PROUD TO BE LOCAL — SPONSORED BY CFM IS OUR INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE , HIGHLIGHTING HOMEGROWN COROMANDEL PENINSULA FOLKS DOING WONDERFUL THINGS OUT IN THE WORLD.
Where do you live, and how long have you been there?
I’ve been living in Perth, Australia for 10 years. Crazy!
Where did you grow up?
Kūaotunu has always been my home and where my heart is. Very lucky to be brought up on our farm, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches.
When did you live there?
Until I was 19. Back and forth from studying, but left when I was 22.
Which school/s did you attend?
Te Rerenga and Mercury Bay Area School
Highlights since you finished school?
Got engaged with the love of my life and became the mama of a healthy baby girl in 2021, which teaches you wonderful things. I appreciate my mum and dad much more now.
I lived in Canada and Japan. Japanese pronunciation is similar to Māori, and the snow there is AMAZING!
I started the clothing brand KIK. which stands for Kids in Kūaotunu; a journey that connected me with amazing humans. When I came up with the idea, I was working FIFO (Fly in Fly out) as a Health and Lifestyle coordinator. A lightbulb went off one day: Why don’t I just do it? I researched everything to start a brand and began. Best decision I ever made!
How do you spend your days now?
Designing new collections, creating content and packing orders. When I’m not working, I take photos, go to Pilates, go fishing and kayaking, take my daughter, who is 2, on the bike and spend time with friends and whānau.
What do you like the most about the culture where you are?
First Nations culture should be more celebrated in Australia and incorporated into schools like in NZ. When I worked in the mines, a lady came to our training day and educated us on the culture and history. It was insightful and heartbreaking.
What are you most proud of?
Giving life to a baby changes you. I’m very proud to be the mama of my baby girl.
I’m proud of creating a clothing brand without prior knowledge; I learned everything from online sources and networking. You can do anything you set your mind to!
My nephew and nieces. They are a part of Ngaru pou kapa haka roopu in Perth.
Hearing and watching them keeps us grounded and connected to our Māori culture. They recently performed at a Chiefs’ game!
What are your fondest memories of home?
Fishing, farm life, the beaches, our culture and people, diving and bushwalking without worrying about sharks or snakes.
I miss roaming the farm on the quad. Moving cows and sheep with my dad. You may see him in Kūaotunu on his quad with 3-4 dogs on the back.
The rugby club in Whitianga holds many special memories; my koko (Grandfather) Wi Hemopo, a life member, has a special corner there. My mum, Linda Simpson née Hemopo, and her brothers, my dad, Garrick Simpson, my sister and I played rugby there.
Have you been back home recently?
For six weeks. It was great, but the weather sucked. Quite stressful on the plane with a toddler, but still the best. Whānau bonding, Kūaotunu Store’s ice cream, Kua Kawhe’s coffee and pizza from Lukes Kitchen. Always great coming home, visiting our secret spots. So many people I don’t know, though! The town is the same but so different at the same time.
Who are you looking forward to catching up with next time you are home?
My mum and dad, my whānau, my best friend Jussy and especially my favourite: Uncle Clint!
What advice would you give younger you?
My younger self probably wouldn’t listen to older/wiser Jaz!
Always stay true to yourself and your morals. Lead your own path. Listen more. Travel more before you have a baby.
And save your hard work and business things on the cloud or One Drive, not on your computer!
Biggest life lesson so far?
Life is short. Some of the greatest people in your life will leave your world in a second. Never take that for granted. Create memories. Be grateful.
Check out Jasmine’s proud creation, KIK. here.
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