Twenty Questions with Pouroto Ngaropo Te Tumuaki Pumanawa Tangata - Head of People, Language and Culture, Māori Television

Why do you love working in Newmarket?

Close proximity to town, provided an opportunity for Māori to be seen in a business area.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who was looking at starting out in your industry?

Be prepared to work hard, keep focused and have goals that you can constantly attain to. Ensure that you align yourself with the goals and vision of your workplace and keep the passion burning.

What would you do if you weren’t in your current role?

I would travel and explore cultures throughout the world whilst becoming multilingual, thus extending my knowledge beyond New Zealand. I have an appreciation for native languages and cultures.

Name 3 people that you would invite to a dinner party (living or dead).

Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Elvis Presley.

What was your first job?

School Teacher – Ōwhata Primary School Rotorua.

What motivates you?

The Lord, my people, my culture, my family and tribe.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Matata, Bay of Plenty.

Where is your favourite place to get coffee or a drink in Newmarket?

Aqua.

Describe Newmarket in 3 words.

Busy, upmarket, innovative.

What do you wish you’d known before you started your career?

That all seasons come and go.

How do you start each morning?

I wake up at 4am, pray, reflect, give thanks for what I have and remain focused for what lays ahead.

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

Always have a strong spiritual foundation, keep your house in order, prioritize and focus, have self-discipline and respect for people.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Rarotonga – all our ancestral canoes migrated from Mauke to New Zealand - the great migration.

What is Newmarket’s best kept secret?

Variety of restaurants, Gyms and businesses.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Having my 2 beautiful daughters – Rangipare and Hineteariki.

Name one item that you can’t live without.

Māori carvings.

It’s 10am on a Sunday morning. Where would we find you and what are you doing?

Either at church or with my whānau.

Who has had the greatest influence on your life and why?

My parents – my mother Amohaere Tangitu and my father Tawio Ngaropo.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being able to achieve the purpose that God has set for me.

What do you love most about your job?

Working amongst our staff at Māori Television.