Congratulations

Amber Maree Brierly.

Whānau and friends are very proud of Amber Maree Brierly (a descendent of John Flutey and Merehana Puha), who recently graduated from Massey University, Palmerston North School of Aviation with a Bachelor of Aviation Management.

Amber, 21, who lives in Auckland, spent her last semester at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida USA on an exchange programme. She chose ERAU, as it is the world’s oldest, largest and most prestigious university specializing in aviation and aerospace and the only fully accredited aviation-oriented university in the world.

Along with this she has just completed a four-month internship at ERAU College of Aviation, Department of Aeronautics researching air traffic management in the USA. While in the United States, Amber continued with her sporting passions of rowing and triathlon and was placed second in a state triathlon. Amber has also completed a half-ironman in Taupō and ultimately plans to compete in an ironman event in the USA. She plans to complete a master’s degree but is keen to gain work experience first.

Amber is the daughter of Maree Ann Brierly (née Flutey) and Stanley Watson Brierly. Her paternal grandparents are Clarence Gordon Flutey and Nona Myrtle Flutey; and her paternal great-grandparents were Charles James Flutey and Gladys Ellen Flutey. Nā Maree Brierly.

Wood chopping

It was all hands to the deck when six tonnes of wood arrived at Ōnuku Marae.

From left, Tahu Rhodes-Hood, Whetu Rhodes-Hood and Bruce Rhodes.

From left, Tahu Rhodes-Hood, Whetu Rhodes-Hood and Bruce Rhodes.

Wharekai redevelopment

Ōnuku have been very busy with final planning stages of our redevelopment project. Following a blessing of our wharekai ‘Amiria Puhirere’, some whānau gathered for poroporoaki on the eve of demolition.

Demolition begins.

Demolition begins.

From left Barron, Rei, Branson, Finn, Maddie, Donna, Jymal Morgan, Bruce Rhodes with grandson, Whetu.

From left Barron, Rei, Branson, Finn, Maddie, Donna, Jymal Morgan, Bruce Rhodes with grandson, Whetu.

From left Donna Tainui with children Maddie and Finn, Reiana Tainui with grandchildren Barron and Branson.

From left Donna Tainui with children Maddie and Finn, Reiana Tainui with grand-children Barron and Branson.

Snowfall

Winter came early to Ōnuku Marae, when a light dusting of snow coated the hills behind our marae.

Wharenui Karaweko during the May snowfall at Ōnuku Marae.

Wharenui Karaweko during the May snowfall at Ōnuku Marae.