I’m a 60-something tour leader who started out of London in 1976. I returned to Auckland and a career in the airline industry, and owned and operated a restaurant in Auckland's Herne Bay before returning to tourism in 2003. Since then I have led special interest, alumni and other groups across both Australia and New Zealand, having lived and worked extensively in both countries. In 2007 I received a Global Recognition Award for adventure travel from Grand Circle Corporation (USA). In 2014 I received an Emerging Writer Award from Te Papa Tupu Creative New Zealand and the Maori Literary Trust. My first book was published in 2019. 'Close to the Wind' is historic fiction, based on a true story of escape from Singapore in 1942. A graduate in History and Art History from Auckland University, my passions include food and wine (of course!) art, architecture and music.