When I found out more about the Maori culture, I fell in love with it, and with the people, too.
I personally really sympathise with the Maori cause - what's gone on historically and their struggle today as a culture, and how they hold on to that identity and stand up for what's rightfully theirs.
I went to a boarding school with a strong Maori tradition, where we were taught all about the haka.
What does 'Ngaio' mean? I don't know. Like many Maori words, it has a number of meanings - clever, light on the water, a little bug - but I don't know which my parents had in mind.
I'm quite proud of growing up in New Zealand where, from quite early on in primary school, you're learning to count in Maori, Maori mythology and dances and colours and history, and I think that gives a child a really good grounding.
Pretty much all my mother's side is Kiwi, and we have a strong Maori heritage.
Everybody recommends New Zealand. I really want to learn this haka, the traditional dance - I love it; it's so cool.
I'm part Maori. My mum's Maori, and she raised me. And my grandma, she's Maori.
