Lani Leiataua was born in Dargaville, New Zealand in 1981, the daughter of Timothy and Rosemary Antonio (Antonievich). Her great grandfather came to New Zealand from the island of Brač in 1912 with his brothers leaving his sister behind. They were gum diggers in Redhill. Lani and her siblings and cousins all danced the Kola, her father Tim and grandfather Dennis played in the Tamburica Band. She is currently the Secretary of the Dargaville Dalmatian Club.
