Kiwi fashion grabs Pointer Sister

Original Pointer Sister Ruth with her sunglasses and her granddaughter Sadako. Photo / Natalie Slade

The first thing one of The Pointer Sisters did when she arrived in New Zealand was race to buy a pair of Karen Walker sunglasses.

Ruth Pointer, a founding member of the R'n'B singing group, admired her driver's pair of the fashion designer's glasses and just had to have them. So she raced to an Auckland store before it closed.

The Pointer Sisters are touring New Zealand with Bee Gee Robin Gibb. It is the first time the act has come to New Zealand for 17 years and Ruth Pointer is happy they have returned. "I'm so looking forward to singing to ya!"

Ruth and her sisters June, Bonnie and Anita formed The Pointer Sisters in 1972. The group is now made up of Ruth and Anita Pointer, and Ruth's granddaughter Sadako Johnson, who joined the group two years ago.

The group has released 18 albums in its almost 40-year career and had several hit singles in the 80s, including Jump (For My Love) and I'm So Excited.

Ruth still loves performing. "I do love the performing because music crosses every barrier, no matter what language you speak and everybody enjoys it."

New recruit Sadako loves her life as a Pointer Sister.

"I love it. I love it ... I'm like a fan so it's nice to be able to learn while you work and from pros. It's, like, a bonus."

The group performs tonight in Auckland, Wednesday in Wellington and Friday in Christchurch.