SUMMER DAY

This summer, The Dominion Post hit the streets to ask people a series of random questions for our 15 Minutes of Fame project: anything from your favourite place for coffee, to what do you think of Donald Trump? Today we spoke to Emma Bell, a Newtown local who works in Upper Hutt. If environmental funds allowed only one to be saved, would it be fish or birds? Why?

I would go for birds because they have a greater capacity for intelligence and they are more delicious than fish.

What do you miss most about Wellington when you are away?

I miss the coffee. I missed it so much when I was overseas – that and savoury muffins, you can’t find them anywhere.

What frightens you? How or why?

Two things. One is snakes because I don’t understand them and the other is dying alone.

The All Blacks – are they the pride of New Zealand or overpaid demigods?

Overpaid demigods. They’re just not that particularly useful. People who do good in the community are who we should be more proud of. Newtown resident Emma Bell once had to testify at a murder trial.

What is the biggest issue facing Wellington right now? And what can be done about it?

Public transport is definitely the biggest issue. The focus should be on the quality of service rather than the rock-bottom price by the provider.

Is it time to get rid of the haka before All Black tests?

No, I like how it’s a visible embracing of Ma¯ori culture.

Would you rather be able to fly or have the power of invisibility? Why?

I’d rather be able to fly because the number of shortcuts you could take would dramatically reduce the amount of time it would take to get anywhere.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?

I had to testify at a murder trial.

Where do you take out-of-towners when they’re visiting?

I take them to my favourite bars and restaurants, like Laundry, LBQ (Little Beer Quarter) and Adulis. I also take them to the south coast.

Is it time to ban Guy Fawkes and fireworks?

I love fireworks, but I can see how they affect pets and children. We are a fire-prone country and there are just too many idiots out there.