Wiremu Anderson

Tu Tangata, Issue 9, 1 December 1982, Page 37

Wiremu Anderson

HE KUPU WHAKAMIHI/Profile

The township of Orewa is very fortunate to have in its community such a versatile contributor to community life as William Anderson. From the Maniapoto People of Otorohanga, William is the son of Rev. Rua and Mrs Eva Anderson who are both actively involved in many activities “at home”. Encouraged by his Form 2 teacher to pursue secondary education at St. Stephen’s College; a course which included, Latin, Mathematics and Maori Studies, William agreed to “have a try”. With the aid of two Scholarships, one being the Waikato Maori Education Scholarship, and a group of his friends who challenged each other along with a friendly competitive spirit the five years at St. Stephens were accomplished. On to University for two years completing five units towards a degree, William decided he needed a change from study to spend a year in the work force earning some extra funds to complete his studies. Employed as a freezing worker, and as a driver for a year, he one day noticed an advertisement on an A.R.A. bus, to “Come Teaching” (just at the time that interviews were in progress for application for entrance to Teacher Training college). Having more than the necessary qualifications, William was accepted for the year’s courses about to commence. Matamata Intermediate and Pakiri Schools were among those at which he

taught prior to coming to Orewa Primary School, where both William and wife Marion teach at present. With their three daughters they are involved in community activities which include sport, Guides, P.T.A. the annual arts and crafts festival, and Maori culture groups. William is also the immediate Past President of the Whangaparaoa branch of the N.Z.E.I. A further responsibility as the incoming Pesident of the Orewa Lions Club, causes one to wonder where he has the time to give up an evening each week to share his knowledge and love of Maori Language and Culture, with two groups of adults who wish to see both flourish. As his students we feel he is a prominent person in our community. His enthusiasm and genuine interest in his various activities are a real example to all who know him, and a challenge to people to emulate his involvement in conerns which both enrich and benefit others. Our tribute to him is in the words of this song. Piki mai e koro kake mai ra Mauria mai nga taputapu tiipuna Kia ora ra koe e koro e ko te aroha kia mau ra e Mauria mai ora o tahu aue Kii haere Orewa e. “Pounamu” Bielby Orewa College Continuing Education class, Maori Studies.