Editor’s letter
Growing up overseas, I learnt fairly early on that family is more than just those who share your DNA. Birthdays and Christmases were spent with a wide variety of friends, while grandparents and cousins were friendly strangers who made a brief appearance every year or so. When I moved to New Zealand as a teenager, I was introduced to the Maori concept of whanau. Typically translated as “family”, whanau can also refer to a much broader network, extending to your wider community and those who support you. Anyone who comes together for a shared purpose, from workmates to sport teams, might consider themselves whanau. I’ve always loved this interpretation and approach to family. But it takes on new relevance as we face a raft of travel restrictions in the coming months. Many…
