Ingoa

Oriini Ngawai Kaipara

Iwi

Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe

Age

24

Star sign

Scorpio

Favourite kai

Kumara

Favourite ice cream flavour

Cookies n Cream

Movie

Te Kaieke Tohorā

How long have you been involved in broadcasting and why?

Full-time since 2002. I knew this industry would suit me because it’s versatile. I’m a person who can’t just do one thing at a time. I’m a presenter, but I’m also a reporter and producer for Te Kaea.

How did you feel when you won the best female television presenter award at the Māori Media Awards 2008?

Elated, humbled and very honoured. To win my first award last year was surreal and overwhelming, but to win it this year for the second time in a row is truly amazing.

Who are your broadcasting idols?

Presenters – I’ve always admired and still do admire Tini Molyneux, Stacey Morrison and Carol Hirschfeld. Directors/Producers – Puhi Rangiaho (various Māori documentaries) and Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine, Sicko, Fahrenheit 911). But at the moment my idol would have to be my colleague and boss, Wena Harawira.

What do you think the future of Māori broadcasting will be like?

I believe Māori Television is going to continue to be a world-class indigenous broadcaster, and will exceed many expectations. I believe Māori radio is going to receive the vital funding and resources it deserves to help sustain its future.

I’m excited about the fact that the new generations of Māori broadcasters are going to come out of our kōhanga reo/kura kaupapa Māori, which means the survival and maintenance of our reo and tikanga will go on. There are a few of us already in the industry, but by the time the new generations come through, my ambition is to hand over the reins and for us oldies to take up the executive seats!

What are your hobbies AND/OR interests?

If I’m not at mahi I’m at home with my tamariki and my tane. My hobbies are reading, golf and learning (study). I’m getting back into kapa haka, and this year I’m going for a spot in Ngā Tūmanako, a team formed by and for the former students of Te Wharekura o Hoani Waititi.

They’re my whānau and I describe them as being the ones who can’t seem to, or never will, shake the “haka” bug – which is a fabulous thing.