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National | Hauraki-Waikato

Ngā Ringa Raupā - Beverley Manahi

If there was one person in need of recognition for her dedication to the education and well-being of tamariki in West Auckland it would have to be Beverley Manahi, more affectionately known as "Whaea Bev".

For over 30 years, she has contributed to many of the students who have graduated from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae.

Whaea Bev says, "Nearly 33 years I have lived here at Hoani Waititi, but about 30 years I have been here at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae.

The Māori language is the life-force of a person, which is something that I have kept close to me, that has stayed with me for years.  If our language was to fade away we would not exist.

It's of utmost importance to me that Māori strive for excellence.  That's exactly why I am still here teaching Māori children.

There is so much reward when I see my old students grow up from small children into adulthood.  Then they take on world, for me that's the biggest reward.

My biggest aspiration is that Hoani Waititi Marae continues what it was set up for, and that we remain on the same path is was created for, that Mātauranga Māori continuously offered to everyone."