OPINION: Last week while flying back to Wellington after a speaking engagement in the South Island I got more than I had bargained for.
I love flying but it was a terrible flight with a particularly unpleasant take-off which turned into an equally unpleasant journey, topped off by an approach to land in Wellington which was befitting the opening sequence of Gilligan’s Island. I’m a veteran of many flights into Wellington, so when I say this was one of the worst, you get the general idea.
Sadly, it wasn’t over. Even as the back wheels touched down on the runway there was a sudden surge in engine power and the Air NZ A320 I was travelling in lifted back off the ground and headed out over the Wellington Harbour. It then circled for another approach, aborted, and headed back to Christchurch from whence it had come, where I spent another night before returning home.
During the flight, I happened to be seated next to New Zealand’s Principal Family Court Judge, Her Honour Judge Jackie Moran. She is an absolute delight and between us we discussed questions of mortality, airline safety policy, the Middle East, the property market and lots of other good stuff, all (mostly) in good humour.
Start your property search
I say mostly because there were a couple of parts of the flight which were genuinely frightening and I had cause, albeit briefly, to think about the consequences of my demise. And guess what? My thoughts weren’t concerned with what might happen to house prices, whether mortgage interest rates might go up or down, whether an incoming government might introduce taxes on our houses, or whether the healthy homes legislation would scare investors from the market. I’m not exactly a retiring flower when it comes to the expression of my views on such subjects – but they didn’t really factor when it mattered.
No, my thoughts were on my wife, my family and an uncompleted project I’m working on which I’d like to complete before I shuttle off this mortal coil and meet my maker.
It was one of those rare opportunities which we get to raise our head above the parapet and survey the broader landscape - and as I thought about it again this morning I realised that the whole episode carried with it some lessons which I’d like to share with you.
1. A house is just a thing
Home-ownership is a fantastic thing and capital growth is the way that many of us build wealth - but ultimately, a house is just a possession. Whether your bag is property, cars, boats, shares, artwork or something else – they don’t define who you are, nor the importance of the impact that you’ll make. Hold them loosely.
2. You live in the most amazing country on Earth
An accident of fate, or a deliberate choice of migration, has afforded you the privilege of living in the best nation which has ever existed. Regardless of your circumstances or frustrations – there’s nothing you can’t do or have if you want it and set your mind to it.
3. You’re not defined by the Government
As you’re reading this you’ll either be thinking about your upcoming vote for who you want to govern us for the next three years – or you may have already exercised it – and wherever you sit on the political spectrum, you’ll no doubt support a party, or parties, which have policies that most closely match the way you see the world. But your opportunities and challenges over the next three years won’t be determined by whether or not you get the government that you want – and allowing your focus on this to consume too much of your time just robs you of the chance to do, and be, the things that really matter.
4. Seize the day
Whether it’s a house you’ve been thinking about buying, a job change you’ve been wanting to make, or a new chapter you’ve been planning to write in the story of your life – don’t put it off. Start now.
5. What will your legacy be?
How will you be remembered after you’re gone? What enduring legacy will you leave that defines the mark that you made? You can set the narrative of your life – or someone else will set it for you. Which will it be?
- Ashley Church is a property commentator for OneRoof.co.nz. Email him at [email protected]
