Our Stories: Paula Beattie

Works as: Agency Management Officer, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Kiwi Ties: From Taranaki, born and bred on a dairy farm in a small town of 3000 people.

I joined the New Zealand Business Women’s Network last year.  I’d never participated much in anything Kiwi since leaving New Zealand - I guess I came here to “get away” from it for a few years - but after being away so long I realised I missed it and the people and our culture. I wanted to reacquaint myself with our fabulous country and all it offers both in New Zealand and abroad.

I've been in the UK for 11.5 years. For the last 7 years I’ve lived in London; before that...

Newcastle Upon Tyne for 4 years and Co. Cork in Ireland for just under a year. It all began with a job opportunity in Ireland for my then partner. I’m of Irish heritage so was very excited to spend time in my other “mother land”, and indulge my passion for travelling.  I’d lived in the UK 10 years earlier but hadn’t travelled, so I saw this as an opportunity to see the world. 

I have a brother and niece and nephew living in Newcastle….but also the ability to hop in a plane and fly away for the weekend…it’s certainly NOT the weather that keeps me here!

I don’t go back to New Zealand as often as I should, but I try to go home to visit family and friends every 2-3 years.

Where do I call home now? Definitely New Zealand is home, it always will be! Being away I’ve discovered I’m fiercely supportive and passionate of all things Kiwi, whether that be in sports, music, the arts, food, wine, but most of all the people…but for now London is where I hang my hat!