Nana Florence patted my mother’s arm. ‘Beth, dear, our family came to New Zealand to find a place where people were treated fairly. We marched because we want people in South Africa to have that, as well.’

I sat there, feeling so good — and so stiff. I touched the bracelet on my wrist and the pendant at my throat. I wore them both all the way home. I wanted to remember everything that had happened in Auckland. I’d have so much to tell Tranh and the other kids on the bus to school. And I’m gonna tell John, too: make my big brother listen. I’m not going to have a fight, but I want to really show him how I feel. And I’ll listen to him, too.

Actually (and this is really amazing), John might read about me sometime. Finola is going to write a chapter in her book about Maori women who protested against the Springbok Tour, and those who supported them. Be so cool to see my name in a book! Maybe Grandad Robert will put us in his book as well?

I fell asleep in the back seat — again. I woke up when we stopped at a picnic spot to eat the sandwiches Mum and Nana Florence had made in the cabin (the cabin we’d left very clean and very tidy) before we left. With the sandwiches we had — ta-da! — another cup of thermos tea.

I’d been thinking as we drove. I still want to travel, live in other places, try all sorts of special stuff. In the past couple of days, I’ve really done things. I’ve marched, and yelled and sung chants, and stood up for what I believe in. Yeah, and I’ve fallen over and felt scared. I’ve met Robbie again, and seen ordinary people behave in ways I never thought they could. You can do anything if you make your mind up. Really original thought, eh?

But I’m glad to be going back to our quiet little valley. This will sound corny, but I reckon that if there actually is any more treasure in Waimoana, it’s just being able to live in such a special place. You can have rich things inside you as well as outside. (Dunno if that means anything, but it does to me.) Wonder if anyone’s ever thought that original and amazing thought before?

MAGGIE 1999

I’m exhausted. I’ve just spent an hour showing Mum how to search the World Wide Web.