Tanemahuta Gray

Date of Birth

26 May 1974

Iwi

Kaitahu, Rangitane, whangai nō Waikato

Whānau

Parents - Neil and Tiahuia Gray, and four brothers and sisters - Moana, Merenia, Fraser, and Nathan my identical twin

Education

A Bursary at Wellington College (head prefect)
Diploma in Dance and Dance Studies: NZ School of Dance

Tell us something your remember about school

I simply loved the fact that at school all your mates were there without having to organise getting them there, so that you had ready-made teams for all different types of sports games, or activities. It's hard to do as much when you don't have that college set-up and network for you in the "real world". Make the most of school I say!

Occupation

Performing artist
Aerialist
Choreographer
and now Artistic director! Love it all!

What did you want to be when you were young?

A dancer, an astronaut, or a member of either the All Blacks or the New Zealand cricket team.

Who are your inspirational role models?

Margot Fonteyn (ballet dancer), Michael Jones (ex All Black), Kevin Spacey (actor, and I've met him also), Mel Gibson (especially after the film Gallipoli). And finally, the work of Mita Mohi and Hirini Melbourne, whom have played such big roles in my development as a Māori and an artist.

Closer to home – my mum, who is simply the most amazing woman alive today! And my twin brother who I have grown so much with. We share our worldly experiences together (two life journeys whilst only living the one!)

What significant event has influenced your life?

Personally, it was dancing the lead male role in The Nutcracker that inspired my life's commitment to the arts, and playing the role of Pene in Witi Ihimaera's Waituhi – a wonderful Māori opera. On a world scale the most significant events that affected me greatly were September 11 – The Twin Towers – and Lady Diana's death in a car accident.

What is your favourite...

· food?

My fiancee's ginger fried chicken, Paua in creamy sauce (Māori style), Mum's Māori fried bread, and fruit (little prep, easy to eat!)

· person/people?

My mentor Kevin Baddiley, as he makes me laugh and laugh, and not take myself so seriously

· music?

David Bowie, U2, Moby

· movie?

Moulin Rouge, Gallipoli, and Love Actually. I am a huge Rings fan too – ready to do the extended version trilogy – over 11 hours non-stop – bring it on

· TV programme?

Not a lot of good on TV nowadays I feel. I still like ER when I get the chance, and did watch episodes of NZ Idol. But back in the 'old days' shows like Cracker were just full of class!

· pastime?

Spending time with my fiancee, reading books, listening to music, driving, dancing and TELLING JOKES!

What would be your ideal day?

Performing in my favourite show (De La Guarda) and then going out to watch someone else perform (whether it is a film or a live show!). Then out to dinner with my family and friends before going home to watch the All Blacks beat the Wallabies.

Tell us about some of your personal qualities and attributes

Motivated to make a difference and complete things in my area. I am incredibly lucky to be given wonderful dreams and vision from my ancestors to wrok on. I love dealing with people, and trying to get the best out of them.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Performing with the whole school and jumping up to sing the chorus of this song from a musical called Solomon just a little too early! No way to hide that from the audience members and all my fellow peers. But I would give myself a 10/10 for commitment!

What are your ambitions for the future?

To create an amazing stage production combing the Māori culture and aerial theatre and showcasing it to the world whilst taking 120 other Kiwis with me on the journey.

To change the face of New Zealand politics in the future.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

Apart from the above arts inspirations, I was also a member of the New Zealand team in a production called Harambee Harambee, which comprised of 24 different nations performing together for World Vision, and the closing ceremony of the Auckland Commonwealth Games. The contact with these beautiful people, made me want to discover the riches within the world. The arts has helped me to do that!

April, 2004