#6

 

August 30th, 2024

Wānaka, New Zealand

Petra

 

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I met Petra on a sunny Friday afternoon. She appeared at her doorstep as I waited, and my first impression was of a strong, professional woman with impeccable makeup, including a striking purple eyeshadow that complemented her eyes beautifully. As I stepped into her cozy apartment, I noticed the wine bottles and high-quality coffee machine that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As Petra prepared cappuccinos for us, I took a seat on her couch and began our conversation.

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Originally from Prague, Petra first visited New Zealand in 2016 on a working holiday, traveling around with a van. In 2017, while working at a winery, she met her partner, Ricardo, a skilled winemaker from Chile who was the winery's supervisor at the time. That explains all the wine bottles in her house, I thought!

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Their connection blossomed, leading them to travel and work together in Austria and the United States before settling in New Zealand in 2019. Ricardo is known for his humor and has built a successful career in winemaking, currently working as an assistant winemaker. Petra is an architectural graduate working with JTB Architects.

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They moved from beloved Blenheim to Wānaka due to a job opportunity for Petra. Although thrilled about their new life in this beautiful spot, Petra candidly admits that the transition wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. They initially struggled with finding a home, making new friends, and blending into the local community.

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A pivotal moment for Petra came when she joined the local Squash Club. Her involvement, including serving on the club committee, helped her integrate into the community and build lasting friendships. Petra also contributed to the Upper Clutha Advisory Group for the Welcoming Communities Programme, sharing her experiences to improve the settlement process for future newcomers. Her active involvement has only increased her appreciation for Wānaka.

 

Language also posed a challenge. Although Petra had a solid grasp of English grammar, she struggled with the local accent. Her English improved through immersion: speaking English in town, at work, and with her partner Ricardo, as his native language is Spanish and hers is Czech, resulting in them communicating in English. Petra now not only speaks fluent English but has also picked up Spanish along the way! She highlights the importance of supporting immigrants who may struggle with accents or imperfect English, as language barriers can affect one's sense of belonging.

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Petra loves her work at JTB Architects, the natural beauty of Wānaka, and the many outdoor activities Wānaka offers. From squash and hiking to paddle boarding and exploring local breweries, she’s always on the move. She also loves the cinema, the lakes, the wines of Central Otago and the snowy mountains in winter. Regular strolls with her partner by the lake, a good coffee in hand, and frequent visits to Pembroke Patisserie for its delicious croissants are among her favorite pastimes.

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