Inspiring Women SUMMER 2020

acquired ASAP. A complimentary bus ride took us to
the proximity of a medical centre and we purchased
what we needed. Phew!
Back at the hotel, we were watching the NZ
Government update at 1500 hrs and then the PM
announced “where you were that night was where
you would have to stay!” We needed to get out of
the hotel now!
We called Warren, who had already tried to contact
us, and discovered the apartment was now free and
he recommended to move immediately. A flurry of
activity ensued; packing, checking out of the hotel
and hailing a taxi, all transpired in less than half an hour. Roseanna was still cleaning and briefing
us as we tried to process the sequence of events on arrival. We were so relieved to have a place
to stay. However, we were now trapped on South Island, as the only international departure
airport was Auckland on North Island! Oh well, at least we were safe.
Cass Bay was a magical, mainly residential area situated along the rim of an extinct volcano. Not
for those with mobility issues! Surrounded by hills, there are cliff paths and one wide twisty road. The
nearest town was Lyttleton, the gateway for road and rail transportation to Christchurch. We
consciously varied our walks, daily activities and educated ourselves on the local history. Truly, the
sunshine lifted our spirits as we contemplated the myriad views around us.
Technology was our saviour. WhatsApp linked us to family. Patience has been the most important
word as we watched nations deal with the tourism issues. The consulate, working with the FCO in
the UK, had to balance helping tourists in more difficult circumstances in other countries - so no
repatriation flights for UK tourists in NZ, despite the example of Germany and other European
nations! UK FCO advice was strongly to return on commercial flights. The light at the end of the
tunnel emerged when NZ eventually allowed Air NZ domestic flights to Auckland airport as an
essential service if an international flight within 24 hours was booked. So we booked Malaysian
Airlines from Auckland on Monday April 13. RESULT: Safely home after 25 hours in the air!
New Zealand will never be a distant memory. We learned to never underestimate the power of
communication, the strength of friendship and the generosity of strangers! Eternally grateful to be
healthy, fit and gifted with my husband, lover and friend on this journey.
Margaret Hilditch has been a member of Munich IWC
since 2003 and was club president from 2006-2009.
She lived in Germany for 16 years spending her time
as a substitute teacher of Mathematics in the Bavarian
International School as well as finding camaraderie
with the ladies of Munich IWC. Margaret represented
Munich IWC, as a guest, at the Biennial FAWCO
conference in Vilnius in 2009 and was inspired to
encourage the club to join FAWCO. In 2012, Margaret
was appointed secretary to The FAWCO Foundation
and served until 2015. During her time as secretary,
one of her tasks was sorting and facilitating the
digitisation of the FAWCO Foundation archives. She is
still part of this team.
Until March 2016, Margaret continued to work as a
Mathematics tutor and used her musical skills as a pianist and director at a local church, arranging music
for the youth orchestra and inspiring others by offering private piano lessons. Now retired and living in the
UK, her music skills continued to be required as church organist, and she also supports her family and
connects with friends as she travels. She visits Munich IWC when spending time in their Bavarian home.
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