The Questionnaire

What are you plugging right now?

An arts festival of the strange, the wonderful, the unexpected. It features Roman centurions, a personalised boat trip, virtuoso violin concerts and much, much more from artists from around New Zealand and overseas. AKA Auckland Fringe, which runs region wide from February 20 to March 4.

''Turns out that when you ask for support and are truly working from the heart, people get behind you.''

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

I feel like I always face this question at this time of year. So I actually made a list the other day (because I am hopeless at taking time off from tasks). Here’s some of my list: a dog settling its head on my lap, an empty street to dance down, tea in bed, lighting matches, laughing with recognition.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire people who trust their gut and who listen to their bodies. I think these are often lost skills. Artists tend to be really good at these things, and I am constantly astounded by them.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

I get really stressed about using toilets where someone can hear me pee so like... that, daily.

What is your most prized material possession?

My soft toy Splatt. Yep, it’s a dog that goes splat when you drop it. I’ve had him since I was 4 and no one loves me more than him, I’m sure of it.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done that has taken you out of your comfort zone at the time?

Last year was the first year we ran Auckland Fringe festival, and we did it on the smell of an oily rag. That was truly terrifying because we really wanted to get it right. Turns out that when you ask for support and are truly working from the heart, people get behind you – and artists, venues, audiences and more made it happen. That level of support and love is a high I doubt I’ll reach again.

What gets your back up?

People who don’t listen, even though I’m a terrible interrupter (probably why it bothers me). I think it’s always the same grievance for me with everything actually – a lack of empathy.

If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

I’ve finally got into The Crown, so I’m going with stalking down Princess Margaret, circa 1953. If she looked like Vanessa Kirby, that is.

What life lesson would you pass on to your children?

I don’t think I’m going to have them, so I will pass on to my dog that a good stroll every day can solve a lot. Although I imagine said dog will already know this.

What job would you do other than your own and why?

I’m one of a lucky few who get to work in the area I absolutely love. Working in the arts in New Zealand, and particularly at such a boisterous and exciting time, is a huge honour. New Zealand artists make work that constantly stands out on stages worldwide. I get to connect up artists and audiences, and watch them spark.

If you were given three wishes by a magic genie, what would they be?

To be able to fly. I’m talking big wings. Lame, I know. A personal library with sliding ladders and deep squishy chairs. OMG, yes, subscriptions to be free to all women.

❚ For event details go to aucklandfringe.co.nz