Te Wheoro Rangikōtua, a long-standing advocate of the Kōhanga Reo movement and co-chair of its National Trust has died.
A beloved stalwart of the movement and a cherished leader within her community, Te Wheoro has served as a kaiako, board member, and most recently co-chair for the Trust, and has dedicated her life to nurturing the Māori language and culture in her rohe of Mātaatua.
Te Wheoro’s commitment to education and her unwavering support for whānau made her a guiding light for many.
Her work as a Kōhanga Reo leader helped to foster a deep appreciation for te reo Māori, ensuring that future generations would carry forward the language and traditions of their ancestors.
She was not only a teacher but a nurturing grandmother figure, affectionately known as “Nanny” to many tamariki.
Co-chair Raniera Procter recalls on his first encounter with Nanny Te Wheoro and the skill set she came with, especially when it came to the direction of the movement.
“I first encountered the formidable Te Wheoro Rangikotua at a hui in Te Teko in 2015. She spoke with her eyes, she was a great gauge on how on-track, or in my case, off-track the hui was heading,
“She asked the questions that mattered, questions centred on the mokopuna and whānau that drive Kōhanga Reo.”
As the Kōhanga Reo National Board, along with entire movement mourns her loss, Procter reflects on the dozens of mokopuna she fought for.
“She never shirked when it came to standing up for what she believed to be true, this stoic nature came from the teachings of her elders. She was true in every sense of the word.
“Although we at times had challenging conversations she always had my back and the trust of the board. I will miss her wisdom and undying support. Farewell my friend, my colleague and mentor,”
Rangikōtua is currently laying in state at Ōhotu Marae, Ruātoki, a place that holds deep significance for her and her family.
On Wednesday, January 8, at 10 am, the Board and the wider Kōhanga Reo movement will gather to honour her legacy at the marae.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and dress appropriately for the occasion, with warm clothing advised for the chilly weather.
The Rā Nehu will take place on Thursday, January 9, at 11:00 am.
Mā te hau kōhengihengi o tō kainga koe e kawe atu anō ki tō tauranga, ki reira rere anō ai ngā mahara mo tō ura me tō mene.
