Memorial on the lake for councillor

For immediate release: 23 November, 2010

The first anniversary of the death of school principal and Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor Hawea Vercoe has been marked with a moving ceremony on Lake Rotoiti and the blessing of a memorial garden.

Mr Vercoe was killed in an incident in Whakatāne on November 22 last year. A father of six, Mr Vercoe was principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rotoiti and in his first term as Ōkurei Māori Constituency member for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The memorial began with a pōwhiri at Mr Vercoe’s school, followed by the unveiling and blessing of the memorial garden. Two past pupils spoke in Te Reo about the influence Mr Vercoe had had on them during their days at the Kura.

The floating wetland - a construction which provides habitat for wildlife and assists with filtering pollution from waterways - was launched from Lake Rotoiti and children paddling waka towing it to its anchor site.

Acting Principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rotoiti Tammy Gardiner said one of Mr Vercoe’s aspirations was to initiate a floating wetland for Lake Rotoiti.

“He was extremely passionate about the health of the lake. With the help of Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Kauri Park Nurseries Ltd and others, Mr Vercoe’s dream had been realised,” Ms Gardiner said.

Staff and children of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rotoiti built the remembrance garden, called Te Māra Manawanui, which was unveiled and blessed. Mr Vercoe’s family and pupils from three schools from around Lake Rotoiti -Te Wharekura o Rongomai, Rotomā School and Te Kura o Whangamarino – took part in the remembrance day.

Ms Gardiner said the day was a tribute to the man who had contributed so much to the Kura and community. An educational resource unit for teachers was also being written about the floating wetland project.

ENDS

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