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Full Circle
I stumble across a photo of me, aged ten. My immediate thought '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.
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.
- GenresNonfiction
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 3, 2025
5.0
I’ve always known who Jenny-May Clarkson is, whether through her netball career or her work in broadcasting, but it wasn’t until recently that she truly captured my attention. A short interview she did on the Breakfast show, following a deeply upsetting event involving children here in Aotearoa, (New Zealand) made a lasting impression.
As I sat eating breakfast, getting ready for work, Jenny-May spoke with such clarity and compassion. Toward the end of the segment, she touched on the impact of social media, reminding viewers that once something is said online, it’s out there for good. Her words, especially the thought that children might one day read those comments, struck a chord. It wasn’t just what she said, but the fact that she brought up something so often overlooked in the heat of public discourse.
That moment led me to her audiobook, Full Circle, which she narrates herself. It’s a short memoir, but it’s packed with warmth, humour, and honesty. Like all autobiographies, it’s a curated glimpse into a life, but Jenny-May brings herself to it fully. You can hear the love in her voice when she talks about her husband, her boys and her family. One line that had me laughing out loud: “We came from Dad’s nuts.” Classic Jenny-May, unfiltered and real.
She shares stories of her whānau, her journey as a Māori woman in sport and media, and her reflections on aging. There’s a quiet strength in the way she speaks, and a deep sense of pride in her identity. I came away with even more respect for her, not just for what she’s achieved, but for how she carries herself and the values she holds.
This isn’t a tell-all. It’s a gift of perspective, and a reminder that we only ever hear what someone chooses to share. I’m grateful Jenny-May chose to share this much. Full Circle is a beautiful listen, and I’m glad I took the time to hear her story.
I’ve always known who Jenny-May Clarkson is, whether through her netball career or her work in broadcasting, but it wasn’t until recently that she truly captured my attention. A short interview she did on the Breakfast show, following a deeply upsetting event involving children here in Aotearoa, (New Zealand) made a lasting impression.
As I sat eating breakfast, getting ready for work, Jenny-May spoke with such clarity and compassion. Toward the end of the segment, she touched on the impact of social media, reminding viewers that once something is said online, it’s out there for good. Her words, especially the thought that children might one day read those comments, struck a chord. It wasn’t just what she said, but the fact that she brought up something so often overlooked in the heat of public discourse.
That moment led me to her audiobook, Full Circle, which she narrates herself. It’s a short memoir, but it’s packed with warmth, humour, and honesty. Like all autobiographies, it’s a curated glimpse into a life, but Jenny-May brings herself to it fully. You can hear the love in her voice when she talks about her husband, her boys and her family. One line that had me laughing out loud: “We came from Dad’s nuts.” Classic Jenny-May, unfiltered and real.
She shares stories of her whānau, her journey as a Māori woman in sport and media, and her reflections on aging. There’s a quiet strength in the way she speaks, and a deep sense of pride in her identity. I came away with even more respect for her, not just for what she’s achieved, but for how she carries herself and the values she holds.
This isn’t a tell-all. It’s a gift of perspective, and a reminder that we only ever hear what someone chooses to share. I’m grateful Jenny-May chose to share this much. Full Circle is a beautiful listen, and I’m glad I took the time to hear her story.
October 2, 2025
This was an engaging read from someone I have grown up watching on my TV - from her Netball games to her sport broadcasting to her time on Breakfast - and getting to see behind the screen to find out the person behind the public image.
I enjoyed the memoir which was partly about her journey through like but also her journey into rediscovering her connection with the Tangata Whenua, her reo and the journey to getting her moko and the complexities of raising biracial kids in a world that once shamed her being Maori. This is such a personally and genuine memoir you can’t help but feel inspired by her journey. I hope many like her will find their voices again by reconnecting with a reo and culture they were once banned from acknowledging.
I enjoyed the memoir which was partly about her journey through like but also her journey into rediscovering her connection with the Tangata Whenua, her reo and the journey to getting her moko and the complexities of raising biracial kids in a world that once shamed her being Maori. This is such a personally and genuine memoir you can’t help but feel inspired by her journey. I hope many like her will find their voices again by reconnecting with a reo and culture they were once banned from acknowledging.
October 7, 2025
She's pretty amazing🙌🏻
September 16, 2025
Nice easy read and really resonated with the 10 year old and the dreams of that age formidably shaped me too. So many things I heard and felt and remembered and especially as my 46th year around the sun draws near thank you so much for your honesty..
