MIRIAMA KAMO, MUM MARY & DAUGHTER TE REREHUA

When Sunday host Miriama’s mum Mary was last week invested as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her 33 years working as a prison chaplain, it was an emotional moment for the Christchurch resident.

“It was a privilege and I wasn’t expecting any reward for it,” the humble mother-of-five, 77, says of her former job. “There was nothing scary about the inmates. These women were survivors and I admired them. Often, prison was the first place where they’d had three meals a day and a warm bed to sleep in. I learned as much from them as I hope they learned from me.”

The investiture was a touching milestone for Miriama, 43, too. The TVNZ 1 star explains, “My mother amazes me. She’s put her heart, soul and back into helping other people, but she refuses to see it as selfless, as she says the work gives to her as much as she gives to it. It’s made me think, ‘How can I be of use? What am I doing to lift others up?’”

It has also made her reflect on how she’s raising her and husband Mike Dreaver’s daughter Te Rerehua, five. Miriama tells, “Mum’s parenting was wholehearted. She expected a lot from us, but she was also soft and loving. She showed me how to listen to my instincts, take note of my dreams and speak out for what is right. Being my mother’s daughter makes me want to be a better mother to my daughter.”

And Mary says Miriama is doing just fine. “She’s a great mum and Te Rerehua is such a joy,” the grandmother-of-13 grins. “She’s a very confident, happy, creative and clever little girl. I’m so proud.”