Content with life and exuding calm amid a hustling market environment, Josefata Tuidreke sits with heaps of lime from his farm.
The 62-year-old Sawanikula, Naitasiri resident says he is happy with his life, family and with what he has achieved as a farmer.
Living in a place surrounded by greenery, singing birds and a bubbling river, Mr Tuidreke is blessed more than most. Toiling the land and sourcing fresh food from the river is his passion and everyday chore.
“I am happy and grateful for everything,” he said.
“I don’t have any regrets because through farming I have managed to build a house and look after my children well.”
From an early age, Mr Tuidreke has planted and sold kava, a seasoned hard working individual with a humble presence shaped by decades of hard labour.
“Before we ventured into root crops and vegetable farming, we planted kava and from the sales I managed to build a house and look after my children,” he said.
“If one works hard, there is good money in farming to build houses, for education, buying vehicles and other recreational activities.
“Reaping the benefits takes some time, so one needs a lot of patience and grit to stay motivated.
“Sometimes the weather is not favourable or there is a natural disaster when loss could be great, but one needs to persevere to benefit from the land.”
Looking around him, Mr Tuidreke said he was happy with the decisions he’d made in his life.
Easy going and friendly-natured, Mr Tuidreke often finds it difficult to communicate in English and seeks help from his wife.
“I don’t regret leaving school because today I have all that I need. Most importantly I have a happy family.
“We all live together which is a good thing considering how elders are left on their own nowadays.”
Rarely is a person satisfied with what he has, however, Mr Tuidreke is one of those who appreciates all that he’s accomplished.
Talking to Mr Tuidreke, it was obvious people like him living in the interior where fresh produce is abundant and expenses are minimal are more content with life than many living in towns and cities.
Even without an education, if a person is determined to have a happy life, it is achievable via hard work.
A reminder to the younger generation that with hard work and perseverance one can be successful anywhere.
Many are attracted to the city lights unaware of their lurking dangers.
However, Mr Tuidreke said now children have different reasons to be successful in life.
“For the children now big houses, fancy cars and other possessions are a sign of success.
“This is not bad, but they end up slaving as an employee for a company or businessman for life.
“I am not against this kind of success. It is wonderful because now children are finding it difficult to work the land, so for them, I would say study hard, stay away from drugs and fulfill your dreams.
“But also consider the wealth that is in our resources provided by God.”