Moe mai rā Koro

Taku papa, taku papa. What a hard life you had. To aroha ki te tangata is what I always remember, ahakoa ko wai. Tangata pukumahi ki te whangai ki te manaaki I tona piiki hunuku. Ko koe tera taku papa. Kia au to moe ki te wa ka haramai a Ihoa ki te tiki mai I a koe.

My humble and hard working koroua..although my memories are very distant you are still held very close to our hearts..not only did you serve your country but you served and worked soo hard for your whanau and kids, this is why I carry the Watene name with such pride....You will always be remembered and loved by us xxxxxx to the moon and back

Thank you Koro. I remember the scar you wore, quietly and humbly you spoke nothing of it and showed me in your eyes that it didn't hurt. Today as a grown woman, I thank you for the wonderful sacrifice you made.. I am so proud of who you are and all that you accomplished throughout your life... You are a mighty man who has left an inheritance for your children's, children. Proverbs 13 v 22 "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children..." For your efforts you were blessed and now I can say you have left an inheritance that will be remembered by future generations. Thank you Koro.... For my whakapapa and for our future... Your moko Rita

I am so honored to be able to call my beautiful mothers father, Koro. My grandfather is Wharetupu Watene and I'm so proud of my brave Koro who was wounded in the war, I love my Koro dearly and will never forget my Koro . Arohanui kia koe.