Ngahuia Piripi

With a busy career playing surgeon and CEO Dr Esther Samuels on Shortland Street and a hectic home life raising three kids, Ngahuia Piripi can’t think of anything more appealing than a staycation this summer, “with a sneaky little visit home to Ahipara should our stars align”.

In addition to her daughter Owairea, 14, from a previous relationship, the actress shares son Niau, two, and daughter Aewa, one, with her actor partner Teone Kahu.

“We usually make the most of our summers in the Far North, but a couple of babies later, the idea of little travel and instead enjoying our own backyard sounds perfectly fine to me,” laughs Ngahuia. “Besides, we wanted Aewa’s first Christmas and birthday to be at home.”

Aewa was born on Boxing Day in 2022, which is also Ngahuia’s birthday (she celebrated turning 33) and the star’s making sure her kids get to enjoy all the good things a New Zealand January has to offer.

“My favourite summer memories are anything to do with my grandparents,” says the actor. “They really were, and still are, my entire life.

“Now, my best summers are anywhere my kids will be. I love barbecues, crayfish, a classic Kiwi dip, hāngi, strawberries, ice creams... you name it!”

Amid the juggles of life, this year Ngahuia has come to appreciate what a precious commodity time is. “I’ve learned how to value my time and to understand what it’s worth,” she says.

“There’s no substitute for time, so I’ve really focused on who and what I might give my time to recently.” As for what she’d like to leave firmly behind in 2023? “Covid!”