Where did you grow up?
Growing up in Camberley, Hawkes Bay, I was raised by a single mother alongside my two sisters, within a supportive extended family. My mother juggled the demands of parenting with determination and resilience and I’ll be forever grateful for her ability to manage these challenges. She also instilled in us a deep sense of responsibility towards our family and community and taught us the importance of taking care of others and the value of standing up for our beliefs.
My aunt also helped raise me and connected me into the Cook Island community in Hawkes Bay. She provided a grounding force in what might be considered an unconventional childhood, ensuring I always felt secure and connected to our roots. The values and lessons imparted by my mother and aunt have been fundamental in shaping my world view and approach to life.
My mother’s influence was complemented by the support of my older sister, who is the rock of our family. From a young age, she took on responsibilities of looking after myself and our younger sister – preparing our lunches, managing our school enrolments, and ensuring we had what we needed. Her efforts on the ground were instrumental in keeping our family united and functioning. Together, these remarkable women created the environment that has shaped who I am today.
My father lives in the Cook Islands, and although he wasn’t a big part of my upbringing, I’ve always had strong relationships with my aunties and cousins there and have a strong connection with our Island of Mauke.
What was school like? Did you always have a clear idea of what you wanted to do?
At school, growing up in Camberley often meant low expectations were set for us – just showing up was sometimes considered enough, with little expectation that we would complete our education. In high school, I was in advanced classes from 3rd form and it was an initial shock as I was one of two brown girls, surrounded by students from very different backgrounds than mine in Camberley. Finding my place in this environment was a challenge.
It wasn’t until the sixth form (year 12) of high school that the idea of attending university became a goal for me. My teachers – Mrs Curtis and Mrs Phillips – noticed my good grades, how much potential I had and encouraged me to continue my accounting studies. University did seem out of reach at first because we never had enough money, but with scholarships and help from my mum’s boss, it became a reality, and I understood the possibilities that having a university education could offer.
What did you study at university? How was this experience?
I studied Accounting at Waikato University, which was my first experience living away from home. I lived on the Māori floor of my hostel, and formed a close-knit group of friends and this sense of community greatly eased my transition from home. My involvement extended to tutoring classes and participating in the student body, where I mainly interacted with Māori students. This was an important part of my journey, as I found a community with shared values, reflecting the core beliefs that I hold.
It wasn’t till the second year that I realised how much I enjoyed studying and learning. This confidence in my abilities and eagerness to learn, started shaping my career goals. I did an auditing paper and I knew this is what I wanted to do. This coupled with my acceptance into the Honours programme clarified my career path.
In my final year of university, I met a senior consultant from Ernst and Young (now Tahi) who encouraged me and gave me career advice that was invaluable, and highlighted for me the role mentors can play in shaping your journey.
The support and belief from others, starting in high school and continuing through university and into my career, have been important in my journey.
What was your first role out of University?
My first corporate role at PwC was a culture shock. The formalities and the consultancy environment were a huge adjustment, particularly for someone with a personality less ‘corporate‘ than what they were accustomed to. One of the challenges I faced as a Polynesian in this corporate landscape was embracing humility while needing to actively discuss my accomplishments, such as during performance reviews. It was a balancing act – trying to sell myself and demonstrate my competence, but in ways that felt authentic to me.
As I progressed as a Senior Associate, I took a step back and realised it was quite a competitive environment and while I’m very good at what I do and excelled in my position, the firm lifestyle may not be for me. I wanted a professional life that aligned to my personal aspirations so if I do return to the corporate world, it would need to be in a space that I feel supported by like-minded individuals. A place where the role truly fits me and the environment I re-enter would need to respect and embrace all aspects of my identity.
Why did you decide to travel?
I took a moment to reflect on what truly mattered and realised I wanted to travel. As Polynesians, we are inherent explorers, naturally seeking out new experiences and looking to connect with different cultures. My mum and aunt have always encouraged us to travel and I’ve always been drawn to history and classical studies which sparked my interest to visit these places. My aunt had travelled to places like Canada, America and Hawaii and had instilled in us the importance of venturing out into the world and embracing the full spectrum of experiences it offers before settling down.
Was your career a factor in moving to London?
