On the rolling lands west of Kaikohe, farmers John and Lily Coleman have carved off four hectares of land encompassing a historic pā site, and gifted it to local hapu. The Coleman’s moved to Te Tokerau, Northland, in 1966, where they raised four children and dedicated much of their lives to the Kaikohe community. Over the years, John served as an elected local council officer, a school committee member for 17 years, a rugby referee, and a member of the Bay of Islands Federated Farmers. He also served as President during a challenging period under the Labour Government, witnessing the economic hardships of high interest rates and low produce returns. John was a member of the LIC committee, working to improve the genetics of Northland dairy cows, and authored a book on the Ohura Experience. Lily supported children with learning difficulties through SPELD and has been an active member of Rural Women since 1967. Together, they coached ‘Learn to Swim’ children and helped with athletics in the community

However, the knowledge that Pākinga Pā sat within their land title never felt quite right – and recently, a decision was made to return the pā to those whose connection was deeper, and longer, than that of the Coleman family. This commitment has nurtured a deep, cross cultural relationship in the Kaikohe community, and serves as an impactful reminder to New Zealanders of how we can work together to rebuild whānau connection to the land. In this action and many more, Lily and John have devoted their lives to the people of Kaikohe – displaying aroha and manaakitanga over 58 years of service.