June 20, 2025
I loved this book. Thank you Jenny-May for sharing your story. I'm of a similar age to you and I'm nearly ready to start my reo journey! Little steps! Ngā mihi nui ki a koe.
July 15, 2025
Thanks for sharing your story Jenny-May
September 21, 2025
A bit predictable a bit meh, didn’t really do it for me. #Sorry
November 25, 2025
Full circle a personal story of reconnection Jenny May Clarkson.
Brief
Covers her family dynamics, netball, touch rugby, work with the police then her media career, reo, maori language journey and getting older.
Several of my takeaways
Speak life over someone, small words or acts of kindness, can and sometimes leave profound memories in people, many of us all desire being seen, her way of letting people talk first.
Getting dropped from the silver ferns she felt hurt, and went into a slump, but 3 days later a letter turned up from 2 of her niece's "your still our star aunty" and got her out of a funk, she was dropped and made it back into the ferns 6 times, it's just one of those things. But she the first one really hurt, and later she discovered her reason was she wasn't eating properly and recovering correctly so lacked energy at the trials. 2004 finally hung up the bib, 6 years international and 26 tests,
Police force for 9 years then while studying for exams for a new career in a local cafe a radio DJ recognized her and then that was the start of her media career.
Reo
Dr Raukura Roa and professor Tom Roa,
Language trauma, It's a continuous learning with ups and downs
Tells a story of her 8 year old twins, didn't want to go to kura, finally she had enough and told them the whole language trauma debacle, they were kind of sheepish and said ok mama.
Matauranga.understanding
Kia au ko koe, kia koe ko au.
I am you, you are me.
A saying her father always reminded her and siblings.
Breakfast, 2020 role of anchor.
3am starts til November 21st 2025.
Menopause understanding and supporting couples during challenging time.
Moko Kauae, mataora.
Being proud in yourself no matter what anyone else says.
Tau, and taking all the ups and downs
Whakatauki James Henare
Kua tawhiti ke to haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa o Mahi, kia kore e Mahi tonu.
We have come to far not to go further. We have done too much not to do more.
Well definitely a personal story and kind of full circle
Brief
Covers her family dynamics, netball, touch rugby, work with the police then her media career, reo, maori language journey and getting older.
Several of my takeaways
Speak life over someone, small words or acts of kindness, can and sometimes leave profound memories in people, many of us all desire being seen, her way of letting people talk first.
Getting dropped from the silver ferns she felt hurt, and went into a slump, but 3 days later a letter turned up from 2 of her niece's "your still our star aunty" and got her out of a funk, she was dropped and made it back into the ferns 6 times, it's just one of those things. But she the first one really hurt, and later she discovered her reason was she wasn't eating properly and recovering correctly so lacked energy at the trials. 2004 finally hung up the bib, 6 years international and 26 tests,
Police force for 9 years then while studying for exams for a new career in a local cafe a radio DJ recognized her and then that was the start of her media career.
Reo
Dr Raukura Roa and professor Tom Roa,
Language trauma, It's a continuous learning with ups and downs
Tells a story of her 8 year old twins, didn't want to go to kura, finally she had enough and told them the whole language trauma debacle, they were kind of sheepish and said ok mama.
Matauranga.understanding
Kia au ko koe, kia koe ko au.
I am you, you are me.
A saying her father always reminded her and siblings.
Breakfast, 2020 role of anchor.
3am starts til November 21st 2025.
Menopause understanding and supporting couples during challenging time.
Moko Kauae, mataora.
Being proud in yourself no matter what anyone else says.
Tau, and taking all the ups and downs
Whakatauki James Henare
Kua tawhiti ke to haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa o Mahi, kia kore e Mahi tonu.
We have come to far not to go further. We have done too much not to do more.
Well definitely a personal story and kind of full circle
October 26, 2025
More than a sports biography (potentially the first reason I picked it up) this book traverses the life, decisions and experiences of a Kiwi kid, a sportswoman, a police woman, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and a Māori reconnecting with her identity in a te ao Māori world. It is thoughtful, insightful and just a really good read that feels sincere and genuine.
December 19, 2025
There are two absolutely brilliant podcasts Jenny May is interviewed on - Petra Bagust's Grey Areas and Frances Cook's Making Cents. Check them out for slightly different insights.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews