IHO - Introducing our Turangawaewae

Introducing Mrs Aiavao..  

My Iho - 'Turangawaewae'

I am Whanaungatanga PLG Leader of Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

Me, Mrs Prasad, Mrs Scott, Miss Read and Mrs Murphy.

I am married to Mr Aiavao.  He is a New Zealand born Samoan.
 I am a mum of 3 sons - Gabriel, Noah and Christopher.

I am the youngest of 8 children.  I have 4 sisters (Yes Whaea Donna is one of my big sisters), and 4 very protective big brothers.  This is me, on my Mum's marae in Panguru with our Dad and siblings.

My mum is Caroline Pauline Nee (Leef).  She was born in Panguru, Hokianga, and this is where she now rests, nearby her papa kainga.    We get our Maori and English side from our mum. 

Noah blowing bubbles at his Nana's unveiling day. 

Kia ora.  My mum's marae Ngatimanawa, Panguru.   This is where we spent much time with extended whanau for various occassions. 

My mum's papa kainga, where she grew up, as the eldest of 17 children.  Our Papa helped build this whare (house).  As little kids, we spent many of our summer holidays, building happy memories with our extended whanau and heaps of cousins.   Summer was always filled with fun, making up games to occupy ourselves, swimming at the local creek, jokes and laughter, doing lots of chores, and celebration with our favourite kai (food).

Talofa lava.  My Dad was born and raised in Samoa.
His name is John Ah Chong Nee.  His village is Aleisa, Upolu.
We get our Chinese, Samoan, Swiss and German culture from my Dad.  I've never been to Samoa, but my dream is to take my family there one day, to learn and appreciate where my dad came from.