Ngā mate

It is with great sadness that the Manihera whānau farewelled their beloved tāua, Myra Manihera, who was affectionately known as Koko Mum.

This great women exemplified aroha and manaakitanga by opening up her home and heart and caring for her 13 children, many mokopuna and countless others.

She was laid to rest on Tuesday, 16 December, next to her husband, Tip Manihera aka Tipi-Lou, Uncle Tip and Koko Dad, at Te Urutī (Tuahiwi Urupā). She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchild, Tahu Pōtiki.

The Manihera whānau wish to thank everyone who paid their respects during the tangi. They especially want to thank Tuahiwi Marae for allowing them to be together to rein in the next generation – maunga aroha.

Kua haro atu tō wairua ki te taupāpātanga o Tawhiti. Kua topa atu ki Te Hononga i Wairua. Ko tātou āu waihotanga e tangi atu nei, kia maumahara.

On behalf of the Manihera (and all close extended whānau). Nā Kaharoa Manihera.

To the Manihera whānau

On behalf of the aunties of Tuahiwi Marae who work in the kāuta, I would like to commend the children, in-laws and moko of Myra, who worked wonderfully in the kitchen and produced kai rangatira served with mana. They kept our whare spotlessly clean during the tangi. I would also like to mention the great job that all the pakeke are doing in raising their well-behaved tamariki. Nā Hoana Burgman.

Tuahiwi garden for Te Matatini manuhiri

Pani Ruwhiu and Hilary Te Aika are proud of the garden they have created to help feed the masses during Te Matatini 2015.

Along with Norm Dewes, the pair has planted a wide range of crops including kamokamo, sweet corn, kūmara, potatoes and huge sunflowers, which stand tall in their patch.

Both Pani and Hilary whakapapa to Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāti Waewae – “We’re Tainui sisters from the West Coast,” says Pani.

They started the garden on a small patch of land at Tuahiwi to ensure there were fresh vegetables available during the kapa haka festival. The initial plan was to run a stall at Te Matatini but they dropped that idea and now plan to give their produce to Tuahiwi Marae.

“We’re not growing this for us. It’s our contribution to those who stay on our marae during Te Matatini,” says Hilary.

Pani Ruwhiu (left) and Hilary Te Aika check on their sunflowers.

Pani Ruwhiu (left) and Hilary Te Aika check on their sunflowers.