The Bay Chronicle

Rahera back home

Rahera Shortland, 79, living in Kerikeri, mother, grandmothe­r, lecturer and teacher.

- What do you like best about the Far North? How long have you lived here and where are you originally from? What do you like least and how can we fix it? What’s your favourite eatery? Your highlight of the week? Who is the Kiwi you most admire? The spot i

Being back home with my people and helping Maori to appreciate who they are.

We have lived in Kerikeri since September last year after moving up from Auckland. I am originally from Kaikohe.

The lack of employment opportunit­ies in the north. We need to go back to the land and work it to provide our own meat, vegetables and kaimoana.

Chang Siam on Waipapa Rd.

Having the children and the grandchild­ren round, especially when they were here to celebrate being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

There are lots. Sir Graham Latimer, the retiring Governer General Sir Jerry Matepaere - he’s done some wonderful things. I admire those brave enough to make changes for the betterment of New Zealand. My husband as well of course, without him some of my achievemen­ts would not have been possible.

Waipoua Forest, there is a lot of history there. Waitangi also offers a lot for those who want to learn more about the north. There is also still a lot of life in Kerikeri, given that lots of people say people come here to retire.

Work to fix up the roads and concentrat­e on our waterways.

What are free hours? Probably write. I have been asked to write my memoirs, but I haven’t got onto that yet. I’m still involved in many things.

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