Inspiration

Four years ago Christina Mackay, 40, was a stay-at-home mum with no career prospects. Now she manages a staff of 10 and together they help give tourists the Kiwi holidays of their dreams.

After a lifetime of experiences that ranged from organizing US presidential visits to decluttering a dilapidated camping ground, Elaine McGough, 49, believes the best lives and careers take side steps, back steps – sometimes even missteps.

“I studied commerce at university – a great background no matter what path you choose. For a long time I thought you had to have back-to-back jobs, all nine to five, all showing some kind of progression. When I realized this wasn’t necessary, I chose to do many things, but always one at a time. I believe a person has only so much band width and can’t commit wholly to two different pursuits simultaneously.

“During the last three years, my husband Grant and I have redeveloped a rundown Whangarei Heads holiday park into a profitable business. When I found the Blue Heron on the internet with its riparian rights, moorings, boat ramp, buildings and a business, I thought it was a misprint – it seemed too good to be true. The property was covered in weeds and littered with rusty caravans but I just saw this stunning piece of land and a business that made sense. It was only when we actually moved in that it occurred to me that, apart from redesigning the business and refurbishing the accommodation, someone actually had to do the cleaning.

We spent the first three months scrubbing and sweeping, weeding and painting. We threw out 30 stained, torn mattresses or, as Grant called them, DNA samples. Once I’d washed mountains of cutlery and crockery, I realized nothing matched. Even the stock in the shop was old – there were contest entries on ice blocks in the freezer that had been won four years previously! 

Brenda Birtles, 47, began life behind the scenes in her parents’ Chinese laundry in Christchurch. Now she’s riding a wave of personal and business success in Noosa, Queensland.

Blonde marriage guidance facilitator turned brunette interior designer Heather Thorley, 52, helps people stay calm while she creates the homes of their dreams.

Adrenalin-junkie-turned-anthropologist Rachel Haas, 27, found her perfect job in Latin America where even everyday life gives her a rush.

Adrenalin-junkie-turned-anthropologist Rachel Haas, 27, found her perfect job in Latin America where even everyday life gives her a rush.

Adrenalin-junkie-turned-anthropologist Rachel Haas, 27, found her perfect job in Latin America where even everyday life gives her a rush.

Michael Kessell’s job at the genteel Matakana Village Market is a world away from his time spent helping street kids. But the 60-year-old says his diverse past provides the perfect platform for his role as market manager.

Dunedin foodie Mark Scorgie, 56, refused to relocate for his corporate career. Instead, he banked on his passion for ice cream, pavlova – and a southern belle.