Dame Valerie Adams on what she teaches her kids | RNZ

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]What conversations do you have with your kids? Oh, I try to make sure that they understand what it is to give, what it is to be charitable, what it is to be of service, that they are privileged, that they they they should understand that.

[00:00:12]Um the importance around kindness.

[00:00:15]Um I make sure that last year we went to Tonga. So basically they had to only have one present, but they had to utilize the other resources to buy presents for their cousins in Tonga. So it's my job to do that because I grew up in poverty. I grew up in an estate house and did all that. And of course my goal growing up and all coming through the ranks as being an athlete was actually to make sure my kids do have a better life. That's what you want for your children.

[00:00:39]But they will never understand the struggle. And I'm not saying that's an issue. What I'm saying is it's important for me to educate them on yes, you might have everything. You're probably not struggling, but if you can, you need to help those who are.