NICHOLSON, Doris Hinepango

After a long illness fought stubbornly right to the end, Doris passed peacefully in her own home on Wednesday 16 April 2025 at Iwitea Pa across the road from where she was born 85 years ago.

Last surviving child of the late Tiwha Pukeke (from Whanganui) and the late Rewai Makere Pukeke (nee Mahanga from Iwitea, Ruataniwha and Mohaka). Cherished sister to her late siblings. Loved niece, cousin, aunty, nanny and friend. 

Wife of the late George Te Otinga Nicholson.  Devoted mother of the late Tiwha, the late Howard, Pine-Waitai and Anthony. Mother-in-law of Vanessa, and Nanny of Logan and Charlize. 

Sincerest thanks to her medical team, Jan, Sue, Pare, Patrick, Nigel and the other Iwitea Pa locals for supporting Doris in her last years.  Those years were difficult, so was she. Nga mihi.

From Thursday afternoon Doris will lie at her beloved Iwitea Marae where she contributed her time as cook, cleaner, wananga and church supporter, trustee and kaikaranga.

Her funeral service will be held on Easter Sunday 20 April at 11am. Following she will be laid to rest at Iwitea Urupa between her sisters, Mickey-Mouse and Twang, upon her long-missed and waiting son Tiwha. Hakari to follow at Iwitea Marae. Ka oti.

Koia tetahi kaumatua o Ngati Matawhaiti, he Morehu hoki.

Ko Takutaimoana te rohe. Ko te Mangai hei tautoko mai aianei, akenei, ae