White is alright
HITS CO- HOST, TV PRESENTER TONI STREET
What do you drive? It’s a Hyundai Santa Fe, Petrol, 2015, auto, white, four- door, 2WD. It looks sporty, but it can seat up to seven which is great for our family. Prior to this, I’d had only small cars; the extra height is amazing with kids, it’s easier to get them in and out, and the boot space is ideal for bikes, scooters and groceries. How does it fit your personality? I’m a former sports reporter, so the sporty look matches my interests, particularly when you consider the roof racks for our surfboards, and boot racks for the mountain bikes. White is a classic colour, which is exactly what my house interior is, too. I hope that doesn’t mean I’m boring. How does it fit your work? The seat warmer is my best friend at 4am on the way to radio, and it has excellent Bluetooth for the multi- tasking during my commutes back and forth from two jobs. How often do you clean your car? Mike Hosking tells me I’m useless because I don’t clean it every week. But that’s the reason I got white, you can eke it out a little longer. Probably once every three weeks, and we always cash in on the cleaning service at the airport when we travel. Who else drives your car? My husband, and occasionally my parents. What do you keep in it? An umbrella in the boot, my sunglasses, snacks and toys for the kids, and Panadol. First car you owned? Mumand Dad gave me their old Subaru Legacy when I was in fifth form ( Year 11) at New Plymouth Girls’ High School. It was my pride and joy. Welived on a farm so I desperately needed a car to get to and from sports practices. I was the first of my friends to have a full licence so I was always the driver. I kept the car until I started work at TVNZ in 2006, and on one of my first weeks of work, my boyfriend ( now husband) dropped me off then wrote it off on his way home. I still have him on about it. Your dream car? Something Jeepy looking like a Mercedes GLC250 or a BMWX3. Who taught you to drive? Mumand Dad, but mainly Dad when I was 15 at a local carpark in Bell Block where I grew up. Dad was very patient with me, because I didn’t like to be told. I wanted to master it in two seconds. Any tips for young drivers? Get as much practice as you can, you can never have enough experience. How do you keep your children happy on longer road trips? The road from Auckland to New Plymouth ( where Nana and Granddad live) is winding so distraction is key. Weuse a portable DVD player, and loads of snacks. Favourite car scene from a movie? I still love the old school drag race in Grease. Favourite racing car driver? Scott Dixon, because he’s an awesome Kiwi who flies the flag on the international stage. How would you rate your own driving skills? I think I’d be described as assertive. And the strangest thing you have done in a car? I’ve done a complete change of clothes right down to the bra and knickers at the lights. It’s extremely difficult to be discreet! Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be passenger? I love driving, but when I’m tired I also love sleeping; so it depends what state I’m in. And what do you listen to in your car? The Hits or Newstalk ZB. What’s a great day trip out of Auckland? Where and why? I love heading up to the Matakana Markets: it feels like you’re miles away from Auckland but it only takes 40 minutes. Plus, the beaches are fantastic. What irritates you most about other drivers? Rudeness. I hate it when you’re in bumper- to- bumper traffic and people won’t let you in. Auckland traffic? More consistent public transport and a tunnel from the North Shore.