As he launches new home-grown show, Coastal Wonders, tomorrow night, we subject the architect and presenter to a 1News Grill.
What are the five elements of a perfect weekend? Friday off work, time out and about with family, a Formula One Grand Prix on at a sensible time for New Zealand (Aussie, Japanese, Chinese), a morning harbour-loop bike ride with mates, an afternoon of DIY where everything just works.
If you could live in a house designed by one architect (living or dead) who would you choose? Swiss Architect Peter Zumthor....all atmosphere!
Who is the most under-rated New Zealander? All those who work the night shift in our A&E departments.
What will be the biggest issue on your mind when you vote this November? Healthy housing.
What's your favourite piece of coast in the world? The sandy beaches around Studland, in Dorset, UK. it's a protected coastline so it's natural and undeveloped. Windswept light sand beaches, sand dunes, and a 12th century church where I got married.
Would you rather have a home with an ocean view or the perfect swimming pool? Actually, I'd pick a combination of the two, a clifftop infinity-edged pool with the sea beyond is one of those rare moments where a man-made intervention can make a natural landscape more visually remarkable.
What's one item that will never, ever be seen in a home of yours? A fluffy toilet seat cover.
What's your worst character trait? Time optimism.
What was the last great book you read? The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene.
What's one memory that lives rent-free in your head? The theme tunes to many, many childhood TV shows, they're taking up space that's increasingly valuable as I must be fast approaching my storage limit.
What was the biggest shock on moving to New Zealand from the UK? The jet lag.
What's one vice you'd like to quit or reduce? Answering Q&As late at night (it's currently 11.36pm).
Coastal Wonders launches tomorrow night, screening weekly on Sundays at 7.30pm, TVNZ 1 and streaming on TVNZ+.
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