A special way of life
Ibelieve life is worth living. Goals and aspirations can be a reality; strong values and a sense of one’s culture and identity are paramount. come from a family of five siblings, brought up in the Far North, living and schooling in Ahipara, spending a lot of time in our home valley, Manukau. Our parents and grandparents taught us the value of hard work, helping our family and our community. Our marae life and farm life taught us many life skills. My parents taught us the value of education as well.
I started teaching quite young, and am now completing a master’s degree in indigenous studies.
Family is essential for our wellbeing. Now our own wha¯ nau has grown. My husband Gary Shortland is an anchor and a servant to our family. He is also a teacher, and we have aspirations to help our community and young people.
Our family have always had a connection to Rarotonga. We lived amongst the Cook Island community in Tokoroa for 10 years, and I was principal of a school with Cook Island, Samoan and Ma¯ ori units. Our two youngest children were immersed and nurtured by the Cook Island people. We have grandchildren with Cook Island heritage.
Living and teaching in Rarotonga last year was an aspiration, and I learnt more about patience, resilience, working toward a common goal and being grateful for all that we have back in New Zealand.
Parenting in the Cook Islands meant that I learnt to be more involved in village life, allowing my children to have a carefree childhood and appreciating the small things in life. We could learn more from the common sense approach and the ‘common good’ that is the vitality of the community.
Strong values and a sense of gratitude for church teachings have provided a foundation of faith and hope for many people in the Cook Islands. This is a way of life that has made me appreciate the days of our old people and tu¯ puna.
I returned to be principal at Herekino School, and in the near future I wish to pursue more opportunities in the Pacific, and to help other teachers experience other cultures and education. It is lifeenhancing, and helps us grow.
Never be too scared to follow your heart’s desires, because we only live once, and we can be an instrument of great help and support to others. We will always have home to return to, where we can nurture our families and ourselves. Give things a go. Take that chance. It’s never too late.
To the Ma¯ ori of Rarotonga: meitaki ranuinui. Manuia Katoatoa.