Bett Cummings and Waltham Community Cottage

In Memory of Bett Cummings, Whaea Bett

Bett Cummings was employed at Te Whare Roopu O Oterepo Waltham Community Cottage as whanau worker from 1993. Just 6 months after her beloved husband and sparring partner, Keith, passed away, Bett herself died from cancer.

Working with Annette Bunting, she spearheaded community development within the Waltham area.

Bett and Annette
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Donna, Annette, Bett, Adrienne, Debbie outside cottage
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Her position encouraged the foundation of Te Reo Maori groups at the Cottage, and the formation of Te Roopu Atawhai.

Bett with Te Reo "graduates"
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Bett with Waltham Cottage people
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Within a short time, Bett became highly regarded by those who met her. She had great depth of wisdom and a forthright personality, never afraid to speak her mind.

Often a timid soul would venture into the Cottage, to be greeted by a boisterous, "Grab a seat and have some kai..."

Bett with Kathleen and Paula
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Bett enjoying a cuppa
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Her philosophy was of true community spirit, helping people when help was needed, of recognising the strengths that people had, and empowering them to use these strengths.

"I just help to bring out in people what they already have," Bett once said.

Bett and children - waiata o ringa
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Bett having some fun at the cottage with Davina and Mary-Ann dressed as nuns.
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Bett's idea of a good community worker was one who could do all this, then step back without credit or recognition. Bett was truly the epitome, the personification of what the Cottage is striving to acheive within our community.

To our kuia, Whaea Bett, and beloved friend

You were so many things to many people over so many years,
and will live within our hearts forever.

E te Whaea, E te hoa, E te taonga, Haere Ra
The mother, the friend, the treasure - farewell.