MEET THE TEAM: 5 minutes with Melanie
Tell us about yourself and how you found yourself part of Neighbourhood:
I’ve followed Madeline for a while and she started looking for people for Neighbourhood right around the time I decided I wanted to get more involved in my community and help others in some kind of way so it was perfect timing!
Describe yourself in three words:
According to my flatmates—bubbly, organised, excitable
Do you have any significant goals or projects?
I am currently dreaming of opening my own cafe so I would love to start selling my baking this year, and learn to make barista coffee
What is a cause/issue/movement that you feel passionately about?
I really want to get more involved in open discussion about eating disorders, and I will always be passionate about equity in all areas
If someone I love is down, I cheer them up by…
Listening to them talk things through while I make them dinner
Somewhere that you’ve never been to in Aotearoa that you’d like to visit?
The South Island in general—I feel like the worst New Zealander that I’ve never been
Something that relaxes me when I’m feeling stressed is..
Getting out of the house and going for a walk
What is something you’re grateful for?
Sunshine, being outside, good food, good company
The last thought that kept you awake at night was…
Probably romanticising some future scenario or falling down a rabbit hole of all the things I need to do and haven’t
Do you have any strange and completely irrational fears?
I tend to catastrophise a lot, the most recent was probably leaving the dryer on while I was out and the house catching on fire.
Who or what has influenced you the most?
My mum and dancing both feel very formative
My idea of heaven is…
My perfect kitchen, gas stove, and a big dining table perfect for hosting dinner parties
What is something you’re excited about at the moment?
I feel like I'm in a huge period of growth right now and I am excited for what that brings—even when it's uncomfortable I can feel that the other side is going to be great. I'm also excited to move to Australia later this year!
Favourite song on your playlist right now?
Palco by Gilberto Gil always mak