'One Lifetime' is the story of Joan Robinson (the author's mother), growing up in New Zealand, and her life with husband, Frank Robinson. Joan’s family from Switzerland immigrated to New Zealand in the 1880s, purchasing 500 acres near the country town of Pukekohe, 30 miles south of Auckland, calling their property 'Helvetia', their name for Switzerland. Frank’s family emigrated from England about the same time, settling on the Coromandel Peninsular. The Second World War intervened in their lives by bringing Joan and Frank together, and so their adventure began. Frank had the desire to succeed, which led to all sorts of adventures from farming, engineering, moving to Australia and sailing to Europe on Tangier, the 86-foot steel yacht they built. Their life was never dull. Joan and Frank worked together, complementing each other; he was a constant tireless worker, whilst she kept the books, the home fires burning as well as everything else. Also included is Joan’s Aunty Nellie’s story that she wrote in 1977, which provides a comprehensive insight into the background of the family in the early settler days. Joan and Frank had trials and tribulations along the way but overall it was a wonderful, adventurous life compared to most people, and she was truly grateful for that.