What a great year it has been for Tiare Ahuriri - and especially for our President Maryanne Marsters who in early December was awarded the MLIS from Victoria University Wellington. In addition to working hard towards attaining her Masters in Library and Information Studies, Maryanne has also been instrumental in corralling together those Pacific people who are working in the library informations systems sector around the country. Those of us living here in Hawkes Bay see firsthand the impact that Maryanne has had in her position at the Learning Centre at the Eastern Institute of Technology, and the large numbers of students (many of them our own Pacific students) she has helped.
Tiare Ahuriri is very proud of Maryanne and her achievements and we were able to celebrate this with a lovely brunch at The Thirsty Whale on December 13th. Well done Maryanne!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS AUNTY TAIME ON YOUR QSM
Also making the New Years Honours List is another Hawkes Bay PACIFICA member - Taime Pareanga Samuel, who was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the Cook Islands community in Hawkes Bay.Read page 3 of the Hawkes Bay Today or go to http://www.hbtoday.co.nz Well done Aunty Taime we are very proud of you too -congratulations from Tiare Ahuriri!
OUR DIANE MAKES THE NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST!
Our Diane made the front page of the Hawkes Bay Today today in the New Year's Honours List as she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. We are very proud of her and what a fantastic boost for Pacific women everywhere! Here is the article.
EDUCATION CHAMPION PUTS CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING FIRST
DR DIANE MARA, MNZM
When Taradale-based educationalist and Pacific women's affairs leader Dr Diane Mara came to Hawke's Bay without a job, it was a reasonable bet her CV would sooner or later do the trick.
She soon found herself lecturing in early childhood education at the EIT.
But two years later the near-same CV has also pulled in a somewhat bigger fish, a New Year honour in the form of being made a Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit.
A first generation New Zealander of Tahitian descent, she was born in Auckland 57 years ago. A Kelston Girls' High pupil who moved from out west to teach in schools in South Auckland, she has been recognised for her service to the Pacific Islands community.
Education has clearly been the focus, and still is, whether it be a Victoria University doctoral thesis taking eight years' interviewing and assessing Pacific Island women in tertiary education, or her appointment this year as senior research manager for a three-year EIT project aimed at improving the well-being of children and youth in Hawke's Bay.
Somewhere, she hopes to turn her thesis into a book, but has published work that continues to be used in teacher-education courses throughout New Zealand.
Armed with a BA (education and psychology), she entered teaching at training college in Auckland, before 13 years in primary schools, conceding it was teaching not administration for her.
She lectured at the training college and, before coming to Hawke's Bay, was senior researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
She will soon end four years of presidency of the Pacific Island women's council PACIFICA and looks forward to developing the recently established Napier branch, Tiare Ahuriri.
There's a similar type of national-local comparison between a former significant role with the National Screening Unit, and joining the Napier Family Centre, as a representative of All Saints Church.
Having moved to the region to be near her 17-year-old son, a Hohepa Home resident, Dr Mara has found even more reason to stay and says: ``Having come from Auckland, and Wellington for the past eight years, I thought it would be different here, but I love it. There's lots to do.'
When Taradale-based educationalist and Pacific women's affairs leader Dr Diane Mara came to Hawke's Bay without a job, it was a reasonable bet her CV would sooner or later do the trick.
She soon found herself lecturing in early childhood education at the EIT.
But two years later the near-same CV has also pulled in a somewhat bigger fish, a New Year honour in the form of being made a Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit.
A first generation New Zealander of Tahitian descent, she was born in Auckland 57 years ago. A Kelston Girls' High pupil who moved from out west to teach in schools in South Auckland, she has been recognised for her service to the Pacific Islands community.
Education has clearly been the focus, and still is, whether it be a Victoria University doctoral thesis taking eight years' interviewing and assessing Pacific Island women in tertiary education, or her appointment this year as senior research manager for a three-year EIT project aimed at improving the well-being of children and youth in Hawke's Bay.
Somewhere, she hopes to turn her thesis into a book, but has published work that continues to be used in teacher-education courses throughout New Zealand.
