WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - LESINA NAHKID-SCHUSTER

LESINA NAHKID-SCHUSTER 

Doctor & the first Bachelorette New Zealand 

Samoan / German / Trinidad & Tobago / Lebanese 

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How do you feel about being the first Bachelorette in New Zealand?

I'm extremely honoured to be New Zealands very first Bachelorette!! To be able to have a female in the drivers seat for the very first time is amazing, and to be able to spearhead this format is exciting. I'm also nervous about the overall journey - venturing in to the unknown can be a life changing and nerve racking thing! 

How important did you think it was to be a woman of colour and to be in this space?

I think it's an absolute reflection of the times and also of the diverse population that New Zealand has, that a woman of colour was chosen to be a Bachelorette. I think to be a representative for so many different ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs is something I don't take lightly at all, and I think it's important for ethnic minorities in particular to feel that NZ is an inclusive society and we are being included in mainstream media in this particular scenario. 

In what ways do you think your cultural background may have influenced on how the show plays out?

Haha, well I have a very diverse background, in terms of a lot of things! From ethnicities to political and religious views to sexuality. And in that respect, I don't think I'd get along with anyone who wasn't open minded or who was judgemental. So we'll have to see how that plays out in the show! But also family is very very important to me. Coming from a very big and very loving Pacifika and caribbean family, traits surrounding family values will be something that I will be looking out for. 

What was your families reaction when you broke the news that you'd be the first bachelorette NZ?

My parents were like "ohhh Lesina" haha. But they also trusted that I would make the right decision for myself and hold myself well and they were just happy to support whatever I decided to do, as they have my whole life. 

In all our wonderful flavours and cultures in Aotearoa what do you look for in a man?

That's exactly the great thing about this show! The fact that I potentially meet people from all different walks of life that I may have never met before! But the qualities I'm looking for a in a man are qualities that my dad possesses - qualities that I've always seen growing up. My dad is a really kind and self-assured man and I hope to find someone with those traits.

Check out our first full interview with her here

Tune in tonight at 7.30pm on TV2 for the premiere of the Bachelorette NZ.

Sneak peak below ...