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Discover the fascinating journey of Paratene Te Manu, also known as Mr. Sonny Wellington, from school days to diverse careers like soldier, pilot, and sportsman. Learn about his childhood adventures, favorite subjects, and contributions as a Kaumatua.
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MR Sonny wellington
WHO??? Don’t know Mr Wellington? His real name is Paratene Te Manu. He is named after the Paratene Te Manu that donated the land for our school. The man that donated the land was his grandfather. He is our Kaumatua.
Mr Sonny Wellington went to Ngunguru School in the years 1938 to 1947 and states that he thoroughly enjoyed them.
In his spare time he and his friends would make huts in the bush, catch frogs and tadpoles from the swamp (that is now our field) and create their own games such as Prisoner’s base and Cowboys vs. Indians.
Mr Wellington decided that his favourite subjects were Spelling and English as he spoke in Maori at home. KIA ORA
He had four older sisters who gave him his nickname (Sonny Boy) that also went to our school. He liked to go sledding down the hill by Church Bay.
For morning tea he and his classmates got cups of cocoa. The Government provided milk although it was normally warm because of being left outside by the horses in the hot sun, so some preferred to bring their own.
As time went on, Sonny Wellington left Ngunguru School and began at Whangarei Boys High.
Later on in life he returned and was on the School Committee as well as being a concrete worker, soldier, skydiver, a pilot, a squash player, cricket and rugby player AND our Kaumatua!
