Leading from the front issuu

PAT’S HAUTUPUA AWARDS
To the legends, heroes, foot soldiers, shipmates and legacy torchbearers everywhere — who mahi
consistently in the community for others, spreading love and sharing guidance where and when
it’s needed most. Pat would love to mention the thousands of people who do this every day but
there could never be enough time and space to recognise this generosity of spirit appropriately.
“I think of you all every day, as beacons of hope”, he says. So, here we make a start, recognising
Pat’s inaugural Hautupua Awards.
AHURURI ANGELS STILL
DOING THE MAHI
For the past 16 years, as Pat walks the Ahuriri Estuary most
days, more often than not he sees a couple of legends
he knows well. Yvonne Aranui and Ian Matehe will likely
be with the waka ama at the Estuary, either in the early
morning supporting the crew for the first row, or at the
end of the day training and guiding the rangitahi; teaching
them how to paddle the canoes and navigate life’s
challenges as well.
“Ian and Yvonne have been making a tireless contribution
to rangitahi for years; rangitahi who over time
respond so well to the positive, healthy experiences
they’re receiving. It’s transformational”, Pat says.
Recognised for their mahi with Pilot City Trust Awards
several years ago, Yvonne and Ian are busy with their
own jobs. Ian works nights for a freight company, signs
off in the morning and heads straight down to the Estuary.
Yvonne works for the Ministry of Health in Early
Childhood Education where her days are more than full,
but for rangitahi there’s always time.
Above: Image, Waka Ama, Ahuriri Estuary, by Lee Pritchard;
Images, right: Ian Matehe and Yvonne Aranui, the waka ama angels
at Ahuriri Estuary; the teams below — showing how it’s done.
And where to from here ... 281