Jenny-May's milestone 'I'M READY TO FACE THE FUTURE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|June 24, 2024
The Breakfast host is emotional about her decision to stand with her ancestors
Kasia De Vydt-Jillings
Jenny-May's milestone 'I'M READY TO FACE THE FUTURE'

After marking her 50th birthday and receiving her moko kauae (traditional Māori chin tattoo) in April this year, Jenny-May Clarkson is celebrating a newfound sense of freedom.

Smiling, the Breakfast presenter says it’s been a liberating experience to welcome the milestone birthday and embrace being unapologetically herself.

“As I turn 50, I’m acutely aware of how much time I’ve got left and there’s an urgency about the way I live my life,” she shares.

“My dad [Waka Coffin] was very humble and instilled in us that we’re only here because of our tūpuna [ancestors]. I was always very thoughtful about what I did and said, and how it would reflect on my family.

“I still have that in mind, but I’m also learning to be a bit more me. There’s more willingness to explore who I am at 50, and I’m finding the freedom to express myself more than I have previously and not being afraid to say things.”

This discovery has also inspired the former Silver Fern to encourage her eight-year-old twin sons Te Manahau and Atawhai more than ever to be authentically themselves.

“With my tama [children], it’s about finding balance between humility and respect for those who went before us, and expressing themselves,” says JennyMay. “I want to lift my boys up and celebrate everything about them so they’re not waiting as long as me to celebrate being Māori and proud of where we come from.

“For me, it’s coming a bit later, but I’m getting there and there’s no doubt receiving my kauae is a huge part of this transformation.”

Referring to her moko kauae, Jenny-May explains she’s always felt a deep sense of belonging seeing other wāhine wearers.

“I grew up with my marae less than 100 metres from home and my mum [Paddy Coffin] is still there. I saw nannies with kauae on marae and there was a comfort in it, like somehow you were a part of them and they were a part of you.”

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 24, 2024 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 24, 2024 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLY مشاهدة الكل
The perfect GETAWAY
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

The perfect GETAWAY

From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Message in a BOTTLE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Message in a BOTTLE

Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Empowered & thriving!  PERFECT AT ANY AGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE

Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE

From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT

The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD

After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART

After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро

It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART

The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB

The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024