Wairoa hosted a Mana Wahine Dinner to celebrate the achievement of Māori women in the community. The event was supported by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

The evening was hosted by former Wairoa Mayor Derek Fox and included a star-studded line-up of keynote speakers from the Minister of Māori Affairs to the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Carol Hirschfeld, Bernadine Takuta, Mere Whaanga, Liz Greenslade and Te Puni Kōkiri’s Regional Director, Mere Pohatu.

Minister Horomia made special mention of the late Lena Manuel and Mere Whakatope for their contribution to the Wairoa Community.