The Committee

I was born, and grew up, in Aarhus (Jylland), Denmark.
My mum is originally from “up north” (Nykøbing Mors), while my dad was a local city boy from Aarhus.
I have a younger brother who has now settled in Copenhagen with his beautiful wife and their two delightful children.
I have many fond memories of growing up in Denmark. In the holidays we would often explore new places or visit friends and family in Jylland and Sjælland. But, our number one family spot, was a humble, yet much loved summerhouse, that mum and dad had built together on a section in Ebeltoft. The carefree summer nights running around chasing frogs and grasshoppers – or playing tag in the grass maze my dad would make with the lawnmower – will stay with me forever.
The area, the old city of Ebeltoft, Fregatten Jylland, Glasmuseet and the landscape of Djursland still remains my favourite part of Denmark today.
Denmark, my family, and friends have always meant a lot to me, but as many other fledglings, I felt the need to look beyond the immediate horizon in my twenties. I had been on plenty of trips abroad by the time I set my sights on New Zealand. The immediate plan was a 6-12 month’s trip, but I hadn’t counted on meeting a great kiwi bloke! And I certainly hadn’t counted on, that he would come to Denmark twice in the year following. But he did, and in that time he managed to convince both my parents and I, that he was genuine enough for me to plan a longer stay in NZ. Now, more than 20 years later, that great kiwi bloke is my better half.
We live in Onehunga and have two fabulous girls, that help keep us on our toes as they rapidly grow up to be strong-minded, independent and well-travelled young ladies (Denmark included).
My connection with The Danish Society is longer than you might think. I started a membership when I first settled in NZ, but I found the timing wasn’t quite right. There were too many kiwi things to learn first! However, when the children came along, I re-joined, and I especially valued the warm welcome of the amazing Mødregruppe (Danish Mother Group). It provided a great opportunity to connect, speak Danish and feel at home with familiar Danish family values.
Over the years my family and I have enjoyed many events, working bees and stays in Valhalla with The Danish Society, but with plenty on my plate, I didn’t look to join the committee.
That changed midway through turbulent 2020, when I stepped into the vacant account keeping role. Seeing more of what our volunteers do to maintain facilities and deliver membership experiences, was an eye opener. It is not only the committee, but also a range of sub committees and valuable helpers, that makes our Danish Society wheels spin.
Traditionally, the bookkeeper doesn’t need to be part of the committee. But I soon realised, that if I wanted to be in the know – and help make a difference in my new role – I’d better get on board.
What I bring to the Society, is a huge appreciation of what Denmark and New Zealand has to offer, for anyone, who is lucky to have a connection to one or both places.
For me, the Danish culture coupled with New Zealand’s diversity, freedom and can-do-attitude is a winner. I love that my children are proud to be Danish Kiwi’s, and I’m sure they will take the opportunity to pick the best of both worlds for their own future.
What I bring to the committee, is years of experience within a range of business models and industries from third part logistics to the education sector. I look forward to working with the committee, our volunteers, and members, to help further streamline our systems and enhance our overall membership experience.
So, if you think there is anything I can help with, from the account side of The Danish Society – get in touch.