60 seconds with: Rita Fatialofa-Patolo

Rita Fatialofa-Patolo with students (left to right) Ileini Palu, Jireh Falani, Ashley Isaia, Esther Singapu, and Jahne Ngaluafe.

Rita Fatialofa-Patolo former national softball and netball representative

Q. ince your playing days you've coached the Samoan netball team, worked at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and become a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport. You're now at Auckland Girls' Grammar School as vocational pathways co-ordinator. Track your journey for us ...

I was going nuts looking at spreadsheets every day at the TEC but I enjoyed what they stood for, trying to get the 17-25 age group into education and workplaces. I thought I'd be better trying to inspire people face-to-face. I trained as a phys-ed teacher when I was 20 and taught for 10 years so wanted to get back doing something I loved. I try to get work placements for our Year 13 students so when they leave school they're better prepared for tertiary study and have a more realistic knowledge of the world. I'm not a fan of doing it one particular way. I like the girls to be practical and aware of how to make their own decisions.

Q. What are some examples?

We had a day where the girls took responsibility for their own stalls and sold products to donate a profit towards charity. It helped their business, customer service, entrepreneurial and creativity skills and the profits went to the Starship Hospital Foundation. I was proud they made it a resounding success.

Q. You're also coaching netball in the lower grades ...

Yes, I look after the wider programme but concentrate on Years 9 and 10.

Q. Do you still play?

No, I've long since given netball away but have come full circle. It's great working with young minds. Girls have different things to be distracted by, but those who love netball are easy to hang around. I'm not doing anything on the softball front, but watch from afar.

Q. What was it like to live back in Samoa as a coach and a sports development officer?

I lived there from 2001-03 and it was fun, especially coaching the girls to the world championships in Jamaica. I was blessed to have Linda Vagana's leadership and quality players like Rachel Rasmussen and Anna Senio.

Q. You're bidding in an auction to watch your favourite netballer and softballer. Who gets your cash?

For netball, I love watching Maria Tutaia, she's my favourite. For softball, Cheryl Kemp's such a hard case. She was the pitcher from like 100 years ago for Canterbury. A witty, hilarious woman.

Q. Now you're headed out to dinner. What restaurant and why?

The [Marvel] Grill on North Wharf. The seafood platter is a winner.

Q. Perhaps a robust conversation topic for the table: is New Zealand moving towards a genuinely multicultural society?

Yes, but I was always aware of the value diversity brought from a young age. In softball we went to Chinese Taipei, the Philippines and Indonesia so, for me, the world has always been a bright and colourful place. Some of the most fabulous people I've come across are from different cultures, so I welcome their acceptance. Like [coach] Lois Muir and the 1987 [world championship-winning netball] team. Everyone was passionate for a cause but we respected each others' differences. I embrace that. Winning's also good for the soul and the achievements get exaggerated as the years go by. My parents travelled here in the 1950s and we were always encouraged to work hard and make the most of our opportunities. I was the youngest of seven and sport and education were always foundation stones in our lives along with the church. My mum got us into sport through the local athletics club.

Q. After all these questions you'll need some R&R. Where are you going?

Hawaii. A beautiful place to relax ... and I've got cousins there.