DAVID HARTNELL’S ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH LANI LOPEZ Lani Lopez is without a doubt New Zealand’s favourite and most trusted naturopath, she has brought good health to literally thousands of Kiwis. Lani is also and one of the nicest people on the planet. YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY? Tahiti, with my wee girl and my gorgeous man Giles. WHAT TV SERIES WOULD YOU NEVER MISS? The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, I too want to be calm and assertive. The way that man is able to free dogs and ‘train people’ is inspirational. IF YOU HAD A FRAGRANCE LINE, WHAT WOULD IT SMELL OF? Truffle and sandalwood, or maybe an old Spanish red wine. FIRST THING YOU’D GRAB IF YOUR HOUSE CAUGHT FIRE? My two daughters, man, cat, then probably my taonga. My greenstone is the symbol for me of my history, of where I come from and where I am going. GREATEST REGRET? Failing to prevent the Government from introducing legislation to regulate natural health products - it imposes an unwieldy and costly bureaucracy in the Ministry of Health making natural health hugely expensive. There is nil evidence of harm and enduring history of use in natural health so the government’s motivation mystifies me. So the fight goes on! CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE? At the moment I drink too much coffee. I will go on a hunt for the perfect coffee. I go to Zus & Zo. Roy makes the best coffee. WHAT DRIVES YOU? The aim and reward of helping people get the health they deserve and enjoy. IF YOU HADN’T BEEN A NATUROPATH WHAT OTHER CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN? A scientist. I love the rigour of scientific study and research. But I nearly stayed a dancer. I was brought up performing belly dance and polynesian dance, it is still in my bones. WHAT SONGS ARE ON YOUR IPOD? A few mixes: my running mix, my boxing class mix, yoga mix but my favourite is little -known local musician, Tamara Rickett. WHO INFLUENCED YOU GROWING UP? Wonder Woman and my family. THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD CHANGE IF YOU BECAME PRIME MINISTER? Revoke the anti Natural Health legislation and remove a coven of empire-building bureaucrats hiding in the Ministry of Health. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES? The Dalai Lama faith, humility and loving strength. I really admire anyone with the courage to be their own special self. SILLIEST THING YOU’VE EVER BOUGHT? My cat, a fluffy flat-faced Persian with all the health issues of in-breeding. Walked into the pet-shop, fell in love with a mewling ball of fluff. 11 years later she’s still mewling and I’m still constantly picking up fluff. Oh and I’m allergic to cats! MOST ROCK’N’ROLL THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Danced with my Tahitian dance group for a crowd of 40,000. That was a real thrill and almost won me to a career of dancing. WHAT FREAKS YOU OUT? Snakes, an absurd and irrational fear. Even pictures of snakes scare me silly. BEST THING YOU’VE GOT FOR FREE? My daughter’s love and the surge of power that came with holding her. “Yes I will protect you little girl”. The amazing feeling in mind, body and spirit that came with it, the absolute knowledge that I could and would do whatever it takes to keep her safe. In return the kisses, cuddles and pure love.
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FASHION WEAKNESS? I love soft fabrics. When I pick clothing I usually run my hand over the racks, then I check the cut and lastly, its colour. HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? With my gorgeous man eating out (we love dining and each other), spending time with friends and family, walking up Mt Eden, relaxing on the beach, my veggie garden, cuddling my daughter. I love learning, so next are salsa classes and Te Reo Maori. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN TEN YEARS? Much as I am now. Spending every day talking, learning and teaching health. I’d love to be able to keep travelling, learning, growing. Keeping my mind and heart open to new things. GREATEST PASSIONS IN LIFE? Family and friends, natural health, food (and wine). HOW MANY TVS DO YOU HAVE? One and it is under imminent threat of eviction. DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Eclectic and ever changing. I don’t really have one at the moment, my friends may argue this. Could you help me? WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED? That person who emails and says Thanks, I am feeling so much better. WHAT DO YOU VALUE IN FRIENDS? A healthy outlook, positivist, curiosity, courage and humour. (DAVID HARTNELL MNZM) PN
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)