CHANTAL DEY IS A NUTRITIONIST, FITNESS CONSULTANT, FOOD AND LIFESTYLE EDUCATOR
You drive a 2006 Mazda6 Sport edition?
It also has black 19in mags. It doubles as my work car and the beach wagon for surf trips with my partner. It suits my job, being easy to maintain, and it always looks presentable. And it suits my character because of the colour, detailing and how fun it is to drive. It’s not a typical “girl’s” car, which is great for my active career and personality.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
My partner is the only other person allowed to drive my car. I’m pedantic about the mags and he can be trusted not to kerb them.
What do you always have in your car?
My gym bag for client and impromptu training, my KeepCup for coffee on the go, and a stack of really Old School Anthems CDs.
First car you owned?
A maroon, manual Ford Laser gifted to me and my boyfriend at the time his grandfather passed away. After the ignition was ripped out by unsuccessful thieves, I would start it with a pair of pliers. It never failed.
What is your dream car?
A 1967 Shelby GT 500 or a 68 R-T Charger. They’re the most magnificent cars designed.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad taught me to drive the day I was allowed to learn. We started in an auto as that was all we had, and then my first boyfriend taught me how to drive manual when I was 16. Both were incredibly tolerant and great teachers.
Most memorable road trip?
This Easter, which was my birthday. Mangawhai at dawn for all four mornings, coffee in the car, surfboards and mates in the back, watching the sunrise as I drove into one of New Zealand’s best surf spots to watch the boys surf.
If you could go anywhere, in any car, with any celebrity?
I would struggle between David Attenborough, in any car he wanted to take, anywhere he’d want to go, and Donald Trump, in an inconspicuous van, to Mexico to drop him off.
Favourite movie car scene?
Pulp Fiction with John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson. Memorable and so funny.
Great day trip out of Auckland? West Coast surf beaches are great day trips. Friends, a chilly bin, an easy drive and plenty to do. Hiking, swimming and surfing all options and the drive is always fun.
What irritates you about other drivers?
Two things — people running red lights in Auckland and people smoking in their cars with children.
Would you rather drive, walk or take public transport in Auckland?
I have to drive often for work ... but I take the ferry, too. It’s relaxing to walk to and from the ferry and watch the traffic stand still on the bridge as you pass underneath.
Being in the fitness industry, do you think people spend too much time in their cars?
I encourage clients who drive to work, to at least park away from the office so they can get a bit of a walk each day.