Ko wai koe? Nō hea koe?

Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi and Whanganui is home.

What’s the kaupapa that drives you right now?

I’m writing a musical. I’ve just come off a two week residency that has given me the luxury of time and space – something we almost never get. The reason why, is because I watch musicals all the time and never see people like me in them, so I’ve decided to change that.

Wicked, Hairspray and Hamilton cater to a specific binary, and that’s okay. However, this means that we as trans people have had to either assimilate as best we can to fit the show or retreat knowing that we will never be an Elphaba or a Tracey Turnblad. That is why I want to write a musical for us – so we can defy our own gravity and not throw away our shot.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The strongest people I know value what they bring into any room – they give space for others and you can never confuse their power for arrogance. I try my best to be that type of person every day, despite the occasional imposter syndrome (something that runs rampant in our communities which we never talk about but totally should). This bit of advice always reminds me to be that person for myself.

What’s one challenge you’ve had to overcome on your journey?

Realising that people-pleasing is exhausting and most people don’t need to be pleased – they just need to know your character and what you’re about. If they don’t like that, it’s their loss! It’s fun to be 30 and realise this – the 20-year-old me would have crumbled!

Also – this is so trivial, but so necessary – if you ever receive a hōhā email that makes you want to crash out, DON’T reply! Simply ignore it for an hour.  You’ll come back knowing exactly what to say without having lost your temper or your professionalism. I wish I had learnt that a lot earlier.

What’s a moment you’re really proud of?

I’m really proud to have had a career in the arts for as long as I have. I didn’t think I had the courage to do it when I finished performing arts school because you are taught very quickly how cut throat it is. However, I’m realising that your career is exactly what you make of it and there is space for everyone – you’ve just got to always be learning and engaging with others who have your back.

What does success look like to you?

Success to me is spending the rest of my days writing music, writing scripts and being an old lady who lives in a mansion with big red hair who drinks a lot of tea. I don’t know why, but being Bette Midler just seems like a natural progression for me.

Till then, I’ll continue doing everything I can to ensure my family are proud, my cat is fed and my bills are paid.

Who are three people you admire and why?

My dad works harder than anyone I’ve ever known and never complains; my mum is the glue that keeps our family together and grounded; and my white ginger cat Rick Astley – how he sleeps 18 hours a day impresses the hell out of me.

What keeps you grounded?

I can always call my parents to cry and they will always listen. I think the people you love getting advice from on how to be a better person are important, and you should do your best to never lose them.

I also like to sleep and hide from the world for a small amount of time – because when you come back, you are truly refreshed.

What’s one whakaaro you want to leave our readers with?

Do you, boo! Say yes to everything you want to do and no to anything that causes you unnecessary stress.

Where are you at the marae hui? In the whare or in the kitchen?

Honestly, I used to smoke out back with the aunties but I no longer smoke, so I guess it would be in the kitchen drying mountains of dishes wishing that I still smoked.

Finally – what’s something about you most people don’t know?

I love Beyoncé but I don’t know any of the lyrics to any song past the album 4. I think she sang a song about a partition? Don’t come for me, please!

What Happened To Mary-Anne? is showing part of the Koanga Festival at Te Pou Theatre on the 19th-21st of September.