Singing around the world: A kiwi BBQ

It was great to be invited to Wayne’s birthday BBQ. It certainly seemed strange to celebrate a November birthday in the sun. In true kiwi style every relative was present. All four brothers turned up with their wives and children. Along with a good number of friends there were about 35 people altogether. A great number for a party!


The evening could not be better. The sun streamed down onto the green lawn and native shrubs, through a cloudless and windless sky. We took advantage of the weather and began a game of backyard cricket in their well manicured lawn. Having more than a postage stamp area of lawn was foreign to me. I’ve also never seen a full cricket team playing in jandals! The game was fantastic and finished with Uncle Brian taking out Wayne with a magnificent catch and a cry of ‘Howzat!’

Cooking duties began. Wayne’s brothers mill around him like ants to a jar of honey, and every man wielded a cooking tool in their hands. The delicious smells of BBQ food waft through the balmy evening air. After the men bragged non-stop about their cooking skills we sat down to a BBQ feast of sausages, chops and salad. Quite a difference to our UK feast of beans, eggs and chips.

Next up was what I’d been waiting for: karaoke! There is always a bit of anticipation around who will go first. Finally Wayne himself trotted up to the mic to belt out an Elton John classic, both out of tune and out of time. Just like in the UK, the men are happy to sing by themsleves and the women always go up in a group. The song choices are similar too, with Fleetwood Mac, Queen and the Bee Gees as popular choices. Occasionally there are some kiwi classics like Ten Guitars, Crowded House and the Exponents.


Overall, it was a great night full of fun and laughter. Just like home, families are close and birthdays are celebrated. The big difference is we would never venture outside because of the weather!