Healthy Families Rotorua and Te Arawa Whānau Ora bid farewell to our cherished rautaki Māori, Jade Kameta, as he heads for the sandy shores of the East Cape.

Jade (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whānau a Apanui) was given a send-off at Te Papaiouru Marae today by board, staff, whānau and people he has worked alongside over the past five years.

He says he has always been passionate about mātauranga Māori.

“When you’re responsible for leading a kaupapa like mātauranga Māori regeneration, you need to connect, learn, and work alongside kōeke, tohunga and rangatira.

“I’ve been privileged to connect with many from all around the motu, who’ve helped me drive kaupapa like maramataka, and creating systems change for the wellbeing of our people.

“Healthy Families Rotorua gave me that opportunity. Some of the things I’ve learnt along the way, you can’t find in a book, or study at university. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”

While he’s a pro in our eyes, Jade says he still has a lot more to learn.

“As my journey with Healthy Families Rotorua comes to an end, I’m certain I’ll continue to support the regeneration of mātauranga Māori practices for the wellness of our people and our taiao for the rest of my life.

“Nōku te whiwhi, nōku te maringa nui.”

Healthy Families Rotorua manager, Jenny Kaka-Scott, says it has been a day of mixed emotions.

“We’re here to acknowledge and farewell Jade as a much-loved member of our team, a son of Te Arawa Whānau Ora, and a young Te Arawa leader who is heading away on the next exciting journey in his life.

“It won’t be the same without Jade in our office, sharing the daily maramataka kōrero and encouraging everyone to keep fit and speak te reo Māori on the daily. However, we always talk about Healthy Families as a place that never holds people back. Instead, we nurture and help shape people so they can become leaders alongside others, to help rewire communities for the better.

“Jade, you have left a wonderful legacy of outstanding work at Te Arawa Whānau Ora and Healthy Families. We’re proud of you, your whānau can be really proud of you, and we know that this is simply the beginning for you,” says Jenny.

Thankfully, we haven’t totally lost our Jade. He’s joining the team at Healthy Families East Cape, so we’ll continue to enjoy his daily maramataka guidance virtually.

Healthy Families Rotorua and Te Arawa Whānau Ora bid farewell to our cherished rautaki Māori, Jade Kameta, as he heads for the sandy shores of the East Cape.