My D*List: Ite Lemalu on his love of wrestling, music and people

My D*List is a series of profiles that allows us to get to know people from across disability communities in Aotearoa. We ask them to explore their hopes for the future (Dreams), what they like to do on a night in (Drama), their idea of a great night out (Disco), favourite food (Delicious) and the special friends and whānau in their world (Dates).

Dreams

My life has always been about serving others. As a musician, I’ve served in the church since I was a teenager and was a professional musician for 15 years. My church life in the last 10 years has taught me the importance of community, where with a variety of ideas and skills we can serve alongside and help each other.

I grew up an avid professional wrestling fan, with the childhood dream of becoming a wrestler. It didn’t work out, not because I felt deterred by my low vision, but a life-threatening bout with hydrocephalus at 15 years prevented me from pursuing that dream.

However, I am in a way living that dream. I’m a media relations manager and writer for NZ Dojo / Fale Dojo wrestling training school based in Auckland. My writings extend to our New Japan Tamashii wrestling organisation, where my articles are published on our parent company’s website.

My hopes and dreams are for Aotearoa to become fully accessible and for people with disabilities to have influence in all levels of leadership, from grassroots to nationwide. I would love for us to have stronger connections with each other and to be a visible part of the community.

Drama

Any wrestling footage from the 1980s and ‘90s is a good night in for me.

Having played the piano since the age of three by ear, I learned to play every wrestler’s theme song which I liked to show off playing in front of friends and family. At the time as a kid, I thought I was so cool but in retrospect, maybe not. As much as I enjoy music, my brain tends to analyse what I’m listening to, so I generally don’t listen to music in the evening as it would keep me up.

I would often watch a movie or series recommended by friends, or something that really stands out on social media. There are so many options that by the time I’ve squinted through them I could have viewed several episodes of whatever. While in its fifth season, I started watching the Walking Dead from the beginning, and have continued to watch its spin-off, Fear the Walking Dead.

My taste in television shows leans towards US drama series that is broadcast on traditional network television as opposed to what is available on streaming platforms.

Disco

I enjoy going to the gym. I began my fitness journey in 2020 at the Fale Dojo community classes after the first lockdown, simply for leisure. I learned quickly from my first class how unfit I was when it took a week for my body to heal from the initial shock. I realised how essential having a fitness life was to my physical well-being since I was never an active or sporty person.

I particularly enjoy working out in the Dojo's boot camp fitness classes where people of all levels of fitness train together and support each other. It’s a fantastic example of community where you are surrounded by people who are living their own journeys but have time to offer a word of encouragement, something I have learned to do for others.

I am guilty of eating a lot after fitness classes but have always managed to work it off. Though that is no justification to certain family members who struggle to see the logic, pestering me with the same question/accusation, “So you’re just working out so you can eat more??”

Dish

My favourite eateries are Wendy’s, Dennys, Valentines, and Genghis Khan. I thoroughly enjoy those all-you-can-eat buffets.

My favourite food is BBQ and potato salad, and lamb chops. I’ve come to appreciate the more intimate and meaningful get-togethers I have with my family for Sunday lunch, or with friends and colleagues after completing a major project, whether it’s at someone’s house or at a restaurant.

However, I also enjoy eating alone when I’m out and about. A flat white and a muffin at the local café, or a quarter pack at KFC. It’s nice to have some me time every now and then, and it’s a friendly, safe community where I live.

Date

My deepest friendships have been the ones formed through church and music. Amongst them are two friends I studied music with at Otago University while playing in a church worship band. A few years later two more friends joined us. 

My Fale Dojo colleagues have been a huge inspiration. In the last five years they have been remarkable in their support; trusting and providing me with incredible opportunities to develop my craft, as well as guiding me on my fitness journey. Finding employment is difficult as a low-visioned person, even with a university education, but they took a chance on me, and I will always be grateful.

As a child, my mum and siblings established relationships with our communities regarding my challenges, so I continue to have fond memories and immense gratitude to those throughout my life I have lost contact with. From generous neighbours to loyal friends during primary and high school.

My church family at St Andrew's Presbyterian in Henderson, West Auckland were instrumental during a significant turning point in my life, and I cannot forget my fellow advocates in accessibility from the Be. Leadership programme who were wise and affirming. 

All these people showed me kindness and compassion, knowing my limitations. It was daunting having to reset and go from music to media and writing, but that’s the strength of community; I didn’t do it alone.

Want to contribute your D*List? Send us an email: kiaora@thedlist.co.nz