Overview
November 2015: Protests and community projects have become part of Teina's already active life. She was ‘born into activism,’ says her mum, Marama.
Teina has a strong, determined personality -- is ‘still the boss’ jokes her mum. She has taken part in a protest against the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a vigil for Syria (being torn apart by civil war), and environmental campaigns, including local beach and waterway clean ups. The family led a community clean-up at the Totara Park river in Manukau, Auckland.
Teina’s favourite colour is red, she loves outdoor activities, and playing at interior design, but she wants to join the police when she grows up.
Upheavals
Teina’s mum lost her job and was unemployed for about six months, which enabled her to be a stay-at-home mum. But that’s about to change. Marama has recently become a Minister of Parliament for the Green Party. When she takes up her new job, an older sibling will move home to help look after the younger children (Teina is one of six).
The family was forced to move when the house they were renting became unaffordable. This was a big upheaval: they moved from East Tamaki and found themselves competing with many other families in Auckland’s overheated rental market. They eventually secured an ex-state house in Manurewa. The family's new home is extremely cold in the winter, so the children wear hats and socks to bed at night to stay warm.
School
Teina attends Leabank Primary School, which she walks to with her two brothers each day. She loves reading.
Sport
Teina plays T-ball and softball at school. She is a big supporter of her brother’s rugby, and enjoys watching national and international rugby matches with her family.
Cultural activities
Teina is part of Ngā Mokopuna o te Tai Tonga Kapa Haka group.
Her mum has been teaching her Māori at home. Teina understands Māori, and speaks a little bit.
Free time
Teina loves riding her bike and scooter, bouncing on the trampoline, climbing trees, and outdoor fun.
Inside, she plays dress-ups and fashion shows. She really enjoys pop music and dancing. She has no single favourite toy, except perhaps her bike, and loves little treasures and trinkets.
Screen-time
Teina likes watching house renovation programmes on TV, and imitating them. She’ll watch YouTube clips about doing up your room, then give her room a makeover using items from around the house. She has access to an iPad and smartphone, which she occasionally uses.
Food
Teina is ‘a bit fussy’, says her mum. She loves pies, but isn’t so keen on fruit and vegetables. Marama makes fruit, vegetables, and flax seed smoothies to ensure Teina and her brothers get their vitamins and minerals.