Full Circle: A personal story of reconnection to te ao Maori

I stumble across a photo of me, aged ten. My immediate thought is: ‘Who is that girl?’ I remember her but I don’t recognise myself in her. She was so determined. Once she knew what she wanted, she’d just head straight for it.


From a childhood in rural Piopio, Jenny-May Coffin grew up to achieve international success as a Silver Fern and then began a stellar career on radio and television as a sports commentator and morning presenter. But outward success can often mask inner uncertainty, and Jenny-May lost her grip on the confidence her ten-year-old self possessed. The ups and downs of a full life, with tragedies as well as triumphs, left her in need of renewal. Here is the story of how she found self-confidence again, reclaiming strength and identity through her connections to te ao Maori, with the support of her husband, Dean Clarkson, and her close ties to her parents and siblings.

Format: Paperback
Pages: 272
Imprint: HarperCollins NZ
Publication date: 30/04/2025