Women of the Islands: Esther Greenwood
Esther Greenwood
Create Team Director at Equippers Church Auckland
Fiji
What age did you move to New Zealand and was it a big adjustment?
We moved to NZ when I was 3 years old. I was too young really notice to a huge shift - but thats also because we immediately connected into a Fijian community in Auckland.
Our family had the classic kiwi upbringing. Our street was a cul-de-sac in Mount Eden and we knew a lot of the kids in the neighbourhood - so we would play for as long as we could until our parents called us inside.
I played netball, my brothers played rugby, basketball and soccer for our respective schools. We were attending a Fijian Methodist church, us kids went to Sunday school, my parents sang in the choir and my mum was a Sunday school teacher.
Esther & her older brothers Jesse & Paul.
As picturesque as it sounds - it was far from perfect. We did have our struggles and probably the biggest for our family was when my parents separated and then divorced. My father moved out, my mum began working two jobs and as much as my parents tried to protect us from it - myself and my brothers grew up quickly. In and through it all - I can look back now and know that God saw our family through a very tough time with his goodness and grace.
What is your favourite childhood memory?
There are so many! Saturday morning cartoons, Sunday lunch - which was ALWAYS a massive feast, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 5c lollies, Georgie Pie.
Can you describe a beautiful tradition/protocol that you love from your culture?
I have always loved the close familial relationships. That my parents siblings e.g. my aunts can be referred to as Nana Lailai (little mother) and Nana Levu (little mother). This translates in our everyday as a great respect and honour for our parents and therefore any elders - as they hold as significant position in our lives as our parents do.
Esther and her Mum
Have there been any challenges you've had to overcome because of the colour of your skin? Or perhaps being a Pacific Woman?
I was unaware that being from the pacific, or having more melanin in my skin was a disadvantage until I was in high school. I went to a predominantly european school - and was notified one day that I was invited to go to a 'Pacific students group'. During my first (and only) encounter with this group I asked the question (quite genuinely) if the formation of this 'support group' meant that being brown indicated that I needed more support than other non-pacific students. The brief and slightly surprised reply from the tutor while free pizza was given out was 'yes - because we learn & approach life differently to others'.
I got it then, I get it now. However as a pacific person and a woman, I believe my culture & background give me an advantage, an edge and is incredibly beautiful - not a cry for 'extra support' - my mum lived that out and I learned that from her.
Esther's first netball team.
Was a Creative Director something you aspired to be when you were younger?
No! I wanted to work at the movies (I loved movies), or a public library (I loved books)! If I really dreamed big - perhaps a doctor. Mainly I just wanted to do something that helped people and made the planet a better place to live - that was the ultimate.
Were your family supportive of this path or had they envisioned you doing something else?
I had only ever really talked about becoming a doctor - maybe. And I tried to pursue that - but it just wasn't for me! Dad was pretty shocked at the change in heart, mum just wanted me to be happy.
What are you passionate about?
People - especially young people - they are more powerful and influential than they realise!!
Creative Arts - and its power to convey and deliver powerful messages to just one person and mass audiences.
Jesus - Above all, in all and through all.
Has being a Creative Director at your church meant that you've been able to give back to your Fijian community and Fijian youth in some way?
I have been able to go back home and minister a few times now, I have also been able to do that with a few youth ministries here in NZ. It is always an honour to do so.
I've seen ministry has taken you to different places around the world - is there a favourite place or experience you've had?
Not a geographical place - but schools. Don't get me wrong - I love ministering in churches or youth ministries! But I love the opportunity to go into a school and talk about hope, purpose and life to students - to bring the 'gospel' without mentioning the name 'Jesus' is a powerful thing. Whether in NZ, Pacific Islands or USA - this is a definite highlight.
Who do you look up to?
There is no one person - but people like Christine Caine who have used their platform and influence to preach the gospel AND make a significant difference in a global issue like human trafficking.
What's the best advice you've received?
From a friend who told me 'asking for help doesn't make you weak - it makes you smart'.
What are the things you treasure most in your life?
I love the maori proverb 'He aha te mea nui o te ao?' - What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata' It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
I pray my life would echo this proverb. 
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