Armed with a BA (education and psychology), she entered teaching at training college in Auckland, before 13 years in primary schools, conceding it was teaching not administration for her.
She lectured at the training college and, before coming to Hawke's Bay, was senior researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
She will soon end four years of presidency of the Pacific Island women's council PACIFICA and looks forward to developing the recently established Napier branch, Tiare Ahuriri.
There's a similar type of national-local comparison between a former significant role with the National Screening Unit, and joining the Napier Family Centre, as a representative of All Saints Church.
Having moved to the region to be near her 17-year-old son, a Hohepa Home resident, Dr Mara has found even more reason to stay and says: ``Having come from Auckland, and Wellington for the past eight years, I thought it would be different here, but I love it. There's lots to do.'
Thursday, November 27, 2008
PACIFICA help welcome Breastscreening Mobile Unit to Hawkes Bay
Members of Tiare Ahuriri recently joined with members of the Hawkes Bay Cook Islands Community, the Hawkes Bay District Health Board and BreastScreen Coast to Coast to welcome the Breastscreening Mobile Unit to Flaxmere for the first time. The welcome and blessing ceremony was held on a sunny Hawkes Bay evening at the Cook Islands Community Centre in Flaxmere, where the Mobile Unit will be based to provider mammograms to local women for four weeks. The ceremony, held on 14 November 2008, coincided with the local Takitimu Festival, and the visiting 100 strong Cook Islands contingent (comprising representatives from Rarotonga, Auckland and Wellington) participated in the ceremony singing Cook Islands songs and providing drumming. The highlight was the cutting of the giant pink ribbon by visiting Cook Islands Prime Minister the Hon Jim Marurai. Also in attendance were paramount Takitumu chief Pa Ariki, Cook Islands Speaker of the House Cassie Eggleton, Cook Islands High Commissioner Tepure Tapaitau and representatives of health and community organisations in Hawkes Bay. Pacific Breast and Cervical Screening Health Promoter Berry Rangi (a Tiare Ahuriri member) has been encouraging local Pacific women to take the opportunity to have their mammogram while the Mobile Unit is in the area.
Standing outside the Mobile Unit in the photograph above are (L to R):
Cushla King - Manager BreastScreen Coast to Coast, Jenny Cawston-Health Promotion Manager Hawkes Bay DHB, with Tiare Ahuriri members Caren Rangi (with daughter Kaiata), Diane Mara and Berry Rangi.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Welcome for new National President, Maori Womens Welfare League
On Saturday 1 November 2008, Berry and I accompanied Diane to Pukemokimoki Marae in Napier for the welcome home and acknowledgement of the new National President for the Maori Women's Welfare League, Meagan Joe. The event was attended by representatives of many MWWL branches around the country. Diane made a presentation of a Cook Islands hat and a koha on behalf of PACIFICA and made a lovely speech highlighting the strong links between our two organisations (and we managed to sing a Tahitian song to support her speech). It was also noted that both National Presidents live in Napier - go Hawkes Bay! Here are our two National Presidents together.
Caren Rangi
Sunday, October 26, 2008
PACIFICA Council Meeting
Date: Saturday, 18 October, 2008
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Host: Vaine Orama (Newtown) Branch
Branch members came from as far North as Whangarei, with Dunedin the most Southern. The meeting was attended by approximately 25 members. The women were a dynamic group who made the meeting interesting and productive.
Of key interest and note is that six of the current National PACIFICA Executive Team will not be standing for their currently held Executive positions, this includes the position of National PACIFICA President, as the current President, Dr Diane Mara will have served her four year term in office at the end of this year.
Diane has done a great job during her term as PACIFICA President. Thank you Diane!
As a branch within PACIFICA Central Region we were pleased to hear that Seinia will stand again for the office of Central Region Vice President.
