Kapa haka leader’s zest
More than 500 mourners gather at Hinemihi to bring Hereana Roberts home
Sally-ann Roberts (Nga¯ti Hinemihi, Nga¯ti Pikiao, Te Whakato¯hea, Nga¯puhi) has returned to her beloved marae Hinemihi of Nga¯ti Hinemihi and Nga¯ti Tara¯whai in Rotorua.
More than 500 people packed the marae Tuesday as she was carried on by friends and family.
“It is without a doubt her kapa Tu¯hourangi Nga¯ti Wahiao, along with family and friends, are in mourning for the loss of a leader of their group,” Anaha Hiini, spokesperson for the bereaved family, said.
Known by most as Hereana, Roberts travelled to Rarotonga with Tu¯ hourangi-nga¯ ti Wa¯hiao kapa haka last week for the cultural festival, Te Maeva Nui.
It is understood that Roberts, who celebrated her 50th birthday last week, collapsed in Rarotonga on Thursday.
“Some of the kapa returned and some stayed to look after her during her return. The Kiingitanga were there to help also. Those involved in preparing her to return home did a great job,” Hiini said.
Wha¯nau were quick to offer up any koha required to get her body home but because shops, services and businesses shut on Sundays, her return had to be delayed.
Roberts leaves behind her parents Tom and Miriama Roberts, her brother Troy Roberts, her five children, Shyan, Jahzell, Dekoda, Hoani and Egypt, and her two mokopuna, Anita-rose and Iyla-mae as well as her niece and nephews.
Her wha¯nau said she was a loving daughter, a beautiful mother, a mentor, and a devoted tutor of 30 years to her kapa, Tu¯ hourangi-nga¯ ti
Wa¯ hiao.
She had a passion for kapa haka, Rotorua basketball for her children and family, a zest for life, and hanging with good friends who inspired her to live her best. She recently transformed her life, shedding more than 50kg and becoming a health instructor at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre.
“She was always happy and loved to make people laugh. She was a great performer and her smile — these are some of the memories she will leave behind,” Hiini said.
Roberts was to lie at Hinemihi Marae in the eastern suburb of Nga¯ puna until today when she would be laid to rest at the Hato Pa¯ ora urupa¯ .