Garage Drinks With Mike

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand is a heavily accomplished actor, singer, director and now also an Intimacy Coordinator. She is currently the President of Equity NZ and was named the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for 2020. Yes. You read that correctly. NZer of the Year. Fully fluent in Te Reo Maori - she has been gifted the name Te Atamira (The Stage). It was very cool to sit down with her and talk to her about her various working roles, life as an artist and her journey of immersion into the Maori language and culture. She is articulate, genuine and intelligent and it was real pleasure to chat with her. Thank you for your time Jennifer.

My man Daren is born and raised in Viti (the indigenous name of Fiji - which we talk about in the podcast) and is a poet and writer. It was a real honour to sit down with him and I personally learnt a lot from this podcast. Daren has a wealth of knowledge about Pacific history and some of it is truly fascinating. We talked about the current Covid situation in Viti, our experiences of both growing up in the islands, rugby (of course) and his new book, "Vunimaqo and Me" which is out now and is his newest collection of poetry. I've read it and it is definitely something else. Thank you Daren for your time, if you're interested in purchasing his book of poetry it's available in the link below http://kavabowlmedia.com/vunimaqo/

DJ AlDoodie aka Alfred 'Aholelei is a Tongan husband, father and DJ that has been in the game since forever. He now runs Mafana Sound which is a very cool production company that provides the atmosphere and audio soundscape to funerals and to any other significant events that require this service. It was great to sit down with him, give him some of my curry and talk about his take on life and where he feels he's at. He also talks openly here about the racist situation he was involved in that went viral a few years ago. Thank you bro for your time and your authenticity.

Kalo is a Tongan/Maori bank manager. She was great to sit down with and her unfiltered sense of humour is really contagious. This is a story about finding your roots, staying humble, financial literacy and more than anything this is a story of love. A love story of her family - for her dad, her husband and her son and I see this as also a tribute to her late nana, who recently passed away but had a big part in raising Kalo. Thank you Kalo for your time, thank you for your honesty. I really hope this story reaches out to you the listeners/viewers as Kalo's authenticity comes across so well in this podcast. Oh, also at some points you will really hear the rain on the roof, as this podcast was happening while we were in a mini storm. Wonderful Auckland weather :)

John Pulu is a Tongan presenter and reporter for TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika, and for Pacific Media Network. None of his comments should reflect either company or brand. I'm kidding. He is a true servant of the Pacific community and has a real passion for keeping our community updated and well informed with the correct information. I apologise in advance this podcast has many laughs as it is nearly impossible to stay serious for more than 5 minutes. We talk about many different things and are eating lu sipi which is lamb that has been cooked in coconut cream and taro leaves. Thank you for your time bro, thank you for all you do for our Pacific people. Enjoy.

Ruben Wiki, also known as the Kava King, is one of NZ's living legends when it comes to Rugby League. He is the most capped Kiwis player, has played over 300 NRL games and was one of the most lethal enforcers when he was playing. Born and raised in Otara, South Auckland it is only fitting that his gym Wiki Workz, is based there and is giving back to the community that helped raised him. I really enjoyed sitting down with him, he is an all round nice guy who has a big heart and of course his request was for a bowl of Kava.

Barbra Auva'a is a Samoan athlete that was sent over here to NZ as a child. Her journey thus far has had obstacles and successes but her attitude and approach to life has a fierceness that will jump out at you. She has been a beauty pageant, a champion NZ power lifter and still her journey continues into other fields that she now wants to dominate.She has a way on not letting things keep her down or making her feel discouraged. I have no doubt that she will very soon be successful at what she's doing as her mindset is always very focused. I really enjoyed sitting down with her and I hope her podcast reaches out to you and speaks to you. If you find a few irregularities with this podcast it's because the camera died a few times (so thank you for your patience Barb!), and also this is my fifth attempt at uploading it - thank you Canaan Ene for coming to the rescue!

Naz is originally from South Africa, is of Indian descent but is now a proud Kiwi. She is a fulltime, hardworking solo parent of 3 who definitely never sees the glass half full - if anything she makes damn sure her cup is always full! I really enjoyed sitting down with her and this just might be the podcast you need to hear today that will spark that fire in you to overcome whatever struggles you're going through. Naz's energy and fierce sense of independence is something that is very inspiring and I want to thank her for being brave and courageous not just for sitting down and being ruthlessly honest about shortcomings and tribulations, but also for having the motivation just to get outta bed everyday and fight the good fight! Enjoy.

Te Kohe Tuhaka is a Maori father, actor, director, and now producer who has been in the storytelling game for the last 20 years. It was great to sit down with him and even though him and I have shared many a garage drink over the years there is still things I hadn't fully learnt about his journey that I heard for the first time in this. The man from Gisborne has many talents - some of them we talk about in this but mainly his journey to becoming the artist and person he is today has been the fruits of a lot of the work he has put in over the years and also the many life experiences that have guided him. Always a pleasure. Everyone - my bro, TK. Kava drank in this episode was generously supplied by @uovkavafarm - hit them up on IG for some of this goodness.

Indira is a Tongan Mother, Producer, Journalist, a very talented singer and is currently a presenter on TVNZ's Breakfast show every weekday morning. It was great to sit down with her and in true Tongan fashion she turned up with amazing food cooked by her super talented chef husband (@themusclechef on IG). This conversation about who she is, where she's come from and what drives her was very moving, and she opened up about different aspects of her life that she probably wouldn't normally talk about. I found her to be inspiring, courageous, well spoken and a true beacon of hope for anyone that dares to dream of bettering themselves or simply dares to dream of a better life. Thank you for your time sis. The version of this podcast on Youtube has images inserted throughout it. Music by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm

It's Level 3 Lockdown here in NZ so because we couldn't get a guest on we decided to switch it up and get Nora to interview me. Try new things right? So this goes a bit more in depth into my background, where I was raised etc. Also gives you a bit of a glimpse into how this podcast is run from behind the scenes, and this is a way more loose chat as we wanted you to get to know us a bit better as the duo behind this podcast. We've added in some images again on the Youtube version to this to keep mixing it up a bit and we hope you enjoy. Music as always by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm and a bit of a mix on the intro logo by @djdox1 which we thought was real cool!

