A long journey with education
Rangi McLean, 59, Manurewa Marae board member, lives in Weymouth.
How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?
I’ve lived in Manurewa for 35 years. For the past decade I’ve lived by the sea in Weymouth.
The tranquility brings the same sense of wellbeing, security and enjoyment I experienced and grew up with. It makes me reflect on where I was born and my formative years. I was born in a small village called Waimana on the outskirts of Te Urewera National Park in the Bay of
Plenty. I unashamedly and respectfully regard myself as Tuhoe first and foremost, Maori secondly and a New Zealander third.
What three words come to mind when I say ‘South Auckland’ and why did you choose these three?
Rugby, league and netball. I played rugby league for the Mad Butcher’s Mighty Mangere East Hawks and had the opportunity to watch Olsen Filipaina blow over countless players ... Then I had the opportunity to play alongside players like past All Black Frank Bunce, the Tukerangi brothers, Dick Garratt, Charlie Smith and a whole host of top players ... at the Manukau Rovers Rugby Football Club. As for netball, I pay homage to all our past and upcoming Te Tira Hou women who have consistently played at a very high level to win the Tuhoe netball tournament.
Where’s the best place to buy dinner in the South?
At my mother-in-law’s home in Weymouth because she cooks the best dinners in South Auckland.
What’s one trial or struggle
A lifelong journey on the education pathway. I’m unashamedly a school dropout. Due to the support of people like my Tuhoe elders, a Pakeha named Marty Perkinson, and Pare Keiha from AUT University, former Manukau City mayor Sir Barry Curtis and others I was able to complete a Diploma in Business Administration, Diploma in Business Maori Development… an Executive Master of Business Administration… as well as a Bachelor of Performing Arts.
Is there a particular place in South Auckland you like
Manurewa Marae because of the hustle and bustle here. The marae gives tourists access to cultural performances and an ease of access because it’s seen as a gateway to Auckland Airport. We could also cater for proper hangi ... as well as short trips to places like Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park, waka ama on the Manukau Harbour and Maori history treks around places applicable to Manurewa.
If I was Auckland’s mayor I’d…
Pull out the stops to address the homeless situation a lot of our whanau experience. Not only here in Manurewa but also in other parts of Auckland ... I’d pull Government departments together with ... organisations as well as council, local boards, Counties Manukau District
Health Board, Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand, Te Puni Kokiri and Work and Income. I’d pull them together and work out a strategy and plan that’s easy to implement. Much in the same way we’re carrying out our Whakapiki Ora homelessness project at Manurewa Marae but at a regional level.