Belated congratulations to Mariana Pagan, daughter of Elaine and Bruce Pagan (formerly of Bluff), who graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Surveying with credit. Mariana is currently employed as a graduate surveyor with CKL Hamilton.
The photo supplied by Mariana shows her wearing the Awarua korowai that she wore to the Māori pre-graduation and the official graduation ceremonies.
Also, congratulations to Thomas Aerepo-Morgan, who participated at the national Manu Kōrero competitions held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua from 21-24 September. Although Thomas was suffering from a bad case of influenza he managed to place third equal overall in the Pei Te Hurini – Senior Māori section, as well as winning the best impromptu speech. This is an awesome achievement for Thomas and his school Te Wharekura o Arowhenua.
Mariana’s whānau. From left, Chris Eruera (brother), Mariana Pagan, Elaine Pagan (mum) and Bruce Pagan (dad).