If I Could - Julie Catchpole

As director of The Suter Art Gallery, Julie Catchpole is already doing what she loves, working with art. But if she could, she would explore New Zealand and the world, enjoying different foods along the way.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be...

It’s always an honour and a privilege to spend a day with an artist, especially in their studio, or wherever it is that they create their artworks. Perhaps it would be the British artist David Hockney, if I could also time travel back a few years.

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

Seize every opportunity, be brave and take more chances.

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

Actually, I’d far rather be the Governor-General for a day, it seems like a much more positive role. You get to meet extraordinary New Zealanders and lend the kudos of the office to advance projects.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be…

I’ve got a lot of exploring to do in New Zealand, let alone overseas. I’d love to see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, visit New York, and the extraordinary landscapes of Iceland…

If I could have any job, it would be…

Pretty much what I do, working with art and artists.

If I could have a superpower, it would be…

Being able to fly, now that would be amazing.

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

This would be my idea of hell! I love all sorts of foods and trying new dishes. Food, styles of cooking and sharing meals are a wonderful window to different cultures.

If I could only take one thing to a desert island, it would be…

I would most like to take a companion, I’d go mad with no company and no one to converse with, but if I could only take a ‘thing’ it would be a radio, tuned to RNZ so I could hear what’s going on, and rant at the occasional interviewee I didn’t agree with…

If I could be on a reality TV show, it would be…

Generally, I’m not a great fan of reality TV, however, there is an exception and it’s the Great British Sewing Bee which I watch avidly. I think I’d be in with a chance on that show as an enthusiastic ‘amateur sewer’.

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

$500k each to Guide Dogs and an eco-sanctuary.

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

Be a compact boutique city surrounded by the best outdoors, more apartments instead of urban sprawl, regenerating wild places and a great arts scene.