Name?
Gavin Larson
Where are you from in NZ?
Christchurch
Where are you currently living?
Dorset, United Kingdom
How long have you been living here?
Nearly four years
What is your current profession and who are you working for?
I currently install and maintain electric and gas meters and services to residential properties
Tell us what it is like where you are living?
Weymouth is very much like Christchurch in terms of the climate, we live about 5 minutes from the beach but unfortunately there is no surf.
What have you done for fun/entertainment throughout Covid and the lockdown?
I was an essential worker so I had to work if customers electric or gas shut off but that was very rare. We were very lucky and had some really special 8-10 weeks as a family, don’t get me wrong it was definitely hard to keep the boys entertained especially Cooper who is 3, But when i reflect on it it is time that I am so blessed to have shared with him at such an awesome age. We spent loads of time cycling to the beach, swimming, skateboarding and riding his bike. Memories I will forever cherish.
Are there any particular challenges throughout this period that stand out for you?
About 6 weeks in Cooper just started crying for no reason, I think he was missing his friends and family but didnt understand why we hadnt been seeing them. That was really hard for Hannah and I and from that moment on we dedicated every minute to keeping him busy and happy.
Beer or wine?
Beer, but not the flat warm stuff that they like over here.
Choice of takeaway?
Not sure really a beer and fish and chips at the beach is hard to beat.
What inspires you?
100% the boys, I want to give them the best lives and experiences.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can say “shortie” in Korean. Like Shortaaayyy
What is your favourite place in the world, and why?
BALI, I worked there for 18months and the people and way of life is just so laid back plus it is the most beautiful island with the most epic surf.
What is your funniest travel story?
I don’t know if its funny but we lost 35,000 pound boat off the back of a superyacht in heavy seas. Good news was it showed up a couple of days later picked up by the coastguard.
If there was one thing you could recommend to someone about to go on there OE, what would it be?
Just to appreciate all the small things because it honestly flies by.
What is something that people don‘t know about you?
I dressed up as Miss New Zealand for a comedy beauty pageant once a week whilst I was working in Bali.
What home comfort do you miss the most?
Family and friends, everyday!