“Growing up my next door neighbour was a teacher and headmaster. He used to tell me that I was always asking questions, but I said “How am I ever going to know anything without asking”? My mother could hardly speak english, she could only write her name. Education for my children was important to me. My children have done really well. Each one of them has got something for their own lives. I always said to them, “In this life you have to make it yourself. You have to look after yourself and work for it”. That is my motto, look after yourself, work for yourself and love one another. This is a strong kaupapa in my family.”
