Where are they now?

Bryce Wastney

Bryce Wastney (BA/BTch, 2002) learnt acoustic guitar at Avondale then followed his heart as a touring artist. He played concerts, recorded albums and performed with the likes of Guy Sebastian. He now lives among the thriving arts and crafts scene in Nelson, New Zealand. We asked him 10 questions. Here are the answers he gave.

What keeps you busy?
I’m self-employed as a musician, boat builder, web designer and journalist for a local newspaper.

What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you?
I failed the intro-to-typing course at Avondale seven times! I’d never used a computer before.

How do you define success?
Success is knowing your purpose and that you’re making a difference and genuinely loving what you do.

How do you pick yourself up after a setback?
I look after myself—eat well, try to have some fun, go mountain biking. And I write it out in my journal.

What are you reading?
Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s about building good ones and breaking bad ones.

Who’s one of your heroes?
My grandfather Eric Austin.

Complete this sentence: “My greatest love in life is . . . ”
Helping others.

What have you ticked off your bucket list?
I’ve bungee jumped, flown a plane, hitchhiked around Alaska and written a book. And I got kicked out of a Benny Hinn crusade meeting.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t be so hard on myself.

Encourage us with a piece of advice or a life motto.
Don’t let others tell you what you should be. Be yourself. Find your tribe and laugh lots.