Ann Way

Becoming a mother is a life-changing event. Going into motherhood, I chose to put my career as an installation and performance artist on the back burner and became a stay-at-home mum. When my daughter Manuka was 18 months old, our family moved from Viet Nam to Aotearoa New Zealand. Initially, we lived on Great Barrier Island, a place Manuka fondly called “paradise” as it has sandy beaches and the tranquillity of rural life. 

Our life in Avondale started in 2018. We love this neighbourhood, especially its creative vibe. Many people we know in our community are involved in some creative practice. 

While I no longer practise art, I am happy that Manuka has inherited my creative genes. Together Manuka and I enjoy watching the productions at Avondale College. She loves arts and performance as much as I do. Manuka currently goes to Avondale Primary School. I am filled with great joy and pride whenever I see Manuka perform. Watching my daughter and her friends on stage, I see my young artistic self in them. 

My hope for Manuka and her generation is that they hold onto creativity. I want to see more comprehensive cultivation within creative sectors for school-aged children. Art is how we tell our stories as a society and create conversations about what is important to us. Art is how we view the world and make sense of complex issues and experiences. 

As Manuka is now settled in at school, I have returned to study for a psychology degree. The highlight of my days in Avondale is our walks to school with her friends. Our walks are a good time to catch up with other parents in the area. Sometimes, us parents end up going for coffee at Taste Cafe opposite Avondale Primary.

Manuka and I share a strong bond. She once told me, “My heart is too small to love the world”. What she said stuck with me because I know as this magnificent girl grows, so too will her heart, and in her heart, she will find the space to hold all the love in the world.