National PACIFICA positions are:
- Assistant Treasurer
- Treasurer
- Assistant Secretary
- Secretary
- Vice President South Island
- PACIFICA President
Vice President Central Region
Vice President Northern Region
Branch Report Highlights
Tiare Ahuriri, Tangiianui, Takitumu, & Hastings Branches were all involved in the sPACIFICally PACIFIC event in August of 2008. An event that showcases Pasifika cultural dimensions through Pasifika students in the Hawke's Bay region. Each year it just gets bigger and better, and 2008 retained this continuity. Ngatoka Gifford-Kara, Taime Pareanga Samuel, Maryanne Marsters - Presidents.
Whangarei branch celebrated their 30th anniversary, which was held in early September in the Schnappa Rock Cafe at the Tutukaka Coast. The 40 ladies who attended were treated to a coach trip to the venue, a buffet lunch with gorgeous cake and then entertained by our branch with songs and dances from Samoa, Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands. Again this event has brought more members on board. I would like to thank Josephine Bartley for her support, for coming along and bringing Seiuli Moria Walker and Evelyn Knowles to celebrate with us. We were pleased with the day and incredibly proud of what has been achieved on that day and how the branch has survived for 30 years. Venee Mortimer - President.
Actions and highlights of the Auckland Central Branch included, but was not restricted to, establishing a new database - in order to maintain accurate records, better ascertain numbers of current and active members vs. those that require a gentle reminder; renewed relationships in Health across three District Health Boards; and developed a calendar of events for 12 months. Each month having a theme with supportive activity. Particular emphasis on supporting members with projects of national as well as local interest to Pacific women. Anne Fitisemanu -President.
Wellington Central Branch big fundraiser for the year was held on Friday, 4th April, 2008 - PACIFICA Passion Evening of fashion, food and entertainment. Held from 7pm to 11.30pm at Marist St Pats Rugby Clubrooms in Hataitai, over 220 people attended and we raised $5,500. The evening comprised a speech by Hon. Winnie Laban, a fashion show, entertainment from the Laughing Samoans, Salsa Magic Dance performance, Moana Ete singing, raffles and an auction. We also received a donation of $2,000 from Capital & Coast DHB Pacific Unit for the project, bringing the total funds raised to $7,500. This will be utilised to raise Pacific women's awareness of breast and cervical cancer screening in Wellington. Mele Wendt - President.
The Palmerston North Branch are pleased to report that our branch is doing really well. Our keen members, even though we are busy with work and studies, we still manage to keep the branch active. We meet when it's required. We're hoping to have a weaving workshop before the AGM so we can enter the Weaving Competition. five of our members attended the Central Region Mini Conference and enjoyed it. Four of our members went to Samoa in May for EFKS church conference. Loau and her husband went to America in July. There are untold responsibilities that we have and yet we're all well and happy and look forward to PACIFICA activities. Lemalu S. Tini Tulitua - President.
And the Tokoroa Branch say that being in a small town community, we are wearing several hats, so members are together constantly, not just for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A meetings. We lost our esteemed Life Member, Mama Ngakai Pere in June. She had been awarded her Life Membership in Hastings, where Fanaura and I attended. I also was privileged to receive my Life Membership at Hastings. Our thanks to the Tangiianui and Takitumu Branches for hosting our Conference in February 2008. In July, we hosted the Northern Region Mini Conference, which twenty three delegates attended, plus nine of our members, and local women from our tivaevae group, who demonstrated their embroidery art, as each delegate was given a cushion, with applique pieces for successful outcomes. The day was very wet, and cold but there was so much warmth and laughter from our Pacific women, as we are "hot" and happy people, by disposition! We're looking forward to our A.G.M. in Auckland next February, and intend to fund raise for this, so that all of our members can attend. Francis Campbell - President.
Much thanks go to Vaine Orama Branch for the great venue, great food and drink, much warmth and welcomes, which set the scene for a productive and enjoyable P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Council Meeting. Meitaki Maata!
NOTE: Other PACIFICA Branches were in attendance at the meeting. Branch highlights contained on this blog were taken from branch reports handed out at the meeting.
Maryanne
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Venue: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
Host: Vaine Orama (Newtown) Branch
Branch members came from as far North as Whangarei, with Dunedin the most Southern. The meeting was attended by approximately 25 members. The women were a dynamic group who made the meeting interesting and productive.
