Pauline was born in Hokitika, educated at the local primary and secondary schools where she played hockey as a sport, competitive sailing at the local lakes yacht club where her father was both commodore and patron .efore embarking on a career in psychiatric nursing.  She graduated as a qualified, registered psychiatric nurse and  her practice extends over 34 years' professional involvement in the mental health field.

Pauline met Hemi in 1974 and came to live with him at Awatuna In that year. It must have been a true love match as they celebrated their marriage at the Homestead 6 years later in 1980. Since that time, she has raised 4 children (2 girls and 2 boys) as well as being the doting grandmother to 2 grandchildren, who live near the Homestead in the Arahura Valley.  Pauline has a deep natural interest in alternative health practices is reflected in the passion with which she cares for all of her children, grandchildren and the extended family in many, many ways.

Being an avid gardener, Pauline tries to spend as much time as the Homestead business allows in her huge and varied gardens.  Her efforts are reflected in the fresh vegetables and herbs which grace the visitors' table, or add succulent relish and complements to the home-cooked meals that pour out of her farmhouse-style kitchen. Her cuisine style is described as not only mouth-wateringly delicious by guests but further classified as true country cooking, at it's best. Her beautiful meals and recipes of country fare, combined with her natural hospitable nature ensures all of our visitors have a personal and memorable stay at Awatuna Homestead.

Pauline and Hemi set up the Awatuna Homestead, Bed & Breakfast, in  the year 2000, a business where visitors from all over the world could come and experience NZ hospitality. Of an evening, if asked, Hemi loves to sit with guests in the Homestead lounge and tell the traditional stories of his Maori culture. 

Pauline's skills with the decorator's palete are reflected in  the interior   colour combinations of the Homestead's finishings,.  Her combinations  used for the room interiors, drapes, blinds and furnishings  gives the Homestead it's special ambience, warmth and restful peace that our guests and visitors feel when they stay with us.

Hemi was born overseas and came to NZ with his parents as a younger child. 

After finishing High School, Hemi trained  in the printing trade with The Christchurch Press newspaper.
Came to the West Coast and Awatuna in 1971 and was employed  Parks & Reserves Superintendent for the Hokitika Borough Council, then with the NZ Forest Service constructing trails and walkways.
A love horses and the horse-age of vehicles led to Pauline and Hemi to  set up their own saddlery business, making and repairing horse harness, sewing canvas goods, horse and truck covers.  They closed the saddlery business in 1984 as they couldn't compete against the cheap imports which flooded into NZ.

Hemi took a new career move into Government service with Lands & Survey and then the Department of Conservation (DoC). As the Waitangi Tribunal had been set up by Government to hear grievances against the Crown by Maori dating back to 1840 and the signing of Te Tiriti (The Treaty ). Hemi was able to  put to good use his cultural knowledge in helping the Waitangi Tribunal, the tribes and the Government departments to come to an understanding of the issues and possible solutions.

He held that senior position until he retired in 2004 and returned to his life and love of Awatuna, family and his Maori roots. He now had more time to pursue being a Maori environmentalist, and writing submissions to ensure the culture can prevail.

He has a love of wood  which is clearly reflected in the finishings of Awatuna Homestead and like Pauline, has a deep knowledge and respect for the gardens of the Homestead.There are many rare species growing at the Homestead. Ask to see the kauri trees that are standing tall at Awatuna many many miles south of their natural homes in the far north near where Hemi's tribe lives.

In his spare time Hëmi rebuilds vintage Morris 8 cars - you may even get to take a spin in one!

Visit the Vintage Morris 8 Car Gallery >>

In Maori tribal custom, Hemi is known as  pipiwhauraroa (a cuckoo born in another nest) and has been given  knowledge, experiences and responsibilities  of a different culture and environment than that of his birth parents.

As you have read in Pauline's biography, family and extended family are the most important pillars in our house and home. Our children all live locally to us, as do the grandchildren, so this is a very loving family home being shared with you.

Experience the Storytelling >>

Testimonials  >>