Te Puke Newsweek is proud to share the story of Shona Ua-Marsh, a remarkable local who embodies resilience and community spirit. As the founder of Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre, Shona has dedicated her life to nurturing the next generation, weaving her deep whakapapa and traditional Māori values into everything she does.
Shona’s journey is one of turning personal challenges into a life of purpose. She learned manaakitanga (kindness) and commitment from her parents, values that guided her through immense personal loss and a battle with breast cancer. These experiences didn’t break her; they forged her purpose. She found strength in her whānau—her husband, children, and grandchildren—who are her greatest support.
More than two decades ago, Shona’s vision for a loving and inclusive early learning center came to life. After the Covid-19 pandemic, she made the bold decision to unite her three centers into one cohesive Whānau Centre. This was a philosophical choice to create a learning environment that mirrored a family home, where tamariki (children) of all ages learn and grow together. This holistic approach, grounded in Mātauranga Māori, ensures every child feels seen and valued.
Beyond her center, Shona’s latest venture, Whatu+Co, is an extension of her mission to share Māori culture. This business creates educational resources that help children and families connect with te ao Māori. Shona’s work is a testament to her belief that leadership is about heart, unity, and service. She is a true local hero, creating a legacy built on aroha (love), celebrating diversity, and building a stronger, more connected Te Puke.
For more on Shona’s journey, read the full article at https://focusmagazine.co.nz/he-tangata-he-whanau-he-tikanga-the-journey-of-shona-ua-marsh/. For more positive news stories from our community, visit www.tepuke.online.
