Making Yourself At Home

Jeanne was born in Madagascar. She arrived in France when she was 4, grew up in the South, then lived in Grenoble and Lyon on her own before travelling to New Zealand for a planned 12 month holiday in 2018. Life decided otherwise though, as 6 months after arriving, Jeanne met a special someone in New Plymouth who is now her husband. Almost 8 years later, Jeanne is now a permanent resident and loves living in Taranaki. Jeanne is now starting her own business, Éternel by J.T (handcrafted paper flowers) and aside, she teaches French at Lingua (languages school). Jeanne loves the fashion industry, the arts, cooking (of course), gardening (a lot) and travelling with her husband across the globe.

Alina and Clarisa discussing about how it is to live in NZ.

In this episode, Brendan talks about making yourself at home before birth and explores the importance of the baby's early connection — how feeling at home begins in the womb and shapes the way we come into the world. His deep understanding of early life experiences and trauma integration has made him a highly respected practitioner and educator across Australia and New Zealand. Brendan Pittwood brings decades of experience in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Prenatal and Birth Therapy, and Remedial Body Therapy. Deeply committed to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, he combines profound skill with a gentle, embodied presence.

Lucia is from Argentina and moved to New Zealand in 2018 searching for a new life adventure. She first arrived in Christchurch, where she already knew someone. In 2020, she moved up to New Plymouth because she got a job there, and as soon as she arrived, she met Kyle, her partner. She is originally an Architect Designer and a Project Manager, and that is what she had been doing for work until she had her son. Since having her son Koa, who is almost 2 years old, she has been staying home with him. Raising him and seeing him grow is their main priority these days. Lucia has also started a little project where she shares her experiences, learnings, and reflections on motherhood. She writes on Substack and briefly shares these writings on an Instagram page called Creciendo con Luli (Growing with Luli). In addition, Lucia and her partner run a design and screenprinting studio where they have been collaborating with like-minded businesses, creating fun and special designs for each of them. When she says “they,” it is actually Kyle who is the artist and Lucia who helps out with coordination and paperwork!

Amelie Moncel is a Mindset and Identity Coach for working mums who want to feel like themselves again, confident, guilt-free, and unapologetic. Originally from France, she now lives near Stratford, on a lifestyle block with her husband, two boys, dog and chicken. Drawing on her own experience as a mum living abroad and her professional background in HR, communication, and coaching, she helps women navigate the complexity of motherhood, career, and identity. Her holistic approach combines mindset coaching, career clarity, and identity work to create lasting change, not a return to “normal,” but a redesign of life and career that truly fits who her clients are now. With a coaching style that is empathetic, honest, and practical, Amelie provides space to release pressure, gain clarity, and build a future that honours both ambition and wellbeing. She supports women ready to move beyond “fine” and create a life that feels good from the inside out.

Brigitte is originally from Romania and arrived in NZ 26 years ago. Lived in Auckland and 8 years ago moved to Taranaki. She is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, published author of 4 books, an animal lover and a very spiritual being. In her spare time, she likes to make music and paint.

In this 1 hour show you'll meet some of the beautiful people who make up Taranaki's vibrant international community.

Meet Fabian — 48, proud dad of 5, originally from Germany and now calling NZ home. From law degrees to lifeguarding and managing Fulton Swim School, he's passionate about the ocean, travel, food, and living life to the fullest.

Bronwyn is a fourth-generation New Zealander of European descent, Tangata Tiriti, born and raised in Whanganui. She trained as a nurse at Taranaki Polytech in the 1980s, with her first role at Arkansas Children's Hospital in the USA. Later, she worked as a Health and Disability Advocate and explored her passions in visual arts, costuming, singing, and dance. Now living on a lifestyle property in Taranaki under the gaze of the maunga, Bronwyn grows flowers and herbs and is part of the Performing Arts Collective. Taranaki, Ngāmotu/New Plymouth is her home, and she doesn't plan on ever leaving.

Hamada Eleleimy is many things – a Life Coach, Trainer and Facilitator, Husband, Father of 3, Education Enthusiast, and a deeply spiritual soul who believes in the oneness of humanity. Join us for an uplifting kōrero about life, growth, and how we can each find purpose and meaning in our journeys. With our hosts Alina from Romania, Amna from Pakistan and Brian from the US.

Today we welcome Maria Elena, originally from Venezuela, now proud to call Aotearoa New Zealand home. Born in The Garden City near Caracas, Maria's journey has been full of passion, resilience, and reinvention. For decades she dedicated herself to Judo, joining the national team while studying Computer Science at the Central University of Venezuela. Later, she became a lecturer, sharing her love of learning with students for more than 20 years. Today, Maria continues her passion for teaching through her work as a learning designer, and keeps her love of fitness alive with Zumba and group classes.

