Kua haere ake nei te wā, kua oti mārika te iwa tau o tā Pania Newton rāua ko Lewin Husband e noho ana hei poutokomanawa, hei taratī mō Toi Tangata. Ka rere te reo mihi ki a rāua tahi mō te kaha o tō rāua ū ki te kaupapa, me te aronga nui ki te oranga o te iwi Māori.

Over the past nine years, Pania Newton and Lewin Husband have stood as pillars within Toi Tangata. This year, we farewell them with deep gratitude, acknowledging their significant contributions, their commitment, and their dedication to advancing Māori wellbeing.

It is impossible to speak of Pania without acknowledging her deep connection to the whenua and taiao. She has been a fierce advocate for what is right, standing strong on issues that matter for our people and future generations.

As a māmā, a strong supporter of kōhanga reo and a committed contributor to her hapori and iwi, Pania has brought those values into the boardroom. She has consistently reminded us to stay grounded in kaupapa, to uphold what is tika, and to always think about those who come after us.

He wahine toa whakaharahara, he reo kaha mō te hunga kāore e rangona ana, ā, he puna whakaaro mō te whakahaere kaupapa kia tika.

She is a true wahine toa, a powerful voice for those unheard, and a source of clarity and courage in decision-making.

Ko Lewin tētahi pou i roto i te ao hākinakina, otirā i te ao o te rīki. He tangata kaha ki te tautoko i te hunga rangatahi, ā, kua roa ia e whakamahi ana i te hākinakina me ōna pūkenga kaiako hei huarahi whakapakari i tōna hapori.

Lewin has been a strong presence in the sporting world, particularly in rugby league. He has long supported rangatahi using sport and education as a vehicle to strengthen and uplift whānau.

He kaiako, he tumuaki, he kaitautoko, he kaiārahi, kua kawea mai e ia ngā mātāpono o te ao rīki me te ao mātauranga ki roto i ngā mahi whakahaere o Toi Tangata.

As a teacher, principal, coach, mentor, and leader, he has brought the principles of the field and classroom into the governance realm of Toi Tangata.

E Pania, e Lewin you leave behind a powerful legacy within Toi Tangata. The seeds you have sown will continue to grow for the benefit of our people. Although you step away from the board table, your influence and impact will remain woven into our work.

Ngā mihi maioha ki a kōrua mō tō kōrua kaha, tō kōrua aroha, me tō kōrua ū ki te kaupapa. Haere rā i runga i te tika, te pono, me te aroha.