Te Whānau o Waipareira Trusts Roopu Kaumātua have a registered membership of 109 active members who hail from all four winds of Aotearoa. Within the Roopu Kaumātua they have an elected executive committee of 12 who meet bi weekly to discuss their requirements, plan events and representation venturing the Roopu forward.

Members of the Executive Committee include Chairperson Poata Northcroft, Secretary Jim Te Wiki, Treasurer Theresa Toki, and active members Mereana Stubbings, Bill Tangariki, Leigh Harris, Maki Harawira, Maraea Northcroft, Ella Matthews, Anne Taumaunu, Judy Cooper and Margaret Glover.

On Thursday 8th December 2011 the Roopu Kaumātua rejoiced for their annual Christmas Luncheon fiesta at the Henderson RSA. There was a 95% attendance who filled the day with joyous celebrations recognising members achievements, and commemorated those of their fellow associates who had passed.

Chairperson of the Roopu Kaumātua, Poata Northcroft said “Mō mātou ngā kaumātua o Te Whānau o Waipareira, te mea nui nei ko te whakanui I te rā kirihimete, te reo pōwhiri atu ki a rātou te hono tātou i a tātou, te tiaki mokopuna i tēnei wā o te kirihimete” For us the elderly supporters of Te Whānau o Waipareira, it was a chance to celebrate the joys of Christmas and call upon our members to bring us together again, and express the importance of looking after our mokopuna during the Christmas holiday.

The Putiputi Kanikani ladies (a dance troupe within the Roopu) were beautifully attired as they prepared to lead out with their dance performances. Roopu Kaumātua Secretary and Leader of Putiputi Kanikani, Theresa Toki spoke of their role within the community “we travel around to local rest homes dancing and rock’n’rolling for other kaumātua who aren’t as fit and mobile - hoping to brighten their day and get their little toes tapping again”.

Henderson RSA employee and bartender Amber Morunga expressed “It was Awesome to see Waipareira Kaumātua having so much fun, embracing each other. I enjoyed watching their cultural performances and listening to their singing, it was great to have them at our venue”.