If I could

Simon Duffy has been the manager of Uniquely Nelson for eight years, in charge of marketing and promoting Nelson City. Although he loves his job, if he had the choice, he’d be a helicopter pilot.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be...

Without hesitation, David Attenborough. He is a true statesman of our current world. He has a depth of past experiences to know where we are truly going environmentally.

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be...

Slow down. My father, who was a headmaster, always used to say to us kids, “always practice the three R’s in life.” Being kids we hopped on our bicycles and headed off to the river only to return at dinner time. He was right though. It wasn’t until later in life that I started to understand his wise words. Respect yourself, respect others and take responsibility for your actions. If you don’t get the first R, you will not get the other two.

If I could be Prime Minister for a day, I would…

Buy every 18-21 year old a one-way ticket to go and see the world. 94% of New Zealanders return home culturally broadened, with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to be a better person.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be…

South America. I worked in travel and tour guiding in my early days all around the world and I never went to South America. It would have to be on a motorbike because that’s where the adventure would begin, top to bottom.

If I could have any job, it would be…

A helicopter pilot. Comes with a lot of responsibility, you can work around the world and every day is different on so many levels. Like any job, it has its ups and downs!

If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life it would be...

I’ve cooked all my life, so this is a tricky one. It would have to be an Asian dish due to so many flavour combinations that covers the diversity of over 48 Asian countries. Lots of spices, and garlic, and make it hot!

If I could only take one thing to a desert island, it would be…

Interesting question. It’s similar to - if you had to parachute into the middle of the Amazon jungle and spend six months walking out, what would you take with you? The answer for me would be a survivalist. Someone with a different skill set to get collectively to an end goal.

If I could be on a reality TV show, it would be…

If I had the misfortune to be on a reality TV show, it wouldn’t be reality.

If I could donate $1m to any charity it would be…

Having worked in Vietnam with the Christina Noble Children Foundation, that would be the one. Rescuing children off the streets and assisting families whose children have many complications due to Agent Orange.