Fondest memories

Moata McNamara, known as Salama, from Glenfield teaches art at Unitec and is preparing for her latest exhibition at Northart

How long have you lived here and where are you from?

I whakapapa to Nga¯ puhi from Waima in the Hokianga and was born in Rotorua. I live in Glenfield, but I have, at various times in my life, lived in Bayswater and Takapuna. I have been living on the North Shore has been on and off over the past 40 years. I always seem to come back to the Shore.

Describe your neighbourhood.

I live at the end of a private road with great neighbours. The place is very friendly with loads of activities to be involved in within a short walk. What is your earliest memory of the Shore? My earliest memories are of daily picnics on Narrow Neck Beach with my two oldest daughters. I would pack dinner and walk us all to the beach after their school finished. Swimming and sunbathing at Narrow Neck with my girls are some of my fondest memories.

What are the greatest advantages to living here?

Being near my Mum, daughter and mokopuna is for me the greatest advantage. Apart from whanau, the lifestyle with beaches handy and access to so much.

What is your favourite beach on the North Shore?

I would have to say Takapuna, although I am very disturbed to see recent pollution there.

What do you like least about the Shore?

I am saddened by the lack of a fully functioning marae for tangihana. After living in Rotorua, for some years I really miss the marae involvement.

‘‘I've lived her on and off for 40 years. I always seem to come back to the Shore.’’ Salama McNamara

What are you doing this weekend? Working on completing pieces for an exhibition at Northart with Shannon Gleeson, a Whangarei artist. I’m doing something a little different for this exhibition and learning a lot in the process. The exhibition: ‘Of Veils’ runs daily March 19 to April 8, from 10am to 4pm. Opening event March 18 from 5pm, Northart, Ernie Mays St, Northcote.