Never say die martial artist, parent, educator, advocate, political activist, social justice fighter, onna-bugeisha.

What issues are most important to you?

Poverty, transgender rights, LGBTIQ+ suicide rates, gender equality, Te Tiriti relationships acknowledged, strengthened and acted on.

In 2017, what change would you most like to see?

Action on poverty. Gender Identity formally added to the protections in the Human Rights Act. A change of government. Trump, and those like him, gone.

What achievement are you most proud of?

The work done by the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel, Auckland Pride returning to its activist roots, having my work (and that of others) acknowledged when I was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Who inspires you?

My spouse and my son, my whānau, my whakawahine sisters, so many mana wahine, No Pride in Prisons, my socialist comrades, those who stand up and fight back against oppression.

Name your favourite queer anthem or protest song.

Anything by Elizabeth Ziff or BETTY. I’ll get slaughtered for this, but I love the theme from The L Word.  And the message buried in Joni Mitchell’s Woodstock:

By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere there was song and celebration
And I dreamed I saw the bombers
Riding shotgun in the sky
And they were turning into butterflies
Above our nation