Humans Of The Islands - Uria George-Temanu
Uria George-Temanu
Flight Instructor, part-time dance tutor
Cook Islander, 33-years-old
What are you currently doing?
Currently I’m working at Ardmore Flying School as a Flight Instructor and Ground School Coordinator. I have just come back into the field from maternity leave so will need to get my renewal done before I start flying again. In the meantime, I am teaching classes and organising ground school.
Can you tell me about your background?
I was born in Aitutaki in the Cook Islands - my mother is Atiu/Mangaian and my father Aitutakian/Norwegian. We moved to Auckland in the early 90’s where I grew up with my 6 siblings. I loved my childhood - we had the freedom to do what children do and my parents allowed us to experiment life. I remember when my sister and I were in primary school, and our parents were at work during the weekends, we would catch the bus into the city and go to the movies, go to the mall, play sport. We were independent. Back then you could walk around by myself - I wouldn’t give my child that much freedom these days.
What do you love most about your culture?
I love to entertain. I am very shy when I meet new people and speak in public, but when I perform (Cook Island dancing) I feel like a different person where I can express myself, that shyness disappears. One challenge I set myself was to be able to speak in public and I think becoming a flight instructor was a major boost in becoming more confident in my own skin. It taught me to overcome my fears in speaking in front of a crowd and to be more confident as an individual.
What made you decide to become a Pilot?
I guess when I was studying at UNITEC, I tried to picture myself 20 years down the track and I did not see myself working in the office all day. I wanted something different so I decided to try something out of the ordinary - that’s how I ended up where I am today. I think my eyes were open and absolutely sold to the idea when I did my first trial flight. It was very hard and very challenging with having to balance study and running the family business at that time so I took longer than the average student. But I continued to strive through and finally gained my Diploma in Aviation - Instructing and Management in 2012.
Did you ever think growing up, that you would be doing what you're doing today?
Definitely not. Even in my senior year in high school I was still confused with my future and followed what my parents wanted me to do, like a lot of pacific island kids. I think my mind was still young and immature and I wanted to enjoy life as well. So when I finally came to the conclusion that I wanted to take the Aviation path, I had to grow up and take responsibility for my own actions and choices in life.
Who have been your biggest inspirations in life?
My parents. Yes we argue continuously and we’re always debating but at the end of the day my parents are our world. My father was our “superhero” that we could always rely on. He could fix anything and do anything. No matter where we were, one phone call away they would be there for us kids.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Gaining my Diploma in Aviation as a Flight Instructor is a huge achievement. But I think helping my students pass their exams, gaining their first solo or achieving a milestone means even more to me.
What about dancing? Is that still a passion you actively take part in?
Yes. Absolutely still my passion. Currently still dancing and tutoring one of the oldest running Cook Islands dance group in New Zealand “Anuanua Dance Troupe”. We were established in 1992 have been going for 24 years now.
What do you value most in your life?
My family is my pride and joy. I've been with my partner for 11 years, we got married in 2013 and we now have our own little sunshine. The simplest things in life is what I enjoy the most. Spending time with my loved ones and enjoying the moment are the best! I’ve just recently come back from maternity leave which has been hard especially on the flying side and keeping current. So I think getting current and start flying again is my short term aim right now. I enjoy instructing but if something pops up
Any future goals?
Coming back from maternity leave has been hard especially on the flying side and keeping current. So I think getting current and flying again will be my short term aim. At this stage, I enjoy instructing but if something pops up, I may take the offer.
By Indira Moala