Aio ki te Ao rangi, Aroha ki te Ao rangi, Koa ki te Ao rangi, Pono ki te Ao rangi Peace to the universe, Love to the universe, Joy to the universe, Truth to the universe – Dr Rangimarie Turuki Pere
Having been given the task of writing up this month’s Board Report, I said to myself…”Ka taea e au ki tenei” - I can do this!
So without stating the obvious with the elephant in the room, I looked back at the last six months since this Boards conception and reflected on the enormity of life’s challenges during that time. On a personal level, we have experienced the loss of loved ones…whanau, friends and even pets. Our mental and emotional feelings have been tested with the political stance regarding COVID, vaccinations, travel restrictions, jobs, burnouts and breakdowns. But on another level, some of us have moved to another centre through job circumstances and opportunities. There’s been a ‘birth’ of another sister organisation - Toitu Te Ao, and of grandchildren.
We, as a board, are starting to make small, but gradual inroads, to incorporating Te Tiriti more into Positive Women structure. The process, unfortunately, is slow, but the road is much clearer and definite. It can be challenging to one’s mindset, and is beginning to feel ever so much more comfortable. My only complaint, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the Board, is that zoom meetings aren’t quite as interactive as face-to-face. But don’t let that put you off... as we still need two more people who would like to volunteer to be co-opted on to the Governance side of Positive Women. Honestly, we urge you to seriously consider this opportunity. No experience needed…just enthusiasm, and at this stage, you don’t mind the zoom!!!
It is also with deep regret, that we had to postpone our previous Chair’s farewell dinner due to Omicron. But it is not canceled, this event will be held at a later date, and Luca, know how much we all are looking forward to that moment and big catch-up. And not forgetting our wonderful and most dependable Social Worker, Marietta. We are all going to miss you – and that heartwarming, contagious smile! Safe journeys to your next adventure. Our loss is their gain.
We would also like to inform you that the Board has set up a new email address for hopefully easier communication between us all. It is boardpwi@gmail.com
Finally we would like to give a big shout out to a dear friend and very treasured Positive Women member who is fighting her own life-battles. Jan… you are forever in our thoughts and prayers. You are the epitome and essence of the woman many of us aspire to be. You are true to who you are…you are strong, yet compassionate. Your love has no borders, and for a wee Scottish woman - I hear you! Kia kaha our friend - we love you deeply.
Please take care everyone, and stay safe.
Noho mahana mai
From the Board
Ma te atua tatou e manaaki e tiaki nga wa katoa, Mauri tu Mauri mate Mauri pai Mauri ora
