Te Aroha values wellness

Te Aroha Tiatoa-Sionemale, 63, HIPPY coordinator, lives in Waimate North.

What do you like best about the Far North?

I was born and raised here so in comparison to city living and travelling, the Far North is home. That’s really deep seated inside of me.

The evolution from remote rural farmland to more hybrid lifestyle living, I reflect on that and for me I wouldn’t relocate anywhere else. I will travel but I will always come back home.

I also like the moving and shaking of communities within the Far North and learning with a new generation. The youth generation has so much to offer.

How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?

I grew up here before moving to Auckland then Whangarei before returning to Waimate North in 1993.

What do you like least and how can we fix it?

Roading because there is only one way in and one way out. Our roads need to be nice and wide with less corners. We can do with better transport systems, there’s not enough public transport for

‘‘It's important that I look after my spiritual wellness, which I do through my Maori values and church.’’

Te Aroha Tiatoa-Sionemale

families.

Perhaps they could look at flying out of Kaikohe airport as well.

Public transport would be a good idea for people and needs to be made available between towns, it means you are more mobile. Also the drugs that create the violence which stems back into the children. That’s a societal thing though, it doesn’t just happen here.

It’s like a beggar thy neighbour approach where one neighbour gets rich and the other is poor.

What’s your favourite eatery?

I love Wharepuke.

Your highlight of the week? Every Sunday going to church in Kerikeri. It’s a place to come and meet lots of different people, there are lots of different nationalities and ages. I like to take an active part in that.

It’s important that I look after my spiritual wellness, which I do through my Maori values and church, so I look forward to that every Sunday.

Who is the Kiwi you most admire?

The late Mira Sazzy, she was from here in the Far North. She was not only a beauty on the outside but also a woman of education, community development and health. A real mover and a shaker.

She is one of the many women who influenced me to do the jobs I am doing now.

The spot in Northland I’d recommend is?

Rangaunu Bay in the Far North, because it’s a nice harbour and a beautiful bay. It has links to Waimate North, which is my ancestral land. It’s close to everything but it’s not overcrowded. Also Coca Cola Lake.

If I were Far North mayor I’d…

Get involved with the youth and young mums and their children because that’s where I believe that positive change can take place in young families.

I believe through that we will get positive leaders and role models.

When I’ve got a free few hours, I like too...

Do creative things, whether it’s darning a sock,nurturing a garden bulb or doing a sculpture. Take a walk along the beach, listen to great music or read a good book.