Former MP Nuk Korako is cycling over 1,400km for the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, a unique safe haven in Christchurch for 5- to 12-year-olds in times of whānau/family crisis or stress that he attended as a child.
Former MP Nuk Korako is cycling over 1,400km for the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, a unique safe haven in Christchurch for 5- to 12-year-olds in times of whānau/family crisis or stress that he attended as a child.
The Cholmondeley Children’s Centre in Christchurch holds special significance to Korako – he credits it for saving he and his eight siblings from being split up and placed in state care after their mother died.
He hopes to raise $100,000 for the centre, which is based in Governors Bay on Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch. It follows a South Island charity ride he did last year that raised more than $90,000 for a young girl with a degenerative condition who requires an operation overseas. The girl is soon to receive a titanium jaw thanks to his fundraising effort.
The Cholmondeley Centre provides essential support for vulnerable children, embodying the principles of care, compassion and empowerment – and 2025 is also the centre’s centennial year.
Korako, a former National Party list MP and current Ngāi Tahu appointee to Canterbury Regional Council, said the charity holds a particular place in his heart after his father placed himself and six of his eight siblings into the centre after his mum died when he was 10 in 1964. The two youngest siblings – Korako was the only boy – were looked after by family.
He said his father did not want the siblings to be split up in whangai care (customary foster care, usually by a close relation) or placed into state care. And after 18 months of “awesome” care in the centre, they returned to their father, who was then in a position to look after them all.
“As an alumni, former board member and now patron [of the centre], I have experienced first-hand the incredible impact this organisation has on the lives of those it serves, including my own whānau,” Korako said.
“When my mother passed away, leaving nine children, I was 10 years old. My Dad refused to have his children whangai through other whānau or state care. Cholmondeley saved us being split up and I have never forgotten that – and this would be the case of many other alumni from this place who were possibly saved from being put directly into state care.”
Korako said his father was worried what may happen to the siblings if placed in state care – “and we know how that has turned out for many” – and after 18 months in the centre, they all returned to be cared for by their dad.
“Cholmondeley was the right place for us. If it had not been there, I don’t know where we would have ended up. But even then, it seemed Dad had a bit of insight into what happens in state care and was determined we would not end up there.”
Korako will catch up with his fellow former St Stephens old boy and former MP Hone Harawira while in the Far North.
“I love the Far North, and it’s such a special place with special people. And for my trip, I’m using the inspirational words of a Far North legend, Dame Whina Cooper, to help me get through.
Nuk Korako has wife Chris as his support crew on his cycle ride down the North Island to raise money for a child charity that is very close to his heart. Photo / Mike Dinsdale
“As I pass through this beautiful whenua [land] and ka takutai moana [coastline] of Muriwhenua, I am mindful of one of its greatest treasures it gave Aotearoa – Dame Whina. Because the kaupapa [purpose] of this ride is about raising funds for Cholmondeley in its centennial year, I am also mindful of Dame Whina’s quote about children of Aotearoa and how we should treat them:
‘Take care of our children
Take care of what they hear
Take care of what they see
Take care of what they feel
For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa’.”
He said it was amazing that the centre was still operating after 100 years, and helping thousands of children, and he wanted to ensure it would be around for at least the next 100.
Follow Nuk Korako’s ride at: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nuk-Korako-Cycling-for-Cholmondeley-Children/61571379780086/
To donate to the cause go to: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cycling-for-cholmondeley-kids
