You haven’t lived if you haven’t had a lol at Tom Sainsbury doing his Paula Bennett impersonation (we’ve all asked for a panini and a bowl latte once). We sat down with New Zealand’s favourite social media-political-satirist to find out what truly makes him tick.
The one book you’d recommend above all others?
The Diary of Samuel Pepys. I read it three years ago and I’m still thinking about it. It takes a little while to get into the flow of the language and then you keep marvelling that you’ve got a direct link to someone from 400 years ago.
The song that never fails to move you?
Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush. So dramatic!
The drink you’re ordering at the bar tonight?
White wine. Probably Pinot Gris.
The piece of advice that sticks with you the most?
It’s that Ira Glass quote. About keeping going with your art. And to begin with you’ll hate what you create because you’re not skilled enough. But you have to keep trying and keep trying because you’ll get closer and closer to what you want to achieve.
The dream you still hope to achieve?
That I’ll create a character that takes on a life of it’s own and inspires people for all of humanity a la James Bond, Frankenstein’s Monster or Batman.
The first thought you had this morning?
Oh shit, I feel like I’m forgetting something.
The thing you’re the most proud of?
The fact that such lovely people are choosing to be in my life.
The travel you think about the most?
Probably India. I got terribly sick slash delirious and some of the imaginary is seared into my brain.
The travel you still need to do?
So much. The Caribbean keeps calling to me. St Kitts and Nevis intrigues me.
The colour you’d paint the wall of your lounge right now?
Marigold.
The possession you have that’s your most prized?
Laptop. It’s got all my writing and can play Netflix. I’ve also got a hideous porcelain, life-size cat I’ve called Amanda. She’s clawed her way into my heart.
The challenge you’re most proud of conquering?
It’ll sound so lame but reading and processing emails that I’ve avoided for sometimes six months. I’ve got such email anxiety that really needs to be addressed.
The happiest memory that comes to mind?
Lying in a pen of puppies.
The TV show you put on when you want to relax?
Kath and Kim.
The movie that never fails to make you cry?
Not a movie so much but The Office – Christmas Special. When Tim and Dawn get together finally. Shivers.
The one celebrity that you’d have over for dinner?
Dolly Parton.
The person you’d like to say thank you to the most?
William Shakespeare. God I love him.
The thing you keep meaning to pick up from Kmart but never get around to?
Better cutlery.
The number one item on your shopping list right now?
Eureka Blueberries. They cost a whopping $6 a punnet but shit they’re good.
The skill or hobby you love the most?
Reading!
The fictional character that most reminds you of yourself is?
Strangely all the middle aged women in Margaret Atwood’s The Robber Bride. I remember reading it and thinking – I relate to this too much.
The subject you wish people knew more about, if you were a history teacher?
Pre-colonial New Zealand.
The quote or lyric that motivates you or sums you up is?
Motivates me – Ain’t nothin’ gonna break-a my stride. Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no. I got to keep on movin’.
The thing you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Artist, Actor and Jockey.
The changes you hope to see happening in NZ over the next year?
Selfish – Some shift in the housing situation. Not selfish – that New Zealand becomes the best place to live for children.
New Zealanders: The Field Guide – a commentary on the weird and wonderful inhabitants of New Zealand and the habitats you’ll find them – by Tom Sainsbury is out now.
$36.99, HarperCollins New Zealand
