South Waikato iwi Ngati Raukawa are mourning the death of tribal stalwart Emare Nikora, who helped start Tokoroa’s first kohanga reo in 1986.
Mrs Nikora was also a founder of the Raukawa Trust Board and the iwi’s radio station.
She was awarded a Queens Service Medal for services to Maori.
Homai Uerata, a kaipapaho at the radio station, says Mrs Nikora was involved in all aspects of Maori development, but the reo held a special place in her heart.
I was deeply moved at a recent hui where her mokopuna gave a really stirring tribute to her grandmother, honouring the legacy she has provided them through a foundation built on kaupapa and tikanga Maori” said MP Te Ururoa Flavell
Emare was also involved in the Maori Womens Welfare League, a trustee of Raukawa Television and a co-founder of the Ngati Raukawa Trust Board.
Mrs Nikora is lying at Maungatautari marae. Burial service at 11am on Friday.
All our love Whaea Emare…
