He Tangata Manawaroa Rimene

Ngāi Tahu – Ōtākou, Moeraki, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Koukourārata, Kaikōura

Manawaroa Rimene was born and raised in Ōtepoti, but has lived across the ditch in Brisbane for nearly 12 years now. Between being the proud mum to two whāngai children and working as a policy analyst/risk manager, she still manages to find the time for regular visits home. Earlier this year, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu returned the favour by bringing a little bit of home to Manawaroa with the Brisbane Roadshow.

What constitutes a good day?
Sunshine, laughter, good food, and great company.

One thing you could not live without?
Music – good for the soul, and instantly transports you to another place.

Who or what inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by many things. Right now I’m inspired by two plovers I pass on the way to work each day who have decided to set up a nest in the middle of a major intersection. Surrounded on each side by two-lane traffic, these plovers nest and grow their little family in the middle of the concrete jungle that is Brisbane. The male walks the perimeter evil-eyeing the traffic, while the female watches over her fluffy chicks learning how to survive on a small triangle patch of grass. These plovers return to the same spot each year to keep the generations thriving – a beautiful reminder of what is possible despite the ever-growing suburban sprawl. Much like Kāi Tahu: resilient and will find a way to thrive.

Highlight in the last year and why?
Holding our first reo wānaka in Brisbane, and watching nervousness melt into self-realisation and pride.

What is your greatest extravagance?
First edition books and books no longer in print.

Favourite way to chill out? Favourite place?
At home with my cat.

Favourite place?
At the beach, always near the water.

Dance or wallflower?
Dance.

What could you not live without?
Whānau and friends.

What meal do you cook the most?
Middle Eastern couscous, with marinated kangaroo and yoghurt.

Greatest achievement?
Still working on it – watching our whāngai grow up in a Kāi Tahu house to be self-aware as well as Tainui/Rangitāne proud.

Do you have an aspiration for Ngāi Tahu to achieve by 2025?
Devolution to the Papatipu Rūnaka, and finding creative ways to engage Kāi Tahu whānau near and far.