When I first moved to London, it was primarily as a means to an end – to fund my travels and experiences. However, as I took on a variety of roles, I quickly discovered I genuinely enjoyed the work I was doing. I was on a youth mobility visa, so I sought sponsorship opportunities that would allow me to continue working in London and explore management roles.
This led me to a position as an accountant at a global construction company, which eventually brought me to Dublin. This shift to a new sector was a steep learning curve but I’ve always been keen on learning new things, so it was an exciting challenge. I actively pursued senior roles and put my hand up for opportunities, enhancing my problem-solving and technical skills, and laying the groundwork for future managerial positions.
The flexibility and independence of the role suited me perfectly. I’ve always preferred working independently, and this job gave me that freedom, along with the responsibility of managing significant aspects of the work. Post COVID, I relocated back to London, maintaining a connection with my Dublin colleagues through quarterly visits.
Currently, I am a Senior Financial Accountant at Linesight handling multi-million euro entities across Europe and have moved into a senior role within my team. It was gratifying to know I am doing the job well, and it affirmed my belief that I was on the right path.
The company’s culture has played a pivotal role in my development during my five years of working for them. Linesight’s recognition of hard work has not only helped me excel in my role but also instilled a sense of belonging and pride in my work. Working at Linesight has been a remarkable experience, and has offered both guidance and freedom to innovate and take ownership of my projects and I’m grateful to be part of this organisation.
This experience in London was not just about earning a living; it became a vital part of my professional and personal growth.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is all about the well-being and security of my family. It’s about reaching a point where I can ensure their comfort and stability, both personally and financially. True success is creating a life where providing for my whānau is a choice fueled by desire, not a necessity driven by circumstance. That’s the benchmark I set for myself – a world where work supplements our lives, rather than defining them.
What are your support systems?
In my journey, I’ve cultivated strong friendships within the Māori, Kōhanga Reo, Pacific and LGBTQ+ communities, fostering bonds that are both enriching and empowering. These relationships have provided me with a sense of belonging and understanding, crucial for personal and cultural identity. Similarly, at Linesight, I’ve built meaningful connections with my colleagues, creating a professional support network that’s both inspiring and collaborative. These diverse but equally important relationships have significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.
The foundation of my support system is my community of ‘Aunties’. They are akin to mentors, confidantes, and guiding figures in my life. These women, some of whom are my mothers’ age, have been instrumental in creating a space where I can be my true self. They offer perspectives that resonate deeply with my own and we share similar mindsets and values that go beyond age and background. This network provides not just emotional support but also a sense of cultural and personal identity that is invaluable. In their company, I find both solace and strength.
What advice would you give your younger self as they start their journey?
If I could offer advice to my younger self it would be to be more confident and just to do it. Over time, I’ve become strong headed, more confident and have embraced change. One other key aspect is to find your tribe – discovering the people who truly resonate with you.
Your perception of people will evolve. Initially, you might find yourself being quite judgmental, but you’ll come to realise that your unique quirks and ‘craziness’ are not just acceptable, but they’re what make you special.
Embrace your individuality; it’s okay not to fit the conventional mould. Your journey is about discovering and being true to yourself, no matter how different that may seem.
What practices have you developed to ‘keep yourself on track’?
To stay on track, I’ve established very clear boundaries, especially when it comes to work-life balance. I make it a point not to discuss work outside of my working hours, adhering to this rule quite strictly. This helps me maintain a healthy separation between my professional and personal life.
I’m keenly aware of what and who brings joy into my life. I make a conscious effort to spend quality time with people who matter to me and contribute positively to my well-being.
What have you learnt about yourself during your time in the UK?
Travelling, I’ve learned, is incredibly beneficial. It teaches you to venture out and embrace new experiences. Coming from New Zealand, which felt quite insular, my initial move to London was a real eye-opener. I arrived with a judgmental mindset, closed off to many things. However, living in London has shifted my perspective significantly. I now approach life and people with a more open and stress-free attitude.
In New Zealand, there are societal norms to achieve specific milestones by certain ages, such as homeownership, marriage, and parenthood, often leaving little space for anything different. London’s social landscape is refreshingly different. Here, I am my full self.