The best thing about where you live? Between Point Chevalier and Mt Albert. A very diverse crowd, plenty of nutters, students, immigrants. Point Chevalier Mall, Jessica’s Wig Salon, deliciously dilapidated.
The most annoying celebrity today?
Any of those ‘Royal’ people.
Which TV series would you never miss?
I don’t have a TV but I watch Magnum PI on YouTube, and wish Gloss would make a comeback.
Your dream holiday be where?
It’s always an adrenaline rush flying into Ibiza - the anticipation of what lies ahead.
The best thing you have bought back from an overseas trip?
Coloured bracelets, gifts from Peruvian mountains.
Tweeting or Facebook?
I can’t fit what I have to say into 140 characters!
How would you like to be remembered?
“He had a funny accent.”
What do you love most about your age?
Independence in every sense.
Ever Googled yourself?
Not until I was asked this question.
The biggest lie you’ve ever told?
“It wasn’t me who left the roof hatch open causing extensive rainwater damage to the 17th Century Amsterdam canal house I’m renting from you.”
Something you disapprove of?
Kids wearing Crocs - what a dreadful start in life to give a child.
Your comfort food?
Fish burger with egg and cheese, hold the beetroot. Cannot stand beetroot!
What motivates you?
Achieving control over my own destiny, freedom.
What happens when we die?
Lots of crying - if we did it right.
Favourite movie?
The Labyrinth. Magical fantasy with Jim Henson puppets and David Bowie in tights - brilliant soundtrack. Pre-CGI. Genius.
Ever seen a ghost.
No - lots of UFOs though.
Give your teenaged self some advice?
Keep a notebook, write down your thoughts and ideas, no matter how ridiculous they may seem. The act of writing your thoughts down seems to give them validity and worth, like saying yes to creativity, “yes my ideas do have value”. Very simple, but very powerful in my experience.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
James Franco, thanks.
How do you chill out?
Stripping off at Little Palm Beach on Waiheke in the summer, or just wandering the streets. With the feet and mind wandering, the subconscious can sometimes release a worthwhile idea.
Favourite book?
The Age of Reason, Jean-Paul Satre. A vividly real novel which pokes around in some uncomfortable corners of the mind.
Which item of clothing is a must?
Good pair of Italian tasseled loafers.
Have you ever joined the mile high club?
Ran into an old flame at Sydney airport on the way home from Europe, almost coaxed him into the galley toilet on board but he bottled it at the last minute. So not yet...
Your dream home?
I don’t have a house fetish - am I the only one in Auckland?
Tell us something very few people know about you?
If I ever went back to Corfu I could be in a lot of trouble.
Idea of perfect happiness?
We can’t expect to be happy - a life full of rich experience is the real kaupapa.
Who’s your favourite hero of fiction?
God - an anti-hero really, such a huge following for a treacherous villain.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The musical talent and untouchable coolness of Prince.
What cliché do you most hate?
Poor people spend all their money on cigarettes and beer.
What can’t you live without?
Credit cards.
Handshake or a hug kind of person?
Hug where possible.
Your dream guest dinner party?
Grace Jones, Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, Vivienne Westwood and my mum. Individually their ideas seem limitless; what would happen when they bounce off each other over a case of pinot?
Do you have a party trick?
My dancing is quite entertaining apparently.
How do you take your coffee?
Two triple shot espressos before I can even consider leaving the house
Travel light or heavy?
Too heavy, changing hemispheres you always underestimate how hot it’s going to be coming from winter.
What is your opinion on today’s man?
I like to think Kiwi men are realising the sky won’t fall in on them, they won’t be disowned if they discuss their feelings, put product in their hair, wear bright colours, give each other a hug occasionally, etc. Hopefully boring, limiting, macho culture is in a slow but inexorable retreat.
Change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
Free education at all levels. Yes, it’s expensive but let’s have a country full of colour and culture, people talking about ideas and art, not just rugby scores and house renovations.
(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
ABOVE: Matt is photographed with Paul Little