Unitec’s devoted and tremendously energetic Darlene Cameron (Te Rārawa) has been appointed Te Pou Manawa o Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka.
Her new role will keep her embedded as a key member of the Maia whānau and provide her with the ability to focus further on enhancing wraparound support for teams responsible for the manaakitanga of Māori students and their success.
She will also support the development and oversight of effective planning and management of events held at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae.
Darlene is extremely humbled and excited to take on this integral role and is committed to continuing to embody Te Noho Kotahitanga in her approach and focus.
“It is my privilege in all humbleness to accept the position of Te Pou Manawa. My aspirations are to manaaki and enhance support for whānau including Māori Academic Development Lecturers, Marae Whānau & Whai Ake i te Ara Tika – Māori Mentoring scholarship programme participants. They are knowledgeable, experienced, academic experts in their fields. I am committed to uplifting their roles, supporting innovative initiatives and listening to their visions for the future. I trust the whānau I will be working alongside and will continue to share open and honest communications. ”
Darlene has stood as a taituara (core support) for Whaea Lynda Toki and has been instrumental in welcoming manuhiri onto our marae. She has often been the first voice heard in the karanga and led manuhiri onto the pae and into our whare Ngākau Māhaki guiding them through the protocol and process of this important practice.
While she looks forward to her new role she appreciates and values the responsibility she carries.
“I am proud to be guided by our whānau and accept challenges and teachings to better myself. I will continue to collaborate with stakeholders (internal/external) advocating Te Noho Kotahitanga principles in all that I do, teaching others along the way. Māori Student Success and Kaitiakitanga of our whanau will always be at the forefront of my Pou Manawa. “
E mihi kau ake ana ki a Darlene mō tōna tūranga hou me tōna ūnga tōtika atu ki nga tikanga o Te Noho Kotahitanga i ngā wā katoa.
(Congratulations to Darlene on her new role and her continued dedication to embodying Te Noho Kotahitanga in all she does)
Kia ora Darlene, congratulations!! We are super lucky to have you here at Unitec with all the aroha, energy, support and knowledge you bring to and for our Students.
So happy for you and so proud of you my dear Darlene. Your infectious energy is another plus at the heart of life at Unitec.
Congratulations Darlene! I am so happy for you! You are the perfect person for this role. How lucky are we, that you will be one of the first people our students meet when being welcomed to Unitec!
Congratulations whaea Darlene.
Wohoo! Go you Darlene. This is greatly suited role for you
Kia ora Whaea Darlene,
Congratulations on your appointment.What an amazing responsibility.
Our Early Childhood teaching team hold you with honor and grace knowing you will provide a voice of reason, sincerity and heart as you work with many people.
May God’s continued blessings be upon your leadership Whaea Darlene and your precious whanau.
Alofa tele,
Yvonne
Congratulations Darlene 🙂
Congratulations on your appointment Darlene!! You will be awesome, as always
Congratulations Darlene. Your warm welcoming smile and wonderful personality will be an asset in this new role. All the best and hope to continue working alongside you in supporting our tauira.
Congratulations Darlene, well deserved.