The building has been named Hinerua, acknowledging the dedication of two women, Hine Luke and Elizabeth (Betty) Winitana, who during the sixties established marae-based health and wellbeing services for the community.
“It has been a wonderful process for us to think back to the good work of these two amazing wahine and really reflect on the ‘why’ of providing services to our whānau and community,” said Wirangi Luke, Te Tumu Whakarae, chief executive of Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa. “It is steeped in the traditions of sharing knowledge, sharing kai and networking – whakawhanaungatanga.”
“The idea of young people from our community helping build what is needed for all is not new for us, so having the ākonga, many of whom have links to Te Āti Awa, work on the Hinerua building has been meaningful and appropriate,” said Mr Luke. “It is our hope that they can bring their own young one day to see the fruits of their hard work and learning.
“Our shared priority with WelTec, and now extended to Te Pūkenga, remains to create successful pathways for our rangatahi through education into satisfying work, the partnership on this project is an example of that.”
Henry Ma’alo is the WelTec programme manager who has been guiding the students through their training on-site in Waiwhetū: “We have had two groups of MPTT construction trades ākonga work on the project and we invited all of them back to see the end product – there were lots of smiling faces! I reminded them that their hard work and dedication has created something meaningful for the community, that every nail and piece of timber is thanks to them, and they are all extremely proud of being part of this.”
Commenting on the project, Mark Oldershaw, Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 3 | Executive Director, Region 3 at Te Pūkenga said: “The essence of our long-standing relationship with Te Āti Awa is brought alive when we collaborate on a project like this – together we are giving meaning to ākonga coming through the education system, we are teaching them real-life skills to help them stand on their own feet and feel proud, and we are helping so many in the community who rely on accessible health and wellbeing services. I look forward to the continuation of such significant ties with iwi.”
