Waiouru dental nurse moves on

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 675, 25 February 1997, Page 5

Waiouru dental nurse moves on

After 10 years in Waiouru, Mrs Robin Rewharewha is leaving the district and her job as Dental Nurse at Waiouru and Ohakune Primary Schools to join her husband in Opotiki. "It doesn't seemthat long but sounds like forever," Mrs Rewharewha commented. She will miss this place, especially the people she has come to know. She and her family moved to Waiouru when her husband, Mr Mau Rewharewha took up a position with the Ministry of Works and subsequently with SERCO. All her three children have grown up in the area and they have a long association with Waiouru Primary School and Ruapehu College. As the only dental nurse for the district, Mrs Rewharewha has provided a full dental-care programme for children aged from two years through to the Form Two students. Over the years, she has noticed changes in people' s attitudes towards dental nurses but feels that dental health has not improved very much. "Children get more junk and treats are common," observed Mrs Rewharewha. She felt that there was more need for her services in Ohakune than in Waiouru, perhaps due to the fact that the water is treated with fluoride in Waiouru. Originally from the Opotiki district, thecouple decided to return to Opotiki when her husband, Mr Mau Rewharewha, obtained a position as a tutor with Opotiki Trade Training. Mrs Rewharewha has since been offered a position as a mobile Dental Nurse, based out of Whakatane. She will cover a large area from Ruatahuna to Matahi and feels that it will be a "different challenge." Her first clinic will be at Ruatahuna Primary School . where her sister is the principal. Mrs Rewharewha will finish at the Waiouru Primary School Dental Clinic on 28 February. At present she has not been replaced and thinks that one of the Taihape dental nurses may relieve here in the interim.