Kei aku kuru Pounamu, aku kōkō tangiwai.
Anei a kupu whakamiha e rere atu nei ki a kourua i te wehenga o kourua i te whānau o Pūtahi Manawa. E kore te wareware e pā mai ki a mātou me ngā hua nui, i puta ai i ā tātou mahi. Ko te paki o Matariki ki a kourua me ngā kaupapa huhua kei mua i te aroaro.
We farewell Associate Professor Justine Camp and Takiwai Russell-Camp from the Māori Leadership Team (MLT) and want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions to Pūtahi Manawa since 2021.
Over the last five years, both Justine and Takiwai have been committed and active members of MLT, bringing their knowledge, whakaaro and leadership to the mahi. They have been strong champions for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori, and have helped ensure these principles remain central to who we are and how we work.
Their support has extended beyond the formal responsibilities of MLT. They have been generous in their guidance and encouragement, particularly in supporting Assoc. Professor Karen Brewer in her role as Co-Director, and have been trusted colleagues through the opportunities and challenges that come with this mahi.
Takiwai played a significant role in the planning and execution of the community and Māori-led Te Korowai Pūtahi Manawa funding, helping to bring an important piece of work to life. And Justine gifted us the name Te Korowai Pūtahi Manawa – a name that carries meaning, mana, and a sense of collective care, and which will remain part of our story.
We are incredibly grateful for all that you have given to Pūtahi Manawa - Your time, your expertise, your whakaaro, and your unwavering commitment to the kaupapa. And, of course, we cannot forget the tītī! 😊
On behalf of Pūtahi Manawa, thank you, Justine and Takiwai, for your leadership, your friendship and the many ways you have strengthened our mahi.
We wish you well as you move into your next chapter. Your contribution to Pūtahi Manawa will not be forgotten, and the imprint you have left on the CoRE will continue through the people, kaupapa and relationships you have helped shape.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a kōrua, Justine rāua ko Takiwai.