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A celebration of talented young orators
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 • Alice Te Puni
“IT is great to be young, gifted and from Tairawhiti,” says Niao Harawira-Maru of Whakatane.

The 11-year-old declared pride and passion for his place of birth during his presentation at the annual mini-symposia for Gifted and Talented students at Whakatane recently.

His delivery and feedback on the symposia secured him a speaking spot at the New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) national conference at Rotorua next month.

Mum Clara says her 11-year-old is proof you can “take the boy off the Coast but you can’t take the Coast off the boy”.

Niao, the mokopuna of late East Coast personality Bob Maru, is proving to be a “chip off the old block”.

His papa Bob was the inaugural chairman of the Maori Battalion C Company’s Nga Taonga o Nga Tama Toa Trust and served as kaumatua for the Department of Conservation, East Coast conservancy.

The Ngati Porou and Uepohatu descendant said other speakers at the symposium motivated him to pursue his goals of becoming a vet, touring the world performing kapa haka and helping other Maori students to achieve.

“I think it is most important that other children aim to be our heroes. Nothing will stop you except yourself. That is what I want other people to realise,” he said.

Niao is a bookworm, classical studies buff and is teaching himself to read music and Latin.

Eastbay REAP chief executive officer John Chemis said the mini-symposium was a collaborative effort between Eastbay REAP and Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi to provide forums for students and teachers.

“While our theme was Maori succeeding as Maori, we also hosted speakers who were able to provide advice and support on more general aspects of gifted education, so it is of benefit to the whole community.”

Mr Chemis said the mini-symposium attracted high calibre speakers, including a distinguished artist and teacher who received the Volunteers Award for services to youth education from US President Barack Obama.

Eastbay REAP is already planning next year’s Gifted and Talented mini-symposia and welcomes teachers and whanau from Tairawhiti to attend.

For more information contact Eastbay REAP GATE co-ordinator, Robyn Harawira ph 027 210 2173 or (07) 3084098.
SPEAKING SPOT: Gisborne-born Niao Harawira-Maru from Whakatane with Opotiki author and mentor Marnie Anstis at the Gifted and Talented mini-symposia at Whakatane where he secured a spot to deliver a presentation at the New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) national conference at Rotorua next month. Picture supplied
Comments
Margaret Tihore
10:31 a.m. Thursday, Sep 20, 2012
What a wonderful read. A very inspiring young boy who knows who he is and what he can be. You sure live the whakatauki of Ta Apirana Ngata, "E tipu e rea". I am sure your passion will rub off on a lot of other young and adult Maori. I would like to see or hear about you in five years time.
Celebrate being you, create and aspire to inspire others with your gifts. You are to be commended for stepping out. Nga mihi matakuikui kia koe e tama.....
clara maru
02:13 p.m. Thursday, Sep 20, 2012
Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement. We feel so blessed. At such times we salute all who have gone before and are so grateful for the many pakeke who instilled in us the importance of reading and education. Nga manaakitanga o te runga rawa ki a koutou katoa.
He will indeed look forward to touching base with you in five years time!
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