If I could...

This month we get to know Barney Aupa’au, the guy behind the cold-water immersion for mental health initiative, ME vs ME (Mental Exhaustion vs Mental Elevation). Barney begins every day with a dip in the moana at Tahunanui, with the aim being to recharge, reconnect and revitalise. We get to know what else Barney would do, if he could…

If I could spend a day with anyone it would be…

My grandparents. Sadly, they are all not around these days, but I have very fond memories of them all. I’d make them endless cups of tea and coffee and have conversations about life. We would always talk about food. Doing this again would fill my heart. I miss those days.

If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be…

To make small incremental changes every day to help with the bigger picture, and to believe in yourself and back yourself 100 per cent.

If I could be Prime Minister for a day I would…

Make sure all the homeless are warm, have a safe place to stay and have nourishing kai to eat. I would also reach out to youth and listen to what they need in their communities to help them move forward in a positive way.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be to…

Samoa. I want to go there to connect with my aiga (family). It would be amazing to live in Samoa for a while, learn more about my roots, customs, culture and it’s such a beautiful place to visit. I used to live in Singapore and Malaysia so I would also love to travel back there and explore.

If I could change one thing about Nelson, it would be…

To build a university here. Make Nelson a destination place to study, similar to Wellington. What an awesome place to come and study. Nelson is a vibe; it just needs a few tweaks and adjustments here and there I reckon.

If I could have a superpower, it would be…

My superpower would be to speak and understand every single language in the world. Imagine how many people around the world I could connect with, it would be amazing. I love learning different languages and I would encourage people to learn another language if they can.

If I could donate $1M to any charity it would be to…

A charity for premature babies here in Aotearoa. I was born three months premature myself and only weighed three pounds when I was born! I spent a lot of my early days in an incubator, and I would love to visit the neonatal unit sometime and see how it looks now as I haven’t been since I was a tiny baby. This has a special place in my heart, and I would love to give back somehow.

If I could have lunch with three people, they would be…

Ruby Tui (Black Fern), Action Bronson (American rapper, songwriter, chef, wrestler and television presenter), and my nephew Orien.

Ruby Tui is an absolute legend and has the most crack up banter and good vibes. Action Bronson is my favourite when it comes to food, he knows all the dope food spots with a real diversity in cultures, fine dining, and street food. And last but not least, my nephew Orien, he’s always down for a mission to get a feed with me and he loves his food and cooking.

If I could eat one meal for the rest of life my life it would be…

Focaccia bread made from scratch. I love making fresh focaccia bread. With copious amounts of really good quality olive oil, homegrown rosemary, rock salt and more olive oil! The smell of fresh hot bread straight out of the oven is epic, made from scratch and made with aroha-love.

If I could predict the future in ten years’ time Nelson will…

Be full of amazing opportunities. Hopefully there will be a university built by then, new exciting businesses, new opportunities for our youth, more affordable housing and hopefully the Stoke Bakery will still be there selling their classic pies and food!