Anika’s mind shift 'WHAT INSPIRES ME NOW'

After ongoing health issues, the entertainer’s learning to balance her wellbeing and artistic pursuits

- Kasia De Vydt-Jillings

Anika Moa has always been a storyteller whether through her awardwinning waiata, TV shows and podcasts or her debut children's book The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs, which was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults.

Sitting down to catch up with the Weekly, Anika, 45, remembers where it all began with the countless bedtime tales she told her four children during their earlier years.

"I used to love telling the kids bedtime stories and freaking them out," she laughs. "I would tell the same story about a prince and princess or prince and prince, who go into the forest to battle ogres and eat veges. It would get more far-fetched every night!"

Her kids twins Barry and Taane, 14, Soren, 10, and Marigold, six - have now mostly outgrown the night-time ritual. But Anika is delighted to have reprised the magic while reading her book to children around the country.

"I've been doing heaps of book festivals, Songs for Bubbas shows, reading to kids and feeling wonderful about creating a communityof parents that entertain their kids through me,” she enthuses.

Writing has become a healing and happy place.

“I like sitting down and writing, and being creative,” she says. “It’s really good for my mental health.”