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Celebrating the life of: Robert Tangatakore Nuku 20 August 1958 - 9 March 2023
A beloved husband to Justine Nuku (Nee Kemp), loving father to Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, Franzee, Justin and Layton. Amazing koro to Keely-Shaye, Jordan, Te o Tawhara, Hadyn, Tuameko, Hunter, Serenity, Operu, Ngakonui, Zade, Russy, Rome, Rerekohu, Jai, Hikurangi and Robbie Quinn.
Even in the latter stages of his life when his health had seen better days, he was still coaching. His white van would arrive half an hour before training, often full to the brim with tamariki, and leave an hour after his paddlers had finished training. One of his favourite sayings was, “I’ve been doing this for twenty years!” Usually when someone was trying to escort him out of the loading bay at sprint nationals, or when booking every waka in the fleet at Mareikura because he just happened to pick up another three teams.
Uncle Rob leaves behind a legacy at Mareikura Waka Ama and Waka Ama in Aotearoa. Paddler and super coach to the many tamariki that trained under his tough training regime, he will leave a big hole that will be hard to fill at Mareikura. He trained champions. It is no understatement when I say, he will be dearly missed by many.
No reira!
E te Rangatira.
Rere atu ki tō Maunga, ko Mauao.
Rere atu ki tō Awa, ko Awanui.
Rere atu ki tō Hapū, ko Ngāi Tamarawaho.
Rere atu ki tō Iwi, ko Ngāti Ranginui.
Haere atu ki ōu tupuna e tatari ana mou.
Haere, haere, haere atu ra.
Nā te karapū o Mareikura Waka Ama
Comments
Minnie Campbell - It was never a dull moment at Anzac Park. Morning girls! "Morning Uncle". 4 Laps around the field. Uncle, "Can we use some paddles?" - "In the back of the Van", Uncle, "Do you have a spare bung?" - "In the back of the Van", Uncle. " What is for lunch?" - Chicken and Buns - "In the front of the van"
Years we spent in regional W1 at Nationals together - Uncle, "Did Aunty make you any treats" - Yep, your ones are in the chilly bin. "Yessss!"
Uncle would always be perched on his seat with a spare one under the marquee - "There's your seat", "Thanks Uncle." Uncle was resourceful he would have a lane draw, rubbers already attached to the fence for stretching; ductape; spare bungs and lane holders; he would easily make up some weights if needed; and he always had a delicious lunch and chilled water. It didn't matter what region you were from - Uncle was sure help out. Throughout the day Aunty Justine would come and check on his food supplies or send someone to restock the chilly bin.
Uncle Rob, thank you for your ongoing guidance and support, I learnt from the best. Always loved and never to be forgotten - Your Campbell Whānau
17-Mar-2023