Mina's MemorPage

Mina started here in 1986 as a cleaner. Three months later she was our Caretaker. There were 154 children and six classrooms here at that time. Mina remembers that room 10 was our Hall at that time!

Her three children - Chris, Nicky and Aisha - all attended Western Heights, as did granddaughter Kanah, and as did her granddaughter  Ngiculela. Mina and Steve were caregivers for 20 years, so they had a number of children here through that as well.

The biggest change Mina saw in her time here was the growth and the change to a really multi-ethnic, multi-cultural mix here. The thing she loved most here was the children. When asked what she will miss most Mina chooses to focus on what life after work offered. 

Mina chose for her humorous memory an occasion when then principal Megan Bowden - who was very short and light - was being chased by an angry student three times her size. She had never seen a principal run so fast!

Mina remembered the opening of our school pool and Animal Days - where horses and all sorts of animals were brought to school - as highlights of her time here. Also Galas and Hangi on the fields.

When Mina retired we had a fabulous turnout of friends old and new, and family, which made it a very special occasion.

Our gifts were particularly appreciated - a beautiful greenstone piece for Mina and a continuation of her tattoo.

Kanah’s speech and a Haka from our boys were clearly moving for Mina. 

Mina also supported my wife Jacqualene when she was welcomed as the new principal of Mangere Central School.