In this 1 hour show you'll meet some of the beautiful people who make up Taranaki's vibrant international community.

In this 1 hour show you'll meet some of the beautiful people who make up Taranaki's vibrant international community.

This week on Making Yourself at Home, we meet Anders Roeed, a Norwegian-born carpenter, traveller, and entrepreneur whose journey is all about doing life differently. After leaving school at 16, Anders found his footing through hands-on work, eventually trading Norway for surf in Indonesia, six years building in Australia, and now a business and life in Taranaki. From living in a van to building his own tiny house, Anders has carved out a path defined by creativity, grit, and reinvention. Join hosts Alina and Clara for an honest, down-to-earth conversation about starting over, chasing purpose, and making yourself at home wherever you are.

Today's guest is Lyly, and she is originally from Đà Nẵng City in central Vietnam. She has been living in New Zealand for over 21 years now, and it truly feels like her second home. For the past 11 years, she has been living in New Plymouth, where she runs her small business, The Reef Coffee & Sushi Bar in Strandon. New Plymouth is a very special place to her. It may be a small city, but it has a big, close-knit community — and that's what she loves most about it. Over the years, she has had the privilege of getting to know so many beautiful people, and they've helped make this place feel even more special in her heart.

In this 1 hour show you'll meet some of the beautiful people who make up Taranaki's vibrant international community. This week we talk to dedicated violinist and teacher Albert Abdulin, who hails from Uzbekistan.

Pip was born in Wellington but grew up in a remote farming community in the South Island. Like many Kiwis, she took off on the classic OE, living in places like England, France, and Ireland before eventually making her way back to Aotearoa. After stints in Tekapo and Kaikōura, she settled in New Plymouth in 2009. Not long after, the arrival of her second child changed everything—shifting her perspective and opening doors she never expected. These days, Pip works at Conductive Education Taranaki, supporting children with disabilities, and keeps things fun on the side by teaching Dance Fitness classes.

Bhavani is a Mexican woman who has called Aotearoa New Zealand home for the past 14 years. Rooted in her heritage and guided by the richness of both cultures, she has woven a life of purpose and care as a mother, wellness guide, and space holder. She is the co-founder of Sanctuary Hill, a wellness retreat nestled in nature where people come to rest, reconnect, and restore. Her journey blends tradition, somatic wisdom, and community, always honouring the rhythms of the earth and the heart.

Natalia is a physiotherapist at Physio Pilates New Plymouth, originally from Russia and raised near Washington, D.C. Her journey has taken her through the U.S., Australia, and now New Zealand, where she lives in Taranaki with her Kiwi husband and their two children. After several international moves, she's embraced life in New Plymouth—supporting her family, engaging in new hobbies, volunteering, and building a meaningful career.

Originally from the US, Sharon shared her inspiring journey into the world of midwifery—a calling that has taken her across the globe. From supporting births in the US, Cambodia, Tonga, Benin (West Africa), the Peruvian Amazon, Mexico, and Aotearoa New Zealand, Sharon's deep passion for whānau-centred care has left a powerful imprint in every place she's been. Sharon moved to NZ with her husband Dave and their three children (Adam, Sarah, and Will) in 2003, after time in Cambodia. She knew New Zealand was where she wanted to work as a midwife—and raise her family. For years, they called Stratford home, where Sharon managed the maternity unit until its closure in 2015—a heartbreaking time for her and the community.

Our special guest this week was Robbie from Australia. Robbie shared with us his thoughts on Australian culture versus New Zealand's, reflections on being an organic farmer and his journey to being a yoga instructor.

Amna Haroon is originally from Pakistan and moved to New Plymouth three years ago with her husband and children. Settling into a new country came with many challenges, but Amna faced them with determination and resilience. Over time, she has grown to love her new home and has built strong connections within the community. Back in Pakistan, Amna had always dreamed of giving back and making a meaningful difference. However, between frequent moves and the demands of motherhood, those dreams were often put on hold. Now, in Aotearoa, she's stepping into opportunities she once only imagined — taking on new roles, contributing to her community, and living out the purpose she always hoped to fulfill. Amna believes there's a time and place for everything, and perhaps this chapter of her life was exactly where she was meant to begin making her mark.

This week on the Making Yourself at Home show, we welcome Adam Eager, who has truly lived a global life — born in Ireland, raised in Spain, and having worked across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia before finding home here in New Plymouth. A former offshore Captain and Marine Superintendent, Adam brings a rich story of adventure, adaptability, and family-centred decisions. From building islands in the Caspian Sea to piloting ships at Port Taranaki, Adam shares how Aotearoa became the first place where he truly felt at home.

