Matai Smith

Iwi

Rongowhakāta, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Kahungunu.

Whānau

Mum, dad, younger brother, one nephew, hundreds of cousins, and a niece on the way!

Education

Kaiti Primary School, Ilminster Intermediate, and Lytton High School, Gisborne!

Occupation

Television presenter/producer.

What did you want to be when you were young?

I always dreamed of being a famous pop star or newsreader; now I'm working on a children's Māori language programme called Pukana which allows me to be a pop star and sing, plus sometimes I play a newsreader as well, so I guess you could say both my dreams have come true!

Who are your inspirational role models?

I have so many! I admire those people who work hard for the betterment of their iwi and ultimately Māoridom, people like Api Mahuika, Tahu Potiki, and Willie Te Aho. Role models in my industry include, Simon Dallow, Stacey Daniels, John Campbell, Carol Hirshfeld, Robert Rakete, Moko Tini, Oscar Kightley, Mike McRoberts, Kate Hawkesby, and Tini Molyneux to name but a few!

What is your favourite...

· food?

Thai, rewana bread, creamed paua, Japanese tempura, and hangi!

· movie?

The Whale Rider, of course, then probably Grease, and finally the Titanic!

· person/people?

My Waihirere Māori Club and Pukana whānau are always awesome to be around.

· TV programme?

The Secret Life of Us, American Idol, Holmes, Nightline, and Sex in the City.

· music?

Huge fan of the Bee Gees, Maxwell, The Stylistics, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Eric Benet, and Hinewehi Mohi.

· pastime?

Surfing (the Internet that is!!), kapa haka, reading, writing, gym, composing waiata, and SLEEPING!

What would be your ideal day?

365 Waitangi Days! (You work that one out).

What is the grossest thing in your fridge?

Some sour cream with an expiry date of 2/2/02! (It's okay, I just threw it out).

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Going into the office one day and sitting there for a couple of hours wondering where everyone was, then realising it's a Saturday!

What are your ambitions for the future?

To broaden my horizons and travel overseas.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

I have always been an entertainer both at school and at home, loved to act and sing, perform kapa haka etc and so I thought these are my strengths why not pursue them further?

December, 2003