This interview was recorded as part of a project to celebrate of 125 years of Women's Suffrage in New Zealand. In her interview, Mata tells of her family history and background coming from a bicultural family, her parents’ employment and combined work in Te Reo. Her mother taught Te Reo and it was her fathers first language. Both parents were involved in community work and her father was a Kaumatua who supported many organisations. She recalls family outings eeling and her education and her interest in art. Mata served in the Air Force for five years. She went onto start a degree in Law and Social Science majoring in Politics. She returned to the south to where she worked at various occupations including as a Social Worker with Child Youth and Family and later worked at Awarua Whanau Services becoming a board member. Mata was also on the Board of Community Trust South. She reflects on the 125 years since Pakeha women got the vote and that there was a parallel Māori Parliament System where women could vote as landowners. She also reflects on women’s rights between Māori and Pakeha, traditional and contempory, and family decisions and effects on the wider community.