When people think of New Zealand, they think of the mighty All Blacks rugby team, they think of mountainous terrain and maybe even Lord of the Rings.
But every March there is a small part of Co Fermanagh which makes its mark on the city of Auckland and its St Patrick’s Day parade.
Gillian Burnett from Cornagrade, Enniskillen, moved there 17 years ago, and proudly displays her Fermanagh flag in the annual celebrations.
She first made the move to New Zealand in 2005, having spent time working in hospitality in London.
“I first left Ireland for a job opportunity and the chance to see some of the world. I decided to move to New Zealand because it sounded like an amazing and beautiful country to bring up a family,” Gillian told MyFermanagh.
“I also seen there was good job opportunities in the hospitality sector. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I first went on a one year open return ticket so I had the reassurance of being able to leave if I didn't like it. Obviously I love it here as I haven't left since I got here.
“I have been here ever since. I have not made it home for a holiday; each time a trip was planned something happened to get in the way.”
Gillian moved to Auckland with her daughter Crista, who is now 22 years old and has lived most of her life in New Zealand.
The Enniskillen woman has since met her partner Aaron, and the pair now have a 7-year-old daughter called Erin.
“Almost 17 years on my life here is very different than I thought it would be.
“I re-trained as an Adult Literacy and Numeracy tutor and I have been teaching English as a second language for about seven years.
“I left hospitality when my daughter Crista was a teenager as the hours didn't really suit looking after a teenager.
“The main thing I found very different was the primary schools. They are much smaller than I remembered in Ireland.
“They are local little communities in themselves here. Even in that difference there is the similarity in the sense of community.
“Where I am living now is in the Waitakere ranges which is a protected rainforest. Also there are a number of west coast beaches within 20 minutes drive from our house.
“I remember having to drive for hours to get to a beach from Enniskillen.”
While there are many differences between life in Fermanagh compared to her new home, Gillian says the friendliness of the people is a constant in both areas.
She added: “The people are very friendly and welcoming, like the Irish. I am pleased to say I haven't met anyone here who doesn't love the Irish.
“Many of the people I have spoken to and some I have got to know are very proud to tell me about their Irish heritage.
“The pace of life is a bit more laid back here too.
“The pub scene here is very different. It is generally not the meeting place after work to catch up with your mates.
“It is more common over here to go to the liquor shop and get a box of beer or bottle of wine and go to your friend's house for a couple.
“Christmas is very different here mainly because of the different climate. I still find it very strange that it is sunny and hot and not snowing and cold.
As she has not been home for the best part of two decades, Gillian says she is keen to return to see her parents and brother in Co Fermanagh, but says she will stay in Auckland in the long-term.
“I want to return to Fermanagh for a long holiday, but I don't think I will move home full time. My Mum, Dad and brother still live in Fermanagh,” she added.
“My daughter Crista, now 22 years old, has plans to move home in the future. I do get home sick, but thanks to Skype and Zoom I can talk with my family regularly.”
