Tena koutou, My name is Waimania Wallace. I believe one of the most important things in life is investing time in your community. If we take a holistic approach, we are able to communicate more effectively with one another, and work towards a mutual goal of functional communities that are enjoyable to live in. I have served my local community on the Point Chevalier school board and as a tennis commitee member of our local club where I enjoy playing tennis.The best thing about living in Point Chevalier is swimming at our local beach; where there is always a friend to bump into.

 

I have worked in visual arts for most of my working life, exhibiting and curating art exhibitions as well as collaborating in community art projects in my home town of Dunedin. After moving to Auckland I spent many years in the ceramic industry. I live with my husband Tim and 16 year-old Gene. My daughter Aniwa, is learning how to dress for the cold, while she completes a communications degree in Dunedin. We also have a crazy ‘Bearded Collie’ called Bubbles.

 

I have worked alongside my husband Tim Codyre, representing his website and taking care of his IT and communication needs for Carved Ornament. Tim is the only person I know under 80 who does not use or own a mobile phone. After a tough couple of years in the art world and film industry. I decided to improve the family fortunes by going back to school and upscaling my communication skills. It was time to slough off my dinosaur scales, so that I could more ably meet the challenges of this new millennium. I feel my previous work experience has enabled me to make the most of the digital and communication skills I learned while studying for my Bachelor of Communications degree’ (Majoring in Film and Television.)

 

 My learning journey at AUT enabled me the privilege of telling my own stories and enabling others to tell their stories. Furthermore, learning how to think critically and research effectively has strengthened my ability to more ably understand the motivations of all stakeholders in a wider range of issues affecting us all in this millennium. The  rapid rise in cyber technology has provided many societal solutions but alongside this brave new world the challenge is remembering it is about te tangata, te tangata, te tangata (The people the people the people)! Maintaining and growing strong communities within our cities, valleys, towns and counties is crucial if we are to hold onto our cherished nation of Aotearoa, as a peaceful, healthy beautiful place we can all be proud of. Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership is a great foundation from which to uphold those principles.