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Number 8 Wire Mentality - Good Ole Kiwi Ingenuity

Number 8 Wire Mentality - Good Ole Kiwi Ingenuity

Whether it’s finding cost-effective solutions or thinking outside the box to overcome challenges, learn how to leverage resourcefulness like a "Kiwi"

Anne McGinty
September 04, 2024

Welcome to Time to Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond. In each newsletter, we'll dive into episode insights, personal growth, skill enhancement, and positivity.

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If you know any ‘Kiwis’ (New Zealanders), you may have noticed a resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving ability that seems ingrained in their culture and way of thinking.

The “No. 8 Wire Mentality” is an endearing term that originated in the late 19th century. During a time when New Zealand was relatively isolated with limited access to manufactured goods and specialized tools, farmers and settlers often had to improvise with what they had on hand. No. 8 wire, a commonly available and versatile product, became a symbol of their ingenuity and resourcefulness. It was used not only for its intended purpose in fencing but also for a variety of makeshift solutions, from repairing machinery to crafting household items.

The "No. 8 Wire Mentality" thus became synonymous with the Kiwi approach to problem-solving—finding creative, practical solutions to challenges using limited resources. This mindset has since become a point of national pride and is often cited as a defining characteristic of New Zealand culture.

It embodies the idea that with a bit of ingenuity and a can-do attitude, Kiwis can overcome challenges and make things work with whatever is on hand.

Having been married to a Kiwi for almost 20 years and spending about a third of my adult life in New Zealand, I’ve witnessed this countless times firsthand, and it never ceases to amaze me:

^{*Towing a 14’ box truck using a small pickup truck, connected by a heavy-duty tie-down strap, with the box truck in neutral. This required skilled, slow, and steady driving on the lead vehicle while my husband used the brake pedal to keep constant pressure on the strap… all in rush hour traffic!}

^{*At a vacation rental in NZ, the kitchen sink got seriously clogged. I suggested calling the property manager or a plumber, only to be met with roaring laughter from our Kiwi friends. They promptly found tools to snake the drain and, using a plunger, had it cleared within twenty minutes.}

^{*A boat trailer’s wheel bearing came off, rendering the trailer useless in a remote part of New Zealand. The owner started taking it apart to figure out what parts might be needed for a solution. Other Kiwis began stopping by, joining in the problem-solving session, searching for parts, and before long, the trailer was back in action.}

Good ole Kiwi ingenuity!

This Week’s Episode Highlight:

Sandi Carter, the Founder CEO of Blush Skin Clinic in New Zealand

Click to Listen to Episode

In-clinic images

Blush Skin Clinic uses the latest technologies to achieve life-changing skin results.

No college? No problem. Sandi started her skin clinic at just 22 and, by 25, turned it into New Zealand’s “Beauty Salon of the Year.” Her journey is packed with lessons that are invaluable for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.

Here are three key takeaways:

Reflect on Your True Goals: It’s crucial to step back and think about what you genuinely want to achieve. Sandi’s journey began with her Overseas Experience (OE), a rite of passage for many in New Zealand, which gave her the clarity and experience needed to start her business. Her advice: don’t just go through the motions—take time to define the life you want to live and the impact you want to have.
Failure isn’t an option: Sandi did everything she could to get the word out, from contacting local media to hosting a launch party. She approached her new venture with the mindset that failure wasn’t an option, focusing on providing the best service possible because she knew the demand for quality would always be there.
Resourcefulness Over Resources: Starting a business doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re resourceful. Sandi’s early days were marked by creative problem-solving—like driving hours to find discounted materials, DIY build-out, and buying a secondhand reception desk. Her story is a powerful reminder that determination and resourcefulness can make all the difference when funds are tight.

Strategy Spotlight:
Find low-cost, creative solutions to solve problems Pick a small project or problem you’re currently facing—whether it's a work-related task, a household repair, or a creative endeavor. Instead of buying new tools, materials, or solutions, challenge yourself to solve it using only what you already have on hand, in your home, or in your office.

Positivity Corner:
Embrace the Power of Possibility You don’t need all the resources in the world to start something great—you just need the right mindset. Whether or not you have a traditional education or a wealth of resources, remember that your determination and creativity are your greatest assets. Take a moment to appreciate the progress you’ve made and the possibilities that lie ahead. Write down three possibilities you wish for in your life, and place them somewhere you’ll see them every day.

Thank you for being a part of Time To Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond! As always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

Planning for Season 2 - We Want Your Ideas!✨

I’m brainstorming and considering implementing themed series in Season 2. SO FUN! Here are some ideas I’ve come up with, and I’m open to suggestions and feedback!

The Pivot: Reinventing a Business
Entrepreneurs in Creative Industries
Unique Lifestyles
No college? No problem. (already doing some of this)
Ocean-Inspired
Innovation
Longevity/ Health + Wellness
The Exit
First Generation Success
Sports-Based Perspective
Personal Development
Reinventing the Wheel
Recession-Proof
Breakthrough-Science

Have an idea? Let me know by sending me a message.

Last Week’s Episode Highlight:

Interview with National Geographic photographer Jak Wonderly

Click to listen to episode

Jak is a local Sonoma County resident and our kids attend the same school. We had the opportunity to get to know each other when we were both chaperoning a 6th grade trip to Yosemite during a week when the temperatures dropped, snow was still on the ground, and it was forecast to rain. The good news? The valley was nearly empty, allowing us to experience its awe and beauty with a touch of discomfort and trepidation. Both adults and children were pushed to their limits, stepping far beyond their comfort zones. It was an incredible experience and a wonderful way to connect!

One day, we embarked on a fourteen mile hike and encountered one stretch under a seasonal, trickling waterfall where the path was submerged in 8 inches of ice-cold water with no way around. Some of us tried to shimmy along that wall on the right, thinking we’d stay dry. But just around the corner, that prior thought was laughable.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'