World Jaycee Senator

Te Ao Hou, March 1967, Page 31

World Jaycee Senator by Kelly Hakopa Photo by D. C. Organ. Sonny Paki with his award after the presentation by Ed. Turner, Regional Governor for the Waikato-Thames Valley area Iti te kopara kai, tarere ana te puhi o te kahika. ‘Though the bird be small, it will swing atop the highest Kahika tree’—an old Maori saying referring to those who are energetic and aspiring to leadership. It is a fitting tribute to a person whose years of self-sacrifice, fierce determination and untiring efforts, culminated in the presentation of the Jaycee Senatorship Award. This award entitles the holder to attend any Jaycee Convention the world over. Sonny Te Aroha Wetere Paki, inspired by the blood of his ancestors, achieved his ambition through integrity, endeavour and perseverance. Born in Huntly on 16 April, 1924, Sonny is the son of Wetere and Francis Paranihi Paki. His father comes from the Ngati Whawhakia sub-tribe of Waikato and his mother from Te Aupouri. She is a past governess of Huntly College, where a scholarship has been dedicated in memory of her name. A prominent family in the Waikato area, the Paki family has created a name in Rugby League football, as well as other activities. Sonny's two uncles, Brownie and George, have both represented N.Z. in Australia at Rugby League football in the late 20's, the latter remaining as a player for the famous St. George Club in Sydney. Bill, his younger brother represented Waikato on numerous occasions and participated in the N.Z. Maori tour to Australia in the mid-fifties. His grandfather recently celebrated his 101st birthday, and is still active and agile. Sonny attended Rakaumanga Maori School and St Stephen's College, Bombay. He excelled at swimming and football and represented the College on numerous occasions. He is married with three children. His wife hails from Awanui and takes active part in Jaycee movements and local welfare work. His son Georgie is employed by the B.N.Z., and his two daughters attend College. Sonny owns a 30-cow farm and is employed part-time by an electrical firm in Huntly. He has many interests and holds many responsible positions. He is honorary welfare officer, president of the Maori Anglican Mission, immediate past president of the MacDonald Miners' Union, budgeting officer of the Huntly area, and vice-president of the Huntly Workingmen's Club, which has a membership of 950. He became a foundation member of the Huntly Jaycees at its inception in 1958 and has been an active member since. He has filled most offices, including those of convener of the ways and means committee, chapter representative on the Huntly industrial development committee, convener of the public relations committee, social convener, and sub-convener of the festival week committee. The work of Sonny Paki in the Jaycee movement was aptly summed up in the last paragraph of the award citation: ‘For dedication, hard background work and consistency I give you a man of action—Sonny Paki—a big man in every way.’ His name has been inscribed on the Roll of Honour, and he has issued a challenge to the coming generation. Let us look back to the days of our Great Maori Orators, whose proverbial sayings inspired their men beyond expectations: Kaua e hoki i te waewae tutuki, a opa ano hei te upoko pakaru (‘Not to turn back through stumbling of feet, but only by a severed head’). Keep going for all you've got.