The Auckland playgroup scene and Pit Bulls

Something different about Auckland compared with Christchurch is the mix of people I meet at Elizabeth’s playgroup. I don’t mean ethnically, although it is quite ethnically diverse, I mean in terms of the relationship each person has to the children they bring. In Christchurch at the playgroups I went to, it was mostly mothers, sometimes fathers. Here it is mostly nannies, au pairs and home educators.

At first I thought negatively about it. What have I got in common with all these nannies? But actually I quite like it. I don’t necessarily have anything in common with other mothers except that we’re mothers, whereas I once worked as a nanny myself.

The nannies are a varied bunch: some foreign, some very young, some grandmothers but they’re all friendly and interesting to talk to. There’s an English au pair who has been enjoying the Auckland party atmosphere thanks to the rugby, a Czech nanny recently moved here from Sydney, a Kiwi nanny who spent many years working in Switzerland and the Fijian grandmother-type who frequently has 6 or more children in her care and of course they’re all perfectly behaved. How does she do it I wonder?

Auckland is also ethnically diverse and I like that. People who are foreign or who have traveled a bit are often quite interesting to talk to. They are also more willing to let you into their lives. I found it difficult to make friends in Christchurch when I first arrived there. It’s much easier here and I think it’s because people here are more open and less reserved. Or perhaps it’s because there are more foreigners like me and as foreigners we are all without friends and family when we first arrive so have a higher need for new friendships.

Freud is struggling with his low-fat diet. We caught him eating this carrot last night which was a cast-off of Daniel’s. Carrot is not something he would normally show any interest in but I’m sure it’s good for him.

His heart pills cost a whopping $100 per month. He’ll need them for the rest of his life so I’m going to search for a cheaper supplier.

The dog that attacked him turned out to be classified as menacing because of her breed by the Auckland city council. It’s a pit bull. The owner is a Tongan woman living in a housing New Zealand home. I think she’s terrified the dog will be destroyed because she’s sent him away. The council have fined her and requested that she fence her property which Housing New Zealand have since done for her.