Suzanne Tamaki

Iwi

Tuhoe, Te Arawa, Maniapoto.

Age

36

Education

School Cert, UE, TCBIII, TCBI Shorthand,
Certificate in video production, Honours in Art and Creativity.

Awards

1997 Winner Waitakere City Council Trash to Fash
(Organic and Inorganic section)

1995 Pasifika Wearable Art Winner, Overall Pasifika Fashion Show Winner

1999 Pasifika Wearable Art Winner

Occupation

Director, Mother, Artist, Designer, Event Co-director, Producer.

What did you want to be when you were young?

Army, Airforce, movie star, Police, Dancer, Fireman, Fashion Designer, Panel van spray paint artist, A nun (for a month), married (just for the frock).

Who are your inspirational role models?

Hinewehi Mohi, All my artist friends, Vivienne Westwood, Versace

What significant event has influenced your life?

Having children. Taught me patience, unconditional love, selflessness, magic, forgiveness, living in the moment, pure innocent joy, time management, more motivation, budgeting and how to cook good health kai!

What is your favourite...

· food?

Anything I don't have to cook or clean up after - Thai, Hangi, Deserts.

· movie?

Whalerider, Shrek, Grease, Star Wars, Slaves to New York, Flashdance, The Godfather, Brazil, Pink Floyd the Wall.

· person/people?

My Girlfriends.

· TV programme?

Sex in the city.

· music?

Funk, Soul, Rhythm and Blues.

· book?

Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, Edmonds Cook Book, Traditional love stories by Brad Haami.

· pastime?

Reading, weaving, crochet and knitting, karaoke, dancing, gardening, cooking, painting, partying, schmoozing, interior design.

What are your ambitions?

Touring fashion shows internationally, make money from my work, to always make a political statement through my art and fashion, to see all people (Māori first) standing tall and being strong. To see, hear, make Māori people receive the compensation, attention, appreciation, recognition and understanding they deserve.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I can't remember I've blocked it out.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

Always being creative.

December, 2003