Meet Morgan
tvnz.co.nz had the chance to sit down for an exclusive chat with
the new presenter of
Kidzone, Morgan!
Excited about joining the
Kidzone whanau, Morgan opened up
about her own family, how she learnt sign language, her role
models and her secret hobby...
Where did you grow up? What's your favourite thing about this
place?
I was born on the west coast, and then my family moved to Hilderthorpe. As my father is a Dairy farmer we moved around a lot to various farms.
When I was 10, I moved to Geraldine, which is where we have stayed since.
I love Geraldine because it is right in the middle of
everything; the mountains for snowboarding, rivers for rafting and
kayaking and great areas for tramping and rock climbing.
What's your fondest memory?
The latest thing I can think of is my 21st and my dad's 50th (we shared a celebration); it was great to see all my family and friends, but most of all I wrote my dad a song and sung it to him at the party.
I loved seeing the expression on his face and the love in his
eyes while watching me sing. I will never forget that.
Who was your idol growing up? Why?
My mother and father. I know it sounds cheesy but they are such inspirations because they started with very little and built up a life for them and my brother and me.
They are very supportive for whatever career path I decide to take and they are very hard working.
My father owns and runs his own Dairy farm and my mother recently graduated and became a nurse, I am very proud of them.
Celebrity wise... it would probably be either Beyoncé or Tyra Banks.
Both are very strong businesswomen and both started their careers very young. They are all about female empowerment and being self-confident.
I think they are both great role models in everything they do
and I hope to one day be as successful as them.
Do you have brothers and sisters?
Yes I have one brother Scott who lives in Nelson. He's like my best friend; I can talk to him about anything.
He's getting married soon to his fiancée Katherine and
they have a daughter called Chayne Emily Morgan. I'm very proud of
my brother; he's a wonderful father.
How/why did you learn sign language?
I have always had an interest in learning sign but I never really got around to it - Kidzone24 was the best excuse to start.
I used various websites to look up sign language and taught myself the basics.
In Christchurch I had a few lessons from a private tutor. I
really enjoy it and want to learn much more.
How did you get into working in TV?
My friend Holly and I were playing around on the farm one
day and made a video of me singing, dancing and promoting myself as
a children's presenter.
She then sent in the DVD to Pickled Possum Productions.
I was actually halfway through studying for my performing arts
degree when I got the job, I was so ecstatic.
Favourite place in NZ?
Hokitika. It rains a lot but I really enjoy the drive over Arthur's Pass and knowing that I will soon see family as a fair few of them live there.
I love the atmosphere and the people are really nice.
Every year in March around my birthday there is the Wild Food Fest and I try my best to make it every year.
Sometimes I help out the Red Cross by giving out water and
sunscreen.
Favourite TV show?
I really enjoy Friends. It's funny and I would love to be on a
show like that one day.
Personal interests/hobbies? What do you like doing outside
of work?
I love going to the beach, visiting my friends, singing, snowboarding and dancing.
I'm really into white-water rafting and most of all enjoy
playing with my two dogs Jazz and Lucy.
Most looking forward to in 2012?
Filming the next series of Kidzone and seeing what else is in the cards for me in the industry.
I'm also really looking forward to seeing my brother marry his
fiancée and singing them down the isle.
Tell us one final interesting thing about yourself that we
wouldn't know.
I skateboard. I love going to the skate park to hit the bowl and
practice my ollies!
