Kim Talava Keil

“A flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all. – Walt Disney.

There was hope on the horizon, a surge of energy, rebirth and prosperity as we anticipated the dawn of a new decade. However beyond the horizon there was a haze, little was known other than Covid 19 being a cause of death. Suddenly it spring upon us when community transmission was evident and a nationwide lockdown was our only defense. We became fragile, anxious and scared. Preparing for the unknown was debilitating as the disease of death was upon us without a vaccine.

From dodging Covid-19 while taking heed of Jacinda’s counsel to be kind, we also had to learn how to live in each other’s face – day in and day out. Adversity was in our midst and in such unprecedented times we had to adapt accordingly in order to survive both within our immediate bubble as well as in the wider community. Our mode of survival was now dictated by long queues and food rationing. Our most dearest and nearest relatives become strangers.

As the sun rose each day of lockdown, it was also a sunbeam of hope. Freedom was billowing in the winds as alert level 3 descended upon us. The wrath of Covid-19 has reminded us all of the essence of humanity. In times of despair, humility and resilience is the energy that keeps us going. We emerged with a greater appreciation of life. The expectations of the new decade are now recapitulated midway through the year as we solder on to rebuild our lives and nation.

The Resene Poppy colour is symbolic that our hopes for a brighter tomorrow are achieved with resilience.

Just like the Poppy, adversity and resilience are attributes that resonates in my most adored and loved mentor. Her wise words “there is no shame in making money” is a testament to her humble beginnings where she successfully built an empire. From across Oceania, she is my greatest support and influence in this chapter of my journey. She is likened to the petals of the Poppy, ever so elegant and classy. Ironically she wears the colour Poppy, befitting of here true character, the epitome of strength and resilience and like the Goddess of War, Nafanua, she too will strike with caution.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2020

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