When 'she'.. became 'we'!
She prefers to be called 'Peips'. A childhood nickname that is now a synonymous descriptive for a woman who has stood steadfast in her convictions, values and purpose. All to benefit any child or teenager lucky enough to cross her path.
It only took five defining moments and a chance encounter for a young mother of, then eight children, to commit herself to a partnership that would not only keep tamariki safe but together with other like-minded individuals that she has collected along the way, would voluntarily assume the role of champion, advocate, guide and mentor to ALL tamariki who had been overlooked or excluded.
Moment number 1.
On the 1st of January 2009, regretfully, Peips suffered the loss of a dearly loved nephew who at 3 years of age drowned in a reasonably populated situation that left an indelible scar on her so deep, that she thought she might never recover.
You see, Peips had just arrived at the location after completing a shift as a 'lifeguard', only to walk headfirst into what most water safety professionals would deem a complete and utter nightmare.
The gut-wrenching loss of her nephew left her promising herself that no child would ever suffer the same faint again on her watch. She became a Swimming Instructor and from that point forward, was determined to teach tamariki to swim and be safe in all bodies of water, for FREE! Her mission had begun.
Moment number 2.
In 2016, Peips son Weighn Wilson (Paku) had his very first experience participating in the Halberg Disability Games. Peips felt the need for him to overcome his shyness and embarrassment of his 'taonga' (physical impairment). Weighn was born with no left hand, and as he got older Peips really encouraged him to be amongst other people that have some similarities, and some that have struggled to adapt to simple daily routines most of their lives. This desire lead to Peips establishing the 'Adaptive Support Club' in July 2018, a brand endorsement that would promote total inclusiveness of all, and underpin all current and future opportunities that Peips would develop moving forward. This 'tohu' was her love on full display.
Moment number 3.
At the beginning of 2017, Peips noticed that her son, despite his dedication to training, his staunch focus, and his impeccable ability to self-manage himself, was constantly being overlooked for team selection in his chosen sport, Basketball. Despite her attempts to communicate with team management, and with the local sports affiliate for his chosen code, she could not obtain a valid reason as to why others were being chosen over him. This moment fuelled her fire.
Moment number 4.
Then, in August of 2018, Paku was selected and awarded by personal invitation, an opportunity to attend and participate in the 'Steven Adams Basketball Camp' by none other than the man himself, Mr Steven Adams. Steven connected with Paku by sharing why he chose him. He shared that he felt they both had a connection, in that they were both bullied or excluded from sporting opportunities due to their physical differences, Paku with his under-developed left hand, and Steven due to his early excessive growth spurt as a youngster. This experience further impacted Peips after Steven Adams congratulated her on the work she was doing with young basketballers and extended an invitation for her to bring more rangatahi to his future clinics. That invitation was all Peips needed to hear to escalate the drive to formally establish a legal identity for what has now become her 'movement'. The stars were beginning to align.
The Partnership.
In Term 2 of 2019 Peips took on the role of Junior Development Coach at Gisborne Boys High School, she also secured a part-time position as a Teacher Aide at a local school, and as luck would have it she was placed into a syndicate with Wendy Wallace. A new graduate teacher with a positive, never-give-up frame of mind, and a kind, giving, inclusive, and solution focussed approach to learning. Peips and Wendy also connected through whakapapa, and a genuine passion and desire to provide our tamariki and rangatahi with skill-sets, confidence, resilience, and sheer grit and determination to achieve real tangible success no matter the end goal. A perpetual partnership was born. Peips then shared her desire to formalise her movement, and as luck would have it, Wendy's prior experience in governance, systems, policy and process provided the catalyst for the drafting of the Tūranga Taiohi Taiea Incorporated Constitution and its official establishment.
"With genuine purpose, intent and perseverance the universe hears your call and manifests your deepest desires."
[Wendy Wallace 2021]"Taiohi Tū Kaha! Taiohi Ē Tū!
"Youth Stand Strong! Youth Stand Proud!
HerStory_PeipsMovement.pptx.pdf