Kōkā Irene's Journey To Health

Our beautiful kōkā, aunty, kēni, friend, teacher, mentor, Irene Pēwhairangi has recently received the heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer. It’s been a tough journey already, and after many conversations with doctors and specialists, the best decision for her is to relocate to Auckland for treatment and care.

Kōkā has spent 40+ years in Palmy so it’s definitely an emotional one having to move, to relocate and temporarily farewell a place she got to call “home”. We want to give kōkā the best fighting chance, surrounded by the right medical team and support system. It’s a big change, and not an easy one, but we’re staying hopeful and focusing on what matters most: her health and recovery.

We are setting up this page to rally support around her as we embark on her healing journey — a journey focused not only on comfort and quality of life, but also on love, time together, and exploring holistic and supportive treatments that may ease her path.

All donations will go directly towards:

• Medical and alternative therapies not covered by the public system

• Travel for appointments and specialist care

• Home support to ensure kōkā can rest and heal in comfort

• Giving her the chance to create precious memories with her whānau

We are incredibly grateful for any support you can give — whether it’s a koha, a message of encouragement, or simply sharing this page. Every bit helps and means the world to us.

Ka nui te aroha