Keven Mealamu is back on the podcast! First repeat guest back on and always such a pleasure to have him in the garage. Here he talks a bit more about what it was like for his father growing up in Samoa, life after rugby, his family and what he does for the community. For the first time as well we have added in some images throughout this podcast on Youtube to try something a little bit different. Link is below. Thank you as always for your time uso. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdgGyoNhMyc&t=252s

Listeners - You're in for a treat. Reina Vaai is a dynamic Samoan lawyer, journalist and also is the author of children's books. She was great to sit down with as she speaks her mind freely and has strong opinions. I loved having her on as she is such a great example and role model for our young girls (and boys) who aspire to take careers that may seem difficult to get into, or choose career paths that may seem inaccessible.The world needs more Reinas and she is a massive asset to her community. I could go on and on about Reina as she is incredibly multi faceted, but none of what I would say would measure up to how well spoken and eloquent she is - so I will let her do the talking..... Faafetai tele lava Reina for your time. Music by @marekothehorse Logo Art by @larissamcm

My bro Rob is an awesome Maori performer and writer - and back in 2009 he attempted to take his own life in a very violent way.... His story to becoming the person he is today that helps inspire and teach people about self love and self care is a story that needs to be heard to be believed. As is with mental health - the journey is lifelong - you are not healed overnight. If you or anyone you know are feeling depressed or suicidal, help is always a phone call away. Now more than ever is Rob's message so important, to be kind, love yourself and look after others. "Hurt people hurt people. Healed people heal people." In NZ you can call or text 1737 which has trained counsellors 24hrs a day available to listen and help. Youthline : 0800 376 633 or text 234 Depression Helpline is 0800 111 757 or text 4202 Lifeline Aotearoa is 0800 LIFELINE (0800 5433543)or text HELP (4357) The National Sexual Helpline is 0800 044 334 or text 4334 Sucide Crisis Line : 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865) Australia Helpline : Beyond Blue - Support for Depression and Anxiety call 1300 22 4636 Lifeline - 13 11 14 Headspace : For young people call 1800 650 890 For those affected by sexual abuse call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 8255) The Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741 to connect to a crisis counsellor in the US or Canada.

We've all had that one school teacher we remember who has affected us in a strong way. This one is for all the good teachers out there. Alosina is a Samoan/Maori school teacher in the far north of NZ and it was great to sit down with her and hear firsthand what it's like to be a teacher today. It's a profession that can't be taken for granted yet often is, but her journey to finding her passion really comes through and is evident in the continual impact she has had in some of her students lives. This is also a talk about finding ones cultural identity and finding your place in the world. Thank you for your time Alosina.

Fiao'o (BlackFern#108​) is a proud Samoan that became the first NZ Black Fern to reach 50 test caps and is a former captain of the team. Incredibly, she has been to 5 RWC's and has been part of the winning team 4 times. However her story is one of humility, success and a path that has always had its challenges. Female inequality in sport, family sacrifices and how to emerge from dark places.... I really enjoyed catching up with her. To go from such humble beginnings of being born in Samoa to being awarded the NZ Order of Merit for services to rugby, and to currently be qualified and working as a detective in South Auckland - this feels like the story of the movie that is still playing out.... Malo 'Aupito Fi for your time, your honesty and your strength.

Dr Tui Matelau-Doherty is a brilliant, young Maori/Tongan academic who has recently achieved her PhD in her early 30s. I have known Tui for a few years and I really enjoyed sitting down with her and getting to know her journey of success and also the roadblocks she has encountered along the way. Tui is born and bred in South Auckland, and from her constant 'can do' attitude through to her future political and academic aspirations, she is someone that will be - if not already - "a voice at the table of decision making". Edited by @CANAANENE ​Intro/Outro Music by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm

Bun Leng is the owner of delicious Papakura Satay Noodle House, and yet he is so much more. He was great to talk to, is a natural hilarious chatterbox so the podcast went was easy to do and had it's own flow. Bun is extremely honest, a genuine person about his challenges and faults but also very successful because of his ability to always check himself and be honest with himself. Communities need more business owners like Bun that are also always thinking of ways to give back to their local communities. Thank you for your time bro and I wish you and Jas all the best. Bun's IG - @sataynoodlehouse Intro/Outro Music by @marekothehorse Logo by @larissamcm T-Shirt from @wewakegiant

Beulah Koale is a Samoan father, husband and actor who across the last 12 years has managed to build himself a career with various roles in TV, Theatre and Film. He currently lives in Hawaii, but has come back to NZ for Christmas so he kindly stopped by the garage to catch up on where he's at. His journey thus far has been of various challenges and successes, but through his tenacity he has forged the person he is today. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and the phrase "Boys to Men" comes to mind as his growth and maturity really come through while always remaining a true SOUTHSIDER.

Keven Mealamu is a veteran 132 test cap All Black who is a great role model and an all round genuine, cool guy. Was humbling to have him in for my first episode and I really enjoyed sitting down and talking to him. He does so many more things today for his local community including running his gym FIT60, and we didn't have enough time to cover everything so I will definitely have him in again.