I (Malcolm - Ed.) have known Metua for more than six years, not that I see her all that often. When I contacted her to feature in this series, her initial response was that she didn't consider herself "important enough". I pointed out that the only "qualification" people needed as far as I was concerned is that they lived in Tawa. This is about Tawa people - some are well-known, others aren't. It makes no difference.

My image of Metua (and I think I'm right) is that of a pleasant, cheerful and kind-hearted individual. You'll find out a little more about her by reading what she has to say about herself here ...

Where were you born, Metua?
Auckland.

Where did you grow up?
Again, that great place Auckland. "Just kidding, I have definitely seen the light and am an adopted Wellingtonian now."

What about college and tertiary education?
Otahuhu primary, intermediate and secondary, then an ever-slight change to Karori Teachers' College.

What is your line of work?
I am a part-time school teacher at St Francis Xavier School (an awesome school by the way).

What about family?
My lovely husband is Merven George. Only two boys, Mathew and Christopher.

What are your interests/hobbies?
I love walking - you see me pounding the streets of Tawa but I much prefer the bush.
I am a toastmaster [Kapi-Mana Toastmasters meet at the Tawa Community Centre on the second & fourth Monday evenings of each month - Ed.]
I love biking - "Please don't run me over, this is easy to do as I get a bit wobbly on my bike sometimes."
Reading.
Doing anything with people - this doesn't have to be anything amazing. I even enjoy cleaning as long as it's with people.

How long have you lived in Tawa?
14 years.

What do you think is great about Tawa?
Definitely the community feeling we have here and yet we are in a city, not a small rural town. It's also the really kind and welcoming people that make up Tawa. "I know this for a fact because I always ask new people to Tawa what they like best about our place - it's the same answer every time."

I think having a community centre was one of the best initiatives ever. "Well done to those people responsible."

What, if anything, would improve Tawa?
Helpers and guides (like the city) but with these people having an extended role of spending time just talking to people. They would also have vouchers to give out for free coffees, etc.

What is your favourite dessert?
Anything sweet and gluten-free - have you seen the size of me!

Favourite sports team or sportsperson?
Valerie Vili and her positive attitude. "I met her and she is full of life."

Favourite musical group or style of music?
Hill Songs; Cook Island chanting.

Favourite holiday destination(s) in New Zealand?
First equal - Lake Hawea and Waitarere Beach and Top of the Bruce, Whakapapa and Hanmer Springs and ...

Favourite quote?
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

If you could meet any three or four people (alive or dead), who would they be?
St Paul; Gandhi; Derek Prince - awesome teacher; my grandparents who I never got to meet.

What three things would you take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?
My laptop with internet connection - you can get everything on line.
My husband - someone has to catch the fish.
My Staysharp knife - to cut the fish.

What is one talent you would like that you do not have?
To have good balance to help me stay on my bike - "I'm serious."

What is one talent you have that you could not do without?
Always looking at the good in people. "Affirming and encouraging them in this area is my God-given gift."

What accomplishment/achievement in your life gives you the most satisfaction/pride?
Being a mother wins hands down. "This is a vote for the mothers out there who don't get recognised enough for doing an amazing job at raising their children."

Anything you would like to do before you die?
Travel and meet different cultures again and again and again. I have travelled to Asia, Indonesia, Australasia, the Pacific and America and yet I don't feel I have travelled much at all!


Compiled September 2009.