Off to New Zealand today

I am flying out of Jakarta today,Wednesday 7 July for Christchurch, (pictured above) New Zealand and arrive the following day. I am looking forward to a break after completing a four year assignment in Indonesia. 

I have worked four years running the IFRC (Red Cross) Tsunami operation in Indonesia as well as the following.

• 2006 – Yogyakarta earthquake, Southern Aceh, North Sumatra and Riau floods, Avian Flu appeal, Mt. Merapi volcanic eruption, Sulawesi landslides and floods, West Java EQ and Tsunami, Nth Sumatra EQ,


• 2007– Jakarta floods, Benkulu earthquake, West Sumatra earthquake, Sumbawa Volcanic eruption, Mt. Kelud eruption, Mt. Gamkonara eruption, major Ferry accident

• 2008 - Central and East Java floods

• 2009– West Java earthquake, West Sumatra earthquake.

It's been a busy time

Christchurch is where I call home in New Zealand so it will be good to get back amongst friends, family, snow and mountains.

It has been quite emotional having a week of farewells, and reflecting on the work we have done in support of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). Last night I had a flick through some photos of our work here in Indonesia, and the one above is my favourite, as are some of the ones below.

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In the early days of the relief operation.

The communities the Red Cross built with houses, schools, water supplies, sanitation, livelihoods, community centres and clinics. It was a long haul, but we did it. 40,000 houses were built by the Red Cross in Aceh and Nias.Photo: Bob McKerrow

Two young girls I photographed in the village of Mate Ie.

The quality of the Red Cross houses was high. This is a house built by the German Red Cross in Calang. Photo: Bob McKerrow

So yesterday the Federation and PMI put on a farewell luncheon

Citra, Hesti and Lia, three of my best colleagues

Jusuf Kalla (l) and Amara Bains (r) join me for lunch. Jusuf Kalla is the former Vice President of indonesia and now the Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross.

I plan to travel by train from Christchurch across the wintry Alps to the West Coast , via Arthur's Pass, pictured above, to visit family and enjoy the rugged landscape, the wine and food.
A view from my good friend's house, Robin (mad Dog) Judkin's , overlooking Sumner. I always pop into see Robin, his dogs and his latest paintings..Photo: Bob McKerrow

So much to reflect on, and so much to do on my holiday. I look forward with great anticipation to watching NZ play two rugby test against South Africa.

Thanks Indonesia for a memorable four years  !