Well, it’s happening.
The challenge has officially begun.
Poetry, cameras, slightly nervous energy—and a backdrop that might just be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
This morning, I packed up my slightly battered tripod, Andy’s two poetry books, a thermos of tea (essential), and drove out to Shakespear Regional Park—right at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. If you haven’t been, imagine a slice of coastal paradise: rolling green hills, blue water stretching all the way to the horizon, native bush teeming with birdsong, and little pockets of quiet where you feel like you’re in on a secret.
It was the perfect place to film the first readings.
I’ve always loved it out there. There’s something about Shakespear Park that feels timeless. Maybe it’s the view, maybe it’s the way the grass seems to glow in the morning light, maybe it’s the fact that it’s a predator-free wildlife sanctuary, so real, actual kiwi live there. (No, I didn’t see one, but just knowing they’re nearby makes everything feel a bit more magical.)
And yes, I did check for curious hikers before I started reading poetry out loud to my camera. No one needs to be ambushed by someone whispering stanzas into the wind before they’ve had their morning coffee.
But once I started filming—it felt right.
I read both of Andy’s books. The words felt strong in the open air, grounded by the landscape and carried by the breeze. I don’t know if it was the sea air, the birds, or just the quiet of the place, but I swear the poems landed differently out there. I found myself pausing in places I hadn’t expected. Rereading certain lines just to sit with them a little longer.
And, okay, I may have cried once. Just a bit. One of the poems always gets me.
The videos turned out well—I think. I’m no filmmaker (let’s manage expectations here), but the light was perfect, the sound wasn’t ruined by wind, and there’s something so honest about hearing poetry read in a setting like that. It strips away all the formal stuff. It’s just words and nature and the occasional tui calling out in the background.
I’ll be posting the videos on TikTok and YouTube over the next few days. If you follow me already, you’ll see them pop up soon. If you don’t, now’s a good time to join in! Whether you love poetry or just want to see how utterly gorgeous New Zealand can be, I think you’ll enjoy them.
The idea is simple:
Share the poems.
Share the place.
Share the joy of it all.
And maybe—maybe—make Andy go viral. Just a little. Just enough that he can’t ignore the quiet, growing whisper of “come visit New Zealand…”
It’s only the beginning, but I already feel excited. Something about reading words written by someone you care about, in a place you love, and putting it out into the world—it feels brave. And hopeful. And like the start of something that could really matter, in the smallest, most wonderful way.
So yes—it has begun.
The poetry is recorded.
The park was stunning.
The birds were loud but polite.
And I am so excited to share what’s coming next.
Stay tuned. Watch the videos. And if you feel moved, please like, comment, share, and maybe even buy the books. (I’ll pop the links in the video captions.)
This is going to be fun.
