Matekitawhiti Carr, 95, of Hawera, has received an award for more than 65 years of community involvement.

Carr, better known as ‘Aunty Mate’ or ‘Nan’, received recognition of her 35 years service to kōhanga reo and her 65 years’ involvement with Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko I te Ora (Māori Women’s Welfare League).

The ceremony on Friday 2 February was attended by 20 whānau and friends, at Trinity Rest Home in Hāwera, where Kuia Mate Carr lives.

Tiahuia Abraham QSO, the league’s Aotea branch president, spoke of Carr’s dedication to the development of kōhanga reo, her imitable sense of style, fashion sense and strong leadership.

‘Her leadership gave us the courage to get out there and do the work for the education of our mokopuna and tamariki.’

The award was made by women who worked alongside Carr.

‘She’s a strong Māori woman role model, uncompromising in her cultural values, also a strong family person as well as a strong person in the Catholic faith. She’s our Dame Whina of South Taranaki’, said Kaumatua John Hooker.

Parish priest of St Joseph’s, Hawera, Fr Craig Butler, said, ‘It’s a great honour for a wonderful woman.’

Photo: stuff.co.nz.

Source: CathNews NZ; Stuff.