When did you last need help?

Tauwiwi (Mervin) | Matapihi

We met Tauwiwi (Ngāi Te Rangi) at the Waikari Marae kaumātua day in Matapihi. He reflected on his return to his home after the death of his wife.

“My wife, she was my friend. She was my wife. We’d been together for about 59 years. Married for 53. We were only teenagers. She’s been gone three years and I miss her very much.

I’m not a person that asks for help. I’ll try and, you know, do it myself. Or let it work its way out.

I’ve only come back because my wife passed away and I’m just, sort of, by myself. We had four children. I came back to Matapihi, but my heart’s always been here. I’m just happy to be back here with whānau and it’s a buzz to be here amongst them.

I just look after myself. Stay by myself, look after myself. If I want an argument, I’ll have an argument with myself. The good thing about it is I don’t answer myself back.”

Our question for kaikōrero this month was “when did you last need help?” We learned about the diverse demands on the lives of New Zealanders and the incredible support networks they rely on.