People Development & Executive Coaching

THE JOY OF A UNION!

Last year in June we were in Germany.  The Soccer World Cup was on at the time and Germany were still in the competition.  Bunting was everywhere, and as we were travelling with a proud German, our rental car was festooned with wing mirror covers, flags, plastic trumpets, clackers, and German soccer shirts – you name it, we had it!  We happened to be in Karlsruhe with a house full of young Germans on the afternoon Germany played its quarter final match.  Victory was surely theirs based on the enthusiasm and belief these young people had in their team.  In fact, the whole city was one big party – the population becoming one, united by their sporting chances.  It was something I will hold forever in my memory.  And of course they won (that day anyway!).

Imagine my excitement this week then as our own Rugby World Cup approaches.  Those patriotic moments may have the opportunity of being relived here in New Zealand.

Usually, I travel very uneventfully from my little farm south of Auckland to my office in Auckland’s CBD most days of the week.  I tend to arrive unnoticed as I drive through the city and my journey is quiet except for the music that I play.

However all that changed last Wednesday, when I proudly attached an All Black flag to my car window.  I was of the attitude that we could show those Germans what we could do too, but I was unsure what the impact would be, and whether others would be getting involved as well.  Oh ye of little faith!

My daily journey has never been so noisy and celebratory as the last three days have been.  Road workers scream – go the All Blacks, people at traffic lights smile and give the thumbs up, pedestrians usually respond in some way, and other drivers, equally bedecked, toot and wave.  I even had a woman on a pavement punch the air in excitement as I passed by with my little flag fluttering in the wind.

And now as we approach the opening later today, I am surrounded by flags on houses, buildings, cafes, cars, trucks.  Black jerseys are everywhere.  There is an air of expectation and excitement.

But most of all there is pride – pride in our country, our cities and small towns, and most importantly in each other.  We are bound by a common bond, or so it seems, and strangers are connected, and talking to each other.

Let’s keep it going New Zealand……oh, and go the Blacks!