Mikaere Paki

Name

Micheal (Mikaere) Tumatauenga Hamiora Paki.

Age

20.

Iwi

Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Apa, Raukawa, Kauwhata, Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Porou.

Education

1995-1999 Hato Paora College, 1999 went into Security and Martial arts at Te Wananga O Aotearoa, 2000-2001 studied Matauranga Māori , Literary Performing Arts at Te Wananga O Raukawa.

Tell us something you remember about school

Hard times that I had at school and early in life are the things that make me how I am today. We must sow the seed in order for it to grow.

Occupation

Te Ara Reo tutor at Te Wānanga O Aotearoa in Porirua.

What did you want to be when you were young?

World-class singer, World-class athlete, with a world-class mind.

Who are your inspirational role models?

Stevie Wonder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, many more...

What significant event has influenced your life?

Making the Junior Olympic Athletics Team at the New Zealand Secondary School comps. Being involve in the New Zealand Māori compilation CD TANGIORA II as an Artist, when I was still at school, and also being part of the TV programs like Manu Tīoriori.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Satay/sweet and sour Chicken with heaps of veggies, Marinated Rump steak, Spaghetti Bolognaise.

· person/people?

Positive healthy.

· TV programme?

American Idol

· music?

R'n'B.

· pastime?

Growing up with my cuzzies.

Tell us about some of your personal qualities and attributes.

I'm a firm believer in keeping healthy and looking after yourself. Love to SING. Don't DRINK, SMOKE, or do DRUGS. And I am new age sensitive guy, lol.

What are your ambitions?

To be an awesome example for our rangatahi. Be the best person I can be. World-class singer, World-class athlete, with a world-class mind.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Can't remember.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

E kai ngakau ana enei momo mahi mooku. Noreira ko te tumanako kia kite ai te motu whanui I nga pukenga kei te tipu, me ano hoki, kia kite ai nga pukenga kua noho ke kei waenganui I a tatou te Iwi Māori . "E kore au e ngaro, he kakano I ruia mai I Rangiatea." Kia tu, kia puawai.

December, 2003