Ngā mate
Our matriarch, Dorothy Te Mahana (Mahana) Walsh, previously Smith (née Te Tau), has begun her long heke or journey, to her Hawaiki pā Māmoe. Mahana was our oldest living lady and a true wahine taua and rangatira.
On behalf of her beloved Puketeraki whānau, I pass on our sincere condolences to her whānau spread around the world. Mahana was a complete mother figure, a staunch member of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, the Mothers’ Union, a member of countless community groups and a strong kaumātua.
We will all miss her advice, aroha, cheerful smile, sparkling eyes, and her ability to recall the past. She was a reliable authority on tikanga Māori. She spoke with clarity on iwi matters, showed total commitment to her own whānau, and the wider hapū.
Our hearts ache terribly for this gentle lady. Pūmau ki te Atua.
Forever with the Lord. Nā, David Ellison, Upoko.
Dorothy Te Mahana Walsh, 7 August, 1923 — 15 February, 2016.
Acknowledgements
Robyn Walsh
We would like to give special mention to Jen and my team here at work – Te Taumatua (Iwi Engagement and Identity), who worked tirelessly in the kitchen and were such a huge support to us.
Tama Smith
The Smith whānau would like to extend a big thank you to all those who shared their aroha, their awhi and their mahi with us. Their efforts made this tangi so memorable for all of our whānau whānui. Aroha nui ki a koutou.
Correction
In February’s edition of Te Pānui Rūnaka we wrongly reported on the birth of Kawiti (not Kawhiti) Parata-Taiapa. Kawiti was named after his epitomes Ngāti Hine tupuna ‘Te Ruki Kawiti’. Kawiti was born on the 31st December, not the 29 December. Apologies to the Parata-Taiapa and Tutbury whānau.