Editorial: Big award for very special citizen

Rotorua is home to many amazing citizens.

In our job of reporting the news, we come across some real troopers in society.

They slog away making our city a better place to live and often feel a little embarrassed and shocked when someone thanks them - or better still, gives them a formal acknowledgement for their work.

One such top citizen is Te Arawa's Mita Mohi. The much-loved haka and mau taiaha exponent has been honoured with a Creative New Zealand/Te Waka Toi award, Nga Tohu a Ta Kingi Ihaka (Sir Kingi Ihaka award), for his lifetime of teaching.

For nearly four decades, Mr Mohi has taught traditional Maori weaponry through his courses on Mokoia Island in Rotorua. Today it is the longest-running taiaha wananga and more than 20,000 people have attended the courses.

Although he is slowing down nowadays, this great man has been responsible for turning around many a life of wayward young Maori.

Just how many criminals or would-be criminals he has managed to "make good" isn't exactly known, but it is a great number.

Like other great citizens, that's not all Mr Mohi has achieved. He's served on numerous boards, committees and trusts.

Being a former Kiwis league player is another reason he is such a great role model for our young people.

Mr Mohi is a true gem and other aspiring Maori leaders only need to look at his life for an example to follow.

Well done Te Waka Toi for picking out Mr Mohi as someone special.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.