Congratulations
My name is Tamara Kumar and I am a granddaughter of the late kaumātua, Maurice Nutira of Taumutu, Wairewa and Ngāi Tūāhuriri. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Tourism Management from Waiariki Institute of Technology.
On Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 March, I attended the official pōhiri and awards ceremony wearing a family korowai, which was lent to me by Natasha Te Au. I wanted to wear the korowai to honor my late pōua (grandfather) as he was always proud of us grandchildren, and if he was still with us he would have been at the ceremonies. During the pōhiri the local newspaper (Rotorua Daily Post) asked me a few questions and then asked if they could take my photo, which was then printed in the paper on 10 March.
The skills and qualifications I have gained are already benefiting Ngāi Tahu through my employment at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua. Nā Tamara Kumar.
Tamara wearing her family korowai at her graduation.