Acknowledgements

From the start of the Rena disaster till now, there have been individuals who gave time freely to help the whanau. If we do not acknowledge them, they are unlikely to ever be recognised.

Future generations need to be aware that in any disaster situation you will come to rely on people to help you through right to the end. We had people like that. Some have passed on and that includes the generation who a generation ago started the fight to have Ōngātoro, the estuary, restored.

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We also had doomsday critics, both near and far. If there is one thing we have learnt from the Rena, it is that an emergency will bring out the best in people and communities and will also reveal the worst, not unlike that which followed the Exxon Valdez disaster.

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Heoi ano, when at the forefront of managing emergencies as a volunteer, be aware. Have faith in your own abilities.

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The Trustees therefore acknowledge the late Pia Kerr, the late Arama Karaka Pirika, the late Te Whetu (Fred) Whata and the late Hariata Kereopa; our esteemed koeke leader Te Ariki Morehu; Elaine Tapsell; Awhi Awhimate, Te Pūkenga Kōeke ō Te Arawa; Timi Te Po Hohepa, Willie Emery, Piki Thomas, Anthony Olsen, Christopher Clarke, Joe Tahana, Peter Reid, Jason Pou, Alex Hope, Maru Tapsell, Wharekonehu Te Moni, Niven Rae, Marina Paul, Kataraina O’Brien, Eddie Grogan, Carlton Bidois, Joe, Tina & Jag Te Kowhai, Renee Kiriona, Konstantinos Zacharatos, John Owen, Glen Ladkin, Roger King, Boy Corbett, Kawe Samuels, Ellen Tamati, Binny Kereopa, Te Kapa o Te Hikuwai, Hepa Andersen, Nepia Ranapia, Wally and Pauline Tangohau and all the Maketu volunteers.

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You rock!