Tell us what you’re driving?
A black 2007 Holden Commodore Automatic. We bought it in 2010 from a family member who was heading overseas to live. It was a good score at the time.
What do you like about it?
I’ve always thought the great rivalry between Ford and Holden is quite funny. We never had cars of that calibre, we were trotting around in Vauxhall Vivas and Hillman Hunters. I appreciated, it after a while, when it was getting mistaken for an undercover cop car. Occasionally, passing patrol officers would nod at me. I’d nod back, awkwardly. It drives well.
How does it suit your personality?
It has a detective/cop look and feel to it, so you can’t help but adopt that personality vibe while cruising. I aim for an old-school 21 Jump St Johnny Depp-type vibe, music accompaniment of course.
And your lifestyle?
It’s a sturdy car, and my life is a drive. Auditions, filming locations, kid pick-ups, sports games and training. It plays a leading role.
And do you have a personalised plate?
EAT20. No, it’s not personalised, but you can imagine the comments. “What does that mean? You eat 20 pies?”
How often do you clean it?
It’s generally well kept, although it suffers on a Saturday between 7am and 4pm with kids’ activities.
Any other vehicles in your garage?
Yep, late-model Holden Captiva, seven-seater.
Manual or automatic cars, which do you prefer?
Manual. Something to do.
Your dream car?
2018 Dodge Charger, pitch black.
Who taught you to drive?
Good old mum. I was 15 and we started off with little stints up and down Great South Rd in Papatoetoe. Eventually, it was around the corner to the dairy and then straight to town.
Did you get your licence first time?
Yep, off the bat.
Advice to young drivers?
Relax. The car will come, you will drive, you will have the power. Just don’t be an idiot.
What was your first car?
A black 1993 Subaru Legacy Station. I was 19 and my wife had gifted it to me, so, pretty special.
Most memorable road trip in this vehicle?
A day trip with a mate to Waipoua Forest to meet Tāne Māhuta. It was a short enough trip not to drag, but a decent cruise to enjoy some sounds and good convo.
Do you have a favourite car scene from a movie or TV show?
Magnum PI in the Ferrari 308 GTB.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Orewa. We live out south, so hitting the bridge is a bit of an event for us. Love the beach there, and the lifesavers club does an awesome surf ’n’ turf meal.
What music do you listen to when you drive?
If I’m hitting the gym, it’s more than likely Tupac or 50 Cent, family cruises range from the entire Disney library to a bit of Dave Dobbyn, Herbs, Crowded House.
Other drivers … what irritates you most?
People who brake, then indicate.
Your take on Auckland’s traffic?
Councillors, and especially the mayor, need to stop thinking of centralising everything and think laterally. Maybe I’ll get to my auditions on time.
How do you feel about electric cars and driverless cars?
If it means zero emissions, I’m all for it. And let’s not start on the price of petrol. I’m undecided on driverless cars. It’ll be just like catching an Uber, right?
But without the awkward convos and music options. I think I’ll like the free time to learn lines or respond to emails, but I do like the driving experience and being in control. What if my car computer gets hacked and I end up in a secluded forest? Sounds like a Brokenwood Mystery.
●Westside Series 4 screens on Mondays at 8.30pm on Three