Heartfelt farewell for family

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 543, 5 July 1994, Page 7

Heartfelt farewell for family

It was an emotional farewell from the staff and children of Ohakune Primary School for long-serving teacher Gordon Pepere, last week. The Peperes - Gordon, Rose, Laura and Kate - who left the Waimarino in 1986, only to return in 1990, say they may be leaving, but their hearts remain in the Waimarino. "We have a lot of friends here", said Rose. "It is very hard to say goodbye to everyone." The family are moving to Ruatoria, where a job as teaching principal awaits Gordon, and the school' s administration awaits Rose. For Gordon, whose family originates from that area, it is something of a homecoming. The school that has a role of 160-170 pupils from a wide area has eight teaching staff, including its principal. Gordon admitted that the school presented a challenge, having some internal problems that need addressing. The couple were heavily involved with the school system during their time in Ohakune - Gordon teaching seniors and more recently, in charge of the bilingual unit, and both serving on PTA and Board of Trustees committees. Although finding im-

mense satisfaction as manager of the Ruapehu Information Centre for three years, Rose' s time was also heavily monopolised by meetings and other commitments. "It got to the stage where we were both involved with so many committees and sub-committees we were hardly ever at home together as a family", said Rose. The decision to leave proved to be well-timed. Presently expecting their

third child, Rose is looking forward to spending more time with her family in their new home. Word of their move has also resulted in Rose being asked to do the spade-work to establish an ad venture tourism business in Ruatoria - a job to which she is well suited. Spare time in the Waimarino was spent indulging in the occasional game of golf at the local club, where a friendly rivalry existed between Gordon

and Don Windle. Another interest was the area's pig hunting club Of which, while president, Gordon was instrumental in regenerating membership. The family have fond memories of their time in the Waimarino and their close association with many groups within the community, including the Maungarongo Marae's Kohanga Reo. Being part of the recent Hui Aranga was undoubtedly one of the highlights in the girls'

young lives. Laura 8 , and Kate 5 , both attended Kohanga, with Kate becoming totally fluent in the Ngati Rangi dialect. Neither Gordon nor Rose rule out the possibility of returning sometime in the future. Both say they will follow with interest the Waimarino's goings-ons, with their recent subscription to the Bulletin. Through their association with the school they say they have formed close ties with a number of youngsters whose progress will be keenly monitored. Gordon' s position will be filled by Peter Snell who held a relieving position at the school last year.