Of key interest and note is that six of the current National PACIFICA Executive Team will not be standing for their currently held Executive positions, this includes the position of National PACIFICA President, as the current President, Dr Diane Mara will have served her four year term in office at the end of this year.
Diane has done a great job during her term as PACIFICA President. Thank you Diane!
As a branch within PACIFICA Central Region we were pleased to hear that Seinia will stand again for the office of Central Region Vice President.
National PACIFICA positions are:
- Assistant Treasurer
- Treasurer
- Assistant Secretary
- Secretary
- Vice President South Island
- PACIFICA President
Vice President Central Region
Vice President Northern Region
Branch Report Highlights
Tiare Ahuriri, Tangiianui, Takitumu, & Hastings Branches were all involved in the sPACIFICally PACIFIC event in August of 2008. An event that showcases Pasifika cultural dimensions through Pasifika students in the Hawke's Bay region. Each year it just gets bigger and better, and 2008 retained this continuity. Ngatoka Gifford-Kara, Taime Pareanga Samuel, Maryanne Marsters - Presidents.
Whangarei branch celebrated their 30th anniversary, which was held in early September in the Schnappa Rock Cafe at the Tutukaka Coast. The 40 ladies who attended were treated to a coach trip to the venue, a buffet lunch with gorgeous cake and then entertained by our branch with songs and dances from Samoa, Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands. Again this event has brought more members on board. I would like to thank Josephine Bartley for her support, for coming along and bringing Seiuli Moria Walker and Evelyn Knowles to celebrate with us. We were pleased with the day and incredibly proud of what has been achieved on that day and how the branch has survived for 30 years. Venee Mortimer - President.
Actions and highlights of the Auckland Central Branch included, but was not restricted to, establishing a new database - in order to maintain accurate records, better ascertain numbers of current and active members vs. those that require a gentle reminder; renewed relationships in Health across three District Health Boards; and developed a calendar of events for 12 months. Each month having a theme with supportive activity. Particular emphasis on supporting members with projects of national as well as local interest to Pacific women. Anne Fitisemanu -President.
Wellington Central Branch big fundraiser for the year was held on Friday, 4th April, 2008 - PACIFICA Passion Evening of fashion, food and entertainment. Held from 7pm to 11.30pm at Marist St Pats Rugby Clubrooms in Hataitai, over 220 people attended and we raised $5,500. The evening comprised a speech by Hon. Winnie Laban, a fashion show, entertainment from the Laughing Samoans, Salsa Magic Dance performance, Moana Ete singing, raffles and an auction. We also received a donation of $2,000 from Capital & Coast DHB Pacific Unit for the project, bringing the total funds raised to $7,500. This will be utilised to raise Pacific women's awareness of breast and cervical cancer screening in Wellington. Mele Wendt - President.
The Palmerston North Branch are pleased to report that our branch is doing really well. Our keen members, even though we are busy with work and studies, we still manage to keep the branch active. We meet when it's required. We're hoping to have a weaving workshop before the AGM so we can enter the Weaving Competition. five of our members attended the Central Region Mini Conference and enjoyed it. Four of our members went to Samoa in May for EFKS church conference. Loau and her husband went to America in July. There are untold responsibilities that we have and yet we're all well and happy and look forward to PACIFICA activities. Lemalu S. Tini Tulitua - President.
And the Tokoroa Branch say that being in a small town community, we are wearing several hats, so members are together constantly, not just for P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A meetings. We lost our esteemed Life Member, Mama Ngakai Pere in June. She had been awarded her Life Membership in Hastings, where Fanaura and I attended. I also was privileged to receive my Life Membership at Hastings. Our thanks to the Tangiianui and Takitumu Branches for hosting our Conference in February 2008. In July, we hosted the Northern Region Mini Conference, which twenty three delegates attended, plus nine of our members, and local women from our tivaevae group, who demonstrated their embroidery art, as each delegate was given a cushion, with applique pieces for successful outcomes. The day was very wet, and cold but there was so much warmth and laughter from our Pacific women, as we are "hot" and happy people, by disposition! We're looking forward to our A.G.M. in Auckland next February, and intend to fund raise for this, so that all of our members can attend. Francis Campbell - President.
