Kia ora! My name is Patrick and I’m from Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m very happy to be in Arras, a city with a significant connection to my homeland. I haven’t been to the Carrière Wellington yet, but I look forward to going and learning more about the experience of New Zealand soldiers here in the First World War. I was actually born in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital and the namesake of the quarry. Before I left for France, I worked as a teacher aide at my local highschool, and I also stocked the shelves at my local supermarket. At university, I studied History and then Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have always loved languages. I learnt the basics of French while I was at high school but it wasn’t until I took it up again during the COVID-19 lockdown that I really got a grasp of the language. In my spare time I like listening to music, catching up with friends, being creative, and travelling. I am excited to explore all that Pas-de-Calais has to offer, and have promised my family to take lots of photos!