My name is Te(pronounced ‘Tea’) I am 21 years old, born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand. I am an open minded, respectful, and independent individual who understands the value of opportunity, determination, and above all, compassion. I speak both English and Māori fluently, and I am currently looking for anyone who is kind enough to offer me some space on your lawn for a night or two. I don’t take up a lot of space, and I will appreciate anything at all! Even advice on where to go and who to talk to about possibly securing a place to stay or work. Here’s a bit about who I am, and what my story is:

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To include as many people as I can to my story, and to remind myself that generosity and empathy is alive and well. Also, you know, I’m 21, I don’t have a lot of money, and a space on a lawn or floor seems like luxury compared to a park bench

Interests

• culture
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• gardening
• reading
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• languages
• wanderlust
• learning languages
• storytelling
• learning new things
• wandering
• meeting new people
• excercise
• helping others

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Some would consider this amazing/courageous or extremely stupid, but the most recent thing I have decided to do is move to a completely different country at 21 to start a new book in my life from scratch. Now before you say “well that’s just a natural part of life” I come with barely any money, no place to stay and no job(That’s the stupid part) in an attempt to take full responsibility for myself, and my circumstances. And to illuminate the necessities I have taken for granted in the last year of my life while struggling with the throws of addiction, a lack of motivation, self awareness, and the all to familiar feeling of not having a purpose. Today, I am smoke free(from a 5 year addiction), Marijuana free(6 year addiction), I’m 38kgs lighter(from 118 to 80kg), anti depressant and sleeping pill free(3 year addiction and battle). I no longer suffer from insomnia, depression and social anxiety. I am in the best shape of my life, and with that the best I have been physically, spiritually and mentally.

As a traveler who once took on the world from the age of 17, living in the US and visiting several countries like Brazil, and Switzerland. Spain and Australia. Hong Kong, and England just to name a few.. I faced a pretty difficult bout of depression which robbed me of my lust for travel, but also my willingness to even leave my room, and the determination I had held so close to my heart.

Today, I may not have a lot of money to my name, i may not always have a place to stay. I may come across as naive and maybe even impulsive to those who have judged my sudden decision to leave home in order to start a completely new book in my life. Today I have done what so many people my age are too scared to do. To leave a sense of comfort and familiarity for a call to adventure with my life stuffed in to a bag. An adventure where my own success in life is completely determined by my own determination and willingness to push myself to grow as an individual who is self aware, motivated and inspired to compare myself to who I was yesterday, not to who someone else is today.

When my story is written, I will have many people to look back on fondly, and also not so fondly. Please be a part of my story.

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to learn. Learning is what motivates me to do what I do, whether it’s learning about different lifestyles, cultural exchange, politics, philosophy, or simply having the opportunity to cross paths and learn the types of lessons from strangers that traveling naturally provides. I love sharing stories, teaching people about my culture(Indigenous Māori of New Zealand), and yes this includes anything and everything to do with the Haka.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Apart from terrible jokes, good food, crazy stories, helping with chores or duties and any gifts I have; I also offer the same hospitality and compassion to you when it comes to Couchsurfing for life. Wherever my path leads :) just know that not only am I grateful, but I am also more than happy to pay it forward wherever I can.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Brazil, England, France, Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, United States