It is now just over a year since Rose Pere left us. An extraordinary human being, a true treasure for all. No one in her presence would of doubted their value. Her passion and belief in humankind had no bounds. Rose Pere is deeply missed, however her spiritual presence remains with us for all time. E hoa, haere, haere, haere atu rā. Kia au tō moe Rose.
“Children are our greatest legacy.
Nature is our greatest teacher”
Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere
Dr Rangimarie Turuki Arikirangi Rose Pere was an International Educationalist who travelled globally, and knows about education from early childhood through to the Tertiary Level and beyond. She came from both a traditional Māori perspective and that of the Western world.
Her monograph on the traditional modes of learning of the Māori, “Te Wheke-The Celebration Of Infinite Wisdom”, is used in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Japan, and has been translated into Japanese and German.
Her monograph is used as a training model of education by all Government agencies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rose has been strongly influenced by teachings that go back over 12,000 years. Her book Te Wheke – A Celebration Of Infinite Wisdom, is an introduction to these teachings.
When she died ,
Dr Rangimarie Turuki Arikirangi Rose Pere, of Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani and Ngāti Kahungunu, passed away on Sunday night surrounded by whānau at the age of 83.Dr Rose Pere, also known by many as Whaea Rose, was renowned for her spiritual teachings and ancient wisdom within academia.
The outpour of comments online and from those who knew her best, said her work inspired generations and she leaves behind an everlasting legacy.
Associate Professor Dr Leonie Pihama, who worked closely with her, said the publications Ako and Te Wheke, written by Dr Rose Pere were significant.
"Her work has always resonated, it's deeply informed much of the work I've done."
"There are lots of layers in terms of connection to the work that Whaea Rose has always done and that she has generously and openly shared with our people."
Dr Pihama said Whaea Rose left behind a multi-layered legacy.
"I was very honoured to have Whaea Rose do a huge amount of mahi with us in terms of the kaupapa that we have been following around healing, around well-being, around mana wahine, kaupapa Māori - all of those areas that she embodied."
Dr Rose Pere was born in Ruatahuna and grew up in Waikaremoana.
Since birth, she was a leader and was thought to have carried the knowledge of a tohuna or wisdom keeper and during her life, she was a renowned teacher to all.
She worked within education across all age groups from pre-school to tertiary level, focusing on building the strength and identity of indigenous learners.
She strived to make sure the next generations were not overcome by a colonial education system, and instead honored their culture.
In a statement, her whānau said she was loved across Aotearoa and the globe.
"Her life was distinguished by extraordinary service to many people in both Aotearoa, New Zealand and the many corners of the world. She touched many lives and hearts."
Dr Rose Pere will be taken to Whakirangi marae and Iwitea marae over the coming days before being taken to her final resting place at Rongopai Marae, just outside of Gisborne.