Phoenix Karaka

Taking time to unwind and recharge is such a vital investment in your mental and physical health, especially as an athlete. What does a typical day look like, balancing training, family, and time for yourself? 

I can hand on heart say apart from our training schedules and Pāma going to puna, there is not one day that is consistently the same every week! With both Pat and I playing domestically and internationally we are constantly challenged. Domestically having game days that can range from Fri-Mon, travelling around NZ and Australia, promotional requirements that are mostly scheduled for after school hours. Then Internationally there are periods of solo parenting to even weeks where both of us aren’t in Auckland at the same time. So without the help of our family, especially my mum who is like Pāma’s second mum, we would not be able to do what we do.

Despite the challenge, I am a lover of organisation and planning. Once a month Pat and I spend a few hours of an evening (while Pāma is asleep) mapping out what the next month, sometimes 2-3 months, will briefly look like. Detailed to the point of who is doing Pāma’s school drop-offs and pickups to weekly meal prep and potential shopping lists for each week so that we can afford to have last-minute date nights or family/friend time. Because of how hectic our lives can get, we can have a balanced lifestyle by being well-prepared in advance. And by balanced lifestyle, I mean what balance looks like for us.

Could you share what brings the feeling of freedom into your life, and how does that feel for you?

Weirdly enough I find freedom in being well organised and having a routine. I believe because our life gets so busy and we’re constantly on the go I have a sense of control of the uncontrollable. Where who and what I utilise my free time on is determined by me. Along with that would be my obsession with having a clean home. When I’m in my own space that is clean and clutter-free, my mind and soul feel ready to achieve anything.

But, my newfound escape from everything has been reading before bed. From someone who never read a book cover to cover to now nearly finishing my second series of the year, I can honestly say I wish I had started earlier because there is a long list of books I am dying to read. It’s hilarious though because it's scheduled into my routine, if I have been slacking or not keeping to my timings then I “miss out” on my reading time to make sure I’m asleep at a reasonable time. 

We love watching your reno diaries, and what a journey it’s been! Do you find that this process brings out a different kind of creativity and energy compared to your life on the court?

I have enjoyed every step of our renovations to date. We’ve been very fortunate with our builder, Dan from On Form, who has been going over and above to make this a memorable experience for us as a family. I wouldn't usually say I’m creative but my favourite part of our Reno has definitely been around the finer details. Our home, being a 1910’s villa still has a lot of its original character features which has helped enhance some sort of creative energy. Both Pat and I grew up in Central Auckland where we were spoiled with heritage homes which had a huge influence when purchasing our home and now the reno journey. A lot of what we have chosen for our home is founded on our childhood and memories living in CA. But also with the intent of functionality for our everyday life needs.

Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery? What does it mean to you?

For my 21st birthday, my nana bought me a Saint Christopher pendant, who is known as the patron Saint of safe travels. I had just finished my first year in the ANZ Championship so travel included not only NZ but Australia as well. My following season there were some horrific incidents that included missing planes, plane crashes etc. Already being a slightly anxious person these events have contributed to this day, an ongoing fear of flying. The only thing that gives me a sense of comfort when flying or going through turbulence is holding onto my pendant and it reminds me to control my breathing.