COMMUNITY
UNCLE MATA TAPSELL & ALEXIS
In 2016 Quentin’s elder brother, Uncle Mata and his Fijian partner Alexis shifted into the Bach, becoming our onsite managers for Tūrama Retreat. Uncle Mata comes from a background of forestry with over 60 years in the industry. Given half a chance this 80 something athlete still itches for an excuse to pull out his Stihl chainsaw, that’s if he’s not busying himself mowing, weeding or spraying the lawns of Te Whatitiripataihi. Alexis still works fulltime, but when home loves cooking up Indian fusion Fijian cuisine and both are on call If any of our guests require immediate assistance
In 2016 Quentin’s elder brother, Uncle Mata and his Fijian partner Alexis shifted into the Bach, becoming our onsite managers for Tūrama Retreat. Uncle Mata comes from a background of forestry with over 60 years in the industry. Given half a chance this 80 something athlete still itches for an excuse to pull out his Stihl chainsaw, that’s if he’s not busying himself mowing, weeding or spraying the lawns of Te Whatitiripataihi. Alexis still works fulltime, but when home loves cooking up Indian fusion Fijian cuisine and both are on call If any of our guests require immediate assistance
LOCALS
No true Te Arawa dwelling would be complete without its resident community of free ranging children (tamāriki) and dogs (kuri). Tapsell Road remains true to tradition with the multitude of young nephews and nieces still wandering in and out of the family properties after school or during weekends and holidays. Just like Paul once did in his childhood, a plate of cookies and some fizzie later and today’s children will also be off again in search of new exploits beyond adult gaze, maintaining 16 generations of continuous tamāriki-led adventures here on Te Whatitiripataihi.
Also likely to visit, especially if the gate is open will be local kuri who really do think they own Te Whatitiripataihi. Across the road lives Gracie and Possum who like most of the Tapsell relation neighbours are never shy. And if Paul is in residence his own Tapsell Road born kuri, named Tihi Whero (Red Peak) will likely also be on site, and on guard. She is specially trained to patrol for cats, which sadly don’t respect fences and sneak in to hunt our regular native bird visitors, including the koko (parson bird), kaka (bush parrot), kereru (wood pigeon), Korimako (bellbird), Tirairaka (fantail), Ruru (little bush owl) and Riroriro (warbler).
