Toni Huata

Iwi:

Ngati Kahungungu, Rongowhakaata, Lebanon, Irish, Scandinavian.

Whānau:

Huata, Beacham.

Educational background:

Qualified hairdresser, music degree.

Tell us something you remember about school:

Turakina Māori Girls College; gained life time friends all over the country, beautiful harmonies and stunning performances. Involved in a lot of musicals, for example Jungle Fever at intermediate and The Technicolor Raincoat at primary. All schools were very musical with great choirs and kapa haka groups.

Occupation:

Singer, songwriter, producer, director.

What did you want to be when you were young?

To be in musicals. At high school I wanted to be a doctor or a veterinarian.

Who are your inspirational role models?

My grandparents and parents who moulded me into the person that I am.

What significant event has influenced your life?

When my grandfather passed away in 1988. It was a turning point that reminded me not to take my Māoritanga for granted.

What is your favourite...

· food?

Fruit, veges, fish, salad, curries, kaimoana, and the occasional hāngi.

· music?

Māori language and kaupapa music, jazz, dance, deep house, garage, and good vocal tunes.

· person/people?

My whānau, husband, and old school mates from Turakina Girls.

· movie?

I'm a sucker for romances and comedies.

· TV programme?

I don't watch too much TV but like to support Shortland Street when I can and Sex and the City when I remember, all Māori programming.

· pastime?

Gym, rehearsing my show, R.O.A. Māori martial arts.

What would be your ideal day?

Rise early, do some production work, gym class (pump and combat) or go for a jog then weights at the gym. Rehearsal for 4–5 hours, go out for tea, then a movie and hot chocolate at a café afterwards.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Singing "Ko wai ka hua" flat, at my audition. Luckily they knew I was nervous because they accepted me in the end.

What are your ambitions?

To live my life passionately, keeping focused on what I love in my career as a singer. To keep learning something new and to enlighten someone else every day to their full potential. To be happy always.

What sparked your interest in following your particular career path?

Inspiration from family members and peers. Many people have contributed towards encouraging this chosen path however it's something I've always loved since I was a child. My mother and I would go for overnight trips to Auckland and Wellington just to catch a musical. Those times were inspirational.

May 2004