Congratulations

Waiariki Paraone was selected as the head boy for Linwood College 2015 at the school prize giving last year.

A rousing chant from his proud peers and family made the announcement all the more significant. Waiariki is excited about his leadership role and looks forward to leading Linwood College during his final year at secondary school. Tau kē Waiariki.

And not to be left in the dark by her brother’s announcement, Hineamaru Paraone achieved first placings in English, Māori and science, plus second placings in mathematics, and health, which placed her first in her class.

Hineamaru decided to move to Te Pā o Rākaihautū, a special character school with a vision to become a 21st Century pā or learning village for learners of all ages. Her journey started as a pre-schooler at Nōku Te Ao over 10 years-ago. As the first graduate of Nōku Te Ao to go to Te Pā o Rākaihautū, Hineamaru is thriving in the pā style learning environment. Nōhou te Ao.

Wedding

It was a momentous occasion on Saturday, 24 January, as whānau and friends from Rāpaki, Surabaya and Singapore gathered under clear blue skies and a very warm Balinese summer sun, to witness and share in the marriage celebration of Elaine and Ron Dell’s youngest son, Jason to Lilis Maretta Dewi.

Jason and Dewi met in Bali and have been living and working in the Maldives.

A picture from the special day.

A picture from the special day.

University recognises Donald Couch

The University of Canterbury (UC), recently recognised alumni who have made a difference in their chosen fields of endeavour. They have identified men and women of all cultures who stand as shining examples. The Legends initiative celebrates those UC alumni with pride and maintains an ongoing connection between today’s UC students and those of the past.

The list includes Rāpaki’s Donald Couch, iwi leader, educator, author, resource manager and ECan Commissioner.

He was UC’s first Ngāi Tahu to earn both graduate and post-graduate degrees. He went on to a remarkable career in tertiary education, resource management, local and regional government in both Canada and New Zealand. Recently, he was Pro-Chancellor of Lincoln University and Deputy Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, and is currently one of seven government-appointed Commissioners who now oversee operations of Environment Canterbury Regional Council. His picture now flies on a banner on the UC campus at University Drive and Clyde Road alongside artist, Rita Angus and writer, Margaret Mahy.