Ngā mate

Bernice Irene Tainui J.P. QSM
Ko Makeo tōku maunga
Ko Waiaua tōku awa
Ko Whakatōhea tōku iwi
Ko Takitimu tōku waka
Ko Ōmaramutu tōku marae
Ko Tokena tōku matua
Ka moe ahau i a Hone Te Ruahuanui o Ōnuku
E waru ā māua tamariki
Tokomaha ngā mokopuna
Ko Bernice Tainui ahau.

Born to be a Mother

To know me
Is to understand
That at the heart of my life
Are my mokopuna
They are miracles
Who have become a necessary element
Of enjoyment in my life

Stars, they are,
who light up my horizon
and their love and generosity overwhelm me
My pride in them knows no bounds
I believe
I was born to be a mother

My spiritual life came alive
When my first child was born
As each of the eight became an extension of me
I felt wonderfully blessed
I was sure I was the cleverest person in the world
To have produced eight miracles

I thank God
For the happiness they have brought me
My babies

Written by Bernice Tainui for Kura Kaumātua Recalling the Memories 2009.

The Tainui and Morgan whānau wish to express our most heartfelt gratitude to all our Ngāi Tahu whānau and friends, who shared their aroha and supported us all through our time of sadness. To our Ōnuku whānau, who tirelessly upheld the manaaki and mana of our marae – we are truly grateful to you all.