Robert Rakete: Why Auckland is home?

Born and bred in Auckland, Robert shares why Auckland is home to him.

Kei Tamaki Makaurau taku kainga.

My home is Auckland.

I was born and raised in South Auckland and as a young man I grew up in town. From riding around Otara and East Tamaki on my home-made bike, to cruising Queen Street in the 80s with my mates in my Ford Escort.

Now I like to walk around the CBD taking arty-farty photos *yeah, those pics are mine 🤓*

Auckland is full of memories:

The Otara Markets on a Saturday morning.

Trips to the museum and MOTAT with mum, dad and my sister.

I have fallen in love on Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and been dumped by the same girl on the same mountain.

I have sat under the clouds and twinkling stars of the Civic Theatre, and under the clouds and twinkling stars of an Auckland sky.

I have bought books here, records there, and watched soapy suds frothing out of the fountain on Custom Street.

But most importantly - my whanau are here.

My wife, our blended family, my children born here too, as well as my moko -, my granddaughter. They are the people who make Auckland - home.