Who is Ngaere Jenkins?
I am a wāhine Māori of Te Arawa and Ngāti Kahungunu. Daughter, sister, mokopuna, friend, dancer, avid baker but an average baker, enjoys long walks on the beach and swimming in the lakes back home.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Some kind of involvement that allows for one to feel with people not just for them. Something community led and creative where Māoritanga is central. I wish I had taken break dance classes.
Who inspires you and why?
Heaps of people! My friends, my colleagues, mum, my little bros, my partner, the artists of Aotearoa approaching their craft through aroha, truth telling and meaningful exchange.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Reconnect people to themselves. Language revitalisation, treaty accountability, sovereignty.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Rotorua – fern fringed bays, gleaming lakes, the birdcall is almost too loud, primo kai, dense forests, waterfalls, hot pools, whānau, Spa City Noodle Bar.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends come to town, I take them to Glebe – because it’s the greatest suburb in Sydney. A Saturday there starts with blue skies and bin chickens. Stroll down Glebe Point Road, say good morning to the gentleman and his parrot eating breakfast, and marvel that – for once – it’s the only day of the week people are up before 10am. Coffee can come from anywhere, but the breakfast burrito is intentionally bought from the Mindful Baker.
A quick stop into Sappho Books for the musty sweetness of second-hand novels. Follow the crowd across the road to Glebe Markets. Scavenge for finds, grab a gözleme. Sit in the playground at Glebe Public School and listen to whichever good singer is on. The sun is glorious. Avoid the trees where the bin chickens perch. From there it’s a stroll to Newtown for a sweet treat – Gelato Messina, Tokyo Lamington or Azuki Bakery are all contenders.
Lunch could be Cairo Takeaway or El Jannah Charcoal Chicken. There’s no right order, just follow your appetite. On the way home, cut through Victoria Park to watch chaotic netball-football hybrid games unfolding to the soundtrack of Mamma Mia, stopping to pat every handsome doggo you meet. Dinner is Tom-Yum Tum-Gang, end the night at Blackwattle Bay, watching the sunset over the still-unfinished fish markets.
What are you currently reading?
Butter by Asako Yuzuki.
What are you currently listening to?
My little brothers’ bands Sol Fide and king hit.
Happiness is?
Pancakes on a Sunday morning.
What does the future hold for you?
More learning, learning my native tongue, research into self, into whakapapa, into the history of our land and this land I’m currently living on and its first custodians and supporting spaces for rangatahi to exercise their full potential.
Ngaere can be seen in Sydney Dance Company’s Continuum – which will be presented at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from 22 October – 1 November 2025. For more information, visit: www.sydneydancecompany.com for details.
Image: Ngaere Jenkins – courtesy of Sydney Dance Company