About Naomi

When was your first public performance? When I was eight years old. I was Angel No. 1 in the Sunday School Christmas production and I had two solos.

What 3 people would you have for dinner? Alive: Aretha Franklin, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Douglas Kennedy. Dead: Bette Davis, Erte, and Oscar Wilde

What is your pet peeve? When people offer you a coffee, but don’t tell you it’s instant. I am a purist when it comes to coffee. Instant coffee is EVIL.

Where did the ‘Joy’ in your web address come from? It’s my middle name, and my ethos.

Describe your ideal day? Anything that involves food, wine and the company of people I love.

What is playing in your car/ on your mp3 player? Yesterday, Today, Forever- Bob Dylan.

What is your secret-shame? I am a road-rager.

Who would you most like to be favourably compared to? The sort of people I term ‘over-achievers’. You know the sort that are good at lots of things, deliver on what they promise and are generally cool people to know. I can’t think of a specific ‘celebrity’ answer but I know a few people like this in real life.

What letters do you have after your name and where did you get them from? Dip. Jz, Stud – my Diploma in Jazz (arranging and vocal performance) from CPIT Jazz School; Dip. Teach. Learn. – Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Christchurch College of Education; and B.Mus. Hons – my Honours Degree in Performance Music from the University of Canterbury. One day I want to have a Doctorate in English Literature too – you guessed it, deep down I’m a nerd and proud of it.

How would your best friend describe you? Her style guru, relentlessly optimistic and hopelessly sentimental. I double checked this answer with her, she agreed, and said to add, “and a consummate performer”. She’s a good best friend!

What is your best character trait? Generosity or loyalty.

What 4 things couldn’t you live without? Red wine, a good book, music and fantastic shoes.

What is the best present you’ve ever been given? My beautiful piano.

Who in your family are you most like? My late Grandmother. She gave me the piano. She sang, made music and art of all kinds. She also couldn’t live without shoes!

What would you always order at a restaurant/café? A soy flat white, and/or a glass of red wine.