Pride of NZ: Christine Papuni

Christine Papuni

A Rotorua woman's unwavering dedication and support for her students has earned her a nomination for the Pride of New Zealand awards.

Christine Papuni has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement award for her work with students, teaching "all things Maori".

Ms Papuni's nominator said the John Paul College teacher had given endless love and support to all her students.

"For years she has taught the Maori language passionately and selflessly, regardless of the cultural or social backgrounds of those students in her classes.

"She has growled with love, motivated endlessly and given up her own time just so those students under her wing could be successful."

She said Ms Papuni had always been the loudest supporter from the sidelines and had "quietly and proudly watched her students go on to be successful, never asking for anything in return".

"Her reward for the endless hours she's put into her students was that they would go on to be successful in whatever career path they chose. Many times her dedication has taken her away from her own family and she has done so without complaint."

Ms Papuni said the nomination left her flabbergasted and with tears in her eyes.

"I am speechless, I have ruined my makeup hearing what has been said about me. I am floored but so honoured by the nomination."

She said her passion stemmed from teaching "all things Maori" and her students, past and present, were the beginning and end of her.

Ms Papuni is retiring from John Paul College at the end of the year.

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are proudly brought to you by The New Zealand Herald, The Hits and TSB Bank.
Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
To see more stories of our wonderful nominees click here.
For more information on the awards go to the official website.