Genealogy key

Whaea Rawinia Noble's work in the community has seen her nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award.

Whaea Rawinia has been described many ways, one of which is modest, and therefore she has chosen to write an article herself acknowledging those who have helped her along the way.

Nga mihi nui kai nga whanau katoa o whakahurangi

Ki nga ahuatanga o ratou

Kua wehe atu ki te po

Moe mai ra, moe mai ra

Tena koutou kaota, I am of Nga Ruahine descent and have lived in Stratford for 53 years. My passion for the last 30 years has been working and teaching tamariki/mokopuna (children) of all ages, which started in 1984 at the Kohanga Reo O Whakaahurangi.

I believe that all marae are the hub of our Maori communities. Our Maori tamariki seem to find their identity and a sense of belonging within the environment of the marae. They are nurtured by the kaumatua, whanau, hapu and iwi. They become familiar with Te Reo Maori me ona tikanga (Maori language and Maori protocols). Whakapapa (genealogy) becomes very important to our tamariki, it's about knowing who they are, who they belong to and where they come from.

All these taonga (treasured teachings) emit self respect, respect for others and may be the essence to being future role models for future generations.

Kia kaha tamariki ma.

I sincerely acknowledge the mainstream schools and local organisations, Maori and non Maori, that have supported and worked beside me in the past years.

E mihi nui

Te Kohanga Reo o Whakaahurangi

Te marae whanau o Whakaahurangi

Te iwi o Ngati Ruanui.

The South Taranaki Police Maori Advisory Committee.