Taupunakohe Tocker. Photo / Babiche Martens
TV presenter Taupunakohe Tocker is a confident dresser who always has more room in her wardrobe for shoes. Viva finds out more about her style.
Taupunakohe Tocker is a presenter on the TV2 show I Am TV, a position she took up earlier this year after holding various television roles.
Last year she also worked as programme co-ordinator for Kotuia!, a Maori youth development programme that used performance as the vehicle to tell Maori
stories and help reconnect young people to their place and who they are.
"It really resonated with me and made me realise I have a passion for the stage, and would love to get into theatre," says Tocker, from Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tainui, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Porou and Ngati Maniapoto.
When it comes to style, she describes herself as an emotional dresser ("I dress according to my mood that day and I know what suits my body"), and she counts her collection of shoes as her happy place.
What do you wear to work?
If we are filming then I have to pay more attention to my outfits, but if it's a research day I can be a bit more casual and wear some of my favourites like my yellow Nike kicks or gold high tops.
Most stylish city?
I imagine most people would say somewhere overseas - however I want to represent Aotearoa style. I think Wellington is stylish, everyone looks so funky and individual. I love walking down Cuba St and seeing all the people rocking their own style.
Favourite designers?
Sass & Bide. They are vibrant, sexy and fun. Dolce and Gabbana - I love their dresses, although I haven't had the privilege of ever wearing one.
What do you want to buy next?
I don't have an item that I want to buy next - if I see something and I like it, I will get it.
What do you wear most?
At the moment I have been wearing my leather studded bracelet and beaded bangles made by stylist Sarah Koopu.
Your favourite shop?
I don't actually have a favourite shop, however I do go to Lippy often as they always have something I like.
What's your beauty essential?
Mascara. I love BIG bold lashes, they make your eyes look huge.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
The Sass & Bide gals or my friend Erana's. She has so many great pairs of heels, but her feet are smaller than mine, damn it.
You feel best wearing?
Any pair of my shoes. They are the one thing you can put on no matter how big or small you are that will always fit.
Most cherished item?
I have about 30 to 40 pairs of shoes and I love them all - they are my happy place. I think it may be from childhood, playing dress ups. Even at that age I remember how good I felt wearing pretty shoes.
Your personal style quirk?
I know what works for my body so I get clothes that suit my body shape.
Your favourite stylish place?
Neighbourhood Bar in Kingsland. You don't have to dress up too much and I love it when they have live music sometimes on a Saturday.
How would your best friend describe your style?
Experimental, feminine, someone who knows what compliments her body.
What one item from your wardrobe immediately makes you feel great in?
I have a little black dress that has never done me wrong - it's been there in the good times and the bad.
