Pip Tainui

Age:

40

Iwi:

Ko Oteauheke te Mauka
Ko Te Awa iti te awa
Ko Takitimu te Waka
Ko Karaweko te Tipuna Whare
Ko Onuku te Marae
Ko Kai Tahu te Iwi
Ko Ki Tarewa te Hapu
Ko Pip Tainui ahau.

Tell us something you remember about school:

School was my time. I got to be with my peers and being number seven child, it gave me independence.

Occupation:

Manager, Kura Gallery, Wellington.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A teacher.

Who are your inspirational role models?

My sister Ruana.

What significant event has influenced your life?

Working for Ansett New Zealand.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Kaimoana.

· music?

Soul and waiata.

· person/people?

Our kids, my 23 nieces and nephews.

· movie?

Broken English.

· TV programme?

Rugby.

· pastime?

Cooking.

Tell us about some of your personal qualities and attributes.

Training airline crew taught me a lot about people and to deal with crisis situations and to manage my life in different ways. These skills have been invaluable.

What would be your ideal day?

Sun, swimming, and eating kaimoana.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Too many to mention.

What are your ambitions?

To keep an open mind about life and share my knowledge with others.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

I wanted to be more involved with Māori and use my skills so art fitted for me. I love working with people.

May 2004