Jojo Rangihaeata

Age

24.

Iwi

Ngāti Porou/Ngāti Ruanui/Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

Whānau

2 brothers, 1 sister and a cat.

Education

High school/Waikato University.

Tell us something you remember about school:

Ummm... being asked to go to the school ball with a hunky guy but I turned him down thinking he was joking. (but it was for real so I kicked myself after that!!)

Occupation

Māori web developer/graphic designer.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A shop assistant and then a physiotherapist.

Who are your inspirational role models?

I would have to say my mum and brother.

What significant event has influenced your life?

Observing Māori people who have achieved well in life especially after starting with nothing. People who have managed to pick themselves up and make something of themselves.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Chicken.

· movie?

Erin Brockovich, Whale Rider

· person/people?

Mum, she's a GEM.

· music?

R'n'B, pop, Jazz.

· pastime?

Kapa haka plays a huge role in my life. Also having my own personal space to relax just to have the freedom to chill and not worry about anything.

What would be your ideal day?

It would be nice to travel the world and see new things and experience new challenges.

Tell us about some of your personal qualities and attributes.

I've asked friends about how they would describe me. Some would say: bubbly, jovial, outgoing, friendly, down to earth, caring, generous, creative, a natural born leader.

What are your ambitions?

Ka tae atu ki te taumata teitei (to arise to the highest summit of pinnacles) to do well in life!!!!

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Mistaken identity with a lady whom I thought I knew and I started talking to, but when she turned around I didn't even know her from a bar of soap!!! (lol)

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

I guess today Māori people are falling behind in the ever changing world with technology. A young successful Māori woman like myself desires the needs of learning the tools of the Pakeha and teaching them to my own people one day. I followed this path as I was very interested in how computers work and how I could use them to not only my advantage but also for Māori language users and Māori people.

December, 2003