Protecting valley part of Miriama's role

Miriama Wickliffe is proud to work at her home valley at Whakarewarewa.

Working in the valley where she was born and raised means Te Puia's Miriama Wickliffe is surrounded by people and a place she appreciates and respects.

Miriama Wickliffe is Te Puia's health and safety co-ordinator, a role that's taken on added significance for the tourism operators since changes to the Health and Safety Act this year.

Miss Wickliffe describes the moment she was offered the position, using the words "shocked", "happy" and "proud" to sum up her feelings.

A descendant of Te Arawa, Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa and Ngati Tuwharetoa, she said she was happy to be back home in the valley where she was born and raised.

"I'm surrounded by family in a place that I have so much appreciation and respect for. Sometimes members of the family forget that we are at work and call me "bubba", in reference to when I used to run around the valley as a small child."

Her family, including great-great grandmother, mother, sister, brothers, and aunties have all held positions at Te Puia, covering maintenance, concerts, ticketing and upholding a significant guiding legacy.

After a six-year stint in Nelson working for Sealords in health and safety, Miss Wickliffe came back to Rotorua three years ago, and in that time has worked at Te Puia in horticulture, kiwi conservation, guiding, and health and safety.

"Health and safety is not just about people, it's about the place. The only way Te Whakarewarewa Valley is going to be around for future generations is if we take care of it now, and health and safety is a big part of that.

"Personally, a big part for me is making sure that everyone goes home safely to their whanau at the end of each day. For this to happen, everyone needs to take responsibility."

Miss Wickliffe acknowledges there might come a time when there was no longer any need for her job.

"When that day comes, I will leave happy knowing that I have succeeded and done my job right, but until then, if this is the last job I have, I have no reservations about that."