Tainui Stephens

Iwi

Te Rarawa

Whānau

Stephens, Roberts, Williams, Kipa, Key, Brown, Munce, etc ā, me ngā hapū o Ngāti Moetanga, Te Rokeka ano hoki.

Education

St Andrew's College, Christchurch. Some varsity at Christchurch and Auckland. He Whare Wānanga Māori.

Occupation

Freelance TV producer / director, film director, kaitakawaenga, ringa tuhituhi etc.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A concert pianist or rock guitar god: Geza Anda or Jimmy Page, Martha Agerich or Ritchie Blackmore.

Who are your inspirational role models?

A whole heap: Kaumātua like Ephraim Te Paa for his eloquent wisdom, Sir James Henare for his mana Māori, Dr Mīria Simpson for her high standards, ngā tamariki o ngā kura Māori for their beauty and talent. Aunty Hera Watai for her faith and sweet voice, and the times we had karakia over the phone. Aunty Clare and Uncle George for raising a huge loving whānau. My mum and dad who loved, fought and lost: and we kids who won. A whole heap of thinkers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers: white, black, and brown, dead and alive. Numerous men, women and children living their lives with bravery and generosity.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Meat, silverbeat, orange Fru Jus.

· person/people?

Me and my whānau.

· movie?

1900.

· TV programme?

Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Osbournes, Tangata Whenua.

· music?

Classical and Jazz piano, 70s metal, R'n'B. All waiata especially mōteatea and whakaoriori.

· pastime?

Having good music, books, films and kai. Being alone with Papatuanuku and Ranginui.

What would be your ideal day?

Waking up at home in Ngaruawahia and knowing I can stay home for a whole day. Knowing what's for dinner. Sussing out the mahi and doing it. Lots of music. Watching a choice DVD with my darling and my daughter.

What is the grossest thing in your fridge?

Furry food.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Missing my aunty's 60th birthday party. Aarrrgghh!

What are your ambitions for the future?

To be happy and to be doing good mahi. To make a movie that makes people feel good. To write a good song.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

The seductive power of television to tell a worthwhile story that a lot of people are compelled to watch.

December, 2003