Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
Father surprises son at All Blacks test
Before last week’s test kicked off between the All Blacks and Australia at Eden Park there was a touching and unique moment that brought one of the men in black to tears. Caleb Clarke admitted he was keeping his emotions in check as the first strains of “God Defend New Zealand” were played but that all disappeared when he recognised the voice of the singer.
“He realised who was singing the New Zealand anthem – his father, former All Black Eroni Clarke – and the floodgates opened. ‘It was pretty crazy. I actually didn’t know he was going to sing the national anthem. I didn’t even hear the announcement saying he was singing it. I was probably midway through the English part of the anthem, and I went, I know this voice. I was trying to hold myself together and not cry, even before I knew it was him. Once I looked at the screen, I went, ahhh. It got me, man, it got me good.'” (Source: “‘I know this voice’: Tears flowed for All Black Caleb Clarke once he realised dad Eroni Clarke was singing the national anthem,” September 27, www.stuff.co.nz).
Even though Clarke was injured early in the game, the All Blacks went on to beat Australia 33-24 and retain the Bledisloe Cup. For me the highlight wasn’t the win but the moment between father and son at the very beginning. The flyover of Eden Park by two planes of the RNZAF was pretty special too!
5 stars – a beautiful and incredibly unique moment – shared by all around the world who watched the game. Upside!
Singer proves she is definitely no mime
This tale is also national anthem related with a nod to the All Blacks. Rebecca Nelson was performing on a Dublin street a few years ago and was accused of miming by All Back Ma’a Nonu, who was listening to her. Her priceless response was the beginning of a career that has seen her perform to luminaries around the world at many special occasions.
“‘He goes, ‘God, you’ve got some balls to be out here miming,’ she said. ‘I just said, “Kia ora Ma’a, I’m a Kiwi. I know I look Irish – I’ve got the red hair – but one day I’m going to be singing in front of you guys at an All Blacks test.”
“Nelson has become one of New Zealand’s most recognisable anthem singers, performing at All Blacks games, Gallipoli commemorations and for King Charles himself no fewer than five times. Her journey began far from palaces and stadiums. In 2009, while working in admin at a children’s hospital in Ireland, she lost her job during the recession. Rather than return home, she turned to busking, which became an occasionally lucrative full-time job over the next six years.
“From there the opportunities snowballed. Writing directly to organisers, knocking on doors and saying yes to everything led to national anthems, military events and eventually invitations from royalty.” (Source: “From accused mime to anthem queen: The busker who proved an All Black wrong,” by Dave Hul, September 29, www.stuff.co.nz).
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