Women who proudly wear kauae (moko) in the community were celebrated at an event at Lawson Field Theatre. Back (from left) are Rhonda Tibble,Kataraina Pipi and Ngarongo Eaton. Front are Haley Maxwell, Hera Pierce and Sissi Maraki.
Women who proudly wear kauae (moko) in the community were celebrated at an event at Lawson Field Theatre. Back (from left) are Rhonda Tibble,Kataraina Pipi and Ngarongo Eaton. Front are Haley Maxwell, Hera Pierce and Sissi Maraki.
Whaiora Services recently hosted Tairāwhiti’s first Kauae Kōrero event, which was attended by more than 100 people at Lawson Field Theatre.
“The event celebrated women in our community who carry kauae [moko] with the intention of stepping into kaitiaki roles for their whānau/hapū/iwi,” said Ngarongo Eaton, tumuaki of Whaiora Services(formerly Rape Crisis Gisborne).
The event was the first of its kind in Gisborne and was “positive affirmation” for those who carried facial markings and tattoos, she said.
The event, “featured a kōrero from matauranga Maori kauae extraordinaire Rhonda Tibble, followed by a panel discussion which left the crowd tearfully inspired”.
Eatson said panel members spoke about their kauae – the journeys they had taken to acquire them and the strengths they had gained through these journeys.
Pierce had been there since 1978-1979, when the group was known as Rape Crisis Gisborne, while Grant had been involved for 31 years.
Eaton said Whaiora Services came about as women “saw a need to open a counselling service which focused on those affected by sexual harm”.
“Hera Pierce was acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and vision for her commitment to ending sexual harm in our community.”
At the Kauae Kōrero at Lawson Field Theatre are (from left) taonga designer/artist Fiona Walker-Tait, Hera Pierce, who was acknowledged for her many years of service to Whairoa Services and Whaiora Services tumuaki Ngarongo Eaton.
