A huge mihi goes to our Sacha McMeeking who has just been made Head of the Māori Department at the University of Canterbury – what an honour. Sacha has some very big shoes to fill following Lynne Harata Te Aika. Her mihi whakatau will be on 29 June at 9.30am, so we should have some photos to share next time round.
Also, Michael and Pamela Stoneley (Stokes whānau) along with Mike’s sister, Christine Tidey were extremely proud of their son and nephew, Liam Stoneley, when they recently attended his graduation at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (University of Canterbury).
Liam gained a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in te reo Māori and History. Liam is continuing his studies in Ōtautahi to complete his law degree later this year.
From the grapevine we hear that Kristine Sommer has recently become engaged to her best friend, Mati Morrison with plans for wedding celebrations next year – wonderful Kristine.
Kristine also recently attended a suicide prevention course run by Assist NZ at the Timaru Aoraki Polytechnic.
“I attended the two-day training course and learnt a lot. The course was well facilitated by a great team. I learnt some valuable truths around suicide and the need for us to have these tools to help our whānau and our people. It was great to connect with other organisations within the communities to understand better what choices are available to our people and especially our tamariki who are struggling. I would recommend this to any of our whānau if this opportunity was to come around again, to attend and be key to saving a life,” said Kristine.
Liam with his whānau. Liam is wearing the korowai that his Aunty Christine made for him.
Liam stands tall with his fellow tauira after receiving their certificates at Hui Whakahōnore – a celebration acknowledging the achievements of Māori graduates at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha.