Multitalented singer-songwriter and television interviewer Anika Moa has just launched yet another project. It's an RNZ podcast called It's Personal with Anika Moa, in which she chats with a number of high-profile New Zealanders. If the headline grabbing first instalment with filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley is anything to go by, it's a winner.
"It's about people who've come through hard times, and come out stronger and better," says the 43year-old musician, who has already fronted two chat shows, All Talk with Anika Moa and Anika Moa Unleashed.
"Getting them to tell their stories as comfortably as they can - and at times it's not comfortable - is really hard, but I'm here for that totally," explains Anika. "It's okay to have those hard journeys. And I love interviewing people. It's my one big passion."
Anika herself is remarkably honest and open about her own struggles and mistakes, so perhaps that's why people trust her with theirs. This warm-hearted, strong-willed child of Ōtara, South Auckland, has had her fair share of challenges.
Her dad Tia Moa was doing time in prison when she was born. Her mum Bernadette, an immigrant from Gloucestershire in England, divorced Tia when Anika was two, moving from Ōtara to Christchurch with her two older sons and her young daughter.
Bernadette has been a rock for Anika. The singer smiles, "I'm her mini-me. She is so social, so funny and can talk your ear off in a good way. She's just my best friend. I couldn't have asked for a better mum.
She's my greatest mentor and the most resilient woman I know."
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