Age Concern Wairarapa announce winner for 2022 Senior of the Year

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽: Luther Toloa (Masterton) – Luther is well known for his voluntary work in the community and is a founding member of the Pasifika o Wairarapa Trust.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽: Frances Reiri-Smith (Gladstone) – Lovingly known as Nanny Frances, has worked tirelessly in the community and for Maori. Some of her work has included membership of Te Pae Oranga (Iwi justice Panel), Wairarapa Women’s Welfare league, Kuia Carterton District Council, support to Māori Mental Health Tautoko Ora Wananga, strong advocacy of Te Reo Māori, kaumatua and Kaikaranga for Hurunui o Rangi Marae

Carterton’s Rev Maki Lauvi also got a 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. A long serving minister, Rev Lauvi is an advocate of keeping the Samoan culture alive with language, tradition and faith. He is involved in many Pacific community groups and his kind, gentle, caring nature is an inspiration to all.

Thank you to Age Concern Wairarapa and Carterton Events Centre for hosting this event.