What is your most-prized material possession?

It’s not mine, but it’s living in my house at the moment. My baby sister’s wishing jar. It was a birthday gift for her, but I haven’t given it over yet. I’m attached to it.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done that’s got you out of your comfort zone at the time?

Ahika¯ roa! The whole journey from the auditions to the recalls to the rehearsals and then the actual filming. It felt like every day was an adventure and with that came a lot of moments where I really had to push myself mentally to overcome my own personal restrictions and thoughts. It was very challenging, but in the best way possible.

What gets you back up?

Family. Every time I fall, I am always caught by their arms. Whether they catch me and give me a hug afterwards or they remind me about perspective and reason.

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

I’d go back in time to an era that did not involve technology and social media. Why? To live simply and to grow within a generation that nurtured people, not products.

What life lesson would you pass on to your children?

Be kind, be humble, be giving and be the type of person you see in your dreams.

What job would you do other than the one you do and why?

I am a Ma¯ori performing arts teacher who travels with my family to different schools and communities around the country to teach the beauty of Te Ao Ma¯ori. I love what I do, I love that I get to do what I love with my family as well. There is no other job that I would rather be doing.

❚ Watch Ahika¯ roa at ahikaroa.nz