Clarke Gayford reflects on global moves and the meaning of home in new Sydney chapter
Gayford draws parallels between his family’s journey from Auckland and Boston to Australia, citing housing density data and personal anecdotes to examine what constitutes a place of belonging.
Clarke Gayford has published an opinion piece in The Guardian reflecting on his family’s relocation to Sydney, Australia, following a period of international residence that included stays in Auckland, Boston, Spain, and London. The article, published on 19 May 2026, examines the definition of 'home' through personal anecdotes, including the behaviour of a neighbour’s cat, the practice of relocating historic houses in New Zealand, and the Māori concept of Tūrangawaewae.
Gayford, who describes his family unit as consisting of three people, notes that the move to Sydney follows years of living with minimal possessions. He recalls a recent week driving through Sydney’s urban streets, observing a sense of familiarity that contrasted with his previous life in Massachusetts. The piece references a specific memory of a cat that moved with its owners to a temporary accommodation, illustrating that home is anchored by company rather than location.
The article discusses housing density statistics, noting that Australia has one house for every 2.5 people, a figure that has dropped from 4.5 in 1911. Gayford attributes this decline to an increase in people living alone and suggests that improved access to amenities, such as toilets, may also play a role. He contrasts these figures with his experience of a university flat where seven people shared a single outdoor toilet, describing it as paradise to him despite his mother’s reaction.
Before leaving New Zealand, Gayford filmed several television series documenting couples rescuing and relocating exhausted houses on the verge of demolition. He highlights a specific anecdote about an older couple who moved their 100-year-old villa to a new location near family in rural surrounds. This practice, he notes, is particular to the Australasian region, attributed to New Zealand’s isolation and historical resource limitations.
Gayford concludes by referencing the Māori concept of Tūrangawaewae, which translates to "a place to stand" and denotes belonging, kinship, and identity. He argues that enhanced renters’ rights contribute to community stability and that home is more than a place to sleep. While acknowledging New Zealand as his permanent home, he expresses anticipation for experiencing this sense of belonging in Australia.