Payal Rao-Prakash

Kaiako

Indian Kiwi, my identity, my pride – I was born in the friendly North – Labasa, Fiji Islands and migrated to Auckland, New Zealand with my family at the age of one. I hold both places very close to my heart and am proud of my own unique identity.
Harry Potter – My mother would read me these books as bedtime stories until I was able to read them myself. These memories and stories are still very special to me. “While we may come from different places and speak different tongues, our hearts beat as one” – Albus Dumbledore
Whānau – I am extremely close with my family – we see each other every weekend and my cousins were my very first friends. I enjoy exploring new places with my husband taking our little dog, Ranger out on adventure walks.
K-pop – I believe that music transcends language. I have been an avid K-Pop fan since I was in high school and proudly own every BTS album to exist. I love their positive message of loving yourself which I think is important for the youth and children of today.
Coffee – I am a self-confessed ‘coffee snob’. I only drink iced coffees and have one every morning. One of my favourite things to do on the weekends is to visit new cafes with my family or friends. Bonus points if they’re dog friendly!