Diana Wong has been a longtime identity in and around Ponsonby and Grey Lynn. She is amazing for her age and looks at least 10 years younger than she really is. She is also known for her themed dinner parties, which she does all the catering for.
You have just written a book on your family history titled Revolving Doors, how did you come up with the title? My friends mentioned Revolving Doors and, months later, I thought that title was the right fit because people were walking in and out of my life like a passing parade.
How long has it taken you to gather all the family information?
The last few years. The difficulty has been trying to provide the correct year to each event.
How long has it taken to write the book?
I've been working on the book for at least six years. It would probably be half the time discounting distractions. It's always time to stop for a cuppa or two and a snack.
Did you have to get some members of your family to give you the green light to write about them? Yes, most family members agreed but others wanted the truth toned down. Something like "They rode happily into the sunset," would have suited them fine. I only write the truth so some may want to sue me.
You have directed movies and written books before, was this book on your family the hardest to write? It certainly wasn't the easiest — making decisions of what to leave in and what to leave out. I've led an incredible life with experiences both amusing and scary.
Are you the last of that family line?
There were six siblings in my family and my niece once said, "You're all strange in your own ways." My three older siblings, Eileen, Beryl and Douglas have passed on and I am the oldest of the last three. My sister Priscilla and brother Trevor live with their families in the USA.
You still live in the Ariki Street house you were born in 92 years ago. Did that help you by bring back memories when writing about your family?
Coming back to Ariki Street after being away for years, I noticed changes in the neighbourhood, but memories of the early times have never faded. They're etched on my brain.
Tell us about your childhood? I observed. I didn't ask questions and I spoke to very few people.
What do you love most about your age?
Sleeping in. I'm a night owl and I love not having to rise early for work.
What motivates you?
Knowing the animals need feeding and the kettle must be boiled before I can sit down to a hot cup of tea.
What’s inspired you?
Seeing quiet acts of kindness.
How would you like to be remembered?
I hope they would think me honest and helpful.
Tell us something very few people know about you?
In my basketball days, I was at two different locations and when I took a shot at goal, the goal ring fell to the ground. It happened not once, but twice.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
Yes. I woke one evening to see my grandfather standing at the end of my bed and then in a matter of seconds he disappeared.
What item of fashion would you like to see come back into fashion?
In today's world it wouldn't be practical to wear the beautifully crafted beaded gowns of the 1920s and 30s, but it would be marvellous if those styles were back in vogue again.
What next is on your list to do?
Attempt to complete at least one of my many unfinished projects.
What is one of the highlights that stand out in your long life?
When my pianola came home. It became a great source of entertainment for my visitors and parties.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A cat. Friends think I already am one.
What do you most dislike about your appearance and wish you could change?
Losing height. I've become a shrinking lady.
Give your teenaged self some advice?
Try to be more adventurous. There's a great big world going on outside the door.
How do you chill out?
I wander around the garden and enjoy the wonder of nature. Watching the birds and turtles is very calming.
Which item of clothing can't you live without?
A warm boucle woollen jumper I knitted in the 1950s.
(DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
