Mount Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand, ZIP Code: 1041
When my husband told me he was being posted to Auckland, New Zealand, I was thrilled. The thought of living in a new country, exploring unfamiliar places and experiencing a different culture filled me with excitement. I looked forward to discovering Auckland together, making new friends and turning this overseas posting into a memorable chapter in our lives.
New chapter in Auckland
The first few weeks were filled with practical arrangements. We had to settle into our home in Mount Roskill, familiarise ourselves with the neighbourhood and figure out everything from grocery shopping to public transport. Even simple tasks seemed to require more planning than they did back home.
I was particularly conscious of the quietness around me. In India, there was always someone to call on, a neighbour to chat with or a relative who could drop by unexpectedly. Here, I had to learn to make plans rather than rely on spontaneous visits. I missed the comfort of familiar surroundings, but I was also curious about what Auckland had to offer.
Finding my own rhythm
Once my husband settled into his work routine, I began exploring the city independently. Mount Eden became one of my favourite places to visit. I enjoyed walking around its village streets, stopping at a café for coffee and occasionally making my way up Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, to take in the sweeping views of Auckland. The summit offered a perspective that photographs could never quite capture.
On other days, I would head towards Viaduct Harbour, where the waterfront, boats and cafés made for a pleasant change of scene. Sometimes I simply walked along the harbour, watching people go about their day and feeling a little more connected to the city. Weekend outings to Mission Bay, with its beach and seaside promenade, became something my husband and I look forward to together.
Keeping India close to my heart
Food is one of the easiest ways to bring a little piece of India into our new home. I have sought out Indian grocery stores, stocked up on spices and have begun preparing the dishes we enjoyed back home. The familiar aroma of tadka in the kitchen makes our house feel warmer and more personal.
Festivals are especially important. Celebrating away from our families is not quite the same, but meeting other Indians, sharing sweets and decorating our home helps bridge the distance. Gradually, we have formed friendships with other expatriate couples and local residents. These connections give us a social circle and made life in Auckland feel less unfamiliar.
Building a home of our own
Moving to Auckland because of my husband’s posting has taught me that relocation affects more than a career or an address. It changes the rhythm of everyday life, the way relationships are maintained and how we understand the idea of home.
I continue to carry India with me through my food, traditions, friendships and family connections. At the same time, I am learning to appreciate Auckland’s relaxed pace, multicultural neighbourhoods and beautiful natural surroundings.
I came here because my husband’s work brought us across the world. But as I build my own routines and discover places that make me happy, I am beginning to feel that this journey belongs to me, too. Home is no longer just the place we left behind. It is also the life we are creating together, one day at a time.
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