Ngā mihi to Ike Rakena

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.

Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

In March 2023 at his turangawaewae of Makaurau Marae in the heart of Ihumātao, CCS Disability Action acknowledged the contribution of Ike Rakena and said haere rā to a treasured leader, mentor, whānau member and friend.

Ike was joined by whānau, including his “darling” wife Debbie, colleagues from the CCS Disability Action National Board, current and former staff, and community members impacted by Ike’s mahi. It was an emotional but fitting farewell to a man who has given so much, to so many.

“Ike is a true giver. He loves to contribute where he knows he can make a difference,” explains CCS Disability Action National Board President Dairne Kirton. “Ike has a special gift for growing and supporting people. He also makes it safe for anyone to be in the Te Ao Māori space, regardless of who you are or where you’re at in your understanding.”

Ike served as Māngai (advisor) to the board and the organisation since 2010. He was also chair of Niho Taniwha subcommittee who were mandated to create the Māori Disability Framework - Titiro Whakamuri, Anga Whakamua (2013-2015).

“Ike came to CCS Disability Action at an important time in our bicultural journey. Our aspirations for and commitment to whānau hauā (Māori disabled people) were clear, but we needed a guiding light at a board-level. Niho Taniwha symbolises strength and guardianship. Ike offered both those things, and so much more to our organisation,” says Dairne.

His perspective was crucial in helping channel the significant efforts by kuia and kaumatua, Māori governance, Māori staff and members from across the country who had worked to build CCS Disability Action’s cultural awareness and responsiveness.

“Ike’s work, and that of Niho Taniwha, helped bring visibility to our organisation’s bicultural partnership with Māori. We know that whānau hauā (Māori disabled people) face social inequalities and other barriers specific to their cultural needs. But more importantly, Ike helped our organisation leverage the strengths in how Māori culture approaches disability. As a disabled person himself, he has such an uplifting kōrero. His gift is to understand what is at the heart of an issue to support people to find solutions,” says Dairne.

Ike is passionate about seeing whānau hauā people included and valued in marae hui and kaupapa. His work helping build Karanga Maha communities – grassroots steering groups who connect whānau hauā with their whakapapa and culture – was a clear example of seeing his principles and passions in action.

Ike will be remembered by CCS Disability Action for his commitment to encouraging whānau hauā to dream big for themselves as Māori and to support them to grow as individuals.

Ike was an important voice in the development of Te Aronui, CCS Disability Action’s vision, that brings to life the new strategic directions of CCS Disability Action. “He has not only made a significant difference in his mahi with our organisation in terms of our vision, strategic direction and policy, but he has also profoundly impacted the lives of many individuals,” says Dairne.

“It was sad to say goodbye for now, but he leaves us in a better place than when he first joined us. He’s put down roots that will continue to deepen and we are pleased that others will now benefit from his skills,” says Dairne. “Ike will always be whānau, so we are confident our paths will keep crossing in the future. On behalf of the organisation, ngā mihi maioha Ike.”