Glenn Peters is the designer and owner of Sleeping Cat Creative — a full-service agency specialising in design, branding and marketing.
What do you like the most about Ponsonby?
The people, the vibrancy, the cosmopolitan lifestyle and, of course, the best cafes and restaurants.
How did you survive the pandemic?
Fortunately, I never caught Covid, more through luck than anything else. I think the pandemic changed the way we work and our outlook on life in many ways.
What was your childhood like?
I was born in Takapuna and had an idyllic childhood. I grew up on the water and still have many friends from those days.
Your dream holiday internationally?
You can’t beat Paris in the spring.
Most Kiwi thing about you?
Probably my Kiwi sense of humour. We’re quite unique in the world in that respect.
The best day of your life to date?
I try to make every day the best day. That sounds like such a cliché but it’s true! I’ve had some amazing times travelling overseas and as a musician I once played a New Year’s Eve outdoor concert to 10,000 people in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — that was memorable! Above all else though, when your children are born is truly next level.
What job would you do other than your own?
My alternative career path was as a pilot but I never followed through with the flying lessons, instead choosing music and design as a teenager.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Nothing. How vain is that? Reminds me of a Carly Simon song…
The best thing about your age?
Experience and wisdom. I’ve learnt many things ‘the hard way’ but that’s part of life and I still feel young at heart. It’s all about attitude.
Which item do you wish would come back into fashion?
Probably not the kaftan. I’ve always thought that the cravat is a cool fashion accessory, with the right outfit of course. You need a certain personality to pull it off successfully though.
Something that you disapprove of?
Rude people and ignorance. Life’s too short!
Biggest disappointment?
I was quite shy as a youngster and I probably should have jumped at more opportunities when they were offered to me.
What’s inspired you recently?
My teenage son is at film school. Some of the short films the students are making are next-level cool. The next generation of creatives in New Zealand is alive and well.
Give your teenaged self some advice?
Be more outgoing and don’t hold back. Tell people how you really feel about them.
Your favourite place to holiday in NZ?
Queenstown for its international vibe. I also used to love staying at the Grand Chateau Tongariro when it was open, with the kids for winter holidays. In the summertime, we have some of the best beaches on our doorstep, having grown up on Takapuna Beach and the lifestyle that goes with it. But there are so many great spots in NZ to visit.
Most treasured possession?
I have some quite nice pieces of furniture that I’ve collected over the years, having friends and clients in the furniture biz, and I’ve always had convertible cars — my SAAB is pretty damn cool.
Something very few people know about you?
When I was kid, I did magic as a hobby. Still fun to pull out the odd card trick on occasion.
What gizmo can you not live without?
I was super late discovering wireless earbuds. I don’t know what took me so long.
Greatest weakness/indulgence?
I definitely have a penchant for the finer things — although it’s often been Champagne taste on a beer budget.
Your comfort food?
A French cassoulet in colder months and my signature blue cod (when you can get it) salad in summertime.
The best thing your parents taught you?
My parents were outgoing and threw big parties when I was a child. They were great entertainers. Some of that definitely rubbed off on me. My mum was a model and dancer and toured Australia in shows. She was also chosen for the Folies Bergère, but that’s another story. Our friends were always welcome and quite often as teenagers there would be many at our house. I think at the end of the day though, my parents taught me humility, to just be myself and love and respect others.
Change one law or policy in New Zealand, what would it be?
I was surprised that cannabis wasn’t legalised in NZ and I wonder what the result would be from a referendum today. I can’t see it happening under this government though. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
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