reason: Her beautiful grandson, three-and-a-halfyear-old Luther.
“When Covid kicked in, it did a lot of things for a lot of people,” explains Dame Kiri. “It terminated people’s lives and it made people more innovative, but for me, it was all about trying to work out how I was going to visit my grandson. That was my big thing.”
She had seen Luther for two Christmases in East Sussex, where she lived, and was planning to spend six months of the year with him before Covid struck.
“Suddenly I couldn’t see him for a year and a half. That was a huge thing for me. We had such wonderful Christmases and he was lovely and adorable, and then for a whole year and a half I couldn’t see him.”
Like most families with loved ones overseas, she has become very good at Zoom and FaceTime, as has Luther, who has learned to say “Grandma” and do high fives.
“Now I can spend real time with him and watch him. See how he grows, how he learns and how he changes, day to day. I didn’t want to miss that.”
Dame Kiri says she didn’t have a grandmother and so it has become very important for her to be one for Luther.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 6, 2021-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 6, 2021-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK