Here Te Pana Young (née Huria)

26/3/1927 – 24/5/2016
“Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu”
Aunty Biddy was precious to her whānau, our whānau strength and link to the past.

On the morning of 24 May our Aunty Biddy slipped away to join her tūpuna, siblings and husband leaving behind her children Larry, Adrianne, Dianne, their husbands and many mokopuna.

Aunty Biddy grew up in Port Levy and Woodend and often shared many childhood tales with us all. One of my favorites is her telling us about catching the ferry back to Port Levy to stay with Aunty Lil for the school holidays. Aunty Biddy has touched the lives of many and was always ready with the home baking and a cup of tea in her fine china when we all visited.

Our stories of Aunty are endless, however I believe this poem explains what an impact Aunty has had on her whānau and many friends. The whānau would like to express their thanks to all the support received over this time.

The Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, and the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.”

Moe mai, moe mai rā Aunty Biddy
Aroha nui Aunty Biddy’s whānau.

Aunty Biddy.

Aunty Biddy.

Congratulations

Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden
Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden was a finalist in this year’s 2016 Green Ribbon Awards, in the Kaitiaki Leadership Category.

This category recognises outstanding kaitiaki leadership and demonstrated commitment to empowering iwi/hapū/whānau to take action to restore or sustain the mauri of te taiao.

Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden.

Peter Te Rangihiroa Ramsden.

Charles Crofts
Former Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere, Charles Crofts has become an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Māori.

Charles is a former Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere who played a pivotal role between 1993 and 1996 in seeing through the most critical stages of the Deed of Settlement.

Charles was then an integral member of the team of principals mandated by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, to manage the negotiation process and was personally charged with maintaining tribal cohesion during negotiations.

Charles Crofts.

Charles Crofts.