Shane "Te Hamua" Nikora

Iwi

Ngāti Konohi, Ngāti Porou, Te Whakatohea, Waikato

Whānau

No babies yet (I think!!!) Kei Tauranga taku Pāpā e noho ana me tētahi o aku tuahine, kei Kirikiriroa tētahi atu e noho ana me tōna whānau, kei Poihākena tētahi atu tuahine e noho ana, ā, kei Tūranganui-a-Kiwa taku teina e noho ana. I mate tō matou whaea, toru tau i mua nei.

Education

Hiruhārama Primary (Ruatoria), Mangapapa School (Gisborne), Gisborne Intermediate, Gisborne Boys' High, Tairawhiti Polytech, Waikato University (Hamilton)

Occupation

TV presenter for "PUKANA", radio promo's (MAI FM) and currently recording an album of waiata Māori (hip-hop, RnB and reggae styles)

What did you want to be when you were young?

At one stage I just wanted to be someone who didn't have to go to school, then I wanted to be a cop ('cos my Dad was) an architect ('cos it sounded flash!) then a teacher ('cos I'm sure they got it wrong when I was at school!) But I've always been into making people laugh and happy. I think I'll be a clown when I grow up!

Who are your inspirational role models?

I have many, firstly God (whoever that may be to each individual), then there's our ancestors, they went through a lot to make us who we are today. Leaders like my Dad, Derek Lardelli (Whangara), DLT. Innovators like Hinewehi Mohi, Billy T James, and Prince Tui Teka. Musically there is Bob Marley, The Wu-Tang Clan and the old writers from back in the day like Rangiuia. My biggest role models though are the snotty-nosed Māori kids that everyone thinks are too mischievous to worry about, they will be our leaders of the future.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Terotero's in white sauce. Yum!

· music?

Anything that heals instead of hurting (Bob's always good) and hip-hop (REAL hip-hop!)!

· person/people?

I have a few favourite people but my Mum would have to top the list.

· movie?

Dunno, there are too many.

· TV programme?

"PUKANA ROCKS!!!" and Mai Time goes off too. Dark Angel watching is a religious experience at our flat, followed closely by Sports Cafe.

· pastime?

I love to "chill wit da homies". Kicking back with my nieces and nephews always recharges the batteries and of course PLAY STATION 2!

What would be your ideal day?

I'm living my ideal day everyday of my life. Well, it would be better if Aotearoa was recognised as Māori land again, but there's always tomorrow!

What is the grossest thing in your fridge?

Nothing, we've got a girl flatmate now! But the boys used to grow mould experiments on the cheese before she moved in.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I don't have them. I think you have to have some kinda shame to get those!

What are your ambitions for the future?

I'm gonna go as far as I possibly can, as high as I possibly am able to, and as successful as I know I can be - why? So that all the Māori kids who see me do it can do it too!

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

It's just something I fell into from a young age, singing in church, skits at school, kapa haka 24-7. I can't play rugby so I work on TV instead!

December, 2003