With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the whanau comes together to announce the passing of a dearly loved Brother, Son, Moko, Nephew, and Uncle – Te Kotuku Manawaroa Wharekiri Gillespie-Robson. Born into this world on December 20, 2002, and departing on January 25, 2024, Te Kotuku’s life, though brief, touched the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Te Kotuku was the cherished son of Carlos Robson and Heather Gillespie, and he stood as a beacon of love and connection within a family deeply woven together. His name, Te Kotuku Manawaroa, evokes the image of the steadfast heron, reflecting strength and resilience. In his short time on Earth, Te Kotuku lived up to the essence of his name, leaving behind memories that will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Amidst the mourning, there is an acknowledgment that this journey, though painful, is also a celebration of a life well-lived. The dates and times for Te Kotuku’s journey to Rangitihi (Taheke) will be updated apopo, a testament to the whanau’s shared commitment to honoring his memory with the reverence it deserves. Te Kotuku’s sunrise marked the beginning of a life filled with potential, dreams, and the promise of tomorrow. His sunset, though earlier than expected, leaves behind a legacy that transcends time. As the whanau gathers to remember, mourn, and celebrate, the stories of Te Kotuku’s laughter, kindness, and the impact he had on those around him will echo through the spaces they shared.
In these moments of profound loss, it is the collective strength of the whanau that becomes a source of solace. Together, they hold the memories of Te Kotuku like precious taonga, passing them from one generation to the next, ensuring that his spirit endures.
Each member of the whanau has their unique connection to Te Kotuku, a web of relationships that made their lives richer and fuller. His role as a brother, son, moko, nephew, and uncle speaks to the diverse ways he touched the lives of those within his whanau, leaving behind a tapestry of connections that will remain unbroken. The grief that envelops the whanau is met with the rituals and customs that honor Te Kotuku’s Maori heritage. The journey to Rangitihi (Taheke) becomes not just a physical transition but a spiritual one, a return to the embrace of the whenua that cradles the essence of their collective identity.
As the whanau prepares for the journey ahead, memories of Te Kotuku weave through their conversations and gatherings. His laughter becomes an echo, his presence a gentle breeze that rustles through the branches of their family tree. The pain of separation is softened by the knowledge that Te Kotuku’s spirit is now free, soaring beyond the confines of this earthly realm. The farewell to Te Kotuku becomes an opportunity for the whanau to express their love, share stories, and find strength in unity. The mourning process is not a solitary endeavor; it is a communal experience, a coming together to support one another through the waves of grief that wash over them.
The significance of ancestral lands and the return to Rangitihi (Taheke) is deeply embedded in Maori culture. It symbolizes a reunion with ancestors, a merging of past and present, and a continuation of the sacred connection to the whenua. The journey becomes a pilgrimage of the heart, a way for the whanau to draw strength from the roots of their heritage. As the whanau looks toward the horizon of tomorrow, there is an understanding that Te Kotuku’s legacy will live on in the stories they share, the traditions they uphold, and the love that binds them together. In the Maori worldview, death is not an end but a transition, a doorway to a realm where spirits continue their journey.
The dates and times of Te Kotuku’s journey to Rangitihi (Taheke) will be communicated apopo, a Maori term meaning tomorrow. It encapsulates the understanding that some things are better addressed in the light of a new day, allowing the whanau the time and space to navigate the practicalities of the farewell. In the Maori tradition, the passing of a loved one is not a goodbye but a transition to another realm. The spiritual connection to Rangitihi (Taheke) is a poignant reminder that Te Kotuku’s spirit will find its place among the ancestors, continuing to watch over and guide the whanau from the realm of the unseen.
As the sun sets on Te Kotuku’s earthly journey, the whanau leans on the strength of their collective bonds to navigate the night. The journey to Rangitihi (Taheke) becomes a pilgrimage of love, a sacred movement that honors the spirit of a beloved brother, son, moko, nephew, and uncle. In the tapestry of life, Te Kotuku’s thread remains vibrant, woven into the stories, laughter, and love that defined his time on Earth.
The journey to Rangitihi (Taheke) is not a final farewell but a continuation of the eternal connection between the living and the spirits that dance in the realm beyond. May Te Kotuku Manawaroa Wharekiri Gillespie-Robson find peace, and may the whanau find comfort in the enduring legacy of his life.