Much thanks go to Vaine Orama Branch for the great venue, great food and drink, much warmth and welcomes, which set the scene for a productive and enjoyable P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Council Meeting. Meitaki Maata!
NOTE: Other PACIFICA Branches were in attendance at the meeting. Branch highlights contained on this blog were taken from branch reports handed out at the meeting.
Maryanne
Friday, August 29, 2008
Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector
The Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, has just issued a Media Statement on Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector, in which the minister says that greater participation of Pacific peoples in the creative, emerging and growth industries is being supported through online resource. The launching of such a resource was held on Friday, 29 August 2008, and is a website, the “Pacific Starmap” website.
In her statement the Minister said that “Pacific peoples are known for their creativity and artistic talent – this is not only a reflection of our cultural identity, it is also a platform for the economic development of our Pacific communities and New Zealand.”
Following is the link to the above mentioned Media Statement of the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. So, click on the link and stay informed with what is out there for Pacific peoples, supporting Pacific peoples.
Maryanne
In her statement the Minister said that “Pacific peoples are known for their creativity and artistic talent – this is not only a reflection of our cultural identity, it is also a platform for the economic development of our Pacific communities and New Zealand.”
Following is the link to the above mentioned Media Statement of the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. So, click on the link and stay informed with what is out there for Pacific peoples, supporting Pacific peoples.
Media Statement on Navigating Pacific pathways in the creative sector
Maryanne
Saane goes to Tonga
Tiare Ahuriri member Saane Unga returned to Tonga a week ago because her mother fell ill. Our love and prayers went with Saane. I am now pleased to say that Saane's mum is much better and Saane is enjoying being home with mum and dad, brothers and sisters, friends and family, and just soaking in Island Life again. It looks like Saane will be back with us in about a week and a half. This blog address has been sent to Saane so, if anyone wants to leave a message for her or just leave a comment, please do so.
Looking forward to the return of our Tongan flower!
Maryanne
Looking forward to the return of our Tongan flower!
Maryanne
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Letter to the Editor
PACIFICA Inc president, and member of Tiare Ahuriri branch, Dr Diane Mara sent the following letter to the editor of Hawke’s Bay Today.
PACIFIC SHOWCASE BENEFITS US ALL
(Hawke's Bay Today, 18 August 2008, p. 6)
Dear Editor
The Hawke's Bay sPACIFICally Pacific programme has just finished for another year. I was privileged to attend the opening at the King's House Church on Sunday 10th and the final Cultural Explosion evening at Pettigrew Green Arena on the Friday night. In both cases the venues were packed out. Congratulations for this wonderful exposition and celebration of Pacific youth are due to the organisers, in particular Mr Talalelei Taufale and Rose Fatialofa and members of the sPACIFICally Pacific Hawke's Bay Charitable Trust. The enthusiasm and commitment of the young people from seven Hastings and Napier secondary schools as they performed dances and items from a range of Pacific cultures was a joy to behold. The hours of preparation and the support of school staff, parents and the wider Pacific communities including the churches resulted in polished, precision performances, beautiful costuming, and inventive choreography and staging that would rival any of the performances at the annual secondary school's Polyfest held in Auckland. All of the week's events, thanks to sponsorship, had free admission so there was no barrier to anyone in our community attending and witnessing such talent. In contrast to much of the negative profile given to our youth in the media the positive creativity of this week needs to receive greater attention and a wider appreciation across the region. As the population of Pacific youth of this region grows they will become increasingly engaged in and indeed, increasingly shape the cultural life of Hawke's Bay. sPACIFICally Pacific demonstrates what can be achieved when we support youth to celebrate their cultural heritages and their changing identities so that all our community benefits. Our cross-cultural future is in good hands if events like sPACIFICally Pacific continue to be encouraged and that is up to everyone in our community.
Yours sincerely
Dr Diane Mara
Tiare Ahuriri Branch
PACIFICA Inc.(Pacific Women's Council)
Well said Dr Diane Mara!
