Surya Cox returned to NZ and now runs her own Alexander Technique and voice teaching business

“I came home to New Zealand three months ago, after nearly 20 years away living in England as an Alexander Technique teacher.

“The real decision to come back was centred on my extended family; I didn’t want to be away from them any longer. I just felt that strong link and I think also the quality of life here is better. There is a feeling that life is a bit easier in New Zealand.

“You do notice the lack of history in this country. There’s a feeling of lack of weight here, which means there is a lot of newness and freshness and a lack of tradition. 

“This can be seen also with the Alexander Technique here as people just don’t seem to know what it is. There aren’t many teachers at all so I see a big part of my job at the moment is to educate people about what it is and encourage them to have lessons.

“In Britain there are so many more teachers and there are probably about 10 training courses throughout the country. Most people in the UK would have had an aunty who has had Alexander Technique lessons at some stage. But it’s just not so well-known in New Zealand.

“So coming back home I’ve found I’ve had to use a lot of my marketing and administrative skills to get my name out there so people can come for lessons. I have had to set up my business again and start from scratch. But I feel confident. I’ve got years of experience and I know that the Alexander Technique helps people; that it works.

“I did love living in Brighton in the UK. I miss the cycle ride across the seafront, seeing friends and hanging out. Seeing the light on the Sussex Downs and being able to visit all the historic places. 

“But New Zealand is a nice place to be as well. The possibilities to explore here are exciting now that I’m home.”