Paula's emotional journey 'EVERY MOMENT MATTERS

The former deputy prime minister reveals the wake-up call that has changed everything

- Wendyl Nissen

It’s just as well Paula Bennett has 15 years of political experience up her sleeve because at the moment, she’s doing a great job of juggling numerous jobs during a tough two years caring for her elderly parents.

Last year, her father Bob passed away and her mother Lee has just moved into a care home following a month-long stay in hospital.

“I feel like I’ve got three or four full-time jobs and I’m trying to spend quite a bit of time with my mum as well,” she says. “But I have a saying I live by which is ‘be where your feet are’.

“I’m quite good at being in the moment, so if I commit to something, I will give it 100 percent.”

Paula’s feet are firmly planted in her very successful podcast Ask Me Anything, which is into its sixth season. She also works for Bayleys Realty Group in the commercial area as a director and strategic advisor, and she recently took on the role as chair of Pharmac. She is also a trustee for Sea Cleaners, which sends boats into waterways, cleaning rubbish out of our harbours and oceans.

“My partner Alan [Philps] and I have a blended family with our kids, and we always say, ‘We don’t do half, we don’t do step, we do 100 percent’ and that’s how I feel about my work.”

At the time of our interview, Paula is taking a break in Tauranga, staying at a friend’s bach, while Sea Cleaners launches a new boat in the area. She’s a keen angler but was happy to let everyone else go fishing while she catches up on reading for her podcast.

“I have two books to read for guests coming up and that’s the best part of doing the podcast. I’m a big reader.”

Listening to Paula behind the microphone is a rewarding process. She is relaxed, chatty, a good interviewer, full of energy and obviously having the time of her life.