A fortnightly series about those moving here to call Central Home.

Bonjour and welcome to the fourth feature on the diverse and interesting people that make Central their home.

A French woman who served for seventeen years in the French navy spoke on Anzac day and her message resonated with community members across Central.

Hélène Legeay has called Central home since 2018 after moving here with husband Stephane 11 years after they resolved to build a life here.

She used to be an air traffic controller and worked on an aircraft carrier “a bit like Top Gun” she said.

She was based in Brittany on two naval bases for several years looking after fighter jets, other aircraft, submarine surveillance and more.

During her Anzac day address her main message was that people are not alone.

“Speaking out, feeling pain, feeling distress is not weak. 

“As military personnel we need to be really strong, and courageous… and letting people know [the more personal] experiences of war and losses is [part of that].”

Hélène giving her Anzac Day speech. PHOTO: Supplied

She said she was pleased to get through her public address on Anzac day and keep her emotions under control.

Husband Stephane works as a dam safety technician for Contact Energy overseeing the Clyde and Roxburgh dams.

He is a former professional fire fighter in France and he could transfer his skills of emergency response and confined spaces to this role in Central.

Hélène said her skills from the navy were very technical and therefore in New Zealand she retrained as a massage therapist, and has been running her own business for the past five years. 

On task at the clinic. PHOTO: Supplied

The couple came to New Zealand for a holiday when they were unable to go to Vietnam for political and security reasons due to Hélène’s job. 

 “We fell in love with New Zealand.

“Each time we visited we ended up back here… we became friends with people here.”

She said they have never been city people and the safety of life in Central was a big drawcard.

“It was the era of terrorism when we left France, with armed forces in the street.”

She said they had tried their best to create bonds here.

“The people [in Central] are very nice and welcoming, but even after seven years it is still hard to make [deeper friendship connections].”

She said one of the things they miss is food from home.

“Nothing compares to French food.”

Stephane and Hélène are medics for both the Alexandra Armadillos and Otago Country rugby teams. They’ve been on the sidelines for several years supporting players.

For Otago Country this means travel around the lower South Island most weekends from July.

Hélène facilitates New Zealand Sign Language classes at Central Otago REAP, keeps up connections with the Returned Services Association (RSA) and is involved in archery.

Hélène at an archery competition in Invercargill. PHOTO: Supplied 

She was a professional dancer with a dance company for five years and said her love of movement underpins many aspects of her life and her career.

“When I look at a plane flying I see a ballet or a movement.

“Signing [with your hands] it's like dancing.”

Along with massage she teaches group and private pilates classes.

“Pilates is very useful for dancers, I love the precision of it.” 

Read more: Central Home: Ice rink attracts GPs from USA

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New to Central? We now have a section for all those moving, or moved here to make it easier for you to navigate the shift. Check at the bottom of the App on the navigation bar, or go to the community section and click on New to Central?