Conrad Noema

Age:

30+

Iwi:

Tuhoe.

Whānau:

Whanganui–ā–Tara.

Educational background:

Hato Paora College for five years.

Tell us something you remember about school:

Tuakana – Teina ahuatanga.
Waiata in the chapel and kapa haka.
Lifelong friends.
Picked up good educational tools.
Physical health not only in rugby, but general fitness.

Occupation:

Case Manager and Māori Committee for Housing New Zealand.

What did you want to be when you were young?

I knew from an early age that I would always serve the people, particularly Māori.

Who are your inspirational role models?

Mum, Dad and two sons.
Kuia and Koroua not only from Tuhoe.
Tony Robbins recently.

What is your favourite...

· food?

All kai is tino pai.

· music?

SOUL, R'n'B.

· person/people?

My sons.

· movie?

Lord of the Rings ('cos I was part of it and love the books).

· TV programme?

News.

· pastime?

Reading, singing, hanging out with whānau.

What would be your ideal day?

A karakia, big run in the morning, and working out my day as it comes.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Not having the right amount of change while shopping.

What are your ambitions?

To be the coolest dad, i te ao katoa.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

It was predestined by my tupuna to take us through these times and so it passes from me to my sons.

May 2004