We love that you’re so proud of your Māori roots. What’s your connection to Aotearoa?
Me, my twin sister Cleo, my little sister Jade and my little brother Nephi were born in Darwin, but our parents, Vanessa and Selwyn, are from Wellington. When I was 14, our family moved to Perth because of work. We were army brats, so we did a lot of moving.
Do you still have whānau over here?
Yes, a lot of my dad’s side of the family are still in New Zealand, however, most of my mum’s side slowly moved to Australia. Unfortunately, I don’t get over there very much.
Did you and fellow bride Jacqui Burfoot bond over both being Kiwis?
Sadly, we didn’t have a lot in common. I think Jacqui goes home to New Zealand more, which I love for her. My home is where my family is, but I’d love to go back soon!
What made you sign up for MAFS?
My mum! She put the idea in my head and it all happened so fast, it felt like fate.
How weird is it being a celebrity on both sides of the Tasman?
I wouldn’t call me a celebrity, but to be honest, I didn’t realise how big of an audience MAFS has. I didn’t factor it in when making my decision to go. Had I known how big of a reach the show had, I’m not sure I would have gone on!
Do you think you and Adrian can turn things around?
He’s let me down so much, it’s hard to have hope, but I know deep down there’s a softer side to Adrian. Whether or not he chooses to embrace that version of him is up to him.
Adrian often needs subtitles for MAFS viewers. How do you find your chats?
I understand Adrian so easily, but I’ve heard feedback from so many people that they don’t. Maybe that’s why we were matched – I speak fluent Adrian!
Did you have any clue your fellow bride Sierah Swepstone was interested in Adrian before they were caught playing footsie at the dinner party?
There was a vibe there from Confessions Week. I knew there was an attraction, but I didn’t realise the extent.
We’ve seen some rather romantic pictures of you and Sierah’s husband Billy Belcher. What can you tell us about your relationship?
Billy and I are great friends. We’re both from Perth, so it’s nice to know when all this is over, I’ve got someone from Western Australia I can share this experience with.
Sierah’s back… and she’s coming for Awhina!
Following shock allegations that she cheated with Awhina’s husband Adrian, Sierah is set to make a surprise return to the experiment later this season – and she has her sights firmly set on Awhina!
“Sierah comes back for an explosive dinner party and puts a stop to the rumours there was more to the relationship with Adrian,” an insider tells Woman’s Day.
“While Sierah had rolled over and taken criticisms in her final commitment ceremony, that’s not how it’s going to play out when she returns. There’s a lot to address with Billy, but what unfolds with Awhina is where the drama really kicks off.”
Married At First Sight Australia screens 7pm Sunday to Wednesday on Three and streams on ThreeNow.
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