Te Rūnanga o Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa/New Zealand Nurses Organisation media release, 16 December 2020

Te Rūnanga o Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa mourns the passing of Dr Rose Pere, revered tōhuna tipua and leader for the revitalisation of indigenous knowledge and life throughout the world.

Te Rūnanga Tumu whakarae Titihuia Pakeho said Dr Pere informed many indigenous nurses’ journey with holistic ways of looking at health.

"Her name was frequently used in our nursing studies by our tutors alongside Irihapeti Ramsden, Mason Durie and others.

"She played a significant part in my studies as a strong Māori wahine who maintained her staunch dedication to health for our Māori people and to any kaupapa she believed in."

Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku recalls when Whaea Rose presented to the Indigenous Nurses Conference in 2019.

"Her presence was deeply felt and received. The waiata she sang with us all, Aio ki te Aorangi, aligned the mauri in the room and anchored the feeling of aroha and unity that we are trying to build."

Ms Nuku also praised Dr Pere’s work in advocating for re-indigenisation and the re-awakening of people’s relationship with each other and the earth.

"Whaea Rose did lots of significant education across cultures. She did it with respect, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the social and spiritual shift that must occur for justice for indigenous peoples and all beings on this earth.

"When I’ve presented at the United Nations many indigenous elders come up to me to send her love, which is testament to the resonance her mahi had across the globe. Her presence will be missed by many."

Kua rangona te aue o te ngākau pouri, o te hinengaro mamae. Te reo o ngā manu e tiotio, e orooro ana te mamae o te hunga Ora.

Mau e te tōtara kua hinga atu rā, kua kapohia te ringa kaha o aituā e kore taea te karo.

E kui Rose moe mai rā, moe mai rā.

E kore e warewaretia.

Kua oti tō mahi ki tēnei ao okioki ai.

Nā te ngākau i te rawa.

-Ends-

Media inquiries: Rob Zorn, NZNO Media and Communications Advisor: 027 431 2617.