15 minutes of fame
This month, The Dominion Post has taken not to the streets but to the phones and internet, to ask people who might not normally feature in the media a series of random questions.
Simone Ammon lives in the Western Hills in Lower Hutt. She’s an early childhood teacher, but also does marketing for Brookside Developments, setting up a tiny/small home, sustainable community development in Featherston.
If environmental funds allowed only one to be saved, would it be fish or birds? Why? Fish, because they provide 1 billion poor people with most of their daily animal protein, and 250 million people depend on their livelihood through fisheries. They provide nutrients and micronutrients essential to cognitive and physical development.
Are humans inherently good or inherently bad? What makes you think this?
I believe humans are inherently good. People make bad choices, or behave badly due to their upbringing/life circumstances. I try to see the good in others, and to separate the person from their behaviour.
Is there intelligent life on other planets?
No, I don’t believe aliens or any other forms of intelligent life exist.
Would you like to be famous? Why or why not?
No, not in the Hollywood sense. With my background in social work, early childhood teaching, and life experience, I’d like to make a tangible difference in the world though. Improving the quality of care for children in the early childhood sector, and conditions for teachers, is near my heart. I’d like to bring healing to the hurting, help people to know their identity and walk in divine purpose through speaking at events/social media channels, and write books.
The last time I cried was when?
When I watched the movie I Still Believe, based on a true story. The characters faced incredible challenges, yet managed to overcome them. It gave me hope, and made me realise that whatever hardship we go through, it’s never in vain.
If you could represent NZ at the Olympics, what event would it be? Why?
Equestrian. Horses are truly majestic, and when I ride them, I feel this incredible sense of joy and freedom. I rode for three years as young girl, and started getting back into it again last November.
At what age were you the happiest? Why? Now at the age of 41 I’m more confident and content than I’ve ever been before. My life has been an uphill climb, but I’m thankful for every challenge as they made me wiser and more resilient.
What are you doing to help combat climate change?
I try not to buy unnecessary items, and to fix broken things, and borrow or buy items secondhand. I eat homegrown vegetables and fruit where I can, usually prepare my own meals, and put food scraps into the compost. I’m also planning to build a tiny house on wheels later this year, and look forward to leading a more minimalist lifestyle.
The chocolate, icecream or lolly that most needs to make a comeback is . . .
I love chocolate. I wish the limited edition of Whittaker’s flat white flavoured chocolate would make a comeback. It was really delicious. Worst/trashiest TV show that you don’t tell people you secretly watch.
I’m not a TV fan, and prefer to watch YouTube instead. I like to listen to music, watch documentaries, educational programmes, and movies that are uplifting.