August 20, 2015
Kaumatua inspired young minds
Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox regrets that Hawkes Bay kaumatua Stuart Panapa died without receiving the Queen's Service Medal awarded to him in the Queen's Birthday honours.
Attempts to bring the investiture ceremony forward were unsuccessful and his family will now receive the award on his behalf next month.
Mr Panapa joined the Waipatu Maori Catholic Club at the age of 14 in 1948, and over the past 67 years didn't miss an annual meeting.
He represented Ruahapia Marae on the Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga board and had served on a wide range of community organisations.
Ms Fox says he will mainly be remembered for his roles in education, as a teacher, school trustee and former chair of St Joseph's Maori Girls' College Parent Teacher Association.
"This matua has dedicated his life to inspiring young minds, to working on boards of trustees to ensuring that our young Maori people are educated in a way that they feel strong, confident and able to participate in society," she says.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARAMA FOX CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MzE2MjU=
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com