Joey is a dedicated full-time mother to three beautiful children who have been the inspiration and catalyst for her profound spiritual journey inward. Her path to healing and inner peace has guided her to support others through the transformative power of sound, energy, and voice. As an intuitive energy and sound healing practitioner, Joey offers 1:1 private therapy sessions and group sound bath experiences during Full Moon and New Moon circles. A gifted multi-instrumental sound alchemist, she weaves together a range of healing modalities to create her signature Shamanic Sound Journeys—designed to bring clarity, deep healing, and a sense of purpose to those she works with. Joey is passionate about frequency healing through voice and sound, and she shares this love by teaching Native American Flute lessons as a meditative tool to foster mindfulness and help others manage daily stress with grace and intention.

This week on the Making Yourself at Home show, we welcome Adam Eager, who has truly lived a global life — born in Ireland, raised in Spain, and having worked across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia before finding home here in New Plymouth. A former offshore Captain and Marine Superintendent, Adam brings a rich story of adventure, adaptability, and family-centred decisions. From building islands in the Caspian Sea to piloting ships at Port Taranaki, Adam shares how Aotearoa became the first place where he truly felt at home.

Meet Piripi – a 54-year-old Taranaki local whose journey took him from the oil industry to travelling New Zealand with his whānau. What began as a one-year road trip turned into eight years of eye-opening experiences, leading him to create Give 4, a grassroots effort supporting homeless families. After surviving a major heart attack and stroke in 2018, Piripi rebuilt his life from scratch. His latest mission? Launching Men's Hub — a space for men to connect, grow, and get support in all areas of life.

Juniper talks with us today about her journey with belly dancing and other creative projects, such as designing t-shirts and singing in a band.

Mandi was born in South Africa and spent most of her life near the coastal city of Durban. With a large extended family, it was in 1996 that her uncle and his family moved to Auckland. Visiting New Zealand had always been a dream of Mandi's, but it took her 26 years to make it a reality. She is an engineer (water) and arrived in Wellington on a work visa in November 2022, relocating to New Plymouth in January 2025. Mandi absolutely loves New Zealand, not only for its stunning scenery, but also for the relaxed attitude that Kiwis exude.

Clara from Spain is living in NZ from 2017 and loves the outdoors and life in NZ. Clara is a wellbeing practitioner and a Nature and Forest Therapy guide.

Brian is born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. He moved to New Plymouth in 2021

Julia joined us to share her story, from Mexico to Aotearoa, via The Netherlands. Hear about how she's turning pest plants into gold, with her Manuka honey business, Bee and Flower

Ayya Upekkha was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in various parts of the world, including New Plymouth, before finding her spiritual path as a Buddhist nun in Perth, Australia. Visiting family in New Plymouth, she took the time to share her story with Alina and Clarisa.

Clarisa and Alina talk about home and what it means to them. How do you 'make yourself at home'?

Originally from France, Jennifer loves surfing and now is the owner of L'epicure, a catering company in New Plymouth

Meet Toni from New Plymouth - a talented local artist, with a heap of creative stuff going on and a psychology diploma

Thank you to our guests that were part of our show and the importance of the community in NZ.

Thank you to our guests that were part of our show and the importance of the community in NZ.

Talk about Christmas around the world and the customs

Adventures around the world with Alina and Andreea. Were they in Bali or Fiji? Tune in for an exciting episode of Making yourself at Home.

Andreea and Simona talk from their own experience about being an immigrant here in New Zealand. They discuss the joys, and even some of the challenges behind it.

Adam from UK, with deep conversations about life in NZ

Today we talked with Franzi from Germany, who spoke about her travels, surfing and improvisation workshops.

Rachel from USA has been in NZ for one year and shares her story about the challenges in her country.

In this episode we listen to Lidia's fascinating story, travelling during her sabbatical year and her connection with people.

Phill comes from New Zealand, and shares stores of his journey to Budapest, where he lived for 3 and a half years

Jan Huijbers shares with us his storying of moving to New Zealand in 1983, with his wife and two children. Jan is an artist, and is currently running art groups for people living with Down Syndrome.

We welcomed Swati from India and were talking about her journey from India to the US and New Zealand.

Today we had Zayden from Gold Coast Australia who sung 4 of his own songs, live.

Today we had Zayden from Gold Coast Australia who sung 3 of his own songs live.

Simona, Alina, and Andreea talk about end of season events in New Plymouth

Helene, a mother of two, born in Mauritius met her husband from Czech Republic and decided to make a life here in NZ.