This week we have a chat to Whaea. Phil teaches yr 3/4 and has been at Mapua since 2012. Prior to that she taught in Wellington for 5 years and Hamilton for 6 years. At school she leads maths and Tikanga and Te Reo Māori.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights. I don’t want to be afraid of heights but I have had many times when I realised I was! One of my scariest recent moments was driving along a winding road in the Coromandel to Port Jackson, single lane, dirt track and a sheer drop on one side - absolutely terrifying!
What is your earliest memory?
My dad used to let me sit on his lap and steer the car as we went down our long straight driveway. And like any toddler, you moved the steering wheel rather dramatically to the left and right in quick succession so we almost drove into the grape vines on one side and the fence on the other!
Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
My new car. Her name is Bianca and I love her!
What is your most treasured possession?
My paintings. I bought them when I was with my parents and they symbolise a lot of things for me - colour, independence, supporting local artists, appreciation of art and loving the things that make you happy!
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My teeth! I have too many of them. It makes any apple that I bite into very distinctively mine because of the teeth marks!
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
The Huia bird.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I really wish that I could finish a cup of coffee! For some absurd reason, I always have to have at least 1cm of coffee (or tea) at the bottom of my cup.
What scares you about getting older?
Not being able to do all the things I want to do because I am running out time and most of my things cost money!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a shopkeeper so that I could press loads of buttons on the till.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Champagne and Chocolate. Can I have two?
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Winning Lotto!
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
That you must live life to the fullest and take up any opportunities that are offered to you. It will provide you with personal growth, new friendships, new skills and memories.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, Creative and Loyal
What is the worst job you’ve done?
I used to work picking blueberries and it was incredibly poorly paid with long hours but it helped pay for my first year at University.
Tell us a secret
- but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore!