Josephine Reremoana Russell (Ngāi Tahu – Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Māmoe) celebrated her 99th birthday on 15 June. Her sight and hearing may be poor and she may now struggle physically but Josephine’s mind is still sharp and her memory of her early days in Hawkes Bay are very much alive and well. Her family took her out to lunch to celebrate her big day.

Josephine Russell was born 15 June, 1915 at Tuahiwi to William (Oliver) Alexander Russell and Louisa Violet (née Barrett). Her paternal grandparents were John Lyons Russell and Koreana Edmunds. Her maternal grandparents were Henry John Barrett and Louise Violet (née) Hunter. [Read more…]