Mere Tokorahi Boynton

Age:

36

Iwi:

Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Tuhoe

Whānau:

Ngāti Raka

Educational background:

BA (Hons) Māori, partially completed Diploma of Music majoring in Voice

Tell us something you remember about school:

My fondest memories of school are from my primary school days at Whatatutu Primary School. We always seemed to do so many wonderful things like calf judging day, gala day, Christmas celebrations or picnics at the river. Somehow the teachers made every celebration colourful and special. Whatatutu was a close knit community and the school was the centre of the community

Occupation:

Singer, actor, and tutor of performing arts.

What did you want to be when you were young?

From a very young age I enjoyed expressing myself creatively through singing, dancing, acting, and art. I would pretend to be a ballet dancer and dance around the kitchen knocking over pieces of furniture and getting under my mum's feet or I would sing to a paddock full of sheep, pretending that they were my audience. So you see from a young age I knew that I wanted to be on the stage, singing dancing or acting, it didn't matter as long as I was expressing myself and communicating with an audience.

Who are your inspirational role models?

My singing role models are Kiri Te Kanawa and Kathleen Battle (a black American opera singer).

What significant event has influenced your life?

Mr Paddy the headmaster of the primary school I attended in Te Karaka heard me singing in the kapa haka group. He organised an audition for me with a local singing teacher Maureen Potroz and that was the beginning of my career in music.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Curry laksa with roti, a spicy Malaysian noodle soup with fried bread.

· music?

I enjoy most music but my favourite is opera.

· person/people?

People who are passionate about life.

· movie?

At the moment I would have to say the Whale Rider.

· TV programme?

Shortland Street.

· pastime?

Curling up in a sunny spot and reading a good book.

Tell us about some of your personal qualities and attributes.

I am a very loyal person, friends and whānau are important to me they keep me level and their support and aroha is imperative to my well–being. I am easy going and like to help people if I can, with advice or any skills I can pass on. I also enjoy my own company and this is important because a lot of time is spent alone learning music. I try to be a person of integrity that is if I promise to do something for someone I make sure I do it. I enjoy acting and singing opposite other performers and creating magic onstage, I get hoha with people who don't commit themselves 100 percent to the performance.

What would be your ideal day?

After a good moe, waking up to a cuddle with my baby and my husband. Having a yummy breakfast with my whānau, going for a long leisurely walk along Wainui beach. While my baby has his morning sleep I either practise some music/singing or prepare for a drama/vocal class I teach in the afternoon. Sometimes I meet my husband for lunch at a local café then I go to work to teach my class. Evenings are spent getting our baby ready for bed and if I have any spare time keeping in touch with people by email or practising some more music.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I honestly can't think of one, but having to kiss someone or act out a love scene for a film can be embarrassing especially when you have a whole lot of people watching you on set.

What are your ambitions?

To complete my first CD, continue to pursue my career as a solo artist, and to travel the world performing concerts. I would also like to make several more CDs including a bilingual CD for children, a CD which would appeal to our kaumatua, and an opera CD.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

I have always loved to sing and act right from when I was a little girl and my career path has developed as opportunities have presented themselves. I had singing lessons from when I was 11 years old, I sang in a band when I was at university, and I also became involved Taki Rua theatre in Wellington, which had a huge impact on my interest in theatre and film.

May 2004