08 February 1955 – 23rd September 2011
Yolande was born in Nikao, Rarotonga and moved to New Zealand in 1981. Since then Yolande has truly lived life to the fullest here in NZ.
She loved to travel and travelled to many countries during her time and took every opportunity she could to return home to Rarotonga.
Yolande was an incredibly hardworking woman, who carried the responsibility of being the sole provider for her children with strength and dedication, always putting their needs first. She achieved many successes throughout her life but she would always say that her greatest blessings were her family, her children and grandchildren. They were the heart of everything she did.
Yolande was known for her incredibly big heart and her generosity, always wanting to give to others and this was very evident to her family. Yolande was extremely outgoing and social—someone who could light up any room. You’d often notice her bright, colourful outfits and her signature red lipstick. And of course her lively, high-pitched voice meant you could often hear her before you saw her.
Yolande had a deep knowledge of her family history and took pride in knowing her genealogy, with the ability to trace them back centuries. She was also someone who spoke her mind—never hesitating to put you in your place when needed and without regretting. Yolande will always be remembered for her incredible kindness and caring for her family, her strength and her infectious smile. Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren and she will be deeply missed.
26 August 1981 – 03 July 2025
Elizabeth was born in Rarotonga and moved to New Zealand with her family as a baby in 1981. From a young age, Liz excelled, achieving significant milestones, including being named School Head Girl.
She grew into a well-loved and respected person, surrounded by a wide caring circle of friends. She lived her life to the fullest, achieving so much—from holding highly established roles in her career to earning numerous accolades including Academic: Excellence at Massey University 2023, Bachelor’s degree in Social work, Master’s degree – Master of Arts in Social Policy through Massey University, member of the Massey University Social work and Social Policy advisory Group 2024 and more, with many years of dedication and service in helping helpless children during her years of work, 15 years Oranga Tamariki, to 2021 Policy department as Senior Policy Analyst – Oranga Tamariki head office in Wellington to recently 2024 to 2025 Wellington DCM for the homeless.
Liz was a very devoted aunty and a second mother figure to her nephews, and the best sister and friend anyone could ask for. Her love for rugby union was well known, proudly supporting the Chiefs and as she would always say, her beloved All Blacks. Elizabeth’s greatest blessing was finding Jesus and dedicating her life to Him. From that moment on, she lived faithfully, walking in obedience to God with unwavering conviction.
Her big heart shone through in everything she did. She showed love and support to everyone she met, always standing firmly in truth and mana. She stood up for others, never hesitating to challenge what was wrong. Family meant everything to her. Regular family trips became a special tradition—time to reconnect, share laughter and step away from the busyness of life. She also cherished moments on her own, often setting off on road trips to enjoy God’s creation and the beauty of New Zealand beyond the cities.
You both will be deeply missed—for your beautiful smiles, your caring ways, your love for everyone and the warmth of your hearts, that radiates God’s love.
Who am I
I am intrinsically weaved together with the harakeke binding and keeping me steady- I am whole.
I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am a daughter/descendant of Paikea, whironui, Manutangirua, hauiti, Kahukuranui, Tuatini, Te Aotawarirangi, Ruatepupuke, Te hono ki rarotonga-Te Au kiTonga.
Hikurangi is my mountain
Waiapu is my river.
Ngati porou is my iwi
