Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/49418
her inspiration Hekia Parata Minister of Women's Affairs, Minister of Ethnic Affairs What is the biggest challenge facing New Zealand this year? I think growing the economy is the biggest challenge facing New Zealand. That's jobs, cost of living, business investment and expansion, qualified school leavers, skilled and trained young people, affordable services. People want to see a strong economy so that they have financial security for themselves and their families. I'm proud of what our National-led Government has achieved over the last three years in what have been challenging economic times. We have reined in unnecessary spending and we're getting on top of debt. Kiwis are paying less tax and lower mortgage rates. We are improving infrastructure, getting better results from education, increasing trade, and building a much more productive public sector – for the benefit of all New Zealanders. What will your main business focus be on achieving? Outside of Parliament my husband and I own a Manuka honey company, Kaha, and we are in the process of expanding that, which is very exciting. But, if National is honoured with a second term in Government, my focus will be on growing the economy to create better jobs and higher incomes for all New Zealanders. How do you intend working smarter? I'd like to think I already work smart! I could just do with a few more hours in each day! Actually I think I will attempt the Kapiti Women's Triathlon in March to get a bit more exercise into my life. What do you plan doing more of in 2012? Catching a movie or two with my two girls, eating better, and exercising. And less of? Striving for perfection…maybe less stressing about the small stuff. What will your technology purchase be this year? I'm all set with my iPad and Blackberry, but no doubt the girls have their eyes on something further. What was the best book you read last year? I really enjoyed Ellen DeGeneres' Seriously…I am Kidding – a fabulous, light,entertaining, read. With the amount of reading I have to do for my job it's nice to be able to indulge in something a little more light hearted every now and then. How did you pay it forward in 2011? As a politician you are always doing your best for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Personally I guess I am particularly proud of setting up the Porirua Youth Awards, which I set up in 2010 to acknowledge talented, young people aged 12-18, who are excelling in art and culture, education, environment, community, and sport, and giving them an opportunity to develop their potential. Who would you most like to sit next to on an international journey this year? My two daughters – they are always up for some investigation of the international shopping scene. If you could change one thing about the world right now, it would be? That Maori and Pasifika students are supported to be successful at school (52% and 40% failing at present – not good for them, their families, or our ageing population). Your best advice to school leavers is? I cannot stress enough the importance of education. Early and continuing education has been the springboard for my professional choices. I firmly believe successful education experiences transform the lives of individuals, their families, their communities – and their nation. 32 | December/January 2012 | HER MAGAZINE Wendy Pye Wendy Pye Group, Managing Director What is the biggest challenge facing New Zealand this year? The dollar and also the debt that the government has incurred. What will your main business focus be on achieving? Teaching children to read, online. How do you intend working smarter? Not changing the way I work. What do you plan doing more of in 2012? Sleeping. And less of? Emails. What was the best book you read last year? The Maybelline Story and the Spirited Family Dynasty Behind It by Sharrie Williams. How did you pay it forward in 2011? Cash Who would you most like to sit next to on an international journey this year? I like to be in silence when I travel, to think and regenerate my thoughts. If you could change one thing about the world right now, it would be? Stop politicians borrowing and live up to the real world. Your best advice to school leavers is? Work hard and look at opportunities. Your best advice to people starting a business this year is? Focus on one area. Photographer: Amanda Bransgrove