Farewell to our CEO Te Ururoa Flavell...

 

Photo Source: Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Yesterday, our Wananga said farewell to our CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Te Ururoa Flavell and a strong, humble leader as he departs to continue in his endeavours further afield.

It has only been around two years since he took the helm but in that time he has been a strong advocate of best practice and high standards.

He was an amazing leader to have especially during the time of the pandemic first breaking out in NZ and under his leadership our Wananga was able to work under pressure to bring about quick change to go digital with our classes with Zoom classes etc.

He was an experienced leader and highly motivated having been a school principal, he was the unsuccessful leader of the Maori party and has had experience in leadership positions with the neighbouring Wananga of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

It is with much sadness that we said farewell in a special poroporoaki (Maori farewell ceremony) whereupon he was able to share his thoughts, a gift of a pounamu patu (greenstone carved club) was given to him and staff were able to share their thoughts too.

Afterwards, there was the singing of waiata (Maori songs) and a shared meal where more speeches were shared and many staff were able to share their final goodbyes and well wishes with him. Te Ururoa definitely has a good sense of humour as we laughed through some of his comments that he shared with us as a Maori leader of the Wananga.

Hopefully, the person that takes over in the leadership will also have as much mana (prestige) and inspirational leadership as he did and we wish him well for his future endeavours ahead and where his leadership path takes him...