Influence: Maru Nihoniho - a podcast by RNZ

Maru Nihoniho's story can be played out like a movie - born and raised in Christchurch she was bullied and felt isolated during her years at primary school through to her time at college. Following a move from Christchurch to Wellington Maru became disconnected from the education system and left school to work voluntary at a secondhand shop. It could have played out differently but Maru's love of gaming, that's console gaming like PlayStation, Nintendo and XBox lead to a career in game design and development. It wasn't an easy road - from maxed out credit cards to on-going rejection, Maru was close to packing it all in. But while she was overseas at a gaming conference a publisher was interested in her idea, a deal was brokered and her game Cube was published for PSP. That was back in 2003. In September this year, Maru's company Metia Interactive is a finalist at the Simulation Australasia Annual Awards for her 3D puzzle game, Takaro. Maru shares her story on Te Ahi Kaa.

Further episodes of Te Ahi Kaa

Further podcasts by RNZ

Website of RNZ