Kaumatua Joy & Kahu Ripia retire

It is with great sadness as well as great joy to be wishing both Kahu and Joy Ripia farewell from their long standing roles as Chairperson and Secretary of the NZ Maori Haupoi Kaunihera.

Kahu has been Chairperson a number of times over the past 20 years and steered the ship very well.  People often wonder what a Chairperson does and are often surprised when they learn exactly what is involved in running an organisation like NZ Maori Haupoi.  It is about relationship building, managing people, public speaking in both English and Te Reo, showing up to all events, taking teams overseas for competitions, being the face of NZ Maori Haupoi, the list goes on.  Kahu has done it all and done it very well.  You have set the bar for the future and your legacy will stand tall as you do.

Joy has been the Secretary for a number of years now, standing beside her husband and “partner in crime” as well as supporting a couple of other Chairperson’s as they came and went.  People may refer to the Secretary role as a simple job to just take minutes in a meeting.  Oh how wrong you would be to assume that.  For years now Joy has been assisting Rohe host the NZ Maori Haupoi Tournaments, documenting teams information, minutes, agendas, scheduling all kinds of meetings, organising venues for meetings and fixtures, liaising with teams intending on playing NZ Maori, organising overseas trips for our national teams, the list goes on.  Certainly not an easy job, yet Joy has been the heart and soul of NZ Maori Haupoi year after year.  You will be greatly missed Joy however we know you won’t be far from the hockey action.

Ka pai Kahu and Joy for your mahi and service.  We wish you the all the best.