Award honours Matua Nelson
Rangitakaiwaho annual award recognises pursuit of higher education
Earlier this month, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi Board announced the new Rangitakaiwaho Annual Education Award that will be offered to tangata whenua members of Kahungunu ki Wairarapa in recognition of their pursuit of higher education and achievement.
This award was created in honour of Wairarapa kauma¯tua Nelson Francis Rangitakaiwaho (Rangi) for his years of service, leadership and unwavering dedication and commitment to Nga¯ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Iwi and across communities in Wairarapa for both business and community initiatives.
“We are honoured and privileged to recognise our kauma¯tua Matua Nelson Rangi for his dedication and service to his iwi and to the wider community of Wairarapa,” iwi chairwoman Kristina Perry said.
“There have been many recipients of his leadership and guidance over the years and it was fitting for us to celebrate and acknowledge our rangatira.”
Kahungunu ki Wairarapa is one of the six taiwhenua affiliated to Nga¯ti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, constituted, established and convened for the purpose of representing Nga¯ti Kahungunu or the people of Kahungunu in the Wairarapa region.
Kahungunu ki Wairarapa is dedicated to supporting the continuous development of culturally strong, healthy and vibrant wha¯nau.
Its key vision is to recognise and grow rangatahi leadership, acknowledge and strengthen their league of fit and health kauma¯tua, and support the collective of Kahungunu ki Wairarapa marae and hapu¯ through Te Kotahitanga.
Matua Nelson Rangitakaiwaho, aka Nelson Rangi, is a dignified 95-yearold resident of Masterton who is revered in his community among all ages.
The wisdom of age that describes kauma¯tua Nelson Rangi sparkles through his unique humour, gentle manner, elegance and warmth.
Nelson was the chairman of the Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
board for many years and is still a dedicated board member today and continues to offer wisdom from his decades of experience and leadership.
Acknowledged for his background in business and finance management among other attributes, he has always advocated passionately for everything that helps develop a thriving prosperous future for the people of Wairarapa.
Nga¯ti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated congratulates both Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Matua Nelson Rangi for this acknowledgement.