Kia ora TeTaumata, what attracted you to studying with Massey?
I grew up in Waiouru. My parents were in the Army, so we moved around quite a bit. I went to Ruapehu College and a Massey Future Students’ team member came to present to us. When I saw Massey offered animation I was hooked. I was really into computer programming at the time. But once I came to Massey, I discovered I was more interested in film, so I have followed that path.
How would you describe your experience so far?
It’s been so good. I’ve taken advantage of being able to hire out the gear that’s available, so I’ve been able to do some contract work and get some great experience. Highlights would be filming friends’ weddings and shooting behind-the-scenes footage of Tama Iti’s ‘I will not Speak Māori’ exhibition in Wellington. I’ve got involved in playing rugby and I also joined Kōkiri Ngātahi, the Māori Students Association where I’ve met a bunch of cool people.
When I first met everyone, it turned out I knew some of them because I went to school with their cousin. The Kai and Kōrero events are awesome. I also help out whenever there is kaupapa in Te Rau Karamu Marae here on the Pukeahu campus, which reminds me of being home and helping out on the marae. My time has been filled with heaps of great new experiences and the Pukeahu campus feels so creative because everyone is so arty.
Do you feel prepared for the workforce?
I definitely feel more prepared with all the different opportunities we’ve been given, like working on jobs and hiring out gear. All our lecturers and staff are helpful and care a lot — they’ll help us find jobs too.
What are you most proud of?
Doing creative work. When I was younger, I didn’t realise you could get paid for doing this stuff, so it’s nice to be paid to be creative. My advice for others is to keep doing what you love, the money will follow. It’s not really about the money it’s about being creative… but money is nice!
What are you planning next?
This summer I am planning to do an internship as well as Summer School because I need to do 1 more paper. I’ll also be writing a 90-page script for my honours degree, based on my nan’s koro and the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. It’s going to be a historic film, so when I finish that script next year, I’m wanting to look for funding next year to turn it into a film. I’ll probably start with a short film first and then hopefully go to a full 90-minute film.
