Top Rotary award for Pania
A Porirua woman has joined an American president, an astronaut and Sir Jerry Mateparae as a recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris fellowship.
Pania Houkamau-Ngaheu received the award for her dedication to Horouta Marae in Aotea.
The presentation was made at a Porirua Sundown Rotary Club ceremony on June 24.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is Rotary International’s highest honour, and recognises outstanding humanitarian achievement.
For three years HoukamauNgaheu had spent every spare moment painting, sanding floors, planting trees, and everything in between leading the renovation of Horouta Marae.
The marae is now a thriving hive of community activity, and Houkamau-Ngaheu still visits every day.
Houkamau- Ngaheu said she was honoured to receive the award, but was most proud of connecting the community with the marae.
‘‘I spend hours in here dreaming up ways to keep people connected to our marae,’’ she said.
‘‘Bringing people together, and keeping them together, will be my greatest success.’’
She said it was a shock when the club called her on stage before announcing the award.
‘‘I thought, ‘ Woah! They need me to help present something.’
‘‘When they started describing the qualities of the award, I thought, ‘I can’t wait to meet this person’.’’
Tears started flowing when she finally realised the award was for her, she said.
‘‘The fact that it’s international, with world status, it’s like taking it to a whole new level.’’
The president of Porirua Sundown, Bronwyn Pullen, said it was so hard to earn the award that she could not remember the last time it was given.
‘‘It’s the top award. It’s not just something you hand out,’’ she said. ‘‘ It’s amazing what she achieved. She has a high standing in her community and she gets it done.’’
The chairman of Horouta Marae, Hugh Grace, said Houkamau-Ngaheu was the heart and soul of the place.
‘‘If it wasn’t for her, it wouldn’t be where it is today,’’ he said.
‘‘She’s got a magical touch. We look up to Pania.’’
Houkamau-Ngaheu’s daughter, Terina Ngaheu, 22, said her mother was nothing short of amazing.
‘‘ Her commitment to give a helping hand to those in need is just beyond words,’’ she said.
‘‘I am proud that my mum is being recognised for all that she has done and all that she continues to do.’’