HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS FAREWELL NANA MA ON 16 FEBRUARY, LONG STANDING WESTMERE resident Ripeka Nukunuku - known affectionately as Nana Ma - passed away after a four month hospitalisation. She spent her final week at her Maxwell Avenue home where she has lived for 50 years, surrounded by her children, many mokopuna, friends, neighbours and the tamariki of Nga Uri O Nga Iwi, the Westmere school kaupapa Maori classes where she taught te reo me ona tikanga. A beloved kuia, Nan was the spiritual backbone of the school for the past 12 years, officiating at every school powhiri and major event, blessing new buildings and taonga, offering her expertise to students and staff alike. Her own children attended Westmere and several grandchildren are current students, so Nan enjoyed a long association with the school and her service to its community is irreplaceable. Her genuine love and concern for students’ wellbeing was matched by the outpouring of sadness at her passing.
It was an easy decision for the NUONI whanau, principal and the board of trustees to agree to host Nan’s tangihanga in the school hall, Te Whare Kotahitanga, which she opened in 2012 and whose name she bestowed. Of Te Whanau a Apanui and Ngapuhi descent, Nan lay at the school for two nights before returning to her home marae of Kauaetangohia at Whangaparaoa south of Te Kaha. Her contribution to education was recognised by local schools and kohanga reo. Ripeka had worked at Ritimana Kohanga Reo for ten years prior to joining the staff of Westmere. A devout Christian, the final service conducted by St James Presbyterian Church honoured her years of attendance each Sunday with her mokopuna and her involvement in the work of the church’s council. Many of those who paid their respects emphasised how privileged students had been to be taught by a native speaker of te reo Maori. Nan loved to amuse tamariki with her tales of an east coast country upbringing. After a year of fundraising, NUONI were delighted to return with Nan in March 2013 to her tribal homelands. Hearing her cousin retell the story of the moki brought to life on the walls of the whare kai, feasting on crayfish and paua, trekking to te Haika a Tainui, all these events will remain as poignant memories of who Nan was and how she enriched our lives. Na reira, e te kuru pounamu kua wheturangitia, moe mai ra i te poho o to ukaipo. (JANE COOPER - Kaiako (teacher) of Nga Uri O Nga Iwi at Westmere School) F PN
GO GREEN EXPO: AUCKLAND’S BIGGEST EVER ECO-EXPO Everything you need for better living - 5-6 April, ASB Showgrounds Discover exciting new choices at New Zealand’s largest organic and sustainable living show, from organic skin care to solar power, from local beers to fair trade toys, from ethical investments to electric bikes and cars! The Go Green Expo website brings you everything you need for better living, at one huge show. New Zealanders are hungry for information about green products and services, with the Colmar Better Business research 2013 stating that 92% of New Zealanders and 94% of Gen Y consumers want to have all the facts and information so they can make intelligent decisions about the environment and
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sustainability. 80% of Kiwis believe that what they do to be sustainable makes a difference to the quality of life for future generations. An exclusive preview and networking drinks for business and trades will take place on Friday 4 April. Industry people are welcome to meet the exhibitors from 2pm-5pm, and network and hear from speakers on sustainable PN business between 5pm-8.30pm. F www.gogreenexpo.co.nz www.facebook.com/GoGreenExpo.
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