Maryanne
PACIFIC SHOWCASE BENEFITS US ALL
(Hawke's Bay Today, 18 August 2008, p. 6)
Dear Editor
The Hawke's Bay sPACIFICally Pacific programme has just finished for another year. I was privileged to attend the opening at the King's House Church on Sunday 10th and the final Cultural Explosion evening at Pettigrew Green Arena on the Friday night. In both cases the venues were packed out. Congratulations for this wonderful exposition and celebration of Pacific youth are due to the organisers, in particular Mr Talalelei Taufale and Rose Fatialofa and members of the sPACIFICally Pacific Hawke's Bay Charitable Trust. The enthusiasm and commitment of the young people from seven Hastings and Napier secondary schools as they performed dances and items from a range of Pacific cultures was a joy to behold. The hours of preparation and the support of school staff, parents and the wider Pacific communities including the churches resulted in polished, precision performances, beautiful costuming, and inventive choreography and staging that would rival any of the performances at the annual secondary school's Polyfest held in Auckland. All of the week's events, thanks to sponsorship, had free admission so there was no barrier to anyone in our community attending and witnessing such talent. In contrast to much of the negative profile given to our youth in the media the positive creativity of this week needs to receive greater attention and a wider appreciation across the region. As the population of Pacific youth of this region grows they will become increasingly engaged in and indeed, increasingly shape the cultural life of Hawke's Bay. sPACIFICally Pacific demonstrates what can be achieved when we support youth to celebrate their cultural heritages and their changing identities so that all our community benefits. Our cross-cultural future is in good hands if events like sPACIFICally Pacific continue to be encouraged and that is up to everyone in our community.
Yours sincerely
Dr Diane Mara
Tiare Ahuriri Branch
PACIFICA Inc.(Pacific Women's Council)
Well said Dr Diane Mara!
Maryanne
sPACIFICally PACIFIC Week
It was a great week for sPACIFICally PACIFIC, the sun shone brightly and people flocked in for the offical opening on Sunday, 10 August, at Kings House Church, Maraenui, Napier, which was officially opened by the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs. The local community engaged with organisations and schools at the Information Expo and local talent was showcased. PACIFICA’s Tiare Ahuriri was there with members not only on the sPACIFICally PACIFIC committee, and members interacting with the Pacific community from stalls but, the announcement of PACIFICA’s newest branch Tiare Ahuriri was included in the Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban’s offical speech. To read the Minister’s speech, click on the following link. Link to Speech.
Over the week an event occurred each day, there was a Pasifika Drama competition held in Flaxmere, a Primary School festival also held in Flaxmere, a Careers Day that was held at Pukemokimoki Marae in Napier, a Hip Hop Dance competition held at the Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale, and an amazing Cultural Explosion competition night that would rival Auckland’s Polyfest. It was a fabulous week and Tiare Ahuriri was there judging competitions and supporting our Pacific community.
The sPACIFICally PACIFIC committee did a fabulous job, and it was inspiring to see our Pacific community come out and support our young Pasifika’s. I am sure next year will be even better, for each year this event blows me away with something new.
Maryanne
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
First time blogger!
Kia orana to our President and all members - wow Tiare Ahuriri sure is up with all the technology - it helps when we have a clever President! Anyway, this is great and I'm already thinking about how we might make use of the Events Calendar. See you all on the 20th!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Introduction
Welcome to Tiare Ahuriri branch blog. The purpose of this blog is to communicate, interact, and keep both Tiare Ahuriri members, and PACIFICA members informed of our activities. What we have done? What we are doing? What we are planning to do?Our mission, vision and objectives are:
Vision - Strong and Successful Pacific women
Mission - Support, promote and strengthen Pacific women and their communities in Hawke's Bay
Objectives - Have fun, support one another, support our Pacific community, provide a Pacific women's viewpoint in Hawke's Bay, and reach out to our sister branches in Hawke's Bay, and nationally.
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Feel free to leave a comment ladies, or send an email, or you can go to our PACIFICA Incorporated website for further information and contact details. www.pacifica.org.nz
Otherwise, watch this space, there is more to come!!
Maryanne
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