LAURA'S LIFE LESSONS - 'I like to solve my own problems'

TV star Laura Tupou opens up about losing her father at a young age, her surprise career change and how she found the love of her life.

- JUDY BAILEY

What is it about Laura Tupou that has made her star rise so rapidly in television? I have a theory: Yes, she’s smart, funny and attractive, but she also possesses other qualities that are increasingly rare in the brittle, bright and shiny showbiz world. She is not afraid to be vulnerable, and she is genuinely humble and surprised by her success.

People warm to her. The Three star is everyone’s daughter, best friend or mate. She has been anointed by the holy grail of telly appeal – accessibility.

The 33-year-old can currently be seen alongside Ryan Bridge on Three’s breakfast show AM, where she’s filling in for the equally charming Melissa Chan-Green. She also fronts the channel’s primetime weekend news and is a regular on The Project.

She’s relishing her run on morning television, despite those punishing early starts. “I like the mix of hard and soft stories,” says Laura. “It’s cool because I get to show my personality, as well as doing one-on-ones with politicians.”

Laura grew up in Hamilton, the fifth of Vincent and Maria’s six children. “We were the only Tupous in the phone book,” she marvels. “It’s amazing because Tupou is such a common Tongan name.”

Her parents had a classic love story. They met at a Catholic conference in Australia. Vincent was training to be a priest and there was an instant attraction between the two. He remained in Oz and Maria returned to New Zealand to train as a teacher. They wrote regularly, then Vincent moved to Aotearoa.