Rethinking Connection: Forging a Global Well-being Movement from the Ground Up in New Zealand

It's August 27th, and I've been reflecting on why New Zealand, particularly inspired by places like Parihoa and its unique "Edge of the World" energy, is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in well-being right now.

The global landscape has dramatically shifted. The challenges of a pandemic era, leading up to and through COVID-19, have undeniable revealed a profound mental health crisis. We've moved beyond simply having jobs; people are seeking to be whole humans, integrating their lives with their work in meaningful ways. This era has also highlighted a desperate need for greater connection and authenticity. While modern technology connects us in some ways, it often leaves us feeling more disconnected than ever.

There's been a massive rethinking of how we invest our time and energy in our careers, from both a mental and physical health perspective. We need to expand our thinking about how we design work to genuinely support people's lives. This is why I believe we need "well-being custodians" within companies, individuals who can work alongside CEOs and executive suites to cultivate a truly well-being-centric culture.

New Zealand: A Creative, Connected Sanctuary

Having lived in Singapore and born in Australia, I deliberately chose New Zealand. I found it to be an incredibly creative land, and surprisingly, I embraced its geographic isolation. In Singapore, I was constantly traveling, saying "yes" to endless commitments. Moving to New Zealand allowed me to live by a core belief: the world is a single sphere, and through technology and remote-first thinking, we can remain deeply connected even without constant physical presence. This shift allowed me to create my optimal well-being environment, enabling me to become the best version of myself. New Zealand has truly offered a wealth of opportunities, and I see it as the ideal springboard for this idea to launch globally.

Parihoa: A Manifestation of Life 2.0

Parihoa, for me, represents the transition from "life one" to "life two." It was my bridge from Singapore to New Zealand. I first visited New Zealand in 2011 for a friend's wedding and instantly fell in love with the country. I found myself browsing real estate, imagining an incredible property on the ocean cliffs, bathed in sunset hues. That vision manifested as Parihoa appearing in my web browser. I was transfixed. Despite being well beyond my budget, I couldn't get it out of my head. I traveled to Newall, met the then-owners, fell in love with the property, and ultimately bought it. That decision truly changed my life.

Twelve years later, Parihoa still embodies that escape, that beginning of a new chapter. For a while, I commuted between Singapore and New Zealand, but ultimately, I chose New Zealand. This allowed me to immerse myself in the culture, forge deep friendships, and continue my work remotely, with some travel. Eventually, I decided to shed most of my "life one" possessions and recreate myself for the person I needed to be today.

This new life has surrounded me with inspiring land, people, and design, putting me in the perfect headspace to create this next endeavor. I even considered doing nothing for a while, desiring recovery and rest after a whirlwind "life one" of travel and entrepreneurship. But as I grounded myself, I realized that while I cherish my own well-being journey, I also deeply enjoy fostering a well-being collective where people feel connected.

MC²: Always Connected, Always Authentic

This brings me to the core of MC², a network whose motto is "Always Connected." We are connected not by endless digital pings, but by shared values and a common understanding that creates an almost telepathic sense of belonging. Members feel part of something, without the need for constant technological tethering.

This is just the beginning. I believe this network, born from the unique spirit of New Zealand and inspired by places like Parihoa, is poised to make a significant impact on global well-being.

Here's to the journey ahead!