FORMER SHORTLAND STREET ACTOR AND DANCING WITH THE STARS CONTENDER TEUILA BLAKELY IS ON WORD UP, TV ONE, SEPTEMBER 3
You drive an automatic 2013 white Jeep Compass?
I bought it when my son turned 21. I figured after 21 years of single motherhood, I deserved a brand new car, plus I work hard. (I also threw him a huge party.)
Ever since I saw Janet Jackson drive up in a Jeep Wrangler in her music video for Control, I’ve wanted to own a Jeep. I love the whole Jeep range but chose the Compass because I thought it suited me and doesn’t look like I’m driving “my man’s car”. I like everything about it. The height and size. It’s very comfortable.
Why white?
My last 4WD was black. Whenever I get a new car, I change the colour. It’s like a new phase.
What was the first car you owned?
A red MG Metro.
Your dream car?
I have a few dream cars, but I really would like to own an American muscle car. I’ve always loved them because my uncles used to drive them back in the day. I also like Jags, Rollses and Bentleys.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad gave me a couple of basic lessons but I really taught myself. I was a late driver, 18 years old, in Glendene, where I grew up. Span Farm is great for practice.
Dad was a good teacher but I got so nervous, I started teaching myself. I would bunny hop up the road every single morning taking my son, Jared, to day care, but hey, that’s learning.
Jared is now 23 but I didn’t teach him to drive because I think it’s best to learn from qualified instructors.
Did you get your licence first pop?
I did, once I actually sat it. I was so nervous of failing the test that I had my learner’s for 10 years.
I only ended up sitting my driver’s licence when I got a job at Flava and had to drive the Flava Hummer and needed a licence for insurance purposes.
Manual or automatic?
I prefer to drive auto because I drive so often and in Auckland traffic, I find it more relaxing.
Most memorable road trip in New Zealand?
For all the wrong reasons, probably the one that that ended up in the headlines.
I think we all know the details.
And if you could go anywhere, with any celebrity, in any car ...
LA to Vegas. Dodge Charger or Challenger, or Chevy Camaro, or Ford Mustang.
The Rock. He’d drive.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I do enjoy driving but I love riding shotgun, as they say.
I drive all the time. As a single woman and mother, one is pretty much always in the driver’s seat.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Matakana, close yet so far.
Do you judge a person by what they drive?
I think what a person drives can be revealing but I don’t judge a person by what they drive or anything else they possess.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
I try to be quite zen when I drive but inconsiderate drivers and fast drivers in the rain can be a worry. Drive to the conditions.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I prefer to drive in Auckland. Mainly because my schedule is so varied and busy, I have to be in several different places on any given day.