He Takata Grace Manawatu

I was born and raised in Kaikōura with my amazing whānau. I am No.2 of seven in my whānau, and have six brothers. I moved to Christchurch in 2012, where I met my partner. Our first born, Cassius, arrived a couple years later. My son was my inspiration to return to study because it was important for me to be a good role model for him.

I studied nursing at Ara and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Halfway through my degree I thought it was the perfect time to have our second child and our son, Tobias, was born. I now have my dream job working as a district nurse in the community where I engage with people and see the impact I have on people’s lives with the care I give. I want to be able to help my people by providing the information needed and showing that Māori are not just a number in statistics.

What constitutes a good day?
A good day is when the sun is out, being in the garden with a good book playing in my ear pods.

One thing you could not live without?
I couldn’t live without my Kindle.

Who or what inspires you and why?
My mum Moana inspires me with her kindness and resilience. She has taught me how to appreciate the small things and to always do my best in what I do.

Highlight in the last year and why?
Taking my kids on a trip to see my brother in Australia. It was an amazing time being able to see where he has built his new life and to see my kids excited about the theme parks.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Buying my first home.

Favourite way to chill out? Favourite place?
I love to chill out reading a book with a good plot. My favourite place would have to be my home town in Kaikōura.

Dance or wallflower?
I’m definitely a wallflower. However, I can dance when around family.

What FOOD could you not live without?
Absolutely could not live without pāua or prawns.

What meal do you cook the most?
My go-to top dish would be a mince pasta bake or seafood pasta.

Greatest achievement?
Apart from having my two beautiful boys my greatest achievement would be getting my Bachelor of Nursing.

Do you have an aspiration for Kāi Tahu to achieve by 2050?
A goal I have is to ensure future generations have the right tools for learning new skills to cultivate their lives.