He Takata

Miriama (front right) and her whānau on their recent holiday in Fiji.

 

MIRIAMA PRENDERGAST
Kāi Tahu –Ngāi Tūāhuriri,
Koukourarata, Awarua,
Ōraka Aparima.

Ko Miriama Prendergast tōku ikoa.

I’m a staunch Kāi Tahu from almost
every rūnaka there is.

I’ve been living in Auckland for the past 21 years so, I’ve had to be an over-the-top Kāi Tahu cheerleader amongst all of the North Island Māori. I followed a career in media
and broadcasting which has been a
whole lot of fun and have found a passion for turning my lived experiences in te ao Māori into comedy skits for socials and
other platforms.

Overall, I love getting out and about and love that my kids are little adventurers like me. We get up, jump in the car and will go on
adventures to discover new beaches, swimming holes, waterfalls,
epic playgrounds, and I’m lucky I also have a great crew
of friends who will join us. I find I’m always time poor because
there are so many things that I want to do and see in a day.

Basically, my motto is:
life is short so get out and make the most
of it and create amazing memories with
those people that are important to you.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD DAY?
I am a hundy water rat and a good day for
me is chasing waterfalls. I’ll drive all over
the country to find the best waterholes.

ONE THING YOU COULD NOT
LIVE WITHOUT?
Laughing — it would be a boring life
without a good katakata!

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU
AND WHY?
My eldest girl who has a lot of challenges
in her life. She inspires me and reminds me
not to sweat the small things, just watching
her push through every challenge that is
presented to her.

HIGHLIGHT IN THE LAST YEAR
AND WHY?
We did our first whānau trip ever to Fiji
and it was so awesome.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST
EXTRAVAGANCE?
Pre kids it was always traveling overseas
— Cuba, New York, New Orleans, Thailand
— I went all over the place. Post kids a trip
to the papa tākaro seems to be the most
extravagant I get.

FAVOURITE WAY TO CHILL OUT?
FAVOURITE PLACE?
Swimming is my best place to chill
especially crystal clear fresh water
no matter how cold the water is.
DANCE OR WALLFLOWER?
Dance.

WHAT FOOD COULD YOU
NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
Chicken. I’m a terrible cook.

WHAT MEAL DO YOU COOK
THE MOST?
I’d say stir fry but my kids prob say Weetbix.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Getting a whare in Auckland for my whānau.

DO YOU HAVE AN ASPIRATION FOR
KĀI TAHU TO ACHIEVE BY 2050?
That everyone works together well and
can create an independent world away
from the raru of the wider world