10 Questions: Maori 'don't get special treatment'

Matire Duncan.

This week's Newsmaker is Matire Duncan, who was in the news for her efforts in trying to establish a Maori seat on Tauranga City Council.

1 Describe yourself in three words.

"Stubborn, practical and straightforward."

2 Many people will know you for your role in the story this week about Maori ward seats, but what else do you get up to?

"Office administrator for the Nga Potiki a Tamapahore Trust. Tauranga Citizens Club and Cherrywood Arms Social Club. Favourite sports teams " ABs and Lydia Ko (she's a team, her and her caddy)."

3 What do you think is the biggest misconception of Maori representation roles in the Bay?

"That Maori get special treatment."

4 After a hectic week, how do you best like to wind down?

"Gardening, golf and red wine (not necessarily in that order)."

5 For you, what is the most special place in the Western Bay (or best kept secret) and why?

"Fishing from a boat at Tuhua (Mayor Island) or Motiti Island."

6 There's heaps of reality shows on TV these days. If you had the chance, which show would you most like to star on and why?

"ITM Fishing Show."

7 When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

"Rich and famous."

8 What whakatauke (Maori proverb) do you strive to live by and why?

"Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takimano. My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective."

9 If you could spend lunch with anyone in the world alive or dead, who would it be and why?

"Mandela - inspirational."

10 What song or music is guaranteed to get your singing along?

"Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt."