06/05/2026
As our Techies in New Zealand adventure comes to a close, we’ll leave you with this:
Techies Take New Zealand 🇳🇿
By: Sandi Lucero
From Taupō’s shores to Wellington town,
Through Kaikōura and Christchurch all around,
A merry band of Techies came,
And New Zealand would never be quite the same.
Bill, Nelia, and Bruce led the way,
Expert hosts sharing knowledge each day.
From geology, volcanoes, and Antarctica’s research,
To Māori culture and so much more.
Chris and Cam guided us mile after mile,
With steady hands and an easy smile.
Through mountain roads, busy streets, and rain,
They safely carried us time and again.
In Taupō, Harry and Karen joined the crew,
Sharing the New Zealand they loved and knew.
Their knowledge, kindness, and laughter fit right from the start,
Becoming honorary Techies in each of our hearts.
We sampled wine and drank some beer,
Sharing stories and good cheer.
And no matter the city, no matter the view,
We never missed a meal, not one of the crew.
In Wellington we gathered, explored, and learned,
With lessons and friendships carefully earned.
The team at Victoria University shared their time,
Their research, ideas, and thoughts sublime.
Dan became our weather man and technical ace,
Predicting the skies while helping the place.
From projectors to computers he always came through,
Making presentations easy for the crew.
Ken turned ninety-two upon the trip,
Still full of adventure and plenty of zip.
Though Suzanne gave him grief with delight,
Keeping him humble from morning till night.
Steve was our Lone Ranger, wandering free,
Finding his own path as happy as could be.
Never quite lost, never far away,
Just exploring New Zealand in his own special way.
Laurell walked a million miles, or so it would seem,
Exploring every pathway, viewpoint, and stream.
While Elaine shared NMT traditions with pride,
With Jody right there by her side.
So well did Elaine show the Tech spirit through,
That Jody now wants to be an alumna too.
A compliment greater would be hard to find,
To the community that Tech inspires in mind.
In Kaikōura we watched mighty whales appear,
While playful dolphins brought excitement and cheer.
Against the backdrop of the ocean blue,
They gave us memories we’ll always hold true.
When Kaikōura’s waters were chilly and deep,
Most of us watched while staying on our feet.
But Bill, Nelia, Johanna, and Brooke took the plunge,
Charging into the cold like champions unsung.
Martha was the smart one, thoughtful and cool,
As the cold-water plungers dashed into the blue,
She relaxed in the heated pool with the better view.
Brooke was often running a little behind,
But there was always a reason we’d soon come to find.
For every delay came a story to tell,
And somehow the tale made the wait worthwhile.
Charlie once played rugby back at Tech, they say,
And his beer-drinking skills gave the game away.
At tastings and dinners he held his own,
A rugby player’s talents fully grown.
Roberta’s cheerful smile was always near,
Bringing warmth and happiness throughout the year.
No matter the weather, the miles, or the pace,
Joy seemed to follow her from place to place.
Georgia searched both near and far,
Until she finally found a golf course par.
With clubs in hand and a smile so wide,
She proved a golfer’s dream could not be denied.
In Christchurch the adventures continued on,
Though somehow the days had already flown.
We celebrated milestones both old and new,
Making memories together as good friends do.
Jack and Rita celebrated forty-four years,
A marriage built on love, laughter, and cheers.
Tom and Johanna marked seventeen too,
Making sweet memories with the traveling crew.
Tom’s faithful duct-tape shoes had seen better days,
Yet somehow survived through countless pathways.
He bought a new pair and gave them a whirl,
Then promptly broke them in with a step in dog poo’s swirl.
Alan and Lisa had laundry to do one day,
But a sudsy disaster nearly floated away.
Bubbles appeared in a comical flood,
Leaving memories as thick as the suds.
John enjoyed the journey, that’s certainly true,
But everyone knew what he planned to do.
Once the Techies adventure had come to an end,
A glacier was waiting around the bend.
Dennis was the muscle, steady and strong,
Moving the luggage right along.
He pushed Ken’s wheelchair with a ready grin,
Even where the terrain looked dangerous to begin.
And I kept everyone marching in line,
Making sure schedules and plans worked out fine.
With snacks in my bag and details in tow,
Keeping the adventure on the go.
The miles were many, the days flew fast,
Yet friendships formed that surely will last.
For while New Zealand’s mountains stood proud and tall,
The people beside us were the best part of all.
So here’s to the Techies who ventured afar,
Following roads wherever they are.
With memories made and friendships anew,
New Zealand was better because of this crew.
And here’s a cheer for NMT alumni, one and all,
For answering every adventure’s call.
Through every trip, reunion, and view,
You’ve made my work a joy to do.
Of all the places I’ve been lucky to see,
The best part has always been the people with me.
So thank you, Techies, old and new,
For being the best part of my job, and this journey to
