Gidienne

If you had $50 what would you spend it on?

Stationery. I love journals and pens. I just don’t use them … !

Last song you listened to?

Why her not me, Grace Carter.

Last thing you googled?

My school’s website!

Hit us with your life intro?

I was born in Auckland, now I’m at Papatoetoe High. I’m Cook Island Maori, and I’m really proud of that and being a pacific islander. I’m really proud of my culture because I feel that lots of people hide away that part of themselves when they go to school. They want to fit into the societal norm but I’m like “Be proud of who you are!”

Do you feel like a lot of kids aren’t proud of their culture and identity?

Yeah a lot of my friends are Asian and they’re not proud to be Chinese because they don’t know about their history and heritage. I think that we should learn more about who we are and where we come from. “To look forward we must first look back,” that’s a Cook Island proverb.

Do you think that we still have a problem with racism in Auckland?

Yes but it’s not obvious that Auckland is racist because of the diversity. People are racist in subtle ways. Like my friend, if I stand up to make a point, she’ll be like, “Oh the brown person is gonna attack me!” Even though we look diverse, suburbs in Auckland can still feel very monocultural. Like Papatoetoe is mostly Indian, Botany is Asian … We have a long way to go!

What’s next after school?

I can’t wait to leave, I’m going to Wellington to do a BA of Communications. I can’t wait to move out and live independently. I want to major in journalism, and be an investigative journalist or a political reporter. I’ve known since I was 8.

What’s the big dream of success?

I want to be a politician … the big goal is to be Prime Minister! I feel like it will happen if I do enough to achieve my goals and work my way up. I love the idea that NZ has a woman as PM. I’m a feminist, so it’s inspiring to see that she could break the glass ceiling.

What are you most passionate about politically?

I’m passionate about human rights, especially with what’s happening in the world right now. It doesn’t matter if we have differences, we should respect each other. But that’s also my faith. My faith helps guide me through the world, because the world is a really circular place. And knowing I can read the bible and get advice when I’m stressed or down comforts me.