From inspiration to application
Aoatea grew up near Gisborne. She once wrote an essay about why you shouldn’t go to university. But that all changed when she found her inspiration.
“Coming from Gisborne to Auckland is a big change, especially coming from a Kura Kaupapa. We had five people in my class.
“I wrote an essay at school about why you shouldn't go to uni, but I’m definitely proud of myself for giving it a go. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed it.”
Watching a movie can be a turning point. A biography about iconic Māori activist Dame Whina Cooper was just that for Aotea. The film Whina was written, directed and produced by Māori.
“I wrote an essay at school about why you shouldn't go to uni, but I’m definitely
proud of myself for giving it a go. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed
it.”
“Seeing Whina during school inspired me a lot – to see Māori women working behind cameras and in front of the camera as well inspired me to study film.”
Aoatea was also inspired by the film Boy and director Taika Waititi’s stellar success in Hollywood. “With Taika Waititi being in the industry, I think he had a lot of influence as well, just seeing how a Kiwi can make it that far.”
A small acting role was another a springboard for Aoatea. “In Waka Ama [competitive canoe racing], we had a crew follow us in London for a world competition. And then from that I got the opportunity to be a background actor. Working in front of the camera inspired me.”
“I think having that exposure to working on screen, as well as just being around cameras and stuff, inspired me to go to university because I had something I wanted to study for.”
Aoatea found inspiration all around her. Where will you find yours?