I'm proud to call Rotorua home.
I wasn't born here but I went to school here, grew up here, started my career here, married and started a family here.
At various stages in my life, I've also lived in cities including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Wanganui and London.
While all of those have their pluses, none comes close to equalling my hometown.
Rotorua is where the heart is.
That's one of the reasons the Rotorua Daily Post is celebrating our city's Essential 50 this summer.
What are your must-see, must-do, must-try activities and experiences?
We've been asking readers over the past few weeks for their suggestions and there have been some great ones coming through.
We're going to share them with you over the next 50 editions, and today we're kicking off the Essential 50 with five famous faces sharing their recommendations.
Over the next two months, I'm hoping the Essential 50 will help you discover a range of things to check out this summer and beyond.
What's the point in living in or visiting such an exciting, diverse and vibrant city if you don't take advantage of its many opportunities for activity and enjoyment?
I know I certainly haven't explored as many of the city's activities, experiences and sights as much or as often I would like to.
Have you?