How do you feel about your body?
I’m not in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Work has been full on over the last 14 months. I’ve been working up to 100 hours a week and so much of that is food! I’m constantly eating. A couple of years ago I was 5-6kg lighter and fitter. Sometimes I think it would be nice to be like that again, but I know I could be if I wanted to. It doesn’t bother me too much. I’m still healthy, I’m just a bit heavier than I used to be.
Are you hard on yourself?
No, I don’t think so. I know I don’t have what is perceived to be the “perfect” body shape, but I’m fine with it. I’m a foodie – food is super important to me and I’d never give up all my delicious treats. My body reflects how I eat – healthily, but I don’t deprive myself of anything either. You can probably see that I eat treats every now and again!
Is there any part of your body that you are insecure about?
I don’t think I’ve ever felt insecure, but if I had a magic wand, I’d probably want to shift the fat from my bum to my boobs! That would be awesome. I’ll probably be thankful for that when I’m older though.
Is there a part of yourself that you particularly like?
I often get compliments that I have a nice collarbone… I don’t know if I could pick a favourite. I think I’m quite lucky with my skin colour. I only have to see a little bit of sun and I colour nicely and don’t burn.
So You’re pretty self-content then?
Yeah. I’m not 100% satisfied, but I’m pretty happy.
What kind of exercise do you do?
I don’t do any formal exercise. I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go out for runs. I do a bit of swimming, but that’s really for enjoyment. I do incidental bits of exercise. If there are stairs, I’ll always take them. I think that’s a sustainable way of keeping fit – I can do this for the rest of my life.
I love going for big, long walks, too. For a treat, we’ll grab a bottle of red wine, some nice blue cheese, crackers, dates and grapes, and walk up the hill to a beautiful setting for a picnic. That’s my exercise. After 45 minutes trudging up the hill with a big picnic basket, I have earned a glass of wine!
How do you think Kiwi women view themselves?
We’re pretty hard on ourselves, more so than in other countries, Kiwi women do cover up a bit more. I think that mirrors our personalities, too. We’ve very modest. It’s just Kiwi culture.
How would you describe the real Kiwi woman?
Slightly conservative, with big hearts. Too many Kiwi women wear black, though. I think we should wear more colour! The most beautiful women I meet, people would not consider them to have perfect bodies, but boy do they look amazing! It’s the way they carry themselves and the colours they wear. It’s their confidence. I aspire to be like those women.
