Ngahi Bidois: Balance vital for wellness

International leadership speaker Ngahihi o te ra Bidois was able to recharge his batteries at his annual pilgrimage to the mecca of V8 supercar racing, Bathurst in Australia. Photo / File

During the last couple of months in my capacity as an international leadership speaker I have presented to an oil company in New Plymouth, the NZ Tourism Export Council in Masterton, NZTelferYoung Valuers in Rotorua, the ASBA Conference in Cairns, Australia, NZSTA BOP networking day in Rotorua, NZ Fostering Kids conference in Auckland and an Australian Financial Services organisation in Queenstown. As well as five schools in the Bay of Plenty region for the Duffy Books in Homes charity and the Central Kids Kindergartens' conference in Rotorua.

On top of that have been various activities as chair of Tauhara North No2 Trust including the joint opening of the Nga Tamariki Power Station with MRP and other business and personal commitments. It has all added up to a very productive and giving time.

So last week I took a four day break at one of my favourite places - the middle of the Bathurst race track.

Just over three years ago I was the opening keynote speaker at an Australian mortgage brokers' conference and went for a stroll down at the Gold Coast marina afterwards. A few conference delegates called me over for a Diet Coke.

One thing led to another and before I knew it they invited me and my son to join them for four days of camping and a boys' weekend in the middle of the famous racetrack to watch the great race.

I had watched the Bathurst V8 Supercars race on television for years and I still cannot believe that this was my third year in a row with them. It is great "time out" with the boys who have become mates, despite the fact they are Aussies. In my busy life, this event has become one of my annual wells.

It is a time that I rest and fill my tank in preparation for giving to others. It has become one of the highlights of my busy calender year.

So what is your Bathurst? What events do you attend weekly, monthly or annually to take a rest and fill your tank?

Na te whakata ka puta mai a tatou kaha - through rest we find strength - even if it is with a bunch of Aussies.

Ngahihi o te ra Bidois is an international leadership speaker, VIP host, author, leader, husband and father. For more of his story: www.ngahibidois.com