WILLIS, Vanessa Annette (Vee, nee Oatley)
On June 17, 2023, peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family; aged 45 years.

Much loved soulmate and teacher of Jaime, loved daughter of Carolyn, and Stephen, and beloved sister of Aaron.

A service to celebrate Vee’s life will be held in Hope and Sons Chapel, 523 Andersons Bay Road, Dunedin at 2pm on Thursday, June 22, followed by private cremation.

Messages can be left on Vee’s Tribute page above, where you can watch the service on livestream.

In lieu of flowers donations for te Whanau Arohanui would be appreciated and may be left at the service.

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Donations In Memory of Vee

In true Vee style, she has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations please be made to this very worthy cause. Another beautiful way her legacy will live on…

- Te Whânau Arohanui -

Roka Hurihia and Kerry Cameron had a moemoea (dream).

Foster parents to many taiohi over many years, running family group state homes, they were saddened by the closure of these homes here in Ôtepoti but for the fact of leaving rangatahi with no where to go.

With an extensive whakapapa mastering in Râranga me akoranga (weaving and teaching), their vision was to hold space for those in need, utilising their combined skills, and the awhi of their own whânau, Te Whânau Arohanui was birthed.

Established in 1991 as a Te whare wânanga (house of learning) in Waitati, close to familiar and comforting surroundings with the ngâhere and moana a stone’s throw away, the impossible moemoea became possible.

After many trials and tribulations, Roka and Kerry started to see their moemoea come true, a dream to extend mânaakitanga to those in need of aroha, tautoko, identity/or a sense of whânau to help them navigate the world in front of them, a by whânau for whânau kaupapa.

Held within a Te Ao Mâori world view, under the guidance of our tûpuna & âtua, Te Whânau Arohanui has contributed to the hauora of our people, Mâoritanga and our hâpori for over 31years and continues to pave the way for future generations through aroha me tâonga tuku iho.

Although beautiful and symbolic, flowers perish. Aroha is eternal. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Te Whânau Arohanui
11-8330-0205400-37

Hope and Sons

Funeral Directors

Dunedin - Mosgiel

Service Information: Date: Time: Location: 22/06/2023 2:00 p.m. Hope and Sons Chapel 523 Andersons Bay Road Dunedin