6 minute read
Farewelling Matua “Koro” Te Kapua Riini
“Hokia ki ōū Maungatapu, kia pūrea koe e nga hau ā Tawhirimātea”
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I’ll miss your morning hug; it was always the best way to start the day! Arohanui, Marama.
The best thing about Koro is his awhi and cheeky laugh. Thanks for all you have done for your WHS whānau - we are going to miss you heaps!
Love you, Koro. Leggy xo E Koro, the wise one; the resolute one; the caring one; the cheeky one!
Kaore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka. Nā te whānau Everitt.
I will always miss his calm, peaceful demeanor. His humility, his wisdom. As a school we have all benefited from the manner in which he has carried the mantle of raNgātira and kai korero within the kura and wider community. He has positioned us very favourably in the eyes of Te Ao Māori on so many occasions through the year that it is now part of the reputation we carry as a school. In this day and age of technological advances, of people who present an image of themselves that at times possibly surpasses reality, it is refreshing and reassuring to have the wisest of them all remain so humble and self-effacing.
No matter the situation, after speaking with Koro I have always felt more centered and had a clearer compass orientation pointing towards what really counts. E kore e mutu te aroha mou e te papa. I have enjoyed having chats with Koro about planting seeds and trying to figure out how to get native plants growing.
I’ll never forget the time Koro came up to me and gave me a hug after a very emotional speech I had to give at Senior Prize Giving. It was my first year and I didn’t know him well but it meant so much to me. I have loved my prefect camps with him. He is always there for me when I need him. xx I love your mana and presence. You make all our occasions special. You are really special to all of us here at Whakatāne High School. Enjoy your retirement. I will miss your welcome at the beginning of every term and the fact that you always have time to speak to me. Arohanui. Ngā mihi maioha. Noho ora mai. We appreciate you Koro. Take care, stay well. Nā Fiona.
Kia ora, Koro! You were missed as soon as people realised that you were leaving! I personally would like to thank you for your support of the Noho Programme and your smiles and greetings everyday! I hope you enjoy your very well deserved rest and retirement! Much aroha to you, Koro from me and my whanau! Congrats on your retirement!
Rimu house appreciated your contribution and your care, humour, discipline and cultural awareness with your form classes. You were also there for us during our difficult times and it was much appreciated. Enjoy your retirement, as you deserve it. Kia Kaha. Chris Brown.
Koro - Always kind and caring and always helpful with my tamariki who needed a bit of extra support. I’d like to acknowledge the many extra hours he spent being our WHS kaumatua teacher, speaking at events, organising haka and waiata, and working with whanau and tamariki to ensure Māori culture is observed and followed at WHS. I also acknowledge Koro’s fabulous work with the carving students. Koro!! I’m pretty sure since I first started here (4 years ago) every year I was told it would be your last year, so I am a little in disbelief that you are in fact leaving us this year. I will miss seeing your mischief face around and the morning hugs. Enjoy the new found free time you will have and don’t be a stranger!! Love Gemma xx
Because of you I got my first teaching job. “Ko koe tōku ariaritanga.” “Ko koe tōku whakaruruhau.” I’m missing you already. Love you, Koro. Hemarangi xxxxx
Favourite Koro Quote: “Do you not have a TV?” - Love Te Aorere xx
Kia ora, Koro. You were the Melbourne Cup Man! I think I stuffed that up last year when I told everyone to back your horse. Enjoy your free time now. There will always be peppers and tomatoes here for you. Nga mihi, Declan. Koro - Always kind and has a smile on his face.
Koro always greeted others in the morning with a welcoming smile. I’ll miss my morning cuddle. “Morena, whaea!” Every day without fail.
Hi Koro; thanks so much for your leadership here at school. I’ve always admired the way the kids look up to you and how happy they are to be in your company. Thanks for the legacy you leave behind and all the best for the next season. Koro, it has been a pleasure to be in your presence this year. You have been extremely welcoming and always have a cheeky smile at the ready. It is clear from the respect of your peers and the students that you have had a profound effect on life within, and outside of, Whakatāne High School. I wish you nothing but love and kindness. Arohanui, Andie Eves.
I will miss your warm welcoming smile and hugs every time I see you. I will always remember Koro’s cheeky laugh and sense of humour. His presence at WHS has made me feel safe and welcome. The hole he leaves will be felt by all at WHS but the man deserves a bit of a relax!!!
Thank you for all your support, Koro. It has been great working with you, Te Kapua. It has been a real pleasure learning from you as well.
I’ll never forget you ghosting through the defensive line to score that try against the parents back in 2001 (2000?). Koro, you are the backbone for so many of us who were fortunate enough to pass through your doors. You flicked our ears when we needed to but always made sure we were okay. Thank you for being the best form teacher. It always brightens my day when I see you. You have worked bloody long and I hope you and the wife have some more fun adventures. You taught me to be proud of who I am. We all love you so much. Love always, your Ngāti CocoNgāti x
Cheee!! After saying, “This is my last year,” for many years, it’s finally happening, aye!? Thank you for being the best form teacher and making high school life for this cheeky, kore taringa, little texican a whole lot easier. You were the only one who could pull my ears and tell me to get to class without me having to argue about it first otherwise I’d get a kick up the bum - haha. For five years I was under your wing and you treated your students like your own moko. I will always be grateful for you and wish you the best for whatever happens next for you, Koro. A real Whakatāne High legend you are and you will truly be missed by everyone. He aroha mutunga kore mōu. Ngā mihi, nga mihi, Elliott.
