Kāpiti kuia Isobel Ransfield awarded Queen s Service Medal
31 Dec, 2020 06:30 PM
3 minutes to read
Rosalie is a reporter for Kāpiti News
Isobel Ransfield has been recognised for her dedication to sharing her Māori heritage, being awarded a Queen s Service Medal in this year s New Year Honours List for services to Māori.
As a respected kuia, Isobel has contributed to the cultural health of Ōtaki and Manakau communities for many years.
Originally from Ngāti Manawa in Murupara, Bay of Plenty, Isobel moved down to Wellington for work shortly after graduating from Hukarere Girls College.
Meeting her husband, who was from Manakau, Isobel has since called Ngāti Wehiwehi home, being kuia there for over 30 years.
Long-serving Hawke’s Bay educator Shona Pip West has been appointed Principal of Hukarere Girls’ College.
The school’s Board of Trustee’s Chairpersons Heke Huata and The Most Reverend Don Tamihere, along with other Trustees, say they are pleased to announce the appointment.
Shona was chosen from a strong field of applicants by an Appointments Advisory Panel, which was impressed by the calibre of applicants and with the quality of the three preferred candidates.
Shona, who is of NgÄtiporou and NgÄtikahungunu descent, has taught Te Reo MÄori, art, social science, English, and music at Hastings Girls High School since 1985. She is a passionate educator, who is a graduate (B Ed) from Massey University and has been in leadership roles in the Post Primary Teachers Association, representing Hawke’s Bay and MÄori teachers nationally.