1 Dec 2019

Calling Home: Kevin McCarthy in the Falkland Islands

From Sunday Morning, 7:43 am on 1 December 2019

Most people think of conflict when they hear the Falkland Islands mentioned, but there's a lot more to the British territory than the 1982 conflict with Argentina. For instance, did you know there are 148 sheep for every person there? And there are 60 different nationalities among the 3200 residents. New Zealander Kevin McCarthy certainly knows this. He's Calling Home this morning from Stanley.

Kevin and Leesa at a reception for newcomers to the Falkland Islands, hosted by the Governor. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

The pool room at Government House – returning veterans make a point of signing the underside of the table, as Margaret Thatcher is reputed to have done. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

The monument to the 1982 conflict on the waterfront in Stanley. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

Animals are never far away in Stanley – seals basking, geese foraging, and in this case, a Border Collie on the watch. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

One of the battle ensigns from HMS Achilles (later HMNZS Achilles) flown at the Battle of the River Plate, 1939. It hangs in Christ Church Cathedral, Stanley (note Christ then Church). Photo: Kevin McCarthy

Amid the tall tussac grass on Kidney Island nature reserve. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

Getting ready to watch the rugby world cup semi-final – a before shot, obviously. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

Rush hour in Stanley. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

You can’t beat Stanley on a good day. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

Most of Stanley is modern housing, but some empty old properties are needing some TLC. Photo: Kevin McCarthy

The view out to the harbour at Stanley. Photo: Kevin McCarthy