Hi, my name is Kelly. I was adopted when I was just two weeks old in Christchurch, New Zealand. I always knew I was adopted. I grew up with three older brothers, a Māori dad, and a European mum. My childhood was happy and full of love.
When I became a mother myself, I decided to look for my biological parents. I mainly wanted to learn about my medical history and family background.
I met my birth mother when I was 22 years old. Her world was very different from the one I grew up in. I learned that I’m the oldest of ten children — four of whom were also adopted. I’ve met all the living siblings from my mother’s side.
For many years, I tried to find out about my birth father, but I kept getting false information and eventually gave up hope.
Then, when I was 46, I took a DNA test. With help from a DNA detective, I finally found my father’s family. Sadly, my biological father has dementia and will never know that I am his daughter. But his family — my uncles, aunties, and cousins — have welcomed me and my children with open arms. That gave me the peace and closure I had been searching for.
My heritage means a lot to me and my kids. My father is Māori from the North Island of New Zealand. For years, I never felt like I looked like anyone, but after meeting my father’s family, I finally see where I come from. I have cousins who look just like me — and my daughter has cousins who could be her twins.
— Kelly Stringer (Adopted from Christchurch, New Zealand, now living in Queensland, Australia)
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