Leading from the front issuu

MINNIE RATIMA’S RESPITE MEMORIAL
HIKOI, TURANGI,
January 25 — 28, 2021
Pat’s hikoi are always unique and Minnie’s memorial
hikoi this year added a bitter sweet tinge to the time on
the trail for the 23-strong team. On the four day tribute
to whānau and new beginnings, of course there was
sadness that Minnie couldn’t be there to see her tamariki,
mokos, foot soldiers and buddies all together. And
that’s the sweet spot right there, that Minnie’s whānau
and friends had gathered to nurture her connections
and keep her legacy alive on her treasured long trail.
On the Monday, a busload of 20 left Ahuriri for
Turangi and settled into accommodation befitting the
uniqueness; the venue was a quirky former single
men’s camp for the nearby Tongariro Hydro Scheme
that was built in 70s. Great photo opportunities in the
right light! Next day it was bush walks, lake swims, korero
and kai. Wednesday it was back on the ‘waka’ with
Nimons driver extraordinaire Richie, and over the hill
to Taumarunui.
Why Taumarunui? Because Pat had a gentle protest
in mind, a casual sit-in at the main doors of the Oranga
Tamariki offices — a gentle reminder to those inside,
to sign the town up to UNESCO’s Child Friendly City
initiative.
For Pat, Minnie’s son Kaivah Cooper and nephew
Bronson Rehutai, this journey was retracing steps of a
Pilot City hui held three years ago, which flowed seamlessly
with a stint on the TAOH trail. Foot soldiers 1 and
2 (Minnie and Pat), and their keen crew were joined by
Dr John Harré as they met with a group from council
and Oranga Tamariki to share the wisdom of embracing
the Child Friendly City kaupapa.
The first assistant Māori Commissioner for Children,
Glenis Philip-Barbara supports the Child Friendly City
concept and also has a lot of faith in John Harré, who
facilitated the hui that day. And Minnie loved Taumaramui,
beside the river, and with its manageable size,
small enough at around 6,000 people, to be a town that
can care well for its own, and especially its tamariki.
Back in Taumarunui this year, Pat’s gentle protest
went off hitch free. The security guard did seem reluctant
to check out the unusual looking group (plus
a mermaid statue), gathered outside the OT offices, so
perhaps that helped! When the mahi was done it was
independent activities in town for an hour before the
Whanganui beckoned, then it was down to the river for
a swim and a picnic. Back to base at Turangi, there was
a visit to the hot mineral pools for the tamariki, a snooze
for others, followed by more swims and fish and chips
for dinner at dusk, beside the beautiful Lake Taupo.
Thursday, finally, it was time for a little respite and
a chance to reflect on the hikoi, before heading home
the next day. All agreed it was a great way to start the
year, and perhaps two annual hikoi might flow from
this; Minnie’s, and back to the long trail for the keen
walkers, so watch this space.
Arohanui, Minnie
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Minnie Ratima - 1964 - 2020