Tiahuia looks to league’s big conference

In 1951, a trailblazing group of Ma¯ori women came together under the kaupapa of helping their people.

This year, the Ma¯ori Women’s Welfare League (MWWL) will mark its 65th annual conference, providing its members with a chance to reflect on their successes and look to the future.

More than 3000 women belong to the MWWL in New Zealand, 500 of whom will attend the national conference which will be held in New Plymouth from September 27 to 30.

Aotea branch member Tiahuia Abraham, of Waitara, first joined the league 46 years ago and assists in the nationwide effort to improve the lot of Ma¯ori on a spiritual, cultural, social and economic level.

‘‘I am a very strong advocate, not just for Ma¯ori women but for all women,’’ Abraham said.

The grassroots work MWWL is involved in includes helping people with housing, employment and education, while also focusing on the promotion of Te Reo Ma¯ori and encouragement for the tikanga and traditions of the indigenous culture to be upheld.

‘‘That’s what the league’s kaupapa is all about,’’ she said.

Abraham said the league was also active in encouraging its members to take on leadership roles, something from which she had directly benefited.

MWWL paid for Abraham to attend a Massey University leadership course, skills she had put to good use in the various roles, including as former president of the Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association.

While there was a big push for a younger crop of members to come through, Abraham said the contribution made by kuia around the country throughout the history of the organisation remained a key inspiration.

About 1000 people are expected for the po¯whiri on September 27, before the conference is formally opened by Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy.