Lee-Anne Anderson, general manager of Dunedin Netball, is passionate about New Zealand's most popular female sport. A ‘‘mum, first and foremost'', she enjoys the fact her part-time job offers flexibility, although managing her workload can be a challenge in the winter.
What is your earliest memory?
I think it was my second birthday. Our next-door neighbour used to make beautiful birthday cakes and I think my cake that year was a basket with flowers. I definitely had a sailor dress on and a Wombles apron. Dad was working (he was a traffic officer) and I remember he came home from work so we could cut the cake.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to be a chef or a hairdresser. Not quite sure where those aspirations went. I always loved cooking so maybe that's why I was thinking of being a chef. When I was young I thought hairdressers were cool. They wore great clothes, had awesome colours and styles and generally looked trendy so that's probably why I wanted to be one.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
So many to choose from but not many I want to share with the public! Years ago I attended a funeral of a co-workers' mother. I sat with two other ladies I worked with at the time.
There were a number of lovely old people parked up on the sides of the chapel in wheelchairs and, during the service, I just happened to be glancing over at a lady. She had a little purse in her lap and she opened it and took out a plastic specimen jar and had a little drink and put it back in her purse.
I thought it was that funny I got the giggles; I was that bad I made the two ladies I was with start as well. I was desperately trying to hold myself together but shaking uncontrollably at the same time. The whole pew was shaking. We were terrible.
People started looking and frowning; it was awful. I was so embarrassed I couldn't even go up to the family at the end of the service.
Sometimes it's just so hard to stop yourself - particularly at a time that's so not appropriate.
Property aside, what's the most extravagant thing you've bought?
My husband would probably say everything I buy is an extravagant purchase. I have got a pair of expensive shoes, a reasonably frivolous purchase made in Melbourne once. I still have them. I don't wear them but I like looking at them. Red, strappy, very high heels. Every girl needs a pair.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Maybe Reece Witherspoon. We are the same age so that's a good start. She seems like a devoted mum to her beautiful children and is involved in children's and women's advocacy organisations, which I think is admirable. She sounds like a good chick so I reckon she could play me.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Jon Bon Jovi and Bono would head the guest list. The music would be awesome. Gordon Ramsay would be in the kitchen - not seen but heard. I'd like to invite Graham Norton and James Corden because I think they are both very funny and would entertain everyone during the evening.
A few humorous sporting characters; Colin Meads, Eric Rush, Freddie Flintoff, Mark Richardson and Fatty Vautin.
My husband Ian would be on the bar keeping everyone hydrated and my friends would all be there. And, to top the night off, the All Blacks and Highlanders would pop in for a beer.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Cake. I like cake. I had a lovely piece of banoffee cake for a friend's birthday. I feel guilty for a few minutes then I forget about the guilt, especially when the cake is good.
What would be your dream job?
Hard one as it would be great to not have to work. Right now, I have a pretty good job. I respect and enjoy the company of those I work with and work for. I'm pretty lucky, really.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
More money would always help. But, seriously, more time would make life so much easier. I could spend more time with my family, more time with my friends and have more time to do the things I want. There is never enough time in the day.
What keeps you awake at night?
At the moment, the answers to this! Sometimes it's my son coughing or my husband snoring, but generally I can't sleep when I have something on my mind. If it's work I get up and write it down and find once I do that I'm able to sleep.
Other times I tend to worry about family and friends and I find it difficult to switch off. I like to read at night in bed. That helps me relax and I find I sleep better.
