Ano Te Ataahua.
Maria Waiwai froam Waikaremoana is one of more than 60 kaumatua in an
exhibition of photographs at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt.
Its called "Ano te Ataahua" honouring the gifts of our elders, and celebrates
the contributions of these unsung heroes in communities across the country.
The project was the brainchild of a number of National Māori Organisations and
Te Puni Kokiri as a contribution to the Year of Older Persons.
The kaumatua, aged from 76 to 95 were photographed by Nicholas Twist, and
interviewed by Pae Ruha from Te Roopu Wahine Toka i te Ora, the Māori
Womens Welfare League.
The photogra[h chosen to promote " Ano te Ataahua" is of Maria Waiwai beside
Lake whakamarino near Waikaremoana. Maria, who taught at Kokako Māori
School until she was 76 years old, was nominated by her daughter, Aileen Himona.