5 questions with: Memo Musa

Photo: supplied
Photo: supplied
Memo Musa, of Whanganui, is chief executive of the the New Zealand Nurses Organisation. 

What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?

I came to Whanganui from the United Kingdom with my wife and children pretty much on my birthday, and that is the best present anyone could receive. It meant working in a different health system, being part of a new community and culture and that my family could have different life experiences.

What smell do you find irresistible?

I will never forget the sweet smell of golden mangoes ripening on trees in my grandfather's orchard in Zimbabwe. It is irresistible. The first thing my family and I do when we go back to Zimbabwe is visit the orchard and eat fresh mangoes in the sun.

What is your least favourite thing about humanity?

My biggest disappointment is that too few people value community and responsible stewardship of the earth.

What is one strong childhood memory?

The strongest things I remember are freedom, growing up in the African bush, herding cattle, sheep and goats - and making do with very little. It was a simple and uncomplicated life and I almost think I could go back to it very easily.

What is your message?

I would like to quote Max Ehrmann a couple of times: "If you compare yourself to others you may become bitter or vain for always there will be a greater and lesser person than yourself'' and "Insight and serenity; above all serenity''. When we are serene and accept things as they are, we allow ourselves space to make the best and right choices.

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