Character profiles

Character profiles

Read information about the two hikers that Emma meets on the Skippers Pass trail. When you have finished reading, go to the quiz section on the next page and answer the questions.

Hiker 1 – Andrew Much, aged 54

I moved to New Zealand when I was 21. That’s the same age as Lucky is now. My mother died when I was a teenager and I felt lost until I came to this beautiful country. Music has always been a big part of my life. I started playing the saxophone when I was young after going to a concert with my parents. They encouraged me to follow my dreams and I remember practicing every day in my school years.

When I finished high school, I didn’t want to go to university. In the past, it wasn’t important to me. I’ve recently been asked to teach some courses for gifted musicians. I respect the hard work that students put in to their study.

One thing that has been difficult for me to understand is social media. All that new technology. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WeChat. It is so confusing trying to keep up. I can’t remember the last time I received a letter in the mail!

I didn’t play sports growing up because I was always practicing music. However, since my health problem the doctor suggested walking for exercise. Hiking is a fun way to explore nature and get to know my son better.

Hiker 2 – Lucky Much, aged 21

I was born in New Zealand and have lived here all my life. My mother is from New Zealand and dad moved here from Canada a long time ago.

I’m a university student and I study science and history. I enjoy going to classes and meeting my friends. It has always been my goal to graduate from university and then find a job overseas. I can’t wait to experience a new culture.

I still live at home with my parents, but I think I should move into an apartment with my friends. I love my parents, but my father is very frustrating when he talks about the past. He refuses to connect to any social media. I tell him that it isn’t difficult to use but he doesn’t want to listen.

I started playing the guitar in high school but only for a few months. I wasn’t very interested, so I stopped learning. My parents are supportive and tell me to do whatever makes me happy.

Hiking is one of my favourite activities. I love playing almost every sport. Dad needed to start exercising so he began hiking with me. It is fun to go walking with him. We talk about so many interesting topics on our adventures!