Cian Elyse White’s favourite summer object
chosen an industry that can easily lead you astray.
I’ve performed on television, film and most of the major stages in New Zealand. Now I’m stepping into an interesting time in my mahi, where I’m more interested in the genesis of a story.
‘‘I’m more interested in affecting the narratives and the way that Ma¯ ori and Polynesians are portrayed in our storytelling and our stories.
That’s why summer is important to me because it’s the time when I recharge my batteries and gives me the energy and strength to develop and create my own work throughout the year.
So you’ll often find me roadtripping, chasing the sun from the lakes of Rotorua to the beaches of Mount Maunganui.
Summer is a time when I do a lot of manifesting for my year ahead.
I bathe in the sun’s rays and lap up the warm vibes while I can, dreaming big and enjoying the redwood walks in Rotorua or the Rotorua lake front.
I wear my taonga during the summer, even when I’m swimming.
People ask if I’m scared if it will fall off me and I lose it. I just come back to that ko¯ rero, the saying, ‘‘if you lose it then it’s either not meant for you’’, or it’s served its purpose and its journey has come to an end.
I’m not fearful of losing it and I’ve come to an understanding and acceptance that whatever will be, will be.
I will always treasure and appreciate what it has been for me. I have other taonga as well but, to me, Buddy has been the one that has stayed with me the longest. – As told to Aroha Awarau