He TangataAriana Tikao

Kāti Irakehu, Kai Tarewa, Kai Tahu – Ngāi Tūāhuriri

What constitutes a good day?
Good food, good company, a walk by the sea or in our beautiful ngahere, listening to the tūī sing.

What New Zealander do you admire most and why?
Kukupa Tirikatene. I love his grace, his humble nature, amazing creativity and beautiful reo!

One thing you could not live without?
Whānau.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Somewhere on Banks Peninsula.

Who is the most important person in your life?
My tāne, Ross, and our two kids. Mum and Dad coming a close second!

What is your favourite song?
Blankets and Tea, by Hannah Howes

What constitutes a bad day?
No coffee.

What is your greatest fear?
Apathy.

Who is your favourite superhero?
Wonder Woman.

What is your worst character flaw?
Too many ideas, not enough time to action them all!

Which talent would you most like to have?
To sing opera. I don’t think I have the discipline for it, sadly.

What is your favourite childhood memory?
The long hot summers, including camping with whānau at Ōnuku (then “the kaik”).

Which country would you most like to visit?
France. I took French throughout school and uni and would like a chance to speak French again!

What would you do if you won Lotto?
Travel. Do more music. Maybe both at the same time.

Do you believe in reincarnation?
No. I like the idea of it.

Even if you don’t, what would you come back as?
A French cat.

What is the best gift you have ever received?
My tiki made by Ben Te Aika and gifted to me by my whānau last year for my 40th.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Taoka pūoro. I am a bit of an addict.

Favourite way to chill out?
Laying somewhere in the sun reading a good book, with some nice relaxing music playing.

Dance or wallflower?
Dance (badly, my kids would say).

What is the last book you read?
Italian Shoes, by Henning Mankell.

Who is your favourite author?
Henning Mankell.

If you had to watch sport on television, what would it be?
Soccer.

What food could you not live without?
Manea Tainui’s kaimoana chowder (hint, hint…)

What meal do you cook the most?
Fresh fish crumbed and pan-fried, with baked veges and salad.

What is your biggest regret?
Not going to Europe with my husband when he went off on his OE in the 90s. He had to come home early ‘cos he missed me.

What is your greatest achievement?
My kids (I had some help there though), and my solo albums.