Esteemed kaumātua Nanny Makere Tino and Papa Denis Hansen were awarded with Kaumātua and Kuia of the year in recognition of their mahi at the recent Mauri Ora graduation held in Otaki on Saturday November 26th.

Both respectively in their seventies, they are the eldest graduates for 2011 completing the course through Te Korowai Aroha o Aotearoa and as such were given this acknowledgement for their dedication to on-going learning and education.

Mauri Ora is a ten month training programme that equips ākonga (students) to work with whānau, hapū, iwi in a uniquely kaupapa Māori way. It helps ākonga to develop their own solutions when dealing with issues that arise based on an understanding of Tikanga Māori and culture.

For Nanny Makere, one of the first graduates from Te Kohanga Reo National Trust’s three year degree Whakapakari, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

"I look forward to being able to continue with my studies, it’s exciting and is what keeps me alive, alert and happy." she says.

Papa Denis is in great demand as he sits on the Taumata representing Waipareira at key events within Tāmaki and around the globe.

With a passion for Tikanga and Te Reo Māori, the pair are a shining example that you are never too old to learn new things. As revered kaumātua within Waipareira they continue to set a high standard for those who will follow in their footsteps.

‘Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka’ – this is an old Māori proverb that states the Kumara never speaks of its own sweetness, and these two learned and wise kaumātua are a perfect example of that.

Nanny Makere said "I had no idea we were going to be given this award so for me it was a huge surprise!"

Both have been an integral part of establishing a strong foundation that has resulted in the incredible growth and success of Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust throughout the past 28 years, and say they look forward to playing their part in the next twenty.