My Passion & Hobbies

Well, here’s a whirlwind of my journey so far. Parts of it, anyway. So, having made a name for myself in the bodybuilding world (and a bit of a reputation in the Pacific Island communities), I thought, “Why not try something else?” Acting came to mind. I tried it, but to be honest not having a car was the first hiccup. I was a city boy living in the city. Living in the city of Auckland meant I walked everywhere, and while most things were conveniently close. Film sets? Not so much. Funny how proximity changes everything, eh?

So, with acting on the back burner, I dipped my toes into the world of modelling, specifically fitness modelling. And that, let me tell you, took off faster than I could have imagined. Suddenly the invitations started pouring in and I was swept up in opportunities I’d never dreamed of. A particularly vivid memory? Accompanying a Miss New Zealand Samoa contestant to the Miss South Pacific event. Think about it: a major beauty pageant with all the glamour of the Pacific and Oceanic zones, and there I was a mixture of nerves and pride walking alongside her at the event in Auckland. Surreal!

Not long after that, I found myself representing Pacific Island bodybuilders at the Pasefika Fashion Show. Huge event. Huge stage. The crowd buzzed with energy, in the heat of the lights and the hum of the music in my chest. It was incredible, really.

And then came late ’98. What a whirlwind. With so much going on (some of which I can’t even fit in here), I was given the nudge to enter a men’s event, our version of Miss Universe or Miss World, but for men: Mr New Zealand International Manhunt (under the umbrella of Mr International Manhunt). It sounded like a wild idea, but I said yes. Why not, right? The competition in Auckland was… electric. I was a novice surrounded by these ridiculously good-looking guys, it felt a bit like turning up to a party with the wrong dress code. But somehow I made it into the top ten (eighth place), not bad, to be precise. Rookie luck? Maybe!

Anyway, enough about the competition. The creative stuff, that’s where my soul really lies. Brainstorming is my thing. Ideas swirl around me all the time, almost like a restless tide. I love working online, whether it’s tinkering with new projects or going down rabbit holes of inspiration. Music is a constant companion, it helps me focus, relax or just be. Films too. I get lost in them, sometimes re-watching old favourites just for the nostalgia.

Oddly enough, housework makes the list – indoor or out, it doesn’t matter. There’s something therapeutic about it, like clearing out physical and mental clutter. And family? Always, always the centre of attention.

Writing, however, has become something else entirely. A passion, a purpose, maybe even a calling. I pour myself into words, sharing insights and stories in the hope that they will resonate with someone out there. Helping people live simpler, healthier lives is like leaving tiny breadcrumbs of encouragement. What started as a casual hobby has grown into something … more. A business? Sure. But also a way of giving back.

And when I’m not “doing” anything? You’ll probably find me in the middle of a power nap or just staring off into space, daydreaming. Books are always within reach, though I’m a sucker for a good read. Life is a strange mix of ambition and tranquillity these days, and honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Except maybe, you know, owning a car in the old days. It would have saved me a lot of walking, especially for work like …acting.